JP2007040711A - Vehicle-mounted apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an vehicle-mounted apparatus capable of supporting each vehicle constituting a group as well as surely arriving at destination, without needing complicated operations. <P>SOLUTION: By the vehicle-mounted apparatus, if the remaining fuel of own vehicle is insufficient to travel to the destination, the vehicle transmits to other vehicles of the group asking help information. As a result of transmitting the asking help information, receives rescue information, including the position of help spot where it can be helped by other vehicles, the route to the spot to be helped by the other vehicle is set, and own vehicle is guided. Thereby, even when the amount of the remaining fuel of own vehicle is insufficient for arriving at the original destination, it can surely arrive at the original destination by receiving assistance from the other vehicles. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device that supports each vehicle constituting a group to reliably reach a destination without depending on the fuel remaining amount of each vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an in-vehicle device called a car navigation device that sets a route from a current position of a vehicle to a destination and performs route guidance to the destination is known. In recent years, various techniques for expanding functions that can be executed by an in-vehicle device having such a route guidance function have been proposed. For example, a plurality of vehicles constituting one group join at one joining point. There has been proposed a technique for setting an optimal merging point for these vehicles when performing group traveling and guiding each vehicle to the merging point.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-88591 (Patent Document 1) acquires position data of the own vehicle and other vehicles, calculates a merging point based on the position data of the own vehicle and other vehicles, A vehicle navigation device (on-vehicle device) that sets a point as destination data of a host vehicle and supplies the destination data as destination data of another vehicle is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-294068 (Patent Document 2) obtains position information of other vehicles while traveling, and from the position information of other vehicles and the position information of the own vehicle, a planned joining point of these vehicles. , Search for the recommended route of each vehicle to the planned junction point, and calculate the recommended travel speed to the planned junction point. A vehicle information communication device (on-vehicle device) for notification is disclosed.
JP 2000-88591 A JP 2004-294068 A

  However, the joining point or the scheduled joining point set by the in-vehicle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 does not consider the remaining fuel amount or fuel consumption of each vehicle. There was a problem that there was a vehicle that could not reach.

  In particular, as one of the measures for avoiding future energy resource depletion problems (such as oil crisis), there is a demand for energy saving of vehicles, and as a result, the size of vehicles tends to be further reduced. When the vehicle is downsized, the capacity of the fuel tank of the vehicle is inevitably reduced. Therefore, as in the in-vehicle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the position information of the own vehicle and other vehicles is simply used. When the junction point is set according to the situation, the concern that the vehicle cannot reach the set junction point is increased.

  Here, if the planned junction point cannot be reached due to a shortage of remaining fuel, for example, if you are traveling in a group, ask members of the same group for help, and assist the members (fuel supply, traction, etc.) ) Can be used. In this case, it is necessary to communicate the vehicle position from the driver of the vehicle to receive assistance to the driver of the vehicle seeking assistance using a communication device such as a mobile phone. Has a problem that it is complicated and is likely to cause misidentification of the position.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and is an in-vehicle system that supports each vehicle constituting a group to reach the destination without any complicated work. The object is to provide a device.

  In order to achieve this object, the in-vehicle device according to claim 1 is acquired by a vehicle position acquisition unit that acquires a position of the vehicle, a destination input unit that inputs a destination, and the vehicle position acquisition unit. Route setting means for setting a route from the position of the subject vehicle to the destination inputted by the destination input means, fuel remaining amount detecting means for detecting the fuel remaining amount of the own vehicle, and the fuel remaining amount Arrival determination means for determining whether or not the destination input by the destination input means is reachable based on the fuel remaining amount detected by the detection means and the route set by the route setting means; Help information including the position of the host vehicle and the fuel remaining amount or the distance that the host vehicle can travel depending on the fuel remaining amount when it is determined by the means that it is impossible to reach the destination. To send to other vehicles And an information transmitting means.

  The in-vehicle device according to claim 2 is the in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the point receiving means for receiving a point from another vehicle that has transmitted the help information, and the point received by the point receiving means as a new destination And new destination setting means for setting.

  The in-vehicle device according to claim 3 is provided with reception determination means for determining whether or not a point has been received from another vehicle by the point reception means in the in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein the new destination setting means includes: A fuel supply station that is within a reachable range by the fuel remaining amount of the vehicle detected by the fuel remaining amount detecting means when it is determined by the reception determining means that no point has been received from another vehicle. Is set as a new destination.

  The in-vehicle device according to claim 4 is the in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the other vehicle position acquisition means for acquiring the position of the other vehicle and the other vehicle acquired by the other vehicle position acquisition means. A distance calculating means for calculating a distance between the position and the position of the own vehicle acquired by the own vehicle position acquiring means; and a plurality of other vehicle positions acquired by the other vehicle position acquiring means, Selection means for selecting another vehicle having the closest distance to the host vehicle based on the distance calculated by the distance calculation means, and the help information transmitting means sends the other vehicle selected by the selection means to the other vehicle. Send help information.

  The in-vehicle device according to claim 5 is a vehicle position acquisition unit that acquires a position of the vehicle, a fuel remaining amount detection unit that detects a fuel remaining amount of the vehicle, and the other vehicle transmitted from the other vehicle. Help information receiving means for receiving help information including the position and the fuel remaining amount of the other vehicle or the distance that the other vehicle can travel, the own vehicle position acquired by the own vehicle position acquiring means, and the remaining fuel amount detecting means Based on the detected remaining fuel amount and the help information received by the help information receiving means, an auxiliary point calculating means for calculating an auxiliary point of the other vehicle by the own vehicle, and an auxiliary calculated by the auxiliary point calculating means Auxiliary point transmission means for transmitting the point to the other vehicle.

  According to the in-vehicle device according to claim 1, when the destination is input to the destination input unit, first, the destination input to the destination input unit from the position of the host vehicle acquired by the host vehicle position acquisition unit. A route to the ground is set by the route setting means.

  When the route from the current position of the host vehicle to the destination is set in this way, the host vehicle determines the destination from the set route and the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle detected by the fuel remaining amount detecting means. It is determined by the arrival determination means whether or not it can be reached.

  Here, when the determination result by the arrival determination means indicates that the own vehicle cannot reach the destination input to the destination input means, (1) the own vehicle position Help information including the position of the host vehicle acquired by the acquiring unit and (2) the remaining fuel amount detected by the remaining fuel amount detecting unit or the distance that the host vehicle can travel based on the remaining fuel amount is help information transmitting unit. Is sent (transmitted and output) to other vehicles.

  That is, if the amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle is an amount that cannot reach the destination that was planned from the beginning, (1) the position of the vehicle and (2) the vehicle Help information including the remaining amount of fuel or the distance that the vehicle can travel according to the remaining amount of fuel is transmitted.

  Therefore, help information including (1) the position of the own vehicle and (2) the remaining amount of fuel of the own vehicle or the distance that the own vehicle can travel depending on the remaining amount of fuel is transmitted to the other vehicle. It is possible to receive assistance (for example, refueling or towing) by another vehicle that has received the information, and as a result, the vehicle can reach the originally scheduled destination that could not be reached due to fuel shortage at present. There is an effect that it can be reached.

  Also, if the vehicle cannot reach the originally scheduled destination due to fuel shortage, help information is automatically transmitted when it is determined by the arrival determination means. There is an effect that it is possible to easily reach the originally planned destination without carrying out complicated explanation work.

