Remote monitoring device

Abstract

The invention provides a remote monitoring device. A remote operator can properly grasp the value of a parameter set in a vehicle, and the operation efficiency of the vehicle is improved. The remote monitoring device (20) monitors the operation of the vehicle (30) on the basis of values set in one or more parameters relating to the automatic driving of the vehicle (30). A remote monitoring device (20) is provided with: a storage unit in which first information indicating values of one or more parameters transmitted from a vehicle (30) at a first timing is stored in advance; and a control unit that, upon acquiring second information indicating values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle (30) at a second timing after the first timing, compares the first information and the second information stored in the storage unit, and generates update information indicating that the values of the parameters are updated on the basis of the result of the comparison.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remote monitoring device. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, an operation management system for managing the operation status of a vehicle by a remote monitor is described.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-45502 Summary of the Invention

[0006] When a technician changes the value of a parameter for controlling the autonomous driving of a vehicle on-site, if the changed parameter value is not reflected in the remote monitoring device of the remote monitoring center for remote monitoring operation, the remote operator who monitors the operation of the vehicle at the remote monitoring center regards the actual driving state of the vehicle as different from the driving state expected based on the parameter value, and sometimes stops the operation of the vehicle to confirm. As a result, the operation efficiency of the vehicle is reduced.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to enable a remote operator to appropriately grasp the value of a parameter set in a vehicle and improve the operation efficiency of the vehicle.

[0008] The remote monitoring device according to the present disclosure monitors the operation of the vehicle according to a value set in one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle, wherein the remote monitoring device includes:

[0009] a storage unit that pre-stores first information indicating the value of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle at a first timing; and

[0010] a control unit that, when acquiring second information indicating the value of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle at a second timing after the first timing, compares the first information stored in the storage unit with the second information, and generates update information indicating that the parameter value has been updated based on the comparison result.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a remote operator can appropriately grasp the value of a parameter set in a vehicle, and the operation efficiency of the vehicle is improved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a remote monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the server device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Embodiments

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals. In the description of the present embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0018] Refer to Figure 1 to describe the structure of the system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0019] The system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a remote monitoring device 20, at least one vehicle 30, and a server device 40. The remote monitoring device 20 can communicate with the server device 40 via a network 50. The remote monitoring device 20 may also be able to communicate with the vehicle 30 via the network 50. The system 10 is used, for example, to provide mobility services such as MaaS. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility-as-a-Service. In addition, there may be multiple remote monitoring devices 20, vehicles 30, and server devices 40, respectively.

[0020] The server device 40 can communicate with not only the remote monitoring device 20 but also the vehicle 30 via the network 50.

[0021] The remote monitoring device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center and is operated by an operation manager who manages the system 10. The remote monitoring device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. Alternatively, the remote monitoring device 20 is installed in the management room of the system 10 and used by the operation manager. Alternatively, the remote monitoring device 20 installed in the management room may be shared by two or more operation managers. In the present embodiment, the remote monitoring device 20 is installed in the remote monitoring center RC that remotely monitors the vehicle 30. In the remote monitoring center RC, a remote operator OP who is a manager of the system 10 monitors the operation of the vehicle 30 and provides remote support.

[0022] The server device 40 acquires, stores, and processes the data transmitted from the vehicle 30, and is installed in a facility such as a management center for managing the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30. The management center is, for example, an AD center. "AD" is an abbreviation of Autonomous Driving. The data transmitted from the vehicle 30 is, for example, information indicating the driving performance of the vehicle 30 and information indicating the driving route of the vehicle 30. In the present embodiment, among the data transmitted from the vehicle 30, there is included information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30. The server device 40 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing systems. The server device 40 receives the information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 transmitted from the vehicle 30. When the server device 40 receives the information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30, it transmits this information to the remote monitoring device 20.

[0023] The vehicle 30 is, for example, any type of vehicle such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation of hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation of battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation of fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 30 is an AV in the present embodiment, but it can also be driven by a driver or the driving can be automated at any level. "AV" is an abbreviation of autonomous vehicle. The level of automation is, for example, any level from level 1 to level 5 in the classification of SAE. "SAE" is an abbreviation of Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle 30 can also be a vehicle dedicated to MaaS. The vehicle 30 transmits the information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 to the server device 40. Alternatively, the vehicle 30 can also transmit the information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 to the remote monitoring device 20.

