JP2018081139A - Distribution mode setting system and distribution mode setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distribution mode setting system and distribution mode setting program capable of acquiring map information in accordance with a communication state to be changed based on fluid information and also capable of stably acquiring map information.SOLUTION: A distribution mode setting system is the distribution mode setting system for setting a distribution mode of map information from a center device 10 to an on-vehicle unit 1 connected to the center device 10 so as to be mutually communicable. The system includes: a present position detection section 5 for detecting a present position of the on-vehicle unit 1; an acquisition section 7a for acquiring fluid information being the information in the circumference of the on-vehicle unit 1 and to be fluidly changed; a prediction section 7b for predicting a communication state between the on-vehicle unit 1 and the center device 10 on a traveling-directional front side of a present position of the on-vehicle unit 1 on the basis of fluid information acquired by the acquisition section 7a; and a setting section 7c for setting a distribution mode of map information from the center device 10 to the on-vehicle unit 1 on the basis of a communication state predicted by the prediction section 7b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution mode setting system and a distribution mode setting program.

  Conventionally, a system that sequentially acquires map information along a traveling route of an in-vehicle device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in such a system for acquiring map information, it is predicted that the vehicle will travel in an area where the communication state between the in-vehicle device and the base station is poor (a tunnel, a mountainous area, an underground parking lot, a place with many high-rise buildings, etc.) In this case, a system has also been proposed in which the map information of this area is received in advance from a base station (prefetched) and stored in a storage device of the in-vehicle device (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-77095 JP 2003-254759 A

  Here, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, static data (for example, fixed values such as the position of the tunnel, the position of a mountain, the position of an underground parking lot, or the position information specifying the position of a high-rise building) Because map information is prefetched using, it is possible to cope with changes in communication status caused by events that change from moment to moment (for example, weather, etc.) or events that occur suddenly (for example, accidents, etc.). could not. For this reason, if the prediction is lost and the map information cannot be acquired, the driver may get lost. Therefore, there has been a demand for a system that can stably acquire map information in response to such an event that changes every moment or an event that occurs suddenly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a distribution mode setting system and a distribution mode setting program capable of stably acquiring map information in response to events that change every moment or events that occur suddenly The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a distribution mode setting system according to the present invention distributes map information from a center device to an in-vehicle device connected to the center device so as to be capable of mutual communication. A distribution mode setting system for setting a mode, wherein current position detection means for detecting a current position of the in-vehicle device, and fluid information that is information around the in-vehicle device and is fluidly changing information is acquired. Based on the fluid information acquired by the acquisition means, the prediction means for predicting the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device in the forward direction of the current position of the in-vehicle device, Setting means for setting a distribution mode of the map information from the center device to the in-vehicle device based on the communication status predicted by the prediction means.

  The distribution mode setting program according to the present invention is a distribution mode setting program for setting a distribution mode of map information from a center device to an in-vehicle device connected to the center device so as to be capable of mutual communication. The computer includes a current position detecting unit that detects a current position of the in-vehicle device, an acquisition unit that acquires fluid information that is information around the in-vehicle device and is fluidly changing, and the acquisition unit. Based on the fluid information acquired in this way, a predicting means for predicting a communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device in the forward direction of the current position of the in-vehicle device, and a communication status predicted by the predicting means And setting means for setting a distribution mode of the map information from the center device to the in-vehicle device.

  According to the distribution mode setting system and the distribution mode setting program according to the present invention, the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device is predicted based on the fluid information, and the distribution mode of the map information is determined based on the predicted communication status. Because it is set, it is possible to acquire map information corresponding to the communication state changing based on fluid information, and stable acquisition of map information corresponding to events that change every moment or events that occur suddenly Is possible.

  Further, according to the distribution mode setting system and the distribution mode setting program according to the present invention, the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device is predicted based on the fluid information, and the map information is distributed based on the predicted communication status. Since the mode is set, it is possible to acquire map information corresponding to the communication state that changes based on fluid information, and the stability of the map information corresponding to the event that changes every moment or the event that happens suddenly Acquisition is possible.

