Information processing system, in-vehicle device, information processing device, and information processing method

Abstract

This invention relates to an information processing system, an in-vehicle device, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method. The information processing system includes a first in-vehicle device mounted on a hub vehicle and equipped with a first control unit, and a second in-vehicle device mounted on a client vehicle and equipped with a second control unit. The first control unit is configured to generate a timestamp containing the time of acquisition or generation of specified data related to a specified region, and a SSID for identifying the specified region, and to send the specified data to the second in-vehicle device upon request from the second in-vehicle device. The second control unit is configured to determine whether the specified data has been acquired based on the timestamp and the region information contained in the SSID, and if it is determined that the specified data has been acquired, to request the specified data from the first in-vehicle device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing systems, vehicle-mounted devices, information processing apparatuses, and information processing methods. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems for communication between vehicles have been developed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-018362 discloses a communication device mounted on a vehicle. This device, in order to facilitate the establishment of wireless links between vehicles entering an intersection, includes a first communication circuit that operates as an access point in an infrastructure mode to transmit and receive radio waves towards the front of the vehicle, and a second communication circuit that operates as a station in an infrastructure mode to transmit and receive radio waves towards the front of the vehicle. With such a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, data can be shared between vehicles.

[0003] However, the data requested by each vehicle and the timing of those requests differ. Therefore, a more efficient data sharing method between vehicles is required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure, made in view of such circumstances, is to provide an information processing system, in-vehicle device, information processing apparatus, and information processing method that can more efficiently receive data requested by each vehicle.

[0005] An embodiment of this disclosure discloses an information processing system comprising: a first vehicle-mounted device mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a hub for providing data; and a second vehicle-mounted device mounted on a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle. The first vehicle-mounted device includes a control unit that receives specified data related to a specified region from an information processing device and generates an SSID containing a timestamp of when the specified data was acquired or generated and location information for identifying the specified region. The second vehicle-mounted device includes a control unit that receives the SSID from the first vehicle-mounted device, determines whether the specified data has been acquired based on the timestamp and location information contained in the SSID, and requests the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device if the specified data has been acquired.

[0006] An embodiment of the information processing apparatus disclosed herein includes a control unit that receives vehicle information from a plurality of vehicles, including at least one vehicle information indicating the status and location of each vehicle; determines, based on the vehicle information, a hub vehicle that will act as a hub for providing data; sends specified data related to a specified region to the hub vehicle; receives a request for the specified data from a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle; and, in response to receiving the request, determines, based on a timestamp of when the hub vehicle obtained the specified data or when the specified data was generated, the hub vehicle that will provide the specified data to the client vehicle, and sends the SSID of the hub vehicle that will provide the specified data to the client vehicle to the client vehicle.

[0007] According to this disclosure, each vehicle is able to receive its requested data more efficiently. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of a vehicle in an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram illustrating a first operational example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating a second operational example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Reference Figure 1 The configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment will be described. 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 multiple vehicles 20 are connected to each other via a network 30 including the Internet in a manner capable of mutual communication. Figure 1 For convenience, only two vehicles 20 (20-1 and 20-2) are shown in the text.

[0015] The information processing device 10 is a server for controlling inter-vehicle communication. The information processing device 10 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0016] The communication unit 13 includes a communication interface for communicating with multiple vehicles 20. The information processing device 10 periodically (e.g., at intervals of several seconds) receives vehicle information from the multiple vehicles 20, representing at least one of the status and location of each vehicle 20, via the communication unit 13 and the network 30. The "vehicle status" includes, for example, remaining power, remaining data capacity, whether it is parked, and whether it is connected to public Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0017] Storage unit 11 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination of these memories. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), or flash memory. Storage unit 11 stores specified data related to a specified region. "Specified data related to a specified region" refers to data that can be requested from each vehicle 20, such as map information. Additionally, storage unit 11 stores vehicle information received by communication unit 13 from the multiple vehicles 20.

[0018] The control unit 12 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 (central processing unit) or GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor for specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The dedicated circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 12 controls the various parts of the information processing device 10 and performs processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0019] The control unit 12 determines (selects) a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "hub vehicle") from among multiple vehicles 20 to perform the function of a data provision hub based on vehicle information obtained from the vehicles 20. The control unit 12 may also determine multiple hub vehicles. In this specification, for ease of explanation, the hub vehicle is referred to as vehicle 20-1, but it may also be two or more.

[0020] The control unit 12 can determine a vehicle that meets at least one of the following conditions from a plurality of vehicles 20 based on vehicle information, and also can determine a vehicle that meets any one of the following conditions from a plurality of vehicles 20 based on vehicle information, in the following priority order.

[0021] 1. Vehicles with remaining power exceeding a specified threshold.

[0022] 2. Vehicles with remaining data capacity exceeding the specified threshold.

[0023] 3. Vehicles parked for an extended period exceeding the permitted time.

