JP7639716B2 - Control device, system, vehicle, and driving control method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a control device, a system, a vehicle, and a driving control method.

Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle that can perform health checks inside the vehicle.

JP 2021-022332 A

When conducting health examinations inside a vehicle, some examination items may be dangerous due to phenomena such as vehicle vibration. Some examination items may be difficult to carry out due to phenomena such as vehicle noise.

The purpose of this disclosure is to improve the safety or ease of conducting health examinations in vehicles.

The control device according to the present disclosure includes:
A control unit that controls the operation of a vehicle in which a health examination can be performed inside the vehicle acquires implementation data regarding the implementation of the health examination, estimates the implementation timing of at least one diagnostic item included in the health examination based on the acquired implementation data, and controls the operation of the vehicle in accordance with the estimated implementation timing.

The operation control method according to the present disclosure includes:
A driving control method for controlling driving of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination in-vehicle, comprising:
acquiring implementation data regarding implementation of the health checkup by a control unit;
estimating, by the control unit, a timing of implementation of at least one diagnosis item included in the medical checkup based on the acquired implementation data;
The control unit controls operation of the vehicle in accordance with the estimated implementation time.

The present disclosure improves safety and ease of conducting health checks in vehicles.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another modified example of the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart illustrating yet another modified example of the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

The configuration of the system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The system 10 according to this embodiment includes a control device 20 and a vehicle 30 capable of performing a medical examination inside the vehicle. The control device 20 can communicate with the vehicle 30 via a network 40.

The control device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center. The control device 20 is a computer such as a server that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

The vehicle 30 is equipped with equipment for medical examinations so that the medical examinations can be performed within the vehicle 30. The medical examinations include, as one or more diagnostic items, height measurement, weight measurement, waist circumference measurement, vision test, hearing test, blood pressure test, urine test, blood test, chest X-ray, stomach X-ray, ultrasound test, electrocardiogram test, CT test, MRI test, mammography test, osteoporosis test, interview, or any combination of these. "CT" is an abbreviation for computed tomography. "MRI" is an abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging. The medical examinations are equipped with equipment corresponding to each diagnostic item. That is, height measuring devices, weight measuring devices, vision testing devices, hearing testing devices, blood pressure measuring devices, urine testing devices, blood testing devices, X-ray imaging diagnostic devices, ultrasound testing devices, electrocardiograms, CT testing devices, MRI testing devices, or any combination of these. As ancillary equipment, a bed on which the user 11 undergoing the health check lies or a chair on which the user 11 sits may be further installed. The vehicle 30 is any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 30 is an AV in this embodiment, but may be driven by a driver or may be automated at any level. "AV" is an abbreviation for autonomous vehicle. The level of automation is, for example, any of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE level classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle 30 may be a MaaS-only vehicle. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad-hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

An overview of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

The control device 20 acquires implementation data Di related to the implementation of a health checkup to be performed in the vehicle 30. The control device 20 estimates the implementation time Ti of at least one diagnostic item Xa included in the health checkup based on the acquired implementation data Di. The control device 20 controls the operation of the vehicle 30 in accordance with the estimated implementation time Ti.

According to this embodiment, when a medical checkup is performed inside the vehicle 30, high-speed movement, starting, or driving on rough roads of the vehicle 30 is prohibited when a blood test using a syringe needle is performed, and when a hearing test is performed, the driving mode of the vehicle 30 is limited to EV mode, and the driving manner can be changed according to the diagnostic item to be performed. As a result, the safety and ease of performing a medical checkup inside the vehicle 30 are improved. "EV" is an abbreviation for electric vehicle. The EV mode is a mode in which the engine is not used as a power source and only the motor is used when the vehicle 30 is equipped with an engine and a motor that are used together as a power source, for example, when the vehicle 30 is an HEV or PHEV.

The configuration of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. An example of the programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of the dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the control unit 20 while controlling each part of the control unit 20.

The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the control device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 communicates with the vehicle 30. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the control device 20, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

The functions of the control device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the control device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the control device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the control device 20. That is, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the operations of the control device 20 in accordance with the program.

The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and ROMs. The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs on which the program is stored. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

For example, a computer temporarily stores a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in a main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may read the program directly from the portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that does not transfer a program from the server to the computer and achieves functions only by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer and includes those equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has properties that define computer processing falls under "those equivalent to a program."

Some or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by hardware.

The operation of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. This operation corresponds to the operation control method according to this embodiment.

