JP7384846B2 - Information processing equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can transmit log information to a server while protecting personal information.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as in Patent Document 1, a technique has been disclosed for collecting driving logs from a car navigation user's navigation device via the Internet. Patent Document 1 describes that a content business is conducted based on collected travel logs. The content business is, for example, the provision of information for route searching that takes traffic congestion prediction into consideration. In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to protect the privacy of the provider who provides the driving log, the provider can set the protection level by himself/herself. Specifically, the provider can set the date and time details, location information every second, etc. not to be sent to the travel log collection center.

Further, Patent Document 2 describes an ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) system that transmits position information indicating the current position of an on-vehicle device to a roadside device. The on-vehicle device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured not to transmit vehicle position information acquired within an area predetermined by the user to the roadside device in order to protect personal information. The area in which the vehicle position information is not transmitted is, for example, a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the departure point, or a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the destination input by the user into the onboard device during navigation. Further, the area in which the vehicle position information is not transmitted is within a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the destination that the user has stored in the on-vehicle device in advance. The starting point is likely to be a place where an individual can be identified, such as the user's home, and according to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is possible to identify the user's home etc. from the transmitted location information. It is possible to prevent leakage of personal information.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-228798 Patent No. 4984334

However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that a sufficient amount of travel logs may not be collected depending on the protection level setting by the car navigation user, and it is not possible to simultaneously collect travel logs and protect personal information.

Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 requires the user to store the destination in the on-vehicle device in advance in order to prevent location information of the destination from being transmitted to the roadside device without using the navigation function. However, it is not realistic for the user to set all destinations on the onboard device in advance. Therefore, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is not possible to easily collect personal information while sufficiently protecting it.

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can relatively easily acquire log information representing the movement history of a mobile object such as a car while protecting personal information.

An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a log information acquisition unit that acquires log information including position information of a moving body and time information at which the position information is acquired at a predetermined time interval; a storage unit that stores the log information in chronological order; a transmitting unit that is communicably connected to an external device outside the mobile body and transmits the log information to the external device; If the log information acquired when the elapsed amount exceeds a predetermined value is stored in the storage unit in excess of the predetermined number, the log information for the excess amount exceeding the predetermined number is stored in the order of newest time information. and a transmission control section that causes the transmission section to transmit the following information to the external device.

The information processing device of the first aspect can prevent log information acquired at and around the destination from being automatically transmitted to an external device. Therefore, log information can be collected in an external device relatively easily while protecting personal information.

The information processing device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure calculates the travel distance of the moving body from the departure point based on the log information, and uses the log information for which the travel distance exceeds a predetermined threshold to The method further includes a storage control unit that causes the storage unit to store the acquired log information when the amount exceeds a predetermined value.

In the information processing device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the storage control unit may cause the storage unit to store the log information including the location information that is different from the location information acquired last time by the log information acquisition unit. Features.

In the information processing device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the log information, the log information acquisition unit calculates the elapsed time after starting the acquisition of the log information, and sets the elapsed time to a predetermined threshold. The method further includes a storage control unit that causes the storage unit to store the log information that exceeds the predetermined value as the log information acquired when the elapsed amount exceeds a predetermined value.

The information processing device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that the log information is deleted from the storage unit when the ACC power of the mobile body is switched off.

In the information processing device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission control unit transmits the two or more pieces of log information together to the server, which is the external device, at a predetermined timing.

The information processing device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that the predetermined timing is when an ACC power source of the mobile body is switched off.

In the information processing device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission control unit is characterized in that each time the excess log information is generated, the transmission control unit transmits the log information to the server that is the external device. .

An information processing method according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes a log information acquisition step of acquiring log information including location information of a moving object and time information at which the location information was acquired at a predetermined time interval; a storage step of storing in chronological order the log information obtained when the elapsed amount with respect to the departure point of the moving body exceeds a predetermined value; The present invention is characterized by including a transmitting step of transmitting the excess log information exceeding the predetermined number to an external device outside the mobile object in order of newest time information.

A program according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure stores log information including location information of a moving object and time information at which the location information was acquired, in chronological order, the log information in which the elapsed amount exceeds a predetermined threshold. and a storage step of storing the log information obtained when the amount of elapsed time with respect to the departure point of the moving body exceeds a predetermined value, if more than a predetermined number is stored, the log information is stored in the order of the latest time information. The present invention is characterized in that a computer is caused to execute a transmitting step of transmitting the excess log information exceeding a predetermined number to an external device outside the mobile body.

According to the present invention, log information acquired at and around a destination can be automatically determined, and log information can be collected on a server relatively easily while protecting personal information.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information collection and provision system having a navigation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing a process of storing log information in a first buffer and a process of deleting log information from the first buffer. 7 is a flowchart showing log information transmission processing of the navigation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an information collection and provision system having a navigation device according to a second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the log information transmission process of the navigation apparatus based on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an information collection and provision system having a navigation device according to a third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the log information transmission process of the navigation apparatus based on 3rd Embodiment.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information collection and provision system 100 having a navigation device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The information collection and provision system 100 includes two or more navigation devices 1 corresponding to information processing devices and a server 2. The navigation device 1 is configured to be mountable on a moving body. The information collection and provision system 100 collects log information of a plurality of automobiles on the server 2. Log information is information representing the movement history of a mobile object. In this embodiment, the moving object is a car. The navigation device 1 is configured not to transmit log information acquired at and around the departure point and log information acquired at and around the destination to the server 2 . The configuration of the navigation device 1 will be described in detail below.