[0024] 4. Vehicles that are expected to be parked for an extended period exceeding the specified time.

[0025] 5. Other vehicles that have been present within the specified area for a certain period of time.

[0026] 6. Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi

[0027] When determining the hub vehicle based on remaining power, the control unit 12 may, for example, determine the hub vehicle in a predetermined order such as battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and conventional gasoline vehicle. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may determine the PHEV as the hub vehicle only if the PHEV is charging.

[0028] "Vehicles expected to be parked for an extended period of time" include, for example, vehicles parked in shopping malls, stadiums, event venues, etc. 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".

[0029] "Vehicles in which other vehicles have been present for a certain period of time" refers to vehicles that have been in close proximity to other vehicles for a long time, such as vehicles traveling in groups on highways, where there is little change in their relative position to other vehicles due to no lane changes or overtaking. The control unit 12 can analyze the big data received from each vehicle 20 to determine "vehicles in which other vehicles have been present for a certain period of time".

[0030] The control unit 12 enables vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi to download prescribed data free of charge.

[0031] The control unit 12 can cancel the decision of each hub vehicle 20-1 if a predetermined time has elapsed since the decision was made, or if the predetermined number of times predetermined data has been sent to the hub vehicle 20-1 exceeds a predetermined number. This process can suppress the performance degradation of the battery or storage unit of the hub vehicle 20-1.

[0032] In the following description, vehicle 20, which receives data from the hub vehicle, will be referred to as the client vehicle. For ease of explanation, this specification uses client vehicle 20-2 as the client vehicle that receives data from hub vehicle 20-1, but there may be two or more.

[0033] The control unit 12 can assign a reward to the hub vehicle 20-1 corresponding to the amount of data sent to the client vehicle 20-2. The type of reward is arbitrary; for example, the control unit 12 can set rewards such as digital currency, voucher points, rental fee reductions, or merchandise.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing a simplified configuration of vehicle 20. Vehicle 20 includes an on-board unit 21. On-board unit 21 includes an input unit 211, a storage unit 212, a control unit 213, an output unit 214, and a communication unit 215.

[0035] The input unit 211 includes at least one input interface. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a touchscreen integrated with the display, a microphone, etc. The input unit 211 accepts input from the user of the vehicle-mounted device 21.

[0036] Storage unit 212 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination of these memories. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. Storage unit 212 of hub vehicle 20-1 stores specified data received from information processing device 10. Storage unit 212 of client vehicle 20-2 stores specified data received from hub vehicle 20-1.

[0037] The control unit 213 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 213 controls the various parts of the vehicle-mounted device 21 and performs processing related to the operation of the vehicle-mounted device 21.

[0038] The output unit 214 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The input unit 211 and the output unit 214 can also be integrated, such as with a touchscreen.

[0039] The communication unit 215 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 215 of each vehicle 20 periodically send vehicle information to the information processing device 10.

[0040] When the communication unit 215 of the hub vehicle 20-1 establishes communication with the client vehicle 20-2 at a distance sufficient to establish vehicle-to-vehicle communication (e.g., within 100m), it sends specified data to the client vehicle 20-2 (i.e., both the hub vehicle 20-1 and the client vehicle 20-2 switch to data sharing mode). For example, at an intersection, when the hub vehicle 20-1 and the client vehicle 20-2 are waiting at a traffic light, or when they are passing each other at an intersection, they switch to data sharing mode. Additionally, on highways, when platooning is in progress and the relative speed between the hub vehicle 20-1 and the client vehicle 20-2 is below a threshold value, they switch to data sharing mode.

[0041] First Implementation Method

[0042] Next, refer to Figure 3 Here is a description of a first action example of the information processing system 1. Assume that the information processing device 10 receives vehicle information from multiple vehicles 20 periodically (e.g., at intervals of several seconds), representing at least one vehicle's status and location, and has already determined multiple hub vehicles 20-N (N including 1) according to the aforementioned rules for determining hub vehicles. In this first action example, the client vehicle 20-2 determines from the multiple hub vehicles 20-N which hub vehicle 20-1 will be the target for obtaining specified data. For ease of explanation, in… Figure 3 Only hub vehicle 20-1 is shown among multiple hub vehicles 20-N.

[0043] exist Figure 3 In the description, the on-board unit 21 (first on-board unit) of the hub vehicle 20-1 is marked as 21-1, and the on-board unit 21 (second on-board unit) of the client vehicle 20-2 is marked as 21-2 to distinguish between the two. Similarly, each processing unit of the on-board unit 21-1 is appended with -1 at the end, and each processing unit of the on-board unit 21-2 is appended with -2 at the end to distinguish between the two.

[0044] In S101, the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 receives (acquires) the latest version of the specified data (hereinafter referred to as "specified data") related to the specified region from the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 215-1. The information processing device 10 may send the specified data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 periodically, when the specified data is updated, or upon request from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1. The vehicle-mounted device 21-1 stores the specified data in the storage unit 212-1 or a cache server.

