DATA COLLECTION DEVICE, DATA COLLECTION METHOD AND DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

To reliably collect data according to a requirement, preferably using communication means requested by a user, a data collection device 200 is proposed, configured to collect data. The data collection device 200 comprises: a data acquisition unit 204, which acquires the data; a transmission unit 210, which transmits to a variety of communication means (211, 212, ...) corresponds to which the collected data is transmitted to a data collection server 100; a priority ranking setting unit 202, which sets a priority ranking for use with respect to the multitude of parts of communication means for each set of parts of the data; and a utilization plan setting unit 201, which sets an availability of the multitude of parts of communication means for each set of parts of the data based on the priority ranking, wherein the transmission unit 210 transmits the data via communication means that are set to be usable by the utilization plan setting unit 201.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to data collection using an end device that functions as a data collection device. State of the art

[0002] Currently, data such as sensor data is being collected and used in various areas. For example, a service is currently being developed that utilizes vehicle data, such as updates to an automatic driving or driver assistance system. To achieve this, continuous collection of sensor data, logs, images, and videos from vehicles is required. The characteristics of data collection in a vehicle include the presence of many types of data as collection targets, varying urgency and security requirements depending on the type of data, and the potential use of a variety of communication devices and connection targets by a moving object. To meet the diverse collection requirements for each type of data, a method for the selective use of various communication devices, such as wireless LAN and mobile data communication, is currently being employed.In the future, however, it is assumed that communication means and connection targets can be further diversified, for example through a user terminal device such as a smartphone, and an access point can also be installed in a street-side device.

[0003] However, the following two points represent general problems when collecting data using a mobile terminal, such as vehicle data. 1. There are various requirements for data collection (type, costs, transmission time limits, storage time limits, and the like). 2. The collection is insecure because the communication environment varies with the movement of the terminal device.

[0004] To solve these problems, PTL 1 and PTL 2 disclose a technique for the selective use of a multitude of communication resources according to data as the transmission target and a communication status. Specifically, PTL 1 and PTL 2 disclose a method for the selective use of a multitude of communication resources according to a data collection requirement and a current status.

[0005] PTL 1 initially describes the prioritization of communication at a predetermined location. To this end, PTL 1 calculates the required time from vehicle and connection target position information to communication at a predetermined location. Data transmission is then carried out using mobile data communication if the required time exceeds a reference value, thus ensuring reliable data collection within a specified timeframe. Furthermore, PTL 2 describes how a data collection requirement is met by gathering information regarding communication quality for a multitude of access points and selecting a connection target based on this information. List of literature on patent literature PTL 1: JP 2021-129212 A PTL 2: JP 2021-111884 A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0006] As described above, a variety of communication tools can be used for data collection.

[0007] Therefore, data collection requires a process such as the selection of communication means. However, these are not considered in PTL 1 and PTL 2. Therefore, the objects of the present invention are 1. the appropriate use of communication means, such as those desired by the user, and 2. enabling a simplification of the data collection device.

[0008] First, point 1 is described. Here, a "user" refers specifically to a recipient of data collections, i.e., a business operator who collects data, or a user (including an owner) of a vehicle or data collection device that constitutes an end device. Furthermore, in this case, there may be data to be collected when the cost is low, depending on the profit required by the user, and data that should be collected reliably even if the associated costs are high. It is assumed that the prioritization of communication methods can vary depending on the form of delivery of a communication service, the user's contractual status, and the desired profit.

[0009] Point 2 is then described. Here, both problems are solved by acquiring position information from the outside in PTL 1 and communication quality information from the outside in PTL 2. Furthermore, in PTL 1 and PTL 2, the data collection device must have additional functions and processing capabilities and communicate periodically with the outside, although this creates a problem regarding the complexity and scalability of the data collection device. Solution to the problem

[0010] Therefore, in the present invention, a priority order is established for a plurality of communication means used in a data collection device that acquires the data when communication of acquired data with another device is carried out. Furthermore, the present invention also includes carrying out data collection by specifying communication means to be used from a plurality of communication means according to an established priority order, and transmitting acquired data to another device using the specified communication means.