The navigation device 1 includes a navigation section 10, a display 11, an audio output section 12, a log information acquisition section 20, a control section 30, a storage section 40, and a transmitting/receiving section 50.

When a destination is set by a user, the navigation unit 10 executes navigation to guide a route. In order to perform navigation, the navigation unit 10 searches for a route from a departure point to a destination. The navigation unit 10 causes the display 11 to display a map showing the route obtained through the route search. The navigation unit 10 also causes the display 11 to display a map showing the current location of the vehicle. This current position is specified by map matching processing. The map matching process will be described later. Furthermore, the navigation section 10 causes the audio output section 12 to output a guidance voice that guides the route.

The log information acquisition unit 20 acquires log information representing the movement history of the automobile in which the navigation device 1 is mounted. Hereinafter, this information will also be simply referred to as "log information." The log information acquisition section 20 includes a sensor section 21 and a map matching section 22.

The sensor section 21 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The log information acquisition unit 20 acquires position information representing the current position of the vehicle in which the navigation device 1 is mounted, based on a signal from the GPS sensor. Hereinafter, this position information will also be simply referred to as "position information." The log information acquisition unit 20 also acquires time information representing the time when position information was acquired based on the signal from the GPS sensor. Hereinafter, this information will also be simply referred to as "time information."

In this embodiment, the location information is latitude information and longitude information. Note that the location information is not limited to latitude information and longitude information, and may be other information. Further, the position information may further include at least one of altitude information representing altitude, altitude information representing altitude, and sea level information representing sea level. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time information also includes information representing the year, month, and day when the position information was acquired, as shown in FIG. The information indicating the year, for example, represents the Western calendar using the last two digits. The log information acquisition unit 20 sends the acquired position information to the map matching unit 22.

The log information acquisition unit 20 also acquires vehicle speed information representing the vehicle speed of the vehicle in which the navigation device 1 is mounted, based on a signal from the vehicle speed sensor. Hereinafter, this information will also be simply referred to as "vehicle speed information."

Note that in this embodiment, the sensor section 21 may be configured without at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. Alternatively, the sensor section 21 may be configured to further include sensors other than the sensors described above.

The map matching unit 22 performs map matching processing based on the position information. The map matching process is a process for identifying the current position of the vehicle on the map displayed on the display 11. This process uses map information that includes information on actually existing roads. The road information included in this map information is represented by a combination of nodes and links. A node is set at an intersection, the end of a road, or the like. A link is set for each road that connects adjacent nodes. A link ID (identification) is associated with each link. This map information may include, for each link, information representing the shape of the road, the latitude and longitude of the road, the curvature of the road, the slope of the road, the direction of the road, the direction of travel on the road, and the like. Further, the map information may also include information regarding the type of road such as an expressway or a general road. This map information is stored in the memory 41 included in the storage unit 40.

The map matching unit 22 superimposes the position of the vehicle represented by latitude information and longitude information on map information, and finds a link corresponding to the superimposed position. This specifies the current location of the vehicle on the map. The map matching unit 22 also obtains link ID information corresponding to the obtained link. The map matching unit 22 also acquires link orientation information representing the traveling direction of the vehicle based on information on the traffic direction of the road corresponding to the link. The map matching unit 22 also acquires azimuth change amount information representing the amount of rotation angle of the vehicle based on the signal from the gyro sensor and the azimuth information of the road corresponding to the link. Furthermore, the map matching unit 22 acquires slope information representing the slope angle of the vehicle based on the signal from the acceleration sensor and the slope information of the road corresponding to the link.

The log information acquisition unit 20 acquires command ID (identification) information unique to each navigation device 1. As described above, the log information acquisition unit 20 acquires log information including command ID information, position information, time information, vehicle speed information, link ID information, link azimuth information, azimuth change amount information, and slope angle information. The log information acquisition unit 20 acquires log information at regular time intervals. Note that the fixed time interval is, for example, every second.

Note that the log information does not need to include at least one of command ID information, link ID information, link azimuth information, azimuth change amount information, and slope angle information. Alternatively, the log information may further include information other than the above information. For example, the log information may include information regarding the user's operation history of the vehicle.

The storage unit 40 is configured as an arbitrary storage device such as a flash memory, and stores various information. The storage unit 40 includes a memory 41, a first buffer 42, and a second buffer 43. The memory 41 stores various programs executed by the navigation device 1. The memory 41 also stores the above map information necessary for map matching processing by the map matching section 22 and navigation by the navigation section 10.

