JP6319010B2 - Probe information collecting apparatus and probe information collecting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a probe information collection device and a probe information collection method.

Conventionally, as a probe information collection device, for example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1.
In the technique described in Patent Document 1, probe information is established between communication establishment and communication disconnection using the time required for communication establishment, the time required for communication disconnection, and the time required for transmission of one piece of probe information. The maximum number of probe information is transmitted while preventing omission. Thereby, the frequency | count of communication establishment and the frequency | count of communication disconnection were reduced, and the efficiency of transmission of probe information was aimed at.

JP 2008-129815 A

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the number of communication establishments and the number of communication disconnections are reduced, the amount of communication due to communication connection and communication disconnection is reduced, but the probe with the largest amount of data is used. Since the information communication amount does not change, the effect of reducing the communication amount is small. Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the traffic of probe information. However, simply suppressing the traffic of probe information may reduce the quality of probe information and may reduce the accuracy of statistical information calculated from probe information. there were.
The present invention pays attention to the above points, and provides a probe information collecting apparatus and a probe information collecting method capable of preventing deterioration of the quality of collected probe information while reducing the communication amount of probe information. Let it be an issue.

  In order to solve the above problem, in one embodiment of the present invention, probe information including a traveling state of a vehicle is acquired from an in-vehicle device. Subsequently, the acquired probe information is stored in the probe information storage unit, and it is determined whether the amount of probe information stored in the probe information storage unit is necessary and sufficient. Then, when it determines with it being necessary and sufficient, the request | requirement which reduces the information content of the probe information transmitted from a vehicle-mounted apparatus is transmitted to a vehicle-mounted apparatus. Subsequently, when the vehicle passes between two predetermined points from the first probe information which is the probe information stored in the probe information storage unit when it is not determined that the amount of information of the probe information is necessary and sufficient. The first transit time estimated as follows is calculated. Subsequently, a second passage time estimated to be taken when the vehicle passes between two points is calculated from the second probe information which is probe information transmitted by reducing the amount of information to the in-vehicle device. Subsequently, the calculated first passage time and the second passage time are compared, and it is determined whether the state of the traveling road including two points has changed from the state at the time when the request is transmitted. Subsequently, when it is determined that the state has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request, the transmission of the request for reducing the information amount of the probe information is terminated.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the amount of probe information stored in the probe information storage unit is necessary and sufficient, a request for reducing the amount of probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device is issued. Send to the in-vehicle device. If it is determined that the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time when the request is transmitted, the transmission of the request for reducing the information amount of the probe information is terminated. Thereby, since the timing for reducing the amount of information of probe information and the timing for returning to the original can be determined easily and accurately, it is possible to prevent the quality of collected probe information from deteriorating while reducing the amount of communication of probe information.

It is a conceptual diagram showing schematic structure of the probe information collection system 1 of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the content of the reduction request. It is a figure for demonstrating high density information and low density information. It is a figure showing the relationship between the number of samples and the precision of statistical information. It is a flowchart showing a present position transmission process. It is a flowchart showing a probe information transmission process. It is a flowchart showing a request transmission process. It is a flowchart showing an excess / deficiency information update process. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the probe information collection system.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a probe information collection system 1.
(Constitution)
As shown in FIG. 1, the probe information collection system 1 includes an in-vehicle device 3 mounted on a plurality of vehicles 2 and a probe information collection device 5 included in a traffic control center 4. The in-vehicle device 3 and the probe information collecting device 5 transmit and receive information via a communication path.

(Configuration of in-vehicle device 3)
The in-vehicle device 3 includes a communication unit 6, a request storage unit 7, a travel state detection unit 8, a travel state acquisition unit 9, a travel state storage unit 10, and a probe information generation unit 11.
The communication unit 6 transmits / receives information to / from the probe information collection device 5 via the communication path.
The request storage unit 7 acquires (receives) a request from the probe information collection device 5 via the communication unit 6 and the probe information generation unit 11. The request includes, for example, a reduction request for reducing the amount of probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3. As the reduction request, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the road section (traveling area) where the amount of probe information is reduced is individually specified, as shown in FIG. 2 (b). There are those that specify a rectangular area (running area) including such a road section, and those that combine these running areas as shown in FIG. Subsequently, the request storage unit 7 stores the acquired request (reduction request). The request storage unit 7 deletes the stored reduction request after a predetermined set time (for example, 1 hour).

The traveling state detection unit 8 detects the traveling state of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle). Examples of the running state include a current position of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle), a vehicle speed, and energy consumption. The detection interval of the running state is set to a predetermined first set time (for example, 1 second). Then, the traveling state detection unit 8 outputs the detection result to the traveling state acquisition unit 9. As the running state detection unit 8, various sensors such as GPS (Global Positioning System) can be employed.
The traveling state acquisition unit 9 acquires the traveling state output by the traveling state detection unit 8. Then, the traveling state acquisition unit 9 outputs the acquired traveling state to the traveling state storage unit 10.

The traveling state storage unit 10 stores the traveling state output by the traveling state acquisition unit 9. Thereby, the traveling state storage unit 10 stores the traveling state of the first set time interval.
The probe information generation unit 11 acquires (receives) a request (reduction request) from the probe information collection device 5 via the communication unit 6. Then, the probe information generation unit 11 outputs the acquired request (reduction request) to the request storage unit 7.
In addition, the probe information generation unit 11 generates high-density information or low-density information using the traveling state stored in the traveling state storage unit 10 and the request stored in the request storage unit 7. As the high density information, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, there is a traveling state of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle) at predetermined first set time (for example, 1 second) intervals. Moreover, as the low density information, for example, there is a traveling state at intervals of a predetermined second set time (> first set time, for example, 10 seconds). Then, the probe information generation unit 11 transmits the generated high density information or low density information to the probe information collection device 5 as probe information via the communication unit 6.

