Information processing apparatus, vehicle, and information processing method

Abstract

The information processing device includes: a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to receive vehicle information from each of a plurality of vehicles, indicating at least one of the status and location of each of the vehicles; based on the vehicle information, determine from the plurality of vehicles a hub vehicle to act as a hub for providing data; transmit predetermined data to the hub vehicle; based on the vehicle information, determine, for each of the hub vehicles, a customer vehicle with which to share the predetermined data; and transmit to each of the hub vehicles information for identifying the corresponding customer vehicle so as to share the predetermined data with the customer vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, vehicles, and information processing methods. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems have been developed for inter-vehicle communication. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-018362 (JP 2022-018362A) discloses a communication device installed on a vehicle. This device has a first communication circuit that operates as an access point in infrastructure mode and transmits and receives radio waves in front of the vehicle, and a second communication circuit that operates as a station in infrastructure mode and transmits and receives radio waves in front of the vehicle, so as to establish a wireless link with vehicles entering an intersection. Such a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system enables inter-vehicle file sharing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, the files requested by each vehicle and the timing of those requests differ. Consequently, a more efficient method for inter-vehicle file sharing is needed.

[0004] This disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, vehicle, and information processing method that enable efficient file sharing between vehicles.

[0005] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to receive vehicle information from each of a plurality of vehicles, indicating at least one of the state and location of each of the vehicles; based on the vehicle information, determine from the plurality of vehicles a hub vehicle to act as a hub for providing data; transmit predetermined data to the hub vehicle; based on the vehicle information, determine, for each of the hub vehicles, a customer vehicle with which to share the predetermined data; and transmit to each of the hub vehicles information for identifying the corresponding customer vehicle to share the predetermined data with the customer vehicle.

[0006] In the information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles may include: based on the vehicle information, determining from the plurality of vehicles a vehicle that is subject to at least one of the following conditions as the hub vehicle: a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold, a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, a vehicle that has been parked for a long time, a vehicle that is expected to be parked for a long time, a vehicle that has been parked for a certain amount of time within a predetermined range, and a vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0007] In the information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles may include: based on the vehicle information, determining from the plurality of vehicles a vehicle that meets any of the following conditions as the hub vehicle, according to the priority order of the following: whether it is a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold, whether it is a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, whether it is a vehicle that has been parked for a long time, whether it is a vehicle that is expected to be parked for a long time, whether it is a vehicle for which other vehicles have been parked for a certain amount of time within a predetermined range, and whether it is a vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0008] In an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the determination of the customer vehicle may include: determining a vehicle that is identical or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model, and deciding it as the customer vehicle.

[0009] In the information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit may further be configured to, for each of the hub vehicles, deselect the hub vehicle as the hub vehicle when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the hub vehicle was determined to be a hub vehicle, or when the predetermined amount of data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle more than a predetermined number of times.

[0010] In the information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit may further be configured to provide a reward to the hub vehicle based on the amount of data transmitted to the customer vehicle.

[0011] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, wherein the vehicle is configured to transmit vehicle information to the information processing device indicating at least one of the vehicle's state and location, receive predetermined data from the information processing device when the information processing device determines the vehicle as a hub vehicle to act as a hub for providing data based on the vehicle information, and transmit the predetermined data received from the information processing device to the customer vehicle identified by the identification information when the information processing device receives identification information identifying a customer vehicle with which the predetermined data is to be shared.

[0012] In a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle may also be configured to receive, upon receiving information identifying the customer vehicle from the information processing device, a version of the predetermined data stored in the customer vehicle, and transmit only to the customer vehicle difference data between the version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data, or only compressed data of the difference data.

[0013] In a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle may be configured to transmit the predetermined data to the customer vehicle when the information processing device determines the vehicle as the hub vehicle in the following situations: when a predetermined number or more customer vehicles are parked near the vehicle; when the customer vehicles are parked at a traffic light at an intersection; or when the vehicle passes by customer vehicles traveling in the opposite direction; when the relative speed between the vehicle and the customer vehicles is equal to or less than a threshold on a highway; or when the vehicle is charging or in pre-air conditioning operation.