The first buffer 42 stores log information in chronological order. The second buffer 43 stores the log information sent from the first buffer 42. In this embodiment, the first buffer 42 is a volatile memory that cannot hold information unless power is supplied. Further, the second buffer 43 is a nonvolatile memory that can hold information without supplying power. Therefore, the first buffer 42 is reset when the ACC (Accessory) power source of the vehicle is switched off. That is, the first buffer 42 automatically deletes the stored log information when the ACC power is turned off. On the other hand, the stored log information in the second buffer 43 is not deleted even when the ACC power is turned off. The second buffer 43 stores log information sent to the server 2. Therefore, since the second buffer 43 is a nonvolatile memory, the log information stored in the second buffer 43 can be transmitted to the server 2 even if power is not supplied to the second buffer 43.

The control unit 30 includes an execution unit 31, a storage control unit 32, and a transmission control unit 33.

The execution unit 31 detects whether the ACC power source of the vehicle is turned on or off. Then, the execution unit 31 executes an acquisition mode for acquiring log information. Specifically, when the execution unit 31 detects that the ACC power is turned on, it transmits a signal indicating that the ACC power has been turned on to the log information acquisition unit 20. Upon receiving this signal, the log information acquisition unit 20 starts acquiring log information. This starts acquisition mode. Furthermore, when the execution unit 31 detects that the ACC power supply is turned off, it transmits a signal indicating that the ACC power supply has been switched off to the log information acquisition unit 20. Upon receiving this signal, the log information acquisition unit 20 stops acquiring log information. This stops the acquisition mode. Therefore, the navigation device 1 executes the acquisition mode and acquires log information even in a situation where the navigation unit 10 is not performing navigation. Note that the navigation device 1 may be configured to execute the acquisition mode only when navigation is being performed.

Further, when the execution unit 31 detects that the ACC power supply is turned off, it transmits a signal indicating that the ACC power supply has been switched off to the transmission control unit 33. The transmission control section 33 controls the transmission and reception section 50. When the transmission control unit 33 receives a signal indicating that the ACC power source has been switched off, the transmission control unit 33 causes the transmission and reception unit 50 to transmit the log information stored in the second buffer 43 to the server 2. That is, the transmission control unit 33 causes the transmission/reception unit 50 to transmit the log information stored in the second buffer 43 to the server 2 at the timing when the execution mode is stopped.

The transmitting/receiving unit 50 is communicably connected to the server 2. The transmitter/receiver 50 functions as a transmitter that transmits information to the server 2. Further, the transmitting/receiving unit 50 functions as a receiving unit that receives information transmitted from the server 2. In this embodiment, the transmitter/receiver 50 is a TCU (telecommunication control unit). Note that the device to which the transmitter/receiver 50 is communicably connected is not limited to the server 2. The transmitting/receiving unit 50 may have any configuration as long as it can transmit information to any device capable of collecting information. Further, the transmitting/receiving section 50 may be an input/output section such as a UBS (Universal Serial Bus) terminal into which information can be transferred by inserting a UBS (Universal Serial Bus) memory or the like.

Note that the execution unit 31 may be configured to start the acquisition mode when the engine of the automobile is turned on. Alternatively, the execution unit 31 may be configured to start the acquisition mode when a certain button for starting the acquisition mode is pressed. Further, the execution unit 31 may be configured to stop the acquisition mode when the engine of the automobile is stopped. Alternatively, the execution unit 31 may be configured to stop the acquisition mode when a certain button for stopping the acquisition mode is pressed.

The storage control unit 32 controls the first buffer 42 and the second buffer 43, respectively. Further, when the log information acquisition unit 20 acquires the log information, the storage control unit 32 calculates the elapsed amount based on the departure point of the car based on the log information. Then, the storage control unit 32 determines whether the elapsed amount exceeds a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the storage control unit 32 calculates the distance traveled by the vehicle after the ACC power source is turned on as the elapsed amount. Hereinafter, this mileage will also be referred to as "cumulative mileage." In this embodiment, the cumulative travel distance is determined based on vehicle speed information. By determining the cumulative travel distance based on the vehicle speed information, the cumulative travel distance can be determined accurately even when the vehicle travels on a curved road, for example. Note that the cumulative mileage may be calculated based on other information such as position information.

The storage control unit 32 determines whether the cumulative mileage exceeds a predetermined value. Hereinafter, this predetermined value will also be referred to as a "first threshold". In this embodiment, the first threshold is 5 kilometers. Note that the first threshold may be set to a value larger or smaller than this. The storage control unit 32 also determines whether the location information included in the log information is the same as the location information included in the log information acquired last time by the log information acquisition unit 20. This determination is made for log information for which it has been determined that the cumulative mileage exceeds the first threshold. The storage control unit 32 causes the first buffer 42 to store log information whose position information is determined to be not the same as the previously acquired position information.

The log information acquired when the cumulative mileage exceeds the first threshold is log information acquired at a location where the vehicle has traveled more than 5 kilometers from the starting point. On the other hand, log information acquired when the cumulative travel distance is less than or equal to the first threshold is log information acquired at a location within 5 kilometers from the starting point. The place of departure is likely to include personal information such as the location of the user's home. Further, there is a high possibility that the area around the departure point includes information that allows identification of personal information, such as the location of the user's home, for example. Therefore, log information acquired when the cumulative mileage is less than or equal to the first threshold is information that is not transmitted to the server 2.

