JP7523223B2 - Information processing device, distribution system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, a distribution system, and an information processing method.

Conventionally, there is known an information processing device that receives and displays camera images of a preceding vehicle using an inter-vehicle communication device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-145672 A

However, in conventional technology, camera images are sent and received between vehicles regardless of the type of vehicle. Therefore, when the camera images being sent and received involve a commercial vehicle, the camera image desired by the user may not be displayed on the receiver, and there is room for improvement in the sending and receiving of camera images related to commercial vehicles.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide camera images suitable for commercial vehicles.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a selection unit and a setting unit. The selection unit selects a receiver that receives camera images and a connection candidate that can deliver the camera images to the receiver. The setting unit sets, from among the connection candidates, a priority connection candidate that captures camera images that are preferentially displayed on the receiver based on a first condition. At least one of the receiver and the connection candidate delivers or receives camera images related to vehicle travel. When a commercial vehicle is included in the vehicles, the setting unit sets the priority connection candidate based on a second condition that is applied with priority over the first condition.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide camera images suitable for commercial vehicles.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an overview of a distribution system. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an overview of a distribution system. FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an overview of a distribution system. FIG. 1D is a diagram showing an overview of a distribution system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a management device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device when a predetermined display condition is met. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a connection instruction process according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a management device according to a modified example. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an in-vehicle device according to a modified example.

Below, an information processing device, a distribution system, and an information processing method according to embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

<Outline of distribution system>
First, an overview of a management device 100 (an example of an information processing device), a distribution system S, and an information processing method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 1D. Figures 1A to 1D are diagrams showing an overview of the distribution system S. Note that the information processing method according to the embodiment is executed by transmitting and receiving data between the management device 100 shown in Figure 1A and multiple in-vehicle devices 1.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the distribution system S includes an in-vehicle device 1 mounted in each vehicle C1 to Cn, and a management device 100. The vehicles C1 to Cn include commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis, and trucks, as well as non-commercial vehicles. The in-vehicle device 1 is a drive recorder equipped with a communication function. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the in-vehicle device 1 transmits vehicle information to the management device 100 at a predetermined interval. The vehicle information includes a "vehicle ID," "current location," "driving speed," "planned driving route," and the like.

The "vehicle ID" is an identifier that identifies each vehicle C1 to Cn and indicates whether or not each vehicle C1 to Cn is a commercial vehicle. The "vehicle ID" is also an identifier that identifies the type of commercial vehicle, for example, a bus, taxi, or truck.

"Current location" is the current location of each vehicle C1 to Cn. "Travel speed" is the current travel speed of each vehicle C1 to Cn. "Planned travel route" indicates the planned travel route of each vehicle C1 to Cn. The "planned travel route" of a business vehicle includes the planned stopping points of the business vehicle. If the business vehicle is a bus, the planned stopping point is, for example, a bus stop. If the business vehicle is a taxi, the planned stopping point is, for example, a taxi stand. Taxi stands are provided at stations, roads, specified facilities, etc. If the business vehicle is a truck, the planned stopping point is, for example, a point where luggage is dropped off (delivery point).

The current location is detected by a GPS (Global Positioning System) device 103 (see FIG. 3) installed in each vehicle C1 to Cn. The planned travel route is set by a navigation device 104 (see FIG. 3) installed in each vehicle C1 to Cn.

The management device 100 is a server device. The management device 100 manages the vehicle information transmitted from each in-vehicle device 1 in the vehicle information database 31. The distribution system S according to the embodiment can grasp the position and driving speed of each vehicle C1 to Cn based on the vehicle information database 31. For example, when a situation arises in which the driver of vehicle Cn wants to check the current situation at another location, the distribution system S instructs communication between the in-vehicle devices 1.

After that, camera images taken at other locations are delivered from the in-vehicle device 1 capable of taking images of those locations to the in-vehicle device 1 of the vehicle Cn, and those camera images can be displayed inside the vehicle in which the other in-vehicle device 1 is installed. The camera images include still images and videos.

Note that, in the following, a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle device 1 that distributes camera images may be referred to as a "candidate vehicle," and a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle device 1 that receives camera images may be referred to as a "receiving vehicle." There may also be cases where a candidate vehicle becomes a receiving vehicle, and vice versa.

Now, with reference to FIG. 1B, we will explain the series of processing steps up to displaying the camera image delivered from the candidate vehicle in the receiving vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1B, first, the management device 100 selects a connecting vehicle based on the vehicle information database 31 (S1).

Connected vehicles include receiving vehicles and candidate vehicles. The management device 100 selects vehicles that satisfy predetermined conditions as connected vehicles.

For example, the management device 100 selects a certain vehicle as the receiving vehicle, and selects vehicles that are within a predetermined distance from the receiving vehicle as candidate vehicles. Also, for example, the management device 100 selects a vehicle that has set a driving route to the destination in the navigation device 104 as the receiving vehicle, and selects vehicles on the driving route or vehicles that affect the driving as candidate vehicles.