Specifically, the probe information generation unit 11 acquires the current position of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle) from the traveling state stored in the traveling state storage unit 10. Subsequently, the probe information generation unit 11 determines a travel area including the acquired current position. Subsequently, the probe information generation unit 11 requests (reduction request) specifying the determined travel area (hereinafter also referred to as “current travel area”) from among the requests (reduction requests) stored in the request storage unit 7. ). Subsequently, when it is determined that there is a request (reduction request) for specifying the current travel area, the probe information generation unit 11 generates low density information using the travel state stored in the travel state storage unit 10. . As a generation method of the low density information, for example, there is a method of generating by running the traveling state stored in the traveling state storage unit 10.
On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no request (reduction request) for specifying the current travel area, the probe information generation unit 11 generates high-density information using the travel state stored in the travel state storage unit 10. As a method for generating high-density information, for example, there is a method in which the traveling state stored in the traveling state storage unit 10 is directly used as high-density information.

(Configuration of probe information collecting device 5)
The probe information collection device 5 includes a transmission / reception unit 12, a probe information analysis unit 13, a high density information storage unit 14, a low density information storage unit 15, a travel area storage unit 16, a statistical information generation unit 17, a statistical information An information storage unit 18, an information amount determination unit 19, an excess / deficiency information storage unit 20, a reliability change point determination unit 21, and a request transmission unit 22 are provided.
The transmission / reception unit 12 transmits / receives information to / from the in-vehicle device 3 via the communication path.

The probe information analysis unit 13 includes a probe information acquisition unit 13a and a travel area learning unit 13b.
The probe information acquisition unit 13 a acquires (receives) probe information from the in-vehicle device 3 via the transmission / reception unit 12. Subsequently, the probe information acquisition unit 13a determines whether the acquired probe information is high-density information or low-density information. When the probe information acquisition unit 13a determines that the probe information is high density information, the probe information acquisition unit 13a outputs the probe information to the high density information storage unit 14. On the other hand, when the probe information acquisition unit 13a determines that the probe information is low density information, the probe information acquisition unit 13a outputs the probe information to the low density information storage unit 15.
The traveling area learning unit 13b learns, for each vehicle 2, a traveling area in which the vehicle 2 has traveled in the past using the probe information (current position of the vehicle 2) output by the probe information acquisition unit 13a. Then, the traveling area learning unit 13 b outputs the learning result to the traveling area storage unit 16.

The high density information storage unit 14 stores the high density information (probe information) output by the probe information acquisition unit 13a.
The low density information storage unit 15 stores the low density information (probe information) output from the probe information acquisition unit 13a.
The traveling area storage unit 16 stores the learning result (the traveling area in which the vehicle 2 learned for each vehicle 2 traveled in the past) output from the traveling area learning unit 13b. The traveling area storage unit 16 deletes the stored traveling area after a predetermined set time (for example, 1 hour).

The statistical information generation unit 17 includes a first passage time calculation unit 17a and a first passage energy calculation unit 17b.
The first transit time calculation unit 17a uses the high-density information (probe information) stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 to estimate the time required to travel between two predetermined points (hereinafter referred to as “the first passage time calculation unit 17a”). , Also referred to as “first transit time”). As the two predetermined points, two points set for each traveling area are used. Thereby, the 1st passage time calculation part 17a calculates the 1st passage time corresponding to each run area. Then, the first transit time calculation unit 17 a outputs the calculation result (statistical information) to the statistical information storage unit 18 and the information amount determination unit 19.
The first passing energy calculation unit 17b uses the high-density information (probe information) stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 and is estimated to be consumed when traveling between two predetermined points. (Hereinafter also referred to as “first passing energy”). As the two predetermined points, two points set for each traveling area are used (for example, two points used for calculating the first passage time are used). Thereby, the 1st passage energy calculation part 17b computes the 1st passage energy corresponding to each run area. Then, the first passing energy calculation unit 17 b outputs the calculation result (statistical information) to the statistical information storage unit 18 and the information amount determination unit 19.

The statistical information storage unit 18 stores the statistical information output by the statistical information generation unit 17 (first transit time and first transit energy calculated corresponding to each travel area).
The information amount determination unit 19 determines whether the information amount of the high density information (probe information) stored in the high density information storage unit 14 is necessary and sufficient. Specifically, the information amount determination unit 19 determines the level of reliability of the statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) calculated by the statistical information generation unit 17 for each travel area. As a method for determining the reliability of statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy), for example, the number of probe information used for calculating statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) is necessary and sufficient. When the number is a number, there is a method of determining that the reliability of the statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) is high. For example, by using unbiased variance or the like, it is determined whether or not the number N exceeds the accuracy of 90%. As shown in FIG. 4, when the accuracy exceeds 90%, the reliability of statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) hardly increases even if the number of samples is increased. Further, for example, instead of the number N, that is, a numerical value that changes during operation, it may be configured to determine whether or not a predetermined number is exceeded. Then, the information amount determination unit 19 outputs the determination result to the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20.
The excess / deficiency information storage unit 20 uses the determination result output by the information amount determination unit 19 to specify whether the information amount determination unit 19 determines the travel area determined to have high reliability in the first transit time. Store as information. Further, the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20 deletes the excess / deficiency information specifying the travel area output from the reliability change point determination unit 21 from the stored excess / deficiency information.