Furthermore, log information whose location information is not determined to be the same as the previously acquired location information is log information that was acquired while the car was moving. On the other hand, log information whose location information is determined to be the same as the previously acquired location information is log information that was acquired while the car was stopped. The log information acquired while the car is stopped has duplicate position information, link ID information, etc., and is information that does not need to be sent to the server 2.

In this embodiment, the log information is determined whether the cumulative mileage exceeds the first threshold and then whether the position information is the same or not, but the order of determination may be reversed. . Furthermore, the storage control unit 32 may be configured not to determine whether or not the location information of the log information is the same as the previously acquired location information.

When the number of log information stored in the first buffer 42 exceeds a predetermined number, the storage control unit 32 causes the second buffer 43 to store the excess log information exceeding the predetermined number in order of newest time information. Specifically, when log information whose cumulative mileage exceeds a predetermined threshold is stored in the first buffer 42, the storage control unit 32 stores the log information in the first buffer 42, and thereafter, each time new log information is stored in the first buffer 42. Among the log information stored in the first buffer 42, log information with the oldest time information is stored in the second buffer 43. Hereinafter, this threshold value will also be referred to as a second threshold value. The second threshold value may be a value larger than the first threshold value. In this embodiment, the second threshold is twice the value of the first threshold, ie 10 kilometers. After storing the log information with the oldest time information in the second buffer 43, the storage control unit 32 deletes the log information with the oldest time information from the first buffer 42.

FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing the process of storing log information in the first buffer 42 and the process of deleting log information from the first buffer 42. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the storage control unit 32 causes the first buffer 42 to sequentially store log information for which it is determined that the location information is not the same. Thereafter, the storage control unit 32 enters a state in which a predetermined number of log information is stored in one buffer 42, as shown in FIG. 2(c). As shown in FIG. 2(c), when the log information 32a whose cumulative mileage exceeds the second threshold is stored in the first buffer 42, the storage control unit 32 Among the log information, the log information 32b with the oldest acquisition time is transmitted to the second buffer 43. Thereafter, the storage control unit 32 deletes the log information 32b with the oldest acquisition time from the first buffer 42, as shown in FIG. 2(d).

In this way, the storage control unit 32 causes the first buffer 42 to temporarily hold log information whose cumulative mileage does not exceed the second threshold, and stores log information whose cumulative mileage exceeds the second threshold in the second buffer. 43. In other words, the storage control unit 32 causes the first buffer 42 to temporarily hold a predetermined number of log information whose cumulative mileage does not exceed the second threshold, and stores the excess log information that exceeds the predetermined number in the second buffer. It is stored in the buffer 43.

In this embodiment, the upper limit number of log information temporarily held in the first buffer 42 is not fixed but varies. For example, when a car moves at a high speed, the cumulative travel distance exceeds 10 kilometers even if the number of log information is relatively small. On the other hand, when the moving speed of the car is low, more log information is required until the cumulative travel distance exceeds 10 kilometers than when the moving speed of the car is high.

Note that the method for storing excess log information in the second buffer 43 is not limited to the above method. For example, the storage control unit 32 calculates the difference between the cumulative mileage of the log information whose time information is the latest and the cumulative mileage of the log information whose time information is the oldest among the log information stored in the first buffer 42. Any configuration may be used. In this case, if the storage control unit 32 determines that the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, it causes the second buffer 43 to store log information with the oldest time information. The predetermined threshold value in this configuration may be a value larger than the first threshold value, for example, 5 kilometers.

The storage control unit 32 deletes the log information stored in the first buffer 42 and the log information stored in the second buffer 43 at a predetermined timing. As described above, when the excess log information 32b is sent to the second buffer 43, the storage control unit 32 deletes the log information 32b from the first buffer 42. By deleting the log information 32b sent to the second buffer 43 from the first buffer 42 in this way, the capacity used of the first buffer 42 can be suppressed. Further, the storage control unit 32 resets the second buffer 43 when the ACC power is turned off and the log information 32b is transmitted from the second buffer 43 to the server 2. That is, the storage control unit 32 deletes the log information 32b sent to the server 2 from the second buffer 43.

The timing at which the ACC power supply is switched off is estimated to be the timing at which the vehicle arrives at its destination. The destination is likely to include personal information, such as the location of the user's workplace. Further, the vicinity of the destination is likely to include information that allows identification of personal information such as the location of the user's place of work. The log information temporarily held in the first buffer 42 is log information acquired at and around the destination. This log information is deleted within the navigation device 1 and is not sent to the server 2. Therefore, the navigation device 1 can prevent log information acquired at the destination and its surroundings from being automatically transmitted to the server 2 even if the destination is not set in advance by the user.

Note that the functions of the navigation section 10, control section 30, etc. described above are realized by software or the like. Software and the like are written as programs and stored in the memory 41. A CPU (not shown) reads and executes programs stored in the memory 41 to implement the functions of the navigation section 10, the control section 30, and the like.