[0014] In a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the information processing device may determine the vehicle as the hub vehicle when it is under at least one of the following conditions: remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold, remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, having been parked for a long time, expected to be parked for a long time, other vehicles having been parked for a certain amount of time within a predetermined range, and being connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0015] In a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the information processing device may determine the vehicle as the hub vehicle when it is under any of the following conditions, in the following order of priority: whether it is a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold, whether it is a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, whether it is a vehicle that has been parked for a long time, whether it is a vehicle that is expected to be parked for a long time, whether it is a vehicle for which other vehicles have been parked for a certain amount of time within a predetermined range, and whether it is a vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0016] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, wherein the vehicle is configured to transmit vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's state and location to the information processing device, and to receive predetermined data from a hub vehicle that has been determined by the information processing device, based on the vehicle information, as a customer vehicle for sharing predetermined data.

[0017] In a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle may also be configured to transmit a version of the predetermined data stored in the vehicle to the hub vehicle, and to receive only the difference data between the version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data from the hub vehicle, or only the compressed data of the difference data.

[0018] In a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the vehicle is the same as or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model, the information processing device may determine the vehicle as the customer vehicle.

[0019] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an information processing device performing: receiving vehicle information from each of a plurality of vehicles, indicating at least one of the state and location of each of the vehicles; determining, based on the vehicle information, a hub vehicle from the plurality of vehicles to act as a hub for providing data; transmitting predetermined data to the hub vehicle; determining, based on the vehicle information, a customer vehicle to share the predetermined data with each of the hub vehicles; and transmitting, to each of the hub vehicles, information for identifying the corresponding customer vehicle to share the predetermined data with the customer vehicle.

[0020] In the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles may include: based on the vehicle information, determining from the plurality of vehicles a vehicle that is subject to at least one of the following conditions as the hub vehicle: a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold, a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, a vehicle that has been parked for a long time, a vehicle that is expected to be parked for a long time, a vehicle that has been parked for a certain amount of time within a predetermined range, and a vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0021] In the information processing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles may include: based on the vehicle information, determining from the plurality of vehicles a vehicle that meets any of the following conditions as the hub vehicle, according to the priority order of the following: whether it is a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold, whether it is a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, whether it is a vehicle that has been parked for a long time, whether it is a vehicle that is expected to be parked for a long time, whether it is a vehicle for which other vehicles have been parked for a certain amount of time within a predetermined range, and whether it is a vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0022] In the information processing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the determination of the customer vehicle may include: determining a vehicle that is identical or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model, and deciding it as the customer vehicle.

[0023] The information processing method according to embodiments of this disclosure may further include: for each of the hub vehicles, when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the hub vehicle was determined to be a hub vehicle, or when the predetermined amount of data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle more than a predetermined number of times, deselecting the hub vehicle as the hub vehicle.

[0024] The information processing method according to embodiments of this disclosure may further include: providing a reward to the hub vehicle based on the amount of data transmitted to the customer vehicle.

[0025] According to this disclosure, file sharing between vehicles can be performed efficiently. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements, and wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicle in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 3 A timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 This describes the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Figure 1 The information processing system 1 shown includes an information processing device 10 and multiple vehicles 20. The information processing device 10 and the vehicles 20 are interconnected in a manner that enables them to communicate via a network 30, including the Internet.

[0032] The information processing device 10 is a server that controls communication between vehicles. The information processing device 10 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0033] The communication unit 13 includes a communication interface for communicating with the vehicles 20. The information processing device 10 receives vehicle information from each vehicle 20 via the communication unit 13 and the network 30, indicating at least one of the status and location of each vehicle 20. The term "vehicle status" includes, for example, remaining power, remaining data capacity, whether parked, whether connected to public Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0034] Storage unit 11 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or flash memory. Storage unit 11 stores the latest scheduled data (scheduled files) that can be requested by each vehicle 20. The term "scheduled data" refers to files used, for example, to update electronic devices installed in each vehicle 20, such as engine control units (ECUs). Scheduled data may be map information or traffic information, etc. Additionally, information processing device 10 stores vehicle information received from each vehicle 20 in storage unit 11.

[0035] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one special-purpose circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a special-purpose processor dedicated to specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The special-purpose circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 12 controls the various units of the information processing device 10 while performing processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0036] Based on vehicle information obtained from vehicle 20, control unit 12 determines (selects) from multiple vehicles 20 which vehicle will act as a hub for providing data (hereinafter referred to as "hub vehicle"). Control unit 12 may determine multiple hub vehicles. For convenience, the hub vehicle will be referred to as "vehicle 20-1" in this specification.

