Vehicle and In-Vehicle Device

Abstract

The vehicle is equipped with a processor having hardware. When the vehicle is connected to an external network via a communication network formed by vehicle-to-vehicle communication among multiple vehicles, the processor outputs connection information indicating that the vehicle is in a state of being connected to the external network as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle and a vehicle-mounted device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-153019 discloses a method in which, even if a network communication failure occurs during a disaster, a vehicle can obtain evacuation location information through road-to-vehicle communication or vehicle-to-vehicle communication and send the evacuation location information to a display terminal, thereby providing information for guiding to an appropriate evacuation location. Summary of the invention

[0003] However, consider the case where a communication network is formed by multiple vehicles performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In this case, by adding new vehicles performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the entire communication network can be expanded. In addition, if any vehicle is connected to an external network such as the Internet, all vehicles participating in the communication network can be connected to the external network.

[0004] Therefore, for example, when a disaster occurs, it is expected that information can be obtained from an external network via a communication network formed by vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In this case, evacuees who intend to evacuate on foot may search for vehicles participating in the communication network in order to obtain information from the external network. However, it is impossible to determine which vehicle is participating in the communication network from outside the vehicle.

[0005] The present disclosure has been achieved in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle and a vehicle-mounted device capable of identifying a vehicle joining a communication network from outside the vehicle.

[0006] The vehicle involved in the present disclosure has a processor with hardware. When the vehicle is connected to an external network via a communication network formed by vehicle-to-vehicle communication among multiple vehicles, the processor outputs connection information indicating that the vehicle is connected to the external network as information that can be visually identified from outside the vehicle.

[0007] The vehicle-mounted device involved in the present disclosure has a processor with hardware. When the vehicle is connected to an external network via a communication network formed by vehicle-to-vehicle communication among multiple vehicles, the processor outputs connection information indicating that the vehicle is connected to the external network as information that can be visually identified from outside the vehicle.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a vehicle that has joined a communication network can be identified from outside the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the communication system in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the vehicle.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the communication control process.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the control process for determining the position of the own vehicle. Detailed Embodiment

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the vehicle and in-vehicle device in the embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the communication system in the embodiment. The communication system 1 is configured to include a communication network 3 formed by vehicle-to-vehicle communication between multiple vehicles 2 and an external network 4 such as the Internet. In this communication system 1, the communication network 3 is communicably connected to the external network 4. Therefore, information can be received and transmitted between multiple vehicles 2 forming the communication network 3 and external devices connected to the external network 4. These external devices include various devices such as servers.

[0016] The vehicle 2 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 10 for performing wireless communication (vehicle-to-vehicle communication) between the own vehicle and other vehicles. Therefore, adjacent vehicles 2 within the communicable range of the in-vehicle device 10 can perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication with each other. Furthermore, by one vehicle 2 performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication with multiple vehicles 2, the multiple vehicles 2 can be communicably connected using vehicle-to-vehicle communication. As a result, a communication network 3 is formed by the multiple vehicles 2.

[0017] The communication network 3 is the following communication network: multiple vehicles 2 form a grid-like transmission path and forward data in a relay manner. The data within the communication network 3 is repeatedly forwarded in a relay manner until it is delivered to the vehicle 2 serving as the destination. Therefore, the multiple vehicles 2 forming the communication network 3 can obtain the data held by other vehicles. In addition, as Figure 1 shown, as long as any one of the multiple vehicles 2 forming the communication network 3 can be communicably connected to the external network 4, all the vehicles 2 participating in the communication network 3 can be connected to the external network 4.

[0018] The external network 4 is the Internet, a communication network formed by a communication company, etc., or a communication network formed by an autonomous organization. That is, the external network 4 is a communication network formed outside the communication network 3.

[0019] For example, when a disaster occurs, it is considered that information from the external network 4 is obtained using the communication network 3 formed by a plurality of vehicles 2. It is expected that due to the disaster, wireless communication between the vehicle 2 and a nearby base station cannot be performed, and the vehicle cannot be directly connected to the external network 4. In addition, when a disaster occurs, it is expected that people living in the disaster-stricken area lose the means of communication with the external network 4, such as when they do not bring mobile terminals such as smartphones. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted device 10 of the vehicle 2 performs communication control to connect to the external network 4 via the communication network 3.

