JP4108435B2 - Information processing apparatus for vehicle - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, when a vehicle-to-vehicle network is formed by exchanging information between vehicles using a communication device mounted on each vehicle, the following vehicle branches information on the preceding vehicle between the vehicles traveling on the same traveling path. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for a vehicle that can be used effectively in units of roads.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, navigation devices are widely installed in vehicles, and the navigation devices are becoming more sophisticated year by year. For this reason, in addition to the conventional route guidance to the destination, information on surrounding facilities, display of traffic congestion and traffic congestion information using VICS, and automatic presentation of detours corresponding to the traffic congestion are also provided. Can be done.
[0003]
Also, with the spread of mobile phones in recent years, it has become possible to capture various types of information from the outside in the vehicle. Especially in navigation devices, mobile phones can be connected to directly communicate with information centers or use the Internet network. By connecting to an information center or various information providing departments, necessary data can be provided and used by a navigation device, and necessary data can be displayed on a monitor screen.
[0004]
Furthermore, with the development of communication technology, it is possible to communicate between devices and exchange data in a frequency band that can be freely used without special permission, such as Bluetooth using a communication frequency of 2.5 GHz. In particular, it has been attracting attention as a means for exchanging data without connecting devices with cables or the like.
[0005]
When such a communication function is provided in the navigation device, it is possible to automatically and freely communicate with various devices such as a mobile phone mounted on a vehicle by a preset program. Thus, various information from each device can be displayed on the monitor screen of the navigation device.
[0006]
For example, when a device that communicates in a freely usable frequency band such as a communication frequency of 2.5 GHz band is used in a vehicle, communication is performed between various devices in the vehicle in the same manner as communication is performed between a mobile phone and a navigation device. In addition to the above, a separate inter-vehicle communicator is installed. For example, even between vehicles traveling around the own vehicle, communication is performed with a vehicle equipped with the same inter-vehicle communicator as the own vehicle. be able to.
[0007]
Moreover, the communication can be automatically performed under a predetermined condition by a preset program. At that time, for example, when using the communication frequency 2.5 GHz band as described above, the inter-vehicle communication device mounted on the vehicle is freely connected with a vehicle within a range of about 100 m from the own vehicle, according to the use standard of the frequency band. You can communicate for free. At this time, depending on the setting of the program, specific information is automatically taken in from a vehicle equipped with a similar inter-vehicle communication device that travels around in a predetermined condition, and is used as necessary. In addition, this can be automatically transmitted to other vehicles.
[0008]
When such an automatic communication system between vehicles is used, for example, as shown as “inter-vehicle communication local network” in FIG. 8, by communication with a vehicle within a predetermined range such as 100 m centering on the traveling vehicle. Various information and data can be collected or exchanged. In addition, especially when a separate camera is mounted on the vehicle and the front is always being photographed, the other vehicle can capture and view the camera image as appropriate. You can use it accordingly.
[0009]
When actually using such a vehicle-to-vehicle communication local network, its specifications have not yet been specified, so it may be implemented in various modes in the future. For example, a user equipped with this vehicle-to-vehicle communication device When the vehicle wishes to enter this network, it automatically prepares for sending the vehicle's position, traveling direction, vehicle-to-vehicle communication ID, etc. by starting the operation of the inter-vehicle communication device, and enters the basic information network. It is possible.
[0010]
Various other optional networks are prepared in advance, for example, the same traveling route network formed by selecting a vehicle traveling on the same route in the same direction for the own vehicle and a vehicle that is likely to be directly related to the traveling, and the same traveling When traveling on the road, it is possible to prepare a traffic jam information network for dealing with various situations especially during traffic jams. This traffic jam information network can also be formed in the form of another unique network that does not form the same traveling route network as described above.
[0011]
If the user wishes to enter such an option network, when the user inputs that fact, for example, when the vehicle is equipped with a navigation device and is traveling toward the destination, the inter-vehicle communicator Within a possible range, a vehicle that operates the inter-vehicle communicator and searches for the vehicle that is likely to enter the same road on the same road as that of the host vehicle, and displays the same on the monitor screen. In addition, necessary information is automatically exchanged with these vehicles.
[0012]
Various other modes are conceivable as the option network, for example, a fellow vehicle network formed with pre-registered vehicles, for example, a surrounding vehicle network formed with any vehicle near the previous intersection, etc. is prepared in advance. It is possible to arbitrarily form these networks. In this network, other vehicles are also arbitrarily formed, and the mode in which the own vehicle is added to the network is determined by performing settings according to the setting guide displayed on the monitor screen before or during traveling of the vehicle. Thus, each option network is formed between the determined vehicles.
[0013]
Therefore, with this network formation method, all the vehicles can be masters in each network, and the restriction that one vehicle becomes the master in one network like the conventional one is eliminated. In addition, one can become a master of a plurality of networks without the limitation that one cannot become a master of a plurality of networks as in the conventional one.
[0014]
In this way, when a user wishes to enter a specific network, by inputting that fact, all of the vehicle's data / information is used for the predetermined information used in this network. Open to the user so that similar information of vehicles in the same network can be used freely.
[0015]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the inter-vehicle communication local network (A1) within a predetermined distance range capable of communication centering on the own vehicle A1, the vehicle A4 in the figure is connected to the inter-vehicle communication local network of the own vehicle A1. And is also included in the inter-vehicle communication local network (A6) of the vehicle A6 in the inter-vehicle communication local network (A4) of the vehicle A4. Communication is possible.
[0016]
Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the inter-vehicle communication local network (A6) of the vehicle A6 can communicate with a dealer D3 in which a communication device similar to the inter-vehicle communication device is installed. An original information transmission system is formed with the dealers D2 and D1 of the same series, and an information center is connected to the original information transmission system. Therefore, the vehicle A6 can take in various information from the information center, and can also obtain an accurate guidance route based on the latest traffic information using the statistical database of the information center.
[0017]
Accordingly, the vehicle A4 is connected to the vehicle A6 via the inter-vehicle communication local network [(A6) (A4)] as described above, and further connected to the inter-vehicle communication local network via [(A4) (A1)]. The own vehicle A1 can receive information and data from the information center obtained by the vehicle A6 by this information transmission system. In addition, with this information transmission system, the host vehicle A1 can directly access the information center and take in information.
[0018]
In the example shown in FIG. 8, the information center is connected to the WWW (World Wide Web) Internet network, and Internet information can be taken in as appropriate. In this case, the information center information is used by Internet users. It is possible. In addition, the Internet can be used in the vehicle by a mobile phone brought to the vehicle as necessary, and the obtained information can be displayed on the monitor screen. It is also possible to capture via this Internet network.
[0019]
In addition to capturing various types of information on the various networks as described above, the own vehicle can also automatically capture information that each vehicle possesses and is permitted to disclose by searching, for example, Detailed map data including narrow streets owned by a specific vehicle can be imported and used for route calculation, etc. Originally collected facility information and resort information can be used as well as various Internet homepages. be able to.