The reliability change point determination unit 21 includes a second passage time calculation unit 21a, a second passage energy calculation unit 21b, and a state change determination unit 21c.
The second passage time calculation unit 21a uses the low density information (probe information with a reduced information amount) stored in the low density information storage unit 15 and the vehicle 2 passes between two predetermined points. Is calculated (hereinafter also referred to as “second passage time”). As the two predetermined points, the two points used for the calculation of the first passage time set for each traveling area are used.
When the second passing energy calculation unit 21b consumes when the vehicle 2 passes between two points using the low density information (probe information with a reduced information amount) stored in the low density information storage unit 15. Estimated energy (hereinafter also referred to as “second passing energy”) is calculated. As the two points, the two points used for calculating the first transit time set for each traveling area are used.

  The state change determination unit 21c compares the statistical information (first passage time) stored in the statistical information storage unit 18 with the second passage time calculated by the second passage time calculation unit 21a, and determines in advance. It is determined whether the state of the road including two points has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request (reduction request). Examples of the state of the travel path include various states that affect the travel of the vehicle 2 such as a congestion state of the travel path and a weather condition. Specifically, the state change determination unit 21c selects one travel area. Subsequently, the state change determination unit 21c determines whether the first passage time and the second passage time calculated corresponding to the selected travel area match. For example, it is determined whether the difference between the first passage time and the second passage time is equal to or less than a set time. When the state change determination unit 21c determines that the first passage time and the second passage time do not match, the state change determination unit 21c calculates the high-density information used for calculating the first passage time and the second passage time. A population average test with the low density information used is performed to determine whether the state of the traveling road has changed from the state at the time when the reduction request was transmitted. When the state change determination unit 21c determines that the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time when the reduction request is transmitted, the state change determination unit 21c outputs the selected travel area to the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20. Subsequently, the state change determination unit 21c selects another travel area and executes the above flow again. Thereby, the said flow is performed for each traveling area.

In addition, the state change determination unit 21c selects one travel area. Subsequently, the state change determination unit 21c determines whether the first passing energy and the second passing energy calculated corresponding to the selected travel area match. For example, it is determined whether the difference between the first passing energy and the second passing energy is equal to or less than the set energy. If the state change determination unit 21c determines that the first passage energy and the second passage energy do not match, the state change determination unit 21c uses the high-density information used for calculating the first passage energy and the second passage energy. The population average with the low-density information that has been received is tested to determine whether the state of the road has changed from the state at the time when the reduction request was transmitted.
When the state change determination unit 21c determines that the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time when the reduction request is transmitted, the state change determination unit 21c outputs the selected travel area to the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20. Subsequently, the state change determination unit 21c selects another travel area and executes the above flow again. Thereby, the said flow is performed with respect to each driving | running | working area.

  When the information amount determination unit 19 determines that the information amount of the high-density information (probe information) is necessary and sufficient, the request transmission unit 22 reduces the information amount of the probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3 ( Reduction request) is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3. When transmitting a request (reduction request), the request transmission unit 22 requests to reduce the amount of probe information in a traveling area where a transmission destination vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as “transmission destination vehicle”) 2 has traveled. Send only (reduction request). Subsequently, when the request transmission unit 22 determines that the state of the traveling road including two predetermined points has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request (reduction request), the request transmission unit 22 transmits the request (reduction request). Exit.

  Specifically, the request transmission unit 22 reads a travel area in which the transmission destination vehicle 2 has traveled in the past from the travel areas stored in the travel area storage unit 16. Subsequently, the request transmission unit 22 selects one travel area from the read travel areas. Subsequently, the request transmission unit 22 determines whether there is excess / deficiency information for specifying the selected travel area in the excess / deficiency information stored in the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20. When the request transmission unit 22 determines that there is excess / deficiency information that identifies the selected travel area, the request transmission unit 22 reduces the information amount of the probe information when traveling between the two points set in the selected travel area ( Reduction request). Then, the request transmission unit 22 transmits the generated request (reduction request) to the in-vehicle device 3 of the transmission destination vehicle 2 via the transmission / reception unit 12. Subsequently, the request transmission unit 22 selects another travel area and executes the above flow again. Thereby, the said flow is performed with respect to each driving | running | working area.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the information amount of the high-density information (probe information) stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 is necessary and sufficient, the probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3 A request for reducing the amount of information (reduction request) is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3. Further, when it is determined that the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time when the request is transmitted, the transmission of the request (reduction request) for reducing the information amount of the probe information is terminated. Thereby, since the timing for reducing the amount of information of probe information and the timing for returning to the original can be determined easily and accurately, it is possible to prevent the quality of collected probe information from deteriorating while reducing the amount of communication of probe information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration in the quality of the statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) calculated from the collected probe information.

