JP4976395B2 - Resource management apparatus, resource management method, resource management program, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a resource management apparatus, a resource management method, a resource management program, and a computer-readable recording medium for managing resources used for executing functions related to vehicle travel. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described resource management apparatus, resource management method, resource management program, and computer-readable recording medium.

  Conventionally, navigation devices have come to adopt various functions in addition to normal functions such as route search and route guidance, and one of them includes a safety support function. Many navigation safety support functions and car safety support functions are implemented by signal processing by a CPU or DSP. In recent years, functions that require processing with a high signal processing load using images and videos have been increasing. If dedicated hardware resources are installed for each of these functions, the functions can be implemented without interrupting the process, but in order to make effective use of hard resources, resources are often shared with other functions ( For example, see the following Patent Document 1.)

JP 2004-61228 A

  However, when resources are shared and used by using a CPU or DSP that is common to other functions, when many functions are operated simultaneously, each function places a load on the resources. Therefore, in some cases, there may be a shortage of resources. In particular, even when trying to operate the safety support function, there will be a shortage of resources, the safety support function will not be able to operate, and it may be in a dangerous state during driving. Is given as an example.

  The resource management device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a determination unit that determines whether or not a vehicle position is within a predetermined safety priority area, and the position of the vehicle is within the safety priority area by the determination unit. A resource amount used when executing a plurality of functions including a function related to safety of the vehicle, which is determined to be present and executed by using one or a plurality of devices mounted on the vehicle, A control unit that sets a resource amount within the limit range so as to preferentially execute the function related to safety among the plurality of functions when the device exceeds a limit range; and a selection unit that selects the plurality of functions. The control means determines that the position of the vehicle is not within the safety priority area by the determination means, and performs a plurality of functions selected by the selection means. Resource amount that is used when the line is, if it exceeds the limits in any of the device, characterized in that to cancel the selection of the last selected function among the plurality of functions.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a resource management method comprising: a determination step for determining whether or not a vehicle position is within a predetermined safety priority area; and the vehicle position is determined by the determination step so that the vehicle position is in the safety priority area. The amount of resources used when performing a plurality of functions, including a function related to safety of the vehicle that is determined to be within and is performed by using one or more devices mounted on the vehicle, When any device exceeds the limit range, a control step of setting the resource amount within the limit range to preferentially execute the safety-related function among the plurality of functions, and selection for selecting the plurality of functions The control step is determined by the determination step that the position of the vehicle is not within the safety priority area, and is selected by the selection step. Resource amount used when performing ability, when it exceeds the limits in any of the devices, characterized in that to cancel the selection of the last selected function among the plurality of functions.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a resource management program causes a computer to execute the resource management method according to the third aspect.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records the resource management program according to the fourth aspect.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the resource management apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the resource management method concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a navigation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing explaining the resource amount and usage scene of each device in the case of using each function. It is explanatory drawing explaining the quantity of the resource used in each scene. It is a flowchart explaining the resource management process giving priority to the safety support function.

  Exemplary embodiments of a resource management device, a resource management method, a resource management program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a resource management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The resource management apparatus according to this embodiment includes a selection unit 101, a determination unit 102, a control unit 103, and a designation unit 104.

  The selection unit 101 selects, for example, a function that is executed by using one or a plurality of devices and that is related to traveling of the vehicle. This function includes functions related to safety (hereinafter referred to as a safety support function) such as a visual assistance function and a drive recorder, and also includes functions not directly related to safety support. A function to be executed is selected from these various functions. However, this function is not limited to one, and a plurality of functions may be selected. These functions are executed using devices such as a CPU and a DSP. Some functions use only one device, while other functions are realized by executing a plurality of devices. Here, the selection includes both selection by the user by operating an operation key or the like, and selection on the apparatus side according to the traveling state of the vehicle, for example.

  The determination unit 102 determines whether or not the position of the vehicle is within a predetermined safety priority area. The safety priority area can be specified by the start point and end point of the road, the range of a closed area such as an ellipse or a rectangle, and an address. When the vehicle has entered the safety priority area by traveling, it is determined that the vehicle is within the safety priority area. When the vehicle exits from the safety priority area, it is determined that the vehicle is not within the safety priority area.

  The control unit 103 determines that the position of the vehicle is within the safety priority area by the determination unit 102, and includes a plurality of vehicle safety support functions executed by using one or more devices mounted on the vehicle. When the resource amount used when executing the function exceeds the limit range in any device, the resource amount is set within the limit range so that the safety-related function is preferentially executed among a plurality of functions.