[0020]
As described above, by using the inter-vehicle communication device mounted on each vehicle, the vehicle-to-vehicle communication local network of the own vehicle can be further connected to other vehicles via the other company's inter-vehicle communication local network. When it is possible to connect to a communication local network and some of the vehicles can take in information from, for example, the original information transmission system, the information can also be used by the own vehicle. .
[0021]
Furthermore, when there is an information center in those networks, the information and data can be used, and when it is possible to connect to the Internet in any network, the information on the Internet can be taken in. . In this way, the inter-vehicle communication network is an extremely wide network, and further development and utilization in various forms are expected in the future, including the mutual use of the images of the cameras mounted on the vehicle.
[0022]
Using the above-mentioned inter-vehicle communication network, for example, when forming the same travel route network between vehicles traveling in the same direction on the same travel route, a traffic congestion network that exchanges predetermined information with each other at the time of traffic congestion When forming or using a traffic jam network as a single network mode, the network is formed in the form as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example.
[0023]
That is, in the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when the own vehicle is traveling along the guidance route indicated by the traveling route G as shown in FIG. The own vehicle L3 indicated by the vehicle position mark can form the own vehicle L3 local network (L3) indicated as a circular communication range by the inter-vehicle communication device installed.
[0024]
In the example of FIGS. 9 and 10, as a vehicle physically capable of forming the own vehicle L3 local network (L3), the vehicle L2 that is running after the own vehicle L3 and is traveling on the same traveling path G is used. The vehicle L4 traveling in front of the host vehicle, the vehicle L5 traveling ahead beyond the preceding intersection C2, and traveling in the reverse direction as shown in FIG. 9 although traveling on the road U1 The vehicle R3 that is running, and the road W1 that intersects the road U1 that the host vehicle is traveling at the intersection C2, the vehicle S2 that is about to enter the intersection C2 from the right side in the figure, and the road W1 that goes from the left side in the figure to the intersection C2 It is possible to form a local network with a total of six vehicles S3 to enter.
[0025]
At that time, when forming a surrounding vehicle network centered on the own vehicle, it becomes possible to communicate with vehicles that are not visible to the own vehicle, and for example, camera images can be captured from these vehicles. In that case, it is possible to know from the camera images of those vehicles who are likely to jump in front of the vehicle from a location that cannot be seen behind the building from the vehicle's own vehicle. Is also possible. In addition, by displaying a plurality of those camera images at the intersection immediately before the host vehicle in parallel on the same screen, it is possible to see images taken from all directions about the intersection, so even at accident-prone intersections, It is also possible for the driver and other passengers to travel safely.
[0026]
In the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the vehicle L4 traveling in front of the host vehicle does not have the inter-vehicle communication device for forming the inter-vehicle network, or the communication device is installed even if it is installed. It is a vehicle that is not used by turning it off, and does not form a network with this vehicle. 9 and 10 are not illustrated because the drawings are complicated, but it is possible to form an inter-vehicle communication network with the vehicle R3, for example, traveling in the opposite direction to the own vehicle. When it is judged that there is little availability of information from the vehicle in the same route network or traffic jam network of the own vehicle, it is set as a vehicle not included in the network in advance and automatically excluded You can also However, it can also be incorporated in a drive network as a vehicle around the host vehicle.
[0027]
The local network (L3) of the vehicle L3 as described above is connected to the local network (L5) of the vehicle L5 traveling forward on the same traveling route G. At this time, the local network (L5) of the vehicle L5 is connected. Since the own vehicle (L3) exists in the vehicle, the own vehicle L3 and the vehicle L5 can exchange information and data with each other. In the local network (L5) of the vehicle L5, the vehicle L7 traveling in front of the vehicle L6 in front of the vehicle L5 forms a local network (L7), and the vehicles L5 and L7 share information with each other as described above. Data can be exchanged.
[0028]
Similarly, a vehicle L8 traveling on a road beyond the intersection C3 in front of the vehicle L7, a vehicle L9 on the bridge B1 ahead, and a vehicle L10 ahead of the intersection C4 ahead, A local network is formed so that information and data can be exchanged between each other, so that information about the vehicle L10 is transmitted to the host vehicle at least by the local networks L10, L9, L7, and L3. Etc. can be imported. Therefore, when your vehicle is about to pass a specific intersection and you do not have detailed map data for that intersection, you can send that request from the vehicles connected to the local network. You can search for your own vehicle and use the data temporarily.
[0029]
Also, for example, when the vehicle L10 is equipped with a camera, it is possible to capture the image of the camera into the own vehicle L3. The camera of the vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle may cause congestion of actual roads and congestion. It is also possible to see the situation etc. on the monitor screen. A similar local network connection is also formed behind the host vehicle, and the same information, information on the host vehicle, and the like can be automatically transmitted to a vehicle traveling behind the host vehicle. By using such a camera image, a so-called true bird view can be seen in which the user can freely view far away. Furthermore, for example, a specific intersection such as an intersection where the own vehicle needs to make a right turn later is selected, a vehicle close to the intersection is automatically selected, a camera image of the vehicle is sequentially switched, and a specific Fixed-point observation is also possible, such as displaying a camera image of a point.
[0030]
Further, for example, when the own vehicle is about to pass through the intersection C2 where there is no signal, the presence of the vehicle S2 forming the local network (S2) trying to enter this intersection from the right side of the road W1 You can check the vehicle mark on the monitor screen, and pass through this intersection with caution at low speed. It can be avoided.
[0031]
Such exchange of information can be performed between vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles, for example, in addition to being performed between ordinary vehicles, and when a communication device is downsized, a pedestrian can also possess this, In that case, it is possible to know the presence of a person who is about to jump out of the shadow on the road just before the host vehicle by displaying on the monitor screen, and to be careful to perform safe driving corresponding to the person. When possessing such a portable local network forming communication device, various information can be used by using the local network between vehicles as described above. In this case, in addition to the local network between the vehicles, it is possible to form a local network between mobile devices to be carried, and the same information can be exchanged.
[0032]
Further, for example, when there is a vehicle S3 that is going to turn left at an intersection C2 where there is no traffic signal, a request to “enter” from the vehicle S3 by an actual conversation with the driver of the vehicle S3. , “Yes, please” greeting and response, and the vehicle can be put in the queue. Note that when the host vehicle is in the position of the vehicle S3, it is possible to easily enter the train of the vehicle at an intersection where there is no crowded signal that is difficult to enter. Similarly, when entering a queue in a traffic jam from another route or the like on a highway that is queued in a traffic jam, it can be easily entered by the same communication.
[0033]
Furthermore, by using the information collection function of other vehicles that can connect the statistical data of the information center as shown in FIG. 8 to the local network, for example, traffic congestion information on a specific road for each weather or season, It is possible to capture various types of information such as traffic regulation information, traffic regulation information by the execution of events such as festivals, loophole information to the extent that local people use in times of congestion and congestion, and wasted time Safe driving is possible without spending time. In addition, such road information that the locals know is taken in the same road network when the road track data of each vehicle is taken, and there are local people in the road route data It is also possible to know special loopholes by automatically retrieving and retrieving the data.