[0037] Based on vehicle information, the control unit 12 determines from the vehicles 20 that a vehicle that meets at least one of the following conditions is designated as hub vehicle 20-1.

[0038] - Vehicles with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold

[0039] - Vehicles with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold

[0040] - Vehicles that have been parked for an extended period of time, exceeding the pre-set time limit

[0041] - Vehicles that are expected to be parked for an extended period of time, exceeding the pre-set time limit.

[0042] - Other vehicles that have been within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and

[0043] - Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi

[0044] When determining the hub vehicle based on remaining power, control unit 12 can determine the hub vehicle according to a predetermined order, such as, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and a conventional vehicle. Furthermore, control unit 12 can only determine a PHEV as the hub vehicle if it is currently charging.

[0045] "Vehicles expected to be parked for an extended period of time" refers to vehicles parked in locations such as shopping malls, stadiums, and event venues. The control unit 12 can analyze the big data received from each vehicle 20 to determine "vehicles expected to be parked for an extended period of time".

[0046] "Vehicles in which other vehicles have been within a predetermined range for a certain period of time" refers to vehicles in which other vehicles have been in their vicinity for a long period of time, such as vehicles traveling in groups on highways, vehicles that do not overtake or pass other vehicles, or vehicles whose position changes very little relative to other vehicles. The control unit 12 can also analyze the big data received from each vehicle 20 to determine "vehicles in which other vehicles have been within a predetermined range for a certain period of time".

[0047] Control unit 12 enables vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi to download pre-reserved data for free.

[0048] Alternatively, the control unit 12 determines one of the vehicles 20 as the hub vehicle based on vehicle information, such as according to the following priority order.

[0049] 1. Vehicles with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0050] 2. Vehicles with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0051] 3. Vehicles that have been parked for an extended period of time, exceeding the predetermined time limit.

[0052] 4. Vehicles that are expected to be parked for an extended period of time, exceeding the predetermined time limit.

[0053] 5. Other vehicles that have been within the predetermined range for a certain period of time or longer.

[0054] 6. Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi

[0055] It should be noted that when selecting hub vehicle 20-1, control unit 12 can notify the user of vehicle 20-1 that it has been selected as a hub vehicle, and formally decide on the hub vehicle upon obtaining the user's consent. Furthermore, when signing a contract for the vehicle, the user's consent regarding the possibility of the vehicle becoming a hub vehicle can be obtained in advance.

[0056] Next, the control unit 12 transmits predetermined data to the hub vehicle 20-1, and based on the vehicle information, determines (selects) the vehicle with which to share the predetermined data (hereinafter referred to as "customer vehicle") for each hub vehicle 20-1. When the hub vehicles are different, the corresponding customer vehicles (with which to communicate between vehicles) can be different. In addition, the customer vehicles corresponding to the hub vehicles can also change over time. In this specification, for ease of explanation, the customer vehicles corresponding to the hub vehicle 20-1 are referred to as vehicle 20-2 and vehicle 20-3, but the number of customer vehicles can be one, or three or more.

[0057] Control unit 12 selects vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 from vehicle 20 that are located in positions capable of inter-vehicle communication with hub vehicle 20-1 (e.g., within 100m in an open area) as customer vehicles. Locations capable of actively performing inter-vehicle communication include large parking lots, large intersections, highways, highway rest areas and service areas, and large gas stations adjacent to convenience stores, coffee shops, etc. It should be noted that it is highly likely that vehicles traveling on highways will be able to request the same map information.

[0058] Hub vehicle 20-1 can store all the pre-reserved data that vehicles 20 can request; however, to reduce the amount of data to be stored, hub vehicle 20-1 can receive data from information processing unit 10 and only store pre-reserved data that matches, for example, the vehicle category or model of hub vehicle 20-1. In this case, the pre-reserved data is likely to be common to each vehicle category or model, and accordingly, control unit 12 will determine vehicles that are the same as or similar to hub vehicle 20-1 in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model as customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. "Vehicle category" refers to a vehicle category based on, for example, body size, brand, grade, etc. "Model" is a classification code for vehicles having, for example, the same structure, equipment, capabilities, etc.

[0059] Next, the control unit 12 controls the communication unit 13 to share predetermined data with customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 (i.e., to enable hub vehicle 20-1 to identify the corresponding customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3), and transmits identification information (e.g., vehicle identification number) for each hub vehicle 20-1 to identify the corresponding customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3.