[0024] The network 50 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or a combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. The network 50 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or a combination thereof. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0025] Refer to Figure 1 to describe the outline of this embodiment.

[0026] In the system 10, the remote monitoring device 20 functions as a mobile service platform. In this embodiment, the vehicle 30 is a bus that transports one or more passengers. In this embodiment, the remote monitoring device 20 monitors the operation of the vehicle 30 according to the values set in one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30. In this embodiment, in the remote monitoring center RC, the values of the respective parameters and the behavior of the vehicle based on the respective parameters are managed as an "operation guide". In the remote monitoring center RC, the remote operator OP, who is a manager of the system 10, monitors and remotely supports the operation of the vehicle 30 according to the "operation guide". The values of the respective parameters shown as the "operation guide" are presented to the remote operator OP as the characteristics of the behavior of the vehicle 30. By referring to the "operation guide", the remote operator OP can, for example, grasp the detection distance of obstacles and the speed in the case of slow driving as the characteristics of the behavior of the vehicle 30.

[0027] In the present embodiment, among the parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30, there are parameters related to the control of the operation state of the vehicle 30 and parameters related to the autonomous driving function of the vehicle 30. The parameters related to the control of the operation state of the vehicle 30 are parameters related to the control of the engine, motor, or brakes, etc. of the vehicle 30. Among the parameters related to the control of the operation state of the vehicle 30, for example, there are parameters representing the speed, acceleration, in-vehicle temperature, opening / closing state of the entrance / exit door, driving distance, number of passengers, sales amount, engine speed, cooling water temperature, operation amount of the steering wheel, remaining amount of fuel, and in the case where the vehicle 30 is an FCEV, the setting of the charging rate of the fuel cell. The parameters related to the autonomous driving function of the vehicle 30 are, for example, the parameters required to achieve autonomous driving and are parameters related to the functions of the software that controls the driving of the vehicle 30. Among the parameters related to the autonomous driving function of the vehicle 30, for example, there are parameters representing the distance to an obstacle, speed setting for each path, reception level of the GPS signal for estimating the own position, collision avoidance sensor, sensor for detecting an obstacle, setting of a camera installed outside the vehicle, etc.

[0028] Details of the background of the present embodiment are described. A person skilled in the art sometimes changes the value of the parameter used to control the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 in the field. As a case of changing the value of the parameter, for example, it is assumed before the start of a test run, after the actual start of formal operation, or when responding to a change in the traffic environment after the start of formal operation. Among the changes in the traffic environment, for example, there are an increase or decrease in the number of signals and an increase or decrease in the traffic volume compared to when the operation started.

[0029] As an example, consider the parameter set for an anti-collision sensor or a sensor for detecting obstacles, and set the timing for identifying an obstacle and starting to avoid it. In this case, for the value set as the default value, generally, there are many cases where the plan is to identify an obstacle from a distance and avoid it sufficiently in advance. As a result, a relatively gentle avoidance path is generated. However, in a case where it is necessary to continuously avoid obstacles due to the road conditions at the site, etc., when the parameter remains the default value as it is, sometimes the first obstacle may be avoided too slowly and the second obstacle cannot be avoided. In such a case, a technician in the field changes the value of the parameter so that the second obstacle can be appropriately avoided. In a case where the value of the parameter is changed in the field like this, when the changed value of the parameter is not reflected in the remote monitoring device 20 of the remote monitoring center RC, the remote operator OP of the remote monitoring center RC regards the actual driving state of the vehicle 30 grasped according to the "operation manual" as different from the driving state expected according to this "operation manual", and may stop the operation of the vehicle 30 for confirmation sometimes. As a result, the operation efficiency of the vehicle 30 is reduced. In addition, in the remote monitoring center RC, when the vehicle 30 is remotely operated according to the "operation manual" indicating the value of the parameter before the change without knowing that the value of the parameter has been changed in the field, there is also a risk of causing a collision accident in the worst case. Therefore, in a case where the value of the parameter is changed in the field, it is preferable to quickly reflect the changed value of the parameter in the remote monitoring device 20 of the remote monitoring center RC.

[0030] In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the remote monitoring device 20 stores in advance the first information D1 indicating the value of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the first timing t1. When the remote monitoring device 20 obtains the second information D2 indicating the value of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the second timing t2 after the first timing t1, the remote monitoring device 20 compares the pre-stored first information D1 and the second information D2, and generates, based on the comparison result, the update information D3 indicating that the value of the parameter has been updated. The remote monitoring device 20 outputs the generated update information D3.