[0034]
In addition, as a technology for mounting a camera as an environmental sensor on a vehicle and presenting appropriate information to the driver according to the traveling state of the vehicle, Patent Document 1 and a communication means with other vehicles are mounted. A technique for exchanging information with each other is described in Patent Document 2.
[0035]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-9882
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-180094
[0036]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Each vehicle is equipped with an inter-vehicle communication device having the above-mentioned unified function, each forms a local network, and a large number of such vehicles gather to form an extensive information transmission network. Since various kinds of information can be automatically taken in, an even more specific utilization method is being studied by this information transmission network.
[0037]
As one of them, it is considered to use the traffic congestion network more effectively, and in particular, to capture the traveling direction with the above-mentioned camera mounted on the vehicle and make the image available to other vehicles. Is considered. In that case, when you want to check the current traffic jam situation from the state where the navigation map is displayed on the entire screen during normal driving, with the image of the vehicle traveling in front of the host vehicle, For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when a traffic jam display function is selected, a running map is displayed on a left screen obtained by dividing the monitor screen into two, and a vehicle on which a traffic jam network is formed and a camera is mounted on the map. Display and direct one of the vehicles on the monitor screen by touching with your finger as shown in the figure, and display the camera image taken by the designated vehicle on the right side of the monitor screen Is considered.
[0038]
By such means, when the vehicle is involved in a traffic jam, the vehicle is instructed by touching the mark of any vehicle displayed on the screen to indicate the traffic jam status on the traveling route of the vehicle. You can see the situation. Further, when it is confirmed that there is traffic jam ahead of this vehicle, it is possible to easily grasp how far the current traffic jam continues by touching the mark of the vehicle ahead.
[0039]
However, as shown in FIG. 11, when displaying a mark of a vehicle connected to a traffic jam network and equipped with a camera on a map screen, there is a limit to the size of the monitor screen for the vehicle. When there are a lot of vehicles, the overlap of the marks of those vehicles increases, so not only the display becomes difficult to see, but also when you touch the mark of the vehicle with your finger, you often touch another vehicle, Proper instructions cannot be given. In particular, even when the vehicle is traveling at low speed, it is expected that it will be difficult for the driver to touch the small vehicle mark on the small screen when operating it. It may be possible to hinder driving.
[0040]
Furthermore, when a video of a traffic jam taken with a camera in the manner shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the monitor screen, the vehicle mark is displayed large on the map screen, so that the displayed vehicle is actually It is difficult to understand what point you are driving. In addition, when checking the traffic situation as described above on the monitor screen, only the rear part of the previous vehicle is photographed, and even though it can be confirmed that there is some traffic congestion from the running state, It may happen that the situation cannot be grasped.
[0041]
To take a picture of the front of the vehicle with the camera and actually know the extent of the traffic jam, take a large picture of the rear of the previous vehicle that is buried in that row of the normal traffic jam as described above. The image taken by the camera of the vehicle stopped in front of the intersection is better than the image of the camera of the existing vehicle because the field of view in front of it is open, so that the traffic jam can be better understood. In general, when running in a traffic jam, when you enter an intersection, your vehicle stops at the intersection and you adjust the vehicle so that it does not interfere with the traveling of other vehicles. . Therefore, it can be said that the image of the camera of the vehicle parked in front of the intersection on the traveling road in a traffic jam well represents the state of the intersection and the traffic jam on the traveling road of the host vehicle.
[0042]
On the other hand, in the method shown in FIG. 11, since the vehicle mark is displayed large on the map screen, it is impossible to know what state each vehicle is in with respect to the intersection. In fact, it is extremely difficult to find a vehicle parked in front of the vehicle and display the image, and requires chance.
[0043]
On the other hand, when an accident occurs on the road ahead of the host vehicle due to the vehicle information network system as described above, for example, the information It is possible to sequentially transmit information to that effect from the vehicle that has been raised or from the vehicle that was running behind the vehicle to the subsequent vehicle.
[0044]
Conventionally, when such an accident occurs, information is collected at the traffic information center, and after the confirmation work is completed, the information is distributed to the area related to the accident by means such as VICS or broadcasting. Therefore, it will be transmitted to a vehicle traveling behind the accident vehicle for a while after the accident occurs.
[0045]
On the other hand, the vehicle information network system is expected because the vehicle information network as described above can immediately inform the state of the accident to the following vehicle having the most influence on the accident.
[0046]
However, even if it turns out that the road can no longer pass due to the occurrence of such an accident, all the vehicles can be equipped with a high-performance navigation device, and an accurate detour can be immediately calculated and traveled. Not limited to the above, in vehicles equipped with navigation devices with old data, vehicles equipped with navigation devices with extremely slow calculation speeds, vehicles equipped with a monitor screen but not equipped with navigation devices, as described above. There are many vehicles that cannot immediately obtain an accurate detour corresponding to a serious accident and desire to use data of a high-performance navigation device.
[0047]
In the following vehicle that receives this information, a vehicle equipped with a navigation device can directly use this data. However, even if a vehicle not equipped with a navigation device is equipped with a monitor screen, it is displayed there. Even a vehicle without a monitor screen can travel on a detour using the voice guidance of the preceding vehicle. In such a situation, it is also conceivable that an appropriate detour is calculated and transmitted to the following vehicle even in a traffic jam as described above, in addition to the case where a traffic accident occurs on the road as described above.
[0048]
In addition, when the vehicle is closed due to the accident vehicle as described above, even when the detour information is transmitted from the vehicle equipped with the high-performance navigation device as described above, the detour route is not necessarily for all the following vehicles. It may not be appropriate, and there may be other suitable detours for subsequent vehicles that are most appropriate for that vehicle.
[0049]
For example, in the example of FIG. 10, if the vehicle L9 causes an accident on the bridge B1 in this state and the bridge B1 becomes impassable, the vehicle L7 among the following vehicles calculates a detour and turns right from the intersection C3. Drive on road W2, turn left at intersection C11, pass through bridge B3, turn left at intersection 12, drive on road W3, turn right at intersection C4 and set a detour to return to the planned driving path G Is possible. Therefore, it can be said that the vehicle L5 traveling on the same detour based on this information by transmitting this information to the following vehicle L5 is an appropriate detour.
[0050]
However, when the information of the detour is further transmitted to the following vehicle L3 and the succeeding vehicle L2 and used as detour information, for example, the navigation device having an average performance of the own vehicle L3 is used. When it is installed and the detour is calculated, turn left at the intersection C2 and drive on the road W1, turn right at the intersection C6 and drive on the road U2, pass through the intersection C7 and the bridge B2, turn right at the intersection C8, When the detour is calculated so as to pass through W3 to the intersection C4 and turn left here to return to the planned traveling route G, this detour is more appropriate than the detour calculated by the vehicle L7 as described above. It can be called a road.