  According to the vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2, in addition to the effect produced by the vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1, when a point transmitted from another vehicle that has transmitted help information is received by the point receiving means, the received point is The new destination is set by the new destination setting means. Therefore, there is an effect that a point that becomes a new destination can be received from another vehicle. In addition, in claim 2, the “point” received from the other vehicle by the point receiving means is not only the point where the vehicle and the other vehicle of the point originator join for assistance, but also the own vehicle It also includes points in an area where it is possible to receive assistance such as fuel supply via radio from the other vehicle without directly joining the other vehicle of the transmission source.

  In addition, since the other vehicle that is the origin of the point received by the point receiving means is the help information transmission destination, based on the help information, the current state of the vehicle (position and fuel remaining amount, or position and travel) Knows the possible distance) and can send the best point to assist the vehicle. Therefore, it becomes possible for the own vehicle to set the optimum point for receiving assistance as a new destination, and as a result, the own vehicle can reach the originally planned destination.

  According to the in-vehicle device according to claim 3, in addition to the effect achieved by the in-vehicle device according to claim 2, when the reception determining means determines whether or not the point is received from another vehicle by the point receiving means, When it is determined that there is no reception of a point from the vehicle, a fuel supply station that is within the reachable range by the fuel remaining amount of the vehicle detected by the fuel remaining amount detecting means is the new destination setting means. Is set as a new destination.

  Therefore, when a point that should be a new destination cannot be obtained from another vehicle, a fuel supply station that is within a range that the vehicle can reach with the current fuel remaining amount is set as a new destination. Therefore, even if the amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle is an amount that cannot reach the originally planned destination, there is an effect that the vehicle can surely reach the originally planned destination. In addition, there is an effect that the driver can easily and surely reach the fuel supply station without requiring a complicated operation of searching for a fuel supply station within a reachable range with the current fuel remaining amount.

  According to the in-vehicle device according to claim 4, in addition to the effect produced by the in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the position of the other vehicle is acquired by the other vehicle position acquisition means, and the acquired other The distance between the vehicle position and the vehicle position is calculated by the distance calculation means. And when there are a plurality of other vehicles whose positions are acquired by the other vehicle position acquisition means, the distance from the own vehicle is determined from among the plurality of other vehicles based on the distance calculated by the distance calculation means. The nearest other vehicle is selected by the selection means. Then, help information is transmitted (transmitted and output) by the help information transmitting means to the selected other vehicle, that is, the other vehicle closest to the own vehicle.

  Therefore, help information is transmitted to the other vehicle with the closest distance to the own vehicle, so that it is possible to receive assistance from the other vehicle with the closest distance to the own vehicle. . In addition, since it is possible to receive assistance from another vehicle that is the closest to the vehicle, the time that elapses before the assistance of the vehicle starts after the help information is transmitted is as short as possible. Therefore, there is an effect that time waste can be suppressed, and as a result, for example, in a group traveling, a smooth group traveling can be performed.

  In addition, in claim 4, “the distance is closest” may be “the distance between the two points (the shortest distance) between the vehicle and the other vehicle is closest” or “the traffic based on the map data” It may be “closest on a travel route considering a rule (one-way street etc.)”. Moreover, not only “the closest positional distance” such as the distance between two points and the travel route as described above but also “the closest temporal distance” in consideration of traffic information (such as traffic jam information) may be used. .

  According to the in-vehicle device of the fifth aspect, the information transmitted from the other vehicle to the help information receiving means is (1) the position of the other vehicle and (2) the remaining fuel amount of the other vehicle or the traveling of the other vehicle. When the help information including the possible distance is received, the self information is obtained based on the help information, the position of the own vehicle acquired by the own vehicle position acquisition means, and the remaining fuel amount detected by the remaining fuel amount detection means. The auxiliary point of the other vehicle by the vehicle is calculated by the auxiliary point calculating means. Then, the auxiliary point calculated in this way is transmitted to the corresponding other vehicle by the auxiliary point transmission means.

  Therefore, when help information is received from another vehicle, it is optimal according to the current state of the other vehicle (position and fuel remaining amount, or position and travelable distance) and the current state of the vehicle (position and remaining fuel amount). There is an effect that it is possible to obtain a simple auxiliary point. As a result, for example, if your vehicle and another vehicle that is the source of help information are traveling in a group that aims at the same destination, your vehicle will send help information due to a shortage of remaining fuel. It is possible to assist the other vehicle, and thereby it is possible to perform smooth group traveling.

  In addition, in claim 5, the “auxiliary point” received from the other vehicle by the auxiliary point receiving means is not only the point where the own vehicle and the other vehicle of the point are joined for assistance, but also the own vehicle, It also includes points in an area where it is possible to receive assistance such as fuel supply via radio from the other vehicle without directly joining the other vehicle of the auxiliary point.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a group travel support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the group driving support system 1 can communicate with each other by wireless P2P (Peer to Peer) communication using the inter-vehicle communication device 130 (see FIG. 2), and can authenticate each other by ID. This is a system that functions in one group composed of vehicles C (four vehicles C in this embodiment).

  More specifically, in this group driving support system 1, a plurality of vehicles C (four vehicles C in the present embodiment) constituting one group are merged at designated merging points (hereinafter referred to as “this”). This is a system that functions when performing a group run that merges at a merge point at the initial planned merge point if necessary. The amount of remaining fuel cannot reach the originally planned merge point. The vehicle C that has been sent transmits help information including the position of the host vehicle C and the travelable distance calculated based on the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle C to one of the other vehicles C in the same group. ,Output.

  In the following description, the vehicle C that transmits help information is referred to as “help request vehicle Ch” and the other vehicle C corresponding to the help request vehicle Ch is referred to as “rescue vehicle Cr” as necessary. In FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience, each of the three rescue vehicles Cr is designated as rescue vehicles Cr1 to Cr3.

  When the help information is transmitted from the help request vehicle Ch as described above, in the rescue vehicle Cr (rescue vehicle Cr1 in FIG. 1) that received the help information, (1) its own position and (2) its own fuel The rescue vehicle Cr1 assists the help vehicle Ch based on the remaining amount, (3) the position of the help request vehicle Ch included in the help information, and (4) the travelable distance of the help request vehicle Ch. If it is determined that both the vehicle Ch and the rescue vehicle Cr1 are able to reach the originally planned meeting point, a new meeting point suitable for assistance (hereinafter referred to as “help” as needed). The rescue information including the position of the help point is transmitted to the help request vehicle Ch.

  Then, the help request vehicle Ch and the rescue vehicle Cr1 merge at the set help point, and the rescue vehicle Cr1 assists the help request vehicle Ch (for example, supply of fuel or traction), thereby help request vehicle Ch. And the rescue vehicle Cr1 are both made to reach the originally planned junction in the group to which the vehicles Ch and Cr belong.

  The group travel support system 1 is controlled by an in-vehicle device 100 (see FIG. 2) that is mounted on each vehicle C in the group and that has a car navigation function. In the group travel support system 1, specific control by the in-vehicle device 100 (see FIG. 2) will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows a two-wheeled vehicle for one person as the vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch and rescue vehicle Cr (Cr1 to Cr3)) constituting one group using the group driving support system 1. Here, the configuration of the vehicle C, which is a single-seat motorcycle, will be described. In FIG. 1, the four vehicles C show a state in which the driver P is seated on the seat 2 b. In addition, arrows UD, LR, and FB in FIG. 1 indicate the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 2, respectively.

