JP4401420B1 - Navigation server - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide a navigation server capable of providing fuel consumption related information corresponding to a fuel consumption factor to a user of the vehicle even in a situation where the fuel consumption corresponding to the same fuel consumption factor as that of a certain vehicle is not recognized.
According to a navigation server, a first element defined by a fuel consumption factor of a recognized first vehicle is recognized among elements of a fuel consumption matrix in which elements representing fuel consumption are defined by a plurality of fuel consumption factors. Determined based on the fuel consumption of the first vehicle. On the other hand, among the elements of the fuel consumption matrix, a second element defined by an unrecognized fuel consumption factor is determined based on the first element. Thereby, even when the plurality of fuel consumption factors of the second vehicle define the second element instead of the first factor, the relationship between the fuel consumption and the fuel consumption factor estimated based on the known relationship between the fuel consumption of the first vehicle and the fuel consumption factor In view of the above, the fuel consumption of the second vehicle can be estimated with high accuracy.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation server that manages fuel consumption information of a vehicle.

Techniques for causing a server to search for a fuel-efficient route and transmitting the searched route information to a vehicle have been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). Specifically, after the server collects position information, fuel consumption information, and the like from each vehicle, a database of fuel consumption information corresponding to road conditions such as vehicle type and road type is created. Then, the low fuel consumption route is searched based on the fuel consumption information managed by the database, and the low fuel consumption route information is provided from the server to the in-vehicle control device.
JP 2005-163484 A JP 2006-058085 A JP 2006-030058 A

  However, in the situation where fuel consumption information corresponding to some vehicle types and driving environments is missing in the database, information on fuel consumption is provided to the vehicle depending on the fuel consumption factors that determine the fuel consumption, such as vehicle types or driving environments. An unforeseen situation occurs.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a navigation server that can provide fuel consumption related information according to a fuel consumption factor to a user of the vehicle even in a situation where the fuel efficiency according to the same fuel consumption factor as a certain vehicle is not recognized. Providing is a solution issue.

  A navigation server of a first invention is a navigation server that manages fuel consumption information of a vehicle, and recognizes a plurality of fuel consumption factors that are fuel consumption fluctuation factors of the first vehicle through communication with a first information processing terminal, Of the fuel consumption matrix in which each element representing fuel consumption is defined by the fuel consumption factor, a first element defined by the recognized fuel consumption factor is defined based on the fuel consumption factor, and is defined by the unrecognized fuel efficiency factor. Recognizing the fuel efficiency factor of the second vehicle in the future by communicating with a first information processing terminal and first support means for creating the fuel efficiency matrix by determining a second element based on the first element, 1 Based on the fuel consumption matrix created by the support means, an element defined by the recognized fuel consumption factor is searched as a predicted fuel consumption, and is determined according to the predicted fuel consumption. Characterized in that the costs related information and a second support means for transmitting to said second information processing terminal.

  According to the navigation server of the first invention, the first element defined by the fuel consumption factor of the recognized first vehicle among the elements of the fuel consumption matrix in which each element representing the fuel consumption is defined by a plurality of fuel consumption factors is recognized. It is determined based on the fuel consumption of the finished first vehicle. Thereby, when the predicted fuel consumption factor of the second vehicle defines the first element, the future fuel consumption of the second vehicle is predicted with high accuracy based on the known relationship between the fuel consumption of the first vehicle and the fuel consumption factor. sell. On the other hand, among the elements of the fuel consumption matrix, a second element defined by an unrecognized fuel consumption factor is determined based on the first element. Thereby, even when the predicted fuel efficiency factor of the second vehicle in the future defines the second element instead of the first element, in view of the fuel efficiency of the first vehicle and the estimated relation of the fuel efficiency factor based on the known relationship between the fuel efficiency and the fuel efficiency factor. Thus, the future fuel consumption of the second vehicle can be predicted with high accuracy. Therefore, even in a situation where the fuel consumption corresponding to the fuel consumption factor of the second vehicle is not recognized, the fuel consumption related information related to the fuel consumption determined according to the plurality of fuel consumption factors can be provided to the user of the second vehicle.

  In addition, each means which is a component of the present invention “recognizes” information means receiving information from an external information source, retrieving information from a database, reading information from a storage device or memory, receiving Alternatively, the information needs to be measured, calculated, estimated, judged, set, determined, etc., by calculating the basic signal retrieved, and stored in a storage device or memory. This means the execution of any arithmetic processing for preparing the information for the arithmetic processing to be performed.