Moreover, in this embodiment, when transmitting a request (reduction request), only the request (reduction request) which reduces the information amount of the probe information of the traveling area where the transmission destination vehicle 2 traveled in the past is transmitted. Therefore, only the reduction request corresponding to the travel area in which the vehicle 2 has traveled in the past is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3 of the transmission destination vehicle 2. Thereby, the communication amount of the request from the probe information collection device 5 side to the in-vehicle device 3 side can be reduced.
Further, the request transmission unit 22 determines whether the travel area including the current location of the transmission destination vehicle 2 is outside the range of the travel area of the transmission destination vehicle 2 stored in the travel area storage unit 16. If the request transmission unit 22 determines that the vehicle is outside the range of the travel area, the request transmission unit 22 includes the current location of the destination vehicle 2 in the excess / deficiency information stored in the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20. It is determined whether there is excess / deficiency information that identifies When the request transmission unit 22 determines that there is excess / deficiency information specifying the travel area, the information amount of the probe information when traveling between two points set in the travel area including the current location of the transmission destination vehicle 2 Generate a request (reduction request) to reduce. Then, the request transmission unit 22 transmits the request (reduction request) generated via the transmission / reception unit 12 to the in-vehicle device 3 of the transmission destination vehicle 2.

(Calculation processing of in-vehicle device 3)
Next, calculation processing (hereinafter also referred to as “current position transmission processing”) executed by the in-vehicle device 3 of the present embodiment will be described. The current position transmission process is executed when the ignition switch of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle) is turned on and the vehicle 2 (own vehicle) is activated.
As shown in FIG. 5, in step S <b> 101, the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generating unit 11) issues a request (request for traffic information, telematics service, etc.) from the in-vehicle device 3 side to the probe information collecting device 5 side. Determine whether there is a transmission request. If the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) determines that there is a request for transmission (Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) determines that there is no request transmission request (No), the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) determines whether it is a regular transmission timing of the current location of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle). As the regular transmission timing, for example, there is a timing that appears at predetermined time intervals (for example, 1 hour). If the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generating unit 11) determines that it is the regular transmission timing (Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) determines that it is not the regular transmission timing (No), the process proceeds to step S103.
In step S103, the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) determines whether the current location of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle) is outside the range of the travel area specified by the request (reduction request) stored in the request storage unit 7. Determine. And when the vehicle-mounted apparatus 3 (probe information generation part 11) determines with it being out of the range of the driving | running | working area to specify (Yes), it transfers to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle-mounted device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) is within the range of the specified travel area (No), the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S104, the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generating unit 11) transmits the current position of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle) to the probe information collecting device 5, and then proceeds to step S101. If the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generating unit 11) determines that there is a request transmission request from the in-vehicle device 3 side to the probe information collecting device 5 side (step S101 “Yes”), the in-vehicle device 3 By adding the current location of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle) to the request transmitted from the side to the probe information collecting device 5 side, the current location of the vehicle 2 (own vehicle) is transmitted to the probe information collecting device 5.
On the other hand, in step S <b> 105, the in-vehicle device 3 (traveling state acquisition unit 9) acquires the traveling state detected by the traveling state detection unit 8. Subsequently, the in-vehicle device 3 (traveling state acquisition unit 9) stores the acquired traveling state in the traveling state storage unit 10, and then proceeds to step S101. Thereby, the traveling state storage unit 10 stores the traveling state of the first set time interval.

Next, calculation processing (hereinafter also referred to as “probe information transmission processing”) executed by the in-vehicle device 3 of the present embodiment will be described. The probe information transmission process is executed when the probe information generation unit 11 acquires (receives) information (request) from the probe information collection device 5.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) determines whether or not the acquired information (information transmitted from the probe information collection device 5) includes a request. And when the vehicle-mounted apparatus 3 (probe information generation part 11) determines with including a request (Yes), it transfers to step S202. On the other hand, if the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generating unit 11) determines that the request is not included (No), the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S202, the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) stores the request (reduction request) included in the information (traffic information and the like) transmitted from the probe information collection device 5 in the request storage unit 7, and then the step The process proceeds to S203. The request storage unit 7 deletes the stored reduction request after a predetermined set time (1 hour).
In step S203, the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) uses the traveling state stored in the traveling state storage unit 10 and the request (reduction request) stored in the request storage unit 7 to probe. Information (high density information, low density information) is generated. Thereby, the vehicle-mounted device 3 (probe information generating unit 11) can reduce the amount of information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 3 side to the probe information collecting device 5 side as compared with the method of always generating high-density information.
Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S204, and the in-vehicle device 3 (probe information generation unit 11) transmits the probe information (high density information, low density information) generated in step S203 via the communication unit 101 to the probe information collection device 5. After the transmission, the calculation process is terminated.

(Calculation processing of the probe information collection device 5)
Next, calculation processing (hereinafter also referred to as “request transmission processing”) executed by the probe information collection device 5 of the present embodiment will be described. The request transmission process is executed when the probe information acquisition unit 13a acquires (receives) the current location of the vehicle (transmission destination vehicle) 2 from the in-vehicle device 3.
As shown in FIG. 7, in step S301, the probe information collection device 5 (traveling area learning unit 13b) travels the destination vehicle 2 in which the travel area storage unit 16 stores the acquired current location of the destination vehicle 2. It is determined whether the area is out of range (the travel area in which the transmission destination vehicle 2 has traveled in the past). If the probe information collection device 5 (traveling area learning unit 13b) determines that it is outside the travel area of the destination vehicle 2 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if the probe information collection device 5 (traveling area learning unit 13b) determines that it is within the travel area of the transmission destination vehicle 2 (No), the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S <b> 302, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) specifies the travel area including the current location of the destination vehicle 2 in the excess / deficiency information stored in the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20. Determine if there is information. When the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) determines that there is excess / deficiency information for specifying this travel area, information on probe information when traveling in the travel area including the current location of the destination vehicle 2 Generate a request to reduce the amount (reduction request).