[0011] A more specific configuration is a data collection device configured to collect data, the data collection device comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires the data; a transmission unit corresponding to a plurality of communication means that transmit the acquired data to another device; a priority ranking setting unit that sets a priority ranking for use with respect to the plurality of communication means for each set of data parts; and a utilization plan setting unit that sets the availability of the plurality of communication means for each set of data parts based on the priority ranking, the transmission unit transmitting the data via communication means that are set to be usable by the utilization plan setting unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a data collection method using a data collection device. In addition, the present invention also includes a data collection support system comprising a data collection device and a program for causing a computer to function as the data collection support system. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to use communication means with a simpler configuration according to a status regarding data collection or a user's wish. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to Example 1. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a device that forms a data collection system in Example 1. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a usage mode of a data collection device 200 in Example 1. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the usage mode of the data collection device 200 in Example 1. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority ranking setting file 601 used by a priority ranking setting unit 202 in Example 1. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a land use plan setting file 602 used by a land use plan setting unit 201 in Example 1. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Utilization Plan 603 created by the Utilization Plan Setting Unit 201 in Example 1. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a priority ranking / utilization plan setting operation in Example 1. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a data transfer operation in Example 1. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram to describe an example (part 1) of the data transfer operation in Example 1. [ Fig. 11] Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram to describe an example (part 2) of the data transfer operation in Example 1. [ Fig. 12] Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram to describe an example (part 3) of the data transfer operation in Example 1. Description of the embodiments

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention is described below. In this embodiment, data collection is carried out by a data collection support system comprising a data collection device 200, which is provided in a vehicle (an example of a moving object), and a data collection server 100, which is connected to the data collection device via a communication network 401. That is, the data collection device 200 acquires data from a data acquisition source 500, represented by a sensor 501 and a data processing device 502, and transmits the data to the data collection server 100, thereby collecting various parts of the data in the data collection server 100. It should be noted that the data collection server 100 is preferably connected to a plurality of data collection devices 200 and collects data from them.Furthermore, the number of sensors 501 and the number of data processing devices 502 are not limited to a single one, and a large number of sensors and a large number of data processing devices can also be prepared.

[0015] The following section describes the data collection processing in the data collection system of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a priority ranking is established for a plurality of communication means used in the data collection device 200, which collects the data, when communication of collected data with another device is carried out. The data collection device 200 performs data collection by specifying communication means to be used from a plurality of communication means according to a set priority ranking and transmitting collected data to the data collection server 100 using the specified communication means. Consequently, the data collection server 100 accumulates the collected data.Additionally, a data collection business operator using the data collection server 100 can provide the collected and accumulated data to a data-using business operator and utilize the provided data.

[0016] Furthermore, according to this provision, a service, such as an incentive, can be provided to a related party. The related party includes, in particular, a user (including an owner) of the data collection device 200, a data collection business operator, a communications business operator, and the like. According to the present embodiment, it is accordingly possible to implement the data collection using suitable means of communication with a simpler configuration. Furthermore, by providing an incentive in relation to the data collection, it is possible to promote the data collection and use of the collected data. Example 1, which represents a specific example of the present embodiment, is described below. Example 1

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration in Example 1. The system in Example 1 is configured as a data collection system comprising a data collection server 100 and a data collection device 200. The data collection system may include a relay terminal 302 and a user terminal 600. Furthermore, a plurality of relay terminals 302 may be provided. The data collection server 100, the data collection device 200, and the relay terminal 302 are connected via a communication network 401. Furthermore, there are a variety of communication network types 401, such as a mobile data communication network, a wireless LAN, an inter-vehicle communication path, or a road-to-vehicle communication path. Each device that constitutes the data collection system is described below.

[0018] First, the data collection server 100 represents a computer that includes a receiving unit 101 and is capable of accumulating data transmitted by the data collection device 200. This can be achieved through a cloud. It should be noted that the hardware configuration of a computer implementing the data collection server 100 will be described later with reference to Fig. 2 is described.

[0019] Furthermore, the data collection device 200 represents a computer comprising a variety of communication devices (211, 212, ...), a transmission unit 210, a usage plan setting unit 201, a priority ranking setting unit 202, a data storage unit 203, and a data acquisition unit 204. In Example 1, the data collection device 200 can be implemented by an in-vehicle ECU. It should be noted that a hardware configuration of a computer implementing the data collection device 200 will be described later with reference to Fig. 2 is described.

