JP2012014255A - Information distribution apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution apparatus capable of distributing attention information for calling attention to an event after confirming whether the event occurs or not according to the situation.SOLUTION: A communication unit 402 receives vehicle information related to behavior of vehicles and image information including images photographed by vehicles 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n and distributes attention information for calling attention to the occurrence of an event to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n. A control unit 401 determines, based on the vehicle information or weather information, whether or not requesting the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n to transmit image information, and when requesting transmission of the image information, requests the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n to transmit the images.

Description

  The present invention relates to warning information for calling attention to an event based on at least one of image information including an image captured by an imaging unit of the vehicle, vehicle information regarding the behavior of the vehicle, and weather information. The present invention relates to an information distribution apparatus that distributes information to the Internet.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, information distribution apparatuses that distribute alert information for alerting the occurrence of events such as weather (for example, snow) or traffic accidents to vehicles have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Such an information distribution apparatus receives event information related to the type of event and the position where the event occurred from a vehicle that has detected the event or an external server that has the event information (for example, a weather information providing server or a road traffic information providing server). Based on the received event information, the alert information is distributed to vehicles near the event occurrence position.

JP 2007-101418 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-282595

  Whether or not urgent delivery of alert information is required is determined based on the type of event. For example, when an event relates to traffic information such as a traffic accident, urgent delivery of alert information is required, but when an event relates to weather such as snowfall, urgent delivery of alert information is not necessarily required Is required, and it is required to verify whether or not the event information accurately reflects the current state of the event occurrence position. However, in the conventional information distribution apparatus, even when urgent distribution of the alert information is not requested, it is not verified whether the event information accurately reflects the current state of the event occurrence position. .

  In addition, when vehicle information regarding vehicle behavior such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and brake operation is transmitted from the vehicle to the information distribution device without determining the type of event on the vehicle side, the information distribution device determines the type of event from the vehicle information. Is difficult to determine. On the other hand, when the information distribution device receives weather information from an external server and the information distribution device distributes the weather information to the vehicle, if there is a time lag between the weather information reception time and the weather information distribution time of the information distribution device, The weather information may not accurately reflect the actual weather at the time of weather information distribution.

  Furthermore, in order to accurately determine the event that has occurred, when image information including an image captured by the imaging unit of the vehicle is transmitted from the vehicle to the information distribution device together with the vehicle information, the capacity of the image information is large, and There is a limit to the communication capacity of the network between the vehicle and the information distribution device. Accordingly, it takes a long time for the image information and the vehicle information to reach the information distribution device from the vehicle.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution device capable of distributing attention-calling information for calling attention to an event after confirming whether or not the event has occurred according to the situation.

  The information distribution device according to the present invention calls attention to an event based on at least one of image information including an image captured by an imaging unit of the vehicle, vehicle information regarding the behavior of the vehicle, and weather information. An information distribution device for distributing arousal information to a vehicle, wherein the vehicle information and the meteorological information acquire at least one of the vehicle information and the vehicle information acquired by the first information acquisition unit. Based on at least one of the weather information, an image transmission request determining means for determining whether to request the vehicle to transmit the image information; and the image transmission request determining means for transmitting the image information. Output means for outputting the image information transmission request to the vehicle, and second information acquisition for acquiring the image information from the vehicle in response to the image information transmission request. And means for determining whether or not to deliver the alert information to the vehicle based on the image information acquired by the second information acquisition means, and the alert information distribution determining means includes: And a first alert information delivery means for delivering the alert information to the vehicle when it is determined that the alert information is to be delivered to the vehicle.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined to request the vehicle to transmit image information based on at least one of the vehicle information and the weather information, the image information transmission request is output to the vehicle, and the image Based on the image information from the vehicle according to the information transmission request, it is determined whether or not to deliver the alert information to the vehicle. Therefore, the alert information can be distributed after confirming whether or not an event has occurred according to the situation.

It is a figure which shows the whole system containing the information delivery apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of event information. It is a figure which shows an example of specific position information. It is a block diagram of the drive recorder of FIG. It is a block diagram of the navigation apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram of the control part of the center of FIG. 1, and an external server. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of alerting information. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of alert release information. It is a flowchart of an example of system operation | movement. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the reference | standard of delivery of alert information. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of avoidance information. It is a flowchart of the other example of system operation | movement. It is a flowchart of the other example of system operation | movement.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but covers the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof. Moreover, it is also possible to implement with the form which added the various change in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an entire system including an information distribution apparatus according to the present invention.
Vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n can be connected to the Internet 300 via the Internet connection provider 200 and can access the center 400 as an information distribution apparatus on the Web, as will be described in detail later. The center 400 includes a plurality of vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n at the same time, various information obtained from the external servers 600, 700, 800 via the Internet 500 is recorded in the internal database, and the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n can distribute various information.

  Vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n include first cameras 1-1, 1-2,. . . , 1-n, second cameras 2-1, 2-2,. . . , 2-n, GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers 3-1, 3-2,. . , 3-n, etc. connected to drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n are mounted. Drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n, while the ACC switch is ON, the first cameras 1-1, 1-2,. . . , 1-n and second cameras 2-1, 2-2,. . . , 2-n, image data picked up by the second RAM 5-1, 5-2,. . . , 5-n, the second RAM 5-1, 5-2,. . . , 5-n, the interface (I / F) 6-1, 6-2,. . , 6-n, memory cards 7-1, 7-2,. . . , 7-n. The drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n are signal processing devices 8-1, 8-2,. . . , 8-n connected to the communication units 9-1, 9-2,. . . , 9-n, communication with the Internet connection provider 200 becomes possible. Therefore, the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n signal processing devices 8-1, 8-2,. . . , 8-n and / or drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n and the center 400 are configured to be able to transmit and receive information data including image data and the like. The signal processing devices 8-1, 8-2,. . . , 8-n and the communication units 9-1, 9-2,. . . , 9-n are configured to include a CPU, ROM, RMA, etc., and perform signal processing such as data conversion and data compression, drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n and the center 400 perform processing such as transmission / reception of information data including image data. The communication units 9-1, 9-2,. . . 9-n can also be configured by a portable terminal such as a cellular phone.

  Vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n are respectively GPS receivers 3-1, 3-2,. . , 3-n is transmitted to the center 400 as a part of the information data at a predetermined time interval, so that the center 400 side sequentially transmits each vehicle 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n can be grasped. Further, the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n are event information relating to the type of event (for example, the occurrence of an accident or disaster, weather and obstacles) and the position where the event occurred, into current position information, time information, and heavy acceleration information described in detail later. The generated event information is transmitted to the center 400. Vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n, instead of creating event information, creates vehicle information relating to vehicle behavior such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and brake operation, and transmits the created vehicle information to the center 400. Information can also be created based on vehicle information.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of event information. The event information is created every time an event occurs. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the event information indicating that snow has occurred in Sannomiya at 18:12:37 on February 21, 2010 is shown in FIG. 2B. In the example shown, event information notifying that a traffic accident has occurred in Sannomiya at 18:34:15 on February 21, 2010 is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 2C, 16:53:11 on February 21, 2010 Shows event information notifying that an obstacle has occurred in Motomachi per second.

  Further, when the center 400 side specifies a vehicle and requests image transmission, the image data recorded in the drive recorder 2 of the corresponding vehicle can be transmitted to the center 400. In addition, when the vehicle encounters an accident or the like, it is possible to automatically transmit the image data recorded in the drive recorder 2 of the corresponding vehicle to the center 400.

  Vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n include GPS receivers 3-1, 3-2,. . , 3-n, etc., connected to the navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n are also mounted. Navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n read the map data from the map data database, and the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n travel route is searched. Navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n are also signal processing devices 8-1, 8-2,. . . , 8-n connected to the communication units 9-1, 9-2,. . . , 9-n, communication with the Internet connection provider 200 becomes possible. Therefore, the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n signal processing devices 8-1, 8-2,. . . , 8-n and / or navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n and the center 400 are configured so as to be able to transmit and receive information data including travel route information related to the travel route. The signal processing devices 8-1, 8-2,. . . , 8-n and the communication units 9-1, 9-2,. . . , 9-n are navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n and transmission / reception of information data including travel route information between the center 400 and the like are also performed.

  The drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n, signal processing devices 8-1, 8-2,. . . , 8-n, communication units 9-1, 9-2,. . . , 9-n and navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n are vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n side data transmission system. In the present embodiment, the drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n, signal processing devices 8-1, 8-2,. . . , 8-n, communication units 9-1, 9-2,. . . , 9-n and navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n are described as separate bodies, but they may be integrally formed. Further, the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n are 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n can be omitted.

  The Internet connection provider 200 has a mobile communication network 202 connected to a plurality of base stations 201, and provides a connection service to the Internet 300 via a gateway 203 connected to the mobile communication network 202.

  The center 400 includes a control unit 401, a communication unit 402 such as a router for connecting to the Internet 300 and 500, a user profile information recording unit 403 for recording user profile information, content including image data, travel route information, and the like. It has a content information recording unit 404 for recording information, a content selection history information recording unit 405 for recording selection history information, and the like, and each is configured to be able to mutually transmit and receive data via the LAN 406.

  The control unit 401 is constituted by a personal computer or the like, and as will be described in detail later, an operation unit including a CPU, RAM, ROM, keyboard and mouse, a display unit including a liquid crystal display, a data recording unit such as a hard disk, etc. It is comprised including. The control unit 401 includes vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n or external servers 600-1, 600-2,. . . , 600-n based on the information received from the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n. Further, the center 400 accesses the websites of the external servers 600, 700, and 800 via the Internet 500 at a predetermined timing, and acquires various types of information such as specific position information regarding the specific position and the situation of the event at the specific position. And stored in the content information recording unit 404. Further, the center 400 creates a user profile corresponding to a user who accesses the center 400 (for example, the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n) and records the user profile in the user profile information recording unit 403. At the same time, various information acquired each time communication with the user is additionally recorded in the user profile information recording unit 403. Furthermore, the center 400 records content selection history information related to the history of information in the content information recording unit 404 selected by the user who accesses the center 400 in the content selection history information recording unit 405.

  In the present embodiment, the external server 600 functions as a traffic information center. Like the center 400, the external server 600 controls the control unit 601, the communication unit 602, the user profile information recording unit 603, the content information recording unit 604, and the content selection history information recording. The content information recording unit 604 includes a plurality of event information corresponding respectively to a plurality of events such as a traffic accident, and the like. Is recorded as content information.