  In step S303, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) has a change from the previous execution of this request transmission processing to the request (reduction request) corresponding to the travel area where the transmission destination vehicle 2 traveled in the past. Determine whether. Specifically, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) reads from the travel area storage unit 16 a travel area in which the transmission destination vehicle 2 has traveled in the past. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) determines a travel area specified by the excess / deficiency information set corresponding to the read travel area. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) determines that the request is changed when the determined travel area has changed from the travel area determined when the request transmission process was executed last time. judge. When the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) determines that there is a change in the request (Yes), the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no change (No), the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) proceeds to Step S305.

  In step S <b> 304, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) reads out the travel area in which the transmission destination vehicle 2 traveled in the past from the travel areas stored in the travel area storage unit 16. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) selects one travel area from the read travel areas. Subsequently, the request transmission unit 22 determines whether there is excess / deficiency information for specifying the selected travel area in the excess / deficiency information stored in the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20. When the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) determines that there is excess / deficiency information that identifies the selected travel area, the request to reduce the amount of probe information when traveling in the selected travel area. (Reduction request) is generated. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) selects another travel area and executes the above flow again. Thereby, the said flow is performed with respect to each driving | running | working area.

  In step S305, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) determines whether a request (reduction request) is generated in any of steps S302 and S304. When the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) determines that a request has been generated in any of steps S302 and S304 (Yes), the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) determines that a request has not been generated (No), the process proceeds to step S307.

In step S306, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) transmits, via the transmission / reception unit 12, the request (reduction request) generated in step S302 and the request (reduction request) generated in step S304, step S303. After transmitting the request (reduction request) determined to have been changed in step S3 to the in-vehicle device 3 of the destination vehicle 2, this calculation process is terminated. When the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) transmits information such as traffic information and telematics services from the probe information collection device 5 side to the in-vehicle device 3 side, a request (reduction request) is made to this information. Is added to the probe information collecting device 5 of the destination vehicle 2.
On the other hand, in step S307, the probe information collection device 5 (request transmission unit 22) transmits information indicating no change of the request (reduction request) stored in the in-vehicle device 3 via the transmission / reception unit 12. After transmitting to the vehicle-mounted device 3, this calculation process is terminated.

Next, calculation processing (hereinafter also referred to as “over / shortage information update processing”) executed by the probe information collection device 5 of the present embodiment will be described. The excess / deficiency information update processing is executed when the probe information acquisition unit 13a acquires probe information (high density information, low density information) from the in-vehicle device 3.
As shown in FIG. 8, in step S401, the probe information collection device 5 (probe information acquisition unit 13a) determines whether the acquired probe information is high-density information or low-density information. If the probe information collection device 5 (probe information acquisition unit 13a) determines that the information is high-density information, the probe information collection device 5 (probe information acquisition unit 13a) outputs the probe information to the high-density information storage unit 14. Thereby, the high-density information storage unit 14 stores high-density information (probe information). On the other hand, the probe information collection device 5 (probe information acquisition unit 13a) outputs the probe information to the low density information storage unit 15 when determining that the information is low density information. Thereby, the low density information storage part 15 memorize | stores low density information (probe information).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S402, where the probe information collection device 5 (first transit time calculation unit 17a) uses the high-density information (probe information) stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 to determine in advance. A first passage time (statistical information) estimated to be required when traveling between two points is calculated. As the two predetermined points, two points set for each traveling area are used. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (first passing energy calculation unit 17b) travels between two predetermined points using the high density information (probe information) stored in the high density information storage unit 14. The first passing energy (statistical information) estimated to be consumed in the case is calculated. As the two predetermined points, the two points set for each travel area are used (the two points used for the calculation of the first passage time are used). Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (first passage time calculation unit 17a, first passage energy calculation unit 17b) outputs the calculated statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) to the statistical information storage unit 18. To do. Thereby, the statistical information storage unit 18 stores the statistical information.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S403, and whether the probe information collection device 5 (information amount determination unit 19) has the necessary and sufficient information amount of the high density information (probe information) stored in the high density information storage unit 14. Determine. Specifically, the probe information collection device 5 (information amount determination unit 19) determines the reliability of the statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) calculated in step S402 for each traveling area. .
Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S404, and the probe information collection device 5 (information amount determination unit 19) uses the determination result in step S403 to determine the first passage time and the first passage energy (statistics) in any of the travel areas. Information) is determined to be highly reliable. When the probe information collection device 5 (information amount determination unit 19) determines that the reliability of the first passage time and the first passage energy is high in any of the travel areas (Yes), step S405 is performed. Migrate to On the other hand, if the probe information collection device 5 (information amount determination unit 19) determines that the reliability of the first passage time and the first passage energy is low in all travel areas (No), the process proceeds to step S406. Transition.

In step S405, the probe information collection device 5 (excess / deficiency information determination unit 18b) adds to the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20 excess / deficiency information that identifies the travel area determined to be highly reliable in step S404. The process proceeds to step S406. As a result, the request transmission process (request transmission unit 22) starts to calculate and transmit the reduction request corresponding to the travel area determined to have high reliability of the first passage time and the first passage energy.
In step S406, the probe information collection device 5 (second passage time calculation unit 21a) uses the low density information stored in the low density information storage unit 15 to travel between two predetermined points. The second transit time estimated as follows is calculated. As the two predetermined points, the two points used for calculating the first passage time are used. Subsequently, when the probe information collection device 5 (second passing energy calculation unit 21b) consumes when traveling between two predetermined points using the low density information stored in the low density information storage unit 15, The estimated second passing energy is calculated. As the two predetermined points, the two points used for calculating the first passage time are used. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (state change determination unit 21c) compares the calculated second passage time with the statistical information (first passage time) stored in the statistical information storage unit 18 to determine the travel area. Each time, it is determined whether or not the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request (reduction request).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S407, and the probe information collection device 5 (state change determination unit 21c) uses the determination result of step S406 to determine whether the state of the travel path has changed in any of the travel areas. . If the probe information collection device 5 (state change determination unit 21c) determines that the state of the travel path has changed in any of the travel areas (Yes), the process proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, if the probe information collection device 5 (state change determination unit 21c) determines that the state of the travel path has not changed in all travel areas (No), the process proceeds to step S409.