The information collection and provision system 100 including the navigation device 1 as described above has an information collection function, an information storage function, an information AI analysis function, and a user management function. The information collection function is a function that uses the navigation device 1 to collect log information including the movement history, operation history, etc. of the automobile. The information storage function is a function that stores log information acquired by the navigation device 1 in the server 2. The information AI analysis function is a function that analyzes log information accumulated in the server 2 and converts it into information that can be used for various services. The user management function is a function to manage users who can use each of the above functions and the above services. Further, the user management function is a function to manage a group of users who use the above-mentioned services.

Examples of the above-mentioned services include services that provide traffic information to users. Further, the above-mentioned services include a service that proposes an optimal route to the user. When providing this route proposal service, the information collection and provision system 100 first uses the information AI analysis function to determine the user's driving level based on log information. The information collection and provision system 100 then proposes an optimal route to the user according to the determined driving level. The optimal route for the user is, for example, a route for experienced drivers that follows back roads, a route for beginner drivers that takes roads with little traffic, and the like.

Furthermore, the information collection and provision system 100 can suggest a route with good fuel efficiency to the user by using information such as the slope angle of the road. The information collection and provision system 100 may also use information on road curvature, etc. to make the user aware of blind spots on curved roads, and provide information to support safe driving. In addition to these, the log information sent to the server 2 can be used for various purposes as big data.

When using the above service, the navigation device 1 receives information transmitted from the server 2 using the transmitting/receiving section 50.

Hereinafter, the processing of the navigation device 1 of this embodiment will be specifically explained. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing log information transmission processing in the navigation device 1 of this embodiment. This flowchart starts when the execution unit 31 detects that the ACC power source of the vehicle has been turned on.

In step S1, the log information acquisition unit 20 acquires log information.

In step S2, the storage control unit 32 calculates the cumulative mileage based on the log information acquired by the log information acquisition unit 20 in step S1.

In step S3, the storage control unit 32 determines whether the cumulative mileage determined in step S2 exceeds a first threshold. If it is determined that the cumulative mileage exceeds the first threshold, the process advances to step S4. If it is not determined that the cumulative mileage exceeds the first threshold, the process advances to step S9.

In step S4, the storage control unit 32 determines whether the location information included in the log information acquired by the log information acquisition unit 20 in step S1 is the same as the location information included in the log information acquired last time. . If it is determined that the position information is the same as the previously acquired position information, the process advances to step S9. If it is not determined that the position information is the same as the previously acquired position information, the process advances to step S5.

In step S5, the storage control unit 32 causes the first buffer 42 to store the log information acquired by the log information acquisition unit 20 in step S1.

In step S6, the storage control unit 32 determines whether the cumulative mileage determined in step S2 exceeds a second threshold. If it is determined that the cumulative mileage exceeds the second threshold, the process advances to step S7. If it is not determined that the cumulative mileage exceeds the second threshold, the process advances to step S9.

In step S7, the storage control unit 32 causes the second buffer 43 to store the log information 32b having the oldest time information among the log information stored in the first buffer 42. This log information 32b corresponds to excess log information 32b that exceeds a predetermined number.

In step S8, the storage control unit 32 deletes the log information 32b stored in the second buffer 43 in step S7 from the first buffer 42.

In step S9, the transmission control unit 33 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the ACC power supply has been switched OFF has been input from the execution unit 31. If it is determined that the signal has been input, the process advances to step S10.
If it is not determined that the signal has been input, the process returns to step S1.

In step S10, the first buffer 42 is reset. This is because the ACC power supply was switched off and the power supply to the first buffer 42 was stopped. As a result, all log information stored in the first buffer 42 is deleted.

In step S11, the transmission control unit 33 causes the transmission and reception unit 50 to transmit all the log information 32b stored in the second buffer 43 to the server 2.

In step S12, the storage control unit 32 resets the second buffer 43. That is, the storage control unit 32 deletes all the log information 32b stored in the second buffer 43. When this process ends, the navigation device 1 ends this process.

As described above, the navigation device 1 of this embodiment includes the log information acquisition section 20, the first buffer 42, the transmission/reception section 50, and the transmission control section 33. The log information acquisition unit 20 acquires log information including vehicle location information and time information at which the location information was acquired at predetermined time intervals. The first buffer 42 stores log information in chronological order. The transmitter/receiver 50 is communicably connected to the server 2, which is an external device located outside the vehicle, and transmits the log information 32b to the server 2. The transmitter/receiver 50 corresponds to a transmitter. If the first buffer 42 stores more than a predetermined number of log information acquired when the amount of elapsed time based on the departure point of the automobile exceeds a predetermined value, the transmission control unit 33 determines that the time information is new. The excess log information 32b exceeding a predetermined number is sequentially transmitted from the transmitting/receiving unit 50 to the server 2.