[0020] In this case, it is expected that people who are taking refuge on foot or the like seek a communication means to communicate with the external network 4 and search for a vehicle 2 connected to the external network 4. Therefore, the vehicle 2 participating in the communication network 3 is configured to output information indicating that the vehicle is connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

[0021] Figure 2 The vehicle 2 includes an in-vehicle device 10 , a front windshield 20 , hazard lights 30 , and an antenna 40 .

[0022] The vehicle-mounted device 10 is a device mounted on the vehicle 2, and is configured to include an electronic control device for controlling the vehicle 2. The vehicle-mounted device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0023] The communication unit 11 is a communicator that wirelessly communicates with external devices of the vehicle 2. The communication unit 11 is configured to include a short-distance communication unit that wirelessly communicates with other vehicles and a long-distance communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a base station. The vehicle-mounted device 10 can form a communication network 3 by performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication with other vehicles using the short-distance communication unit. In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 10 can directly connect to the external network 4 by wirelessly communicating with a base station using the long-distance communication unit. That is, the vehicle-mounted device 10 is connected to the external network 4 via the base station of the mobile communication through the communication unit 11, and communicates with other devices via the external network 4.

[0024] The control unit 12 includes a processor and a memory. The processor is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. The memory is a main storage device and is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 12 loads the program stored in the storage unit 13 into the working area of the memory (main storage device) and executes it, and controls each component part, etc. by executing the program, thereby realizing the functions that meet the specified purposes.

[0025] The storage unit 13 is composed of a storage medium such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM). Various programs to be executed by the control unit 12 are stored in the storage unit 13. As an example, a program for controlling the wireless communication using the communication unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 13. In addition, the information obtained through the wireless communication performed by the communication unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 13.

[0026] Therefore, the control unit 12 performs communication control based on the program stored in the storage unit 13. The communication control includes short-range communication control for vehicle-to-vehicle communication between the communication unit 11 and other vehicles, and long-range communication control for wireless communication between the communication unit 11 and the base station. The control unit 12 executes the short-range communication control to control the communication between the communication unit 11 and other vehicles. The communication distance in vehicle-to-vehicle communication is shorter than the communication distance in long-range communication and varies according to the surrounding environment of the vehicle 2.

[0027] In addition, the control unit 12 controls the communication between the communication unit 11 and the base station by executing the long-range communication control, thereby controlling the communication with the external network 4 via the base station.

[0028] In addition, the control unit 12 executes the control for forming the communication network 3 (mesh formation control) as communication control. By executing the mesh formation control, the control unit 12 controls the vehicle-to-vehicle communication between the own vehicle and other vehicles, and constructs the communication network 3 formed via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication performed by multiple vehicles 2.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 12 performs the control for connecting to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 (control via network). The control unit 12 executes the control via network to control the vehicle-to-vehicle communication between the own vehicle and other vehicles, thereby controlling the communication with the external network 4 via the communication network 3.

[0030] That is, when the in-vehicle device 10 connects to the external network 4, it can directly connect to the external network 4 from the vehicle itself, and can also connect to the external network 4 via the communication network 3.

[0031] For example, in normal times and other situations where it is possible to directly connect to the external network 4 through the communication unit 11, the control unit 12 controls the communication with the external network 4 in this connection state. On the other hand, in the event of a disaster or other situations where it is impossible to directly connect to the external network 4 through the communication unit 11, the control unit 12 controls the communication unit 11 to form the communication network 3 and connect to the external network 4 via the communication network 3.

[0032] In addition, the control unit 12 outputs information indicating that the vehicle is connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle. That is, the control unit 12 performs notification control to notify people outside the vehicle that the vehicle is connected to the external network 4. As the output position of this information, the front windshield 20, the hazard warning light 30, and the antenna 40 can be cited.

[0033] Specifically, the control unit 12 performs display control to display information on the front windshield 20 as notification control. The in-vehicle device 10 is equipped with a display device for displaying various information on the front windshield 20. This display device is a so-called head-up display. Moreover, the control unit 12 can perform display control to display information on the front windshield 20 and display various information on the front windshield 20. In this case, the information displayed on the front windshield 20 includes text information. That is, the in-vehicle device 10 displays text information indicating that the vehicle is connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3, such as a message like "Connecting to the external network" on the front windshield 20. When changing from the state of being connected to the external network 4 to the state where the communication connection is cut off, the in-vehicle device 10 can display historical information indicating the situation where the vehicle 2 was once connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 on the front windshield 20. This historical information is information including text information. In addition, the historical information is generated by the control unit 12 and stored in the storage unit 13. For example, the control unit 12 can display historical information indicating the situation of being connected to the external network 4 several tens of minutes ago from the current moment on the front windshield 20 using text information.