Note that there is no need for a one-to-one relationship between receiving vehicles and candidate vehicles, and multiple candidate vehicles may be selected for one receiving vehicle. In FIG. 1B, vehicle Cn is selected as the receiving vehicle, and vehicles C1 and C2 are selected as the candidate vehicles.

Then, the management device 100 instructs the connecting vehicle selected in step S1 to establish a communication connection (S2). Vehicle Cn that receives the instruction to establish a communication connection starts a communication connection with vehicles C1 and C2 (S3). In other words, the management device 100 starts a communication connection that serves as a pre-connection between vehicle Cn and vehicles C1 and C2.

In the case of a pre-connection, the candidate vehicle may transmit camera images to the receiving vehicle, or may simply wait with communication established.

After that, when a predetermined display condition is met in vehicle Cn, the camera image delivered from vehicle C1 will be displayed in vehicle Cn. The display conditions include when the receiving vehicle stops at a traffic light, when the receiving vehicle merges into a traffic jam, when a passenger performs a predetermined operation on the in-vehicle device 1 of the receiving vehicle, etc.

The distribution system S according to the embodiment anticipates situations in which passengers in a receiving vehicle want to check the situation at another location, establishes a communication connection between the receiving vehicle and a candidate vehicle in advance, and when the above situation actually occurs, displays camera images from the other location on the receiving vehicle.

In such a distribution system S, the receiving vehicles and the candidate vehicles may include both commercial vehicles and non-commercial vehicles. Therefore, the management device 100 according to the embodiment aims to display camera images suitable for commercial vehicles. Next, an information processing method by the management device 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

The management device 100 selects a connecting vehicle on a congested road, for example, as shown in FIG. 1C (S10). For example, vehicle Cn that has joined the traffic jam is selected as the receiving vehicle, and vehicles C10 to C20 are selected as candidate vehicles. Vehicles C10 to C20 are not business vehicles.

Since the candidate vehicles C10 to C20 do not include commercial vehicles, the management device 100 sets a priority candidate vehicle (priority connection candidate) that takes camera images that are preferentially displayed on vehicle Cn from among the candidate vehicles C10 to C20 based on the first condition (S11).

The first condition is a condition that is set in advance. For example, the first condition is a rule that, when a traffic jam occurs on the driving route of the receiving vehicle or ahead in the direction of travel, among the candidate vehicles, a candidate vehicle at the front of the traffic jam or a candidate vehicle near the front of the traffic jam is set as a priority candidate vehicle. Also, for example, the first condition is a rule that, when there is a point of caution such as a sharp curve on the driving route of the receiving vehicle or ahead in the direction of travel, a candidate vehicle that reflects the point of caution is set as a priority candidate vehicle for the receiving vehicle.

Based on the first condition, the management device 100 sets vehicle C10, which is a candidate vehicle at the front of the traffic jam, as a priority candidate vehicle for capturing the camera image displayed on vehicle Cn.

Then, the management device 100 instructs vehicles C10 to C20 to establish a communication connection with vehicle Cn (S12). This starts a communication connection between vehicle Cn, which is the receiving vehicle, and vehicles C10 to C20, which are candidate vehicles (S13).

In the receiving vehicle Cn, a camera image of vehicle C10, which is a priority candidate vehicle based on the first condition, is displayed on vehicle Cn (S14).

On the other hand, when a bus Cn, which is a commercial vehicle, is included on a congested road as shown in FIG. 1D, for example, the management device 100 selects a connecting vehicle as in FIG. 1C (S20). Here, the bus Cn is selected as the receiving vehicle, and vehicles C10 to C20 are selected as candidate vehicles. Vehicles C10 to C20 are not commercial vehicles.

Since the receiving vehicle is a bus Cn, which is a commercial vehicle, the management device 100 sets a priority candidate vehicle based on the second condition (S21).

The second condition is a different condition from the first condition, and is applied with priority over the first condition when a commercial vehicle is included in the receiving vehicles (receiving bodies) or connecting vehicles (connection candidates). In other words, if there is a vehicle that satisfies the second condition, that vehicle that satisfies the second condition is set as a connection candidate. On the other hand, if there is no vehicle that satisfies the second condition but there is a vehicle that satisfies the first condition, the vehicle that satisfies the first condition is set as a connection candidate. The second condition is a rule that sets a vehicle that can take images related to the business of the commercial vehicle or images related to the driving of the commercial vehicle as a priority candidate vehicle (priority connection candidate) for the receiving vehicle (receiving body). For example, the second condition is a rule that sets a vehicle that takes camera images of the bus stop as a priority candidate vehicle for the bus when the bus approaches a bus stop.

Based on the second condition, the management device 100 sets vehicle C19 near bus stop Bs as a priority candidate vehicle for capturing the camera image displayed on bus Cn.