  The navigation server according to a second aspect of the present invention is the navigation server according to the first aspect, wherein the second support means connects a current position or a starting position and a destination position of the second vehicle through communication with the second information processing terminal. After recognizing a link constituting each of the routes as the fuel consumption factor, searching for a route with the best fuel consumption among the plurality of routes as an eco route, the fuel consumption related information representing the eco route is obtained as the second information processing. It transmits to a terminal, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the navigation server of the second invention, even when the fuel consumption corresponding to the link (fuel consumption factor) constituting the route connecting the current position or the starting position and the target position of the second vehicle is not recognized, the prediction of the second vehicle is performed. An eco route with the best fuel efficiency can be searched, and fuel efficiency related information regarding this eco route can be provided to the user of the second vehicle.

  An embodiment of a navigation server of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the navigation server of the present invention will be described. The navigation server 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by one or a plurality of computers (configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O circuit, etc.) that can communicate with a plurality of information processing terminals via a network. Has been. In addition to the ECU (electronic control unit) 2 mounted on each vehicle (four-wheeled vehicle) Q, a personal computer or a mobile phone having a communication function corresponds to the “information processing terminal”. An information processing terminal such as a personal computer or a mobile phone may be used by being carried by a user and connected to the ECU 2 of the vehicle Q wirelessly or in a wired manner in the interior space of the vehicle Q. May be used. The vehicle Q may correspond to one or both of “first vehicle” and “second vehicle”. Similarly, the information processing terminal may correspond to one or both of “first information processing terminal” and “second information processing terminal”. The navigation server 1 includes a support database 10, first support means 11, and second support means 12.

  The support database 10 stores or stores support map information representing road layout and the like. A road or a link (meaning a road element connecting any two points in a road such as an intersection, right turn, left turn, etc.) is located by (latitude, longitude) or (latitude, longitude, altitude) The arrangement mode is represented by a point group in which is defined. Depending on the traveling direction of the vehicle Q, the uphill and downhill of each link, and the inclination angle of the slope can also be represented by the support map information. In addition to the fuel efficiency information and fuel efficiency factor information collected from the vehicle Q, the support database 10 also stores weather information and a fuel efficiency matrix transmitted from the weather information center. The support database 10 may be configured by a database server that is separate from the navigation server 1.

  The first support means 11 recognizes the “fuel consumption” of the vehicle (first vehicle) Q and the “fuel consumption factor” that is a variation factor of the fuel consumption through communication with the first information processing terminal such as the ECU 2 mounted on the vehicle Q. . The first support means 11 uses the first element defined by the fuel consumption factor of the recognized first vehicle as the fuel consumption information of the recognized first vehicle, out of the fuel consumption matrix in which each element representing the fuel consumption is defined by the fuel consumption factor. Determine based on. On the other hand, the first support means 11 determines the second element defined by the unrecognized fuel efficiency factor based on the first element. A fuel consumption matrix is created by defining the first element and the second element. The second support means 12 recognizes the fuel efficiency factor of the vehicle (second vehicle) Q in the future through communication with a second information processing terminal such as the ECU 2 mounted on the vehicle Q. The second support means 12 searches the fuel efficiency matrix created by the first support means 11 for an element defined by the fuel efficiency factor of the second vehicle as the predicted fuel efficiency, and the fuel efficiency related information determined according to the predicted fuel efficiency is second. Send to the information processing terminal.