[0034] In addition, the control unit 12 performs flashing control that causes the hazard warning lamp 30 to flash as notification control. And when connected to the external network 4, the control unit 12 causes the hazard warning lamp 30 to flash in a flashing state different from normal flashing. For example, when connected to the external network 4, the control unit 12 causes the hazard warning lamp 30 to flash at an interval longer than the normal flashing interval. When the communication connection is cut off while in a state of being connected to the external network 4, the control unit 12 can cancel the flashing of the hazard warning lamp 30.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 12 performs telescopic control that causes the antenna 40 to automatically extend and retract as notification control. The antenna 40 is an antenna for receiving broadcast waves such as TV and radio. And when connected to the external network 4, the control unit 12 extends the antenna 40 to a length different from the normal length. For example, when connected to the external network 4, the control unit 12 extends the antenna 40 to a length longer than the normal length. When the communication connection is cut off while in a state of being connected to the external network 4, the control unit 12 can retract the antenna 40 for storage.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing the communication control process. Figure 3 The control shown is repeatedly implemented by the control unit 12.

[0037] The control unit 12 determines whether it is in a state where the vehicle cannot be directly connected to the external network 4 (step S101). In step S101, it is determined whether it is in a state where communication between the vehicle and the base station via long-distance communication control cannot be connected to the external network 4. For example, in step S101, the control unit 12 determines whether the state of being unable to connect to the external network 4 has continued for a specified period.

[0038] If it is in a state where the vehicle can be directly connected to the external network 4 (step S101: No), this control routine ends. When the determination in step S101 is negative, the control unit 12 determines that normal communication connection can be made.

[0039] If it is in a state where the vehicle cannot be directly connected to the external network 4 (step S101: Yes), the control unit 12 forms a communication network 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication through the communication unit 11 (step S102). In step S102, the control unit 12 executes control to form the communication network 3, and the vehicle joins the communication network 3.

[0040] Then, the control unit 12 determines whether the vehicle is connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 (step S103). In step S103, it is determined whether the communication network 3 to which the vehicle belongs is connected to the external network 4.

[0041] In the case where it is determined that the own vehicle is not connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 (step S103: No), this control routine ends. In the case of a negative determination in step S103, it is the following situation: Although the communication network 3 is formed, none of the vehicles 2 joined to the communication network 3 are connected to the external network 4.

[0042] In the case where it is determined that the own vehicle is connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 (step S103: Yes), the control unit 12 outputs information indicating the situation of being connected to the external network 4 as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle (step S104). In step S104, the control unit 12 performs notification control. This notification control includes any one of display control for displaying information on the front windshield 20, flashing control for flashing the hazard warning lamp 30, and telescopic control for extending the extended antenna 40. After the process of step S104 is implemented, this control routine ends.

[0043] As described above, according to the embodiment, even in a situation where, for example, it is impossible to connect to the external network 4 via the base station in the area due to a disaster, it is possible to connect to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 formed by vehicle-to-vehicle communication among multiple vehicles 2. And various information such as disaster information can be obtained from the external network 4. At this time, the vehicle 2 can output information indicating the situation of the own vehicle being connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3 as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle. Thus, a person located outside the vehicle 2 can visually recognize this information, and therefore, for example, a person taking refuge on foot can determine which vehicle 2 is a vehicle connected to the external network 4.

[0044] In addition, even when a single vehicle 2 is at a distance where the radio waves of vehicle-to-vehicle communication cannot reach, data can be transmitted using the communication network 3 composed of multiple vehicles 2. At this time, since there are multiple paths due to the grid-like transmission path, the vehicle 2 can select the optimal path for connection. In other words, even when the optimal path cannot be used, it is possible to bypass the optimal path and connect for communication. That is, since in the communication network 3, multiple vehicles 2 share the connection, even if one vehicle 2 detaches from the communication network 3, it is possible to detect other paths for connection, so the connection will not be interrupted.