  When the function is selected by the selection unit 101, the control unit 103 determines that the position of the vehicle is within the safety priority area by the determination unit 102 and executes a plurality of functions selected by the selection unit 101. When the amount of resources used in the process exceeds the limit range in any device, the resource amount is set within the limit range so that the safety support function is preferentially executed among a plurality of functions. The resource amount used here is a processing amount capable of simultaneous signal processing of devices such as a CPU and a DSP, and can be measured by, for example, a MIPS value.

  The control unit 103 determines that the position of the vehicle is not within the safety priority area by the determination unit 102, and the resource amount used when executing the plurality of functions selected by the selection unit 101 is determined by any device. When the limit range is exceeded, selection of the function selected last among the plurality of functions is canceled. In this case, the control unit 103 causes the canceled function to be selected again when the execution of any one of the functions selected by the selection unit 101 is completed.

  In addition, it is not limited to canceling the function selected last among a plurality of functions, for example, a priority order of functions to be executed when it is determined that the function is not in the safety priority area is set in advance, and If it is determined that it is not within the safety priority area and the limit range is exceeded by any device, it may be canceled based on the priority order.

  The designation unit 104 designates a safety priority area. In this case, the determination unit 102 determines whether or not the vehicle position is within the safety priority area designated by the designation unit 104. This safety priority area can be specified on the map of the navigation device. In addition, the safety priority area described so far includes, for example, an area in which safety is particularly important in the traveling of the vehicle. For example, an area where there is an intersection that requires a right or left turn, an area where there is a highway traveling at high speed, an area where there is a pedestrian crossing that has priority for pedestrians, or a road where there are a large number of pedestrians, and low speed driving is forced Area, etc.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing of the resource management method according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, the designation unit 104 designates a safety priority area (step S201). The selection unit 101 selects, for example, a function related to traveling of the vehicle, which is executed by using one or a plurality of devices (step S202). It is determined whether or not the amount of resources used exceeds the limit range in any device (step S203). If it is determined that the number does not exceed (step S203: No), the series of processes is terminated. When it determines with exceeding (step S203: Yes), the determination part 102 determines whether the position of a vehicle exists in a predetermined safety priority area (step S204).

  When it is determined that it is within the safety priority area (step S204: Yes), the function related to safety is preferentially selected from the plurality of functions, and the resource amount is within the limit range (step S205). Then, a series of processing ends. If it is determined that it is not within the safety priority area (step S204: No), the selection of the last selected function is canceled (step S206). Then, a series of processing ends.

  According to the embodiment described above, in the safety priority area, even when the amount of resources used increases, resources are preferentially allocated for functions related to safety. Accordingly, when a plurality of functions such as a function related to safety and a function related to non-safety are selected, the function related to safety is executed with priority, and safety during driving can be ensured.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, the navigation apparatus 300 to which the resource management apparatus of the embodiment is applied includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM (memory) 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, and an optical disk drive 306. , Optical disk 307, audio I / F (interface) 308, microphone 309, speaker 310, input device 311, video I / F 312, camera 313, display 314, communication I / F 315, GPS unit 316 and various sensors 317 are provided. In addition, the constituent units 301 to 317 are connected to each other by a bus 320.

  First, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the navigation device. The ROM 302 records programs such as a boot program and a navigation program. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

  The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 305 according to control of CPU301. The magnetic disk 305 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. As the magnetic disk 305, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 306 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 307 according to control of CPU301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disc 307, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 307, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  Another example of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 is map data used for route search / route guidance. The map data includes background data representing features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and the ground surface, and road shape data representing the shape of the road. The map data can be displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 314. Drawn. When the navigation device is in the route guidance, the map data and the current location of the vehicle acquired by the CPU 301 are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  The audio I / F 308 is connected to a microphone 309 for audio input and a speaker 310 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 309 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 308. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 310. Note that the sound input from the microphone 309 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 as sound data.

  Examples of the input device 311 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. Further, the input device 311 can be connected to another information processing terminal such as a digital camera or a mobile phone terminal to input / output data.

  The video I / F 312 is connected to a camera 313 for video input and a display 314 for video output. Specifically, the video I / F 312 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 314, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 314 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The camera 313 captures images inside and outside the vehicle and outputs them as image data. An image captured by the camera 313 can be recorded on the magnetic disk 305 or the optical disk 307 as image data. The display 314 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 314, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted. It is to be noted that a drive recorder function for always overwriting and recording an image outside the vehicle by the camera 313 on a recording medium and storing the overwritten image by detecting a predetermined impact by a G sensor, for example, is a safety support function. It is configured as one of

  The communication I / F 315 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 315 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 315 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS / beacon receiver, a wireless navigation device, and other navigation devices. The communication I / F 315 receives road traffic information such as traffic congestion and traffic regulations distributed from the VICS center. get. VICS is a registered trademark.