[0045] In S102, the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 generates an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​that includes a timestamp when the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 acquired the specified data and location information used to identify the specified region. For example, an example of an SSID for a timestamp of 14:59 on March 1, 2025, with the specified region being Kansai, is toyotaMap_20250301_14:59_Kansai, where "location information used to identify the specified region" is "Kansai". The control unit 213-1 can determine the location information based on the filename of the specified data, or it can receive the location information along with the specified data from the information processing device 10 as metadata of the specified data. Furthermore, in S101, when the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 receives the timestamp of the generation of the specified data along with the specified data from the information processing device 10 as metadata of the specified data, the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 can generate an SSID that includes the timestamp of the generation of the specified data and the regional information used to identify the specified region. It is also possible to determine the age of the specified data based on the timestamp of its generation.

[0046] In S103, passengers of client vehicle 20-2 set their destination (e.g., Shin-Osaka Station) to the navigation system. The onboard unit 21-2 of client vehicle 20-2 can also be integrated into the navigation system. When the onboard unit 21-2 is integrated into the navigation system, passengers of client vehicle 20-2 set their destination via the input section 211-2 of the onboard unit 21-2.

[0047] In S104, the control unit 213-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 begins the acquisition and processing of specified data at a predetermined time. The "predetermined time" may be when an instruction to acquire specified data is input from the input unit 211-2, or when a destination is set for the navigation system.

[0048] In S105, the control unit 213-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 receives the SSID generated in S102 from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 via the communication unit 215-2.

[0049] In S106, the control unit 213-2 of the on-board unit 21-2 determines whether to obtain the required data based on the timestamp and location information (first reference) contained in the SSID. If the control unit 213-2 determines that the required data will not be obtained from the hub vehicle 20-1, it receives the SSID from other hub vehicles and determines whether to obtain the required data based on the timestamp and location information contained in the SSID.

[0050] The process of determining whether the required data has been obtained, performed by the control unit 213-2 in S106, may also include a determination based on information (second reference) related to the current location or destination of the client vehicle 20-2, obtained from information set in the car navigation system of the client vehicle 20-2. Thus, the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 can obtain required data related to the geographical area, including the current location or destination. The control unit 213-2 can obtain the current location of the client vehicle 20-2 using a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor.

[0051] The process of determining whether the required data has been obtained, performed by the control unit 213-2 in S106, may also include a determination based on whether the timestamp contained in the SSID is within a specified time (e.g., 24 hours) from the current time (a third reference). Thus, the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 can obtain the updated required data. When the control unit 213-2 receives multiple SSIDs containing the same regional information, it can determine that the required data has been obtained from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1, which sent the SSID with the latest timestamp.

[0052] The process of determining whether the required data has been obtained, performed by the control unit 213-2 in S106, may also include determining whether the received signal strength index (RSSI) of the radio waves received from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 is above a predetermined threshold (fourth reference). Therefore, the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 can reliably obtain the required data, preventing reception issues. If the control unit 213-2 receives multiple SSIDs containing the same geographical information, it can determine that the required data has been obtained from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1, which has the strongest radio wave strength.

[0053] The process of determining whether the specified data has been obtained, performed by the control unit 213-2 in S106, may also include making a determination based on any combination of the first to fourth references mentioned above.

[0054] In S107, if it is determined in S106 that the required data has been obtained, the control unit 213-2 requests the required data from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1. That is, the control unit 213-2 sends the request information for the required data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 via the communication unit 215-2.

[0055] In S108, the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 sends specified data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 via the communication unit 215-1 according to a request from the vehicle-mounted device 21-2. If the specified data is deleted, the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 retrieves the specified data again from the information processing device 10 and sends the specified data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-2.

[0056] In S109, the control unit 213-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 stores the specified data obtained from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 in the storage unit 212-2. Furthermore, the output unit 214-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 displays the obtained specified data.

[0057] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 receives (acquires) specified data related to a specified region from the information processing device 10, and generates an SSID containing a timestamp of when the specified data was acquired or generated, and regional information for identifying the specified region. Furthermore, the control unit 213-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 receives the SSID from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1, and determines whether the specified data has been acquired based on the timestamp and regional information contained in the SSID. If it is determined that the specified data has been acquired, the control unit 213-2 requests the specified data from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1. Therefore, the client vehicle 20-2 can acquire the latest specified data required at the necessary time, and can receive the requested data more efficiently.

[0058] Second Implementation Method

[0059] Next, refer to Figure 4 The second operation example of information processing system 1 will be described below. Assume that information processing device 10 receives vehicle information from multiple vehicles 20 periodically (e.g., at intervals of several seconds), representing at least one vehicle's status and location, and has determined multiple hub vehicles 20-N (N including 1) according to the aforementioned hub vehicle determination rules. In the second operation example, information processing device 10 determines from the multiple hub vehicles 20-N the hub vehicle 20-1 that will send specified data to client vehicle 20-2. For ease of explanation, in... Figure 4 Only hub vehicle 20-1 is shown among multiple hub vehicles 20-N.