It is a block diagram which illustrates the distribution mode setting system concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which illustrates the information stored in distribution mode DB. It is a figure which illustrates the information stored in weather DB. It is a flowchart of a control process. It is a flowchart of a prediction process. It is an example which shows the area around a target vehicle. It is a flowchart of a setting process.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of a distribution mode setting system and a distribution mode setting program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[Basic concept of the embodiment]
First, the basic concept of this embodiment will be described.

  The distribution mode setting system according to the present invention is a system for setting a distribution mode of map information from a center device to an in-vehicle device connected to the center device so as to be capable of mutual communication. Here, “distribution” refers to transmitting map information from the center device to the in-vehicle device. The “distribution mode” indicates a specific method, format, and content of distribution, and includes, for example, a data amount of map information to be distributed at a time and an interval at which map information is distributed.

[Specific contents of the embodiment]
Next, specific contents of the present embodiment will be described.

(Constitution)
First, the configuration of the system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a delivery mode setting system according to this embodiment. Here, the system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of in-vehicle devices 1 and a center device 10.

(Configuration-In-vehicle device)
First, the in-vehicle device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The in-vehicle device 1 is a device mounted on a vehicle, and specifically has a concept including an in-vehicle navigation device and the like. Here, the “vehicle” is a concept including, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, a bicycle, and the like. Hereinafter, a case where the vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle will be described. Here, the in-vehicle device 1 generally includes a touch pad 2, a display 3, a speaker 4, a current position detection unit 5, a communication unit 6, a control unit 7, and a data recording unit 8.

(Configuration-In-vehicle device-Touchpad)
The touch pad 2 is an operation unit that receives various operation inputs from the user when pressed by a user's finger or the like. Although the specific configuration of the touch pad 2 is arbitrary, for example, a publicly known one provided with an operation position detecting means by a resistance film method or a capacitance method can be used.

(Configuration-In-vehicle device-Display)
The display 3 is display means for displaying various images. Although the specific configuration of the display 3 is arbitrary, for example, a known flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used. Note that the touch pad 2 and the display 3 may be integrally formed as a touch panel.

(Configuration-In-vehicle device-Speaker)
The speaker 4 is sound output means for outputting information by sound. The specific form of the sound output from the speaker 4 is arbitrary, and it is possible to output a synthesized sound generated as necessary and a sound recorded in advance.

(Configuration-On-vehicle device-Current position detector)
The current position detection unit 5 is a current position detection unit that detects the current position of the in-vehicle device 1. The current position detection unit 5 includes a GPS, a gyro sensor, and a distance sensor (all of which are not shown), and detects the current position (coordinates), direction, and the like of the in-vehicle device 1 by a known method.

(Configuration-In-vehicle device-Communication unit)
The communication unit 6 is a communication unit that performs communication with the center apparatus 10 via a network. The specific type and configuration of the communication means are arbitrary. For example, a known mobile wireless communication means or a known VICS (registered trademark) system wireless communication means via FM multiplex broadcasting or beacon is used. be able to.

(Configuration-In-vehicle device-Control unit)
The control unit 7 is a control unit that controls the in-vehicle device 1, and specifically, a CPU, various programs interpreted and executed on the CPU (basic control programs such as an OS, and a specific function that is activated on the OS. And an internal memory such as a RAM for storing the program and various data. In particular, the distribution mode setting program according to the embodiment substantially configures each unit of the control unit 7 by being installed in the in-vehicle device 1 via an arbitrary recording medium or network.

  Moreover, this control part 7 is provided with the acquisition part 7a, the prediction part 7b, and the setting part 7c on the functional concept. The acquisition unit 7a is acquisition means for acquiring fluid information that is information around the vehicle-mounted device 1 and is fluidly changing information. Here, “fluid information” is information that may affect communication between the center device 10 and the vehicle-mounted device 1, and is information regarding events that change every moment or events that occur suddenly. “Information related to changing events” includes, for example, weather information and traffic jam information, and “information related to events that occur suddenly” includes, for example, accident information, power outage information, event information, construction information, and the like. However, in the present embodiment, the case where the fluid information is weather information will be described. The prediction unit 7b is a prediction unit that predicts the communication status between the in-vehicle device 1 and the center device 10 ahead of the current position of the in-vehicle device 1 in the traveling direction based on the fluid information acquired by the acquisition unit 7a. The setting unit 7c is a setting unit that sets a distribution mode of map information from the center device 10 to the in-vehicle device 1 based on the communication status predicted by the prediction unit 7b. In addition, the specific process performed by each part of these control parts 7 is mentioned later.