In step S101, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires implementation data Di related to the implementation of a health check performed in the vehicle 30. Specifically, the implementation data Di is acquired by one of the following five procedures:

In the first procedure, the vehicle 30 transmits an in-vehicle image Di1 captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle 30 to the control device 20 via a communication unit of the vehicle 30 that is compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The in-vehicle image Di1 includes, for example, an image of an area in the vehicle 30 where health checkup equipment such as blood testing equipment or auxiliary equipment such as beds or chairs are located. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the in-vehicle image Di1 from the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, thereby acquiring the in-vehicle image Di1 as implementation data Di.

In the second procedure, the vehicle 30 transmits data Di2 indicating the sensing results obtained by a sensor mounted on the vehicle 30 to the control device 20 via the communication unit of the vehicle 30. The data Di2 includes, for example, data indicating the sensing results obtained by a load sensor attached to a bed or a seating sensor attached to a chair. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the data Di2 from the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, thereby acquiring the data Di2 as implementation data Di.

In the third step, the vehicle 30 transmits data Di3 indicating the test results obtained by the medical examination equipment installed in the vehicle 30 to the control device 20 via the communication unit of the vehicle 30. The data Di3 includes, for example, data indicating the weight measurement value obtained by a weight scale as the test result. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the data Di3 from the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, thereby acquiring the data Di3 as implementation data Di.

In the fourth step, the vehicle 30 transmits data Di4 input by the staff performing the health examination to the control device 20 via the communication unit of the vehicle 30. The data Di4 includes data indicating the next diagnostic item to be performed by the nurse, which data was input using an input device connected to or mounted on the vehicle 30, for example. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the data Di4 from the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, thereby acquiring the data Di4 as implementation data Di.

In the fifth step, the vehicle 30 transmits data Di5 indicating the scheduled time of implementation of at least one diagnostic item Xa included in the medical checkup to the control device 20 via the communication unit of the vehicle 30. The data Di5 includes data indicating the scheduled time of implementation of a test that is implemented after the user 11 stands up, such as a blood test using a syringe needle, or a test following a test that the user 11 takes while sitting in a chair. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the data Di5 from the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, thereby acquiring the data Di5 as implementation data Di. Alternatively, the data Di5 may be stored in advance in the memory unit 22 of the control device 20. The control unit 21 may acquire the data Di5 as implementation data Di by reading the data Di5 from the memory unit 22.

In step S102, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 estimates the implementation time Ti of at least one diagnostic item Xa based on the implementation data Di acquired in step S101. For example, the control unit 21 estimates the implementation time Ti for at least one diagnostic item Xa, such as a blood test, a test that uses a syringe needle, or a test that is performed after the user 11 stands up, such as a test following a test that the user 11 takes while sitting in a chair. Specifically, the implementation time Ti is estimated by the following procedure.

When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the in-vehicle image Di1 as the implementation data Di in step S101, the control unit 21 analyzes the acquired in-vehicle image Di1 to estimate the implementation time Ti. For example, the control unit 21 analyzes the in-vehicle image Di1 to determine whether a blood test is likely to be performed. Determining that a blood test is likely to be performed corresponds to estimating that the implementation time Ti is now. Determining that a blood test is not likely to be performed corresponds to estimating that the implementation time Ti is not now. A known method can be used as a method of image analysis. Machine learning such as deep learning may also be used. When it is determined that a blood test is likely to be performed, the process of step S103 is executed. When it is determined that a blood test is not likely to be performed, the operation shown in FIG. 3 ends.

When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires data Di2 as implementation data Di in step S101, it estimates the implementation time Ti by referring to the sensing results indicated by the acquired data Di2. For example, the control unit 21 judges whether a blood test is likely to be performed based on whether the user 11 has sat in the chair for the blood test by referring to the sensing results obtained by the seating sensor. If it is determined that a blood test is likely to be performed, the process of step S103 is executed. If it is determined that a blood test is not likely to be performed, the operation shown in FIG. 3 ends.

When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires data Di3 as the implementation data Di in step S101, it identifies the diagnostic item Xb corresponding to the test result indicated by the acquired data Di3. For example, when the test result indicated by data Di3 is a measured value of body weight, the control unit 21 identifies the diagnostic item Xb as a body weight measurement. If the implementation order of two or more diagnostic items included in the health check is specified in advance, the control unit 21 estimates the implementation time Ti according to the relative position of at least one diagnostic item Xa in the implementation order with respect to the identified diagnostic item Xb. For example, if a blood test follows a body weight measurement in the implementation order specified in advance, the control unit 21 determines whether a blood test is likely to be performed depending on whether the diagnostic item Xb is identified as a body weight measurement. If it is determined that a blood test is likely to be performed, the process of step S103 is executed. If it is determined that a blood test is not likely to be performed, the operation shown in FIG. 3 ends.

