JP5987630B2 - Information collection system, information collection method, and information collection program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information collection system, an information collection method, and an information collection program.

  Conventionally, as one of the technologies related to route guidance using probe information related to roads (for example, information for specifying the position of a vehicle), a plurality of nodes set on the road in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake or flood A navigation server that collects links included in an area in which the disaster has occurred has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, this navigation server generates road traffic information by highly evaluating the cost of links that have a high U-turn frequency after a disaster out of the collected links. Based on this, route guidance by the navigation device can be supported so as to avoid the influence of the vehicle traveling due to the disaster.

JP 2009-8805 A

  However, in the above conventional technology, if the link is included in the area where the disaster occurred, the link may not be collected even if it is not collected (for example, the cause of the U-turn of the vehicle is the occurrence of the disaster In the case of collecting links that are not based on the above), there is a problem in that there is a difference between road traffic information created based on the collected links and actual road traffic information.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an information collection system, an information collection method, and an information collection program that can avoid collecting data that does not need to be collected. And

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the information collection system according to claim 1 includes: a U-turn determination unit that determines whether or not a vehicle has made a U-turn; and the U-turn determination unit When it is determined that the vehicle has made a U-turn, the current position of the vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition unit, and the current position of the vehicle at the time when the vehicle has made the U-turn When it is determined whether the turn position is a position within a predetermined range from a reference position, and when it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position within a predetermined range from the reference position, the turn position corresponding to the U-turn position is determined. Determining means for determining that the current position of the vehicle is a position at which there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed, and the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position by the determining means When it is determined that the position of the vehicle is likely to have changed, the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is collected as the position of the point where the road condition is likely to have changed. The reference position is a position of a registered place registered by a user of the vehicle or a position of a set place set for a route search by the user, and the determining means It is a case where it is determined that the U-turn position is not within a predetermined range from the position of the registered place or the position of the set place, and the arrival place of the vehicle is the same as the position of the registered place or the position of the set place If it is determined that the position is not a position, it is determined that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed.

The information collection system according to claim 2 is the information collection system according to claim 1 , wherein the reference position is a position on a route searched based on a set place set by a user of the vehicle. The position of the departure place when it is determined that the vehicle has deviated from the route based on the current position of the vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition means.

The information collection method according to claim 3 is a U-turn determination step for determining whether or not the vehicle has made a U-turn, and when it is determined by the U-turn determination step that the vehicle has made a U-turn, The current position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition means, and the U-turn position that is the current position of the vehicle when the vehicle makes the U-turn is a position within a predetermined range from the reference position. When it is determined whether the U-turn position is not within a predetermined range from the reference position, the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position may have changed in road conditions A determination step for determining that the position of the vehicle is a high point, and a point where the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is likely to have changed in road conditions by the determination step If it is determined that the position, and a collection step of collecting the current position the position of the high points likely there is a change in road conditions of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position, the reference position , The registered location registered by the user of the vehicle, or the set location set for the route search by the user, and in the determination step, the U-turn position is the registered location or When it is determined that the position is not within a predetermined range from the position of the set place, and when it is determined that the arrival place of the vehicle is not the same position as the position of the registered place or the position of the set place, the U It is determined that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed.

An information collection program according to claim 4 is an information collection program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 3 .

Information collection system according to claim 1, a method of collecting information according to claim 3, and according to the information collection program according to claim 4, the collection means based on the determination result by the determination unit, U-turn position The current position of the vehicle corresponding to is collected as the position of the point where there is a high possibility that the road situation has changed, so it is possible to avoid the collection of data that does not need to be collected, and to improve the accuracy of the collected data It becomes possible.
Further, since the reference position is the position of the registered place registered by the user of the vehicle or the position of the set place set for the route search by this user, the U-turn position is the position of the registered place or the installation place. If the position is within a predetermined range from the position, the collection of vehicle information can be avoided. For example, collection of vehicle information is avoided when the vehicle user's schedule is changed and the vehicle departs from the guidance route, stops at the registration or installation site, and then makes a U-turn and returns to the guidance route. be able to.
Further, the determination means is a case where the U-turn position is determined not to be a position within a predetermined range from the position of the registered place or the position of the set place, and the arrival place of the vehicle is the same as the position of the registered place or the set place If it is determined that it is not a position, it is determined that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed. Even when the vehicle arrival location is not within the predetermined range from the location of the installation location, collection of vehicle information can be avoided when the arrival location of the vehicle is the same location as the registration location or the setting location. For example, after a vehicle travels from a departure point on the guide route of the vehicle to a point on the guide route, the vehicle user makes a U-turn at that point and notices a thing left behind. When returning to the ground, collection of vehicle information can be avoided.

According to the information collection system of claim 2 , the reference position is a position on the route searched based on the set place set by the user of the vehicle, and the vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition unit Since it is the position of the departure place when it is determined that the vehicle has deviated from the route based on the current position of the vehicle, if the U-turn position is within a predetermined range from the position of the departure place, Collecting can be avoided. For example, if the vehicle user accidentally turns right where he should go straight at an intersection, the vehicle deviates from the guide route of the vehicle, and then the vehicle makes a U-turn and returns to the guide route to avoid collecting vehicle information. can do.

It is a block diagram which illustrates the information collection system concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of vehicle information. It is a flowchart of an information collection process. It is the figure which illustrated the map containing the U-turn position made into the processing target of information collection processing. It is a flowchart of a home periphery determination process. It is a flowchart of a departure place periphery determination process. It is a flowchart of a destination periphery determination process. It is a flowchart of registration facility periphery determination processing. It is a flowchart of a guidance route departure determination process. It is a flowchart of an arrival place periphery determination process. It is the figure which illustrated the map containing the U-turn position made into the processing target of information collection processing. It is the figure which illustrated the map containing the U-turn position made into the processing target of information collection processing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information collection system, an information collection method, and an information collection program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Constitution)
First, the configuration of the information collection system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information collection system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information collection system 1 is a system for collecting vehicle information, and includes an information collection terminal 10 (for example, an in-vehicle navigation device) mounted on a vehicle (not shown) and a traffic information center (not shown). ) And the like, and the information collection terminal 10 and the information collection server 20 are connected to each other via a network 30 so that they can communicate with each other. Here, the “vehicle information” is information relating to the vehicle, such as the vehicle travel content (for example, the current position of the vehicle, the date and time corresponding to the current position of the vehicle, the link number corresponding to the current position of the vehicle, This is information that includes travel history data and the like regarding the link name, the number of the in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and the like.

(Configuration-Information collection terminal)
The information collection terminal 10 is vehicle information output means for outputting vehicle information. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the information collection terminal 10 includes a current position acquisition unit 11, a communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display 14, a speaker 15, a control unit 16, and a data recording unit 17. Yes.

(Configuration-Information collection terminal-Current position acquisition unit)
The current position acquisition unit 11 is a current position acquisition unit that acquires the current position of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the host vehicle) to which the information collection terminal 10 is attached. Specifically, the current position acquisition unit 11 includes at least one of a GPS, a geomagnetic sensor, a distance sensor, and a gyro sensor (all of which are not shown), and determines the current position (coordinates) and direction of the host vehicle. Detection is performed by a known method.