  The function of the navigation server configured as described above will be described. The fuel efficiency and fuel efficiency factor of the vehicle (first vehicle) Q are recognized by communication with the first information processing terminal such as the ECU 2 mounted on the vehicle Q by the first support means 210 (FIG. 2 / STEP002). "Fuel consumption factor" includes some or all of vehicle type, speed or speed range, acceleration or acceleration range, vehicle weight, tire pressure, engine oil deterioration, tire wear, weather information, travel time zone, and travel link It is. “Vehicle type” is read as a code from the memory constituting the ECU 2 by the ECU 2. The “speed” is measured by the ECU 2 based on an output signal of a speed sensor (not shown). Note that the speed range can be measured based on the time change mode of the position after the position of the vehicle Q is measured based on the GPS signal or the output signal of the gyro sensor. “Acceleration” is measured by the ECU 2 based on the output signal of the acceleration sensor mounted on the vehicle Q. It should be noted that the acceleration range may be measured based on the time change mode of the position or speed of the vehicle Q. “Vehicle weight” is calculated by the ECU 2 in accordance with an output signal of a displacement sensor of each suspension, or a part or all of a passenger, a cargo load amount, and a fuel supply amount input to a vehicle-mounted navigation device or the like by a user. . "Tire pressure", "Engine oil deterioration" or "Tire wear" is the cumulative mileage of vehicle Q after the tire pressure is adjusted or checked last, engine oil is checked or replaced, or the tire is changed Can be calculated by the ECU 2 based on the above. “Meteorological information” includes the current position of the vehicle Q measured by the ECU 2 and the weather information (weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) for each area provided by the weather information center and stored in the support database 10. This is determined by searching for weather information of the area to which the measurement position belongs. Note that the ambient temperature of the vehicle Q according to the output signal of the outside air temperature sensor mounted on the vehicle Q by the ECU 2 may be measured as weather information. The “traveling time zone” is measured by a clock mounted on the navigation server 100 or the vehicle Q. The “travel link” is determined based on the current position of the vehicle Q measured by the ECU and the support map information stored in the support database. In addition, the operating condition of the air conditioner mounted on the vehicle Q can be detected as a fuel consumption factor. Even if the operating status of the air conditioner is recognized based on other fuel consumption factors such as weather information, such as when the difference between the outside air temperature and the comfortable temperature (predetermined) is larger, the air conditioner is operated at a higher load. Good. Depending on the fuel consumption and fuel consumption factors, “the vehicle Q of the vehicle type x1 is in the time zone (Friday 11: 00 to 11:30, etc.) T1, the weather information WN1 is sunny, the temperature is ΔC, and the humidity is%. The fact that the fuel efficiency f1 when traveling in the speed range Rv1 and the acceleration range Rα1 in z1 was ●● km / l ”can be grasped.

  Subsequently, a fuel consumption matrix is created based on the fuel consumption and fuel consumption factors recognized by the first support means 11 (FIG. 2 / STEP004). For the sake of simplicity, assuming that there are only two fuel consumption factors, as shown in FIG. 3, the first fuel consumption factor classified into n pieces and the second fuel consumption factor classified into m pieces are shown in FIG. Thus, an n × m matrix in which each element Fij representing fuel efficiency is defined is created as a fuel efficiency matrix. When communication with the vehicle (first vehicle) Q has already recognized the first fuel consumption factor of the i-th classification, the second fuel consumption factor of the j-th classification, and the corresponding fuel consumption, the fuel consumption or its average value is It is defined as the (i, j) element (first element) Fij of the fuel consumption matrix. On the other hand, when the fuel consumption corresponding to the first fuel consumption factor of the i-th classification and the second fuel consumption factor of the (j + 1) -th classification is not yet recognized, the memory of the navigation server 1 is included in the (i, j) element (first element) Fij. (I, j + k) element (second element) Fij + k is determined by multiplying by the complement coefficient C2 (j, j + k) stored in. Further, when the fuel consumption corresponding to the first fuel consumption factor of the i + z classification and the second fuel consumption factor of the jth classification is not yet recognized, the memory of the navigation server 1 is included in the (i, j) element (first element) Fij. (I + z, j) element (second element) Fi + zj is determined by multiplying by the complement coefficient C2 (i, i + z) stored in. The concept of the fuel consumption matrix can be extended even when there are three or more fuel consumption factors.

  Further, the complementary coefficient is defined such that the higher the similarity of the fuel consumption factor, the higher the approximation of the fuel consumption. For example, even if the vehicle type as a fuel efficiency factor is different, the complementary coefficient between the different fuel efficiency factors is defined to be closer to 1 as the degree of similarity is higher in the engine output, the wheel drive type or the vehicle size. Even if the links as fuel economy factors are different, the road surface slope (uphill, downhill and flat road, road slope angle, etc.), road type (highway and urban road, etc.) or road shape (straight line) It is defined that the complementary coefficient between the different fuel efficiency factors is closer to 1 as the degree of similarity is higher in roads, gentle curved roads, and meandering roads. Furthermore, even if the speed range or the acceleration range as the fuel consumption factor is different, the complementary coefficient between the different fuel consumption factors is defined to be closer to 1 as the range is closer. Accordingly, when the similarity between the recognized fuel consumption factor and the unrecognized fuel consumption factor is high, a value close to the first element (fuel consumption) defined by the recognized fuel consumption factor is defined by the unrecognized fuel consumption factor. To be determined as the second element (fuel consumption).