[0020] The following describes the components of the data collection device 200. Each of a variety of communication devices (211, 212, ...) performs the transmission and reception of data corresponding to different communication services (communication methods) and connection destinations. For example, communication device A211 is a communication device corresponding to wireless LAN communication, communication device B212 is a communication device corresponding to mobile data communication, and communication device X213 is a communication device corresponding to a connection with the relay terminal 302. It should be noted that these communication services can include near-field communication, street-to-vehicle communication, ITS spot communication, tethering communication via a smartphone using near-field communication, or the like.A communication device to be used as a collection destination for data transmission is selected from the multitude of communication devices (211, 212, ...). More precisely, a communication device to be used is specified by the priority ranking setting unit 202 and the usage plan setting unit 201.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be noted that the operation of each communication device (211, 212,...) is controlled by the associated transmission unit 210. The transmission unit 210 can be compatible with any communication device. It should also be noted that compatibility with any communication device specifically includes the ability to transmit data in any hardware communication device and to transmit data in a variety of communication services (wireless LAN, mobile communication, and the like). Details of an operation of the transmission unit 210 will be described later with reference to Fig. 9. Furthermore, the communication device (211, 212, ...) can also be described as a communication unit, and at least part of the data collection device 200 can be implemented by a device that differs from the data collection device 200. For example, each communication device (211, 212, ...) can be implemented by a portable router for a wireless LAN device or a smartphone (tethering function).

[0022] Furthermore, the priority ranking setting unit 202 establishes a usage priority ranking for target data transmission. This setting can be configured by the user via an input unit (not shown) or the like, or according to a predefined rule. It should be noted that the input unit may use another device connected to the data collection device 200, such as the user terminal 600, which may be implemented as an in-vehicle device like a smartphone or an in-vehicle information terminal (including an in-vehicle terminal for retail use), or may be provided within the data collection device 200. An example of setting the priority ranking will be provided later with reference to... Fig. 5 described. An operation of the priority ranking setting unit 202 will be described later with reference to Fig. 8 described.

[0023] Additionally, the Utilization Plan Setting Unit 201 sets up and executes a Utilization Plan 603 of the Transmission Unit 210 to collect target data based on information from the Priority Ranking Setting Unit 202. An operation of the Utilization Plan Setting Unit 201 will be described later with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 described.

[0024] Additionally, the data storage unit 203 stores (accumulates) data as a collection target and the usage plan 603, which is set in conjunction with the usage plan setting unit 201.

[0025] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 204 collects data as a collection target from a data acquisition source 500, such as the sensor 501 and the data processing device 502, and stores the data in the data storage unit 203. The data acquisition source 500 is described below. The sensor 501, acting as the data acquisition source 500, measures and detects various types of data and can be implemented as a camera, a temperature sensor, or the like. The data processing device 502 is implemented as an in-vehicle information terminal, any microcomputer provided in a vehicle, or the like. Therefore, various types of data (camera image, control signal, vehicle speed, acceleration, position, and the like) relating to driving and controlling a vehicle are treated as the data collection target.It should be noted that operations of the data acquisition unit 204 and the data storage unit 203 will also be performed later with reference to . Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Although the description of the data collection device 200 has been completed above, a plurality of data collection devices 200 can also be provided in a vehicle, or data collected by the plurality of data collection devices 200 can be transmitted to the data collection server 100 by means of a communication device in another data collection device. Furthermore, in Example 1, a plurality of data collection servers 100 or a data usage server connected to the data collection server 100 can be provided.

[0026] Furthermore, the relay terminal 302 is a device that forwards data from the data collection device 200 to the data collection server 100. Therefore, the relay terminal 302 can be implemented by a router or a computer that includes a receiver unit 301. In this configuration, the relay terminal 302 can also receive data from the data collection device 200 instead of the data collection server 100.

[0027] Furthermore, the received data can be processed by the data collection device 200 itself or transmitted to the data collection server 100. Therefore, the relay terminal 302 can be implemented, for example, by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, an in-vehicle information terminal, a road-to-vehicle communication device, or an inter-vehicle communication device.