[0060] exist Figure 4 In the description, the on-board unit 21 (first on-board unit) of the hub vehicle 20-1 is marked as 21-1, and the on-board unit 21 (second on-board unit) of the client vehicle 20-2 is marked as 21-2 to distinguish between the two. Similarly, each processing unit of the on-board unit 21-1 is appended with -1 at the end, and each processing unit of the on-board unit 21-2 is appended with -2 at the end to distinguish between the two.

[0061] In S201, the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 receives (acquires) the latest version of the specified data (hereinafter referred to as "specified data") related to the specified region from the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 215-1. The information processing device 10 may periodically send the specified data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-1, or send the specified data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 when the specified data is updated, or send the specified data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 based on a request from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1. The vehicle-mounted device 21-1 stores the specified data in the storage unit 212-1 or a cache server.

[0062] In S202, the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 sends the timestamp of when the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 acquired the specified data or the timestamp of when the specified data was generated to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 215-1. The control unit 213-1 may also make the timestamp include the domain name of the specified data.

[0063] In S203, the control unit 213-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 requests specified data from the information processing device 10 at a predetermined time. That is, the control unit 213-2 sends a request for specified data to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 215-2. The predetermined time can be when an instruction to obtain specified data is input from the input unit 211-2, or when a destination is set for the navigation system. The control unit 213-2 may also include the region name input from the input unit 211-2 or the destination set for the navigation system in the request information.

[0064] In S204, the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10, in response to a request for receiving specified data, determines, based on a timestamp (first reference), the hub vehicle 20-1 that provides the specified data to the client vehicle 20-2. For example, the control unit 12 determines, based on the timestamp, that the hub vehicle 20-1 has specified data that matches the destination set for the navigation system.

[0065] In S204, the process executed by the control unit 12 to determine whether the hub vehicle 20-1 provides the specified data to the client vehicle 20-2 may also include making a decision based on whether the timestamp is within a specified time (second reference). That is, the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may consider the specified data as not being the latest specified data if the timestamp has been more than a specified time (e.g., 24 hours) from the current time, and determine that communication should be initiated with other hub vehicles that have the latest specified data (vehicles that have updated the specified data within 24 hours).

[0066] The process of determining the hub vehicle 20-1 that provides specified data to the client vehicle 20-2, performed by the control unit 12 in S204, may also include making the decision based on the respective position information (third reference) of the hub vehicle 20-1 and the client vehicle 20-2. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the hub vehicle 20-1 from among the vehicles 20 that exist in an area capable of vehicle-to-vehicle communication with the client vehicle 20-2 (e.g., an area with a radius of 100m centered on the client vehicle 20-2). For example, the control unit 12 may determine the hub vehicle 20-1 from among the vehicles 20 that are highly likely to pass the client vehicle 20-2 in the future. For example, when the client vehicle 20-2 is traveling on a highway, the control unit 12 may determine the hub vehicle 20-1 from among the vehicles 20 whose relative speed to the client vehicle 20-2 is below a threshold. For example, when client vehicle 20-2 is driving near the entrance or exit of a highway, or is about to leave the parking lot, the control unit 12 determines hub vehicle 20-1 from among the vehicles 20 that are likely to merge with client vehicle 20-2 thereafter.

[0067] In S204, the process performed by the control unit 12, in which the hub vehicle 20-1 provides the specified data to the opposing client vehicle 20-2, makes a decision, may also include making a decision based on any combination of the first to third references mentioned above.

[0068] In S204, if the control unit 12 determines the hub vehicle 20-1, it sends the SSID of the determined hub vehicle 20-1 (vehicle device 21-1) to the client vehicle 20-2 (vehicle device 21-2) via the communication unit 13.

[0069] In S204, the SSID can be generated by the information processing device 10 or by the hub vehicle 20-1. If the SSID is generated by the hub vehicle 20-1, the information processing device 10 sends the SSID to the client vehicle 20-2 after receiving it from the hub vehicle 20-1.

[0070] In S205, the control unit 213-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 communicates (e.g., via Wi-Fi communication) with the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 corresponding to the SSID received from the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 215-2, and requests specified data from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1. That is, the control unit 213-2 sends a request message for specified data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 via the communication unit 215-2.

[0071] In S206, the control unit 213-1 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 sends specified data to the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 via the communication unit 215-1 according to the request from the vehicle-mounted device 21-2.

[0072] In S207, the control unit 213-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 stores the specified data obtained from the vehicle-mounted device 21-1 via the communication unit 215-2 in the storage unit 212-2. Furthermore, the output unit 214-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 displays the obtained specified data.