Then, the management device 100 instructs the vehicles C10 to C20 to establish a communication connection with the bus Cn (S22). This opens a communication connection between the receiving vehicle, vehicle Cn, and the candidate vehicles, vehicles C10 to C20 (S23).

On the receiving vehicle, bus Cn, the camera image of vehicle C19, which is a priority candidate vehicle based on the second condition, is displayed (S24).

In other words, even if the first condition would cause a camera image taken by vehicle C10 to be displayed, if the receiving vehicle is a bus Cn, which is a commercial vehicle, the second condition is applied with priority so that the camera image of bus stop Bs is displayed, and the camera image taken by vehicle C19 is displayed on vehicle Cn.

<Management Device>
Next, a configuration example of the management device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the management device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the management device 100 includes a communication unit 2, a storage unit 3, and a control unit 4.

The communication unit 2 is realized by, for example, a NIC. The communication unit 2 is wirelessly connected to a predetermined network, and transmits and receives information between multiple in-vehicle devices 1 and multiple fixed cameras 120 via the network. The fixed cameras 120 capture images of a predetermined capture range, and are installed, for example, at street lamps or on the side of the road. The fixed cameras 120 have a communication device or the like, and are capable of transmitting fixed camera information, captured camera images, and the like.

The fixed camera information includes the "camera ID," "installation location," and "shooting range." The "camera ID" is an identifier that identifies the fixed camera 120. The "installation location" is the location where the fixed camera 120 is installed. The "shooting range" is the shooting range of the fixed camera 120.

The storage unit 3 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 3 includes a vehicle information database 31 and a camera information database 32.

The vehicle information database 31 is a database that stores vehicle information transmitted from each in-vehicle device 1. The vehicle information database 31 stores the "vehicle ID," "current location," "traveling speed," and "planned travel route," etc., in association with each other.

The camera information database 32 is a database that stores camera information transmitted from the fixed camera 120. The camera information database 32 stores the "camera ID," "installation location," "shooting range," and the like, in association with each other.

The control unit 4 includes, for example, a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), input/output ports, and various other circuits.

The computer's CPU functions as the acquisition unit 41, selection unit 42, determination unit 43, and instruction unit 44 (setting unit) of the control unit 4, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

In addition, at least some or all of the acquisition unit 41, selection unit 42, determination unit 43, and instruction unit 44 of the control unit 4 can be configured with hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The acquisition unit 41 acquires vehicle information from each in-vehicle device 1 via the communication unit 2, and updates the vehicle information database 31 based on the acquired vehicle information. The acquisition unit 41 acquires camera information from each fixed camera 120 via the communication unit 2, and updates the camera information database 32 based on the acquired camera information.

The selection unit 42 selects a receiving vehicle and a connection candidate that satisfy a predetermined condition. The selection unit 42 selects a receiving vehicle that receives camera images and a connection candidate that can deliver the camera images to the receiving vehicle. The selection unit 42 selects a receiving vehicle and selects a connection candidate for the selected receiving vehicle. The connection candidates include vehicles and fixed cameras 120. Note that the connection candidates may also include an in-vehicle device 1 mounted on the vehicle.

The determination unit 43 determines whether the priority connection candidate for capturing the camera image to be preferentially displayed in the receiving vehicle is set based on the first condition or the second condition.

To make the above determination, the determination unit 43 determines whether the selected receiving vehicle is a commercial vehicle based on the vehicle ID. The determination unit 43 also determines the type of commercial vehicle (bus, taxi, truck) based on the vehicle ID.

If the receiving vehicle is a business vehicle, the determination unit 43 determines whether the business vehicle is near the planned stop point based on the current location and the planned driving route. For example, the determination unit 43 determines whether the business vehicle is within a first predetermined range from the planned stop point. If the business vehicle is within the first predetermined range from the planned stop point, the determination unit 43 determines that the business vehicle is near the planned stop point.

When the selected receiving vehicle is a taxi, the determination unit 43 determines whether or not the taxi is near the event venue. For example, the determination unit 43 determines whether or not the taxi is within a second predetermined range from the event venue based on the event holding information. The event holding information is obtained, for example, from the Internet. When the taxi is within the second predetermined range from the event venue, the determination unit 43 determines that the taxi is near the event venue.

When the selected receiving vehicle is a truck, the determination unit 43 determines whether there is a possible stopping point around the truck. For example, the determination unit 43 determines whether there is an available stopping point within a third predetermined range from the current location of the truck based on the current location of the truck. When there is an available stopping point within a third predetermined range from the current location of the truck, the determination unit 43 determines that there is a possible stopping point around the truck.

When the selected receiving vehicle is not a commercial vehicle, the determination unit 43 determines whether the receiving vehicle is a vehicle behind the commercial vehicle. For example, the determination unit 43 determines whether the receiving vehicle is located behind a bus or truck and the distance between the receiving vehicle and the bus or truck is shorter than a predetermined distance set in advance. The predetermined distance is a distance at which the bus or truck may obstruct forward visibility. When the receiving vehicle is located behind a bus or truck and the distance between the receiving vehicle and the bus or truck is shorter than the predetermined distance, the determination unit 43 determines that the receiving vehicle is a vehicle behind the commercial vehicle.