(Configuration-Information collection terminal-Communication unit)
The communication unit 12 is a communication unit that communicates with the information collection server 20 via the network 30, and specifically transmits vehicle information via the network 30. For example, a known wireless communication device can be used as the communication unit 12 (the same applies to the communication unit 21 of the information collection server 20 described later).

(Configuration-Information collection terminal-Operation unit)
The operation unit 13 is an operation unit that receives an operation input by a user. As this operation means, for example, a remote operation means such as a touch panel or a remote controller, or a known operation means such as a hard switch can be used.

(Configuration-Information collection terminal-Display)
The display 14 is a display unit that displays various images based on the control of the control unit 16. As the display 14, for example, a known flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used.

(Configuration-Information collection terminal-Speaker)
The speaker 15 is output means for outputting various sounds based on the control of the control unit 16. The specific form of the sound output from the speaker 15 is arbitrary, and it is possible to output a synthesized sound generated as necessary or a sound recorded in advance.

(Configuration-Information collection terminal-Control unit)
The control unit 16 is a control unit that controls the information collection terminal 10. Specifically, the control unit 16 is a CPU, various programs that are interpreted and executed on the CPU (a basic control program such as an OS, and a specific program that is started and specified on the OS. And an internal memory such as a RAM for storing the program and various data. In particular, the information collection program according to the present embodiment is substantially installed in the information collection terminal 10 via an arbitrary recording medium or network, thereby substantially configuring each unit of the control unit 16 (an information collection server described later) The same applies to the 20 control units 22).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 16 is functionally conceptually configured to have a vehicle information acquisition unit 16a, a guidance route acquisition unit 16b, a U-turn determination unit 16c, a surrounding situation determination unit 16d, and a guidance route departure determination unit 16e. The vehicle information transmitting unit 16f and the vehicle arrival determining unit 16g are provided.

  The vehicle information acquisition unit 16a is vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring vehicle information. The guide route acquisition unit 16b is a guide route acquisition unit that acquires a guide route of the host vehicle set by a user of the host vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a user). The U-turn determination unit 16c is U-turn determination means that determines whether or not the host vehicle has made a U-turn. Here, the “U-turn” can be specified based on an arbitrary criterion. For example, when the traveling direction of the vehicle per unit distance within a predetermined time changes by a predetermined angle or more, the host vehicle You may specify that you have made a turn. The surrounding state determination unit 16d determines whether or not the current position of the host vehicle when the host vehicle makes a U-turn (hereinafter referred to as a U-turn position) is a position within a predetermined range from the reference position. When it is determined that the U-turn position is not within a predetermined range from the reference position, it is determined that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road situation has changed. It is a determination means. Here, the “reference position” means a position that is a reference for determining the U-turn position by the surrounding situation determination unit, and is specified based on, for example, registered location position information stored in a registered location position information table 17b described later. The location of the registered location (specifically, the location of the user's home, the location of his / her home, etc.) and a set location (for example, guidance) set for the guidance route of the own vehicle acquired by the guidance route acquisition unit 16b It is a concept that includes the position of the departure point on the route, the position of the destination, and the point where the host vehicle deviates from the guide route of the host vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the point of departure). In addition, “the location of a place where there is a high possibility that the road conditions have changed” means that traffic is temporarily closed or vehicles are not allowed to pass due to traffic accidents or natural disasters (eg fallen trees or road collapses). By being unable to do so, it means the position of a point where there is a high possibility of hindering the running of the vehicle. The guide route departure determining unit 16e is a guide route departure determining unit that determines whether or not the host vehicle has deviated from the guide route of the host vehicle. The vehicle information transmission unit 16 f is vehicle information transmission means that causes the communication unit 12 to transmit vehicle information to the information collection server 20 via the network 30. The vehicle arrival determination unit 16g is vehicle arrival determination means for determining whether or not the own vehicle has arrived at the arrival place. Here, the “arrival place” means a point where the vehicle continuously stops. Details of processing executed by each component of the control unit 16 will be described later.

(Configuration-Information collection terminal-Data recording unit)
The data recording unit 17 is a recording unit that records a program necessary for the operation of the information collecting terminal 10 and various data (for example, the number of the in-vehicle device), and uses, for example, a hard disk (not shown) as an external recording device. Configured. However, any other recording medium including a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical recording medium such as a DVD or a Blu-ray disc can be used instead of or together with the hard disk (an information collection server described later). The same applies to the 20 data recording units 23).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the data recording unit 17 includes a map information database (hereinafter referred to as “DB”) 17a and a registered location information table 17b.

  The map information DB 17a is map information storage means for storing map information. Here, “map information” is information necessary for specifying various positions including roads, road structures, facilities, and the like. For example, node data (node numbers, coordinates, etc.) relating to each node set on the road. ), Link data (link number, link name, connection node number, road coordinates, road type, number of lanes, travel regulations, etc.), feature data (signals, road signs, guardrails, facilities, etc.), topographic data, etc. It consists of

  The registered location information table 17b is registered location information storage means for storing registered location information. Here, the “registered location information” is information for specifying the location of the registered location registered by the user. For example, registered location name data (for example, the user's home, the user's home, a specific store or facility, etc.) , Including registered location coordinate data.

(Configuration-Information collection server)
The information collection server 20 is an information collection unit that collects vehicle information from the information collection terminal 10 and an information provision unit that provides vehicle information to the vehicle as necessary. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the information collection server 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a data recording unit 23.

(Configuration-Information collection server-Communication unit)
The communication unit 21 is a communication unit that communicates with the information collection terminal 10 via the network 30. Specifically, the communication unit 21 transmits the vehicle information output from the information collection terminal 10 to the network 30. Vehicle information stored in a vehicle information DB 23a, which will be described later, or transmitted to the information collecting terminal 10 via the network 30.

(Configuration-Information collection server-Control unit)
The control unit 22 is a control unit that controls the information collection server 20, and specifically includes a collection unit 22a in terms of function concept as shown in FIG.

  The collection unit 22a stores vehicle information acquired from the information collection terminal 10 via the communication unit 21 in a vehicle information DB 23a described later. In addition, this collection part 22a and the vehicle information transmission part 16f of the information collection terminal 10 comprise the "collection means" in a claim. Details of processing executed by each component of the control unit 22 will be described later.

(Configuration-Information collection server-Data recording unit)
The data recording unit 23 is a recording unit that records a program and various data necessary for the operation of the information collecting server 20, and specifically includes a vehicle information DB 23a as shown in FIG.