[0051]
Also, when using a detour, it is not preferable that many vehicles are concentrated on one detour, and if possible, it is preferable to distribute the vehicles. However, as described above, the following vehicle calculates other detours and calculates it. It is particularly preferred to use Therefore, when calculating a detour and transmitting the information to the following vehicle, it is preferable that the detour be presented after checking whether there is a more appropriate detour or not. There is no appropriate means.
[0052]
Therefore, the present invention provides an intersection when displaying an image taken by a camera mounted on a vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle on a monitor screen when information is exchanged by forming a network between vehicles by an inter-vehicle communication device. In addition to providing a vehicle information processing device that can automatically select a vehicle near the front of the vehicle and display the video of the vehicle's camera, it calculates a detour according to the traffic condition of the road When the vehicle is transmitted to the following vehicle, the vehicle that has received this can compare with another vehicle's detour or the own vehicle's detour and select a more appropriate detour. It aims at providing the information processing apparatus between vehicles.
[0053]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention includes an inter-vehicle network forming unit that includes an inter-vehicle communication device and performs communication by selecting a vehicle related to the same travel path through inter-vehicle communication. Branch road dividing means for dividing the travel road into branch road units, camera-equipped vehicle detection means for detecting a camera-equipped vehicle in the branch road unit, and camera mounting closest to the front branch road in the branch road unit Vehicle selection means for selecting a vehicle and image display means for displaying a camera image received from the vehicle selected by the vehicle selection means on a monitor screen are provided.
[0054]
In the other vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the vehicle selection means selects only the top camera-equipped vehicle in the branch path unit.
[0055]
In another vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, camera images from a plurality of vehicles are displayed side by side on the monitor screen.
[0056]
In another vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, a map image and the camera video are displayed on the monitor screen, and the map image includes a branch path unit in which the vehicle selected by the vehicle selection means is present. It is displayed so that it can be distinguished from others.
[0057]
In the other vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the vehicle selection unit sequentially changes a branch path unit for selecting a vehicle according to a user instruction.
[0060]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an information network system based on inter-vehicle communication according to the present invention, and when information is exchanged, the camera image of a preceding vehicle on the same traveling road is displayed automatically in units of intersections. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an inter-vehicle information processing apparatus that enables a vehicle that has received and calculated a detour to select a more appropriate detour based on intersection unit data.
[0061]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle information processing device 1 is provided for the host vehicle, the navigation control device 11 is provided in the vehicle information processing device 1, and the system controller 40 and the inter-vehicle network communication device 2 together. Integrated control. The navigation device 11 includes a monitor 6 and a data recording device 7 such as a hard disk and a DVD, and is also used for obtaining the vehicle position and traveling direction used in the navigation control device 11 and the inter-vehicle network communication device 2 described later. A vehicle speed / orientation detection unit 8 and a GPS receiver 9, and an instruction signal input unit 10 for inputting user instructions to the vehicle information processing device 1 and the inter-vehicle communication network communication device 2. Yes.
[0062]
The navigation device 11 includes a host vehicle position advancing direction calculation unit 20 and inputs data of the vehicle speed / direction detection unit 8 and a signal from the GPS receiver 9, and position data of a point where the host vehicle is currently traveling. The travel direction is calculated, and the data is output to the map image forming unit 22 and the guidance route calculation unit 24, and the vehicle position data 41 of the transmission unit 5 in the inter-vehicle network communication device 2 and the travel are described as will be described later. Output as direction data 42.
[0063]
The data / information reading unit 21 reads desired map data and facility information from the data recording device 7 such as the hard disk, DVD, or CD, and outputs it to the map image forming unit 22 for 3D centering on the vehicle position. A map image of a predetermined format such as is formed and output to the image display unit 19, and the facility information 23 is also output to the image display unit 19 to display necessary information on the monitor 6.
[0064]
The navigation device 11 includes a guidance route calculation unit 24 as in the conventional device, and the calculation result is output to the image display unit 19 via the guidance route setting unit 25 and displayed on the map screen. The guidance route calculation unit 24 includes a detour calculation unit 26. When traffic jam information 35 or accident information 36 is input from the reception unit 4 of the inter-vehicle network communication device 2 described later, a VICS receiver (not shown) is used. When it is detected that a traffic jam has occurred on the guide route, a detour can be automatically calculated.
[0065]
The calculated detour is output to the detour selection unit 27 in the guidance route setting unit 25. When detour data 34 is received from an external vehicle from the receiving unit 4 of the inter-vehicle network communication device 2 as will be described later, the received detour is received. The detour and the detour calculated by the host vehicle are examined and selected as appropriate for the current host vehicle, and the selection result is presented to the user for confirmation and the determined detour is determined. Is finally displayed on the image display unit 19 as a new guide route. In addition, the calculated detour route is also output to the inter-vehicle network communication device 2 in order to use the subsequent vehicle or the like.
[0066]
The image display unit 19 of the navigation device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a camera-captured video 33 captured by a camera provided in a preceding vehicle traveling on the same traveling path from a receiving unit 4 of the inter-vehicle network communication device 2 described later. And the screen of the monitor 6 can be displayed on the right side of the drawing. Further, the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 includes a network forming vehicle detection unit 12, which detects a vehicle on which a network selected and designated by the user is formed as described later, and manages the network forming vehicle. Accordingly, these vehicles can be displayed on the map screen of the monitor 6.
[0067]
The vehicular information processing apparatus 1 includes a branch road unit dividing unit 13 and, for example, a vehicle that forms a network of the same traveling road as described above, is divided at a branch road portion such as an intersection to form a branch road unit, As will be described later, the data is used when displaying the camera-captured video and selecting an appropriate detour.
[0068]
The camera-equipped vehicle detection unit 14 detects a vehicle equipped with a camera among network-formed vehicles such as the same traveling route network detected by the network-formed vehicle detection unit 12. Not only does it actually operate, but it detects vehicles that have published their video on the network. The camera-equipped vehicle detection unit 14 can also detect a vehicle equipped with a camera for each branch path unit based on the data of the branch path unit dividing unit 13.
[0069]
The vehicle selection unit 15 selects a desired vehicle from the vehicles in the network formation formed by the network formation vehicle detection unit 12. In this case, the branch road is determined by the data from the branch unit division unit 13. A specific vehicle can be selected from the unit, a specific vehicle is selected from the vehicles equipped with the camera based on the data from the camera-equipped vehicle detection unit 14, and the camera-equipped vehicle for each branch unit is selected. The vehicle can be selected in various modes such as selecting a specific vehicle from the inside.