[0031] According to the present embodiment, in a case where a technician changes the value of a parameter related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 in on-site matching through an adjustment called tuning, data reflecting this change is output as the update information D3 in the remote monitoring center RC. Therefore, the remote operator OP can appropriately grasp the value of the parameter set in the vehicle 30. In addition, the driving state of the vehicle 30 grasped by the remote operator OP and the actual driving state do not become different. As a result, the situation where the remote operator OP stops the operation of the vehicle 30 for confirmation becomes less. As a result, the operation efficiency of the vehicle 30 is improved.

[0032] Refer to Figure 2, illustrate the structure of the remote monitoring device 20 involved in this embodiment.

[0033] The remote monitoring device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25.

[0034] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor dedicated to specific processing. "CPU" is the abbreviation of central processing unit. "GPU" is the abbreviation of graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is the abbreviation of field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is the abbreviation of application specific integrated circuit. While controlling each part of the remote monitoring device 20, the control unit 21 executes processing related to the operation of the remote monitoring device 20.

[0035] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of them. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. In the storage unit 22, data used in the operation of the remote monitoring device 20 and data obtained through the operation of the remote monitoring device 20 are stored. Further, in the present embodiment, first information D1 indicating values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the first timing t1 is stored in the storage unit 22. Additionally, second information D2 indicating values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at a second timing t2 after the first timing t1 may also be stored in the storage unit 22.

[0036] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the remote monitoring device 20 and transmits data obtained through the operation of the remote monitoring device 20. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 23 communicates with the server device 40. The communication unit 23 may also communicate with the vehicle 30.

[0037] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen provided integrally with a display, or a microphone. The input unit 24 accepts an operation of inputting data by a manager of the remote monitoring center RC. In the present embodiment, when a remote operator OP manually updates the value of a parameter, the input unit 24 accepts an operation of the remote operator OP inputting the value of the parameter. The input unit 24 may be connected to the remote monitoring device 20 as an external input device instead of being provided in the remote monitoring device 20. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0038] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescence. The output unit 25 outputs the data received by the remote monitoring device 20. In the present embodiment, the output unit 25 outputs the update information D3 generated by the remote monitoring device 20 as an "operation guide". The update information D3 will be described later. The output unit 25 may be connected to the remote monitoring device 20 as an external output device instead of being provided in the remote monitoring device 20. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0039] The functions of the remote monitoring device 20 are realized by a processor as the control unit 21 executing the remote monitoring program according to the present embodiment. That is, the functions of the remote monitoring device 20 are realized by software. The remote monitoring program causes a computer to execute the operations of the remote monitoring device 20, causing the computer to function as the remote monitoring device 20. That is, the computer functions as the remote monitoring device 20 by executing the operations of the remote monitoring device 20 in accordance with the remote monitoring program.

[0040] The program for controlling the remote monitoring device 20 can be pre-stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The non-temporary computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or renting a removable medium such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be pre-stored in the storage device of a server, and the program is transferred from the server to other computers to distribute the program. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0041] The computer temporarily stores, for example, the program stored in the removable medium or the program transferred from the server in the main storage device. Then, the computer processor reads the program stored in the main storage device and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer can also directly read the program from the removable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer can also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially every time the program is transferred from the server to the computer. It is also possible to execute the processing by using a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions only through execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. In the program, there is information that is processed by a computer and regarded as a program. For example, data that has the nature of specifying the processing of a computer although it is not a direct instruction for the computer corresponds to "information regarded as a program".

[0042] Part or all of the functions of the remote monitoring device 20 can also be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. That is, part or all of the functions of the remote monitoring device 20 can also be implemented by hardware.

[0043] Refer to Figure 3 , and explain the structure of the server device 40 according to this embodiment.

[0044] The server device 40 includes a server control unit 41, a server storage unit 42, and a server communication unit 43.

[0045] The server control unit 41 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor dedicated to specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. While controlling each part of the server device 40, the server control unit 41 executes processing related to the operation of the server device 40.

[0046] The server storage unit 42 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of them. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The server storage unit 42 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. In the server storage unit 42, data used in the operation of the server device 40 and data obtained through the operation of the server device 40 are stored.