  First, a schematic configuration of the vehicle C will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle C has a vehicle body 2 on which a driver P can ride and left and right wheels 4L, 4R provided on the vehicle body 2 (the wheels 4R appear as shadows of the vehicle body 2 and appear in FIG. An engine (not shown) that applies rotational driving force to the left and right wheels 4L, 4R, and a fuel tank (not shown) that stores liquid fuel (for example, gasoline) supplied to the engine (not shown). ) And mainly.

  Next, the detailed configuration of each part will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle body 2 mainly includes a housing portion 2a and a seat 2b. The casing 2a is a part that forms a skeleton of the vehicle body 2, and is configured in a substantially box-like body having an internal space. In the internal space, an engine, a fuel tank (both not shown), and the like are arranged. It is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a sheet 2b is disposed on the upper surface side of the housing 2a. The seat 2b is a part for the driver P to be seated while the vehicle C is traveling. The seat 2b mainly includes a seat surface portion 2b1 that supports the bottom of the driver P and a back surface portion 2b2 that supports the back of the driver P. It is configured to prepare for.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of armrest portions 2 c for supporting the upper arm portion of the driver P is provided on the left and right sides (the arrow L side and the arrow R side) of the seat 2 b. Moreover, the joystick apparatus 6 is attached to one side of the armrest part 2c. The driver P operates the joystick device 6 to instruct the traveling state of the vehicle 1 (for example, the traveling direction, the traveling speed, the turning direction, or the turning radius).

  The other armrest portion 2c is provided with a man-machine interface portion 50 of an in-vehicle device 100 (see FIG. 2) described later having a car navigation function. The man-machine interface unit 50 is a touch panel type operation switch 24 (see FIG. 2) for the driver P to input various operation instructions to the in-vehicle device 100, and the operation by the in-vehicle device 100 based on the operation of the operation switch 24. In order to audibly notify an operation result (voice guidance or the like) by the in-vehicle device 100 based on the operation of the LCD 26 (see FIG. 2) and the operation switch 24, which is a display for visually displaying the result (route guidance or the like). Speaker 28 (see FIG. 2) and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a footrest 2d for supporting the foot of the driver P is disposed on the front side of the housing 2a, and the foot of the driver P contacts the ground during traveling. It is avoiding that. Further, left and right wheels 4L and 4R are rotatably supported on both the left and right sides of the housing portion 2a.

  Such a single-seat motorcycle (vehicle C) can be a vehicle that is effective as an energy-saving measure because it is small in size and can travel with low fuel consumption. However, such a small vehicle has good fuel efficiency, but the capacity of the fuel tank is inevitably small. Therefore, the use of the group driving support system 1 that is controlled according to the remaining amount of fuel is particularly useful. It becomes effective. In addition, even when this group travel support system 1 is applied to a vehicle that has been widely used in the past (a four-wheel vehicle or a vehicle having more wheels), it can function effectively. Of course.

  Next, the configuration of the vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch and rescue vehicle Cr (Cr1 to Cr4)) that can use the group travel support system 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch, rescue vehicle Cr) equipped with the in-vehicle device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle C performs wireless P2P communication between a plurality of vehicles C and an in-vehicle device 100 that is a navigation device capable of displaying the current position of the vehicle C, route guidance to the destination, and the like. An inter-vehicle communication device 130 including an antenna 130a, a GPS receiver 140 including an antenna 140a for receiving position information (for example, latitude information and longitude information) from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite (not shown), and a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) A traffic information receiver 150 including an antenna 150a for receiving traffic information such as traffic jam information from an information center such as a center or a stored database such as traffic jam information (both not shown). A fuel remaining amount detecting device 160 for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in a fuel tank (not shown) of the vehicle C, a hull To assist the originating Help Request vehicle Ch information, and a fuel supply control device 170 for controlling the removal of fuel from the fuel tank (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle position display device 100 includes a CPU 10, a ROM 12, a RAM 14, and the like, and these CPU 10, ROM 12, and RAM 14 are connected to each other by a bus line 16. An input / output port 20 is connected to the bus line 16.

  The CPU 10 is a central processing unit that controls the entire vehicle position display device 100, and the ROM 12 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 10 and fixed value data that is referred to during the execution. Yes. A program for executing flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 described later is stored in the ROM 12. The RAM 14 has a working area in which various register groups necessary for a control program executed by the CPU 10 are set, a temporary area for temporarily storing data being processed, and the like, which can be accessed at random. It is memory.

  In addition to the CPU 10, ROM 12, and RAM 14 connected via the bus line 16, the input / output port 20 includes a hard disk 18 (hereinafter referred to as HDD 18) and a man-machine interface unit 50 (operation switch 24, LCD 26, speaker 28). ), A DVD device 22 for reading information from a DVD in which various information such as map data is stored, an interface 30 (I / F 30) for connecting to the inter-vehicle communication device 130, and a traffic information receiving device 150 Interface 40 (I / F 49) for connecting to the fuel, interface 42 (I / F 42) for connecting to the fuel remaining amount detecting device 160, and interface 44 (I / F 44) for connecting to the fuel supply control device 170 ) And the interface 3 for connecting to the GPS receiver 140 And a position detector 38 comprising (I / F32).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the position detector 38 includes a gyroscope 34 that detects the rotational angular velocity of the vehicle C and a vehicle speed sensor 36 that detects the moving velocity of the vehicle C, in addition to the I / F 32. On the basis of the positional information input from the GPS receiver 140 via the I / F 32, the rotational angular velocity detected by the gyroscope 34, and the moving speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 36, the CPU 10 Is determined.

  The HDD 18 includes a map data memory 18a, a traffic information memory 18b, a fuel consumption information memory 18c, a host vehicle ID memory 18d, and another vehicle ID memory 18e. The map data memory 18a stores map data read by the DVD device 22 from a DVD on which map data is recorded. The map data stored in the map data memory 18a is not limited to the data read using the DVD device 22, but is acquired by communication (for example, communication via the Internet) from the outside (database, information center, etc.). There may be.

  The traffic information memory 18b stores various types of traffic information such as traffic jam information (information indicating which road is jammed) when received from a traffic information receiver 160 from an information center such as a VICS center or a database. When the in-vehicle device 100 calculates a recommended route for a predetermined destination, the traffic information described in the traffic information memory 18b is referred to, and for example, a route that avoids a traffic jam point is calculated as the recommended route. . Note that the traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b is an instruction to access the information center or database via the traffic information receiver 160 periodically (for example, every 30 minutes) or irregularly by the driver P. Each time, a process (not shown) is executed and rewritten with the latest traffic information received via the traffic information receiver 160 from the information center or database of the access destination.

  The fuel consumption information memory 18c stores a standard value of the fuel consumption (travel distance per unit fuel amount) of the host vehicle C and also stores the standard fuel consumption for each of a plurality of other vehicle types.

  The own vehicle ID memory 18d and the other vehicle ID memory 18e store the authentication ID of the own vehicle C and the authentication ID of the other vehicle C in one group that uses the group travel support system 1, respectively. In addition, each ID for authentication memorize | stored in the own vehicle ID memory 18d and the other vehicle ID memory 18e is respectively matched with the IP address in performing P2P communication. Further, the authentication ID is stored in the own vehicle ID memory 18d and the other vehicle ID memory 18e by the operation of the operation switch 24.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 3-5, each process performed with the vehicle-mounted apparatus 100 which has the said structure in the group travel assistance system 1 in this embodiment is demonstrated. First, with reference to FIG. 3, the route guidance process performed by the vehicle-mounted apparatus 100 mounted in the vehicle C is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing route guidance processing.