  The vehicle information DB 23a is a vehicle information storage unit that stores vehicle information related to a plurality of vehicles. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of vehicle information. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle information includes an item “vehicle device number”, an item “U-turn position”, an item “date and time”, an item “link number”, an item “link name”, and information corresponding to each item. Are related to each other. The information stored corresponding to the item “vehicle device number” is information for specifying the number of the vehicle device mounted on the vehicle. The information stored corresponding to the item “U-turn position” is information for specifying the U-turn position, specifically, the coordinates of the U-turn position, and stored corresponding to the item “latitude”. Information specifying the latitude of the U-turn position, which is information to be stored, and information specifying the longitude of the U-turn position, which is information stored corresponding to the item “longitude”. The information stored corresponding to the item “date and time” is information specifying the date and time corresponding to the U-turn position. The information stored corresponding to the item “link number” is information specifying the link number of the link corresponding to the U-turn position. The information stored corresponding to the item “link name” is information specifying the link name of the link corresponding to the U-turn position.

(processing)
Next, an information collection process executed by the information collection system 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the information collection process (in the following description of each process, step is abbreviated as “S”). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a map including a U-turn position to be processed in the information collection process. Here, in FIG. 4, the guide route of the host vehicle is indicated by a bold line, and the current position of the host vehicle from the departure point to the destination point on the guide route (in FIG. 4, referred to as a vehicle travel locus) is indicated by a dotted line. The boundary of the predetermined distance range centered on the reference position such as the user's home is indicated by a dotted line different from the dotted line (the same applies to FIGS. 11 and 12 described later). In addition, this information collection processing is transmitted from the information collection terminal 10 before the host vehicle starts running after the information collection terminal 10 and the information collection server 20 are powered on, for example. A signal that informs that the information collection terminal 10 is ready for information collection processing, and the information collection terminal 10 is a signal transmitted from the information collection server 20, This is executed when a response signal to the signal is received.

  When the information collection process is started, as shown in FIG. 3, the U-turn determination unit 16c of the information collection terminal 10 acquires the current position of the host vehicle via the current position acquisition unit 11 (SA1), and acquires the information. Based on the current position of the subject vehicle, it is determined whether the subject vehicle has made a U-turn (SA2). Specifically, the U-turn determination unit 16c of the information collection terminal 10 advances the own vehicle per unit distance within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 seconds) based on the current position of the own vehicle acquired at SA1. Identify the direction. When the traveling direction of the host vehicle changes by a predetermined angle or more (for example, 150 ° or more), it is determined that the host vehicle has made a U-turn. On the other hand, when the traveling direction of the identified own vehicle does not change more than the predetermined angle by the host vehicle going straight on the guide route or turning the intersection at a predetermined angle or less, the U-turn determination unit 16c of the information collection terminal 10 Determines that the vehicle did not make a U-turn. In the example of FIG. 4, after the host vehicle travels from the departure point on the guide route of the host vehicle to a point on the guide route (for example, latitude = 35.734, longitude = 139.322), Since the traveling direction of the host vehicle has changed by about 180 ° toward the departure place, it is determined that the host vehicle has made a U-turn. The current position of the host vehicle acquired at SA1 is stored in the data recording unit 17 of the information collecting terminal 10 until the host vehicle arrives at the destination from the departure point on the guide route of the host vehicle, for example.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when it is determined that the host vehicle has not made a U-turn (SA2, No), the vehicle arrival determination unit 16g of the information collection terminal 10 determines the host vehicle based on the signal output from the host vehicle. It is determined whether or not has arrived at the arrival place (SA13). Specifically, when a signal indicating that the vehicle's gear has been put into parking is output from the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, and the signal has not been output from the vehicle. In this case, it is determined that the own vehicle has not arrived at the arrival place. When it is determined that the host vehicle has not arrived at the arrival place (SA13, No), the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 proceeds to SA1, and the host vehicle makes a U-turn, or the host vehicle arrives. The processes of SA1, SA2, and SA13 are repeated until reaching the ground.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the host vehicle has made a U-turn (SA2, Yes), the vehicle information acquisition unit 16a of the information collection terminal 10 sets the U-turn position that is the current position of the host vehicle acquired in SA1. The corresponding date and time is specified (SA3). Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 16 a of the information collection terminal 10 specifies the date and time corresponding to the U-turn position based on the standard time information received from the GPS satellite via the current position acquisition unit 11. In the example of FIG. 4, the date and time (for example, September 26, 2012 AM8: 20) corresponding to the U-turn position is specified.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the guide route acquisition unit 16b of the information collection terminal 10 acquires the guide route of the host vehicle (SA4). Specifically, the guidance route acquisition unit 16 b of the information collection terminal 10 acquires the guidance route of the host vehicle set in the route guidance of the in-vehicle device from the data recording unit 17. In the example of FIG. 4, the guide route of the host vehicle from the position of the departure point (for example, latitude = 35.666, longitude = 139.222) to the position of the destination (for example, latitude = 36.222, longitude = 139.922). Is acquired. Note that SA4 may be omitted when the guide route of the host vehicle is not stored in the data recording unit 17. Further, along with the omission of such processing, SA6 and SA7 can also be omitted.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 performs the home periphery determination process (SA5), the departure point periphery determination process (SA6), the destination periphery determination process (SA7), and the registered facility periphery determination process (SA8). The guidance route departure determination process (SA9) is sequentially started.

(Processing-Information collection processing-Home periphery determination processing)
First, the home periphery determination process will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of home periphery determination processing. The home periphery determination process is a process of determining whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the user's home.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 specifies the location of the user's home based on the registered location information stored in the registered location information table 17b (SB1). ) Based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, an area A1 within the distance L1 from the user's home position specified in SB1 is set (SB2). In the example of FIG. 4, the position of the user's home (for example, latitude = 35.666, longitude = 139.222. In the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, latitude = 35.777 and longitude = 139.888 are assumed. ) Is specified, and an area A1 within a range surrounded by a dotted line drawn in the vicinity of the user's home and within a distance L1 = 300 m from the position of the user's home is set. The distance L1 may be set by, for example, reading data stored in advance in the data recording unit 17, or may be arbitrarily set by the user via the operation unit 13 (described later). The same applies to the setting of the distances L2 to L5 to be performed).

  Returning to FIG. 5, the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 is based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a and in the area A1 where the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is set in SB2. It is determined whether or not it is the position (SB3). Specifically, when the distance between the U-turn position and the user's home position is shorter than or equal to the distance L1, it is determined that the U-turn position is a position in the area A1, and the U-turn position When the distance between the user's home position and the user's home position is longer than the distance L1, it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position in the area A1 (SC3 in the departure point periphery determination process described later, around the destination) The same applies to SD3 for determination processing, SE3 for registration facility periphery determination processing, SF4 for guidance route departure determination processing, and SG4 for arrival region periphery determination processing). In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the user's home position is longer than the distance L1, it is determined that the U-turn position is not located in the area A1.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when it is determined that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is a position in the area A1 set in SB2 (SB3, Yes), the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 Then, the first flag is turned on (SB4), and then the home periphery determination process is terminated. Here, the “first flag” is a flag indicating whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the user's home, and is stored in, for example, the data recording unit 17.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is not a position in the area A1 set in SB2 (SB3, No), the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 The process ends. In the example of FIG. 4, the default state of the first flag (specifically, the OFF state of the first flag is shown. Note that the same applies to the default states of the second to fifth flags). The