(Configuration-On-vehicle device-Data recording unit)
The data recording unit 8 is a recording unit that records a program and various data necessary for the operation of the in-vehicle device 1, and is configured using, for example, a hard disk (not shown) as an external recording device. However, any other recording medium including a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical recording medium such as a DVD or a Blu-ray disk can be used instead of or together with the hard disk.

  The data recording unit 8 includes a map database (hereinafter referred to as DB) 8a, a distribution mode DB 8b, and a weather DB 8c.

  The map DB 8a is map information storage means for storing map information. Here, the “map information” is information for presenting a map to the user, and specifically, is necessary for specifying various positions including roads, road intersections, road structures, facilities, etc. For example, node data related to each node set on the road (for example, node ID, coordinates, etc.), link data related to each link set on the road (for example, link ID (hereinafter referred to as LID), link Name, connection node ID, road coordinates, road type (for example, narrow streets, general roads, major national roads, and expressways), road width, number of lanes, etc.), feature data (for example, traffic lights, road signs, guardrails, facilities) , Facility category, etc.), terrain data, etc. Such map information in the map DB 8a is recorded by inputting via a predetermined recording medium, or recorded by receiving information distributed from a map distribution center (not shown).

  The distribution mode DB 8b is a distribution mode storage unit that stores information related to the distribution mode of map information. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating information stored in the distribution mode DB 8b. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the distribution mode DB 8 b stores information corresponding to the item “download amount” and information corresponding to the item “map distribution interval”. Here, the information corresponding to the item “download amount” is information for specifying the data amount of the map information distributed from the center apparatus 10 by one communication. For example, in the present embodiment, a large data amount (for example, “Large” indicating 3 Mbytes), “Medium” indicating a medium amount of data (for example, 1 Mbyte), or “Small” indicating a small amount of data (for example, 0.5 Mbyte) is stored. . The information corresponding to the item “map distribution interval” is information that specifies the interval at which the map information is distributed from the center device 10 to the in-vehicle device 1. For example, in this embodiment, a large interval (for example, an interval of 30 minutes) “Large” indicating “medium”, “medium” indicating an intermediate interval (for example, 5-minute interval), or “small” indicating a small interval (for example, 1-minute interval) is stored.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the weather DB 8c is weather information storage means for storing weather information. Here, “weather information” is information relating to the weather in each location, and for example, in the present embodiment, it includes a weather forecast (precipitation probability) for each time in each area. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information stored in the weather DB 8c. As shown in FIG. 3, the weather DB 8c stores information corresponding to the item “area” and information corresponding to the item “precipitation probability” in association with each other. Here, the information corresponding to the item “area” is information specifying the area division, and is an area corresponding to a grid (hereinafter simply referred to as “grid”) divided for each acquisition unit of map information. . In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, areas are indicated by symbols such as E1, E2, and E3. Further, the information corresponding to the item “precipitation probability” is information indicating the precipitation probability of each area. In this embodiment, a plurality of small items indicating time (for example, October 27, 10:00 on FIG. 3). "10: 27: 10: 00" indicating the like). Information indicating the precipitation probability at each time is stored as information corresponding to these small items. For example, in this embodiment, the precipitation probability is indicated by a percentage of 0 to 100%. For example, the precipitation probability at 10:00 on October 27 in area E1 is 30%. The weather information in the weather DB 8c may be recorded by receiving information distributed from a weather forecast distribution center (not shown). Specifically, referring to a grid DB (not shown) that stores a unit area (for example, a municipality) that acquires a weather forecast and a plurality of grids (areas) that belong to the unit area in association with each other, Each time a weather forecast for a unit area is delivered from the weather forecast center, the precipitation probability of the area belonging to the delivered unit area may be updated.

(Configuration-Center device)
Returning to FIG. 1, the center device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The center device 10 is a device that can communicate with the in-vehicle device 1 of each vehicle, and can be configured by, for example, a known server installed in a base station. Here, the center apparatus 10 generally includes a touch pad 11, a display 12, a speaker 13, a communication unit 14, a control unit 15, and a data recording unit 16.