  This route guidance process is a process for guiding each vehicle C so as to be able to reach a junction point (initially scheduled junction point) designated in the group, and a driver P driving the vehicle C. This is a process that is activated when an initially scheduled junction is input as a destination by operating the operation switch 24.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the route guidance process, first, the traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b is acquired (S301), and the acquired traffic information and the map data stored in the map data memory 18a are obtained. The recommended route is calculated with reference to (S302). When calculating the recommended route, by referring to the traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b, a route with good conditions that avoids a route with bad traffic conditions such as traffic jam (for example, the amount of fuel consumed until reaching the destination) Route with less) can be obtained as a recommended route.

  After the process of S302, the remaining fuel amount is detected by the remaining fuel amount detection device 160 (S303), and it is determined whether or not the vehicle C can reach the originally scheduled junction with the current remaining fuel amount (S304). Specifically, in S304, by comparing the remaining amount of fuel required for traveling on the recommended route calculated in S302 and reaching the originally planned junction, the remaining amount of fuel detected in S303 is compared. Then, it is determined whether or not it is possible to reach the originally planned confluence with the current fuel remaining amount. Note that the amount of fuel required to travel on the recommended route calculated in S302 and arrive at the originally planned junction can be calculated by using the fuel consumption of the host vehicle C stored in the fuel consumption information memory 18c. it can.

  If the result of the determination in S304 is that the vehicle C can reach the originally planned merge point with the current fuel remaining amount (S304: Yes), the recommended route to the originally planned merge point calculated in S302 Is set (S305), guidance for the set route (recommended route) is started (S306), and this route guidance processing is terminated. As a result of the processing of S306, visual guidance by display on the LCD 26 and auditory guidance by voice from the speaker 28 are started, and the vehicle C and the driver who drives the vehicle C are the destinations (in this case, initially To the planned meeting point).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in the process of S304, if it is impossible for the vehicle C to reach the originally planned junction point with the current fuel remaining amount (S304: No), it will be described later with reference to FIG. The help process is executed (S307), and the process proceeds to S306. Although details will be described later, in the help process (S307), a route to a point different from the originally scheduled junction is newly set, so in S306 executed after the help process (S307), the help process ( The guidance for the new route set in S307) is started.

  Next, the help process (S307) described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the help process (S307). As shown in FIG. 4, in the help process (S307), first, the host vehicle C obtained by the position detector 38 based on the remaining fuel amount detected in S303 and the position information input from the GPS receiver 140 is obtained. Current position of the vehicle, position information (latitude and longitude information, or coordinates on the map data) of the originally scheduled merging point input in the own vehicle C, traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b, and the own vehicle Help information including the authentication ID of the host vehicle C included in the ID memory 18d is created (S401).

  Next, waiting for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) (S402), whether vehicle information of the rescue vehicle Cr periodically transmitted from the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) is received by a rescue process (see FIG. 5) described later. Is confirmed (S403). The vehicle information of the rescue vehicle Cr received by the process of S403 includes the position of the rescue vehicle Cr and the authentication ID.

  If the vehicle information of the rescue vehicle Cr is received as a result of the confirmation in S403 (S403: Yes), it is confirmed whether the authentication ID included in the received vehicle information is stored in the other vehicle ID memory 18e. (S404). That is, in S404, it is confirmed whether or not the rescue vehicle Cr that is the transmission source of the received vehicle information is a rescue vehicle Cr in the same group as the own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch).

  As a result of confirmation in the process of S404, as for the vehicle information whose authentication ID included in the received vehicle information is the authentication ID stored in the other vehicle ID memory 18e (S404: Yes), the transmission of the vehicle information Since the original rescue vehicle Cr is a rescue vehicle Cr in the same group as the own vehicle C, the vehicle information is stored in the received vehicle information memory 14a (S405), and the process proceeds to S406.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in the process of S404, as for the vehicle information whose authentication ID included in the received vehicle information is an authentication ID that is not stored in the other vehicle ID memory 18e (S404: No), The process is skipped and the process proceeds to S406.

  As a result of S404 and S405, the vehicle information of the rescue vehicle Cr in the same group as the own vehicle C that is the help request vehicle Ch is stored in the vehicle information memory, and the rescue information Cr is sent to the help information as the rescue vehicle Cr in the subsequent processing. Will be selected. Therefore, the help information is transmitted only to the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) in the same group as the own vehicle C by confirming the authentication ID included in the received vehicle information. .

  As a result, it is possible to prevent help information from being transmitted to another vehicle C of a different group that uses the same group driving support system 1, so that the driver of the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) can perform group driving. The support system 1 can be used with confidence. Further, since the help information is transmitted to the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) in the same group, the help request vehicle Ch is assisted in the same group. As a result, group traveling can be performed smoothly.

  In S406, it is confirmed whether there is vehicle information stored in the received vehicle information memory 14a. If vehicle information is stored in the received vehicle information memory 14a as a result of the confirmation in S406 (S406: Yes), the authenticated other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) and own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) (Distance between two points) is calculated (S407). Specifically, the position detector 38 obtains the position of the rescue vehicle Cr that is authenticated and included in the vehicle information stored in the received vehicle information memory 14 a and the position information input from the GPS receiver 140. A distance (distance between two points) from the current position of the vehicle C is calculated.

  After the process of S407, the distance from the own vehicle C is the nearest among the authenticated other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr), that is, the rescue vehicle Cr that is the origin of the vehicle information stored in the received vehicle information memory 14a. The rescue vehicle Cr is selected as a help information transmission destination (S408).

  After the processing of S408, help information is transmitted by wireless P2P communication from the antenna 130a of the vehicle communication device 130 to the IP address associated with the authentication ID of the selected rescue vehicle Cr (S409). The vehicle information of the rescue vehicle Cr that is the transmission destination of the help information is deleted from the received vehicle information memory 14a (S410).

  After the process of S410, a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) is waited (S411), and it is confirmed whether information (rescue information or rescue impossible information) has been received from the rescue vehicle to which the help information is transmitted (S412).

  As a result of checking in the process of S412, if information (rescue information or non-rescue information) is received from the rescue vehicle to which the help information is transmitted (S412: Yes), the type of the received information is confirmed. (S413).

  As a result of the confirmation in S413, if the received information is rescue information indicating that the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) to which the help information is transmitted can assist the own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) (S413: Rescue information) and a route to a help point (a new junction point suitable for assisting the own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch)) included in the rescue information is set (S414), and this help process (S307) is performed. finish. As a result, in S306 (see FIG. 3) executed following this help process (S307), route guidance to the help point set in S414 is started.

  Although the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, the help point included in the received rescue information is the route most recommended for the help requesting vehicle Ch to reach the originally scheduled junction (obtained in S302). Therefore, the burden imposed on the rescue vehicle C is reduced. That is, the amount of fuel supplied to the host vehicle C (help requesting vehicle Ch) is reduced so that the rescue vehicle Cr can reach the originally scheduled junction point from the help point.

  On the other hand, as a result of confirmation in the process of S412, when information (rescue information or rescue impossible information) is not received from the rescue vehicle to which the help information is transmitted (S412: No), or confirmed by the process of S413 As a result, when the received information is rescue impossible information indicating that the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) to which the help information is transmitted cannot assist the own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) (S413: No). In step S415, it is checked whether vehicle information remains in the received vehicle information memory.

  If vehicle information remains in the received vehicle information memory as a result of the confirmation in S415 (S415: Yes), the process proceeds to S407, and the next other vehicle in which the vehicle information is stored in the received vehicle information memory. Help information is transmitted to C.