[0060] The amount of communication between hub vehicle 20-1, information processing unit 10, and customer vehicle 20-2 increases. Therefore, control unit 12 deselects each hub vehicle 20-1 as a hub vehicle when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since hub vehicle 20-1 was identified, or when predetermined data has been transmitted to hub vehicle 20-1 more than a predetermined number of times. This process can suppress performance degradation of the battery or storage unit of hub vehicle 20-1.

[0061] Control unit 12 can provide rewards to hub vehicle 20-1 based on the amount of data transmitted to customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. The type of reward is optional; for example, control unit 12 can set digital currency, points that can be redeemed for vouchers, rental fee reductions, or merchandise as rewards.

[0062] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of one of the vehicles 20. The vehicle 20 is equipped with a control device 21. The control device 21 includes a storage unit 211, a control unit 212, and a communication unit 213.

[0063] Storage unit 211 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. Storage unit 211 of hub vehicle 20-1 stores predetermined data received from information processing device 10. Storage units 211 of customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 store predetermined data received from hub vehicle 20-1.

[0064] The control unit 212 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 GPU, or a dedicated processor for specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 212 controls the various units of the vehicle 20 while performing processing related to the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0065] The communication unit 213 includes a communication interface for communicating with the information processing device 10 (e.g., cellular communication) and a communication interface for inter-vehicle communication with other vehicles 20 (e.g., Wi-Fi communication). The communication units 213 of each vehicle transmit vehicle information to the information processing device 10.

[0066] The communication unit 213 of hub vehicle 20-1 receives predetermined data from the information processing device 10. The storage unit 211 of hub vehicle 20-1 stores the predetermined data. When identification information for customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 is received from the information processing device 10, the communication unit 213 of hub vehicle 20-1 then transmits the predetermined data received from the information processing device 10 to customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 identified by the identification information.

[0067] The moment when the communication unit 213 of hub vehicle 20-1 transmits predetermined data to customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 (when hub vehicle 20-1 and customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 switch to data sharing mode) is when the distance from customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 is within a distance (e.g., within 100m) where inter-vehicle communication is likely to be established, and communication is established with customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. For example, in parking lots, gas stations, highway rest areas, or service areas, when a large number (i.e., more than a predetermined number) of customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 are parked near hub vehicle 20-1, the mode switches to data sharing mode. The mode also switches to data sharing mode when hub vehicle 20-1 and customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 are stopped at an intersection waiting for a traffic light, or when hub vehicle 20-1 passes customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 traveling in the opposite direction at an intersection. On highways, when vehicles are traveling in a group and the relative speed between hub vehicle 20-1 and customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 is low and below a threshold, the mode switches to data sharing mode. This state allows communication to proceed without concern for power supply while hub vehicle 20-1 is charging using externally supplied electricity or in pre-air conditioning operation, and the vehicle can be configured to proactively switch to data sharing mode accordingly.

[0068] The control unit 212 of hub vehicle 20-1 can segment predetermined data, and the communication unit 213 of hub vehicle 20-1 can transmit the segmented predetermined data to customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. This enables an increase in the proportion of predetermined data that is reused in multiple uses. For example, when predetermined data A requested by customer vehicle 20-2 consists of data a and data b, and predetermined data B requested by customer vehicle 20-3 consists of data a and data c, preparing segmented data a, b, and c allows data a to be reused.

[0069] The control unit 212 of hub vehicle 20-1 may have version management functionality for predetermined data and may be synchronized with information processing unit 10. Furthermore, when customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 have self-compiled or interpreter-type execution environments, the communication unit 213 of hub vehicle 20-1 can receive information about the versions of predetermined data stored in customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3, and transmits only the difference data between that version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data, or only compressed data of that difference data, to customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. This process enables hub vehicle 20-1 to transmit only data to customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 that can be requested to update the software to the latest version.

[0070] Communication units 213 of customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 receive predetermined data from hub vehicle 20-1. Storage units 211 of customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 store the predetermined data. When customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 have a self-compiled environment or an interpreter-type execution environment, communication units 213 of customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 can transmit information about the version of the predetermined data stored in storage units 211 of customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 to hub vehicle 20-1, and can receive only the difference data between that version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data from hub vehicle 20-1, or only the compressed data of the difference data. This process enables customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 to receive only data that can be requested to update the software to the latest version.