[0045] It should be noted that it is not limited to the case of a disaster occurring. When a specified time or more has passed during the period when it is impossible to directly connect to the external network 4, the control unit 12 makes a connection to the external network 4 via the communication network 3.

[0046] In addition, the vehicle 2 that forms the communication network 3 is not limited to the parked state and can also be in motion. Further, the vehicle 2 is configured to be able to perform wireless communication through the communication unit 11 of the in-vehicle device 10 even when the ignition switch is turned off. That is, the vehicle 2 in the state where the ignition switch is turned off can also form the communication network 3.

[0047] In addition, when the control unit 12 executes the display control, in addition to the text information, the color displayed on the front windshield 20 can be set to a different color according to the type of information. For example, when in a state where it is impossible to connect to the external network 4, the control unit 12 displays information in blue text on the front windshield 20, and when in a state where it is connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3, the control unit 12 displays information in red text on the front windshield 20. Alternatively, when in a state where it is impossible to connect to the external network 4, the control unit 12 does not perform any display on the front windshield 20.

[0048] In addition, when the control unit 12 executes the display control, it may not display the text information and only display color information on the front windshield 20. For example, when in a state where it is connected to the external network 4 via the communication network 3, the control unit 12 displays red in a specified area of the front windshield 20.

[0049] In addition, the communication network 3 is a network in which the number of vehicles 2 joined changes. That is, there are also vehicles 2 newly joining the already formed communication network 3 and vehicles 2 leaving the communication network 3. Therefore, the shape and size of the entire network of the communication network 3 change according to the number of vehicles 2 and the vehicle positions.

[0050] For example, the more the vehicles 2 joining the communication network 3 are spread out over a large area, the larger the entire network becomes, and the range of information that can be obtained can be expanded. At this time, vehicle-to-vehicle communication is performed between the vehicles 2 joining the communication network 3 by the new vehicle 2, so that the entire network of the communication network 3 expands. In addition, even if the entire network of the communication network 3 is not expanded, the more the vehicles 2 are concentrated in a certain range, the finer the grid of the transmission path becomes, and thus the range of information that can be obtained can be filled.

[0051] Thus, for the vehicle 2, even if the own vehicle is in a stopped state, the relative position relationship of the own vehicle changes due to the change in the entire network of the communication network 3. Therefore, the control unit 12 is configured to determine the position of the own vehicle in the entire network of the communication network 3. An example of this control is as Figure 4 shown.

[0052] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the control process for determining the position of the own vehicle. Figure 4The control shown is repeatedly executed by the control unit 12.

[0053] The control unit 12 determines whether the host vehicle has joined the communication network 3 (step S201). In step S201, regardless of whether the communication network 3 is connected to the external network 4. Importantly, as long as the host vehicle has joined the communication network 3, a positive determination is made in step S201, and this positive determination is made when the communication network 3 is in a state of being connected to the external network 4, and is also made when the communication network 3 is in a state of not being connected to the external network 4.

[0054] In the case where it is determined that the host vehicle has not participated in the communication network 3 (step S201: No), this control routine ends.

[0055] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the host vehicle has participated in the communication network 3 (step S201: Yes), the control unit 12 determines the position of the host vehicle in the entire network of the communication network 3 (step S202). The in-vehicle device 10 is equipped with a GPS receiver. In addition, the control unit 12 can obtain information indicating the current position of the vehicle 2 based on the positioning signal received by the GPS receiver. Furthermore, when the control unit 12 sends information through the communication network 3, it sends information indicating the current position of the host vehicle. Thus, the vehicle 2 participating in the communication network 3 can obtain the position information of other vehicles, and therefore can grasp the entire network of the communication network 3. And in step S202, it is determined whether the host vehicle is located on the central side of the entire network of the communication network 3. Furthermore, in step S202, it is determined whether the host vehicle is located on the peripheral side of the entire network of the communication network 3.

[0056] Then, the control unit 12 outputs information corresponding to the position of the host vehicle in the entire network of the communication network 3 as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle (step S203). In the case where the host vehicle is located on the central side of the entire network, in step S203, information indicating that the position of the host vehicle is on the central side of the entire network is output as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle. Or, in the case where the host vehicle is located on the peripheral side of the entire network, in step S203, information indicating that the position of the host vehicle is on the peripheral side of the entire network is output as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

[0057] The method of outputting the information in this step S203 can apply the method of displaying information on the front windshield 20. That is, in step S203, the control unit 12 can display text information indicating the case of being on the central side and text information indicating the case of being on the peripheral side on the front windshield 20. In addition, the control unit 12 is not limited to displaying text information, and can also display this information in different colors.