  The GPS unit 316 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information related to the position of the vehicle on which the navigation device is mounted. The output information of the GPS unit 316 is used when the CPU 301 calculates the current location of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 317 described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map data, such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 317 output information for determining the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 317 are used for the calculation of the current position of the vehicle by the CPU 301 and the measurement of the change in speed and direction. Various sensors 317 output information for detecting obstacles outside the vehicle, such as radio wave radars and infrared sensors. The function of detecting an obstacle outside the vehicle and prompting a warning is configured as one of the safety support functions.

  In the above navigation apparatus, resource management is executed. Here, each function including the safety support function is listed, and each resource has a necessary resource amount. The resource amount for each function is shown in FIG. This list-up can be set in advance when the device is shipped, but can be set by the user. The necessary resource amount may be input with data at the time of shipment, or the device can investigate the necessary amount each time.

  And the place which wants to mainly operate the above safety support function is set. The location can be set in advance when the device is shipped, but can be set by the user. The device is provided with a resource monitor, and the amount of resources currently used by each device for processing is monitored for each used amount and each function being operated.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the resource amount and usage location of each device when each function is used. Here, function A, function B, and function C will be described. Each function uses one or more of CPU (1), CPU (2), DSP (1), DSP (2), and the location where the current position of the vehicle is about to cross the intersection, It is used in places where the current position is about to cross a pedestrian crossing and where the vehicle travels on a highway. In other words, at a place where you want to pass through an intersection, a place where the current position of the vehicle reaches a predetermined distance from the intersection and is used until it passes through the intersection. In a place where the current position of the vehicle reaches within a predetermined distance from the pedestrian crossing and passes through the pedestrian crossing, and where the vehicle travels on the expressway, it is within the range of the expressway that travels. used. Each of these ranges is set as a safety priority area. Note that MIPS is used as the amount of resources used.

  The function A uses the CPU (1), and the used resource amount is 100 MIPS. On the other hand, CPU (2) is not used. Also, DSP (1) is used, and the amount of resources used is 300 MIPS. On the other hand, DSP (2) is not used. It is used in intersection areas and pedestrian crossing areas, but not in expressway areas. An example of this function A is a drive recorder function.

  Function B does not use any of CPU (1), CPU (2), and DSP (1). Also, DSP (2) is used, and the amount of resources used is 400 MIPS. It is used in intersection areas and pedestrian crossing areas, but not in expressway areas. As an example of the function B, there is a safety support function that detects the presence of an object (an obstacle, another vehicle, a pedestrian, or the like) approaching the host vehicle by using a sensor or the like, and prompts a warning.

  Function C does not use CPU (1). On the other hand, the CPU (2) is used and the amount of resources used is 200 MIPS. Also, DSP (1) is used, and the amount of resources used is 200 MIPS. On the other hand, DSP (2) is not used. It is not used at intersections and pedestrian crossings, but is used on expressways. As an example of the function C, there is a function that prompts a warning by detecting excessive speed.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the amount of resources used in each place. Although the place where each function is used has been described with reference to FIG. 4, the total of resources used in each place will be described here. MIPS is used for the amount of resources used. There are four devices, CPU (1), CPU (2), DSP (1), and DSP (2), and the device upper limit is 200 MIPS, 200 MIPS, 500 MIPS, and 500 MIPS, respectively. Each device can be used by selecting each function.

  First, in the intersection area, function A and function B are used as shown in FIG. Therefore, the amount of resources used in the function A and the function B is totaled, the amount of resources used by the CPU (1) is 100 MIPS, the CPU (2) is not used, and the amount of resources used by the DSP (1) is 300 MIPS, DSP ( The amount of resource used in 2) is 400 MIPS.

  Also, in the pedestrian crossing area, the function A and the function B are used as shown in FIG. Therefore, the amount of resources used in the function A and the function B is totaled, the amount of resources used by the CPU (1) is 100 MIPS, the CPU (2) is not used, and the amount of resources used by the DSP (1) is 300 MIPS, DSP ( The amount of resource used in 2) is 400 MIPS.

  In the expressway area, only function C is used as shown in FIG. Therefore, the resource amount used in the function C is applied as it is, the CPU (1) is not used, the used resource amount of the CPU (2) is 200 MIPS, the used resource amount of the DSP (1) is 200 MIPS, and the DSP (2) is Not used.

  When a predetermined safety support function such as an intersection area is prioritized based on the navigation map, for example, DSP (1) at the intersection secures 300 MIPS necessary for the safety support function, and the resource monitor Monitoring is performed so that resources used by functions other than the support function do not exceed 200 MIPS, which is the difference from the upper limit.