[0028] Furthermore, in Fig. 1. The user terminal 600 is provided separately from the relay terminal 302, although either of these can be configured. For example, the function of the relay terminal 302 can be implemented in the user terminal 600. The user terminal 600 is also used to set a priority ranking. That is, a priority ranking specification is received from a driver or passenger of the vehicle, who is an example of the user, and communicated to the data collection device 200. In response, the priority ranking setting unit 202 can set the priority ranking accordingly, as described above. Therefore, the user terminal 600 can be implemented by a so-called computer, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or an in-vehicle information terminal.Furthermore, the user terminal 600 outputs the configured priority ranking and the content of the service described above in the desired manner. However, the user terminal 600 can also be omitted.

[0029] Next, in Fig. 2 A block diagram is shown illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a device that forms the data collection system in Example 1.

[0030] The data collection server 100, the data collection device 200, the relay terminal 302, and the user terminal 600 can each be implemented, for example, by a computer 900, as described in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this. The computer 900 comprises a storage device 901, a computing device 902, a communication device 903, and an input / output interface 904, which are interconnected.

[0031] The storage device 901 can initially comprise a so-called main storage device, which includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, and a so-called auxiliary storage device, which includes, for example, a high-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The storage device 901 stores programs and data that are to be executed by the processing device 902.

[0032] Furthermore, the computing device 902 can be implemented by a processor, such as a CPU, and executes various processes according to a program stored in the memory device 901. The computing device 902 operates according to a program, thereby implementing various functional units that are located in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates this. For example, the functions of the utilization plan setting unit 201 and the priority ranking setting unit 202 of the data collection device 200 are realized by the computing processing device 902, which operates according to a program stored in the storage device 901 in the computer 900, which corresponds to the data collection device 200.

[0033] Furthermore, the communication device 903 provides an interface for connecting to the communication network. For example, the transmission unit 210 of the data collection device 200 is implemented by the communication device 903 of the computer 900, which corresponds to the data collection device 200. The transmission unit 210 is also connected to the communication network 401 and communicates with the receiving unit 101 of the data collection server 100 and the receiving unit 301 of the relay terminal 302, which are similarly implemented by the communication device 903 of the computer 900.

[0034] It should be noted that a multitude of communication devices 903 mounted on the data collection device 200 can be prepared, or the communication device 903 can be enabled to perform communication through a multitude of communication services. In the former case, the communication device used for data transmission is characterized from a multitude of communication devices by the priority ranking setting unit 202 and the utilization plan setting unit 201, and in the latter case, a communication service is specified. As described above, the characteristics and selection of the means of communication in Example 1 include the selection of hardware, such as a communication device, a communication service (communication method), such as a communication service, and the selection of software.

[0035] Furthermore, the input / output interface 904 can, for example, include an input device, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a touchscreen, and an output device, such as a display device. However, the input / output interface 904 can also be omitted, and the corresponding function can be implemented by another device. For example, the input of the priority ranking into the data collection device 200 can also be implemented via the user terminal device 600.

[0036] Next, an example of a usage mode is described in Example 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the usage mode of the data collection device 200 in Example 1. In this first usage mode, a data usage business operator, a data collection business operator, a vehicle owner (user), and a communications company are involved as related parties.

[0037] First, a business framework and a mechanism are described that includes a data flow to each related person.

[0038] Driving information (data as the target) about a vehicle owner is collected by a data collection business operator via a communications network (401 network) provided by a communications business operator. Additionally, the collected data is made available by the data collection business operator to the data-using business operator through sales or similar means. Therefore, a business relationship, such as data trading, exists between the data collection business operator and the data-using business operator.

[0039] As a result, the collected data is used by the data-using business operator. For example, data is analyzed to calculate accident risk, and car insurance planning and the creation and updating of a driver assistance card are carried out. Services such as car insurance and a driver assistance card, which are the results of the analysis, are provided to the vehicle owner. Furthermore, the provision of this service includes the provision of an incentive, such as a credit. For example, the vehicle owner can use the credit to pay a communication fee to a communications business operator. Therefore, a so-called point can be used as a credit. Moreover, this credit can only be used for a communication fee for the communication of driving information as described above.

[0040] Next, information processing will be used to implement the framework and mechanism of the business, with reference to Fig. 3 described. The data collection device 200, for example, transmits driving information such as a value from a vehicle sensor and a video to the data collection server 100, which is managed by a vehicle data collection business operator. The data collection business operator provides or negotiates the collected data for a connected data-using business operator upon request. To this end, the data collection server 100 performs access control to allow access to data collected by the data-using business operator or transmits the collected data to a computer used by the data-using business operator.