Therefore, the navigation device 1 of the present embodiment sends to the server 2 log information acquired when the amount of elapsed time with respect to the departure point does not exceed a predetermined value, that is, log information acquired at the departure point and its surroundings. You can prevent it from being sent. Furthermore, the navigation device 1 can prevent log information that does not exceed a predetermined number in descending order of time information, that is, log information acquired at the destination and its surroundings, to the server 2. Therefore, the navigation device 1 of this embodiment can automatically determine the log information acquired at the destination and its surroundings even in a situation where the destination is not set by the user, and can prevent the log information from being sent to the server 2. can. As a result, the navigation device 1 can relatively easily collect log information on the server 2 while sufficiently protecting personal information.

The navigation device 1 also calculates the mileage of the vehicle from the starting point based on the log information, and selects the log information in which the accumulated mileage exceeds a first threshold value when the amount of elapsed time exceeds a predetermined value. The storage controller 32 further includes a storage controller 32 that stores log information acquired in the first buffer 42 as log information. Therefore, even if the car remains at the departure point or its vicinity for a long time while the acquisition mode is being executed, for example, log information about the departure point and its vicinity can be prevented from being transmitted to the server 2.

In addition, in the navigation device 1, the storage control unit 32 causes the first buffer 42 to store log information including position information different from the position information acquired last time by the log information acquisition unit 20, so that the storage control unit 32 reduces the usage capacity of the first buffer 42. In addition, it is possible to prevent unnecessary data such as location information from being sent to the server 2.

Furthermore, the navigation device 1 is configured to include a volatile first buffer 42 in which log information is deleted when the ACC power source of the vehicle is switched off. Therefore, the navigation device 1 can relatively easily delete the log information acquired at the destination and its surroundings within the navigation device 1, and the log information acquired at the destination and its surroundings can be sent to the server 2. can be prevented.

Further, in the navigation device 1, the transmission control unit 33 causes two or more pieces of log information to be collectively transmitted to the server 2 at the timing when the ACC power source of the vehicle is switched off. Therefore, the navigation device 1 can reduce the load on the server 2 caused by frequently receiving the log information 32b, and can also transmit the log information 32b whose time information is new to a certain extent to the server 2.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an information collection and provision system 200 having a navigation device 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The information collection and provision system 200 includes two or more navigation devices 201 and a server 2, which correspond to information processing devices. The navigation device 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment in the method of specifying the elapsed amount.

The navigation device 201 of this embodiment includes a navigation section 10, a display 11, an audio output section 12, a log information acquisition section 20, a control section 230, a storage section 40, and a transmitting/receiving section 50. In the navigation device 201 of this embodiment, the configuration of the control unit 230 is different from the configuration of the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment. The configuration other than this is the same as the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given and the explanation will be omitted.

The control unit 230 includes an execution unit 31, a storage control unit 232, and a transmission control unit 33. The configuration of the control unit 230 in this embodiment differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in the configuration of the storage control unit 232.

In this embodiment, the storage control unit 232 determines the elapsed time since the ACC power source of the vehicle was turned on as the elapsed amount based on the log information. Hereinafter, this elapsed time will also be referred to as cumulative elapsed time. This cumulative elapsed time can also be said to be the elapsed time since the log information acquisition unit 20 started acquiring log information. The cumulative elapsed time is calculated based on time information included in the log information.

In this embodiment, the storage control unit 232 determines whether the cumulative elapsed time exceeds a predetermined value. Hereinafter, this predetermined value will be referred to as a first threshold value. That is, the storage control unit 232 determines whether the cumulative elapsed time exceeds the first threshold. In this embodiment, the first threshold is 15 minutes. Note that the first threshold value may be set to a value larger or smaller than this time. Further, the value of the first threshold value may vary depending on the season or the like. For example, in summer and winter, the first threshold value may be set to a larger value than in spring and autumn, taking into consideration the time the user takes to adjust the temperature inside the car by air conditioning or heating before departure.

The storage control unit 232 causes the first buffer 42 to store log information acquired when the cumulative elapsed time exceeds the first threshold. The log information acquired when the cumulative elapsed time exceeds the first threshold is the log information acquired when more than 15 minutes have passed since the ACC power source of the automobile was switched on. On the other hand, log information acquired when the cumulative elapsed time is less than or equal to the first threshold is log information acquired within 15 minutes after the ACC power source of the vehicle was switched on. This log information is log information obtained at and around the departure point, and is likely to include personal information or information that can identify personal information.

When the number of log information stored in the first buffer 42 exceeds a predetermined number, the storage control unit 232 causes the second buffer 43 to store the excess log information exceeding the predetermined number in order of newest time information. Specifically, when log information whose cumulative elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold is stored in the first buffer 42, the storage control unit 232 stores the log information in the first buffer 42, and thereafter, every time new log information is stored in the first buffer 42. Among the log information stored in the first buffer 42, log information with the oldest time information is stored in the second buffer 43. Hereinafter, this threshold value will also be referred to as a second threshold value. The second threshold value may be a value larger than the first threshold value. In this embodiment, the second threshold is twice the value of the first threshold. Specifically, the second threshold is 30 minutes. After storing the log information with the oldest time information in the second buffer 43, the storage control unit 232 deletes the log information with the oldest time information from the first buffer 42.