Based on the above judgments, the judgment unit 43 judges whether the condition for displaying the camera image on the receiving vehicle is the first condition or the second condition. Specific examples will be described later.

The instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate for capturing a camera image to be preferentially displayed in the receiving vehicle according to the determination result by the determination unit 43. The instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on a first condition. Furthermore, if the receiving vehicle is a commercial vehicle, the instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on a second condition.

The instruction unit 44 also instructs connection communication so that the camera image of the set priority connection candidate is preferentially displayed in the receiving vehicle, and starts a communication connection between the receiving vehicle and the connection candidate.

Here, we will explain specific examples of the determination unit 43 and instruction unit 44.

(1) When the receiving vehicle and the connection candidates do not include a commercial vehicle, the determination unit 43 determines to set a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the first condition.

When the receiving vehicle and the connection candidates do not include a commercial vehicle, the instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the first condition. For example, the instruction unit 44 sets, from among the connection candidates, a vehicle at or near the front of the traffic jam, or a fixed camera 120 that captures the front of the traffic jam or near the front of the traffic jam, as a priority connection candidate.

(2) If the receiving vehicle is a commercial vehicle, the determination unit 43 determines to set a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the second condition.

(2-1) When the receiving vehicle is a business vehicle and the business vehicle is near the planned stopping point, the determination unit 43 determines to set a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the second condition.

When the receiving vehicle is a business vehicle and the business vehicle is near the planned stop point, the instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates so that a camera image of the planned stop point of the business vehicle is preferentially displayed. For example, the instruction unit 44 sets a vehicle near the planned stop point or a fixed camera 120 that captures the planned stop point as a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates.

When the receiving vehicle is a business vehicle and the business vehicle is not near the planned stop point, the determination unit 43 determines that a priority connection candidate is to be set from among the connection candidates based on the first condition. The instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the first condition.

(2-2) When the receiving vehicle is a taxi and the taxi is in the vicinity of the event venue, the determination unit 43 determines to set a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the second condition.

When the receiving vehicle is a taxi and the taxi is near the event venue, the instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates so that camera images of the surroundings of the event venue are preferentially displayed. For example, the instruction unit 44 sets a vehicle near the event venue or a fixed camera 120 that captures the vicinity of the event venue as a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates.

When the receiving vehicle is a taxi and the taxi is not near the event venue, the determination unit 43 determines that a priority connection candidate is to be set from among the connection candidates based on the first condition. The instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the first condition.

(2-3) If the receiving vehicle is a truck and there is a location around the truck where the truck can stop, the determination unit 43 determines to set a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the second condition.

When the receiving vehicle is a truck and there is a location around the truck where the truck can stop, the instruction unit 44 sets, from among the connection candidates, a vehicle near the location where the truck can stop or a fixed camera 120 that shows the location where the truck can stop, as a priority connection candidate.

When the receiving vehicle is a truck and there is no location around the truck where the truck can stop, the determination unit 43 determines that a priority connection candidate should be set from among the connection candidates based on the first condition. The instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the first condition.

(2-4) If the receiving vehicle is not a commercial vehicle and is a bus or a vehicle behind a truck, the determination unit 43 determines to set a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the second condition.

When the receiving vehicle is not a commercial vehicle and is a vehicle behind a bus or truck, the instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates so that a camera image of the front of the bus or truck is preferentially displayed. For example, the instruction unit 44 sets a fixed camera 120 that shows a bus or truck or the front of a bus or truck as a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates.

When the receiving vehicle is not a commercial vehicle and is not a bus or a vehicle behind a truck, the determination unit 43 determines to set a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the first condition. The instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate from among the connection candidates based on the first condition.

<In-vehicle device>
Next, a configuration example of the in-vehicle device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the in-vehicle device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, a camera 101, an in-vehicle sensor 102, a GPS device 103, and a navigation device 104 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1 according to the embodiment.

Camera 101 is a camera that captures images of the vehicle's surroundings and generates camera images at a predetermined frame rate. Note that camera 101 may also include a camera that captures images of the vehicle interior.

The on-board sensors 102 are various sensors that detect the vehicle's driving conditions, including, for example, a speed sensor.

The GPS device 103 determines the current location of the vehicle based on positioning signals transmitted from GPS satellites (not shown). The direction of travel of the vehicle can be detected from changes in the vehicle's position. The navigation device 104 is a device that sets the driving route to the vehicle's destination set by the passenger.

The in-vehicle device 1 is also connected to a display device 50 that displays camera images and the like output by the in-vehicle device 1 and the like. The display device 50 includes a display unit 51 and an operation unit 52.