When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires data Di4 as implementation data Di in step S101, it estimates the implementation time Ti based on the acquired data Di4. For example, the control unit 21 determines whether a blood test is likely to be performed depending on whether the next diagnostic item to be performed by the nurse, as indicated by data Di4, is a blood test. If it is determined that a blood test is likely to be performed, the processing of step S103 is executed. If it is determined that a blood test is not likely to be performed, the operation shown in FIG. 3 ends.

When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires data Di5 as implementation data Di in step S101, it estimates that the scheduled implementation time indicated by the acquired data Di5 is the implementation timing Ti. For example, when the scheduled implementation time indicated by data Di5 is the scheduled implementation time of a blood test, and the scheduled implementation time of the blood test is immediately, such as one minute from now, the control unit 21 determines that the implementation timing Ti for the blood test is immediately, i.e., that the blood test is likely to be performed. When it is determined that the blood test is likely to be performed, the process of step S103 is executed. When it is determined that the blood test is not likely to be performed, the operation shown in FIG. 3 ends.

In step S103, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 controls the driving of the vehicle 30 in accordance with the implementation time Ti estimated in step S102. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs driving control to limit the speed of the vehicle 30 to equal to or less than the first threshold value Th1 for a certain period including the implementation time Ti. In this embodiment, the control unit 21 transmits a command to the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, and the vehicle 30 automatically drives in accordance with the command, thereby performing driving control. As a variation of this embodiment, the control unit 21 may transmit a command to the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, and the vehicle 30 may notify the driver of the command, and the driver may manually drive in accordance with the command, thereby performing driving control.

In the operation shown in FIG. 3, for example, the first threshold Th1 is set to a value of 50 km/h or more and 80 km/h or less. Therefore, if the vehicle 30 is moving at high speed when a specific diagnostic item such as a blood test is about to be performed, the vehicle 30 can be decelerated. As a result, safety is improved when a medical examination is performed in the vehicle 30. Alternatively, the first threshold Th1 may be set to 0 km/h. In such an example, if the vehicle 30 is moving when a specific diagnostic item such as a blood test is about to be performed, the vehicle 30 can be stopped. As a result, safety is improved when a medical examination is performed in the vehicle 30.

The operations shown in FIG. 3 are repeated periodically or are performed as appropriate depending on the progress of the health check.

A modified example of the operation shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The processing in steps S201 and S202 is the same as the processing in steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S203, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 controls the driving of the vehicle 30 in accordance with the implementation time Ti estimated in step S202. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs driving control to limit the acceleration of the vehicle 30 to less than or equal to the second threshold value Th2 for a certain period including the implementation time Ti.

In the operation shown in FIG. 4, for example, the second threshold Th2 is set to a value equal to or greater than 8 km/h/s and less than 10 km/h/s. Therefore, if the vehicle 30 is stopped when a specific diagnostic item such as a blood test is about to be performed, the vehicle 30 can be prohibited from starting. As a result, safety is improved when a medical examination is performed inside the vehicle 30. Alternatively, the second threshold Th2 may be set to a value equal to or greater than 10 km/h/s. In such an example, rapid acceleration of the vehicle 30 can be prohibited when a specific diagnostic item such as a blood test is about to be performed. As a result, safety is improved when a medical examination is performed inside the vehicle 30.

The operations shown in FIG. 4 are repeated periodically or are performed as appropriate depending on the progress of the health check.

With reference to FIG. 5, another modified example of the operation shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The processing of steps S301 and S302 is the same as the processing of steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 3, so the description will be omitted.

In step S303, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 controls the driving of the vehicle 30 in accordance with the implementation time Ti estimated in step S302. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs driving control to limit the roads on which the vehicle 30 travels to roads whose road surface conditions meet a standard for a certain period including the implementation time Ti.