[0073] In S208, the control unit 213-2 of the vehicle-mounted device 21-2 generates a timestamp when the specified data is acquired, and sends the timestamp to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 215-2. The control unit 213-2 can make the timestamp include the domain name of the specified data.

[0074] The control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 can manage the versions of the specified data held by the hub vehicle 20-1 and the client vehicle 20-2 based on timestamps. Therefore, in S204, the control unit 12 can confirm the version of the specified data held by the client vehicle 20-2, and if the client vehicle 20-2 has an older version of the specified data, determine which hub vehicle 20-1 has the newer version of the specified data. In addition, if the client vehicle 20-2 has an autonomous compilation environment or an interpreted execution environment, the hub vehicle 20-1 can receive information related to the version of the specified data held by the client vehicle 20-2 from the client vehicle 20-2, and send only the difference data between that version of the specified data and the latest version of the specified data, or only the data compressed from the difference data, to the client vehicle 20-2.

[0075] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment, the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 receives vehicle information from multiple vehicles 20, including at least one vehicle information indicating the status and location of each vehicle 20. Based on the vehicle information, it determines a hub vehicle 20-N from the multiple vehicles 20 and sends specified data related to a specified region to the hub vehicle 20-N. Furthermore, the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 receives a request for specified data from a client vehicle 20-2. In response to receiving the request, it determines a hub vehicle 20-1 that will provide the specified data to the client vehicle 20-2 based on the timestamp when the hub vehicle 20-N obtained the specified data or when the specified data was generated, and sends the SSID of the determined hub vehicle 20-1 to the client vehicle 20-2. Therefore, the client vehicle 20-2 can obtain the latest specified data at the necessary time and can receive the requested data more efficiently.

[0076] program

[0077] In order to function as the aforementioned information processing device 10 or vehicle-mounted device 21, a computer capable of executing program commands can also be used. The program can cause the computer to function as the information processing device 10 or vehicle-mounted device 21 by causing the computer to perform the aforementioned actions.

[0078] Programs can be stored on non-transitory computer-readable media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, optical-magnetic recording media, or ROM. For example, programs can be distributed by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD (Secure Digital) cards, DVDs (digital versatile discs), or CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory) containing the program. Programs can also be distributed by storing them in server storage and transferring them from the server to other computers. Programs can also be provided as program products.

[0079] The computer temporarily stores, for example, a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in storage unit 11 or storage unit 212. Then, the computer reads the program stored in storage unit 11 or storage unit 212 by the processor, and the processor executes processing based on the read program.

[0080] Computers can also directly read programs from portable media and execute processes according to those programs. Alternatively, a computer can execute processes according to received programs each time they are transferred from a server. It can also perform processes through so-called ASP (Application Service Provider) type services, which function solely by executing instructions and obtaining results, without transferring programs from a server to the computer. A program contains information that can be processed by a computer and is considered "process information." For example, data that, while not direct instructions to the computer, has the nature of specifying the computer's processing is equivalent to "process information."

[0081] The above-described embodiments are representative examples, but various modifications or alterations can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the constituent modules or processing steps described in the embodiments can be combined into one or divided into multiple.

[0082] The following are some examples of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples.

[0083] The information processing system according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes: a first vehicle-mounted device mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a hub for providing data and having a first control unit; a second vehicle-mounted device mounted on a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle and having a second control unit; and an information processing device having a third control unit and storing data.

[0084] The aforementioned third control unit is configured to send specified data related to a specified region to the first vehicle-mounted device.

[0085] The first control unit is configured to receive the specified data from the information processing device, generate an SSID containing a timestamp indicating when the specified data was acquired or generated, and a geographic information for identifying the specified region, and send the specified data to the second vehicle-mounted device according to a request from the second vehicle-mounted device.

[0086] The second control unit is configured to receive the SSID from the first vehicle-mounted device, determine whether the specified data has been obtained based on the timestamp and the location information contained in the SSID, and request the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device if the specified data has been obtained.

[0087] The information processing system according to the second aspect of this disclosure comprises: a first vehicle-mounted device mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a hub for providing data; and a second vehicle-mounted device mounted on a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle.

[0088] The aforementioned first vehicle-mounted device includes a first control unit configured to receive specified data related to a specified region from an information processing device, and generate an SSID containing a timestamp of the time the specified data was acquired or generated, and a region information for identifying the specified region.

[0089] The second vehicle-mounted device includes a second control unit configured to receive the SSID from the first vehicle-mounted device, determine whether the specified data has been obtained based on the timestamp and the location information contained in the SSID, and request the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device if the specified data has been obtained.

[0090] In the second approach, the determination of whether the specified data has been obtained, performed by the second control unit of the second vehicle-mounted device, may also be based on information related to the current location or destination of the client vehicle.

[0091] In the second method, information related to the current location or destination of the aforementioned client vehicle can be obtained based on the information set in the car navigation system of the aforementioned client vehicle.