[0070]
The inter-vehicle network communication device 4 includes an inter-vehicle communication control unit 3 that controls the entire communication device. The system control unit 40 performs control integrated with the vehicle information processing device 1, and includes a reception unit 4, a transmission unit 5, and Controls transmission / reception of signals with the vehicle information processing apparatus 1. The inter-vehicle communication control unit 3 includes an automatic reception data transmission unit 38. As a function of the inter-vehicle network, for example, a vehicle behind the own vehicle traveling on the same route can capture information and data of the vehicle ahead of the own vehicle. When trying to do so, a function as a relay device is performed, so that the transmission unit 5 can automatically transmit the information and data without any particular capture.
[0071]
The inter-vehicle communication control unit 3 includes a transmission / reception data selection control unit 39, selects data to be transmitted from the transmission unit 5 to another vehicle, and instructs data to be received by the reception unit 4. These instructions are such that specific data is automatically transmitted and received by a network type selection signal selected and instructed by the instruction signal input unit 10, and specific data is transmitted by a user instruction. Alternatively, reception is performed, and various data transmission requests can be made.
[0072]
The receiving unit 4 can receive various information and data. In the illustrated example, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the information is stored in various networks connected to the inter-vehicle communication local network. When the center exists and the statistical database can be used, the information and data requested by the information / statistical data request 47 of the transmission unit 5 are captured here. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, when there is an Internet connection part in the inter-vehicle communication local network, the information requested by the Internet information request 48 of the transmission unit 5 is captured here as shown in FIG. Yes.
[0073]
In addition, the camera-captured video 33 can be received, and among the vehicles connected to the network, the vehicle designated by the user or the vehicle selected by the vehicle selection unit 15 among the vehicles equipped with the camera. It is possible to automatically receive a plurality of objects, and scrolls and selectively displays camera images as necessary. The camera-captured video is displayed on one or more selected videos on the screen divided into two on the monitor 6.
[0074]
The receiving unit 4 can also receive the detour data 34, and receives the detour route that is calculated and transmitted by another vehicle in a traffic jam. The detour data is compared with the detour calculated in the own vehicle by the detour selection unit 27 of the navigation device as described above, and is used in the own vehicle when it is determined that the detour is more appropriate than the detour of the own vehicle. It will be. The traffic information 35 and the accident information 36 can also be received. When it is detected that a vehicle traveling ahead on the same road has entered a traffic jam or when an accident has been detected, this information is transmitted to the following vehicle. Then, this information is received here, and the detour calculation unit 26 calculates a detour based on this information. Further, other information and data 37 are received as necessary and used in the vehicle information processing apparatus 1.
[0075]
On the other hand, from the transmission unit 5, the vehicle position data 41, the traveling direction data 42, the network type code 43, and the like are transmitted as the minimum data when the inter-vehicle network is formed. Therefore, when the user chooses to enter the inter-vehicle network, these data are automatically transmitted to the network forming vehicle, so that the other vehicle receives the position of the own vehicle and the traveling direction and receives the monitor screen. The presence can be displayed on the map, and the traveling direction can also be displayed if necessary.
[0076]
In addition, when entering the inter-vehicle network, when a user selects a desired network among various optional networks, option data 45 corresponding to the type of the network is transmitted. Thereby, for example, when a traffic jam network is selected, the detour route calculated by the host vehicle can be transmitted to another vehicle.
[0077]
In addition to the data transmission for forming the inter-vehicle network as described above, the transmission unit 5 includes, for example, a forecast of traffic congestion in a specific area according to the season and time, traffic regulation data, and local people when there is an information center in the connected network. It is possible to request information on loopholes and the like that are known to the user, and to request acquisition of desired information from a desired URL by an Internet information request 48, and to request acquisition of other information and data as required 49. To be able to do that.
[0078]
In the vehicular information network system configured by the functional blocks as described above, desired operations can be sequentially performed according to an operation flow as illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 2 shows an operation of a process that is performed particularly at the time of an accident or traffic jam at the time of forming an inter-vehicle network, and is started from the first connection to the inter-vehicle network (step S1). This is started by the user starting the operation of the inter-vehicle communication device or by performing a predetermined operation thereafter. In the example shown in FIG. 2, an example of performing a detour calculation at the time of an accident as described later and providing the calculation result to another vehicle in the traffic jam network is shown. In other networks or in your own optional network.
[0079]
Next, preparation for outputting minimum information is made (step S2). As the minimum information at this time, as shown in the transmission unit 5 in the inter-vehicle network communication device 2 of FIG. 1, for example, the vehicle position data 41, the traveling direction data 42, the network type code 43, etc. The minimum data determined at the time of construction is prepared for transmission in response to the search operation of the network-forming vehicle of the other vehicle.
[0080]
Next, in this example of the operation flow, it is determined whether or not a traffic jam network has been selected (step S3). In this determination, when the instruction signal input unit 10 in FIG. 1 sequentially performs selection and setting along the setting input screen displayed on the monitor screen, the data of the inter-vehicle communication control unit 3 storing the selection result is used. Can be detected.
[0081]
If it is determined in step S3 that a congestion network has been selected, information is exchanged within the congestion network (step S4). At this time, the minimum information in the network forming vehicle is naturally taken in, and the same data is taken in the other vehicle, and other vehicles that are traveling on the same traveling route, and further vehicles that are considered to be related to this traveling route. Is selected as a traffic jam network target vehicle in the own vehicle, and information and data determined in advance as information to be provided when the traffic jam network is formed are transmitted to and received from these vehicles.
[0082]
Next, in the example of the operation flow shown in FIG. 2, the traffic congestion network forming vehicle is displayed on the monitor screen (step S5), and the vehicle currently forming the traffic congestion network on the monitor screen is in what state on the map. So that you can see. The display does not need to display a vehicle mark in particular, and can be displayed by, for example, blinking a red dot at the position of the corresponding vehicle. At that time, when a network forming vehicle that exchanges minimum information is also displayed on the map screen, it may be displayed separately from the display, for example, by changing the color.
[0083]
When the display of these network forming vehicles is in the way when viewing the map screen, the display may be appropriately turned off. In these operations, the network forming vehicle detection unit 12 in the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 detects the vehicle forming the corresponding network, and the image display unit 19 displays the vehicle in various modes. be able to.
[0084]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not accident information on the travel route has been received from another vehicle. This accident information can be received directly as emergency information from the vehicle that caused the accident, but when the subsequent vehicle grasps the situation, this information is transmitted to the subsequent vehicle. It can also be received. As the accident information at this time, for example, the location of the accident, the degree of the accident, and the like are received.
[0085]
When it is determined in step S6 that the accident information on the travel road has been received from the other vehicle, a detour is calculated in the own vehicle (step S7), and then it is determined whether or not the detour data is input from the other vehicle ( Step S8). In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1, since the example provided with the detour calculating part 26 in the navigation apparatus mounted in the own vehicle is shown, the operation | movement flow shown in FIG. 2 is also what calculates the detour here. However, when the navigation device mounted on the host vehicle does not have a function for calculating a detour, and when the navigation device is not mounted, the calculation of the detour is naturally not performed, and the process proceeds to step S11.