  On the other hand, if the vehicle information does not remain in the received vehicle information memory as a result of the confirmation in S415 (S415: No), it is possible to assist the host vehicle C in the group to reach the originally scheduled junction. Since the other vehicle C does not exist, the map station stored in the map data memory 18a and the traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b are referred to, and the gas station (hereinafter referred to as the following) closest to the current position of the host vehicle C is referred to. (Referred to as “GS”), the calculated route is set (S416), and the help process (S307) is terminated. As a result, as described above, in S306 (see FIG. 3) executed following the help process (S307), the route guidance to the nearest GS that can be reached by the host vehicle C set in S416 is provided. Be started.

  Further, as a result of confirmation in the process of S403, if vehicle information is not received after waiting for a predetermined time (S403: No), or as a result of confirmation in the process of S406, the vehicle information is stored in the reception vehicle information memory 14a. If not (S406: No), the process proceeds to S416, and the route to the GS closest to the current position of the host vehicle C is set.

  Therefore, when there is no other vehicle C in the group that can assist the own vehicle C to reach the originally scheduled junction, as a result of the process of S416, the vehicle is guided to the nearest GS that the own vehicle C can reach. Is done. And the own vehicle C can finally reach the originally scheduled junction by replenishing fuel (gasoline etc.) with the GS of the guidance destination. Even when there is no other vehicle C in the group that can assist the own vehicle C in reaching the originally scheduled junction, the GS is within the reach of the current fuel remaining amount. It is possible to reach the GS easily and surely without requiring a complicated operation of searching for the GS.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the rescue process executed by the in-vehicle device 100 of the vehicle C corresponding to the rescue vehicle Cr will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the rescue process. This rescue process is a process that is activated in the vehicle C every predetermined time (for example, every 10 seconds).

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the rescue process, first, the current position of the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) obtained by the position detector 38 based on the position information input from the GPS receiver 140, and the host vehicle ID. Vehicle information including the authentication ID of the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) included in the memory 18d is created (S501).

  Next, the created vehicle information is transmitted from the antenna 130a of the vehicle communicator 130 to a wireless P2P network (not shown) (S502), waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (S503), and helps processing (FIG. 4), it is confirmed whether or not the help information transmitted in S409 has been received (S504). If the help information is not received even after waiting for a predetermined time (S504: No), the rescue process is terminated.

  As described above, the help information includes the travelable distance of the help requesting vehicle Ch, the current position of the help requesting vehicle Ch, and the position information (latitude and longitude) of the originally scheduled junction point input in the help requesting vehicle Ch. Information or coordinates on the map data), traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b of the help request vehicle Ch, and authentication ID of the help request vehicle Ch.

  On the other hand, if the help information is received as a result of the confirmation in step S504 (S504: Yes), the remaining fuel amount is detected by the remaining fuel amount detection device 160 (S505), and the help point can be set. Is confirmed (S506).

  Specifically, in S506, first, from the position of the other vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) included in the help information, the originally scheduled junction, traffic information, and the map data stored in the map data memory 18a. The help request vehicle Ch calculates the travel route. Here, the travel route calculated in Cr for the rescue vehicle is calculated under the same conditions as the calculation of the recommended route in S302 of the route guidance process (see FIG. 3) for the help request vehicle Ch. The recommended route obtained in S302 can be known.

  Next, a help point is set at a point on the recommended route of the help request vehicle Ch obtained by referring to the help information and within a range where the remaining amount of fuel of the help request vehicle Ch included in the help information can travel. It is confirmed whether it is possible.

  Here, the search for the help point is performed by (a-1) the remaining fuel amount of the own vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) detected in S505, and (a-2) the remaining fuel amount of the help request vehicle Ch included in the help information. (B-1) The amount of fuel required when the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) travels from the current position to the originally planned junction point via the help point, and (b- 2) This is performed by searching for a point where the help request vehicle Ch is sufficiently large with respect to the total amount of fuel required when the recommended route travels from the current position to the originally planned junction point.

  Note that (b-1) the amount of fuel required when the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) travels from the current position to the originally planned junction point via the help point is determined by the host vehicle C as map data. With reference to the map data stored in the memory 18a and the traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b, the route to the joining point via the help point is calculated and stored in the fuel consumption information memory 18c. It can be calculated by using the fuel consumption of the own vehicle C. Similarly, (b-2) The amount of fuel required when the help request vehicle Ch travels on the recommended route from the current position to the originally scheduled junction is calculated by referring to the help information as described above. And the fuel consumption of the help request vehicle Ch stored in the fuel consumption information memory 18c (the fuel consumption corresponding to the vehicle type of the help request vehicle Ch).

  Here, it is essential that the help point satisfies the above-described fuel amount condition, but the help point is preferably a point where the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) and the help request vehicle Ch can join in the shortest time. By setting the point where the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) and the help request vehicle Ch can join as soon as possible as the help point, the driver of the help request vehicle Ch can be relieved and time can be saved.

  As a result of checking in the process of S506, when a help point can be set (S506: Yes), rescue information including the searched help point is created (S507), and the created rescue information is included in the help information. Is transmitted by wireless P2P communication from the antenna 130a of the vehicle communication device 130 to the IP address associated with the authentication ID of the requested help vehicle Ch (S508).

  After the processing of S508, the route from the current position of the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) to the help point is referred to the map data stored in the map data memory 18a and the traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b. (S509), and the route to the calculated help point is set (S510). In this case, if the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) is in route guidance, a route different from the route being guided is reset.

  After the process of S510, guidance to the help point is started (S511), and the rescue process is terminated. As a result of the processing of S511, visual guidance by display on the LCD 26 and auditory guidance by voice from the speaker 28 are started, and the vehicle C and the driver driving the vehicle C are guided to the help point.

  On the other hand, if the help point cannot be set as a result of checking in the process of S506 (S506: No), the rescue impossible information indicating that it is impossible to assist the help request vehicle Ch is created ( S512), the created rescue additional information is transmitted to the IP address associated with the authentication ID of the help request vehicle Ch included in the help information from the antenna 130a of the vehicle communication device 130 by wireless P2P communication. (S513) This rescue process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the in-vehicle device 100 in the first embodiment, even when the remaining amount of fuel of the host vehicle C is an amount that cannot reach the originally planned joining point, the host vehicle C is in the group. By receiving the assistance of the other vehicle C, it is possible to reliably reach the originally scheduled junction. Further, in this case, the assistance information including (1) the position of the host vehicle C and (2) the remaining amount of fuel is automatically transmitted to the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr). Therefore, it is possible to easily reach the originally scheduled confluence without carrying out complicated explanation work.

  Further, the help information is transmitted in order from the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) that is close in position to the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) by the processing of S408. That is, among the rescue vehicles Cr that can assist the help request vehicle Ch, the rescue vehicle Cr that is closest to the help request vehicle Ch assists the help request vehicle Ch. Thereafter, the time elapsed until the assistance of the help request vehicle Ch is started is shortened as much as possible, so that there is an effect that time waste can be suppressed, and as a result, smooth group traveling can be performed. .

  On the other hand, when the host vehicle C receives help information from another vehicle C in the group, a help point is set based on the help information, the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle C, etc. By assisting the vehicle C (help requesting vehicle Ch), both the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle C) and the other vehicle C (help requesting vehicle Ch) can reach the originally scheduled junction. That is, it becomes possible for the host vehicle C to perform smooth group traveling by assisting the other vehicle C that has transmitted the help information due to a shortage of fuel remaining.