  In the present embodiment, the external server 700 functions as a weather information center and, like the center 400, a control unit 701, a communication unit 702, a user profile information recording unit 703, a content information recording unit 704, and a content selection history information recording. The content information recording unit 704 stores a plurality of event information corresponding to a plurality of events such as snow, respectively. Including weather information as content information.

  In the present embodiment, the external server 800 functions as a regional information center that provides specific location information, and, like the center 400, a control unit 801, a communication unit 802, a user profile information recording unit 803, and a content information recording unit 804. The content selection history information recording unit 805 and the like are configured to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other via the LAN 806. The content information recording unit 804 records specific location information as content information and specifies A database for storing location information has been constructed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific position information. The specific location information is created for each specific location regardless of whether or not there is an event. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, it indicates that there is a snow and traffic accident event in Sannomiya. In the example shown in FIG. It shows that there is a physical event, and the example shown in FIG. 3C shows that there is no event in Hyogo.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the drive recorder of FIG. In FIG. 4, the drive recorder 4-1 will be described. Since the drive recorders 4-2 and 4-3 have the same configuration and the same operation as the drive recorder 4-1, the drive recorders 4-2 and 4-2. The description of 3 is omitted here.

  The drive recorder 4-1 can be configured separately from the first camera 1-1 or the second camera 2-1 as a video recording dedicated device, but the first camera 1-1, the second camera 1-2, The microphone 11 may be housed in the same housing and configured integrally.

  The first camera 1-1 is controlled to take an image of the front of the vehicle 100-1 and output an analog video signal as the video information 101. For example, a CCD image sensor (Charge Coupled Device Image Sensor) as a two-dimensional image sensor is used. It is composed of a CMOS image sensor (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensor).

  The second camera 1-2 is installed in the vehicle 100-1 as a second camera, takes a different direction from the first camera 1-1 such as the rear of the vehicle or the passenger compartment, and outputs an analog video signal as the video information 602. Is controlled to output as The second camera 2-1 is also composed of a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor as a two-dimensional image sensor. Note that when only one camera is required, it is not necessary to connect the second camera 2-1.

  The acceleration sensor 12 is configured by a so-called G sensor (Gravity Accelerative Sensor) that detects the magnitude of an impact applied to the vehicle 100-1 as gravitational acceleration. It is made of a semiconductor that generates an electric current based on the gravitational acceleration when it receives an impact, detects the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the vehicle, and sends the gravitational acceleration information 103 to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13-1. Output.

  The memory card 7-1 is a recording medium removable from the drive recorder 4-1, and is a programmable nonvolatile semiconductor memory card such as a CF card (Compact Flash Card), an SD card (Secure Digital Memory Card), or a memory stick. Etc.

  In this embodiment, a memory card is used as a removable storage medium. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and other removable memory cards, hard disks, and the like can be used. Moreover, the navigation apparatus 10-1 mounted in the same vehicle 100-1 as a reproducing | regenerating apparatus can be utilized. In that case, what is necessary is just to transmit the image data recorded on the memory card 7-1 etc. to the navigation apparatus 10-1 via a harness.

  The microphone 11 is electrically connected to the CPU 13-1 and is configured to collect sound inside or outside the vehicle 100-1 and transmit it to the CPU 13-1 as sound information 104. The audio information 104 is converted into a digital signal by an analog / digital converter in the CPU 13-1. Note that a unidirectional microphone with high sensitivity on the front side of the microphone may be used so as not to unnecessarily collect noise on the road.

  The GPS receiver 3-1 receives a radio signal including the satellite's orbit from a plurality of GPS satellites and time data from an atomic clock mounted on the satellite, and the relative distance to each satellite by the time difference of the received radio waves. The current location information is obtained by calculating the difference. By capturing the radio waves of the three satellites, the position on the plane on the earth can be determined. When the GPS receiver 3-1 detects the current location information, the GPS receiver 3-1 transmits GPS information 105 including position information and time information to the CPU 13-1.

  The vehicle speed sensor 14 outputs the rotation of the rotor provided on the wheel shaft of the vehicle 100-1 as a rotation pulse signal 106, and is configured by a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor. The CPU 13-1 calculates the speed information of the vehicle 100-1 by calculating the number of wheel rotations per unit time from the pulse signal received from the vehicle speed sensor 14.

  The I / F 6-1 constitutes a so-called slot portion of a memory card 7-1 provided in the drive recorder 4-1. The I / F 6-1 functions as a data recording unit that records the recording information 107 including the image data transmitted from the drive recorder 4-1 on the inserted memory card 7-1.

  The video switch (hereinafter “video SW”) 15 is a switch for switching a camera to be photographed when a plurality of cameras are provided. In the present embodiment, the first camera 1-1 and the second camera 2-1 are connected, and one camera is selected by a selection signal 108 from the CPU 13-1. Video information from the selected camera is output as selected video information 109. Note that the video SW 15 may be provided with a time measuring function so that switching is performed at regular time intervals.

