Vehicle inspection auxiliary system

Abstract

A vehicle inspection assistance system (1) is provided with a vehicle-mounted device (11) mounted on a vehicle (10), and a portable terminal (20) that is carried by an inspector of the vehicle (10) and has inspection content of the vehicle (10). The in-vehicle device (11) has a vehicle control unit (13) that controls the vehicle equipment (14) on the basis of a control signal from the portable terminal (20). The portable terminal (20) is provided with: a display unit capable of displaying inspection content; an input unit that receives an input on inspection content for controlling the vehicle device (14) when it is necessary to control the vehicle device (14); and a terminal control unit (22) capable of generating a control signal on the basis of an input. The inspection content includes a plurality of inspection items associated with the inspection method and the inspection content and corresponding to the vehicle (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle inspection assistance system. Background Art

[0002] Generally, operators of commercial vehicles such as taxis and trucks are obliged to perform vehicle inspections before operation. Therefore, there have been proposed systems for assisting in the pre-operation inspection of vehicles (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2020-201223 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in recent years, there has been a shortage of drivers in commercial vehicle operations due to aging and labor shortages. Under such circumstances, overtime has been reduced due to revisions to laws related to work style reforms, and there is a demand for more efficient driver operations. In particular, there is a demand for further efficiency in pre-operation inspections that are performed on a daily basis.

[0008] In addition, in the pre-operation inspection, especially the visual inspection, judgment is often made based on the experience of the inspector (e.g., driver). On the other hand, when a new driver is hired as a countermeasure for the revision of the law related to the revision of the working method, there is a possibility that the pre-operation inspection may cause misjudgment or omission of inspection items due to lack of experience.

[0009] As described above, there is room for improvement in vehicle inspection (pre-operation inspection).

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle inspection support system that can improve the efficiency of vehicle inspection and suppress the variation of judgment based on the experience of the inspector.

[0011] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the vehicle inspection support system of the present invention is characterized as follows.

[0013] A vehicle inspection assistance system comprises: a vehicle-mounted device, which is mounted on a vehicle; a portable terminal, which is carried by an inspector of the vehicle and has inspection content for the vehicle, wherein the vehicle-mounted device has a vehicle control unit, which controls vehicle equipment based on a control signal from the portable terminal, and the portable terminal has: a display unit, which can display the inspection content; an input unit, which receives input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment when it is necessary to control the vehicle equipment; and a terminal control unit, which can generate the control signal based on the input, wherein the inspection content includes a plurality of inspection items corresponding to the vehicle and associated with the inspection method and inspection content.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, when it is necessary to control vehicle equipment, the terminal control unit generates a control signal based on the input of the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment, and the vehicle control unit controls the vehicle equipment based on the control signal. As a result, this structure does not require reciprocating inside and outside the vehicle for the control and inspection of the vehicle equipment, thereby achieving efficiency.

[0016] In addition, according to the present invention, the inspection content includes multiple inspection items related to the inspection method and the inspection content. Thus, this structure can suppress the deviation of judgment based on the experience value of the inspector by enriching the description of the inspection method and the inspection content related to the multiple inspection items.

[0017] The present invention has been briefly described above, but the details of the present invention will become more apparent by reading through the modes for implementing the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle inspection support system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A flowchart of a first example of the processing procedure of the vehicle inspection support system is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a display example of inspection contents in a portable terminal.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a check list.

[0022] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 Flowchart of a second example of the processing procedure of the vehicle inspection support system shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, a vehicle inspection support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle inspection support system 1 is configured to include an onboard device 11 mounted on the vehicle 10 and a portable terminal 20 carried by an inspector (e.g., a driver, etc.) of the vehicle 10 and having content for inspection of the vehicle 10, and communication is performed between the onboard device 11 and the portable terminal 20. In addition, the "content" of the present invention refers to, for example, an application (so-called "smartphone application") executed by the portable terminal 20.

[0025] The vehicle 10 includes an onboard device 11 and various vehicle equipment 14. The onboard device 11 includes a communication unit 12 and a control unit 13 (corresponding to the "vehicle control unit" of the present invention) (see Figure 1 ). In addition, in the vehicle 10, a read unit (not shown) described later is provided (mounted) at an arbitrary position.

[0026] The communication unit 12 can communicate with a communication unit 21 of a portable terminal 20 described later by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 12 receives a control signal of the vehicle equipment 14 from the communication unit 21, for example.