(Processing-Information collection processing-Departure area determination processing)
Next, the departure point periphery determination process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the departure point periphery determination process. The departure point periphery determination process is a process for determining whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the departure point on the guide route of the host vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 6, first, the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 determines the own vehicle based on the guide route of the own vehicle acquired in SA4 and the map information stored in the map information DB 17a. The location of the departure place on the guide route is specified (SC1), and based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, the area A2 within the distance L2 from the location of the departure place specified in SC1 is set. (SC2). In the example of FIG. 4, the position of the departure place (for example, latitude = 35.666, longitude = 139.222) is specified, and the area A2 is within the range surrounded by the dotted line drawn near the departure place, An area A2 within a distance L2 = 300 m from the position of the departure place is set.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 is based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, and in the area A2 where the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is set in SC2. It is determined whether or not it is the position (SC3). In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the user's home position is longer than the distance L2, it is determined that the U-turn position is not located in the area A2.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when it is determined in SC3 that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is a position in the area A2 set in SC2 (SC3, Yes), the surrounding state determination of the information collection terminal 10 is performed. The unit 16d sets the second flag to ON (SC4), and then ends the departure point periphery determination process. Here, the “second flag” is a flag indicating whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the departure point on the guide route of the host vehicle, and is stored in the data recording unit 17, for example.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is not a position in the area A2 set in SC2 (SC3, No), the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 The determination process ends. In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the position of the departure place is longer than the distance L2, it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position in the area A2. The default state is maintained.

(Processing-Information collection processing-Destination periphery judgment processing)
Next, the destination periphery determination process will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the destination periphery determination process. The destination periphery determination process is a process for determining whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the destination on the guide route of the host vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 determines the own vehicle based on the guide route of the own vehicle acquired in SA4 and the map information stored in the map information DB 17a. The location of the destination on the guide route is specified (SD1), and based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, an area A3 within the distance L3 from the location of the destination specified in SD1 is set. (SD2). In the example of FIG. 4, the location of the destination (for example, latitude = 36.222, longitude = 139.922) is specified, and the area A3 is within the range surrounded by the dotted line drawn near the destination, An area A3 within the distance L3 = 300 m from the destination position is set.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 is based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, and in the area A3 where the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is set in SD2. It is determined whether or not the current position is (SD3). In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the user's home position is longer than the distance L3, it is determined that the U-turn position is not located in the area A3.

  Returning to FIG. 7, when it is determined in SD3 that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is a position in the area A3 set in SD2 (SD3, Yes), the surrounding state determination of the information collection terminal 10 is performed. The unit 16d sets the third flag to ON (SD4), and then ends the destination periphery determination process. Here, the “third flag” is a flag indicating whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the destination on the guide route of the host vehicle, and is stored in, for example, the data recording unit 17.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is not a position in the area A3 set in SD2 (SD3, No), the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 The determination process ends. In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the destination position is longer than the distance L3, it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position in the area A3. The default state is maintained.

(Processing-Information collection processing-Registration facility periphery judgment processing)
Next, the registration facility periphery determination process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the registration facility periphery determination process. The registered facility periphery determination process is a process for determining whether or not the U-turn position is a position around a registered place (hereinafter referred to as a registered facility) other than the user's home.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 specifies the location of the registered facility based on the registered location information stored in the registered location location information table 17b (SE1). Based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, an area A4 within a distance L4 from the position of the registered facility specified in SE1 is set (SE2). In the example of FIG. 4, the location of the user's parents 'home that is the registered facility (for example, latitude = 36.183, longitude = 139.288) is specified and is within the range surrounded by the dotted line drawn near the user's parents' home. An area A4 that is within a distance L4 = 300 m from the location of the registered facility is set.

  Returning to FIG. 8, the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 is based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, and in the area A4 where the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is set in SE2. It is determined whether or not this position is (SE3). In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the user's home position is longer than the distance L4, it is determined that the U-turn position is not located in the area A4.

  Returning to FIG. 8, when it is determined in SE3 that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is a position in the area A4 set in SE2 (SE3, Yes), the surrounding state determination of the information collection terminal 10 is performed. The unit 16d sets the fourth flag to ON (SE4), and then ends the registered facility periphery determination process. Here, the “fourth flag” is a flag indicating whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the registered facility, and is stored in, for example, the data recording unit 17.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is not a position in the area A4 set in SE2 (SE3, No), the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 The determination process ends. In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the position of the user's parents' house is longer than the distance L4, it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position in the area A4. The default state is maintained.

(Processing-Information collection processing-Guide route departure determination processing)
Next, the guidance route departure determination process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the guidance route departure determination process. The guidance route departure determination process is a process for determining whether or not the host vehicle has deviated from the guide route of the host vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, the guidance route departure determination unit 16e of the information collection terminal 10 stores the U-turn position acquired at SA1, the guidance route of the host vehicle acquired at SA4, and the map information DB 17a. Based on the stored map information, it is determined whether the host vehicle has deviated from the guide route of the host vehicle (SF1). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is located on the guide route of the host vehicle. If the U-turn position is located on the guide route of the own vehicle, it is determined that the own vehicle has not deviated from the guide route of the own vehicle, and if the U-turn position is not located on the guide route of the own vehicle, It is determined that the host vehicle has deviated from the vehicle guidance route. In the example of FIG. 4, since the U-turn position is located on the guide route of the host vehicle, it is determined that the host vehicle has not deviated from the guide route of the host vehicle.

  Returning to FIG. 9, when it is determined that the host vehicle has deviated from the guide route of the host vehicle (SF <b> 1, Yes), the surrounding situation determination unit 16 d of the information collection terminal 10 stores the host vehicle stored in the data recording unit 17. The location of the departure point is specified based on the current location of the current route, the guidance route acquired in SA4, and the map information stored in the map information DB 17a (SF2). Specifically, the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 determines the position of the point where the current position of the host vehicle acquired in SA1 is not a point on the guide route from the position of the point on the guide route of the host vehicle. In this case, the current position of the vehicle acquired immediately before the point changes and the position of the point on the guidance route is specified as the position of the departure place. Then, based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 sets an area A5 within a distance L5 from the position of the departure point specified in SF2 (SF3 ).