[0041] The data-using business operator then provides a service to the vehicle owner using the obtained data and analysis results. Specifically, the developed insurance product and the driver assistance card are provided. To this end, the computer used by the data-using business operator transmits an insurance product purchase guide and a driver assistance card for the vehicle owner to a computer used by the owner, such as the User Terminal 600. Furthermore, the computer used by the data-using business operator may transmit a service, such as a point or similar, to the computer used by the owner.

[0042] Furthermore, the vehicle owner subscribes to a communications service provider for the use of the communication service from the vehicle, which includes the data collection device 200, and pays a communication fee. As described above, the transferred point or similar can be used for this payment. In addition, the communication fee or communication quality within the communication service can also vary depending on the amount of usage. Accordingly, the communications service provider can enter into a contract for a variety of services depending on the communication area, the amount of communication, and the fee.Furthermore, the communication service can be, for example, mobile data communication, which is generally very reliable at a high cost and can be used in a wide variety of areas, or a wireless home LAN, which is generally inexpensive and has a limited range. For example, the usage priority ranking of the communication means for data is determined according to a service provided by the data-using business operator or a data collection consideration obtained from the data-collecting business operator.

[0043] Examples of the service provided by the data-using business operator may include considerations regarding insurance premiums based on driving status, vehicle price valuation, and a driver assistance card. An example of a consideration for data collection could be a discount, the provision of a coupon, or the like, in addition to the point. It should be noted that, for the use of the wireless home LAN as a communication service, the transmission unit 210 can determine the availability of the wireless home LAN according to the speed or position of the vehicle or the data collection device 200.This means that in a case where the position is near the home of the vehicle owner or a parking space for the vehicle, the speed is equal to or less than a constant speed, and wireless home LAN is available, the wireless home LAN will be selected from a variety of communication services.

[0044] Furthermore, in Example 1, the priority ranking of the data collection device 200 is set by the vehicle owner. For example, highly reliable communication means at high cost may be preferably used for data necessary for the vehicle owner to receive a desired service, and communication means (communication service) at low cost may be preferably used for other types of data to be collected. Alternatively, however, highly reliable communication means at high cost may also be preferably used for data that has a high weighting for data collection, such as data from an area with a small data volume or data from a new type of vehicle.

[0045] The owner of the vehicle in this example may not be an individual. For instance, a car rental company, taxi agency, or carrier might set the priority ranking for each of a large number of vehicles under management. For example, the priority ranking setting described above could be based on driving history, such as a past violation or accident, or a planned route of a driver who is actually driving. In this case, in addition to the driver, an administrator or similar person responsible for the vehicle could also configure the setting.

[0046] If the vehicle owner sets the priority ranking of the means of communication as described above, the vehicle owner can receive consideration for a desired service or data collection at the desired cost.

[0047] Therefore, the first example of the usage mode was described in Example 1, and a second example will be described next. Fig. Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating a second example of the usage mode of the data collection device 200 in Example 1. In this second example, the first usage mode also involves a data usage business operator, a data collection business operator, a vehicle owner (user), and a communications company as related parties. However, the data collection business operator and the data usage business operator are car manufacturers that are either the same or related to each other.

[0048] First, driving information collected by the data collection device 200 is used to update vehicle software provided by the automaker. This vehicle software could be, for example, a driver assistance or autonomous driving program, or an ECU control program. In this example, the service provided is the distribution of the driver assistance program and the ECU control program. Therefore, the data collection server 100, or the computer used by the business operator consuming the data, distributes the driver assistance program and the control program to the owner's computer, such as the user terminal 600 or the data collection device 200.

[0049] Furthermore, the car manufacturer pays the communications service provider all or part of a communications fee for collecting the data necessary for these updates (distributions). In the subscription-based communications fee model, the payment fee varies according to the amount of communications used in each vehicle. Accordingly, the communications service provider can enter into a contract for a variety of services, depending on the communications scope, the amount of communications used, and the fee.