[0027] The control unit 13 includes a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates according to a program stored in the memory, and controls the vehicle equipment 14 based on a control signal received from the portable terminal 20. In addition, the control unit 13 controls whether the vehicle 10 can travel or cannot travel.

[0028] The vehicle equipment 14 is various equipment that can be controlled by the control unit 13, such as headlights, turn indicators, hazard warning lights, and taillights. The vehicle equipment 14 that becomes the inspection site during vehicle inspection is provided with, for example, speakers, lights, etc. (not shown), and the control unit 13 outputs sound and light from the speakers and lights, etc. based on the control signal received from the portable terminal 20, so that the inspector can perceive the inspection site.

[0029] The portable terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22 (corresponding to the "terminal control unit" of the present invention), a touch panel 23 (corresponding to the "display unit" and "input unit" of the present invention), a reading unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a speaker 26 (see Figure 1 ). The portable terminal 20 is, for example, a device such as a smart phone.

[0030] The communication unit 21 can communicate with the communication unit 12 of the vehicle-mounted device 11 or an external server, etc. by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 21 transmits a control signal of the vehicle equipment 14 to the communication unit 12 of the vehicle-mounted device 11, for example.

[0031] The control unit 22 includes, for example, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates according to a program stored in the memory, and generates a control signal for the vehicle equipment 14 to the vehicle-mounted device 11. In addition, the control unit 22 can display a plurality of inspection items on the touch panel 23 (display unit) based on the information read by the reading unit 24, or can output sound through the speaker 26 in the form of sequentially reading the inspection parts based on a plurality of inspection items of the vehicle 10. In addition, the control unit 22 can reflect the inspection results input into the inspection content on an inspection table such as a daily report after the inspection is completed (see Figure 5 ).

[0032] The touch panel 23 can receive input operations through a touch panel arranged to overlap with the display screen of the portable terminal 20. The touch panel 23 serves as both a display unit and an input unit.

[0033] The reading unit 24 is a device for reading a code or IC tag provided on the vehicle. That is, the reading unit 24 is, for example, a camera of the portable terminal 20. In addition, as a method of reading the part to be read by the reading unit 24, near field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband wireless communication (UWB), image analysis, reading of a code provided on the vehicle 10, etc. are considered.

[0034] The storage unit 25 stores, for example, a daily inspection list (see Figure 5 ) In addition, the storage unit 25 stores, for example, programs for the portable terminal 20 to realize various functions.

[0035] The speaker 26 is a general speaker capable of outputting sound, and may be, for example, a device mounted on the portable terminal 20 or a device connected to (post-mounted on) the portable terminal 20 .

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 2A first example of the operation of the vehicle inspection support system 1 of the above structure is described. The inspector activates the inspection content through the portable terminal 20, for example, and reads the code or IC tag (the read part) provided on the vehicle 10 through the reading unit 24 of the portable terminal 20, thereby starting the vehicle inspection support system 1. Alternatively, the inspector may read the read part through the reading unit 24 of the portable terminal 20, thereby activating the inspection content on the portable terminal 20 and starting the vehicle inspection support system 1. Alternatively, the inspection content may be automatically activated on the portable terminal 20 by the inspector approaching the vehicle 10.

[0037] For example, when the inspector starts the inspection content in the portable terminal 20 and the reader 24 reads the code or IC tag set on the vehicle 10, the portable terminal 20 identifies the vehicle 10 (Sp1) and displays a plurality of inspection items (Sp2) corresponding to the vehicle 10 identified by the portable terminal 20 and associated with the inspection method and inspection content. Figure 3 As shown, it is displayed on the inspection content of the portable terminal 20. Thereby, the inspector can confirm the inspection items.

[0038] In addition, the code or IC tag read by the reading unit 24 is respectively arranged in front and rear of the vehicle 10, and the displayed multiple inspection items can be changed corresponding to the code or IC tag read by the reading unit 24. That is, when the code or IC tag in front of the vehicle 10 is read by the reading unit 24, for example, it is determined that the position of the portable terminal 20 (that is, the inspector) is in front of the vehicle 10, and only the inspection items in front of the vehicle 10 are displayed. When the code or IC tag behind the vehicle 10 is read, it is similarly determined that the position of the portable terminal 20 (that is, the inspector) is behind the vehicle 10, and only the inspection items behind the vehicle 10 can be displayed. In other words, in Sp2, the control unit 22 can display the inspection items based on the information read by the reading unit 24.