[0071] Operational examples of information processing systems

[0072] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 The operation of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. It will be assumed that each vehicle 20 periodically (e.g., at intervals of a few seconds) transmits vehicle information to the information processing device 10.

[0073] In S101, the information processing device 10 determines the hub vehicle 20-1 from the vehicles 20 according to the rules for determining hub vehicles described above.

[0074] In S102, the information processing device 10 transmits the latest predetermined data (e.g., update file) to the hub vehicle 20-1 determined in S101.

[0075] In S103, the hub vehicle 20-1 receives the latest scheduled data from the information processing unit 10 and stores it.

[0076] In S104, the information processing device 10 determines customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 from the vehicles 20 according to the rules used to determine customer vehicles.

[0077] In S105, the information processing unit 10 transmits information to the hub vehicle 20-1 to identify the corresponding customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 (with which it should communicate with the workshop).

[0078] In S106, hub vehicle 20-1 establishes communication with customer vehicle 20-2 and transmits predetermined data to customer vehicle 20-2. Hub vehicle 20-1 also establishes communication with customer vehicle 20-3 and transmits predetermined data to customer vehicle 20-3. As described above, hub vehicle 20-1 can transmit segmented predetermined data, difference data from the latest version of the predetermined data, or data in which the difference data has been compressed to customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3.

[0079] In S107, customer vehicle 20-2 receives and stores the scheduled data from hub vehicle 20-1. In S108, customer vehicle 20-3 receives and stores the scheduled data from hub vehicle 20-1.

[0080] In step S109, the information processing device 10 determines whether a first condition is met—that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since vehicle 20-1 was determined to be a hub vehicle—or a second condition is met—that the number of times predetermined data has been transmitted to hub vehicle 20-1 exceeds a predetermined number. When either the first or second condition is met, the information processing device 10 advances the processing to step S110; and when neither the first nor the second condition is met, the information processing device 10 returns the processing to step S102.

[0081] In S110, the information processing device 10 deselects vehicle 20-1 as a hub vehicle.

[0082] As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment receives vehicle information about each vehicle 20, determines a hub vehicle 20-1 from among the multiple vehicles 20 based on the vehicle information, transmits predetermined data to the hub vehicle 20-1, determines customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 for each hub vehicle 20-1 based on the vehicle information, and transmits information identifying the corresponding customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 to each hub vehicle 20-1 so as to share the predetermined data with customer vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. Therefore, according to this disclosure, efficient inter-vehicle sharing of files can be performed.

[0083] program

[0084] A computer capable of executing program instructions can also be used as the aforementioned information processing device 10 or control device 21. The program enables the computer to function as the information processing device 10 or control device 21 by causing the computer to perform the aforementioned operations.

[0085] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, and ROM. For example, the program can be distributed by selling, distributing, or lending portable media containing the program, such as secure digital (SD) cards, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROMs), etc. The program can also be distributed by storing it in the memory of a server and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program can be offered as a program product.

[0086] Computers may temporarily store programs, for example, those stored on portable media or transferred from a server, in storage units. The computer then reads the program stored in the storage unit via its processor and performs processing based on the program read by the processor.

[0087] A computer can directly read programs from portable media and execute processing based on those programs. Whenever a program is sent from a server to a computer, the computer can continuously execute processing based on the received program. This processing can be performed by a service of the so-called Application Service Provider (ASP) type, which performs its function simply by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results, without needing to send the program from the server to the computer. A program includes information that is provided to the computer for processing and is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to the computer but has the properties defining the processing to be performed by the computer corresponds to "equivalent to a program".

[0088] While the above embodiments have been described as typical examples, various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, multiple constituent blocks or processing steps described in the embodiments can be combined into one, or a constituent block or processing step can be divided into multiple.

[0089] The following examples illustrate a portion of the embodiments of this disclosure. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these.

[0090] [Note 1]

[0091] Information processing device, including control unit, wherein

[0092] The control unit is configured to,

[0093] Receive vehicle information from each of the multiple vehicles, indicating at least one of the states and locations of each of the vehicles.

[0094] Based on the vehicle information, a hub vehicle is selected from the plurality of vehicles to act as a hub for providing data.

[0095] Transmit predetermined data to the hub vehicle.