[0050] In this example, the priority ranking of the data collection device 200 is further configured by the automobile manufacturer, who is also the data collection business operator. That is, the priority ranking of communication means for data is configured in such a way that desired data can be collected while minimizing the payment fee for the contracted communication service. For example, data relating to a failure, error, or accident, which is of high importance for software updates, can be collected by preferably using highly reliable communication means, even at a high cost. Conversely, data of low importance, which is generated in a more common manner, can be collected by preferably using communication means at a lower cost.Alternatively, highly reliable communication methods can also be used at high cost, preferably for data with limited data collection possibilities, such as data from an area with a small amount of data or data from a new type of vehicle.

[0051] By setting the priority ranking of the communication means by the data collection business operator, as described above, it is possible to obtain a data collection that is desired by the data collection business operator at the desired cost.

[0052] The usage mode was described accordingly in Example 1 above.

[0053] Next, information (file) used in Example 1 will be described. Fig. Figure 5 shows a diagram illustrating an example of a priority ranking setting file 601, which is used by the priority ranking setting unit 202 in Example 1. The priority ranking setting file 601 records a data priority ranking and a communication means priority ranking, which are used for data collection. The priority ranking setting file 601 can be set via communication from outside the vehicle. Furthermore, the priority ranking setting file 601 can be set via an interface (input / output interface 904) in the vehicle's internal device or the user terminal 600. It should be noted that the priority ranking setting file 601 can be stored by the priority ranking setting unit 202 or by the data storage unit 203.

[0054] The priority ranking is higher the higher the priority ranking in the present embodiment (the smaller the number), and, for example, priority ranking 1 is prioritized over priority ranking 2. Preferably, communication means with a higher communication means priority ranking are used. Furthermore, the communication means priority ranking is set for each communication device (211, 212, ...).

[0055] Furthermore, any priority ranking in the priority ranking settings file 601 can be set for each type of data as a collection target. For example, different priority rankings can be set for camera videos collected during an emergency and a travel log collected during normal hours. Additionally, any priority ranking in the priority ranking settings file 601 can be configured by the user. For example, the user can set wireless LAN, which is a low-cost communication means, according to the subscribed communication service's fee schedule, to have a higher priority ranking than mobile data communication, which is a higher-cost communication means. Furthermore, the data priority ranking can be selected based on the benefit or incentive of the service received for a collection target data type.

[0056] Here, the data priority ranking and / or the communication means priority ranking can be set according to user input. In a case where only the data priority ranking is set, the communication means priority ranking, which is preset for each data priority ranking, is assigned. For example, a procedure can be used where the communication means priority ranking can be preset by a service provider or the like in the case of data priority ranking 1, and where the data to be set as data priority ranking 1 is selected by the user. However, the data priority ranking and the communication means priority ranking can also be set by the priority ranking setting unit 202 according to a predetermined rule.

[0057] Furthermore, elements of the priority ranking hiring file 601 can define not only a procedure where all elements are individually hired by the user, but also a procedure where a business operator providing a data collection service prepares some hiring candidates, and the user selects the hiring candidate. Additionally, the priority ranking hiring unit 202 can also hire at least some of these, or it can create an object candidate, and the user can then correct it.

[0058] Furthermore, the priority ranking setting file 601 is entered into the usage plan setting unit 201 and used when the usage plan 603 is set for the transmission destination data. A specific operation will be described later with reference to Fig. 8 described.

[0059] Next, we will show Fig. Figure 6 shows a diagram illustrating an example of the usage plan settings file used by the usage plan settings unit 201 in Example 1. Usage plan settings file 602 records a usable time period or a usable number of times for each communication tool, regardless of its priority ranking in data collection. In other words, usage plan settings file 602 records the usage restriction for each piece of communication tool. Furthermore, any or a combination of usable time period and usable number of times, describing examples of usage restrictions, can be set. Additionally, each settings object can also be set for each type of data.

[0060] Accordingly, as shown in Example 1, the usage plan setting file 602 can be configured by the business operator providing the data collection service. Furthermore, the usage plan setting file 602 can also be configured in the usage plan setting unit 201 via communication outside the vehicle. Additionally, the usage plan setting file 602 can also be configured via an interface (input / output interface 904) in the vehicle's internal device or the user terminal 600. It should be noted that the usage plan setting file 602 can be stored by the usage plan setting unit 201 or by the data storage unit 203.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the usage plan settings file 602, it is not necessary to specifically specify which communication medium defines each priority ranking. For example, although the usable time period for the communication medium of priority ranking 2 is set, priority ranking settings file 601 determines whether the communication medium of priority ranking 2 is wireless LAN or mobile data communication, although usage plan settings file 602 can also prescribe the communication medium.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Example 1, the usable period for communication resources of each priority ranking is set based on a reference time. For example, "Priority Ranking 2: 00d03h00m-30d00h00m" means that "communication resources of priority ranking 2 are usable for a period of 3 hours to 30 days after the reference time." A data generation time or a usage plan setting time can be used as the reference time for this purpose.