[0039] After the processing of Sp2, the control unit 22 of the portable terminal 20 or the input of the inspection personnel to the touch panel 23 on the inspection content determines whether the vehicle equipment needs to be controlled as an inspection item (Sp3). Figure 3 As shown, operation buttons of the vehicle equipment 14 such as "Headlight (Lo) SW", "Headlight (Hi) SW", "Right Turn Signal SW", "Left Turn Signal SW", and "Hazard SW" are clicked.

[0040] If it is determined that the vehicle equipment needs to be controlled ("Yes" in Sp3), the control unit 22 of the portable terminal 20 generates a control signal (Sp4), the control signal is communicated via the communication units 21 and 12, and the control unit 13 of the vehicle-mounted device 11 controls the vehicle equipment 14 (Sp5). After that, it is determined whether the inspection of all items is completed (Sp6). On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle equipment does not need to be controlled ("No" in Sp3), the process moves to Sp6.

[0041] During the period from Sp3 to Sp6, the vehicle 10 is inspected by the inspector. In this inspection, when the inspector clicks, for example, Figure 3 When the "Headlight (Lo) SW" is displayed, the headlight (Lo) is on. The inspector confirms that the headlight (Lo) is on, and if there is no problem, the inspection list is marked as "0", and if there is a problem, the inspection list is marked as "X". In this way, various inspection parts are inspected.

[0042] In Sp6, when it is determined that the inspection of all items has been completed ("Yes" in Sp6), the inspection result is stored in the inspection content or the storage unit 25 (Sp7), and then the control unit 13 or the control unit 22 determines whether the vehicle 10 can travel without a maintenance defect based on the inspection result (Sp8). On the other hand, when it is determined in Sp6 that the inspection of all items has not been completed ("No" in Sp6), the process returns to Sp3.

[0043] In Sp8, when it is determined based on the inspection result that the vehicle 10 is not in poor repair and can be driven ("Yes" in Sp8), the control unit 13 changes the vehicle 10 from the inoperable state to the drivable state (Sp9). Thus, the vehicle 10 can be driven, and the vehicle inspection is completed. On the other hand, in Sp8, when it is determined based on the inspection result that the vehicle 10 is in poor repair and cannot be driven ("No" in Sp8), the vehicle 10 is maintained in the inoperable state (Sp10). Thus, the vehicle 10 remains inoperable, and the vehicle inspection is completed.

[0044] After that, the control unit 22 obtains a daily inspection list from the storage unit 25 of the portable terminal 20 or an external server (see Figure 4 ), the inspection result inputted and stored in the inspection content is reflected in the inspection table (Sp11). Thus, an inspection table such as a daily report is automatically created. The first example of the operation of the vehicle inspection support system 1 is described above.

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 5A second example of the operation of the vehicle inspection support system 1 having the above configuration will be described. The same processing as that in the first example of the operation of the vehicle inspection support system 1 is denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] Similar to the first example mentioned above, for example, when the inspector starts the inspection content in the portable terminal 20 and the reading unit 24 reads the code or IC tag set on the vehicle 10, the portable terminal 20 identifies the vehicle 10 (Sp1) and displays multiple inspection items (Sp2) corresponding to the vehicle 10 identified by the portable terminal 20 and associated with the inspection method and inspection content.

[0047] Then, the control unit 22 detects the current or next inspection part from a plurality of inspection items (inspection item list), generates a control signal to the control unit 13, so that the inspector can perceive the current or next inspection part, and the control unit 13 outputs sound, light, etc. from the speaker, lamp, etc. corresponding to the current or next inspection part based on the control signal (Sp13). More specifically, for example, in the inspection content, if the inspector's input of the inspection list of the current inspection part is detected, the sound or light, etc. can be output from the speaker, lamp, etc. corresponding to the next inspection part, and the sound or light, etc. can be continuously output from the speaker, lamp, etc. corresponding to the current inspection part until the input of the inspection list to the current inspection part is detected. Thus, the inspector can perceive the current or next inspection part.

[0048] Regarding the subsequent processing, the processing of Sp13 to Sp5 is repeated until the inspection of all items is completed. That is, when it is determined that the inspection of all items is not completed ("No" in Sp6), return to the processing of Sp13. In addition, regarding other processing, since it is the same as the first example above, the description is omitted. In this way, in the second example, the inspector can easily perceive (grasp) the inspection location. The above describes the second example of the operation of the vehicle inspection auxiliary system 1.

[0049] In the first example and the second example, the control unit 22 may also output the inspection parts in sequence by voice based on a plurality of inspection items (inspection item list) through the speaker 26. More specifically, for example, if the inspection personnel inputs the inspection list of the current inspection part on the inspection content, the speaker 26 may output the next inspection part by voice based on a plurality of inspection items (inspection item list).