  The image processing circuit 16 converts the selected video information 109 input from the first camera 1-1 and the second camera 2-1 via the video SW 15 into a digital signal, and creates and outputs the image data 110. The image processing circuit 16 is composed of, for example, JPEG-IC (Joint Photographic coding Experts Group-Integrated Circuit), and creates data in JPEG format.

  The first RAM 17 temporarily stores the image data 110 converted by the image processing circuit 16. The first RAM 17 is connected to a DMA (Direct Memory Access) circuit in the CPU 13-1.

  The second RAM 15 always stores the video information converted into the image data 110 by the image processing circuit 13. For example, SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) is used for the first RAM 14 and the second RAM 15. Since SDRAM is designed to operate in synchronization with the CPU clock, it has a short I / O waiting time, and can be accessed faster than conventional DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). This is because it is suitable for the control for processing the video data at a high speed.

  The nonvolatile ROM 19 stores a control program 20 and the like for comprehensively controlling the hardware resources constituting the drive recorder 4-1. A mask ROM may be used as the non-volatile ROM 19, but writing and erasing of a program can be performed by using a flash memory which is a programmable non-volatile semiconductor memory, an EEPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a ferroelectric memory, or the like. It becomes possible.

  The control program 20 is stored in the non-volatile ROM 19 and is read by the CPU 13-1 when the drive recorder 4-1 is activated, and functions as a program for controlling each part and for data calculation processing.

  The indicator lamp 21 is made up of a light emitting diode or the like, and is lit while the drive recorder 4-1 is activated when power is supplied from the CPU 13-1, and notifies the user that the drive recorder 4-1 is being activated. When an abnormality occurs in the drive recorder 4-1, the CPU 13-1 is configured to notify the user of the occurrence of the abnormality by blinking the indicator lamp 21.

  The accessory switch (ACC switch) 22 is electrically integrated with a key cylinder for engine start provided in the vehicle 100-1. When the switch is turned on by the user's key operation, an accessory on signal 111 is transmitted to the drive recorder 4-1. The drive recorder 4-1 starts the control by receiving the accessory on signal 111 of the ACC switch 22. Note that an ignition key output signal may be used instead of the output signal of the ACC switch 22.

  The power switch (power SW) 23 transmits a power-on signal to the drive recorder 4-1 when the user performs a switch operation. This can be used when it is desired to operate the drive recorder 4-1 without turning on the ACC switch 22.

  The battery 24 is provided in the vehicle 100-1 and supplies power to the main body of the drive recorder 4-1. The battery 24 supplies power to the power control circuit 25 and the backup battery 26. The battery 24 may be any battery that can be installed in the vehicle 100-1 and can generate an electromotive force of 12V.

  The power supply control circuit 25 is connected to the CPU 13-1 and receives an ON signal from the ACC switch 22, thereby supplying power from the battery 24 to each part of the CPU 13-1 and the drive recorder 4-1. Further, when it is detected that the power supply SW 23 is operated, the supply of power is started regardless of the state of the ACC switch 22. Further, the power supply control circuit 25 transmits an end signal to the CPU 13-1 by detecting the ACC switch 22 or the power supply SW22 being turned off. Receiving the end signal, the CPU 13-1 transmits an off signal to the power supply control circuit 25 as a control end process. As a result, the power supply control circuit 25 stops supplying power.

  The backup battery (B / U battery) 26 is composed of a capacitor or the like, and is connected to supply power from the battery 24 to each part of the CPU 13-1 and the drive recorder 4-1. When an impact is applied to the vehicle due to a collision accident or the like, the battery 24 may be damaged, or the battery 24, the power control circuit 25, and the connection line may be disconnected. In this case, the B / U battery 26 backs up the power of the drive recorder 4-1 by supplying the stored power to the CPU 13-14 or the like.

  The CPU 13-1 operates as a control device for the drive recorder 4-1, and is configured by a microcomputer or the like. Based on the control program 20, the CPU 13-1 executes control of each part of the drive recorder 4-1, data calculation processing, and the like, creates vehicle information, and stores the created vehicle information in the second RAM 15. The CPU 13-1 can also create event information based on the vehicle information and store the created event information in the second RAM 15.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the navigation device of FIG. In FIG. 5, the navigation device 10-1 will be described. Since the navigation devices 10-2 and 10-3 have the same configuration and the same operation as the navigation device 10-1, the navigation devices 10-2 and 10- The description of 3 is omitted here.

  The navigation device 10-1 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a nonvolatile ROM 33, a map information storage unit 34, a reception information storage unit 35, a search route information storage unit 36, and the like, and a liquid crystal display disposed in the vehicle 100-1. A display unit 37 constituted by a device, a touch panel arranged on a display screen of the display unit 37, an operation unit 38 constituted by various buttons, a speaker 39 arranged in the vehicle 100-1, and a vehicle 100-1. A GPS receiver 3-1 for measuring the current position, a vehicle speed sensor 14 that outputs the rotation of a rotor provided on the wheel shaft of the vehicle 100-1 as a rotation pulse signal 106, and the like are connected.

  The navigation device 10-1 uses the map data stored in the map information storage unit 419 based on the current vehicle position information received by the GPS receiver 3-1 and the vehicle speed information based on the vehicle speed pulse from the vehicle speed sensor 14. Then, the route to the destination set by the current position of the vehicle and the operation unit 35 is searched, the searched route is displayed on the display 10, and the navigation operation is performed for the driver. .