  Returning to FIG. 9, the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 is based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, and in the area A5 where the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is set in SF3. It is determined whether or not it is the position (SF4). In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the user's home position is longer than the distance L5, it is determined that the U-turn position is not located in the area A5.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in SF4, when it is determined that the U-turn position acquired in SA2 is a position in the area A5 set in SF3 (SF4, Yes), the surrounding state determination of the information collection terminal 10 is performed. The unit 16d sets the fifth flag to ON (SF5), and then ends the guidance route departure determination process. Here, the “fifth flag” is a flag indicating whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the departure place, and is stored in, for example, the data recording unit 17.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in SF1 that the host vehicle has not deviated from the guide route of the host vehicle (SF1, No), or in SF4, the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is set in SF3. When it is determined that the position is not within the area A5 (SF4, No), the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 ends the guidance route departure determination process. In the example of FIG. 4, as described above, since the host vehicle has not deviated from the guide route of the host vehicle, the default state of the fifth flag is maintained.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the surrounding state determination unit 16 d of the information collection terminal 10 determines whether any one of the first flag to the fifth flag is ON based on the processing result of SA <b> 5 to SA <b> 9. (SA10). Specifically, any one of these first flag to fifth flag based on the state of the first flag to the fifth flag recorded in the data recording unit 17 after the processing of SA5 to SA9. It is determined whether one is ON. In the example of FIG. 4, since all of the first flag to the fifth flag are in the default state, it is determined that any one of the first flag to the fifth flag is not turned on.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when it is determined that any one of the first flag to the fifth flag is ON (SA10, Yes), the U-turn position is likely to have changed in the road condition. Otherwise, the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 shifts to SA1 without transmitting vehicle information to the information collection server 20.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that any one of the first flag to the fifth flag is not turned on (SA10, No), it is assumed that the U-turn position is highly likely to have changed in road conditions. In order to transmit the vehicle information to the information collection server 20, the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 performs the processes of SA11 and SA12. Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 16a of the information collection terminal 10 determines the link number corresponding to the U-turn position based on the U-turn position acquired in SA1 and the map information stored in the map information DB 17a. The link name is acquired from the map information DB 17a, and the in-vehicle device number is acquired from the data recording unit 17 (SA11). And the vehicle information transmission part 16f of the information collection terminal 10 respond | corresponds to the U turn position acquired in SA1, the date and time corresponding to the U turn position specified in SA3, and the U turn position acquired in SA11. The vehicle information including the link number, the link name, and the number of the in-vehicle device is transmitted by the communication unit 12 to the information collecting server 20 via the network 30 (SA12).

  Thereafter, the collection unit 22a of the information collection server 20 receives vehicle information from the information collection terminal 10 via the network 30 by the communication unit 21, and stores the received vehicle information in the vehicle information DB 23a. In the example of FIG. 4, the latitude of the U-turn position = 35.734, the longitude of the U-turn position = 139.322, the date and time = September 26, 2012, AM8: 20, the link number = 1001, the link name = L1, The device number = 10004 is transmitted from the information collection terminal 10 to the information collection server 20 as vehicle information. And after this vehicle information is received by the information collection server 20, it is stored in vehicle information DB23a of the information collection server 20. FIG. Vehicle information can be collected in real time by repeating such processes of SA1 to SA13 until the host vehicle reaches the arrival place.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in the information collection process, the following measures are taken. That is, in the vehicle information transmitted at SA12, for example, when the user notices a forgotten thing, the own vehicle makes a U-turn and returns to the position of the user's home or the departure place on the guide route of the own vehicle. Vehicle information including the U-turn position may be transmitted in the event that the vehicle information is stored in the vehicle information DB 23a of the information collection server 20 to avoid collecting data that need not be collected. From the viewpoint of Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, in the present embodiment, the control unit 22 of the information collection terminal 10 uses the vehicle information transmitted in SA12 based on the position of the arrival location of the vehicle. Processing for confirming whether or not to store the information in the vehicle information DB 23a of the information collecting server 20 (specifically, processing of SA13 to SA15) is performed.

  First, after the processing of SA12, the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 proceeds to SA1 and repeats the processing of SA1 to SA13 until the host vehicle arrives at the arrival place. In the example of FIG. 4, since the host vehicle has not arrived at the arrival place when the U-turn position is acquired at SA1, the processes of SA1 to SA13 are repeated until the own vehicle arrives at the arrival place.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when it is determined in SA13 that the host vehicle has arrived at the arrival place (SA13, Yes), the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 determines whether the vehicle information is transmitted in SA12. Is determined (SA14). In the example of FIG. 4, when it is determined that the host vehicle has arrived at the arrival place, it is determined that the vehicle information has been transmitted because the vehicle information is transmitted at SA12.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when it is determined in SA12 that the vehicle information is not transmitted (SA14, No), the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 performs the information collection process without performing the process of SA15 described later. finish.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle information is transmitted in SA12 (SA14, Yes), the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 activates the arrival area surrounding determination process (SA15). Then, after the process of SA15, the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 ends the information collection process.

(Processing-Information collection processing-Arrival area surrounding judgment processing)
Next, an arrival place surrounding determination process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of arrival area surrounding determination processing. The arrival area surrounding determination process is a process for determining whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the arrival area of the host vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, the surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 specifies the current position of the host vehicle acquired at SA1 as the position of the arrival position of the host vehicle (SG1), and at SB1. Based on the location of the identified user's home and the location of the departure location identified in SC1, the location of the identified arrival location of the vehicle is the same as either the location of the user's home or the location of the departure location. It is determined whether or not (SG2). In the example of FIG. 4, the position of the arrival location of the own vehicle (for example, latitude = 35.666, longitude = 139.222) is specified, and the arrival location of the own vehicle is the user's home position and the guidance of the own vehicle. Since it is the same as the starting point on the route, it is determined that the position of the arrival point of the own vehicle is the same as either the position of the user's home or the starting point.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when it is determined that the location of the arrival location of the vehicle specified in SG1 is not the same as either the location of the user's home or the location of the departure location (SG2, No), for example, a natural disaster Due to the temporary closure of traffic due to the occurrence of the vehicle, the host vehicle makes a U-turn and travels on another route, and arrives at a location other than the user's home location or departure location (for example, destination) Therefore, the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 can maintain SG3 (described later) so that the vehicle information transmitted in SA12 can be stored in the vehicle information DB 23a of the information collection server 20. The destination vicinity determination process is terminated without performing the process of SG5.

  On the other hand, it is determined that the location of the arrival location of the vehicle specified in SG1 is the same as either the location of the user's home or the location of the departure location (SG2, Yes), the surrounding situation of the information collection terminal 10 Based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, the determination unit 16d sets an area A6 that is within a distance L6 from the position of the arrival location of the host vehicle specified in SG1 (SG3). In the example of FIG. 4, the area A <b> 6 is within the range surrounded by the dotted line drawn near the arrival place of the own vehicle (= the user's home or the departure place on the guide route of the own vehicle), and the arrival place An area A6 within a distance L6 = 1000 m from the position of is set.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the surrounding state determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 is based on the map information stored in the map information DB 17a, and the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is in the area A6 set in SG3. It is determined whether it is the position of (SG4). In the example of FIG. 4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the arrival location of the host vehicle is longer than the distance L6, it is determined that the U-turn position is not located in the area A6.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when it is determined that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is a position in the area A6 set in SG3 (SG4, Yes), for example, when the user notices something left behind, Since it is highly likely that the host vehicle has made a U-turn and returned to the user's home position or departure place on the guide route of the host vehicle, the vehicle information transmission unit 16f of the information collection terminal 10 sends a cancel signal to the communication unit 12 Is transmitted to the information collection server 20 via the network 30 (SG5). Here, for the cancel signal, for example, to the information collection server 20 so that only the own vehicle information transmitted in SA12 can be canceled out of the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information DB 23a. Including a control command for instructing the start of the cancellation process of the own vehicle information, the coordinates of the U-turn position corresponding to the own vehicle information, and the date and time (or the number of the in-vehicle device) corresponding to the U-turn position (If there are a plurality of pieces of vehicle information, the coordinates of the U-turn position corresponding to each vehicle information and the date and time corresponding to the U-turn position are included). Thus, for example, when there are a plurality of own vehicle information stored in the vehicle information DB 23a, it is determined in SG4 that the U-turn position is within the area A6 in some of the plurality of own vehicle information. When the vehicle information is included, only the vehicle information can be canceled from the vehicle information DB 23a.