[0096] Based on the vehicle information, for each of the hub vehicles, the customer vehicles with which the predetermined data will be shared are determined, and

[0097] Information for identifying the corresponding customer vehicle is transmitted to each of the hub vehicles to share the predetermined data with the customer vehicle.

[0098] [Note 2]

[0099] According to the information processing apparatus described in Note 1, the determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles includes: based on the vehicle information, determining from the plurality of vehicles that meets at least one of the following conditions as the hub vehicle:

[0100] Vehicles with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold

[0101] Vehicles with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold

[0102] Vehicles that have been parked for a long time

[0103] Vehicles that are expected to be parked for an extended period of time

[0104] Other vehicles that have been within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and

[0105] Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0106] [Note 3]

[0107] According to the information processing apparatus described in Note 1, the determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles includes: based on the vehicle information, determining, from the plurality of vehicles, a vehicle that meets any of the following conditions as the hub vehicle, according to the following priority order:

[0108] Is it a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold?

[0109] Is it a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold?

[0110] Is it a vehicle that has been parked for a long time?

[0111] Is this a vehicle that is expected to be parked for an extended period of time?

[0112] Are other vehicles already within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and

[0113] Is the vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi?

[0114] [Note 4]

[0115] According to any one of Notes 1 to 3, the information processing apparatus wherein the decision regarding the customer vehicle includes:

[0116] The vehicle that is identified as the same as or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model will be determined as the customer vehicle.

[0117] [Note 5]

[0118] The information processing apparatus according to any one of notes 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is further configured to,

[0119] For each of the hub vehicles, the hub vehicle is removed from the list of hub vehicles when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since it was determined to be a hub vehicle, or when the predetermined amount of data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle more than a predetermined number of times.

[0120] [Note 6]

[0121] The information processing apparatus according to any one of notes 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is further configured to,

[0122] Rewards are given to the hub vehicles based on the amount of data transmitted to the customer vehicles.

[0123] [Note 7]

[0124] A vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, wherein the vehicle is configured to,

[0125] Transmit vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's state and location to the information processing device.

[0126] When the information processing device determines, based on the vehicle information, that the vehicle is to serve as a hub vehicle for providing data, predetermined data is received from the information processing device, and

[0127] When the information processing device receives identification information of a customer vehicle with which it intends to share the predetermined data, it transmits the predetermined data received from the information processing device to the customer vehicle identified by the identification information.

[0128] [Note 8]

[0129] According to the vehicle described in Note 7, the vehicle is further configured to, upon receiving information identifying the customer vehicle from the information processing device, receive a version of the predetermined data stored in the customer vehicle, and transmit only to the customer vehicle the difference data between the version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data, or only transmit compressed data of the difference data.

[0130] [Note 9]

[0131] According to the vehicle described in Note 7 or 8, wherein the vehicle is configured to transmit the predetermined data to the customer vehicle when the information processing device determines the vehicle as the hub vehicle, in the following circumstances:

[0132] When a predetermined number or more customer vehicles are parked near the vehicle.

[0133] At an intersection, when the customer vehicle is stopped at a traffic light, or when the vehicle passes a customer vehicle traveling in the opposite direction,

[0134] When the relative speed between the vehicle and the customer vehicle on the highway is equal to or less than a threshold, or

[0135] When the vehicle is charging or in pre-air conditioning operation.

[0136] [Note 10]

[0137] According to any one of Notes 7 to 9, the information processing device determines the vehicle as the hub vehicle when it is under at least one of the following conditions:

[0138] Remaining power above the predetermined threshold

[0139] Remaining data capacity above the predetermined threshold

[0140] It has been parked for a long time.

[0141] It is expected to be parked for an extended period of time.

[0142] Other vehicles have been within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and

[0143] Connect to public Wi-Fi.

[0144] [Note 11]

[0145] According to any one of Notes 7 to 9, the information processing device determines the vehicle as the hub vehicle when it is under at least one of the following conditions, in the following order of priority: whether it is a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0146] Is it a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold?

[0147] Is it a vehicle that has been parked for a long time?

[0148] Is this a vehicle that is expected to be parked for an extended period of time?

[0149] Are other vehicles already within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and

[0150] Is the vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi?