(Configuration-Center device-Touchpad)
The touch pad 11 is an operation unit that receives various operation inputs from the user when pressed by a user's finger or the like. Although the specific configuration of the touch pad 11 is arbitrary, for example, a publicly known one provided with an operation position detecting means by a resistance film method or a capacitance method can be used.

(Configuration-Center device-Display)
The display 12 is a display unit that displays various images. Although the specific configuration of the display 12 is arbitrary, for example, a known flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used. Note that the touch pad 11 and the display 12 may be integrally formed as a touch panel.

(Configuration-Center device-Speaker)
The speaker 13 is sound output means for outputting information by sound. The specific form of the sound output from the speaker 13 is arbitrary, and it is possible to output a synthesized sound generated as necessary or a sound recorded in advance.

(Configuration-Center device-Communication unit)
The communication unit 14 is a communication unit that performs communication with the in-vehicle device 1 via a network. The specific type and configuration of the communication means are arbitrary. For example, a known mobile wireless communication means or a known VICS (registered trademark) system wireless communication means via FM multiplex broadcasting or beacon is used. be able to.

(Configuration-Center device-Control unit)
The control unit 15 is a control unit that controls the center device 10, and specifically, a CPU, various programs interpreted and executed on the CPU (basic control programs such as an OS, and a specific function that is activated on the OS. And an internal memory such as a RAM for storing the program and various data. In particular, the guidance program according to the embodiment substantially configures each unit of the control unit 15 by being installed in the center device 10 via an arbitrary recording medium or network.

(Configuration-Center device-Data recording unit)
The data recording unit 16 is a recording unit that records a program and various data necessary for the operation of the center apparatus 10, and is configured by using, for example, a hard disk (not shown) as an external recording device. However, any other recording medium including a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical recording medium such as a DVD or a Blu-ray disk can be used instead of or together with the hard disk.

  The data recording unit 16 includes a map DB 16a. The map DB 16a is map information storage means for storing map information. Such map information in the map DB 16a is recorded by inputting via a predetermined recording medium, or recorded by receiving information distributed from a map distribution center (not shown).

(processing)
Next, processing executed by the distribution mode setting system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. In the following description of each process, the process that does not specify the control subject is assumed to be executed by the control unit 7 of the in-vehicle device 1 or the control unit 15 of the center device 10, and the information acquisition source and acquisition route are determined. Unless otherwise specified, the data is stored in advance in the data recording unit 8 of the in-vehicle device 1 or the data recording unit 16 of the center device 10 by a known timing and a known method, or the touch pad 2 of the in-vehicle device 1 or It is assumed that the user or the like inputs via the touch pad 11 of the center device 10. Step is abbreviated as “S”.

(Processing-Control processing)
Here, the process executed by the distribution mode setting system of the present embodiment includes a control process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the control process. The timing for executing this control process is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, the control is started after the power of the in-vehicle device 1 is turned on, and thereafter, the control processing is repeatedly executed as long as the power of the in-vehicle device 1 is turned on. Although this control process is executed by a plurality of in-vehicle devices 1, only the processing executed by the in-vehicle device 1 of one vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a target vehicle) will be described below, and the other in-vehicle devices 1 will be described. Since the processing to be executed can be described in the same manner, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In SA1, the acquisition unit 7a acquires fluid information. Note that the fluid information is weather information in the present embodiment as described above. For example, this weather information is acquired by communication by a known method from a weather forecast distribution center (not shown) that predicts and distributes weather based on satellite photographs, rain cloud radars, and the like. And based on the fluid information acquired in this way, the acquisition unit 7a updates the weather DB 8c to the latest information, whereby the latest weather forecast is stored in the weather DB 8c.

  In SA2, the prediction unit 7b executes a prediction process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the prediction process. This prediction process is a process that roughly predicts the communication status between the center apparatus 10 and the in-vehicle apparatus 1 based on fluid information (that is, weather information) acquired in SA1 of the control process.