  Thereafter, the collection unit 22a of the information collection server 20 receives the cancel signal from the information collection terminal 10 via the network 30 by the communication unit 21, and based on the received cancel signal, the vehicle information transmitted in SA12 is received. Cancel from the vehicle information DB 23a. Specifically, the collection unit 22a of the information collection server 20 identifies vehicle information corresponding to the coordinates of the U-turn position included in the received cancellation signal and the date and time corresponding to the U-turn position from the vehicle information DB 23a. The canceled vehicle information is canceled based on the control command included in the received cancellation signal. In the example of FIG. 4, after the cancel signal transmitted from the information collection terminal 10 is received by the information collection server 20, the vehicle information transmitted in SA 12 is canceled from the vehicle information DB 23 a of the information collection server 20.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when it is determined that the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is not a position in the area A6 set in SG3 (No in SG4), for example, due to the occurrence of a natural disaster, temporary closure is made. Since the vehicle has made a U-turn and returned to the location of the user's home or the departure place on the guide route of the vehicle, the vehicle information transmitted in SA12 is information. In order to maintain the state stored in the vehicle information DB 23a of the collection server 20, the control unit 16 of the information collection terminal 10 ends the arrival area surrounding determination process without transmitting the cancel signal.

  In this way, vehicle information stored in the vehicle information DB 23a or information related to the vehicle information is transmitted to the information collection terminal 10 of each vehicle via the network 30 as necessary. Specifically, the information collection terminal 10 of each vehicle transmits information specifying the guide route to the information collection server 20 when the guide route of the host vehicle is set by the user and the predicted travel time is calculated. Next, the control unit 22 of the information collection server 20 sets the guide route on the guide route based on the information for specifying the guide route (for example, the link number of the link on the guide route) and the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information DB 23a. Evaluate the cost of a link. The link cost evaluation method corresponds to, for example, a method in which the cost of the link corresponding to the U-turn position is highly evaluated compared to other links. Then, the control unit 22 of the information collection server 20 transmits the cost of the link on the evaluated guidance route to the information collection terminal 10. Then, the control unit 16 of the information collecting terminal 10 calculates the estimated travel time based on the cost of the link on the guide route, and displays it on the display 14 or outputs the sound by the speaker 15. Alternatively, guidance regarding the cost of the link on the guidance route may be displayed on the display 14 together with the map information.

  Thereafter, by repeating such processing, the vehicle information DB 23a always stores the latest vehicle information with high accuracy, which is selected by the information collection processing, and this latest and high accuracy vehicle information. Alternatively, information related to the vehicle information is provided to the information collection terminal 10. For this reason, the information collection terminal 10 can guide the optimum vehicle guidance route based on the vehicle information or information related to the vehicle information.

  In addition to this, the information collection process can be performed with any U-turn position as a processing target. FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams exemplifying maps including U-turn positions to be processed by the information collection process.

  In the information collection process for processing the U-turn position shown in FIG. 11, in SA1 and SA2, the host vehicle travels from the departure point on the guide route of the host vehicle to a predetermined point on the guide route. After the host vehicle deviates from the guide route and then travels to a point (for example, latitude = 36.032, longitude = 139.348) before heading toward the user's home, the traveling direction of the host vehicle at the point is Since it has changed about 180 °, it is determined that the host vehicle has made a U-turn (SA2, Yes). In SA3 and SA4, the date and time (for example, September 26, 2012 AM 9:30) corresponding to the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is specified, and the position of the departure place (for example, latitude = 35.666, The guide route of the host vehicle from the longitude = 139.222) to the position of the destination (for example, latitude = 36.222, longitude = 139.922) is acquired.

  In SA5 to SA9, the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is the area A1, the area A2, the area A3, the area, similarly to the information collecting process for processing the U-turn position shown in FIG. 4 described above. Since it is determined not to be located within A4 or area A5 (SB3, No, SC3, No, SD3, No, SE3, No, SF4, No), the default states of the first to fifth flags are maintained. The In particular, in the process of SA9, in SF1, since the U-turn position is not the position of the point on the guide route of the host vehicle, it is determined that the host vehicle has deviated from the guide route of the host vehicle (SF1, Yes). . In SF2 and SA3, the position of the departure place (for example, latitude = 35.872, longitude = 139.560) is specified, and the area A5 within the distance L5 = 700 m from the position of the departure place is set. In SF4, since the distance between the U-turn position and the position of the departure place is longer than the distance L5, it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position in the area A5 (SF4, No). The default state of the fifth flag is maintained.

  Further, in SA10, since all the first to fifth flags are in the default state, it is determined that any one of the first flag to the fifth flag is not ON (SA10, No). In SA11, the link number = 1005 corresponding to the U-turn position, the link name = L5, and the in-vehicle device number = 10004 are acquired. In addition, in SA12, in addition to the information acquired in SA11, the latitude of the U-turn position = 36.032, the longitude of the U-turn position = 139.348, the date and time = September 26, 2012 AM 9:30 The vehicle information is transmitted from the information collection terminal 10 to the information collection server 20. And after this vehicle information is received by the information collection server 20, it is stored in vehicle information DB23a of the information collection server 20. FIG.

  In SA13, when the U-turn position is acquired in SA1, it is determined that the host vehicle has not arrived at the destination. Therefore, the processes of SA1, SA2, and SA13 are repeated until the host vehicle makes a U-turn and arrives at the destination. Thereafter, when it is determined that the host vehicle has arrived at the arrival place (SA13, Yes), it is determined in SA14 that the vehicle information is transmitted in SA12 (SA14, Yes).

  In the process of SA15, the position of the arrival location of the host vehicle (for example, latitude = 36.222, longitude = 139.922) is specified in SG1. Further, in SG2, since the position of the arrival place of the own vehicle specified in SG1 is the same as the position of the destination on the guide route of the own vehicle, the position of the arrival place of the own vehicle is the home position of these users. It is determined that it is not the same as either the position or the position of the departure place (SG2, No), and then the information collection process is terminated. Thereby, the state in which the vehicle information transmitted in SA12 is stored in the vehicle information DB 23a of the information collection server 20 can be maintained.