[0047] The server communication unit 43 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The server communication unit 43 receives data used in the operation of the server device 40 and transmits data obtained through the operation of the server device 40. In the present embodiment, the server communication unit 43 communicates with the vehicle 30 and the remote monitoring device 20.

[0048] Part or all of the functions of the server device 40 can also be implemented by the programmable circuit or the dedicated circuit that is the server control unit 41. That is, part or all of the functions of the server device 40 can also be implemented by hardware.

[0049] Refer to Figure 4 , and describe the operation of the system 10 according to the present embodiment. This operation corresponds to the remote monitoring method according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 Show the operation of the remote monitoring device 20.

[0050] In S1 (hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is determined by S and a number), the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 acquires first information D1 representing the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the first timing t1. In the present embodiment, the first information D1 is transmitted from the vehicle 30 to the server device 40 at the first timing t1. The first timing t1 can be set arbitrarily. For example, it is the start of the Nth time of the vehicle 30. "N" is a natural number. The server device 40 receives the first information D1 transmitted from the vehicle 30 via the server communication unit 43, and transmits the received first information D1 to the remote monitoring device 20. At this time, the server device 40 transmits the first information D1 in association with an ID or the like for identifying the vehicle 30. "ID" is an abbreviation of identifier. In addition, in the present embodiment, a timestamp indicating the latest time when the values of one or more parameters are set in the vehicle 30 is attached to the first information D1. The control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 receives the first information D1 transmitted from the server device 40 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 stores the received first information D1 in the storage unit 22. As a result, the first information D1 is stored in advance in the storage unit 22 of the remote monitoring device 20. Moreover, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 acquires the first information D1 from the storage unit 22. In addition, in the present embodiment, the remote monitoring device 20 is configured to receive the first information D1 via the server device 40, but the remote monitoring device 20 may also communicate with the vehicle 30 and receive the first information D1 from the vehicle 30.

[0051] In S2, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 acquires second information D2 representing the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the second timing t2 after the first timing t1. The second information D2 can be acquired through an arbitrary process. For example, it can be acquired in the same manner as the process of acquiring the first information D1 in S1. The second timing t2 can be any timing as long as it is after the first timing t1. For example, it is the start of the (N + 1)th time of the vehicle 30.

[0052] In the case where a technician changes the value of a parameter on-site, as a method of reflecting the changed parameter value in the remote monitoring device 20 at the remote monitoring center RC, it is considered to increase the number of information transmissions and perform updates frequently. However, in the case of frequent updates, the processing load increases in each of the remote monitoring device 20, the vehicle 30, and the server device 40 that perform data transmission. Furthermore, when the number of vehicles managed by the remote monitoring device 20 increases, there is a possibility that the load accumulatively increases. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, by limiting the timings for acquiring the first information D1 and the second information D2, for example, to the start of the vehicle 30, the processing load of each device in the system 10 can be reduced compared to the case of frequent updates.

[0053] In the second piece of information D2, similar to the first piece of information D1, a timestamp indicating the latest time when one or more parameter values are set in the vehicle 30 is attached. Therefore, when the parameter value is changed due to on-site matching between the first timing t1 and the second timing t2, different timestamps are attached to the first piece of information D1 and the second piece of information D2. On the other hand, when the parameter value is not changed between the first timing t1 and the second timing t2, the same timestamp is attached to the first piece of information D1 and the second piece of information D2.

[0054] In S3, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 compares the first piece of information D1 obtained in S1 and the second piece of information D2 obtained in S2. Specifically, the control unit 21 compares the first timestamp T1 attached to the first piece of information D1 and the second timestamp T2 attached to the second piece of information D2.

[0055] In S4, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 determines whether the first timestamp T1 and the second timestamp T2 are different. When it is determined that the first timestamp T1 and the second timestamp T2 are different, the process of S5 is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first timestamp T1 and the second timestamp T2 are the same, Figure 4 the process ends.

[0056] In S5, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 compares the value represented by the first piece of information D1 and the value represented by the second piece of information D2 for one or more parameters. Specifically, the control unit 21 compares the value represented by the first piece of information D1 and the value represented by the second piece of information D2 for one or more parameters. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first timestamp T1 and the second timestamp T2 are compared, and the values represented by the first piece of information D1 and the second piece of information D2 are compared only when it is determined that the first timestamp T1 and the second timestamp T2 are different. Therefore, compared with the case where the values represented by the first piece of information D1 and the second piece of information D2 obtained at different timings are compared for all of the first piece of information D1 and the second piece of information D2, the processing load on the remote monitoring device 20 can be reduced.