The display unit 51 is, for example, a touch panel display configured with an organic electroluminescence (EL) or liquid crystal display, and displays the video signal output from the in-vehicle device 1. The operation unit 52 accepts predetermined operations from the passenger based on the image displayed on the display unit 51.

The operation unit 52 switches the camera image displayed on the display unit 51 in response to the passenger's operation. The operation unit 52 can also accept various operations such as playing, stopping, and rewinding the camera image. The passenger can also request the delivery of camera images captured in the past via the operation unit 52.

That is, in the distribution system S according to the embodiment, in addition to real-time distribution of camera images, it is also possible to distribute recorded camera images captured in the past. Note that the operation unit 52 may be provided separately from the display device 50, for example.

The in-vehicle device 1 includes a communication unit 5, a storage unit 6, and a control unit 7. The communication unit 5 is realized by, for example, a NIC. The communication unit 5 is wirelessly connected to a predetermined network, and transmits and receives information to and from other in-vehicle devices 1 (not shown) and the management device 100 via the network. The communication unit 5 also receives camera images from a fixed camera 120 via the network.

The storage unit 6 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 6 stores camera image information 61.

Camera image information 61 is information about the camera image captured by camera 101, and includes the camera image data itself, the date and time of capture, the capture location, etc. Camera image information 61 also includes camera images captured by other vehicles.

Next, the control unit 7 will be described. The control unit 7 includes, for example, a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, input/output ports, and various circuits.

The computer's CPU functions as the acquisition unit 71, determination unit 72, instruction unit 73, playback unit 74, and switching unit 75 of the control unit 7, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

In addition, at least some or all of the acquisition unit 71, judgment unit 72, instruction unit 73, playback unit 74, and switching unit 75 of the control unit 7 can be configured with hardware such as an ASIC or FPGA.

The acquisition unit 71 acquires vehicle information. The acquisition unit 71 acquires the vehicle's driving state from the on-board sensor 102. The acquisition unit 71 acquires camera images from the camera 101. The acquisition unit 71 acquires the vehicle's current location from the GPS device 103. The acquisition unit 71 acquires the driving route from the navigation device 104.

The acquisition unit 71 acquires a communication connection instruction from the management device 100 via the communication unit 5. When the vehicle itself is selected as the receiving vehicle, the acquisition unit 71 acquires camera images from the connection candidate via the communication unit 5. Specifically, the acquisition unit 71 acquires camera images from other in-vehicle devices 1 of the vehicle that is a connection candidate and from the fixed camera 120 via the communication unit 5.

The determination unit 72 determines whether a predetermined display condition for the display device 50 is satisfied. The determination unit 72 determines whether the vehicle is a receiving vehicle based on the instruction for communication connection. The determination unit 72 determines whether the vehicle is a connection candidate based on the instruction for communication connection.

The instruction unit 73 transmits vehicle information to the management device 100 via the communication unit 5 at a predetermined interval. When the vehicle itself is selected as a connection candidate, the instruction unit 73 transmits camera images captured by the camera 101 to the receiving vehicle via the communication unit 5 based on an instruction for communication connection.

When the playback unit 74 starts receiving camera images delivered from a connection candidate, it launches a viewer application that plays back the camera images and starts background playback. Background playback means that a screen to be displayed on the display device 50 is prepared in advance when a specific display condition is met.

When the vehicle itself is the receiving vehicle, the playback unit 74 starts background playback based on the instruction for communication connection. Specifically, the playback unit 74 generates an image for background playback based on a camera image transmitted from the priority connection candidate, and starts background playback. Note that the playback unit 74 may also generate an image based on a camera image transmitted from a connection candidate other than the priority connection candidate.

For example, when the vehicle is a business vehicle and the business vehicle is near the planned stopping point, the playback unit 74 plays in the background camera images captured by the vehicle-mounted device 1 mounted on the vehicle near the planned stopping point or by the fixed camera 120 attached to the planned stopping point.

The camera image played during background playback will not be displayed on the display device 50 until a specific display condition is met. Therefore, a low-capacity image may be received for the camera image during background playback.

A low-capacity image is a camera image that includes one of the following, compared to the camera image actually displayed on the display device 50: a camera image with a lower frame rate, a camera image with a lower resolution, or a camera image with a lower bit rate. This makes it possible to receive camera images while reducing the communication load.

When a camera image being played back in the background as a low-capacity image is displayed on the display device 50, it is displayed as a high-capacity image. When a camera image being played back in the background is displayed on the display device 50, the playback unit 74 changes the camera image being played back to a high-capacity image and plays it back.

When a predetermined display condition is met, the switching unit 75 causes the display device 50 to display the camera image being played in the background. For example, the switching unit 75 brings the screen hierarchy of the camera image being played in the background to the foreground. As a result, the screen hierarchy of the camera image being played in the background is switched to the foreground, and the camera image being played in the background is displayed on the display device 50.