  In SB1, the prediction unit 7b identifies the forward position in the traveling direction. In this embodiment, the “forward position in the traveling direction” is a position that is predicted to exist after a predetermined time when the target vehicle continues traveling. In this embodiment, the forward position in the traveling direction is the target position. A case where the vehicle is predicted to be present after 10 minutes will be described. This position may be specified as “position coordinates”, but in the present embodiment, it is specified as “area” (hereinafter referred to as “advancing direction front area”). Here, FIG. 6 is an example showing an area around the target vehicle. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the periphery of the target vehicle is divided into three areas E1, E2, and E3, and the target vehicle is in the current area E1. These areas E1, E2, and E3 correspond to areas E1, E2, and E3 stored as information corresponding to the item “area” of the weather DB 8c in FIG. Here, the specific method for specifying the front area in the traveling direction is arbitrary. For example, first, the current position of the target vehicle detected by the current position detection unit 5 of the target vehicle and the vehicle speed (for example, not shown) And the position of the target vehicle after 10 minutes is predicted based on the guidance route set and registered by the driver in the vehicle-mounted device 1 by a known method. Next, the area (grid) to which this position belongs is specified with reference to the map DB 8a of the in-vehicle device 1. Hereinafter, a case where the front area in the traveling direction (that is, the predicted position at 10:10 on October 27) is “area E2” will be described.

  In SB2, the predicting unit 7b provides fluid information after a predetermined time has elapsed at the forward position in the traveling direction (front area in the traveling direction) (after the same time has elapsed as the predetermined time has elapsed in SB1. In this embodiment, 10 minutes later). Get (weather information). The specific method of this acquisition is arbitrary. For example, in the present embodiment, the forward direction area (in this embodiment, area E2) specified in SB1 in the item “area” of the weather DB 8c is stored. With reference to the record, the probability of precipitation at the time (in this embodiment, 10:10 on October 27) after the elapse of a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 10 minutes) is acquired. For example, in FIG. 3, the probability of precipitation at 10:10 on October 27 in area E2 is 50%.

  In SB3, the prediction unit 7b determines whether or not the communication status after the elapse of a predetermined time in the forward direction area is good based on the fluid information after the elapse of the predetermined time in the forward direction area acquired in SB2. . A specific index for this determination is arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, when the precipitation probability is less than a reference value (for example, 50%), it is determined that the communication status is good, and when it is equal to or greater than the reference value. Determines that the communication status is poor. That is, in view of the fact that the communication speed tends to decrease due to irregular reflection due to water droplets on a rainy day, it is assumed that the communication situation is poor when the precipitation probability is high. If the communication status is good (SB3, Yes), the process proceeds to SB4, and if the communication status is bad (SB3, No), the process proceeds to SB5.

  In SB4, the prediction unit 7b sets the predicted communication status to “good”. For example, a flag “1” indicating that the predicted communication status is good is stored in the predicted communication status DB (not shown) of the data recording unit 8 of the in-vehicle device 1.

  In SB5, the prediction unit 7b sets the predicted communication status to “bad”. For example, a flag “0” indicating that the predicted communication status is bad is stored in the predicted communication status DB (not shown) of the data recording unit 8 of the in-vehicle device 1. This completes the prediction process and returns to the control process shown in FIG.

  In SA3 of FIG. 4, the setting unit 7c executes a setting process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the setting process. This setting process is a process that roughly sets the distribution mode according to the predicted communication status. Note that “setting the distribution mode” includes setting the current distribution mode and setting a future distribution mode (for example, a distribution mode after 10 minutes). The case where an aspect is set is demonstrated.

  In SC1, the setting unit 7c determines whether or not the predicted communication status is “good”. For example, referring to the predicted communication status DB (not shown) described above, it is determined whether or not the flag “1” indicating that the predicted communication status is good is stored. When the flag “1” is stored (SC1, Yes), the process proceeds to SC2. When the flag “0” is stored (SC1, No), the process proceeds to SC4.

  In SC2, the setting unit 7c sets the download amount to “large”. Specifically, “large” is stored as information corresponding to the item “download amount” in the distribution mode DB 8b shown in FIG. That is, when the predicted communication status after 10 minutes is good, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the communication status immediately becomes suitable or that the communication status is already suitable. Therefore, it is preferable to collect the map information in preparation for the case where it becomes difficult to acquire the map information in the future due to the situation where the target vehicle is in a poor communication state by increasing the download amount.