[0151] [Note 12]

[0152] A vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, wherein the vehicle is configured to,

[0153] Transmit vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's state and location to the information processing device, and

[0154] When the information processing device determines the vehicle as a customer vehicle for sharing predetermined data based on the vehicle information, the predetermined data is received from the hub vehicle, which has already been determined by the information processing device as a hub to act as a hub for providing data.

[0155] [Note 13]

[0156] According to the vehicle described in Note 12, the vehicle is further configured to transmit a version of the predetermined data stored in the vehicle to the hub vehicle, and to receive only the difference data between the version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data from the hub vehicle, or only the compressed data of the difference data.

[0157] [Note 14]

[0158] According to the vehicle described in Note 12 or 13, the information processing device determines the vehicle as the customer vehicle when the vehicle is the same as or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model.

[0159] [Note 15]

[0160] Information processing methods include: information processing devices performing...

[0161] Receive vehicle information from each of the multiple vehicles, indicating at least one of the states and locations of each of the vehicles.

[0162] Based on the vehicle information, a hub vehicle is selected from the plurality of vehicles to act as a hub for providing data.

[0163] Transmit predetermined data to the hub vehicle.

[0164] Based on the vehicle information, for each of the hub vehicles, the customer vehicles with which the predetermined data will be shared are determined, and

[0165] Information for identifying the corresponding customer vehicle is transmitted to each of the hub vehicles to share the predetermined data with the customer vehicle.

[0166] [Note 16]

[0167] According to the information processing apparatus described in Note 15, the determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles includes: based on the vehicle information, determining from the plurality of vehicles a vehicle that meets any of the following conditions as the hub vehicle:

[0168] Vehicles with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold

[0169] Vehicles with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold

[0170] Vehicles that have been parked for a long time

[0171] Vehicles that are expected to be parked for an extended period of time

[0172] Other vehicles that have been within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and

[0173] Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0174] [Note 17]

[0175] According to the information processing apparatus described in Note 15, the determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles includes: based on the vehicle information, determining, from the plurality of vehicles, a vehicle that meets any of the following conditions as the hub vehicle, according to the following priority order:

[0176] Is it a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold?

[0177] Is it a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold?

[0178] Is it a vehicle that has been parked for a long time?

[0179] Is this a vehicle that is expected to be parked for an extended period of time?

[0180] Are other vehicles already within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and

[0181] Is the vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi?

[0182] [Note 18]

[0183] According to any one of Notes 15 to 17, the information processing apparatus wherein the decision regarding the customer vehicle includes:

[0184] The vehicle that is identified as the same as or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model will be determined as the customer vehicle.

[0185] [Note 19]

[0186] The information processing method according to any one of Notes 15 to 18 further includes: for each of the hub vehicles, when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the hub vehicle was determined to be a hub vehicle, or when the predetermined data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle more than a predetermined number of times, deselecting the hub vehicle as the hub vehicle.

[0187] [Note 20]

[0188] The information processing method according to any one of notes 15 to 19 further includes: providing a reward to the hub vehicle based on the amount of data transmitted to the customer vehicle.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that, include: Control unit, in which The control unit is configured to, Receive vehicle information from each of the multiple vehicles, indicating at least one of the states and locations of the vehicles. Based on the vehicle information, a hub vehicle is selected from the plurality of vehicles to act as a hub for providing data. Transmit predetermined data to the hub vehicle. Based on the vehicle information, for each of the hub vehicles, the customer vehicles with which the predetermined data will be shared are determined, and Information for identifying the corresponding customer vehicle is transmitted to each of the hub vehicles to share the predetermined data with the customer vehicle.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles includes: based on the vehicle information, selecting from the plurality of vehicles a vehicle that meets at least one of the following conditions as the hub vehicle: Vehicles with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold Vehicles with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles that have been parked for a long time Vehicles that are expected to be parked for an extended period of time Other vehicles that have been within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles includes: based on the vehicle information, selecting from the plurality of vehicles that meet at least one of the following conditions as the hub vehicle, according to the following priority order: Is it a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold? Is it a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Is it a vehicle that has been parked for a long time? Is this a vehicle that is expected to be parked for an extended period of time? Are other vehicles already within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and Is the vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi? 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decision regarding the customer's vehicle includes: The vehicle that is identified as the same as or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model will be determined as the customer vehicle.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is also configured to, For each of the hub vehicles, the hub vehicle is removed from the list of hub vehicles when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since it was determined to be a hub vehicle, or when the predetermined amount of data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle more than a predetermined number of times.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is also configured to, Rewards are given to the hub vehicles based on the amount of data transmitted to the customer vehicles.