When the predetermined display condition is met, the display device 50 displays, for example, a camera image Lc that was being played back in the background, along with a map image Lm that indicates the location where the camera image Lc was taken, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows an example of an image that is displayed on the display device 50 when the predetermined display condition is met.

For example, if the receiving vehicle is a bus and the bus is approaching a bus stop Bs, the map image Lm will display a vehicle icon A1 indicating the position of the vehicle, and a vehicle icon A2 indicating the capture position of the camera image Lc near the bus stop Bs.

The vehicle icon A2 also displays a "LIVE" speech bubble A3, indicating that the broadcast is in real time. By displaying the vehicle icon A2 together with the map image Lm in this way, it becomes possible to easily recognize the capture position of the camera image Lc.

In addition, when a predetermined display condition is no longer satisfied, the switching unit 75 does not bring the screen hierarchy of the camera image displayed on the display device 50 to the foreground. As a result, for example, the camera image near the bus stop Bs will no longer be displayed on the display device 50. In other words, the camera image being played in the background will no longer be displayed on the display device 50.

In this way, the switching unit 75 only needs to switch the screen hierarchy, so that after a specific display condition is met, camera images captured in the priority connection candidate can be quickly provided to the passenger.

<Connection setting process>
Next, a connection setting process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a connection setting process according to the embodiment.

The management device 100 selects a receiving vehicle and a connection candidate that meets a predetermined condition (S100). Specifically, the management device 100 selects a connection candidate that meets a predetermined condition for the receiving vehicle.

The management device 100 determines whether or not to apply the second condition to the setting of the priority connection candidate (S101). In other words, the management device 100 determines whether or not to set the priority connection candidate based on the second condition.

When the second condition is applied (S101: Yes), the management device 100 sets the priority connection candidates based on the second condition (S102). When the second condition is not applied (S101: No), that is, when the first condition is applied, the management device 100 sets the priority connection candidates based on the first condition (S103).

The management device 100 instructs the receiving vehicle to establish a communication connection with the connection candidate (S104).

The management device 100 according to the embodiment includes a selection unit 42 and an instruction unit 44. The selection unit 42 selects a receiving vehicle (receiving body) that receives camera images and a connection candidate that can distribute the camera images to the receiving vehicle. The instruction unit 44 sets, from among the connection candidates, a priority connection candidate that captures camera images that are preferentially displayed in the receiving vehicle based on a first condition. When a commercial vehicle is included in the receiving vehicle or the connection candidates, the instruction unit 44 sets a priority connection candidate based on a second condition that is applied with priority over the first condition.

As a result, when a commercial vehicle is included in the receiving vehicle or among the connection candidates, the management device 100 can preferentially display camera images related to the commercial vehicle in the receiving vehicle. Therefore, the management device 100 can provide the driver of the receiving vehicle, etc. with the desired camera images related to the commercial vehicle.

In addition, when the receiving vehicle is a business vehicle and the business vehicle is near a planned stop point, the management device 100 sets a priority connection candidate so that the camera image of the planned stop point is preferentially displayed.

This allows the management device 100 to preferentially display camera images of the planned stopping point of the business vehicle. Therefore, the driver of the business vehicle can check from a location away from the planned stopping point whether there is a stopping space at the planned stopping point.

In addition, when the business vehicle is a bus or truck and the receiving vehicle is a vehicle behind the bus or truck, the management device 100 sets the priority connection candidate so that the camera image of the front of the bus or truck is displayed.

This allows the management device 100 to give priority to displaying camera images of the front of the bus or truck on the receiving vehicle. Therefore, the driver of the vehicle behind the bus or truck can check the situation in front of the bus or truck even if the visibility ahead is poor due to the bus or truck. Therefore, the management device 100 can improve the safety of the vehicles behind the bus or truck.

In addition, when the receiving vehicle is a taxi and the taxi is near the event venue, the management device 100 sets the priority connection candidates so that camera images of the surroundings of the event venue are preferentially displayed.

This allows the management device 100 to preferentially display camera images of the area around the event venue to taxis near the event venue. This allows taxi drivers to search for passengers according to the congestion level around the event venue. Therefore, the management device 100 can improve the operational efficiency of taxis.

In addition, when the receiving vehicle is a truck and there is a location around the truck where the truck can be stopped, the management device 100 sets the priority connection candidate so that the camera image of the location where the truck can be stopped is preferentially displayed.

As a result, the management device 100 can prioritize displaying camera images of a location where the truck can stop when the truck approaches the location. This allows the truck's occupants to move the truck to a location where the truck can stop. Therefore, the management device 100 can improve the operational efficiency of the truck.

The management device 100 also initiates a communication connection between the connection candidate and the receiving vehicle.

This allows the receiving vehicle to play back camera images captured by the connection candidate through background playback, and once the specified display conditions are met, the camera images can be quickly provided to the passengers.