  In addition, the navigation device 10-1 accesses the center 400, downloads the latest various information stored in the content information recording unit 404, and records it in the storage unit 33. The latest various information is downloaded, for example, every predetermined period (every hour, every day, every week) corresponding to the update date of the latest accident information at the center 400 after the vehicle 100-1 is connected to the center 400. Etc.).

  The RAM 32 is used for temporarily storing a calculation value or the like calculated by the CPU 31. For example, an SDRAM is used as the RAM 32. The nonvolatile ROM 33 stores a control program 40 and the like for comprehensively controlling the hardware resources constituting the navigation device 10-1. For the nonvolatile ROM 33, for example, an EEPROM, a ferroelectric memory, or the like is used.

  The control program 40 is stored in the non-volatile ROM 33, read by the CPU 31 when the navigation device 10-1 is activated, and functions as a program for control of each unit and data calculation processing.

  The CPU 31 operates as a control device of the navigation device 10-1, and is configured by a microcomputer or the like. Based on the control program 40, the CPU 31 executes control of each part of the navigation device 10-1, data calculation processing, and the like.

  The operation unit 37 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is used as a means for performing operation input to the CPU 31 when the operator operates the navigation device 10-1.

  The display unit 38 is composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like, and is used for appropriately displaying map data, a search route, and the like. The speaker 39 is used for performing voice guidance corresponding to map data, a search route, and the like displayed on the display unit 38.

  The map information recording unit 34 is configured by a recording medium such as a hard disk or a DVD, and records map information including road information and speed limit information.

  The reception information storage unit 35 is configured by a recording medium such as a hard disk and is used to record various information received from the center 400. The search route storage unit 36 is configured by a recording medium such as a hard disk and is used for storing the search route.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control unit of the center and the external server of FIG. 6, the control unit 401 of the center 400 will be described. However, the control units 601, 701, and 801 of the external servers 600, 700, and 800 have the same configuration and the same operation as the control unit 401 of the center 400, respectively. Description of the control units 601, 701, 801 of the external servers 600, 700, 800 is omitted here.

  The center 400 receives various types of information such as specific position information from the external servers 600, 700, 800, and receives the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n not only for delivering various information such as alert information and alert release information, but also for vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n are used to verify the image data received from 4-n and investigate the occurrence position of the event and the type of event.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of alert information. The alerting information is created by the control unit 401 of the center 400, and alerts to the occurrence of an event are given to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, as well as the progress of the situation at the location where the event occurred, the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n. The alert information is stored in the navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n, the navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n is displayed on the display unit 37 by the CPU 31. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, alert information that informs that there is snow in Sannomiya and a traffic jam of 5 km and that an obstacle has occurred in Motomachi is displayed on the display unit 37.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of alert release information. The alert release information is created by the control unit 401 of the center 400 and plays a role of releasing the alert that has been alerted by the alert information. The alert release information is stored in the navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n, the navigation devices 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n is displayed on the display unit 37 by the CPU 31. In the example shown in FIG. 8, alert release information notifying that the snow in Sannomiya has disappeared, the traffic jam in Sannomiya has been eliminated, and the obstacles in Motomachi have been removed is displayed. Note that the alert release information can individually notify that the snow in Sannomiya is gone, the traffic jam in Sannomiya is gone, and the obstacles in Motomachi are removed.

  The interface (I / F) 411 configures a so-called slot portion of a memory card 412 provided in the center 400. The I / F 411 transmits image information and the like recorded on the memory card 412 to the center 400 side.

  The RAM 413 is used for temporarily storing data when the CPU 414 performs image processing or the like of image data transmitted from the memory card 412. For example, an SDRAM is used as the RAM 414.

  The nonvolatile ROM 415 stores a control program 416 and the like for comprehensively controlling the hardware resources constituting the center 400. For the nonvolatile ROM 415, for example, an EEPROM, a ferroelectric memory, or the like is used.

  The control program 416 is stored in the non-volatile ROM 415 and is read by the CPU 414 when the center 400 is activated, and functions as a program for control of each unit and data calculation processing.

  The CPU 414 operates as a control device of the center 400 and is configured by a microcomputer or the like. The CPU 414 executes control of each part of the center 400, data calculation processing, and the like based on the control program 416.

  The operation unit 417 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is used as a means for performing an operation input to the CPU 414 when the operator operates the center 400.

  The display unit 418 is composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like, and is used to display video information and the like recorded on the memory card 412 as appropriate.

  The map information recording unit 419 is configured by a recording medium such as a hard disk or a DVD, and records map information including road information and speed limit information.

  The card information recording unit 420 is configured by a recording medium such as a hard disk and is used for recording video information and the like recorded on the memory card 412. The reception information storage unit 470 is configured by a recording medium such as a hard disk, and includes drive recorders 4-1, 4-2,. . . , 4-n is used to record image data received from the external servers 600, 700, and 800.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of the system operation. Note that this flowchart shows the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n side is controlled by a program executed by the CPUs 13-1, 31 and the like, and on the center 440 side, it is controlled by a program executed by the CPU 414.