[0086]
When it is determined in step S8 that the detour data has been input from the other vehicle, in this embodiment, a process of comparing the detour route of the own vehicle and the detour route from the other vehicle and selecting an appropriate one is performed. Perform (step S9). As will be described later, this processing is performed according to the operation flow shown in FIG. 3, and an appropriate one of the bypass route for the own vehicle calculation and the bypass route for the other vehicle calculation is automatically selected. Further, this processing is performed in the alternative route selection unit 27 in FIG.
[0087]
Next, the detour selected in this way is displayed on the monitor screen (step S10), and the user is prompted to confirm whether or not to travel on the detour (step S11). If it is determined in step S8 that no detour data is input from another vehicle, the detour is automatically selected, and the process proceeds to step S10 to display the detour.
[0088]
In the illustrated example, as a result of determining whether or not to travel on the detour in step S11, the process proceeds to step S14 when traveling, and to step S12 when not traveling, whether or not there are other detour candidates. When there is another route such as a detour from another vehicle or a detour for the own vehicle calculation, the other detour is displayed (step S13). After the display, the process returns to step S11, and the same operation is repeated. When the user decides to travel on the detour in the process, the process proceeds to step S14 and the detour is started, and then the process proceeds to step S4. Go ahead and repeat the same operation. When it is determined in step S12 that there is no other detour, the process returns to step S4 and travels as it is, and information is exchanged in the traffic jam network again.
[0089]
In the above example, an example is shown in which either the detour by the own vehicle or the detour by another vehicle is automatically selected by the method shown in FIG. 3 described later, but such automatic selection is not performed. In this case, all the detours may be displayed in different colors in step S10, and the user may select an appropriate one from among them in step S11.
[0090]
The comparison / selection process between the bypass for the own vehicle calculation and the bypass from the other vehicle in step S9 can be performed as shown in FIG. 3, for example. That is, it is determined whether or not the detour for the first vehicle calculation is longer than a predetermined distance by the detour for the other vehicle calculation (step S31). For example, when the distance is too long due to a double distance, for example, Assuming that the other vehicle computation detour is more appropriate than the own vehicle computation detour, after storing the own vehicle computation detour (step S36), the received detour from the other vehicle is selected (step S36). S37).
[0091]
In step S31, when it is determined that the bypass route for the own vehicle calculation is not longer than the predetermined distance than the bypass route for the other vehicle calculation, even if the bypass route for the own vehicle calculation is long to some extent, Many of the traveling vehicles will pass through the received detour, so it is conceivable that many vehicles will concentrate on the road, and the detour of the own vehicle calculation that most of those vehicles do not pass is faster. In consideration of the possibility of arriving, if the distance is a little longer, it will proceed in the direction of selecting a bypass for the own vehicle calculation.
[0092]
In step S31, when it is determined that the bypass route of the own vehicle calculation is not particularly long, for example, twice or more as described above, the bypass route calculated by the own vehicle is the vehicle that has transmitted the bypass route. It is determined whether or not the detour is detoured backward (step S32).
[0093]
In this state, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, when the vehicle L9 on the bridge B1 has caused an accident and blocked this road U1, the information is obtained from the accident vehicle L9. When the information to that effect is transmitted directly or from the following vehicle L8 to the following vehicle via the illustrated network, for example, as a result of the vehicle L7 calculating a detour, at intersections C3, C11, C12, and C4 as branch paths When the own vehicle L3 calculates a detour separately and calculates a detour returning to the original detour G at the intersections C2, C6, C8, and C4 In the determination, it is determined that the detour for the own vehicle calculation is detoured behind the vehicle L7 that transmitted the detour.
[0094]
In many cases, the detour for own vehicle calculation is an appropriate detour because it is a detour selected from a larger number of candidates than the vehicle ahead. A detour is selected (step S33). In addition, when it is determined that the bypass for the calculation of the own vehicle is not to be bypassed behind the vehicle that transmitted the bypass, the alternative route for the calculation of another vehicle may be used later. Is stored (step S5).
[0095]
When the vehicle calculation detour is selected in step S33, it is considered that this detour is better than the other vehicle calculation detour that has been transmitted earlier, and at least this vehicle is used as reference data. The calculation detour is transmitted to another vehicle such as the following vehicle (step S34). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG. 2 (step S38) including the case where the detour from the other vehicle received in step S37 is selected, and the selected detour is displayed. Further, the other detours stored in steps S35 and S36 are referred to when determining whether or not there are other detour candidates in step S12 of FIG. 2, and are used as necessary after that.
[0096]
As is apparent from FIG. 10, the detour calculation based on the accident information as described above often changes depending on which intersection, that is, between the branch roads, each vehicle exists. Therefore, when the vehicle that is sending a detour exists between the same intersections as the host vehicle, it is often appropriate to use the same detour, but between different intersections, that is, between different branch units. When it exists, the possibility that another detour is present increases. In this way, the detour selection process based on the accident information is performed by dividing the information processing in the inter-vehicle network in units of branch paths, similar to the display process of the camera-captured video of the preceding vehicle in the traffic congestion network described later. It can be said that it is a common problem in terms of consideration.
[0097]
The above operation is described as a series of operations when the accident information on the travel route is received from the other vehicle in step S6 in FIG. 2, but when such accident information is not received in step S6, step S15 is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not a traffic jam has been detected (step S15). When detecting a traffic jam, it can be detected by the driving state of the vehicle, for example, when the vehicle speed is 20 km / h or less for about 5 minutes, and it can be detected from the VICS information separately and traveling forward. It can also be detected by information from the vehicle. If no traffic jam is detected, the process returns to step S4 and the same operation is repeated.
[0098]
If it is determined in step S15 that a traffic jam has been detected, it is determined whether or not the camera-captured video of the preceding vehicle can be captured in the selected network (step S16). At the time of this determination, there is a vehicle in which the camera is mounted among the vehicles in the traffic congestion network formed as described above, and as a minimum condition, the vehicle traveling ahead of the own vehicle on the same traveling route. If it does not exist, the subsequent processing cannot be performed, so the process returns to step S4 and the same operation is repeated.
[0099]
At the time of the determination in step S16, when this inter-vehicle network system starts to spread and when there are still few vehicles equipped with cameras, it is possible that the next step cannot be taken. Since the devices can be provided at a relatively low cost, the rapid spread of the devices is conceivable. At the same time, research is being carried out to provide various driving assistance by installing a camera in a vehicle. As can be seen from the fact that it is now possible to capture moving images, it is expected that the installation of TV cameras in vehicles will spread rapidly in the future.
[0100]
If the use of such a vehicle-to-vehicle network and the camera image of the vehicle becomes widespread, many vehicles can use the system. Therefore, in the determination of step S16, the camera-captured image of the preceding vehicle is selected in the selected network. When it is determined that the image can be captured, the process proceeds to the next step S17, where a camera-captured video display process of the preceding vehicle in the traffic jam network is performed. As will be described later, this process can be sequentially performed according to the operation flow shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.