In step S408, the probe information collection device 5 (information amount determination unit 19) deletes the excess / deficiency information from the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20 that identifies the travel area determined to have changed the travel path state in step S407. After that, the process proceeds to step S409.
In step S409, the probe information collection device 5 (traveling area learning unit 13b) uses the high density information stored in the high density information storage unit 14 and the low density information stored in the low density information storage unit 15. It is used to learn the travel area in which the destination vehicle 2 has traveled in the past. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (traveling area learning unit 13b) outputs the learned traveling area to the traveling area storage unit 16, and then ends this calculation process. Thereby, the travel area memory | storage part 16 memorize | stores the travel area which the transmission destination vehicle 2 traveled in the past. The traveling area storage unit 16 deletes the stored traveling area after a set time (1 hour). Then, the calculation / transmission of the reduction request corresponding to the traveling area where it is determined that the state of the traveling path has changed is terminated.

(Operation other)
Next, operation | movement of the probe information collection system 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
First, it is assumed that the ignition switch of the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as “target vehicle”) 2 is turned on. Then, it is assumed that there is a transmission request for traffic information from the in-vehicle device 3 side to the probe information collecting device 5 side. Then, the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2 determines that there is a request transmission request from the in-vehicle device 3 side to the probe information collecting device 5 side (step S101 “Yes” in FIG. 5). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2 adds the current location of the target vehicle 2 (own vehicle) to the request transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3 side to the probe information collecting device 5 side (FIG. 5). Step S104). Thereby, the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2 transmits the current location of the target vehicle 2 (own vehicle) to the probe information collecting device 5 via the communication path.

  Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 acquires (receives) the current location (request) of the target vehicle 2 transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3. Here, it is assumed that the current location of the target vehicle 2 is outside the range of the travel area of the target vehicle 2 stored in the travel area storage unit 16. Then, the probe information collection device 5 determines that the current location of the vehicle 2 is outside the travel area of the target vehicle 2 (step S301 “Yes” in FIG. 7). Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 uses the probe information collection device 5 to identify the travel area including the current location of the target vehicle 2 in the excess / deficiency information stored in the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20. It is determined whether there is any (step S302 in FIG. 7). When the probe information collection device 5 determines that there is excess / deficiency information for specifying this travel area, a request (reduction) for reducing the amount of probe information when traveling in the travel area including the current location of the target vehicle 2. Request) is generated (step S302 in FIG. 7). Further, it is assumed that the request (reduction request) corresponding to the travel area in which the target vehicle 2 has traveled in the past has not been changed. Then, the probe information collection device 5 determines that the request corresponding to the travel area of the target vehicle 2 in the travel areas stored in the travel area storage unit 16 has not been changed (step S303 “No” in FIG. 7). ).

Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 determines that a request (reduction request) has been generated (step S305 “Yes” in FIG. 7). Subsequently, in step S306, the probe information collection device 5 adds the generated request (reduction request) to the traffic information from the probe information collection device 5 side to the in-vehicle device 3 side (step S306 in FIG. 7). As a result, the probe information collection device 5 transmits the generated request to the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2.
Subsequently, the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2 acquires (receives) information (request) transmitted from the probe information collection device 5. Then, the in-vehicle device 3 determines that the information (traffic information or the like) acquired from the probe information collection device 5 includes a request (reduction request) (step S201 in FIG. 6). Subsequently, the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2 stores the request (reduction request) included in the information transmitted from the probe information collection device 5 in the request storage unit 7 (step S202 in FIG. 6). Subsequently, the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2 uses the traveling state stored in the traveling state storage unit 10 and the request (reduction request) stored in the request storage unit 7 to probe information (for example, (Low density information) is generated (step S203 in FIG. 6). Subsequently, the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2 transmits the generated probe information (low density information) to the probe information collecting device 5 via the communication path (step S204 in FIG. 6).

  Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 acquires (receives) the probe information (low density information) transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3. Then, the probe information collection device 5 determines that the probe information acquired from the in-vehicle device 3 is low density information (step S401 in FIG. 8). Subsequently, when the probe information collection device 5 determines that the information is low density information, the acquired probe information is output to the low density information storage unit 15 (step S401 in FIG. 8). Thereby, the low density information storage unit 15 stores the probe information. Subsequently, a first passage time (statistic) estimated to be required when the probe information collecting device 5 travels between two predetermined points using the high-density information stored in the high-density information storage unit 14. Information) is calculated (step S402 in FIG. 8).

  Subsequently, the first passing energy (statistics) estimated to be consumed when the probe information collection device 5 travels between two predetermined points using the high-density information stored in the high-density information storage unit 14. Information) is calculated (step S402 in FIG. 8). As two points, two points set for each traveling area are used. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 (first passage time calculation unit 17a, first passage energy calculation unit 17b) outputs the calculated statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) to the statistical information storage unit 18. (Step S402 in FIG. 8). Thereby, the statistical information storage part 18 memorize | stores statistical information (1st passage time, 1st passage energy).

  Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 determines whether the information amount of the high-density information (probe information) stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 is necessary and sufficient (step S403 in FIG. 8). Specifically, the probe information collection device 5 determines the level of reliability of the calculated statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) for each travel area (step S403 in FIG. 8). Here, it is assumed that the reliability of the statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) is determined to be high in any of the travel areas. Then, the probe information collection device 5 determines that the reliability of the first passage time and the first passage energy (statistical information) is high in any of the travel areas (step S404 in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 adds excess / deficiency information for identifying the travel area determined to have high reliability to the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20 (step S405 in FIG. 8). Thereby, calculation / transmission of a reduction request is started corresponding to the travel area in which it is determined that the reliability of the first passage time and the first passage energy is high.

  Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 uses the low density information stored in the low density information storage unit 15 to calculate a second passage time estimated to be required when traveling between two predetermined points. (Step S406 in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 uses the low density information stored in the low density information storage unit 15 to calculate the second passing energy estimated to be consumed when traveling between two predetermined points. (Step S406 in FIG. 8). As the two points, the two points used for calculating the first transit time are used. Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 compares the calculated second passage time with the statistical information (first passage time) stored in the statistical information storage unit 18 to determine the state of the traveling road for each traveling area. Is changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request (reduction request corresponding to the travel area) (step S406 in FIG. 8).

  Here, it is assumed that it is determined that the state (congestion state, weather state, etc.) of the travel path has not changed in all travel areas. Then, the probe information collection device 5 determines that the state of the travel path has not changed in all travel areas (step S407 in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 uses the high-density information stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 and the low-density information stored in the low-density information storage unit 15 to store the target vehicle 2 in the past. The travel area where the vehicle has traveled is learned (step S409 in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 outputs the learned travel area to the travel area storage unit 16 (step S409 in FIG. 8). Thereby, the travel area memory | storage part 16 memorize | stores the travel area which the object vehicle 2 drive | worked in the past.

It is assumed that the congestion state of the travel path has changed in the travel area where the target vehicle 2 is traveling while the above flow is repeated. Then, the probe information collection device 5 determines that the state of the travel path has changed (step S407 “Yes” in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the probe information collection device 5 deletes the excess / deficiency information that identifies the travel area determined to have changed the travel path state from the excess / deficiency information storage unit 20 (step S408 in FIG. 8). Thereby, the calculation / transmission of the reduction request corresponding to the travel area where it is determined that the state of the travel path has changed is completed.
Thus, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the information amount of the high-density information (probe information) stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 is necessary and sufficient, the probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3 A request for reducing the amount of information (reduction request) is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3. Further, when it is determined that the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time when the request is transmitted, the transmission of the request (reduction request) for reducing the information amount of the probe information is terminated. Thereby, since the timing for reducing the amount of information of probe information and the timing for returning to the original can be determined easily and accurately, it is possible to prevent the quality of collected probe information from deteriorating while reducing the amount of communication of probe information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a deterioration in the quality of statistical information (first passage time, first passage energy) calculated from the collected probe information.

  In the present embodiment, the probe information acquisition unit 13a in FIG. 1 constitutes a probe information acquisition unit. Similarly, the high-density information storage unit 14 in FIG. 1 constitutes a probe information storage unit. Moreover, the information amount determination part 19 of FIG. 1 comprises an information amount determination part. Further, the request transmission unit 22 in FIG. 1 constitutes a request transmission unit. Moreover, the high density information constitutes the first probe information. Furthermore, the first passage time calculation unit 17a in FIG. 1 constitutes a first passage time calculation unit. Further, the low density information constitutes the second probe information. Furthermore, the 2nd passage time calculation part 21a of FIG. 1 comprises a 2nd passage time calculation part. Moreover, the state change determination part 21c of FIG. 1 comprises a state change determination part. Further, the first passing energy calculation unit 17b of FIG. 1 constitutes a first passing energy calculation unit. Moreover, the 2nd passage energy calculation part 21b of FIG. 1 comprises a 2nd passage energy calculation part.

(Effect of this embodiment)
The probe information collection device 5 according to the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to the probe information collection device 5 according to the present embodiment, probe information including the traveling state of the vehicle 2 is acquired from the in-vehicle device 3. Subsequently, the acquired probe information is stored in the high-density information storage unit 14, and it is determined whether the information amount of the stored probe information is sufficient. Then, when it determines with it being necessary and sufficient, the request (reduction request) which reduces the information content of the probe information transmitted from the vehicle equipment 3 is transmitted to the vehicle equipment 3. Subsequently, from the first probe information (high-density information) that is the probe information stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 when it is not determined that the information amount of the probe information is necessary and sufficient, a predetermined distance between two points is determined. A first passing time estimated to be taken when the vehicle 2 passes is calculated. Subsequently, the second probe information (low density information), which is probe information transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3 with a reduced amount of information, is estimated to be taken when the vehicle 2 passes between two points. Calculate the transit time. Subsequently, the calculated first passage time and the second passage time are compared to determine whether the state of the travel path including two points has changed from the state at the time when the request (reduction request) is transmitted. Subsequently, when it is determined that the state has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request, the transmission of the request (reduction request) for reducing the information amount of the probe information is terminated.