[0092] In either the first or second method, the determination of whether the specified data has been obtained, performed by the second control unit of the second vehicle-mounted device, may also be based on whether the timestamp is within a specified time frame from the current time.

[0093] In either the first or second method, the determination of whether the specified data has been obtained, performed by the second control unit of the second vehicle-mounted device, may also be based on whether the intensity of the radio waves received from the first vehicle-mounted device is above a specified threshold.

[0094] The vehicle-mounted device involved in the third aspect of this disclosure is mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a hub for providing data. The vehicle-mounted device includes a control unit configured to receive specified data related to a specified region from an information processing device, generate an SSID containing a timestamp of when the specified data was acquired or generated and regional information for identifying the specified region, and send the specified data to a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle, based on the timestamp and regional information contained in the SSID.

[0095] The vehicle-mounted device according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure is mounted on a client vehicle that receives data from a hub vehicle that acts as a hub for providing data. The vehicle-mounted device includes a control unit configured to receive an SSID from the hub vehicle that generates an SSID containing a timestamp of specified data related to a specified region and regional information for identifying the specified region; determine, based on the timestamp and regional information contained in the SSID, whether the specified data has been obtained; and, if it is determined that the specified data has been obtained, request the specified data from the hub vehicle.

[0096] In the fourth method, the determination of whether the aforementioned data has been obtained may also be based on information related to the current location or destination of the aforementioned client vehicle.

[0097] In the fourth method, information related to the current location or destination of the aforementioned client vehicle can be obtained based on the information set in the car navigation system of the aforementioned client vehicle.

[0098] In the fourth method, the determination of whether the above-mentioned data has been obtained can also be based on whether the above-mentioned timestamp is within the specified time from the current time.

[0099] The information processing system disclosed in the fifth aspect comprises: a first vehicle-mounted device mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a hub for providing data and having a first control unit; a second vehicle-mounted device mounted on a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle and having a second control unit; and an information processing device having a third control unit and storing data.

[0100] The third control unit is configured to receive vehicle information from multiple vehicles, including at least one indicating the status and location of each vehicle; determine the hub vehicle from among the multiple vehicles based on the vehicle information; send specified data related to a specified region to the first vehicle-mounted device; receive a request for the specified data from the second vehicle-mounted device; and, in response to receiving the request, determine the first vehicle-mounted device that will provide the specified data to the second vehicle-mounted device based on the timestamp when the first vehicle-mounted device obtained the specified data or when the specified data was generated, and send the SSID of the determined first vehicle-mounted device to the second vehicle-mounted device.

[0101] The first control unit is configured to receive the specified data from the information processing device and send the timestamp to the information processing device.

[0102] The second control unit is configured to send a request message for the specified data to the information processing device, receive the SSID from the information processing device, and receive the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device corresponding to the SSID.

[0103] The information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure includes a control unit configured to receive vehicle information from a plurality of vehicles, including at least one vehicle information indicating the status and location of each vehicle; determine, based on the vehicle information, a hub vehicle that will act as a hub for providing data from the plurality of vehicles; send specified data related to a specified region to the hub vehicle; receive a request for the specified data from a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle; and, in response to receiving the request, determine, based on the timestamp of when the hub vehicle obtained the specified data or when the specified data was generated, the hub vehicle that will provide the specified data to the client vehicle, and send the SSID of the hub vehicle that will provide the specified data to the client vehicle.

[0104] In the sixth method, the decision of the hub vehicle to provide the aforementioned client vehicle with the aforementioned specified data may also be based on whether the aforementioned timestamp is within the specified time period from the current time.

[0105] In the sixth approach, the decision of the hub vehicle to provide the aforementioned data to the aforementioned client vehicles may also be based on the location information of the hub vehicle and the aforementioned client vehicles, respectively.

[0106] In the sixth method, the SSID can be generated by the aforementioned information processing device or the aforementioned hub vehicle.

[0107] In the sixth approach, the process of determining the hub vehicle to assume the role of a data provision hub from the aforementioned multiple vehicles may include determining a vehicle that meets at least one of the following criteria as the hub vehicle: a vehicle with remaining power of a predetermined threshold or more, a vehicle with remaining data capacity of a predetermined threshold or more, a vehicle parked for a predetermined time or more, a vehicle expected to park for a predetermined time or more, a vehicle that has been present within a predetermined range for a certain period of time, and a vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0108] In the sixth approach, the process of determining the hub vehicle to assume the role of data provision from the aforementioned multiple vehicles may include determining a vehicle as a hub vehicle according to the following priority order: whether it meets the following criteria: whether it meets the criteria of having a remaining power of more than a specified threshold, whether it meets the criteria of having a remaining data capacity of more than a specified threshold, whether it meets the criteria of having been parked for more than a specified time, whether it meets the criteria of having been parked for more than the specified time, whether it meets the criteria of having other vehicles present within a specified range for more than a certain period of time, and whether it meets the criteria of being connected to public Wi-Fi.