[0101]
After the process of step S17 is completed as described later, in the illustrated embodiment, it is determined whether or not the detour must be presented (step S18), and the detour for exiting this traffic jam is presented. When there is an instruction from the user that it is necessary or when a traffic jam is detected, it is assumed that the detour is presented unless there is a special reason, and the process proceeds to step S7. Thereafter, the same operation as described above is performed while taking into account the detour data from other vehicles. When it is determined in step S18 that it is not necessary to present a detour, the process proceeds to step S4, and thereafter the same operation is repeated.
[0102]
At the time of displaying the camera-captured video of the preceding vehicle in the traffic jam network in step S17, for example, as shown in FIG. Is selected (step S41). As the branch point unit, for example, in the map shown on the left side screen in the left and right split screen in the screen example of FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the branch point unit is shown as being divided at intersections with signals, In the example shown in the figure, from the intersection (not shown) including the host vehicle to the “Shinya” intersection, from the “Shinya” intersection to the “Inasaki” intersection, from the “Inasaki” intersection to the “Misaka” intersection, and from the “Misaka” intersection A total of five branching point units are shown up to the “Naksan” intersection and from the “Naksan” intersection to an unillustrated intersection. Note that the intersection unit to be selected in step S41 in FIG. 4 is a branch point unit within the range connected by the inter-vehicle local network as shown in FIG.
[0103]
When selecting the branch point unit in step S41, in step S16 of FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the camera image of the preceding vehicle can be captured in the selected network. Since it has been confirmed that there is a vehicle ready to provide, at least one branch point unit can be selected here. 6 and 7 show examples in which all branch point units are selected for convenience of explanation.
[0104]
Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not there are three or more corresponding branch point units. The reason for determining whether or not there are three or more in this determination is that three images are displayed on the screen as will be described later, and two images are displayed on this screen. In this case, in this step, it is determined whether there are two or more corresponding branch point units. Similarly, when displaying n images, it is determined whether there are n or more units. become.
[0105]
When it is determined in step S42 that there are three or more, the camera image of the vehicle close to the front branch point is sequentially displayed on the screen in the corresponding branch point unit three points ahead including the own branch point unit (step S43). ). An example displayed by such an operation is shown in FIG. 6, and the images are sequentially displayed on the right side of the screen divided into two and further divided into three screens vertically. In addition to the video camera, the video displayed in this way may be a video of a still image shooting camera that can continuously shoot at a predetermined interval.
[0106]
In this screen example, the bottom image divided into three is the vehicle that is as close as possible to this branch point among the vehicles equipped with cameras in the branch point unit to the “Shinya” intersection in front of the host vehicle. It is displayed as a result of selecting to capture the video of the camera, and at this branch point unit, there is no vehicle that can directly shoot the Shintani intersection part, so that it is relatively intersection on a congested road. The example which displayed the image | video from the vehicle which stops at the near location or is drive | working at low speed is shown.
[0107]
On the other hand, the “Inasaki” intersection displayed in the center of the three-divided screen is the front branch of the vehicle equipped with the camera within the branch point unit from the “Shinya” intersection to the “Inasaki” intersection. The vehicle closest to the point, that is, the “Inasaki” intersection is a vehicle that stops immediately before the intersection, and as a result, the state of the Inasaki intersection is shown. Similarly, for the “Misaka” intersection displayed at the top of the three-divided screen, an image from a vehicle stopped immediately before the intersection is displayed.
[0108]
In the illustrated embodiment, in the map displayed on the left side of the screen divided into two, in order to indicate the intersection unit of the image displayed on the right side in the figure, the signal display unit for the intersection in front of the intersection unit is displayed in red. A user-friendly display is provided by a thick frame, etc., and on the right side of the screen divided into two, the screen is further divided into three vertically and the upper right corner of each camera image is the intersection in front of the corresponding branch unit. The name is displayed so that the correspondence between the two can be clearly understood. By seeing these three images, the user can see that traffic congestion continues at least up to the Misaka intersection.
[0109]
In FIG. 4, the process proceeds to step S44, where it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to display a camera image in units of further branch points. This determination can be made based on whether or not the user has made an instruction from the instruction signal input unit 10 of FIG. As for the signal input part of the vehicle, it is proposed to operate many devices using a central control commander such as a joystick type provided at a predetermined position such as the uppermost part of the console box, and performing operation by haptic control. Although partly put into practical use, the operation can be easily performed by using such an operating device.
[0110]
When it is determined in step S44 that there is an instruction to display a video of the camera in the further forward branch point unit, it is determined whether or not the instructed branch point unit exists (step S45). As described above, the camera images of the vehicle close to the front branch point are sequentially displayed on the screen in units of three corresponding branch points including the next branch point unit. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the branch point unit to the “Inasaki” intersection, the branch point unit to the “Misaka” intersection, and the branch point unit to the “Kashiyama” intersection are selected. The vehicle equipped with the camera closest to the front intersection in the branch point unit is selected, and the video is displayed on the screen in the same manner as described above.
[0111]
As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 7, on the left screen divided into two, the corresponding signal is displayed so that it can be easily distinguished from the other to indicate the selected branch point unit, and on the right screen An intersection name indicating each branch point unit is displayed on the upper right of each video divided vertically into three. In this example, the “Kashiyama” intersection is selected as the next branch point unit, and its image is displayed at the top. In this screen, there is no traffic jam ahead, so the current vehicle It can be seen that the traffic jam around the area has been resolved at least between the “Misaka” intersection and the “Kashiyama” intersection.
[0112]
After the video display is shifted to the next branch point unit in the step S46, the process returns to the step S44 to determine whether or not there is an instruction to display the camera image in the further branch point unit. Further, it is detected whether or not the same operation is performed, and thereafter the same operation is repeated. If it is determined in step S42 that there are no more than three corresponding branch points, the process proceeds to step S47, and the camera images of the vehicles near the front branch point are sequentially displayed on the screen in units of the corresponding branch points that can be displayed. .
[0113]
Therefore, for example, when there are only two corresponding branch point units, the right screen of the screen obtained by dividing the two into two horizontally is further divided into two vertically, and they are displayed in a size that can be displayed therein. indicate. When there is only one corresponding branch point unit, one camera image is displayed on the entire right screen of the screen obtained by dividing only one of the two branch points horizontally. At that time, one camera image as shown in the right screen of FIG. 11 is displayed.
[0114]
Further, when it is determined in step S44 that an instruction for displaying a camera image in units of further forward branch points has not been given, and in step S45, when the designated branch point unit does not exist, that is, the corresponding branch point unit. When there are only three, or after this operation is repeated, all the branch point units are displayed, and in step S47, the corresponding branch point units are two or less. If NO exists, the process proceeds to step S16 in FIG. 2 in step S48 to perform the operation in FIG.