  According to such a configuration, when it is determined that the amount of high-density information (probe information) stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 is necessary and sufficient, the probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3 A request for reducing the amount of information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2. In addition, when it is determined that the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request (reduction request), the transmission of the request (reduction request) for reducing the amount of probe information is terminated. Thereby, since the timing for reducing the amount of information of probe information and the timing for returning to the original can be determined easily and accurately, it is possible to prevent the quality of collected probe information from deteriorating while reducing the amount of communication of probe information.

(2) According to the probe information collecting apparatus 5 according to the present embodiment, it is estimated from the first probe information (high-density information) that the vehicle 2 is consumed when passing between two predetermined points. Calculate the passing energy. Subsequently, the second probe information (low density information), which is probe information transmitted by reducing the amount of information to the in-vehicle device 3, is estimated to be consumed when the vehicle 2 passes between two points. Calculate the passing energy. Subsequently, the first passing energy and the second passing energy are compared to determine whether the state of the traveling road including two points has changed.
According to such a configuration, the first passing energy estimated to be consumed when the vehicle 2 passes between two points is compared with the second passing energy, and it is determined whether the state of the traveling road has changed. To do. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the quality of the collected probe information from deteriorating.

(3) According to the probe information collection device 5 according to the present embodiment, when transmitting a request (reduction request), information on probe information of a travel area in which the transmission destination vehicle (transmission destination vehicle) 2 has traveled in the past. Send only requests to reduce the amount (reduction requests).
According to such a configuration, only the request (reduction request) corresponding to the travel area in which the transmission destination vehicle 2 has traveled in the past is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3 of the transmission destination vehicle 2. Thereby, the communication amount of the request from the probe information collection device 5 side to the in-vehicle device 3 side can be reduced.

(4) According to the probe information collecting method according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the amount of probe information stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 is necessary and sufficient, it is transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3. A request to reduce the amount of probe information (reduction request) is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3. Subsequently, the first probe information (high-density information) that is the probe information stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 when the information amount of the probe information is not determined to be necessary and sufficient, Using the second probe information (low density information), which is the probe information that is reduced and transmitted, it is determined whether or not the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time when the request (reduction request) was transmitted. Subsequently, when it is determined that the request (reduction request) is changed from the state at the time of transmission, the transmission of the request (reduction request) for reducing the information amount of the probe information is terminated.

  According to such a configuration, when it is determined that the amount of high-density information (probe information) stored in the high-density information storage unit 14 is necessary and sufficient, the probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3 A request for reducing the amount of information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 3 of the target vehicle 2. In addition, when it is determined that the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request (reduction request), the transmission of the request (reduction request) for reducing the amount of probe information is terminated. Thereby, since the timing for reducing the amount of information of probe information and the timing for returning to the original can be determined easily and accurately, it is possible to prevent the quality of collected probe information from deteriorating while reducing the amount of communication of probe information.

13a Probe information acquisition unit 14 High-density information storage unit 17a First passage time calculation unit 17b First passage energy calculation unit 19 Information amount determination unit 21a Second passage time calculation unit 21b Second passage energy calculation unit 21c State change determination unit 22 Request transmitter

Claims (4)

A probe information acquisition unit for acquiring probe information including the running state of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device;
A probe information storage unit for storing the acquired probe information;
An information amount determination unit for determining whether the information amount of the probe information stored in the probe information storage unit is necessary and sufficient;
When it is determined that it is necessary and sufficient, a request transmission unit that transmits a request to reduce the amount of information of the probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the in-vehicle device;
It takes when the vehicle passes between two predetermined points from the first probe information which is the probe information stored in the probe information storage unit when it is not determined that the information amount of the probe information is necessary and sufficient. A first transit time calculation unit for calculating the estimated first transit time;
A second passage time that is estimated to be taken when a vehicle passes between the two points is calculated from second probe information that is the probe information transmitted by reducing the amount of information to the in-vehicle device. A transit time calculator,
A state change determination unit that compares the calculated first passage time with the second passage time and determines whether the state of the travel path including the two points has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request; With
The request transmission unit terminates the transmission of the request when the state change determination unit determines that the state of the traveling road has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request. Collection device. A first passing energy calculation unit that calculates a first passing energy that is estimated to be consumed when a vehicle passes between the two points from the first probe information;
Second energy for calculating second passing energy estimated to be consumed when a vehicle passes between the two points from second probe information which is the probe information transmitted by reducing the amount of information to the in-vehicle device. A passing energy calculation unit,
The said state change determination part further compares the said 1st passage energy and the said 2nd passage energy, and it is judged whether the state of the traveling path containing the said 2 points is changing. 2. The probe information collecting apparatus according to 1.   The request transmission unit, when transmitting the request, transmits only the request for reducing the amount of information of the probe information in a travel area in which a transmission destination vehicle has traveled in the past. 2. The probe information collection device according to 2. A probe information collecting method for acquiring probe information including a running state of a vehicle from an in-vehicle device, and storing the acquired probe information in a probe information storage unit,
When it is determined that the information amount of the probe information stored in the probe information storage unit is necessary and sufficient, a request for reducing the information amount of the probe information transmitted from the in-vehicle device is transmitted to the in-vehicle device. In addition, when the information amount of the probe information is not determined to be necessary and sufficient, the first probe information that is the probe information stored in the probe information storage unit and the in-vehicle device are transmitted with a reduced amount of information. Using the second probe information that is the probe information, it is determined whether or not the state of the travel path has changed from the state at the time of transmitting the request, and the state of the time of transmission of the request has changed. If it is determined that the request is received, the transmission of the request is terminated.

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