  First, the CPU 13-n of the drive recorder 4-n of the vehicle 100-n determines whether or not an event has been detected (step S1). If it is determined that an event has been detected, event information generated based on the vehicle information is generated. The data is transmitted to the center 400 (step S2).

  For example, when the vehicle 100-n travels on a road in Sannomiya with snow and the vehicle 100-n slips and the G value detected by the acceleration sensor is input to the CPU 13-n, the CPU 13-n is detected. The G value waveform is compared with the reference waveform stored in the nonvolatile ROM 19, and it is determined that there is snow on the basis of the comparison result. Thereafter, the event type is snow, and the event information indicating the position (for example, Sannomiya) where the snow has occurred and the time (for example, 18:12:37 on February 2, 2010) is the communication of the vehicle 100-n. The data is transmitted from the unit 9-n to the communication unit 402 of the center 400.

  Thereafter, the communication unit 402 of the center 400 receives event information corresponding to the vehicle information (step S3). For this purpose, the communication unit 402 of the center 400 and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 have a function of acquiring event information (for example, at least one of vehicle information and weather information). Thereafter, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 transmits the alert information to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n is judged based on the type of event detected by the vehicle 100-n (step S4).

  For example, when the event is related to weather such as snow cover, the alert information is stored in the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 transmits the alert information to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n. On the other hand, if the event is related to an accident or disaster, the alert information is stored in the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 transmits the alert information to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n. If the event is related to an obstacle, the alert information is sent to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n.

  The alert information is stored in the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 discriminates the vehicle that distributes the alert information (step S5), and distributes the alert information to the distribution target vehicle (step S6). . For this purpose, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 determines a function for delivering alert information to a vehicle based on event information (for example, vehicle information) and a vehicle to which the alert information is to be delivered. And a function of discriminating on the basis of an information transmission source and a vehicle position or a travel route. The communication unit 9-3 of the vehicle 100-3 that has been determined as the distribution target vehicle receives the alert information (step S7).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a criterion for distributing the alert information. According to the example shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle is located at a position other than 1 km from the event occurrence position (for example, Sannomiya), and the vehicle is not being navigated by the navigation device or is located on the searched route searched by the navigation device. Is not delivered, the alert signal is not delivered, otherwise the alert signal is delivered. Such a standard is stored as a map in the nonvolatile ROM 415 for reference by the CPU 414.

  In the present embodiment, the center 400 includes avoidance information for notifying the presence / absence of means for avoiding the occurrence position of the event together with the alert information, and the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n. For this purpose, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 creates avoidance information that informs the presence / absence of means for avoiding an event that has occurred on the travel route of the vehicle based on the vehicle position information and the travel route information. The communication unit 402 of the center 400 and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 have a function of distributing avoidance information to the vehicle. Such avoidance information is created based on the vehicle position information and the travel route information by the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display of avoidance information. In the example shown in FIG. 11A, avoidance routes a → b → d and a → d → c are displayed on the display unit 37 of the navigation device 10-3 of the vehicle 100-3 as an avoidance means, and in the example shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display unit 37 of the navigation device 10-3 of the vehicle 100-3.

  In step S4, the alert information is stored in the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, that is, when it is determined that it is necessary to verify whether or not the event information accurately reflects the current state of the event occurrence position, the control of the center 400 is performed. The CPU 414 of the unit 401 requests an image from the vehicle after determining the vehicle in which the image of the event position is recorded before and after a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) when the event occurs (step S8). For this purpose, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 requests the vehicle to transmit image information based on the acquired event information (for example, at least one of the vehicle information and the weather information). The communication unit 402 of the center 400 and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 have a function of outputting an image information transmission request to the vehicle when it is determined to request transmission of image information. . Such vehicle discrimination is performed by the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, by referring to the history of the current position. Note that if there is no vehicle that records an image of the event position before and after a predetermined time when the event occurs, the process can proceed to step S5.

  The CPU 13-2 of the drive recorder 4-2 of the vehicle 100-2 for which the image is requested extracts an image obtained by capturing the event position from the memory card 7-2 before and after a predetermined time when the event occurs (step S9). Image information including the processed image is transmitted to the center 400 (step S10).

  The communication unit 402 of the center 400 receives from the vehicle 100-2 image information including images obtained by capturing event positions before and after a predetermined time at the time of occurrence of the event, and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 receives the event information as the event information. The image is analyzed in order to verify whether the current state of the occurrence position is accurately reflected (step S11). For this purpose, the communication unit 402 of the center 400 and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 have a function of acquiring image information from a vehicle in response to a request for transmitting image information. Such an analysis is performed, for example, by comparing an image included in the received image information with a reference image stored in the nonvolatile ROM 415.

  After the analysis of the image, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 sends the alert information to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, whether or not the event information accurately reflects the current situation of the event occurrence position based on images obtained by photographing the event position before and after a predetermined time at the time of the event occurrence. A determination is made based on whether or not (step S12). For this purpose, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 has a function of determining whether or not to deliver alert information to the vehicle based on the acquired image information.