[0115]
In the above-described embodiment, when there is a vehicle equipped with a camera at each branch point, all the examples are selected for video display. However, when this inter-vehicle information network system becomes widespread, in principle, Since there is a vehicle that stops or travels at a low speed immediately before, the screen of FIG. 6 can be selected by selecting only a branch point unit that stops or travels just before the intersection. It is possible to eliminate the display of an image in which only the rear part of the front vehicle is shown, such as the lowermost image in the example.
[0116]
As shown in FIG. 5, the operation flow at that time is based on the operation flow shown in FIG. 4. While the camera images of the vehicles close to the point are sequentially displayed on the screen, in the operation flow shown in FIG. 5, in step S53, instead of the “vehicle close to the front branch point”, Vehicle ". Similarly, instead of “a vehicle near the front branch point” in step S47 of FIG. 4, “a vehicle immediately before the front branch point” in step S57 of FIG. 5, and “a vehicle near the front branch point” in step S46 of FIG. In place of "", the vehicle immediately before the front branch point is set in step S57 of FIG. 5, and such an operation flow can be used easily.
[0117]
【The invention's effect】
In the vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, an inter-vehicle network forming means that includes an inter-vehicle communication device and selects and communicates vehicles related to the same travel path through inter-vehicle communication, and the travel path as a branch path A branching road dividing means for dividing the vehicle into two, a camera-equipped vehicle detecting means for detecting a camera-equipped vehicle in the branch road unit, and a vehicle selection means for selecting the camera-equipped vehicle closest to the front branch road in the branch road unit. And an image display means for displaying a camera image received from the vehicle selected by the vehicle selection means on a monitor screen, a communication means between the vehicles forms a network between the vehicles to exchange data At the time of displaying on the monitor screen the video taken with the camera mounted on the vehicle traveling in front of the host vehicle, the vehicle traveling near the intersection is automatically selected arbitrarily Can be selected, it is possible to display the camera image of the vehicle on the monitor screen.
[0118]
Further, in another vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when the vehicle selecting means selects only the top camera-equipped vehicle in the branch path unit, the camera image displayed on the monitor screen is always the head of the branch path. Since it is a vehicle and it is far from the branch road where the state of the branch road is difficult to understand, and the camera image of the rear of the other vehicle is not displayed, the state of the branch road can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.
[0119]
In the other vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the monitor screen that displays the camera images from a plurality of vehicles side by side can easily grasp the traveling state of the vehicle on the traveling road as a whole. it can.
[0120]
In the other vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the monitor screen displays a map image and the camera video, and the map image includes a branch path unit in which the vehicle selected by the vehicle selection unit exists. That can be distinguished from the camera can easily see on the map the branch unit where the vehicle shooting the camera image displayed on the monitor screen is present. The relationship makes it easy to grasp the overall situation.
[0121]
In another vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when the vehicle selection means sequentially changes a branch unit for selecting a vehicle according to a user's instruction, monitoring is performed according to the user's instruction. The camera image displayed on the screen can be changed and displayed in various modes, for example, scrolling one by one along the traveling direction or sequentially by a plurality.
[0122]
Further, in another vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, an inter-vehicle network forming unit that includes an inter-vehicle communication device and selects a vehicle related to the same travel path by inter-vehicle communication, and the travel path A branch road that is obtained by splitting a branch path dividing unit that divides the road into a branch path, a bypass route received from another vehicle, a bypass route received from another vehicle, or a bypass route of own vehicle computation by the branch path splitting unit. In the case of having a detour selection means for selecting in units, when a network is formed between vehicles by means of communication means between vehicles and data is exchanged, vehicles in the network are selected according to the traffic condition of the road. When a detour is transmitted and the host vehicle receives the detour, the detour route received from another vehicle or the detour calculated by the host vehicle depends on the position of the branch unit of the vehicle that transmitted the detour. From the road it can be accurately selected a more appropriate detour.
[0123]
Further, in another vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when the detour from the other vehicle is received together with the accident information or the traffic jam information, the vehicle is automatically detected when the accident occurrence is detected or the traffic jam is detected. The means for selecting the detour can be operated, and it is possible to perform accurate traveling.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing main functions of an embodiment of the present invention and their relationship.
FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart showing the entire operation of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an operation flow chart for performing a comparison process between a bypass for own vehicle calculation and a bypass from another vehicle in step S9 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an operation flow diagram for performing display processing of camera-captured video in a traffic jam network in step S17 in FIG.
FIG. 5 is another operational flow diagram for performing display processing of camera-captured video in a traffic jam network in step S17 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a camera image of a vehicle selected in units of a branch path is displayed on a monitor screen in the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example in which a camera image of a vehicle selected in units of a branch path is displayed on a monitor screen in the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a vehicle information network system suitable for applying the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the same travel route network is formed in the vehicle information network system.
10 is a diagram showing the same traveling route network of FIG. 9 in a plan view and showing in more detail.
FIG. 11 is a screen display example showing an example conventionally considered when capturing a camera image of a vehicle traveling ahead in the vehicle information network system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Inter-vehicle information processing device
2 Communication device for inter-vehicle network
3 Inter-vehicle communication control unit
4 receiver
5 Transmitter
6 Monitor
7 Data recording device
8 Vehicle speed / direction detector
9 GPS receiver
10 Instruction signal input section
11 Navigation control device
12 Network formation vehicle detector
13 Divider unit
14 Vehicle-mounted vehicle detector
15 Vehicle selection part
19 Image display
20 Car position travel direction calculation unit
21 Data / information reading section
22 Map image forming part
23 Facility information
24 Guide route calculator
25 Guide route setting part
26 Detour calculation unit
27 Detour selection unit
31 Information and statistical data
32 Internet information
33 Camera image
34 Detour data
35 Traffic jam information
36 Accident information
37 Other information and data
38 Received data automatic transmission section
39 Transmission / Reception Data Selection Control Unit
40 System controller
41 Vehicle location data
42 Direction data
43 Network type code
45 Optional data for network types
46 Request instructions
47 Information / statistical data request
48 Internet Information Request
49 Other information / data requests

Claims (5)

A vehicle-to-vehicle network forming unit that includes a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device, and performs communication by selecting a vehicle related to the same traveling path through vehicle-to-vehicle communication;
A branch path dividing means for dividing the travel path into branch paths;
Camera-equipped vehicle detection means for detecting a camera-equipped vehicle in the branch unit;
Vehicle selection means for selecting the camera-equipped vehicle closest to the front branch road in the branch unit;
An information processing apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: an image display means for displaying a camera image received from a vehicle selected by the vehicle selection means on a monitor screen.   2. The vehicle information network system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle selection means selects only the first vehicle with a camera in a branch road unit.   The vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein camera images from a plurality of vehicles are displayed side by side on the monitor screen. The monitor screen displays a map image and the camera video,
2. The vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a branch path unit in which the vehicle selected by the vehicle selection means exists is displayed on the map image so as to be distinguished from others.   The vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle selection unit changes a branch path unit for selecting a vehicle according to a user instruction.

Images