  Then, when the place where priority is given to the safety support function, when the total used resources of functions other than the safety support function to be operated at the place exceeds the upper limit, for example, in the case of DSP (1) at the intersection area, 200 MIPS If it exceeds the limit, functions other than the safety support function are stopped until 200 MIPS or less. The selection method of the function to be stopped may be in the order of the required resources, or may be in the priority order set by the user at the time of shipment.

  When functions other than the safety support function to be operated in the place where the safety support function is prioritized are interrupted, the total resource used including the interrupted function exceeds 200 MIPS, for example. Either reject the interrupt or stop the lower priority function according to a predetermined priority until it does not exceed 200 MIPS. These operations may be automatic or may require user permission. In addition, the user is notified of the terminated or paused function by display or the like.

  Then, when the range of the place where the safety support function is prioritized is released, the restriction is released, and the function that has been terminated or suspended is resumed. The restriction release may be automatic or may be in the form of notifying the user of the restriction release and having the user operate it. Such resource management processing prioritizing the safety support function will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating resource management processing that prioritizes the safety support function. First, it is determined whether or not safety support is prioritized (step S601). When it is determined that priority is not given (step S601: No), the safety support function is selected at a predetermined position (step S602). However, when the resource upper limit is exceeded, it is not always necessary to use the safety support function. The safety support function is not used (step S603), that is, cancels and the process proceeds to step S609.

  When it is determined that priority is given (step S601: Yes), the safety support function is selected at a predetermined position (step S604), and it is determined whether any device has exceeded the resource upper limit (step S605). When the upper limit is not exceeded (step S605: No), the safety support function is used as it is (step S606), and the process proceeds to step S609. When the upper limit is exceeded (step S605: Yes), a part of the functions other than the safety support function is stopped (step S607), and the safety support function is used (step S608). Then, it is determined whether or not the travel is finished (step S609). When the travel is finished (step S609: Yes), the series of processes is finished. If it is not the end of travel (step S609: No), the process returns to step S601. Examples of functions other than the safety support function described above include a disc playback function for reproducing information recorded on the disc, and a route to the destination is searched, and the vehicle travels along the searched route. Examples include a guidance function and various search functions such as a destination search.

  According to the embodiments described above, when sharing various resources and operating various functions, if safety support is required, resource allocation can be realized with priority given to safety support. Even if the resource is over in the safety priority area, the safety support function is preferentially processed, and the resource is distributed as usual outside the safety priority area. Accordingly, when a plurality of functions such as a function related to safety and a function related to non-safety are selected, the function related to safety is executed with priority, and safety during driving can be ensured.

  The resource management method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

101 selection unit 102 determination unit 103 control unit 104 designation unit

Claims (5)

Determination means for determining whether the position of the vehicle is within a safety priority area designated in advance;
A plurality of functions relating to the safety of the vehicle, which are executed by using one or a plurality of devices mounted on the vehicle, wherein the determination unit determines that the position of the vehicle is within the safety priority area. When the resource amount used when executing the function exceeds the limit range in any device, the resource amount is set within the limit range to preferentially execute the safety-related function among the plurality of functions. Control means to
Selecting means for selecting the plurality of functions;
Equipped with a,
The control means determines that the position of the vehicle is not within the safety priority area by the determination means, and the amount of resources used when executing the plurality of functions selected by the selection means is any of the following: A resource management apparatus that cancels selection of a function selected last among the plurality of functions when a device exceeds a limit range . 2. The control unit according to claim 1 , wherein when the execution of any one of the plurality of functions selected by the selection unit is completed, the control unit causes the selection unit to select the canceled function again. The resource management device described. A determination step of determining whether the position of the vehicle is within a safety priority area designated in advance;
A plurality of functions relating to the safety of the vehicle, which are executed by using one or a plurality of devices mounted on the vehicle, wherein the determination step determines that the position of the vehicle is within the safety priority area. When the resource amount used when executing the function exceeds the limit range in any device, the resource amount is set within the limit range to preferentially execute the safety-related function among the plurality of functions. A control process to
A selection step of selecting the plurality of functions;
Only including,
In the control step, the determination step determines that the position of the vehicle is not within the safety priority area, and the resource amount used when executing the plurality of functions selected in the selection step is any of A resource management method for canceling selection of a function selected last among the plurality of functions when a device exceeds a limit range . A resource management program for causing a computer to execute the resource management method according to claim 3 . 5. A computer-readable recording medium on which the resource management program according to claim 4 is recorded.

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