<Modification>
The distribution system S according to the modified example may distribute camera images of commercial vehicles to the terminal device 130 in response to a request from the terminal device 130 .

The management device 100 according to the modified example is connected to a terminal device 130 as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the management device 100 according to the modified example. The terminal device 130 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The terminal device 130 may also be a laptop PC (Personal Computer) or a desktop PC.

The communication unit 2 receives terminal information from the terminal device 130 via the network. The storage unit 3 includes a terminal information database 33.

The terminal information database 33 is a database that stores the terminal information sent from each terminal device 130. The terminal information includes "terminal ID," "current location," "request information," etc.

"Terminal ID" is an identifier that identifies the terminal device. "Current location" is the current location of the terminal device 130. The current location of the terminal device 130 is detected by a GPS device provided in each terminal device 130. "Request information" is information that indicates whether there is a request to send camera images related to a commercial vehicle. "Request information" is managed separately for each type of commercial vehicle, bus, taxi, or truck (delivery truck).

A request to send camera images of a business vehicle is sent, for example, from the terminal device 130 of a user waiting for a bus, the terminal device 130 of a user riding on a bus, the terminal device 130 of a user who has reserved a taxi, or the terminal device 130 of a user waiting for a delivery to arrive.

The terminal information database 33 stores "terminal ID," "current location," "request information," etc., in association with each other.

The acquisition unit 41 acquires terminal information from the terminal device 130 via the communication unit 2, and updates the terminal information database 33 based on the acquired terminal information.

The determination unit 43 determines whether or not there is a request from the terminal device 130 to send camera images related to the commercial vehicle.

When there is a request from the terminal device 130 to transmit camera images related to a commercial vehicle, the instruction unit 44 sets the priority connection candidates so that camera images related to the target commercial vehicle are displayed on the terminal device 130. For example, the instruction unit 44 sets the commercial vehicle or a fixed camera 120 near the commercial vehicle as the priority connection candidates, and instructs the terminal device 130 to establish a communication connection with the priority connection candidates.

In addition, when the distance between the business vehicle and the terminal device 130 of a user waiting for the business vehicle falls within a predetermined notification range, the management device 100 according to the modified example may set the business vehicle or a fixed camera 120 in the vicinity of the business vehicle as a priority connection candidate, and instruct the terminal device 130 to establish a communication connection with the priority connection candidate.

As a result, the terminal device 130 plays back in the background camera images captured by the vehicle-mounted device 1 mounted on the commercial vehicle and the fixed camera 120 near the commercial vehicle.

In addition, the management device 100 according to the modified example may be notified of a transmission request when the user arrives at a bus stop or when the user is within a predetermined notification range of the bus stop, and may instruct a communication connection between the user's terminal device 130 and the bus the user plans to board or a fixed camera 120 near the bus.

In this way, the management device 100 according to the modified example can inform users waiting for the business vehicle of the current location of the business vehicle. The management device 100 may also display camera images taken by the vehicle-mounted device 1 mounted on the bus or by a fixed camera 120 near the bus on the terminal device 130 of the bus passenger.

In addition, in the modified example, the management device 100 may set a priority connection candidate so that, when the business vehicle is a bus, the camera image of the next bus stop is preferentially displayed only when a stop at the next bus stop is confirmed, specifically, when the disembarkation button is pressed.

As a result, the management device 100 according to the modified example can provide the bus driver with camera images of the area near the bus stop where the bus stop has been confirmed. This allows the bus driver to check whether or not there is a vehicle parked near the bus stop where the bus stop has been confirmed. Therefore, the management device 100 according to the modified example can improve the safety of bus operations.

In addition, the management device 100 according to the modified example may set a priority connection candidate so that, when the receiving vehicle is not a commercial vehicle, the connection candidates include a bus or truck, the receiving vehicle is a vehicle behind the bus or truck, and the bus or truck is stopped, the camera image of the vehicle-mounted device 1 mounted on the bus or truck or the fixed camera 120 capturing the view in front of the bus or truck is preferentially displayed on the receiving vehicle.

In addition, the management device 100 according to the modified example may set priority connection candidates so that, when the receiving vehicle is a taxi, camera images in the vicinity of the event venue are preferentially displayed according to the end time of the event. The end time of the event is obtained, for example, from the Internet.

As a result, the management device 100 according to the modified example can provide the taxi driver with camera images that correspond to the congestion situation around the event venue. Therefore, the management device 100 according to the modified example can improve the operational efficiency of the taxi.

In addition, the management device 100 according to the modified example may set priority connection candidates so that, when the receiving vehicle is a taxi, camera images near a station are preferentially displayed in accordance with train operation information and train arrival times.

As a result, the management device 100 according to the modified example can provide taxi drivers with camera images that correspond to the congestion situation near the station. Therefore, the management device 100 according to the modified example can improve the operational efficiency of taxis.