[0058] Alternatively, the method for outputting the information in step S203 can apply the method of notifying information by the hazard warning lamp 30. For example, when the present vehicle is located on the center side, the control unit 12 causes the hazard warning lamps 30 on both the left and right sides to flash. On the other hand, when the present vehicle is located on the peripheral side, the control unit 12 causes only one side of the hazard warning lamps 30 on the left and right to flash and the other side to turn off. Thus, different information can be notified using the hazard warning lamp 30. After the process of step S203 is implemented, this control routine ends.

[0059] In this way, by outputting the relative position information of the present vehicle with respect to the entire network of the communication network 3 to the outside of the vehicle, a person outside the vehicle 2 can be made aware of the range in which information can be obtained through the communication network 3. In addition, when the shape and size of the entire network of the communication network 3 change over time, even if the present vehicle continues to be parked, the relative position with respect to the entire network changes. Therefore, the control unit 12 can notify the outside of the vehicle of the situation where the relative position relationship in the entire network of the communication network 3 has changed.

[0060] Those skilled in the art can easily derive more effects and variations. The broader aspects of the present invention are not limited by the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Therefore, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising a processor with hardware, when the vehicle is connected to an external network via a communication network formed by vehicle - to - vehicle communication among multiple vehicles, the processor outputs connection information indicating that the vehicle is in a connected state with the external network as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle, when the vehicle joins the communication network, the processor determines the position of the vehicle in the entire communication network, and outputs information corresponding to the position of the vehicle in the entire network as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the vehicle cannot be directly connected to the external network, the processor communicates with other vehicles capable of vehicle - to - vehicle communication to form the communication network.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the vehicle is located on the central side of the entire network, the processor outputs information indicating that the position of the vehicle is on the central side as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein when it is determined that the vehicle is located on the peripheral side of the entire network, the processor outputs information indicating that the position of the vehicle is on the peripheral side as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the state of being connected to the external network via the communication network changes to a state where the communication connection with the external network is cut off, the processor outputs historical information indicating that the vehicle was once connected to the external network via the communication network as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein when outputting information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle, the processor displays various information on the front windshield of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein when displaying the various information on the front windshield, the processor sets the color displayed on the front windshield to different colors according to the type of information.

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the vehicle is in a state of being connected to the external network via the communication network, the processor causes the hazard warning lights of the vehicle to flash.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when outputting information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle, the processor changes the length of the antenna of the vehicle.

10. An in - vehicle device, comprising a processor with hardware, when the vehicle is connected to an external network via a communication network formed by vehicle - to - vehicle communication among multiple vehicles, the processor outputs connection information indicating that the vehicle is in a connected state with the external network as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle, When the vehicle joins the communication network, the processor determines the location of the vehicle within the entire communication network. Information corresponding to the vehicle's location within the entire network is output as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

11. The in-vehicle device according to claim 10, wherein When the vehicle cannot be directly connected to the external network, the processor communicates with other vehicles capable of vehicle-to-vehicle communication to form the communication network.

12. The in-vehicle device according to claim 10, wherein When it is determined that the vehicle is located on the central side of the entire network, the processor outputs information indicating that the vehicle's location is on the central side as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

13. The in-vehicle device according to claim 10, wherein When it is determined that the vehicle is located on the peripheral side of the entire network, the processor outputs information indicating that the vehicle's location is on the peripheral side as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

14. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein When the state of being connected to the external network via the communication network changes to a state where the communication connection to the external network is cut off, the processor outputs historical information indicating that the vehicle was once connected to the external network via the communication network as information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle.

15. The in-vehicle device according to claim 14, wherein When outputting information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle, the processor displays various pieces of information on the front windshield of the vehicle.

16. The in-vehicle device according to claim 15, wherein When displaying the various pieces of information on the front windshield, the processor sets the color displayed on the front windshield to a different color corresponding to the type of information.

17. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein When the vehicle is in a state of being connected to the external network via the communication network, the processor causes the hazard warning lights of the vehicle to flash.

18. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein When outputting information that can be visually recognized from outside the vehicle, the processor changes the length of the antenna of the vehicle.

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