The processing of the navigation device 201 of this embodiment will be specifically described below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing log information transmission processing in the navigation device 201 of this embodiment. This flowchart starts when the ACC power of the vehicle is turned on.

The process in step S201 is similar to the process in step S1 performed in the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment.

In step S202, the storage control unit 232 calculates the cumulative elapsed time based on the log information acquired by the log information acquisition unit 20 in step S201.

In step S203, the storage control unit 232 determines whether the cumulative elapsed time obtained in step S202 exceeds a first threshold. If it is determined that the cumulative elapsed time exceeds the first threshold, the process advances to step S204. If it is not determined that the cumulative elapsed time exceeds the first threshold, the process advances to step S209.

The processing in steps S204 to S205 is similar to the processing in steps S4 to S5 performed in the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment.

In step S206, the storage control unit 232 determines whether the cumulative elapsed time obtained in step S202 exceeds a second threshold. If it is determined that the cumulative elapsed time exceeds the second threshold, the process advances to step S207. If it is not determined that the cumulative elapsed time exceeds the second threshold, the process advances to step S209.

The processing in steps S207 to S212 is similar to the processing in steps S7 to S12 performed in the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment. When these processes are completed, the navigation device 201 ends the log information transmission process.

In this way, the navigation device 201 of this embodiment calculates the elapsed time since the log information acquisition unit 20 started acquiring log information based on the log information, and calculates the log information whose cumulative elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold. The vehicle further includes a storage control unit 232 that causes the first buffer 42 to store this as log information acquired at a position beyond a predetermined range around the starting point of the vehicle. Therefore, in the navigation device 201, since the upper limit of the number of log information to be stored in the first buffer 42 is determined in advance, the design of the first buffer 42 and the like can be easily made.

<Third embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an information acquisition system 300 having a navigation device 301 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The information collection and provision system 300 includes two or more navigation devices 301 and a server 2, which correspond to information processing devices. The navigation device 301 of this embodiment differs from the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment in that it transmits the excess log information 32b to the server 2 every time the excess log information 32b is generated.

The navigation device 301 of this embodiment includes a navigation section 10, a display 11, an audio output section 12, a log information acquisition section 20, a control section 330, a storage section 340, and a transmitting/receiving section 50. In the navigation device 301 of this embodiment, the configurations of a control unit 330 and a storage unit 340 are different from those of the first embodiment. The configuration other than this is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given and the explanation will be omitted.

The storage unit 340 includes a memory 41 and a buffer 342. The memory 41 has the same configuration as the memory 41 included in the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment. The buffer 342 has the same configuration as the first buffer 42 included in the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment.

The control unit 330 includes an execution unit 31, a storage control unit 332, and a transmission control unit 333. In the control unit 330 in this embodiment, the configurations of a storage control unit 332 and a transmission control unit 333 are different from those in the first embodiment.

The storage control unit 332 stores, in the buffer 342, log information that includes location information different from location information included in the previously acquired log information, among the log information determined to have a cumulative mileage exceeding the first threshold. The storage control unit 332 also determines whether the cumulative mileage exceeds a second threshold value for the log information stored in the buffer 342. The first threshold value and the second threshold value in this embodiment are the same as the first threshold value and the second threshold value in the first embodiment.

When the log information 32a whose cumulative mileage is determined to exceed the second threshold is stored in the buffer 342, the transmission control unit 333 transmits time information from among the log information stored in the buffer 342. The oldest log information 32b is transmitted from the transmitter/receiver 50 to the server 2. This transmission process to the server 2 is performed every time new log information is stored in the buffer 342 from now on. That is, the transmission control unit 333 transmits the excess log information 32b exceeding a predetermined number to the server 2 at any time in order of newest time information.

The storage control unit 332 deletes the log information 32b sent to the server 2 from the buffer 342.

The processing of the navigation device 301 of this embodiment will be specifically described below. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing log information transmission processing in the navigation device 301 of this embodiment. This flowchart starts when the ACC power source of the vehicle is turned on.

The processing in steps S301 to S304 is similar to the processing in steps S1 to S4 performed in the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment.

In step S305, the storage control unit 32 causes the buffer 342 to store the log information acquired by the log information acquisition unit 20 in step S301.

The process in step S306 is similar to the process in step S6 performed in the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment.

In step S307, the transmission control unit 333 causes the transmission and reception unit 50 to transmit the log information 32b having the oldest time information among the log information stored in the buffer 342 to the server 2.

In step S308, the storage control unit 32 causes the buffer 342 to delete the log information 32b having the oldest time information, which was sent to the server 2 in step S307.

The process in step S309 is similar to the process in step S9 performed in the navigation device 1 of the first embodiment.

In step S310, buffer 342 is reset. This is because the ACC power supply was switched off and the power supply to the buffer 342 was stopped. As a result, all log information stored in the buffer 342 is deleted. When this process ends, the navigation device 301 ends the log information transmission process.

In this way, the transmission control unit 333 causes the server 2 to transmit the excess log information 32b every time the excess log information 32b is generated. Therefore, the navigation device 301 can transmit the log information 32b to the server 2 in real time. The log information 32b collected in the server 2 in real time can be suitably used, for example, as traffic information.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the device configuration, control method, etc. are not limited to the embodiments described above.