In addition, the management device 100 according to the modified example may set a priority connection candidate so that, when the receiving vehicle is a taxi, a camera image of a taxi stand is preferentially displayed based on the congestion status of the taxi stand.

As a result, the management device 100 according to the modified example can provide taxi drivers with camera images that correspond to the congestion status of the taxi stand. Therefore, the management device 100 according to the modified example can improve the operational efficiency of taxis.

In addition, when instructing a communication connection between a connection candidate and a receiving body (a receiving vehicle or a terminal device 130), the management device 100 according to the modified example may instruct the communication connection so that multiple images are displayed on the display device 50.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the camera image of the commercial vehicle is preferentially displayed has been described, but this is not the only possible embodiment. In the management device 100 according to the modified example, if a commercial vehicle is included in the receiving vehicle or the candidate vehicles, the processing related to the commercial vehicle may be prioritized in the connection between the vehicles. For example, the management device 100 according to the modified example may establish communication for the connection before other candidates. In addition, in the case where the number of established communications is limited, the management device 100 according to the modified example may prioritize the connection and maintain the established communication, that is, disable other communications to maintain the communication. In addition, the management device 100 according to the modified example may prioritize the communication for the connection in scheduling data communication. In addition, the management device 100 according to the modified example may allocate a large data communication capacity for the connection. This allows images desired by the commercial vehicle to be collected quickly.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the second condition is described as being fixed, but this is not necessarily the case. The second condition may be dynamically changed or modified as appropriate depending on the business situation and the surrounding environment. For example, if the business vehicle is a bus, the vehicle-mounted device 1 mounted on the bus adds business information, such as whether there are passengers, whether passengers are getting on and off at each stop, and the elapsed time since the last rest time on the tourist bus, to the vehicle information and transmits it to the management device 100. The management device 100 may modify the second condition based on the business information.

Vehicles, including commercial vehicles, may transmit information about the surrounding environment of a specific location, such as a bus stop, to the management device 100, and the management device 100 may modify the second condition based on the environmental information. For example, the vehicle may detect people near the bus stop using image recognition or the like, and transmit the number of people remaining near the bus stop and other information about the surrounding environment to the management device 100. If there are no people remaining near the bus stop, the management device 100 may modify the second condition so as not to prioritize connections between vehicles and buses near the bus stop.

Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 In-vehicle device 2 Communication unit 3 Storage unit 4 Control unit 41 Acquisition unit 42 Selection unit 43 Determination unit 44 Instruction unit (setting unit)
50 Display device 101 Camera 100 Management device 120 Fixed camera 130 Terminal device S Distribution system

Claims (8)

extracting candidate vehicles capable of transmitting camera images to the receiving vehicle;
When the candidate vehicles do not include a commercial vehicle, the candidate vehicle at or near the head of the traffic jam is selected as a distribution vehicle based on a first condition:
When the candidate vehicles include the commercial vehicle, which is a bus or a truck, and the receiving vehicle is not the commercial vehicle and is a vehicle behind the bus or the truck, a second condition is selected to select the bus or the truck as the distribution vehicle in priority over the first condition,
The camera image is transmitted from the distribution vehicle to the receiving vehicle, and the camera image is displayed in the receiving vehicle.
Information processing device. selecting the distribution vehicle so that, when the receiving vehicle is a business vehicle and the business vehicle is in the vicinity of the scheduled stop point, a camera image of the scheduled stop point is displayed with priority over the first condition ;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The commercial vehicle is a bus,
selecting the distribution vehicle so that, when it is determined that the receiving vehicle is the bus and that the bus will stop at the bus stop, a camera image of the bus stop at which the bus has been determined to stop is displayed with priority over the first condition ;
3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2. The business vehicle is a taxi,
When the receiving vehicle is the taxi and the taxi is in the vicinity of the event venue, the delivery vehicle is selected so that a camera image of the periphery of the event venue is displayed with priority over the first condition .
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The commercial vehicle is a truck,
when the receiving vehicle is the truck and there is a spot where the truck can be stopped around the truck, the delivery vehicle is selected so that a camera image of the spot where the truck can be stopped is displayed with priority over the first condition .
The information processing device according to claim 1 . Initiating a communication connection between the candidate vehicle and the receiving vehicle.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ;
A distribution system comprising: an in-vehicle device that transmits and receives camera images. extracting candidate vehicles capable of transmitting camera images to the receiving vehicle;
When the candidate vehicles do not include a commercial vehicle, the candidate vehicle at or near the head of the traffic jam is selected as a distribution vehicle based on a first condition:
When the candidate vehicles include the commercial vehicle, which is a bus or a truck, and the receiving vehicle is not the commercial vehicle and is a vehicle behind the bus or the truck, a second condition is selected to select the bus or the truck as the distribution vehicle in priority over the first condition,
The camera image is transmitted from the distribution vehicle to the receiving vehicle, and the camera image is displayed in the receiving vehicle.
An information processing method performed by an information processing device.

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