[0050] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when it is necessary to control the vehicle equipment 14, the control unit 22 generates a control signal based on the input of the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment 14, and the control unit 13 controls the vehicle equipment 14 based on the control signal. Therefore, the present embodiment does not require going back and forth inside and outside the vehicle for the control and inspection of the vehicle equipment 14, for example, and thus improves efficiency.

[0051] In addition, according to this embodiment, the inspection content includes multiple inspection items related to the inspection method and the inspection content. Therefore, this embodiment can suppress the deviation of judgment based on the experience value of the inspector by enriching the description of the inspection method and the inspection content related to the multiple inspection items.

[0052] In addition, according to this embodiment, the control unit 22 causes the display unit (touch panel 23) to display multiple inspection items based on the information read by the reading unit 24, thereby, for example, being able to set the read part (code or IC tag, etc.) corresponding to the inspection part, making it easy for the inspector to understand the inspection part.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 13 allows the inspector to perceive the inspection location of the vehicle 10 by sound or light based on the control signal, so that the inspector can easily grasp the inspection location.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 22 sequentially causes the speaker 26 to output sounds of the inspection locations of the vehicle 10 based on a plurality of inspection items, so that the inspector can easily grasp the inspection locations.

[0055] In addition, according to the present embodiment, after all inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, the control unit 22 obtains a predetermined inspection table from the storage unit 25 of the portable terminal 20 or an external server, and reflects the inspection results inputted into the inspection content in the inspection table. Thus, the present embodiment can reflect the inspection results in an inspection table such as a daily report by simply performing the inspection, thereby achieving efficiency in vehicle inspection-related operations.

[0056] In addition, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle 10 can travel after all inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, the vehicle 10 is changed from a non-travelable state to a travelable state. That is, when the inspections of all the inspection items are not completed or the vehicle 10 has a defect, the vehicle 10 cannot travel. Thus, the present embodiment can prevent omissions in the inspection of the inspection items and prevent the use of the poorly repaired vehicle 10.

[0057] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the method of reading the portion to be read provided on the vehicle 10 by the reading unit 24 is at least one of short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband wireless communication, image analysis based on the camera function of the portable terminal 20, and reading of a code provided on the vehicle 10. That is, as a prescribed operation of the portable terminal 20 with respect to the vehicle 10, the inspector only needs to place the portable terminal on the vehicle or read a code provided on the vehicle.

[0058] <Other methods>

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, size, number, arrangement position, etc. of each component in the above-mentioned embodiment are arbitrary and not limited as long as the present invention can be realized.

[0060] Here, the features of the above-mentioned embodiments of the vehicle inspection support system of the present invention are briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [7].

[0061] [1] A vehicle inspection support system (1), comprising: an on-board device (11), which is mounted on a vehicle (10); a portable terminal (20), which is carried by an inspector of the vehicle (10) and has inspection content for the vehicle (10), wherein the on-board device (11) has a vehicle control unit (13), which controls vehicle equipment (14) based on a control signal from the portable terminal (20), and the portable terminal (20) has: a display unit (touch panel 23), which can display the inspection content; an input unit (touch panel 23), which receives input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment (14) when it is necessary to control the vehicle equipment (14); and a terminal control unit (22), which can generate the control signal based on the input, wherein the inspection content includes a plurality of inspection items corresponding to the vehicle (10) and associated with the inspection method and the inspection content.

[0062] According to the structure of [1] above, when it is necessary to control vehicle equipment, the terminal control unit generates a control signal based on the input of the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment, and the vehicle control unit controls the vehicle equipment based on the control signal. As a result, this structure eliminates the need to go back and forth inside and outside the vehicle for controlling and inspecting the vehicle equipment, thereby achieving efficiency.

[0063] In addition, according to this structure, the inspection content includes a plurality of inspection items related to the inspection method and the inspection content. Thus, this structure can suppress the deviation of the judgment based on the experience value of the inspector by enriching the description of the inspection method and the inspection content related to the plurality of inspection items.

[0064] [2]The vehicle inspection assistance system (1) described in [1] above, wherein the portable terminal (20) further has a reading unit (24) that reads a read unit provided on the vehicle (10), and the terminal control unit (22) causes the display unit to display the plurality of inspection items based on the information read by the reading unit (24).

[0065] According to the structure of [2] above, the terminal control unit causes the display unit to display a plurality of inspection items based on the information read by the reading unit, whereby the read unit can be set corresponding to the inspection part, for example, and the inspector can easily grasp the inspection part.