The fuel efficiency factor of the vehicle (second vehicle) Q in the future is recognized by communication with the second information processing terminal such as the ECU 2 mounted on the vehicle Q by the second support means 12 (FIG. 2 / STEP006). Specifically, data representing the current position (or starting position) P1 of the vehicle Q measured by the ECU 2 based on the GPS signal and the like and the target position P2 input to the ECU 2 by the user are transmitted from the vehicle Q to the navigation server 1. Is done. In response to this, the second support means 12 searches for a plurality of support routes R connecting the current position P1 and the target position P2 based on the support map information. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, support routes R1 to R3 connecting the current position P1 and the target position P2 of the vehicle Q are searched. Furthermore, the links constituting each of the support routes R are recognized as one of the fuel efficiency factors. In addition, the travel speed (and acceleration if necessary) of the vehicle Q on the link predicted based on traffic information provided from the traffic information center or traffic information created based on FCD is recognized as a fuel efficiency factor. Is done. Moreover, the future forecast weather information of the area to which the said link belongs among the weather information preserve | saved in the assistance database 10 is recognized as a fuel consumption factor. Further, the vehicle type of the vehicle Q as the second vehicle is read from the memory by the ECU 2 and transmitted to the navigation server 100, so that it is recognized as a fuel consumption factor. Based on the road traffic information, the predicted travel in the first time zone T1 (for example, “6:30 to 7:00”) corresponding to the departure time zone for the first link L1 including the current position (or departure position) P1 of the vehicle Q. Time t1 (T1) is determined. Further, the predicted travel in the second time zone T2 including the time t0 + t1 obtained by adding the predicted travel time t1 in the first link L1 determined according to the road traffic information to the time t0 included in the first time zone T1 for the second link L2. Time t2 (T2) is determined. Similarly, for the i-th link Li (i = 3,4,... N), at the time Σ _{k = 0−i−2} tk included in the i−1th time zone Ti−1, the i−1th link Li The predicted travel time ti (Ti) in the i-th time zone Ti including the time Σ _{k = 0−i−1} tk to which the predicted travel time ti−1 at −1 is added is determined. Thus, for example, “the vehicle Q of the vehicle type x2 travels on the travel link z2 in the speed range Rv2 and the acceleration range Rα2 in the time zone T2 under the condition that the weather information WN2 is rainy, temperature ○ ° C., humidity ●%. The future fuel economy factor is predicted.

  The element defined by the fuel consumption factor is retrieved from the fuel consumption matrix by the second support means 12 (FIG. 2 / STEP008). For example, assuming that the fuel consumption matrix shown in FIG. 3 is created, when the first fuel consumption factor of the i-th classification and the second fuel consumption factor of the j-th classification are recognized as the fuel consumption factors of the second vehicle, The (i, j) element Fij of the fuel consumption matrix is determined as the predicted fuel consumption of the second vehicle. Thereby, the predicted fuel consumption in each link which comprises a support route is defined based on the weather information etc. as another fuel consumption factor.

Of the plurality of support routes R, the second support means 12 searches for the route with the best predicted fuel efficiency as the eco route ER (FIG. 2 / STEP010). Since the predicted fuel consumption of each link constituting the support route R is determined as described above, the support route R having the lowest sum is selected as the eco route ER. Thereby, for example, among the three support routes R1 to R3 shown in FIG. 4, the support route R3 is searched as the eco route ER. Then, the information indicating the eco route ER is transmitted to the second information processing terminal as the fuel efficiency related information by the second support means 12 (FIG. 2 / STEP012). Thereby, the eco route R is displayed as fuel consumption related information on a display device mounted on the vehicle (second vehicle) Q or a display device such as a personal computer. In addition to or instead of the eco-route ER, the total predicted fuel efficiency when the vehicle Q travels to the target position P2 according to one or a plurality of support routes R is used as fuel efficiency related information from the navigation server 1 to the vehicle as the second vehicle. It may be transmitted to the ECU of Q.