  The alert information is stored in the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 creates warning information as shown in FIG. 7 (step S13), and determines a vehicle to which the warning information is distributed (step S13). S14), the alert information is distributed to the distribution target vehicle (step S15). For this reason, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 has a function of distributing the alert information to the vehicle when it is determined to distribute the alert information to the vehicle. The communication unit 9-1 of the vehicle 100-1 that is determined as the delivery target vehicle receives the alert information (step S16). On the other hand, the alert information is sent to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 stops distributing the alert information (step S17). For this reason, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 has a function of stopping delivery of the alert information to the vehicle when it is determined that the alert information is not delivered to the vehicle.

  In this routine, it is determined whether or not the event no longer exists after the alert information is delivered. If the event no longer exists, the alert cancellation information as shown in FIG. -2,. . . , 100-n.

  According to the present embodiment, whether or not the alert information needs to be distributed to the vehicle is first determined based on the type of the event immediately after the event information is received, and it is not necessary to distribute the alert information. If it is determined, the image of the event position is requested from the vehicle before and after the predetermined time when the event occurs, and whether the alert information needs to be delivered to the vehicle is determined before and after the predetermined time at the event occurrence. The determination is made again based on the captured image. Accordingly, there is provided an information distribution apparatus capable of verifying whether or not event information accurately reflects the current state of the event occurrence position when urgent distribution of alert information is not requested be able to. Further, since the image is requested from the vehicle only when it is determined that it is not necessary to distribute the alert information, the load on the center 400 is reduced compared to the case where the image is requested every time the event information is received.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of another example of the system operation. Note that this flowchart shows the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n is controlled by a program executed by the CPUs 13-1, 31 and the like, and the center 440 side and the external servers 600, 700 are controlled by a program executed by the CPU 414.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, the external servers 600 and 700 determine whether or not event information exists in the external servers 600 and 700 (step S21). If it is determined that an event exists, event information is transmitted to the center 400 (step S22).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of another example of the system operation. Note that this flowchart shows the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n is controlled by a program executed by the CPUs 13-1, 31 and the like, and the center 440 side and the external servers 600, 700 are controlled by a program executed by the CPU 414.

  First, the CPU 13-n of the drive recorder 4-n of the vehicle 100-n determines whether or not the vehicle information is detected (step S31). If it is determined that the vehicle information is detected, the vehicle information is transmitted to the center 400. (Step S32). Therefore, in steps S31 and S32, the vehicle information upload timing is measured, and the vehicle information is uploaded at the upload timing. The vehicle information includes position information (latitude / longitude, link ID), travel lane information indicating a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, blinker lighting information indicating blinker lighting, and an obstacle indicating obstacle detection. At least one of the sensor information.

  Thereafter, the communication unit 402 of the center 400 receives vehicle information (step S33). For this purpose, the communication unit 402 of the center 400 and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 have a function of acquiring event information (for example, at least one of vehicle information and weather information). Thereafter, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 analyzes the traffic flow based on the vehicle information (step S34), and determines whether there is an obstacle on the road based on the analysis result (step S35).

  The determination as to whether there is an obstacle on the road is made from, for example, travel lane information, blinker lighting information, or obstacle sensor information included in the vehicle information. When determining from the travel lane information whether there is an obstacle on the road, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 detects that there is no information regarding a specific lane in any of the plurality of travel lane information. To determine that there is an obstacle in the lane. When determining whether there is an obstacle on the road from the blinker lighting information, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 has a plurality of blinker lighting information corresponding to the same position on the straight road that is not the entrance of the store. By detecting this, it is determined that there is an obstacle at the position. When determining whether there is an obstacle on the road from the obstacle sensor information, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 detects the obstacle sensor information corresponding to the same position, thereby detecting the obstacle at the position. Judge that there is.

  If it is determined that there are no obstacles on the road, this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an obstacle on the road, that is, when it is determined that it is necessary to verify whether or not the current situation on the road is accurately reflected, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400. Requests the vehicle around the point where the determination of “there is an obstacle on the road” by the traffic flow analysis (step S37). For this purpose, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 has a function as an image transmission request determination unit that determines whether to request the vehicle to transmit image information based on the acquired vehicle information. The communication unit 402 of the center 400 and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 have a function as output means for outputting a transmission request for image information to the vehicle when it is determined to request transmission of image information.

  In step S37, the selection of the vehicle that requests image capturing is performed by referring to the link ID and the longitude / latitude of the point where the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 determines that “there is an obstacle on the road”. This is done by specifying a vehicle traveling around and selecting at least a part of the specified vehicle. Although the number of selected vehicles may be one, it is preferable to use a plurality of vehicles in consideration of the case where a photographed image is impossible.

  The CPU 13-2 of the drive recorder 4-2 of the vehicle 100-2 requested for the image captures an image using the first camera 1-1 or the second camera 2-1 (step S38). The included image information is transmitted to the center 400 (step S39).

  The communication unit 402 of the center 400 receives image information from the vehicle 100-2, and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 analyzes the image in order to verify whether or not there is an obstacle on the road. (Step S40). For this purpose, the communication unit 402 of the center 400 and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 have a function of acquiring image information from a vehicle in response to a request for transmitting image information. Such an analysis is performed, for example, by comparing an image included in the received image information with a reference image stored in the nonvolatile ROM 415.

  After the analysis of the image, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 displays the alert information on the vehicles 100-1 and 100-2 according to whether or not an obstacle on the road can be confirmed from the image included in the received image information. ,. . . , 100-n is determined (step S41). For this purpose, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 has a function of determining whether or not to deliver alert information to the vehicle based on the acquired image information.