[0057] As a modification of this embodiment, in S5, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 may also select a predetermined parameter among one or more parameters, and compare the value represented by the first information D1 for comparison with the value represented by the second information D2 for the selected predetermined parameter. The selected parameter can be arbitrarily determined. For example, a parameter that affects the driving of the vehicle 30 or a parameter that affects the safety of the vehicle 30 can be determined as the predetermined parameter. As an example of a parameter that affects the driving of the vehicle 30, parameters representing the speed, acceleration, engine speed, coolant temperature, and the setting of the operation amount of the steering wheel of the vehicle 30 can be cited. As a parameter that affects the safety of the vehicle 30, parameters representing the distance to an obstacle, the speed setting for each path, and the states of the collision avoidance sensor and the sensors for detecting obstacles can be cited. According to this modification, since a parameter that affects the driving of the vehicle 30 or a parameter that affects the safety of the vehicle 30 can be preferentially used as a comparison object, compared with the case where all of the one or more parameters are used as comparison objects, it is possible to reduce the processing load in the remote monitoring device 20 while maintaining the driving safety of the vehicle 30.

[0058] In S6, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 determines whether there is a difference in the values of the parameters compared in S6. Whether there is a difference can be determined by an arbitrary process. For example, it can be determined by the following process. The control unit 21 compares the values of the corresponding parameters with each other, and if the values are different, it determines that there is a difference. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may also determine that there is a difference when the values are different and the difference is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The threshold value can be arbitrarily determined. For example, it can be determined within a range where even if the values of the parameters are different, the degree of influence on the actual driving of the vehicle 30 is small or there is no influence. If it is determined in S6 that there is a difference, the process of S7 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no difference, Figure 4 the process ends.

[0059] In S7, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 generates update information D3 indicating that the value of the parameter has been updated. Specifically, in the control unit 21, as the value of this parameter, information representing the value represented by the second information D2 is used as the update information D3. For example, the control unit 21 creates the update information D3 by reflecting the value represented by the second information D2 in the values of the respective parameters shown in the "operation guide" managed in the remote monitoring center RC.

[0060] Alternatively, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 may also create information indicating an error in association with the parameter determined to have a difference in value in S6 as the update information D3. Specifically, the control unit 21 may generate an error message as the update information D3. The control unit 21 may generate a message such as "The value of parameter X has been changed. Please check." as the error message.

[0061] In S8, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 outputs the update information D3 created in S7. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs control to display, on the display which is the output interface of the output unit 25, the value indicated by the second information D2 shown in the update information D3. For example, the control unit 21 causes a "running guide" reflecting the value indicated by the second information D2 to be displayed on the display. Alternatively, when the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 generates an error message as the update information D3, it can perform control to cause the generated message to be displayed on the display which is the output interface of the output unit 25 of the remote monitoring device 20. Instead of causing the error message to be displayed on the display, the control unit 21 can output it as sound from the speaker. By outputting, as the update information D3, information indicating an error regarding the parameter whose value has been changed, the remote operator OP can manually update the value of the parameter in the remote monitoring device 20 after visually confirming what has actually occurred in the vehicle 30 due to the change in the value of the parameter.

[0062] As a modification example of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 can also perform control to cause the update information D3 created in S7 to be displayed on the vehicle 30. The control to cause the update information D3 to be displayed on the vehicle 30 can be performed through an arbitrary process, and can be performed through, for example, the following process. The control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 sends the update information D3 to the server device 40 via the communication unit 23. The server control unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the update information D3 via the server communication unit 43, and sends the received update information D3 to the vehicle 30 via the server communication unit 43. The vehicle 30 receives the update information D3 and displays the update information D3 on an output interface such as a display mounted on the vehicle 30. Alternatively, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 can communicate with the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23 and directly send the update information D3 to the vehicle 30 without passing through the server device 40. By causing the update information D3 to be displayed on the vehicle 30, when a technician performing a calibration operation on-site is in the vehicle 30, the value of the changed parameter can also be confirmed on-site, which is convenient.