  Next, with reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7, each process performed with the vehicle-mounted apparatus 100 in the group travel assistance system 1 in 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. In the group travel support system 1 of the first embodiment described above, when the remaining amount of fuel of the host vehicle C is an amount that cannot reach the originally planned junction point, to the other vehicle C of the same group that are mutually ID-authenticated, When help information including the position of the host vehicle C and the remaining amount of fuel is transmitted, another vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) that has received the help information joins to assist the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch). As a result of setting a merging point (help point), both the help request vehicle Ch and the rescue vehicle Cr are guided to the help point.

  On the other hand, in the group driving support system 1 of the second embodiment, when the fuel remaining amount of the own vehicle C is an amount that cannot reach the originally scheduled junction, the own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) A self-joining point for receiving assistance from another vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) of the same group is set, and as a result, both the help request vehicle Ch and the rescue vehicle Cr are guided to the help point. .

  Note that the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that a part of the help process (S307) and a part of the rescue process are different, and thus the description of the same part is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing help processing (S307) of the second embodiment. In the help process (S307) of the second embodiment, first, similarly to the help process of the first embodiment, after executing the processes of S402 to S408, the received vehicle information of the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) and It is confirmed whether a help point can be set based on the position of the vehicle C and the remaining fuel amount (S601). Note that the vehicle information of the rescue vehicle Cr in the second embodiment includes the remaining fuel amount of the rescue vehicle Cr in addition to the position and authentication ID of the rescue vehicle Cr similar to those in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in S601, first, the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) is on the recommended route calculated in S302 of the route guidance process (see FIG. 3) and can travel with the remaining fuel amount detected in S303. It is confirmed whether a help point can be set at a point within the range.

  Here, the search for the help point is performed by (a-1) the remaining fuel amount of the own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) detected in S302, and (a-2) the remaining fuel amount of the rescue vehicle Cr included in the vehicle information. The sum of the amount and (b-1) the amount of fuel required when traveling from the current position of the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) to the originally scheduled junction, and (b-2) the rescue vehicle Cr This is done by searching for a point that is sufficiently larger than the total amount of fuel required when traveling from the current position to the originally scheduled junction point via the help point.

  Note that (b-1) the amount of fuel required for traveling from the current position of the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) to the originally planned junction point is the travel route (recommended route) calculated in S302 and the fuel consumption. It can be calculated by using the fuel consumption of the host vehicle C stored in the information memory 18c. Similarly, (b-2) The amount of fuel required when the rescue vehicle Cr travels from the current position to the originally scheduled junction point via the help point is determined by the rescue vehicle Cr included in the vehicle information. Referring to the position, the map data stored in the map data memory 18a, and the traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b, the route to the junction point via the help point is calculated, and the fuel consumption information It can be calculated by using the fuel consumption of the rescue vehicle Cr stored in the memory 18c (the fuel consumption corresponding to the vehicle type of the rescue vehicle Cr).

  Here, it is essential that the help point satisfies the above fuel amount condition, but it is preferable that the host vehicle C (help requesting vehicle Ch) and the rescue vehicle Cr can join at the shortest time. By setting the point where the own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) and the rescue vehicle Cr can join as soon as possible as the help point, the driver of the help request vehicle Ch can be relieved and time can be saved.

  As a result of checking in the process of S601, when a help point can be set (S601: Yes), help information including the searched help point and the authentication ID of the host vehicle C included in the host vehicle ID memory 18d is obtained. The help information is transmitted by wireless P2P communication from the antenna 130a of the vehicle communicator 130 to the IP address associated with the authentication ID of the rescue vehicle Cr selected in S408 (S409). ).

  After the processing of S409, a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) is waited (S411), and it is confirmed whether or not a rescue signal for assuring the assistance of the help request vehicle Ch is received from the rescue vehicle Cr to which the help information is transmitted (S603). .

  If a rescue signal is received as a result of the confirmation in S603 (S603: Yes), the route from the current position of the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Cr) to the help point is stored in the map data memory 18a. Is calculated by referring to the current map data and the traffic information stored in the traffic information memory 18b (S604), the calculated route to the help point is set (S605), and this help processing (S307) is performed. finish. As a result, in S306 (see FIG. 3) executed following this help process (S307), route guidance to the help point set in S605 is started.

  Since the help point is a point on the recommended route to the originally scheduled junction point obtained in S302, the burden imposed on the rescue vehicle C is reduced. That is, the amount of fuel supplied to the host vehicle C (help requesting vehicle Ch) is reduced so that the rescue vehicle Cr can reach the originally scheduled junction point from the help point.

  On the other hand, if the help point cannot be set as a result of confirmation in the process of S601 (S601: No), or as a result of confirmation in the process of S603, even after waiting for a predetermined time, the rescue vehicle Cr as the transmission destination of help information When the rescue signal is not received (S603: No), the vehicle information of the rescue vehicle Cr that is the transmission destination of the help information is deleted from the received vehicle information memory 14a (S410).

  After the processing of S410, it is confirmed whether the vehicle information remains in the received vehicle information memory (S415). If the vehicle information remains in the received vehicle information memory (S415: Yes), the process proceeds to S601, where the help point Help information is transmitted to the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) from which the vehicle information can be set.

  On the other hand, if the vehicle information does not remain in the received vehicle information memory as a result of the confirmation in S415 (S415: No), it is possible to assist the host vehicle C in the group to reach the originally scheduled junction. Since there is no other vehicle C, the route to the gas station (hereinafter referred to as “GS”) closest to the current position of the host vehicle C is calculated, and the calculated route is set (S416). (S307) ends. As a result, as described above, in S306 (see FIG. 3) executed following the help process (S307), the route guidance to the nearest GS that can be reached by the host vehicle C set in S416 is provided. Be started.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the rescue process according to the second embodiment. In the rescue process of the second embodiment, first, the remaining fuel amount is detected by the remaining fuel amount detection device 160 (S505), and the position is determined based on the detected remaining fuel amount and the positional information input from the GPS receiver 140. Vehicle information including the current position of the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) obtained by the detector 38 and the authentication ID of the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) included in the host vehicle ID memory 18d is created (S501). ). After the processing of S501, the processing of S502 to S504 is performed similarly to the rescue processing of the first embodiment.

  If the help information is received as a result of the confirmation in S504 (S504: Yes), it is confirmed whether the authentication ID included in the received help information is stored in the other vehicle ID memory 18e (S701). ). That is, in S701, it is confirmed whether the rescue vehicle Cr that is the transmission source of the received vehicle information is a help request vehicle Ch in the same group as the own vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch). The help information includes the help point searched in the help process (see FIG. 6) and the authentication ID of the help request vehicle Ch included in the own vehicle ID memory 18d.

  If the authentication ID included in the received help information is the authentication ID stored in the other vehicle ID memory 18e as a result of the confirmation in the process of S701 (S701: Yes), the help source of the help information is sent. For the request vehicle Ch, a rescue signal for ensuring that the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) assists the help request vehicle Ch is addressed to the IP address associated with the authentication ID included in the help information. Then, help information is transmitted by wireless P2P communication from the antenna 130a of the vehicle communication device 130 (S702).

  After the processing of S702, after executing the processing of S509 to S511, the rescue processing is terminated. As an execution result of S511, visual guidance by display on the LCD 26 and auditory guidance by voice from the speaker 28 are started, and the vehicle C and the driver driving the vehicle C are guided to the help point.