  In SC3, the setting unit 7c sets the map distribution interval to “large”. Specifically, “large” is stored as information corresponding to the item “map distribution interval” in the distribution mode DB 8b shown in FIG. That is, when the predicted communication status after 10 minutes is good, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the communication status immediately becomes suitable or that the communication status is already suitable. Therefore, by increasing the distribution interval of the map information and reducing the number of communication with the center apparatus 10, it is possible to prevent the communication between the vehicle having the other communication status and the center apparatus 10 from being obstructed, It is preferable to promote stable communication by the vehicle.

  In SC4, the setting unit 7c sets the download amount to “small”. Specifically, “small” is stored as information corresponding to the item “download amount” in the distribution mode DB 8b shown in FIG. That is, when the predicted communication status after 10 minutes is bad, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the communication status immediately becomes poor or that the communication status is already poor. Therefore, by reducing the download amount of map information, the communication time is prevented from being prolonged, and when the data is lost due to a communication error and the data needs to be reacquired, the lost amount is minimized. It is preferable to limit to the limit.

  In SC5, the setting unit 7c sets the map delivery interval to “small”. Specifically, “small” is stored as information corresponding to the item “map distribution interval” in the distribution mode DB 8b shown in FIG. That is, when the predicted communication status after 10 minutes is bad, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the communication status immediately becomes poor or that the communication status is already poor. Therefore, it is preferable that the map information delivery interval is reduced to increase the number of times of communication with the center device 10 so as to be quickly noticed when the poor communication environment is resolved. Thus, the setting process is terminated, and the process returns to the control process of FIG. This completes the control process.

  In this way, in the control process, the distribution mode DB 8b shown in FIG. 2 can be rewritten based on the communication status predicted from the fluid information (weather information in this embodiment). And since the control part 7 of the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 acquires map information from the center apparatus 10 with the download amount and delivery interval which are shown in this FIG. 2, the map information acquisition suitable for the communication condition in each case is attained. In addition, since the specific method for the vehicle-mounted apparatus 1 to acquire map information from the center apparatus 10 is well-known, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Effect of embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication status between the in-vehicle device 1 and the center device 10 is predicted based on the weather information, and the distribution mode of the map information is set based on the predicted communication status. The map information can be acquired corresponding to the communication state that changes based on the map, and the map information can be stably acquired corresponding to the ever-changing weather.

  Moreover, since the setting part 7c sets the data amount of the map information delivered at once from the center apparatus 10 or the interval at which the map information is delivered as the delivery mode, the data adapted to the communication situation that can be fluidly changed The map information can be distributed to the in-vehicle device 1 at an amount or at a distribution interval, and the map information can be stably distributed.

  In addition, if it is predicted that the communication status ahead of the current position of the in-vehicle device 1 in the traveling direction is better than the reference value, the amount of map information to be distributed at one time is increased or the distribution interval is extended. In the future, map information can be collected before the vehicle arrives in an environment with poor communication conditions, or the distribution interval will be extended to interfere with communication of other vehicles with poor communication conditions Can be prevented.

[Modifications to Embodiment]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configuration and means of the present invention may be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention described in the claims. Can do. Hereinafter, such a modification will be described.

(About problems to be solved and effects of the invention)
First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above contents, and may vary depending on the implementation environment and details of the configuration of the invention. In some cases, only a part of the effects described above can be achieved.

(About distribution and integration)
Further, each of the electrical components described above is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each unit are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be configured. The “system” in the present application is not limited to one configured by a plurality of devices, but includes one configured by a single device. In addition, the “apparatus” in the present application is not limited to one configured by a single apparatus, but includes one configured by a plurality of apparatuses. For example, each unit of the in-vehicle device 1 and the center device 10 is configured by being distributed among a plurality of devices configured to be able to communicate with each other, and the plurality of devices communicate with each other, whereby the in-vehicle device 1 and the center device 10 You may make it exhibit the same function.

(About shape, numerical value, structure, time series)
Regarding the constituent elements exemplified in the embodiment and the drawings, the shape, numerical value, or the structure of a plurality of constituent elements or the mutual relationship in time series may be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Can do.