In the operation shown in FIG. 6, the road surface condition is determined to be good or bad depending on whether a certain criterion is met, such as whether the road is paved. For example, the vehicle 30 determines the current position of the vehicle 30 by referring to the positioning results obtained by a GNSS receiver mounted on the vehicle 30. The GNSS is, for example, GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. The satellites of QZSS are called quasi-zenith satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. The vehicle 30 determines the road ahead of the determined current position by referring to the map data Dm. The map data Dm may be stored in advance in a storage unit of the vehicle 30, or may be accumulated in an external system such as a GIS on the Internet. "GIS" is an abbreviation of geographic information system. The vehicle 30 refers to information included in the map data Dm or information obtained from an external system to determine the road surface condition of the specified road. Alternatively, the vehicle 30 may analyze point cloud data obtained by a LiDAR mounted on the vehicle 30 to determine the road surface condition of the road ahead of the current position of the vehicle 30. "LiDAR" is an abbreviation of light detection and ranging. A known method can be used as a method for analyzing point cloud data. Machine learning such as deep learning may be used. If the determined road surface condition does not satisfy the criteria, the vehicle 30 searches for another road whose road surface condition satisfies the criteria and changes the route on which the vehicle 30 travels. Therefore, if the vehicle 30 is likely to travel on a bad road when a specific diagnostic item such as a blood test is about to be performed, the vehicle 30 can be caused to detour around the bad road. As a result, safety is improved when conducting health examinations inside the vehicle 30.

The operations shown in FIG. 5 are repeated periodically or are performed as appropriate depending on the progress of the health check.

With reference to FIG. 6, a further modified example of the operation shown in FIG. 3 will be described. In this modified example, the vehicle 30 is equipped with an engine and a motor that are used together as a power source. The processing of steps S401 and S402 is the same as the processing of steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

In step S403, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 controls the operation of the vehicle 30 in accordance with the implementation time Ti estimated in step S402. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs operation control to limit the power source used by the vehicle 30 to the motor for a certain period including the implementation time Ti.

For example, when the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines in step S402 that a hearing test is likely to be performed as at least one diagnostic item Xa, it transmits a command to the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23 to limit the driving mode of the vehicle 30 to EV mode. The vehicle 30 receives the command from the control device 20 via the communication unit of the vehicle 30. If the current driving mode of the vehicle 30 is not EV mode, the vehicle 30 automatically changes the driving mode to EV mode in accordance with the received command. Therefore, when a specific diagnostic item such as a hearing test is performed, only a motor, which is quieter than an engine, can be used as a power source. As a result, the ease of performing a health check inside the vehicle 30 is improved.

The operations shown in FIG. 6 are repeated periodically or are performed as appropriate depending on the progress of the health check.

In step S403, if the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines in step S402 that a weight measurement, a blood test, or an electrocardiogram test is likely to be performed as at least one diagnostic item Xa, the control unit 21 may transmit to the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23 a command to limit the driving mode of the vehicle 30 to eco mode. The eco mode is a mode in which the driving force in response to depression of the accelerator pedal is gentler than in normal mode, particularly when the vehicle 30 is driven by a driver. When the vehicle 30 receives a command from the control device 20 via the communication unit of the vehicle 30, the vehicle 30 may notify the driver of the received command.

In step S403, if the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines in step S402 that a blood pressure measurement or a medical interview is likely to be performed as at least one diagnostic item Xa, the control unit 21 may transmit permission to set the driving mode of the vehicle 30 to the power mode via the communication unit 23 to the vehicle 30. The power mode is a mode in which the response to depression of the accelerator pedal is quicker than in the normal mode, particularly when the vehicle 30 is driven by a driver. When the vehicle 30 receives the permission from the control device 20 via the communication unit of the vehicle 30, the vehicle 30 may notify the driver of the received permission.

As a variation of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may estimate, based on the implementation data Di, whether the medical examination will be completed before the vehicle 30 arrives at the destination. If the control unit 21 estimates that the medical examination will not be completed, the control unit 21 may change the route that the vehicle 30 will take to the destination to a longer route.

For example, assume that the order of implementation of all diagnostic items included in the medical checkup is specified in advance. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines which diagnostic items are likely to be implemented based on the implementation data Di, similar to the procedure of step S102 in FIG. 3, and identifies diagnostic items that have not yet been implemented in the implementation order specified in advance. The control unit 21 estimates whether the medical checkup will be completed by the time the vehicle 30 arrives at the destination, such as a hospital, by comparing the standard time required to implement the identified diagnostic items with the estimated arrival time or the remaining time until the expected arrival time of the vehicle 30 at the destination. If the control unit 21 estimates that the medical checkup will not be completed, it transmits a command to the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23 to change the route that the vehicle 30 will take to the destination to a longer route. The vehicle 30 receives the command from the control device 20 via the communication unit of the vehicle 30. The vehicle 30 changes the route in accordance with the received command. Thus, the vehicle 30 can be made to take a detour in order to complete all diagnostic items of the medical checkup before the vehicle 30 arrives at the destination.