[0063] In this way, the remote monitoring device 20 monitors the operation of the vehicle 30 according to the values set in one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30. The remote monitoring device 20 prestores first information D1 representing the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the first timing t1. When second information D2 representing the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the second timing t2 after the first timing t1 is obtained, the first information D1 stored in the storage unit 22 and the second information D2 are compared, and based on the comparison result, update information D3 indicating that the parameter value has been updated is generated. The remote monitoring device 20 outputs the generated update information D3.

[0064] According to the present embodiment, when a technician changes the value of a parameter related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 during on-site matching, data reflecting the change is output as update information D3 in the remote monitoring center RC. Therefore, the remote operator OP can appropriately grasp the value of the parameter set in the vehicle 30. As a result, the driving state of the vehicle 30 grasped by the remote operator OP and the actual driving state are likely to become consistent, so the situation where the remote operator OP stops the operation of the vehicle 30 to confirm is reduced. Therefore, the operation efficiency of the vehicle 30 is improved.

[0065] As a modification example of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 may also perform the following control: associated with the parameter determined to have a difference in value, calculate the amount of change generated during the actual driving of the vehicle 30 based on the difference, and output information indicating the calculated amount of change together with the update information D3. Specifically, the control unit 21 calculates how the actual driving of the vehicle 30 changes due to changing the value of the parameter determined to have a difference in value in S6. Moreover, the control unit 21 may display the information indicating the calculated change on the display as the output unit 25 in S8. As an example, it is assumed that a difference is determined in the values of the parameters related to the vehicle speed, acceleration, and battery consumption of the vehicle 30 in S6. The control unit 21 calculates the vehicle speed, acceleration, and battery consumption during one round of driving on the operation path of the vehicle 30 based on the values of the parameters related to the vehicle speed, acceleration, and battery consumption of the vehicle 30 before and after the change in S7. Moreover, in S8, when the control unit 21 displays the update information D3 on the output unit 25, it may also compare and display the vehicle speed, acceleration, and battery consumption of the vehicle 30 before and after the change in the parameter value.

[0066] Generally speaking, it is difficult to immediately predict the actual driving change based on the change in the parameter value. According to this modification example, it is easy for the remote operator OP to grasp the degree of influence of the change in the parameter value on the actual driving of the vehicle 30. Therefore, the convenience is improved.

[0067] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, a plurality of blocks described in a block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing a plurality of steps described in a flowchart in the order of description, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing capabilities of the device that executes each step or as needed. In addition, changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0068] (Description of reference numerals)

[0069] 10: System; 20: Remote monitoring device; 21: Control unit; 22: Storage unit; 23: Communication unit; 24: Input unit; 25: Output unit; 30: Vehicle; 40: Server device; 41: Server control unit; 42: Server storage unit; 43: Server communication unit; 50: Network; RC: Remote monitoring center; OP: Remote operator.

Claims

1. A remote monitoring device for monitoring the operation of a vehicle based on values ​​set in one or more parameters related to automatic driving of the vehicle, wherein: The remote monitoring device comprises: a storage unit storing in advance first information indicating values ​​of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle at a first timing; and The control unit, upon obtaining second information indicating the values ​​of the one or more parameters sent from the vehicle at a second timing after the first timing, compares the first information stored in the storage unit with the second information, and generates update information indicating that the parameter values ​​are updated based on the comparison result.

2. The remote monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: A time stamp indicating the latest time when the value of the one or more parameters is set in the vehicle is added to the first information and the second information. The control unit compares the first timestamp attached to the first information and the second timestamp attached to the second information. When the first timestamp and the second timestamp are different, the control unit compares the value represented by the first information and the value represented by the second information for one or more parameters to determine whether there is a difference, and generates the update information if it is determined that there is a difference.

3. The remote monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein: When the first time stamp and the second time stamp are different, the control unit selects a predetermined parameter determined in advance from among the one or more parameters, and compares a value represented by the first information and a value represented by the second information for the selected predetermined parameter.

4. The remote monitoring device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: When it is determined that there is a difference between a value represented by the first information and a value represented by the second information with respect to a certain parameter, the control unit performs the following control: information representing the value represented by the second information as the value of the parameter is created as the update information and the created update information is output.

5. The remote monitoring device according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit performs control to calculate a change amount generated in actual travel of the vehicle based on the difference in association with the parameter determined to have a difference in value, and to output information indicating the calculated change amount together with the update information.

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