(About fluid information)
In the present embodiment, weather information is used as fluid information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is information that can affect the communication between the center apparatus 10 and the in-vehicle apparatus 1 and can be changed in various ways. May be used. For example, as described above, traffic jam information, event information, construction information, accident information, or power outage information may be used. As a specific example, in SB3 of the prediction process shown in FIG. 5, a place where a traffic jam occurs, a place where a crowded event is held, or a construction site or an accident where a traffic jam easily occurs occurs. Since communication may be congested in the places where the prediction is made, it may be determined that the predicted communication status is bad, and in places other than these, it may be determined that the predicted communication status is good. Further, since communication may be difficult at a place where a power failure has occurred, it may be determined that the predicted communication status is bad, and it may be determined that the predicted communication status is good at a location where no power failure has occurred.

(About the area)
In the present embodiment, the “area” in the weather DB 8c is described as a grid divided for each acquisition unit of map information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a unit area (for example, a municipality) that acquires a weather forecast )

(About prediction processing)
In the present embodiment, the prediction unit 7b identifies the forward area in the direction of travel in SB1 of FIG. 5 and acquires fluid information of the forward area in the direction of travel in SB2. A position (for example, a current area to which the current position belongs) is specified, and fluid information of the current area may be acquired in SB2. At this time, in SB2, the prediction unit 7b acquires the fluid information after a predetermined time has elapsed (after 10 minutes), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fluid information at the current time may be acquired. For example, when the precipitation probability at the current time at the current position is high, it may be determined that the communication status is bad.

(About setting process)
In the present embodiment, the distribution mode of the current time is set in SC2 to SC5, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a distribution mode in the future (after a predetermined time has elapsed) may be set. For example, when the predicted communication status after 10 minutes is acquired as in the present embodiment, the download amount may be changed after 10 minutes, or the distribution interval of the map information may be changed after 10 minutes.

  In this embodiment, the delivery mode is set based only on the predicted communication status of “10 minutes later”, but not limited to this, the delivery mode is set based on the predicted communication status of “multiple times”. May be. For example, both the predicted communication status after 10 minutes and the predicted communication status after 1 hour are acquired, the predicted communication status after 10 minutes is “good”, and the predicted communication status after 1 hour is “bad”. In this case, the reservation may be set so that the download amount and the distribution interval are “large” until 10 minutes later and the download amount and the distribution interval are “small” after one hour. As described above, the download amount and the distribution interval can be increased until immediately before the predicted communication situation is deteriorated (predicted), and suitable map distribution is possible.

[Characteristics and effects of the embodiment]
Finally, some of the features and effects of the embodiments described so far are exemplified below. However, the features and effects of the embodiment are not limited to the following contents, and only some of the following effects are achieved by including only a part of the following features, or other than the following features. By providing the characteristics, there may be other effects than the following effects.

  A distribution mode setting system according to one aspect 1 of the embodiment sets a distribution mode of map information from a center device to an in-vehicle device connected to the center device so as to be capable of mutual communication. The current position detecting means for detecting the current position of the in-vehicle apparatus, the acquiring means for acquiring fluid information that is information around the in-vehicle apparatus and is fluidly changing, and the acquiring means Based on the fluid information acquired in the above, the predicting means for predicting the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device in the forward direction of the current position of the in-vehicle device or the current position of the in-vehicle device, Setting means for setting a distribution mode of the map information from the center device to the in-vehicle device based on the communication status predicted by the prediction means.

  According to the distribution mode setting system according to aspect 1, the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device is predicted based on fluid information, and the distribution mode of map information is set based on the predicted communication status. Map information can be acquired corresponding to a communication state that changes based on the target information, and map information can be stably acquired in response to an event that changes every moment or an event that occurs suddenly.

  The distribution mode setting system according to another aspect 2 of the embodiment is the distribution mode setting system according to the above aspect 1, wherein the setting means is the data amount of map information distributed at a time from the center device as the distribution mode. Or an interval for delivering the map information.