As another variation of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may optimize the route that the vehicle 30 will take to the destination by referring to road traffic information, such as information about bad roads, road construction, or traffic congestion, obtained from the vehicle 30 or an external system.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Two or more steps shown in the flowchart may be executed in parallel or in a different order, instead of being executed in chronological order as described, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

For example, the control device 20 may be provided in the vehicle 30.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 System 11 User 20 Control device 21 Control unit 22 Storage unit 23 Communication unit 30 Vehicle 40 Network

Claims (19)

A control device that controls the driving of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination inside the vehicle, the control device includes a control unit that acquires, as implementation data, images of the inside of the vehicle, including images of areas in which equipment corresponding to specific diagnostic items included in the medical examination is located, analyzes the acquired implementation data, and determines whether the specific diagnostic items are likely to be performed. If it is determined that the specific diagnostic items are likely to be performed, the control unit performs driving control to restrict the speed, acceleration, roads traveled, or power source used of the vehicle for a certain period of time, identifies diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in a pre-specified implementation order, and estimates whether the medical examination will be completed by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination by comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic items with the remaining time until the vehicle arrives at the destination. If it is determined that the medical examination will not be completed, the control unit changes the route that the vehicle will travel to the destination to a longer route. A control device that controls the operation of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination inside the vehicle, the control device acquiring, as implementation data, sensing results obtained by a load sensor mounted on a bed on which a user lies for a specific diagnostic item included in the medical examination, or a seating sensor mounted on a chair on which the user sits for the specific diagnostic item, the control device referring to the acquired implementation data, determining whether the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed, and when it is determined that the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed, performing driving control to restrict the speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used of the vehicle for a certain period of time, identifying diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in a pre-specified implementation order, comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic items with the remaining time until the vehicle arrives at the destination, estimating whether the medical examination will be completed by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination, and when it is estimated that the medical examination will not be completed, changing the route that the vehicle will travel to the destination to a longer route. A control device that controls the operation of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination inside the vehicle, the control device acquires the test results obtained by the medical examination equipment mounted on the vehicle as the examination data, and judges whether the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed according to whether the diagnostic item corresponding to the acquired examination data is the next diagnostic item included in the medical examination in a pre-specified execution order, and when it is judged that the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed, performs driving control to restrict the speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used of the vehicle for a certain period of time, identifies diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in the execution order, and estimates whether the medical examination will be completed by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination by comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic item with the remaining time until the vehicle arrives at the destination, and when it is estimated that the medical examination will not be completed, changes the route that the vehicle will travel to the destination to a longer route. A control device that controls the driving of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination inside the vehicle, the control device acquires data indicating the next diagnostic item to be performed by the staff performing the medical examination, inputted using an input device connected to or mounted on the vehicle, as implementation data, and determines whether the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed depending on whether the diagnostic item indicated in the acquired implementation data is a specific diagnostic item included in the medical examination. If it is determined that the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed, the control device performs driving control to restrict the speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used of the vehicle for a certain period of time, and identifies diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in a pre-specified implementation order, and estimates whether the medical examination will be completed by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination by comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic item with the remaining time until the vehicle arrives at the destination. If it is determined that the medical examination will not be completed, the control device changes the route that the vehicle will travel to the destination to a longer route. A control device that controls the operation of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination inside the vehicle, the control device acquires data indicating the scheduled time of performing a specific diagnostic item included in the medical examination as implementation data, determines whether the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed based on the acquired implementation data, and performs driving control to restrict the speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used of the vehicle for a certain period of time if it is determined that the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed, identifies diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in a pre-specified implementation order, and estimates whether the medical examination will be completed by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination by comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic item with the remaining time until the vehicle arrives at the destination, and if it is estimated that the medical examination will not be completed, changes the route that the vehicle will take to the destination to a longer route. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit performs driving control to limit the speed of the vehicle to a threshold value or less. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit performs driving control to limit the acceleration of the vehicle to a threshold value or less. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit performs the driving control to limit the roads on which the vehicle travels to roads whose road surface conditions meet a standard. The vehicle is equipped with an engine and a motor that are used together as a power source,