  According to the navigation server that exhibits the above function, the first element defined by the fuel efficiency factor of the recognized first vehicle among the elements of the fuel efficiency matrix in which each element representing the fuel efficiency is defined by a plurality of fuel efficiency factors is recognized. It is determined based on the fuel consumption of the completed first vehicle (see FIG. 2 / STEP 004 and FIG. 3). Thereby, when the future fuel consumption factor of the second vehicle defines the first element, the future fuel consumption of the second vehicle can be predicted with high accuracy based on the known relationship between the fuel consumption of the first vehicle and the fuel consumption factor. . On the other hand, among the elements of the fuel consumption matrix, the second element defined by the unrecognized fuel efficiency factor is determined based on the first element (see FIG. 2 / STEP 004 and FIG. 3). Thereby, even when the fuel efficiency factor of the second vehicle in the future defines the second element instead of the first element, the relationship between the fuel efficiency and the fuel efficiency factor estimated based on the known relationship between the fuel efficiency of the first vehicle and the fuel efficiency factor In view of the above, the future fuel consumption of the second vehicle can be predicted with high accuracy. Therefore, the fuel consumption factor of the second vehicle, that is, the fuel consumption related to the eco route ER that provides the best predicted fuel consumption of the second vehicle even in a situation where the fuel consumption corresponding to the link that forms the route connecting the current position P1 and the target position P2 is not recognized. Related information may be provided to the user of the second vehicle (see FIG. 2 / STEP010, STEP012, and FIG. 4).

  A fuel consumption matrix (hereinafter referred to as “first fuel consumption matrix”) in which each element is defined by a fuel consumption factor including a vehicle identifier such as VIN for identifying each vehicle Q instead of the vehicle type is created. The future fuel consumption of the vehicle Q may be predicted based on the first fuel consumption matrix (see FIG. 2 / STEP002 to STEP008). As a result, when it is predicted that the vehicle Q travels on the previously traveled link under the same traveling condition, the past one or more times of the same vehicle Q identified by the vehicle identifier that is one of the fuel efficiency factors. Future fuel consumption can be predicted based on fuel consumption during travel. When the vehicle Q travels a plurality of times, a statistical value such as an average value of fuel consumption corresponding to the same fuel consumption factor can be determined as an element of the first fuel consumption matrix defined by the fuel consumption factor. The supplement coefficient of the first fuel consumption matrix may be defined to be different from the complement coefficient of the fuel consumption matrix (hereinafter referred to as “second fuel consumption matrix”) defined by the fuel consumption factor including the vehicle type instead of the vehicle identifier. Good.

  A perforated first fuel consumption matrix is created in which elements defined by unrecognized fuel efficiency factors are not complemented. First, the future fuel economy of the vehicle Q is predicted based on this perforated first fuel efficiency matrix, and this prediction fails. Then, the future fuel consumption of the vehicle Q may be predicted based on the second fuel consumption matrix. Accordingly, when the vehicle Q is predicted to travel under the same traveling condition as the past traveling condition, the future fuel consumption of the vehicle Q can be predicted based on the past fuel consumption of the own vehicle having the same vehicle identifier. On the other hand, when the vehicle Q is predicted to travel under a traveling condition different from the past traveling condition, the vehicle Q is not based on the own vehicle, but based on the past fuel consumption of another vehicle having the same vehicle type as the vehicle Q. Future fuel economy can be predicted.

Configuration explanatory diagram of the navigation server of the present invention The flowchart which shows the function of the navigation server of this invention Explanatory diagram on fuel efficiency matrix Explanatory diagram about eco route as fuel consumption related information

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Navi server, 2 ... Vehicle ECU, 10 ... Support database, 11 ... 1st support means, 12 ... 2nd support means, Q ... Vehicle (1st vehicle, 2nd vehicle)

Claims (2)

A navigation server for managing fuel consumption information of vehicles,
The communication with the first information processing terminal recognizes the fuel consumption of the first vehicle and a plurality of fuel consumption factors that are fluctuation factors of the fuel consumption, and has already been recognized among the fuel consumption matrices in which each element representing the fuel consumption is defined by the fuel consumption factor. A first element defined by the fuel efficiency factor is defined based on the fuel efficiency, and a second element defined by the unrecognized fuel efficiency factor is defined based on the first element to create the fuel efficiency matrix. 1 support means,
Recognizing the fuel efficiency factor of the second vehicle in the future through communication with the second information processing terminal, and based on the fuel efficiency matrix created by the first support means, the element defined by the recognized fuel efficiency factor is predicted fuel efficiency And a second support means for transmitting to the second information processing terminal fuel efficiency related information determined according to the predicted fuel efficiency. The navigation server according to claim 1, wherein
The second support means recognizes, as the fuel consumption factor, a link constituting each of a plurality of routes connecting the current position or the starting position and the destination position of the second vehicle through communication with the second information processing terminal. A navigation server that searches the route having the best fuel efficiency among the plurality of routes as an eco route, and transmits the fuel efficiency related information representing the eco route to the second information processing terminal.

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