For example, in the first to third embodiments, the first buffer 42 and the buffer 342 are volatile memories, but the configuration is not limited to this. First buffer 42 and buffer 342 may be non-volatile memories. In this configuration, the storage control units 32 and 332 are configured to delete all log information from the first buffer 42 when the ACC power source of the vehicle is switched off.

Further, in the first embodiment, even after log information whose cumulative mileage exceeds the second threshold is stored in the first buffer 42, the first threshold and the second threshold are applied to newly acquired log information. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, after log information whose cumulative mileage exceeds the second threshold is stored in the first buffer 42, it is configured not to determine whether the newly acquired log information exceeds the first threshold. There may be. Alternatively, after the log information whose cumulative mileage exceeds the second threshold is stored in the first buffer 42, it is not determined whether the newly acquired log information exceeds the second threshold. There may be.

Further, in the first embodiment, the cumulative travel distance is used as the elapsed amount, and in the second embodiment, the cumulative elapsed time is used as the elapsed amount, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the cumulative travel distance and the cumulative elapsed time may be used as the elapsed amount. In this case, for example, if the starting point is an ordinary road, the cumulative travel distance is used, and if the starting point is an expressway, the cumulative elapsed time is used. Furthermore, since there is a low possibility that a place such as a user's home that can be used as personal information exists on an expressway, the first threshold value is set to a relatively small value when using the cumulative elapsed time. As a result, log information can be stored in the storage unit 40, 340 in a short time after the car departs, and more log information can be sent to the server 2.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, out of the log information, log information whose elapsed amount exceeds the first threshold value is stored in the storage unit 40, 340, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that log information whose elapsed amount does not exceed the first threshold value is also stored in the storage unit 40,340. In this configuration, processing or control is implemented to prevent log information whose elapsed amount does not exceed the first threshold from being sent to the server 2.

Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the excess log information 32b is transmitted to the second buffer 43, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the second buffer 43 is not provided and the excess log information 32b is accumulated in the first buffer 42. In this case, when the ACC power of the vehicle is switched off, the excess log information 32b is transmitted from the first buffer 42 to the server 2.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, log information is deleted from the storage units 40, 340 by the storage control units 32, 332 at predetermined timings, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the log information is converted to some other data that cannot be sent to the server 2. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the log information is overwritten by newly acquired log information.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the moving object is a car, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, the moving object may be a motorcycle, a bicycle, a wheelchair, a ship, an aircraft, a drone, or the like. Further, the moving object may be a person.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the information processing device is the navigation device 1, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the mobile terminal may be attached to the motorcycle, and the mobile terminal may acquire log information of the motorcycle. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a person holds a mobile terminal and this mobile terminal acquires log information regarding the movement of the person.

Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the navigation device 1, 201, 301 determines the log information obtained when the elapsed amount with respect to the departure point of the automobile exceeds a predetermined value based on the elapsed amount. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the distance from the departure point is determined based on the location information of the car, and the log information obtained when the distance exceeds a predetermined value is used as the log information obtained when the elapsed amount exceeds the predetermined value. You may judge.

Other configurations can also be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations of the above embodiments and modified examples may be combined.

1,201,301 Navigation device 2 Server 20 Log information acquisition unit 33,233 Storage control unit 34,234 Transmission control unit 34b Excess log information 42 First buffer 50 Transmission/reception unit 342 Buffer

Claims (2)

a storage unit that stores log information that is acquired at predetermined time intervals and includes position information and time information of a moving object;
a transmitter /receiver unit that communicates with an external device outside the mobile body;
It is equipped with a control section,
The storage unit includes a volatile first buffer and a nonvolatile second buffer,
The control unit includes:
The log information acquired when the distance traveled since the ACC power of the mobile object was turned on exceeds a predetermined value is stored in the first buffer, and the log information is stored in the first buffer. Among the information, older log information exceeding a predetermined number in the order from the newest to the oldest time information is stored in the second buffer, and when the ACC power is switched off, the log information is stored in the first buffer. The log information stored in the second buffer is transmitted to the external device via the transmitting/receiving unit, and after transmission, the log information is deleted from the second buffer. ,
An information processing device characterized by: a storage unit that stores log information including a volatile first buffer and a non-volatile second buffer, acquired at predetermined time intervals, and including position information and time information of a mobile body; A program that causes a computer equipped with a transmitting/receiving unit that communicates with an external device located in the computer and a control unit to execute log information transmitting processing,
The log information transmission process includes:
storing the log information acquired when the travel distance of the mobile body since the ACC power was turned on exceeds a predetermined value in the first buffer;
Among the log information stored in the first buffer, older log information exceeding a predetermined number in the order from the newest to the oldest time information is stored in the second buffer;
When the ACC power is switched off, the log information stored in the first buffer is deleted, and the log information stored in the second buffer is transmitted to the external device via the transmitting/receiving unit. and, after sending, deleting the log information from the second buffer;
A program characterized by:

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