  On the other hand, if the authentication ID included in the received help information is not stored in the other vehicle ID memory 18e as a result of the confirmation in the process of S701 (S701: No), the rescue process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the in-vehicle device 100 in the second embodiment, even when the remaining amount of fuel of the host vehicle C is an amount that cannot reach the originally scheduled junction, the host vehicle C is in the group. By receiving the assistance of the other vehicle C, it is possible to reliably reach the originally scheduled junction.

  Further, in this case, as a result of automatically transmitting help information including a help point which is a predetermined position that the own vehicle C can reach at present, it is possible to receive assistance from another vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr). Thus, it is possible to easily reach the originally scheduled confluence without carrying out complicated explanation work. In particular, as a help point, (a) the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) is reachable at present, and (b1) the position of the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) seeking assistance and (b2) the other vehicle. Therefore, the assistance of the rescue vehicle Cr is surely received, and as a result, the help request vehicle Ch can surely reach the originally planned destination.

  Further, the help information is transmitted in order from the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) that is close in position to the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) by the processing of S408. That is, among the rescue vehicles Cr that can assist the help request vehicle Ch, the rescue vehicle Cr that is closest to the help request vehicle Ch assists the help request vehicle Ch. Thereafter, the time elapsed until the assistance of the help request vehicle Ch is started is shortened as much as possible, so that there is an effect that time waste can be suppressed, and as a result, smooth group traveling can be performed. .

  On the other hand, when the host vehicle C receives help information from another vehicle C in the group, a help point is set based on the help information, the fuel remaining amount of the host vehicle C, etc. By assisting the vehicle C (help requesting vehicle Ch), both the host vehicle C (rescue vehicle C) and the other vehicle C (help requesting vehicle Ch) can reach the originally scheduled junction. That is, it becomes possible for the host vehicle C to perform smooth group traveling by assisting the other vehicle C that has transmitted the help information due to a shortage of fuel remaining.

  In addition, as the destination input means described in claim 1, an originally planned junction point by the operation of the operation switch 24 of the driver P, which is a trigger for starting the route guidance process (FIG. 3), is input as the destination. This is true. The route setting means according to claim 1 corresponds to the processing of S302 in the route guidance processing (FIG. 3). Further, the fuel remaining amount detecting means described in claim 1 corresponds to the process of S303 in the route guidance process (FIG. 3). Further, the arrival determination means according to claim 1 corresponds to the process of S304 in the route guidance process (FIG. 3). Further, the help information transmitting means described in claim 1 corresponds to the processing of S409 in the help processing (FIGS. 4 and 6).

  Further, the point receiving means described in claim 2 corresponds to the process of branching to rescue information in S413 in the help process (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment (S413: rescue information). The new destination setting means described in claim 2 corresponds to the processing of S414 in the help processing (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment.

  Further, the reception determining means described in claim 3 corresponds to the process of branching to the rescue impossible information in S413 in the help process (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment (S413: rescue impossible information). The new destination setting means described in claim 3 corresponds to the processing of S416 in the help processing (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment.

  Further, as the other vehicle position acquisition means according to claim 4, in the help process (FIGS. 4 and 6), the host vehicle C receives vehicle information including the position information of the other vehicle C (Yes to S403) Branch processing). The distance calculating means according to claim 4 corresponds to the processing of S407 in the help processing (FIGS. 4 and 6). Further, the selection means according to claim 4 corresponds to the processing of S408 in the help processing (FIGS. 4 and 6).

  Further, the fuel remaining amount detecting means according to claim 5 corresponds to the processing of S303 in the route guidance processing (FIG. 3). Further, as the help information receiving means according to claim 5, the host vehicle C receives the help information transmitted from the other vehicle C (help requesting vehicle Ch) in the rescue processing (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment. (Branch processing to Yes in S504) corresponds. The auxiliary point calculation means described in claim 5 corresponds to finding a settable help point (branch process to Yes in S506) in the rescue process (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment. Further, the auxiliary point transmitting means according to claim 5 corresponds to the processing of S508 in the rescue processing (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment.

  While the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be easily guessed.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a single-seat motorcycle is illustrated as the vehicle C on which the in-vehicle device 100 of the present invention for using the group travel support system 1 is mounted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, it is obvious that the group travel support system 1 can be used by mounting the in-vehicle device 100 of the present invention on a so-called motorcycle, such as a motorcycle, a motorbike, an automobile such as a four-wheel or six-wheel.

  In the above embodiment, in the search for the help point (S506, S601), the total amount of the remaining fuel of the rescue vehicle Cr and the remaining fuel of the help request vehicle Ch is determined by both the rescue vehicle Cr and the help request vehicle Ch. Although it is configured to search for a point that is larger than the amount of fuel necessary to reach the originally planned junction point, the fuel remaining amount of the rescue vehicle Cr and the remaining fuel amount of the help request vehicle Ch are not limited to this. It may be configured to search for a point where the total amount exceeds the amount of fuel necessary to stop at a fuel supply station such as GS before reaching the originally scheduled junction.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the vehicle C that uses liquid fuel such as gasoline is exemplified, so the help request vehicle Ch and the rescue vehicle Cr join at the help point search (S506, S601). When the vehicle C is a fuel cell vehicle or an electric vehicle, it is possible to supply electric power from the rescue vehicle to the help request vehicle Ch without joining the help request vehicle Ch and the rescue vehicle Cr. You may comprise so that the point which becomes may be searched as a help point.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where one group headed to the joining point (initially scheduled joining point) designated within the group was illustrated as one of the usage forms of the group driving support system 1, it is for authentication. Of course, if the vehicle is authenticated by the ID, it can be guessed that the vehicle C that is acting differently without going to the originally scheduled junction can be used as the rescue vehicle Cr. In this case, the “destination to be finally reached” of the rescue vehicle Cr acting differently is different from the originally scheduled junction where the help vehicle Ch is headed.

  Alternatively, when the help request vehicle Ch is traveling alone to a predetermined destination, if the remaining amount of fuel is insufficient, the help information is transmitted to the vehicle C authenticated by the authentication ID for assistance. It may be a simple configuration.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, although the four vehicles C which comprise one group are comprised as the same vehicle type, the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 is contained in the fuel consumption information memory 18c. Since the standard fuel consumption for each of the plurality of vehicle types other than C is stored, it is naturally possible to guess that the group driving support system 1 can be applied to any vehicle of the vehicle type stored in the fuel consumption information memory 18c. It is.

  In the first embodiment, the fuel consumption information may be further included in the help information transmitted from the help request vehicle Ch to the rescue vehicle Cr. In such a configuration, when searching for a help point in S506, the amount of fuel required for the other vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) is set to the remaining fuel amount and fuel consumption information of the help request vehicle Ch included in the help information. It can be obtained from

  Similarly, in the second embodiment, the fuel information may be further included in the vehicle information transmitted from the rescue vehicle Cr to the help request vehicle Ch. In such a configuration, when searching for a help point in S601, the fuel amount required for the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) is determined from the remaining fuel amount and fuel consumption information of the rescue vehicle Cr included in the vehicle information. Can be sought.

  In the above embodiment, in S304, S506, and S601, by comparing the remaining amount of fuel of the host vehicle C with the amount of fuel required to travel the route to the predetermined point, Instead of this, it is determined whether or not the vehicle can reach the point. Instead, the vehicle C travels based on the fuel remaining amount of the vehicle C and the fuel consumption stored in the fuel information memory 18c. You may comprise so that the possible distance may be calculated | required and the travel distance of the path | route to a predetermined point may be compared.