[0109] The seventh method disclosed herein involves an information processing method within an information processing system, the information processing system comprising: a first onboard device mounted on a hub vehicle that functions as a data-providing hub; and a second onboard device mounted on a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle. The information processing method includes:

[0110] The aforementioned first vehicle-mounted device receives specified data related to the specified region from the information processing device;

[0111] The aforementioned first vehicle-mounted device generates a timestamp containing the time of acquisition or generation of the aforementioned specified data, and an SSID for identifying the aforementioned specified region;

[0112] The second vehicle-mounted device receives the SSID from the first vehicle-mounted device.

[0113] The second vehicle-mounted device determines whether to obtain the specified data based on the timestamp and geographic information contained in the SSID; and

[0114] The second vehicle-mounted device requests the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device when it determines that it needs to obtain the specified data.

[0115] The information processing method involved in the eighth aspect of this disclosure is executed by an information processing device. The information processing method includes:

[0116] Receive vehicle information from multiple vehicles, including at least one vehicle information representing the status and location of each vehicle;

[0117] Based on the above vehicle information, the hub vehicle that will assume the role of providing data is determined from among the above multiple vehicles.

[0118] Send the specified data related to the designated area to the aforementioned hub vehicles;

[0119] Request information for receiving the aforementioned specified data from client vehicles that receive data from the aforementioned hub vehicles;

[0120] The hub vehicle that, in response to receiving the aforementioned request information, decides to provide the aforementioned specified data to the aforementioned client vehicle based on the timestamp of when the hub vehicle obtained the aforementioned specified data or when the aforementioned specified data was generated; and

[0121] The SSID of the hub vehicle that is determined to provide the aforementioned data to the aforementioned client vehicle will be sent to the aforementioned client vehicle.

Claims

1. An information processing system, characterized in that, Include: The first vehicle-mounted device is mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a hub for providing data and has a first control unit. A second vehicle-mounted device is installed in a client vehicle that receives data from the aforementioned hub vehicle and has a second control unit; and Information processing device, equipped with a third control unit and storing data, The third control unit is configured to send specified data related to a specified region to the first vehicle-mounted device. The first control unit is configured to receive the specified data from the information processing device, generate an SSID containing a timestamp of when the specified data was acquired or generated and geographic information for identifying the specified region, and send the specified data to the second vehicle-mounted device upon request from the second vehicle-mounted device. The second control unit is configured to receive the SSID from the first vehicle-mounted device, determine whether the specified data has been obtained based on the timestamp and the location information contained in the SSID, and request the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device if the specified data has been obtained.

2. An information processing system, characterized in that, Include: The first onboard unit is mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a data-providing hub; and The second onboard device is mounted on the client vehicle that receives data from the aforementioned hub vehicle. The first vehicle-mounted device includes a first control unit configured to receive specified data related to a specified region from an information processing device, and generate an SSID containing a timestamp of when the specified data was acquired or generated, and a region information for identifying the specified region. The second vehicle-mounted device includes a second control unit configured to receive the SSID from the first vehicle-mounted device, determine whether the specified data has been obtained based on the timestamp and the location information contained in the SSID, and request the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device if the specified data has been obtained.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination of whether the aforementioned data has been obtained, performed by the second control unit of the second vehicle-mounted device, is also based on information related to the current location or destination of the client vehicle.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Information related to the current location or destination of the aforementioned client vehicle is obtained based on the information set in the vehicle navigation system of the aforementioned client vehicle.

5. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination of whether the aforementioned specified data has been obtained, performed by the second control unit of the aforementioned second vehicle-mounted device, is also based on whether the timestamp is within the specified time frame from the current time.

6. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination of whether the aforementioned specified data has been obtained, performed by the second control unit of the second vehicle-mounted device, is also based on whether the intensity of the radio waves received from the first vehicle-mounted device is above a specified threshold.

7. A vehicle-mounted device, mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a data provision hub, characterized in that, Includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive specified data related to a specified region from an information processing device, generate an SSID containing a timestamp of when the specified data was acquired or generated and regional information for identifying the specified region, and send the specified data to a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle, based on the timestamp and regional information contained in the SSID.

8. A vehicle-mounted device, mounted on a client vehicle that receives data from a hub vehicle that acts as a data provider, characterized in that, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is configured to receive the SSID from the hub vehicle that generates the SSID containing a timestamp of specified data related to the specified region and regional information for identifying the specified region, determine whether the specified data has been obtained based on the timestamp and regional information contained in the SSID, and request the specified data from the hub vehicle if it is determined that the specified data has been obtained.

9. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Whether the aforementioned data has been obtained is also determined based on information related to the current location or destination of the aforementioned client vehicle.

10. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 9, characterized in that, Information related to the current location or destination of the aforementioned client vehicle is obtained based on the information set in the vehicle navigation system of the aforementioned client vehicle.

11. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The determination of whether the aforementioned data has been obtained is also based on whether the timestamp is within the specified time frame from the current time.

12. An information processing system, characterized in that, Include: The first vehicle-mounted device is mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a hub for providing data and has a first control unit. A second vehicle-mounted device is installed in a client vehicle that receives data from the aforementioned hub vehicle and has a second control unit; and Information processing device, equipped with a third control unit and storing data, The third control unit is configured to receive vehicle information from multiple vehicles, including at least one indicating the status and location of each vehicle; determine the hub vehicle from among the multiple vehicles based on the vehicle information; send specified data related to a specified region to the first vehicle-mounted device; receive a request for the specified data from the second vehicle-mounted device; and, in response to receiving the request, determine the first vehicle-mounted device that will provide the specified data to the second vehicle-mounted device based on the timestamp when the first vehicle-mounted device obtained the specified data or when the specified data was generated, and send the SSID of the determined first vehicle-mounted device to the second vehicle-mounted device. The first control unit is configured to receive the specified data from the information processing device and send the timestamp to the information processing device. The second control unit is configured to send a request message for the specified data to the information processing device, receive the SSID from the information processing device, and receive the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device corresponding to the SSID.

13. An information processing device, characterized in that, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is configured to receive vehicle information from multiple vehicles, including at least one vehicle information indicating the status and location of each vehicle; determine, based on the vehicle information, a hub vehicle to act as a data provider from the multiple vehicles; send specified data related to a specified region to the hub vehicle; receive a request for the specified data from a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle; and, in response to receiving the request, determine the hub vehicle to provide the specified data to the client vehicle based on the timestamp when the hub vehicle obtained the specified data or when the specified data was generated, and send the SSID of the hub vehicle to provide the specified data to the client vehicle.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The decision of the aforementioned hub vehicle to provide the aforementioned client vehicle with the aforementioned specified data is also based on whether the aforementioned timestamp is within the specified time frame from the current time.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The decision of the hub vehicle to provide the aforementioned data to the aforementioned client vehicles is also based on the location information of the aforementioned hub vehicle and the aforementioned client vehicles.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The aforementioned SSID is generated by the aforementioned information processing device or the aforementioned hub vehicle.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The process of determining the hub vehicle from the above-mentioned multiple vehicles to assume the role of a data provision hub includes determining a vehicle that meets at least one of the following criteria as a hub vehicle: a vehicle with remaining power of more than a specified threshold, a vehicle with remaining data capacity of more than a specified threshold, a vehicle parked for more than a specified time, a vehicle expected to park for more than the specified time, other vehicles that have been present within a specified range for a certain period of time, and a vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The process of determining the hub vehicle from the aforementioned multiple vehicles to assume the role of data provision hub includes determining a vehicle as a hub vehicle according to the following priority order: whether the vehicle meets the following criteria: whether the vehicle has a remaining power of more than a specified threshold, whether the vehicle has a remaining data capacity of more than a specified threshold, whether the vehicle has been parked for more than a specified time, whether the vehicle is expected to be parked for more than the specified time, whether other vehicles have been present within a specified range for more than a certain period of time, and whether the vehicle is connected to public Wi-Fi.

19. An information processing method, which is an information processing method in an information processing system, the information processing system comprising a first on-board unit mounted on a hub vehicle that serves as a hub for providing data; and a second on-board unit mounted on a client vehicle that receives data from the hub vehicle, the information processing method being characterized in that it includes: The aforementioned first vehicle-mounted device receives specified data related to the specified region from the information processing device; The aforementioned first vehicle-mounted device generates a timestamp containing the time of acquisition or generation of the aforementioned specified data, and an SSID for identifying the aforementioned specified region; The second vehicle-mounted device receives the SSID from the first vehicle-mounted device. The second vehicle-mounted device determines whether to obtain the specified data based on the timestamp and geographic information contained in the SSID; and When the second vehicle-mounted device determines that it needs to obtain the specified data, it requests the specified data from the first vehicle-mounted device.

20. An information processing method, executed by an information processing device, characterized in that, Include: Receive vehicle information from multiple vehicles, including at least one vehicle information representing the status and location of each vehicle; Based on the above vehicle information, the hub vehicle that will assume the role of providing data is determined from among the above multiple vehicles. Send the specified data related to the designated area to the aforementioned hub vehicles; Request information for receiving the aforementioned specified data from client vehicles that receive data from the aforementioned hub vehicles; The hub vehicle that, in response to receiving the aforementioned request information, decides to provide the aforementioned specified data to the aforementioned client vehicle based on the timestamp of when the hub vehicle obtained the aforementioned specified data or when the aforementioned specified data was generated; and The SSID of the hub vehicle that is determined to provide the aforementioned data to the aforementioned client vehicle will be sent to the aforementioned client vehicle.

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