7. A vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, characterized in that, The vehicle is configured as follows: Transmit vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's state and location to the information processing device. When the information processing device determines, based on the vehicle information, that the vehicle is to serve as a hub vehicle for providing data, predetermined data is received from the information processing device, and When the information processing device receives identification information of a customer vehicle with which it intends to share the predetermined data, it transmits the predetermined data received from the information processing device to the customer vehicle identified by the identification information.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vehicle is also configured to, upon receiving information identifying the customer vehicle from the information processing device, receive a version of the predetermined data stored in the customer vehicle, and transmit only the difference data between the version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data, or only the compressed data of the difference data, to the customer vehicle.

9. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vehicle is configured such that, when the information processing device determines the vehicle to be the hub vehicle, the predetermined data is transmitted to the customer vehicle under the following circumstances: When a predetermined number or more customer vehicles are parked near the vehicle. At an intersection, when the customer vehicle is stopped at a traffic light, or when the vehicle passes a customer vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, When the relative speed between the vehicle and the customer vehicle on the highway is equal to or less than a threshold, or When the vehicle is charging or in pre-air conditioning operation.

10. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The information processing device will determine the vehicle as the hub vehicle when at least one of the following conditions is met: Remaining power above the predetermined threshold The remaining data capacity above the predetermined threshold It has been parked for a long time. It is expected to be parked for an extended period of time. Other vehicles have been within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and Connect to public Wi-Fi.

11. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The information processing device will determine the vehicle as the hub vehicle under any of the following conditions, according to the following priority order: Is it a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold? Is it a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Is it a vehicle that has been parked for a long time? Is this a vehicle that is expected to be parked for an extended period of time? Are other vehicles already within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and Is the vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi? 12. A vehicle communicating with an information processing device, characterized in that, The vehicle is configured to transmit vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's status and location to the information processing device, and to receive predetermined data from a hub vehicle that has already been determined by the information processing device, based on the vehicle information, as a customer vehicle to share predetermined data when the information processing device determines the vehicle as such.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that, The vehicle is also configured to transmit a version of the predetermined data stored in the vehicle to the hub vehicle, and to receive only the difference data between the version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data from the hub vehicle, or only the compressed data of the difference data.

14. The vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the vehicle is the same as or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one aspect of vehicle category and model, the information processing device determines the vehicle as the customer vehicle.

15. An information processing method, characterized in that, include: The information processing device performs the following: Receive vehicle information from each of the multiple vehicles, indicating at least one of the states and locations of the vehicles. Based on the vehicle information, a hub vehicle is selected from the plurality of vehicles to act as a hub for providing data. Transmit predetermined data to the hub vehicle. Based on the vehicle information, for each of the hub vehicles, the customer vehicles with which the predetermined data will be shared are determined, and Information for identifying the corresponding customer vehicle is transmitted to each of the hub vehicles to share the predetermined data with the customer vehicle.

16. The information processing method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles includes: based on the vehicle information, selecting from the plurality of vehicles a vehicle that meets at least one of the following conditions as the hub vehicle: Vehicles with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold Vehicles with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles that have been parked for a long time Vehicles that are expected to be parked for an extended period of time Other vehicles that have been within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi.

17. The information processing method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The determination of each hub vehicle among the hub vehicles includes: based on the vehicle information, selecting from the plurality of vehicles that meet at least one of the following conditions as the hub vehicle, according to the following priority order: Is it a vehicle with remaining power exceeding a predetermined threshold? Is it a vehicle with remaining data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Is it a vehicle that has been parked for a long time? Is this a vehicle that is expected to be parked for an extended period of time? Are other vehicles already within the predetermined range for a certain period of time, and Is the vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi? 18. The information processing method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The decision regarding the customer's vehicle includes: The vehicle that is identified as the same as or similar to the hub vehicle in at least one of the vehicle categories and models will be selected as the customer vehicle.

19. The information processing method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Also includes: For each of the hub vehicles, the hub vehicle is removed from the list of hub vehicles when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since it was determined to be a hub vehicle, or when the predetermined amount of data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle more than a predetermined number of times.

20. The information processing method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Also includes: Rewards are given to the hub vehicles based on the amount of data transmitted to the customer vehicles.

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