The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs the driving control to limit a power source used by the vehicle to the motor. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the specific diagnostic item includes a test using a syringe needle. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the specific diagnostic items include tests that are performed after the user undergoing the health check stands up. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the specific diagnostic item includes a hearing test. A communication unit that communicates with the vehicle is further provided.
The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit acquires the implementation data by receiving the implementation data from the vehicle via the communication unit. A vehicle equipped with a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A driving control method for controlling driving of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination in-vehicle, comprising:
A control unit acquires, as implementation data, an interior image of the vehicle, the interior image including an image of an area in the vehicle where equipment corresponding to a specific diagnostic item included in the medical examination is disposed, the image being taken by a camera mounted on the vehicle;
The control unit analyzes the acquired implementation data to determine whether the specific diagnostic item is likely to be implemented;
A driving control method comprising: when the control unit determines that the specific diagnostic item is about to be performed, performing driving control to restrict the vehicle's speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used for a certain period of time; identifying diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in a predesignated order of performance; comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic items with the remaining time until the vehicle reaches the destination, thereby estimating whether the health examination will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the destination; and, when it is estimated that the health examination will not be completed, changing the route that the vehicle will take to the destination to a longer route. A driving control method for controlling driving of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination in-vehicle, comprising:
Acquire, by a control unit, as implementation data, a sensing result obtained by a load sensor mounted on a bed on which the user lies for a specific diagnostic item included in the medical examination, which is mounted on the vehicle, or a seating sensor mounted on a chair on which the user sits for the specific diagnostic item, which is mounted on the vehicle;
The control unit refers to the acquired implementation data to determine whether the specific diagnostic item is likely to be implemented;
A driving control method comprising: when the control unit determines that the specific diagnostic item is about to be performed, performing driving control to restrict the vehicle's speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used for a certain period of time; identifying diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in a predesignated order of performance; comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic items with the remaining time until the vehicle reaches the destination, thereby estimating whether the health examination will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the destination; and, when it is estimated that the health examination will not be completed, changing the route that the vehicle will take to the destination to a longer route. A driving control method for controlling driving of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination in-vehicle, comprising:
acquiring, by a control unit, test results obtained by a medical examination device mounted on the vehicle as implementation data;
The control unit determines whether a specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed based on whether a specific diagnostic item included in the health checkup is next to a diagnostic item corresponding to the acquired implementation data in a pre-specified implementation order.
A driving control method comprising: when the control unit determines that the specific diagnostic item is about to be performed, performing driving control to restrict the vehicle's speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used for a certain period of time; identifying diagnostic items in the execution order that have not yet been performed; comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic items with the remaining time until the vehicle reaches the destination, thereby estimating whether the health examination will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the destination; and, when it is estimated that the health examination will not be completed, changing the route that the vehicle will take to the destination to a longer route. A driving control method for controlling driving of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination in-vehicle, comprising:
Acquiring, as implementation data, data indicating a diagnostic item to be next implemented by a staff member implementing the medical examination, the data being input using an input device connected to or mounted on the vehicle by a control unit;
The control unit determines whether a specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed based on whether a diagnostic item indicated by the acquired implementation data is a specific diagnostic item included in the health checkup; and
A driving control method comprising: when the control unit determines that the specific diagnostic item is about to be performed, performing driving control to restrict the vehicle's speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used for a certain period of time; identifying diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in a predesignated order of performance; comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic items with the remaining time until the vehicle reaches the destination, thereby estimating whether the health examination will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the destination; and, when it is estimated that the health examination will not be completed, changing the route that the vehicle will take to the destination to a longer route. A driving control method for controlling driving of a vehicle capable of performing a medical examination in-vehicle, comprising:
acquiring data indicating a scheduled time of implementation of a specific diagnostic item included in the medical checkup as implementation data by a control unit;
determining, by the control unit, whether the specific diagnostic item is likely to be performed based on the acquired implementation data;
A driving control method comprising: when the control unit determines that the specific diagnostic item is about to be performed, performing driving control to restrict the vehicle's speed, acceleration, road traveled, or power source used for a certain period of time; identifying diagnostic items that have not yet been performed in a predesignated order of performance; comparing the time required to perform the identified diagnostic items with the remaining time until the vehicle reaches the destination, thereby estimating whether the health examination will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the destination; and, when it is estimated that the health examination will not be completed, changing the route that the vehicle will take to the destination to a longer route.

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