  The alert information is stored in the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, that is, when an obstacle on the road cannot be confirmed from the image included in the received image information, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 stops distributing the alert information. (Step S42), this routine is finished. For this reason, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 has a function of stopping delivery of the alert information to the vehicle when it is determined that the alert information is not delivered to the vehicle. Note that after the distribution of the alert information is stopped in step S42, the process may return to step S36 in order to make an image capturing request again.

  On the other hand, the alert information is sent to the vehicles 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 creates warning information (step S43), determines a vehicle to which the warning information is distributed (step S44), and is a distribution target vehicle. The alert information is distributed to (step S45). For this reason, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 has a function of distributing the alert information to the vehicle when it is determined to distribute the alert information to the vehicle.

  The alert information includes information notifying that there is an obstacle that prevents the vehicle from passing, and if the received image can be distributed, the received image is included in the alert information as an image that can confirm the obstacle. . Whether or not the received image can be distributed is determined based on whether the image meets legal standards such as portrait rights and the Personal Information Protection Act, and when a person or license plate appears in the image Is used to prevent individuals from being identified by reducing the resolution of the image or performing blurring.

  The communication unit 9-1 of the vehicle 100-1 that is determined as the delivery target vehicle receives the alert information (step S46). In this routine, it is determined whether or not the event no longer exists after delivery of the alert information, and if the event no longer exists, the alert release information for releasing the alert that is triggered by the alert information is sent to the vehicle. 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n.

  Thereafter, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 determines whether or not the alert information should be updated (step S47). When determining that the alert information should be updated, the CPU 414 requests external information from the external servers 600 and 700. (Step S48). Therefore, in steps S31 and S32, the timing of updating the alert information is measured, and external information is requested at the timing of update.

  The control units 602 and 702 of the external servers 600 and 700 requested for the external information extract the external information from the content information recording units 604 and 704 (step S49), and transmit the extracted external information to the center 400 (step S50). ). As the external information, for example, traffic information in the vicinity of an obstacle occurrence point for determining whether or not an abnormality in traffic conditions such as traffic congestion, traffic regulation, and traffic closure has occurred due to an obstacle on the road. When traffic information is requested as external information, the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 requests traffic information from the external server 600 that functions as a traffic information center.

  Thereafter, the communication unit 402 of the center 400 receives external information (step S51), and the CPU 414 of the control unit 401 of the center 400 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in traffic conditions based on the external information (step S52). ). If there is no abnormality in the traffic situation, this routine is terminated. On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in the traffic situation, the process returns to step S43 in order to create alert information including information indicating that the traffic situation is abnormal.

  According to the present embodiment, an event is identified based on event information such as vehicle information and weather information once collected, and whether or not the identified event actually occurs is collected again by collecting image information. Check. When it is determined that an event has actually occurred as a result of such confirmation, the center 400 delivers alert information. Therefore, the alert information can be distributed after confirming whether or not an event has occurred according to the situation.

4-1, 4-2,. . . . , 4-n Drive recorder 9-1, 9-2,. . , 9-n, 402, 602, 702, 802 communication units 10-1, 10-2,. . . , 10-n navigation devices 100-1, 100-2,. . . , 100-n Vehicle 200 Internet connection provider 300, 500 Internet 400 Center 401, 601, 701, 801 Control unit 600, 700, 800 External server

Claims (6)

Information for delivering alert information for alerting an event to a vehicle based on at least one of image information including an image captured by an imaging unit of the vehicle, vehicle information on vehicle behavior, and weather information A distribution device,
First information acquisition means for acquiring at least one of the vehicle information and the weather information;
Image transmission request determination means for determining whether to request the vehicle to transmit the image information based on at least one of the vehicle information and the weather information acquired by the first information acquisition means; ,
An output means for outputting a transmission request for the image information to the vehicle when the image transmission request determination means determines that the transmission of the image information is requested;
Second information acquisition means for acquiring the image information from a vehicle in response to a transmission request for the image information;
Based on the image information acquired by the second information acquisition means, attention information distribution determination means for determining whether to distribute the warning information to the vehicle;
A first alert information delivery means for delivering the alert information to the vehicle when the alert information delivery determining means determines to deliver the alert information to the vehicle;
An information distribution apparatus comprising:   The information distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second alert information distribution unit that distributes the alert information to the vehicle based on the vehicle information acquired by the first information acquisition unit.   The alert information delivery stopping means for stopping delivering the alert information to the vehicle when the alert information delivery determining means determines not to deliver the alert information to the vehicle. The information distribution apparatus described.   4. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a first distribution target vehicle determination unit configured to determine a vehicle to which the alert information is to be distributed based on a transmission source of the vehicle information and a position of the vehicle. Information distribution device.   4. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a second distribution target vehicle determination unit configured to determine a vehicle to which the alert information is to be distributed based on a transmission source of the vehicle information and a travel route of the vehicle. The information distribution apparatus described. Avoidance information creating means for creating avoidance information that informs the presence or absence of means for avoiding an event that has occurred in the travel route of the vehicle based on the vehicle position information and the travel route information;
Avoidance information distribution means for distributing the avoidance information to the vehicle;
The information distribution apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:

Images