  Similarly, the fuel remaining amount is included in the help information in the first embodiment or the vehicle information in the second embodiment, but is stored in the fuel remaining amount and fuel information memory 18c instead of the fuel remaining amount. You may comprise so that the distance which the vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch or rescue vehicle Cr) can drive | run from the fuel consumption is included. In such a configuration, it is possible to search for a help point using the travelable distance obtained based on the remaining fuel amount in S506 and S601.

  In the above embodiment, in S304, S506, and S601, the fuel amount required for the host vehicle C to reach the predetermined point is the standard vehicle host C stored in the fuel information memory 18c. It was configured to calculate using fuel consumption. Instead, the average fuel consumption or instantaneous fuel consumption is calculated based on the fuel consumption and the travel distance every predetermined time (for example, every 10 seconds or every 2 seconds), and the calculated average fuel consumption or instantaneous fuel consumption is calculated. You may comprise so that a value may be used.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the help point is searched for on the route from the current position of the help request vehicle Ch to the originally scheduled junction point. However, the help point can be traveled based on the remaining fuel amount of the help request vehicle Ch. You may comprise so that it may search from within the range.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the vehicle-mounted terminal 100 detected the present position with the position detector 38 based on the positional information input from the GPS receiver 140, as a method of detecting a position, GPS It is not limited to the following: Position detection by inertial navigation, position detection using a marker such as a magnetic marker (RFID chip, etc.) or a two-dimensional barcode embedded in the road surface, position by recognition of characters or marks on power poles or signs Various position detections such as position detection by indexing from the base station when the base station is used for detection and inter-vehicle communication can be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the own vehicle C comprised the position of the other vehicle C based on the information contained in help information (1st Embodiment) or vehicle information (2nd Embodiment), it comprised. The position of the other vehicle C may be detected by GPS or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wireless P2P communication is exemplified as the vehicle communication between the vehicles C in the group, that is, the communication between the help request vehicle Ch and the rescue vehicle Cr. Communication via a server like this may be sufficient.

  When performing P2P communication or communication via a server, various wireless LANs (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, UWB, wireless USB, etc.), wireless (transceivers, amateur radio, etc.), Public communication (cellular phone, PHS), optical communication such as IrDa, communication using sound waves such as ultrasonic waves, and the like can be used.

  In addition, as a form of P2P communication, even if the help request vehicle Ch and the rescue vehicle Cr in a predetermined area perform P2P communication via one antenna, the vehicle-mounted terminal 100 transmits the bucket relay type. It may be in the form of P2P communication.

  In each of the above embodiments, the map data is configured to read out data stored in the HDD 18 (map data memory 18a). However, the map data stored in a medium such as a DVD or an optical disk may be read out. You may comprise so that the map data received from the outside via various lines, such as the internet, may be used.

  In the above embodiment, in S408, the rescue vehicle Cr that is closest to the host vehicle C is selected as the help information transmission destination among the ID-authenticated other vehicles C (rescue vehicle Cr). The authenticated other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) may be displayed in a list on the LCD 26, and the driver P of the host vehicle C may appropriately select a help information transmission destination from the list.

  In the above embodiment, in S408, the transmission destination of the help information is selected in the order of the closest distance between the two points of the host vehicle C (help request vehicle Ch) and the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr). However, the configuration may be such that the traffic rules (such as one-way traffic) on the map are selected in the closest order on the travel route. Alternatively, not only “in order of close positional distance” such as the distance between two points and the travel route as described above but also “time distance” considering traffic information (congestion information, etc.) stored in the traffic information memory 18c. It may be fair that the transmission destination of the help information is selected in the order of “closest”.

  Further, in the first embodiment, by referring to the position of the other vehicle C (rescue vehicle Cr) included in the vehicle information, the help information is sequentially transmitted in order from the closest position to the own vehicle C (help request vehicle). If the rescue vehicle Cr side can set the help point by referring to the help information, the rescue vehicle Cr is configured to receive assistance from the rescue vehicle Cr. Alternatively, the help information may be transmitted to all the sources of the received vehicle information, and the rescue information including the help point may be received from all the rescue vehicles Cr that can set the help point. When rescue information is received from a plurality of rescue vehicles Cr, the rescue vehicle Cr that sets the closest help point from the help request vehicle Ch may be selected. By selecting the rescue vehicle Cr with the closest help point, it is possible to reduce the anxiety of the driver P of the help request vehicle Ch.

It is a mimetic diagram explaining a group run support system in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle (help request vehicle, rescue vehicle) which mounts the vehicle-mounted apparatus 100 in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the route guidance process performed with a vehicle-mounted apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the help process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the rescue process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the help process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the rescue process of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Group travel support system 38 Position detector (part of vehicle position acquisition means)
100 in-vehicle device 140 GPS receiver (part of own vehicle position acquisition means)
C Vehicle Ch Help request vehicle Cr Rescue vehicle

Claims (5)

Own vehicle position acquisition means for acquiring the position of the own vehicle;
A destination input means for inputting a destination;
Route setting means for setting a route from the position of the vehicle acquired by the vehicle position acquisition means to the destination input by the destination input means;
Fuel remaining amount detecting means for detecting the fuel remaining amount of the own vehicle;
Arrival determination means for determining whether or not the destination input by the destination input means is reachable based on the remaining fuel amount detected by the remaining fuel detection means and the route set by the route setting means; ,
When it is determined by the arrival determination means that it is impossible to reach the destination, the position of the host vehicle and the fuel remaining amount or the distance that the host vehicle can travel depending on the fuel remaining amount are determined. An in-vehicle device comprising: help information transmitting means for transmitting help information including the information to another vehicle. Point receiving means for receiving a point from another vehicle that has transmitted the help information;
2. The in-vehicle apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a new destination setting unit that sets a point received by the point receiving unit as a new destination. A reception judging means for judging whether or not a spot is received from another vehicle by the spot receiving means;
The new destination setting means can be reached by the fuel remaining amount of the own vehicle detected by the fuel remaining amount detecting means when the reception determining means determines that there is no reception of a point from another vehicle. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein a fuel supply station within a certain range is set as a new destination. Other vehicle position acquisition means for acquiring the position of another vehicle;
Distance calculating means for calculating the distance between the position of the other vehicle acquired by the other vehicle position acquiring means and the position of the own vehicle acquired by the own vehicle position acquiring means;
Selection means for selecting the other vehicle having the closest distance to the own vehicle based on the distance calculated by the distance calculation means when there are a plurality of other vehicle positions acquired by the other vehicle position acquisition means. And
The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the help information transmitting unit transmits the help information to another vehicle selected by the selecting unit. Own vehicle position acquisition means for acquiring the position of the own vehicle;
Fuel remaining amount detecting means for detecting the fuel remaining amount of the own vehicle;
Help information receiving means for receiving help information transmitted from another vehicle and including the position of the other vehicle and the fuel remaining amount of the other vehicle or the distance that the other vehicle can travel;
Based on the own vehicle position acquired by the own vehicle position acquisition means, the remaining fuel amount detected by the remaining fuel amount detection means, and the help information received by the help information receiving means, the assistance of the other vehicle by the own vehicle Auxiliary point calculating means for calculating the point;
An in-vehicle apparatus comprising: an auxiliary point transmitting unit that transmits the auxiliary point calculated by the auxiliary point calculating unit to the other vehicle.

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