  According to the delivery mode setting system according to the aspect 2, the setting unit sets the data amount of map information delivered at a time from the center device or the interval at which the map information is delivered as the delivery mode. The map information can be distributed to the in-vehicle device at a data amount adapted to the communication situation that can change or at a distribution interval, and the map information can be stably distributed.

  In the distribution mode setting system according to another aspect 3 of the embodiment, the prediction unit may be configured such that the current position of the in-vehicle device or the communication status ahead of the current position of the in-vehicle device in the traveling direction is better than a reference value. If predicted, the setting means increases the data amount of map information delivered from the center device at a time compared to the case where the prediction means predicts that the communication status is not better than a reference value, Alternatively, the interval for distributing the map information is extended as compared with the case where the prediction means predicts that the communication status is not better than a reference value.

  According to the distribution mode setting system according to the above aspect 3, when it is predicted that the communication status ahead of the current position of the in-vehicle device in the traveling direction is better than the reference value, the data amount of map information to be distributed at one time is increased or distributed. Since the interval is extended, the amount of data can be increased and map information can be collected before the vehicle arrives in an environment with poor communication conditions in the future, or the distribution interval is extended and communication conditions are poor It is possible to prevent interference with other vehicles.

  A distribution mode setting program according to another aspect 4 of the embodiment sets a distribution mode of map information from a center device to an in-vehicle device connected to the center device so as to communicate with each other. Then, the computer, current position detection means for detecting the current position of the in-vehicle device, acquisition means for acquiring fluid information that is information around the in-vehicle device and is fluidly changing, Prediction means for predicting the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device in the forward direction of the current position of the in-vehicle device or the current position of the in-vehicle device based on the fluid information acquired by the acquisition means And setting means for setting the distribution mode of the map information from the center device to the in-vehicle device based on the communication status predicted by the prediction means. To function.

  According to the delivery mode setting program according to the aspect 4, the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device is predicted based on the fluid information, and the distribution mode of the map information is set based on the predicted communication status. Map information can be acquired corresponding to the communication state that changes based on the target information, and the map information can be stably acquired.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 In-vehicle apparatus 2 Touchpad 3 Display 4 Speaker 5 Current position detection part 6 Communication part 7 Control part 7a Acquisition part 7b Prediction part 7c Setting part 8 Data recording part 8a Map DB
8b Distribution mode DB
8c Weather DB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Center apparatus 11 Touchpad 12 Display 13 Speaker 14 Communication part 15 Control part 16 Data recording part 16a Map DB
E1, E2, E3 area

Claims (4)

A distribution mode setting system for setting a distribution mode of map information from a center device to an in-vehicle device connected to the center device so as to be capable of mutual communication,
A current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the in-vehicle device;
An acquisition means for acquiring fluid information that is information around the in-vehicle device and fluidly changes;
Prediction means for predicting the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device in the forward direction of the current position of the in-vehicle device or the current position of the in-vehicle device based on the fluid information acquired by the acquisition means When,
Setting means for setting a distribution mode of the map information from the center device to the in-vehicle device based on the communication status predicted by the prediction unit;
Distribution mode setting system. The setting means sets, as the distribution mode, a data amount of map information distributed at a time from the center device, or an interval for distributing the map information.
The delivery mode setting system according to claim 1. When the prediction means predicts that the current position of the in-vehicle device or the communication status ahead of the current position of the in-vehicle device is better than a reference value,
The setting means increases the data amount of map information delivered from the center device at a time compared with a case where the prediction means predicts that the communication status is not better than a reference value, or the map Extending the interval for delivering information compared to the case where the prediction means predicts that the communication status is not better than a reference value;
The delivery mode setting system according to claim 2. A distribution mode setting program for setting a distribution mode of map information from a center device to an in-vehicle device connected to the center device so as to be capable of mutual communication,
Computer
A current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the in-vehicle device;
An acquisition means for acquiring fluid information that is information around the in-vehicle device and fluidly changes;
Prediction means for predicting the communication status between the in-vehicle device and the center device in the forward direction of the current position of the in-vehicle device or the current position of the in-vehicle device based on the fluid information acquired by the acquisition means When,
Based on the communication status predicted by the prediction means, for setting as a setting means for setting the distribution mode of the map information from the center device to the in-vehicle device,
Distribution mode setting program.

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