  Further, in the information collecting process for processing the U-turn position shown in FIG. 12, in SA1 and SA2, a point on the guide route from the departure point on the guide route of the own vehicle (for example, latitude = 35.717, After the host vehicle travels to longitude = 139.285), it is determined that the host vehicle has made a U-turn because the traveling direction of the host vehicle has changed about 180 ° toward the departure point at the point (SA2, Yes). ). In SA3 and SA4, the date and time (for example, September 26, 2012 AM8: 05) corresponding to the U-turn position acquired in SA1 is specified, and the position of the departure place (for example, latitude = 35. 666, longitude = 139.222) to the position of the destination (for example, latitude = 36.222, longitude = 139.922).

  Further, among SA5 to SA9, in SA5 and SA7 to SA9, the U-turn position is within the area A1, the area A3, the area A4, as in the information collecting process with the U-turn position shown in FIG. Since it is determined that it is not located within the area A5 (SB3, No, SD3, No, SE3, No, SF4, No), the default states of the first, third to fifth flags are maintained. On the other hand, in the process of SA6, in SC3, since the distance between the U-turn position and the position of the departure place on the guide route of the host vehicle is shorter than the distance L2, it is determined that the U-turn position is located in the area A2. (SC3, Yes). Thereby, in SC4, the first flag is stored in the data recording unit 17 as ON.

  In SA10, since the first flag is turned on and stored in the data recording unit 17 in SC4, it is determined that any one of the first flag to the fifth flag is turned on (SA10). , Yes). As a result, the vehicle information is not transmitted from the information collection terminal 10 to the information collection server 20 and the control of the information collection terminal 10 is performed on the assumption that the U-turn position is not likely to have changed in road conditions. The unit 16 proceeds to SA1.

  Further, the processes of SA1, SA2, and SA13 are repeated until the host vehicle arrives at the arrival place. Thereafter, when it is determined that the host vehicle has arrived at the arrival place (SA13, Yes), since the processing of SA12 is not performed, after it is determined in SA14 that vehicle information is not transmitted in SA12 ( SA14, No), the information collection process is terminated.

(effect)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the collecting means has changed the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position in the road condition based on the determination result by the surrounding condition determining unit 16d of the information collecting terminal 10. Since it collects as the position of the point with high possibility, the collection of the data which does not need to be collected can be avoided and it becomes possible to raise the accuracy of the collected data.

  Further, since the reference position is the position of the registered place registered by the user of the vehicle or the position of the set place set by this user for searching the guide route of the own vehicle, the U-turn position is the registered place. If the position is within a predetermined range from the position of the installation location or the location of the installation site, collection of vehicle information can be avoided. For example, collection of vehicle information is avoided when the vehicle user's schedule is changed and the vehicle departs from the guidance route, stops at the registration or installation site, and then makes a U-turn and returns to the guidance route. be able to.

  The surrounding situation determination unit 16d of the information collection terminal 10 determines that the U-turn position is not within the predetermined range from the position of the registered place or the position of the set place, and the arrival place of the vehicle is the registered place. If it is determined that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road situation has changed, Even if the turn position is not within the predetermined range from the position of the registered location or the location of the installation location, avoid collecting vehicle information if the arrival location of the vehicle is the same location as the registered location or the set location be able to. For example, after a vehicle travels from a departure point on the guide route of the vehicle to a point on the guide route, the vehicle user makes a U-turn at that point and notices a thing left behind. When returning to the ground, collection of vehicle information can be avoided.

  The reference position is a position on the guide route of the host vehicle searched based on the set place set by the user of the vehicle, and is based on the current position of the vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition unit 11. Since it is the position of the departure place when it is determined that the vehicle has deviated from the guide route, the collection of vehicle information should be avoided when the U-turn position is within a predetermined range from the position of the departure place. Can do. For example, if the vehicle user accidentally turns right where he should go straight at an intersection, the vehicle deviates from the guide route of the vehicle, and then the vehicle makes a U-turn and returns to the guide route to avoid collecting vehicle information. can do.

[Modifications to Embodiment]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configuration and means of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. Can do. Hereinafter, such a modification will be described.

(About problems to be solved and effects of the invention)
First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above contents, and may vary depending on the implementation environment and details of the configuration of the invention. May be solved, or only some of the effects described above may be achieved. For example, even when the collection means cannot collect vehicle information more accurately than in the past, if the collection and provision of vehicle information can be achieved in the same way as in the past by a technique different from the conventional one, the problem of the present invention is It has been resolved.

(About distribution and integration)
Further, each of the electrical components described above is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each unit are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be configured. For example, all the components of the information collection system 1 may be incorporated in the information collection terminal 10 or the information collection server 20.

(About information collection processing)
In the present embodiment, it has been described that the processes of SA5 to SA9 and SA13 to SA15 are performed as the process of determining whether or not the U-turn position is within a predetermined range from the reference position. ~ A part of the process of SA9 may be omitted (for example, the process of SA6 to SA9 may be omitted) and the process of SA13 to SA15 may be omitted, or all the processes of SA5 to SA9 may be omitted, You may make it perform the process of SA13-SA15.

  In the present embodiment, in SA1, the U-turn determination unit 16c of the information collection terminal 10 determines whether the host vehicle has made a U-turn based on the current position of the host vehicle acquired in SA1. Then, although demonstrated, you may determine based on information other than the present position of the own vehicle acquired in SA1. For example, when the current position acquisition unit 11 includes a gyro sensor, the U-turn determination unit 16c of the information collection terminal 10 determines that the host vehicle is U based on the traveling direction of the host vehicle acquired from the gyro sensor. It may be determined whether or not a turn has been made.