[0066] [3]The vehicle inspection assistance system (1) described in [1] or [2] above, wherein the vehicle control unit (13) causes the inspector to perceive the inspection part of the vehicle by sound or light based on the control signal.

[0067] According to the structure of [3] above, the vehicle control unit causes the inspector to perceive the inspection part of the vehicle by sound or light based on the control signal, whereby the inspector can easily grasp the inspection part.

[0068] [4]The vehicle inspection assistance system (1) described in any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the portable terminal (20) further has a sound output unit (speaker 26), and the terminal control unit (22) causes the sound output unit (speaker 26) to sequentially output the inspection parts of the vehicle (10) based on the plurality of inspection items.

[0069] According to the structure of [4] above, the terminal control unit causes the sound output unit to sequentially output the inspection parts of the vehicle based on the plurality of inspection items, whereby the inspector can easily grasp the inspection part.

[0070] [5]The vehicle inspection assistance system (1) described in any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein after all the inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, the terminal control unit (22) obtains a prescribed inspection form from the storage unit (25) of the portable terminal (20) or an external server, and reflects the inspection results input to the inspection content on the inspection form.

[0071] According to the structure of [5] above, after all the inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, the terminal control unit obtains a prescribed inspection form from the storage unit of the portable terminal or an external server, and reflects the inspection results input to the inspection content on the inspection form. Thus, in this embodiment, for example, by simply performing the inspection and reflecting the inspection results in an inspection form such as a daily report, the efficiency of operations related to vehicle inspection can be achieved.

[0072] [6] A vehicle inspection assistance system (1) according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the vehicle control unit (13) changes the vehicle (10) from a non-drivable state to a drivable state when it is determined that the vehicle (10) is capable of driving after all inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed.

[0073] According to the structure of [6] above, when the vehicle is determined to be able to drive after all the inspections of the multiple inspection items are completed, the vehicle is changed from an inoperable state to an operable state. That is, when the inspections of all the inspection items are not completed or the vehicle has a defect, the vehicle cannot be driven. Thus, this structure can prevent the inspection of the inspection items from being missed, and further prevent the use of poorly repaired vehicles.

[0074] [7] A vehicle inspection assistance system (1) according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the method of reading the read part performed by the reading unit (24) is at least one of short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband wireless communication, image analysis based on the camera function of the portable terminal, and reading of a code provided on the vehicle.

[0075] According to the structure of [7] above, the method of reading the read part by the reading unit is at least one of short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband wireless communication, image analysis based on the camera function of the portable terminal, and reading of a code set on the vehicle. That is, as a prescribed operation of the portable terminal on the vehicle, the inspector only needs to place the portable terminal on the vehicle, or read the code set on the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle inspection support system, comprising: an on-board device mounted on a vehicle; and a portable terminal carried by an inspector of the vehicle and having content for inspection of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle inspection support system is characterized in that: The vehicle-mounted device includes a vehicle control unit that controls vehicle equipment based on a control signal from the portable terminal. The portable terminal has: a display unit capable of displaying the inspection content; an input unit for receiving an input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment when control of the vehicle equipment is required; a terminal control unit capable of generating the control signal based on the input, The inspection contents include a plurality of inspection items corresponding to the vehicle and associated with an inspection method and inspection contents.

2. The vehicle inspection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portable terminal further includes a reading unit that reads a portion to be read provided in the vehicle. The terminal control unit causes the display unit to display the plurality of inspection items based on the information read by the reading unit.

3. The vehicle inspection assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vehicle control unit causes the inspector to sense an inspection location of the vehicle through sound or light based on the control signal.

4. The vehicle inspection assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The portable terminal further comprises a sound output unit. The terminal control unit causes the sound output unit to sequentially output inspection locations of the vehicle based on the plurality of inspection items.

5. The vehicle inspection assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: After the inspection of all the plurality of inspection items is completed, the terminal control unit acquires a predetermined inspection table from a storage unit of the portable terminal or an external server, and reflects the inspection result input to the inspection content in the inspection table.

6. The vehicle inspection assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vehicle control unit changes the vehicle from a driving-disabled state to a driving-enabled state when it is determined that the vehicle is driving after all of the plurality of inspection items have been inspected.

7. The vehicle inspection assistance system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The method of reading the portion to be read by the reading unit is at least one of short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband wireless communication, image analysis using a camera function of the portable terminal, and reading of a code provided on the vehicle.

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