Further, in the above embodiment, the information collection processing is performed in such a manner that the information collection server 20 causes the vehicle to travel after the information collection terminal 10 and the information collection server 20 are powered on in order to collect vehicle information in real time. It has been described that the request to execute the information collection process that is output immediately after the start is received from the information collection terminal 10 via the network 30, but it may be executed at a timing other than this. Good. For example, the information collection process may be executed so that the vehicle information can be collected together after the vehicle arrives at the arrival place from the departure place on the guide route. Specifically, the current position of the host vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition unit 11 and the date and time corresponding to the current position of the host vehicle are stored in the data recording unit 17 while the host vehicle is traveling. After the vehicle arrives at the arrival place, information collection processing is performed based on the data stored in the data recording unit 17 (note that the processing of SA3, SA13, and SA14 is omitted. The U-turn position is also set). If there are a plurality of the U-turn positions, the processes of SA4 to SA12 and SA15 are repeated). In this case, the SA15 process is performed between the SA9 process and the SA10 process. In the process of SA15, the sixth flag is turned on instead of transmitting the cancel signal of SG5. The sixth flag is a flag indicating whether or not the U-turn position is a position around the arrival place, and is stored in, for example, the data recording unit 17. In SA10, it is determined whether any one of the first flag to the sixth flag is ON. Here, when it is determined that any one of the first flag to the sixth flag is ON, the vehicle information is not transmitted to the information collection server 20, but the first flag to the sixth flag are not transmitted. If it is determined that any one of the flags is not turned on, the vehicle is in response to the information collection server 20 in SA11 and SA12, assuming that the U-turn position is likely to have changed in the road conditions. Information is sent.
(Appendix)
The information collection system of Supplementary Note 1 includes a U-turn determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle has made a U-turn, and a current position acquisition unit when the U-turn determination unit determines that the vehicle has made a U-turn. Whether or not the U-turn position, which is the current position of the vehicle acquired when the vehicle makes the U-turn, is the position within a predetermined range from the reference position. And when it is determined that the U-turn position is not within a predetermined range from the reference position, the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is highly likely to have changed in road conditions. And determining means for determining that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed. If the, and a collecting means for collecting the current position the position of the high points likely there is a change in road conditions of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position.
The information collection system according to supplementary note 2 is the information collection system according to supplementary note 1, wherein the reference position is a registered location registered by a user of the vehicle or a setting set for route search by the user. It is the position of the ground.
The information collection system according to attachment 3 is the information collection system according to attachment 2, wherein the determination means determines that the U-turn position is not within a predetermined range from the position of the registered place or the position of the set place If it is determined that the arrival location of the vehicle is not the same as the location of the registration location or the location of the set location, the current location of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn location has changed to road conditions. It is determined that the location is likely to have been.
The information collection system according to attachment 4 is the information collection system according to any one of attachments 1 to 3, wherein the reference position is a position on a route searched based on a set place set by a user of the vehicle. And it is a position of the departure place when it is specified that the vehicle has deviated from the route based on the current position of the vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition means.
The information collecting method of Appendix 5 includes a U-turn determination step for determining whether or not the vehicle has made a U-turn, and a current position acquisition unit when the vehicle has made a U-turn by the U-turn determination step. Whether or not the U-turn position, which is the current position of the vehicle acquired when the vehicle makes the U-turn, is the position within a predetermined range from the reference position. And when it is determined that the U-turn position is not within a predetermined range from the reference position, the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is highly likely to have changed in road conditions. A determination step for determining that the current position of the vehicle is the position of the vehicle, and a position at which the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is likely to have changed in the road situation by the determination step If it is determined that that, and a collecting step of possibility that there is a change in road conditions the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is collected as the position of the high points.
The information collection program of appendix 6 is an information collection program that causes a computer to execute the method described in appendix 5.
(Additional effects)
According to the information collection system described in appendix 1, the information collection method described in appendix 5, and the information collection program described in appendix 6, the collection unit corresponds to the U-turn position based on the determination result by the determination unit. Since the current position of the vehicle is collected as the position of a point where there is a high possibility that the road situation has changed, it is possible to avoid collecting data that does not need to be collected, and to improve the accuracy of the collected data .
According to the information collection system described in Appendix 2, the reference position is the position of the registered place registered by the user of the vehicle or the position of the set place set for the route search by the user. When the turn position is within a predetermined range from the position of the registration place or the position of the installation place, collection of vehicle information can be avoided. For example, collection of vehicle information is avoided when the vehicle user's schedule is changed and the vehicle departs from the guidance route, stops at the registration or installation site, and then makes a U-turn and returns to the guidance route. be able to.
According to the information collection system described in Appendix 3, the determination unit determines that the U-turn position is not within the predetermined range from the position of the registered place or the set place, and the arrival place of the vehicle is registered. If it is determined that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road situation has changed when it is determined that the position is not the same as the position of the ground or the position of the set land Even if the U-turn position is not within the predetermined range from the position of the registered place or the position of the installation place, the vehicle information is collected if the arrival place of the vehicle is the same position as the position of the registered place or the set place. It can be avoided. For example, after a vehicle travels from a departure point on the guide route of the vehicle to a point on the guide route, the vehicle user makes a U-turn at that point and notices a thing left behind. When returning to the ground, collection of vehicle information can be avoided.
According to the information collection system described in the supplementary note 4, the reference position is a position on the route searched based on the set place set by the user of the vehicle, and is the vehicle position acquired by the current position acquisition unit. Since it is the position of the departure place when it is determined that the vehicle has deviated from the route based on the current position, the vehicle information is collected when the U-turn position is within a predetermined range from the position of the departure place. Can be avoided. For example, if the vehicle user accidentally turns right where he should go straight at an intersection, the vehicle deviates from the guide route of the vehicle, and then the vehicle makes a U-turn and returns to the guide route to avoid collecting vehicle information. can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information collection system 10 Information collection terminal 11 Current position acquisition part 12, 21 Communication part 13 Operation part 14 Display 15 Speaker 16, 22 Control part 16a Vehicle information acquisition part 16b Guide route acquisition part 16c U-turn determination part 16d Surrounding condition determination part 16e Guide route departure determination unit 16f Vehicle information transmission unit 16g Vehicle arrival determination unit 17, 23 Data recording unit 17a Map information DB
17b Registration location information table 20 Information collection server 22a Collection unit 23a Vehicle information DB
30 network

Claims (4)

U-turn determination means for determining whether the vehicle has made a U-turn;
When it is determined by the U-turn determination means that the vehicle has made a U-turn, the current position of the vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition means, and the vehicle at the time when the vehicle has made the U-turn When it is determined whether the U-turn position that is the current position of the vehicle is a position within a predetermined range from the reference position, and when it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position within the predetermined range from the reference position, Determining means for determining that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position of a point where there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed;
When it is determined by the determination means that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed, the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position A collecting means for collecting the current position as the position of a point where the road situation is likely to have changed,
The reference position is a position of a registered place registered by a user of the vehicle, or a position of a set place set for a route search by the user,
The determination means is a case where it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position within a predetermined range from the position of the registered location or the position of the set location, and the arrival location of the vehicle is the position of the registered location or the setting If it is determined that it is not the same position as the position of the ground, it is determined that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road situation has changed.
Information collection system. The reference position is a position on a route searched based on a set place set by a user of the vehicle, and the vehicle is based on the current position of the vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition unit. The location of the departure point when it is determined that the route has deviated.
The information collection system according to claim 1. A U-turn determination step for determining whether or not the vehicle has made a U-turn;
When it is determined in the U-turn determination step that the vehicle has made a U-turn, the current position of the vehicle acquired by the current position acquisition unit, and the vehicle at the time when the vehicle has made the U-turn When it is determined whether the U-turn position that is the current position of the vehicle is a position within a predetermined range from the reference position, and when it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position within the predetermined range from the reference position, A determination step of determining that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position of a point where there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed;
  When it is determined by the determination step that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position at a point where there is a high possibility that the road condition has changed, the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is determined. Collecting the current location as the location of a point where there is a high possibility of a change in road conditions,
The reference position is a position of a registered place registered by a user of the vehicle, or a position of a set place set for a route search by the user,
In the determination step, when it is determined that the U-turn position is not a position within a predetermined range from the position of the registered place or the position of the set place, the arrival place of the vehicle is the position of the registered place or the set position If it is determined that it is not the same position as the position of the ground, it is determined that the current position of the vehicle corresponding to the U-turn position is a position where there is a high possibility that the road situation has changed.
Information collection method. An information collection program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 3.

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