[0063] Furthermore, as in Example 1, the usable number of times in the communication means of each priority ranking can be set based on the number of transmission attempts. For example, “Priority ranking 2: 3 to 18 times” means that “communication means of priority ranking 2” are usable in a case where the number of data transmission attempts is between three and eighteen times.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the present example, the priority of the means of communication is higher the higher the priority ranking (the smaller the number), and the means of communication of a lower priority ranking can also be used at the given time after the means of communication of a higher priority ranking or after a certain number of transmission attempts.

[0065] Furthermore, the usage plan settings file 602 is used when usage plan 603 is set for the destination data. A specific operation for this will be described later with reference to Fig. 8 described.

[0066] Next, we will show Fig. 7 A diagram illustrating an example of the land use plan 603, which is created by the land use plan setting unit 201 in Example 1. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the 603 usage plan is managed for each element of target data (data names) in this example. Furthermore, the 603 usage plan includes the priority ranking of the target data and the usable time period for each element of communication means. A storage period can also be set in a similar format.

[0067] Furthermore, the usage plan 603 is created by referencing the corresponding priority ranking setting file 601 and the usage plan setting file 602 from the data type. Additionally, the usage plan 603 can also be created as a separate file or database associated with each element of destination data, or as metadata or a tag for the destination data. The usage plan 603 is also used when the transmission unit 210 transmits the destination data. This specific operation will be described later with reference to Fig. 9 described. Accordingly, the information used in Example 1 has been described above, and an operation and processing of Example 1 is described below.

[0068] Fig. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation on a priority ranking / usage plan setting in Example 1. In step 701, priority ranking setting unit 202 outputs the contents of priority ranking setting file 601 to usage plan setting unit 201. Furthermore, step 701 can be performed either periodically (e.g., regularly) or irregularly. For example, in a case where the setting has been changed, the operation can be performed in a limited way. In this case, only the difference of the changed portion in the contents of priority ranking setting file 601 can be output to usage plan setting unit 201.

[0069] Furthermore, in step 702, data collection unit 204 outputs data not included in the usage plan 603 to the usage plan setting unit 201 under "Parts of Collected Data". Step 702 can also be performed either periodically (e.g., regularly) or irregularly.

[0070] In step 703, the usage plan setting unit 201 creates (sets) the usage plan 603 for the data entered in step 702, based on the priority ranking setting file 601 and the usage plan setting file. Furthermore, in step 704, the usage plan setting unit 201 saves the usage plan 603 created in step 703 to the data storage unit 203. Accordingly, the contents of the Fig. 8 described.

[0071] Next, show Fig. 9 a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a data transfer operation in Example 1.

[0072] That means, Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a processing step in which captured data is transferred from the data collection device 200 to the data collection server 100 as part of the data collection in Example 1. First, in step 801, the transmission unit 210 sends a connection request to the receiving unit 101 of the data collection server 100 using one or more communication means. Not only the receiving unit 101 of the data collection server 100, but also the receiving unit 301 of the relay device can be used as the receiving unit.

[0073] Step 801 can be performed periodically (e.g., regularly) or irregularly. Furthermore, a communication request can be initiated by either the transmission unit 210 or the receiving unit 101. In this step, the transmission unit 210 selects any communication device for the communication means used in this step, i.e., communication device (211, 212, ...). The transmission unit 210 can also sequentially notify each communication device of a communication request for each selection. In this case, the processes in and after step 802 are performed sequentially for each selected communication device.

[0074] It should be noted that in step 801, the communication means can be selected according to the vehicle speed and the vehicle's position information. For example, if the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a constant value, or if the position information differs from the parking space at home, the use of the communication device corresponding to the communication service with the home wireless LAN can be omitted. This can be done similarly in process (2), which is described later.

[0075] Furthermore, in step 802, the receiving unit 101 sends a connection confirmation message to the transmitting unit 210 in response to the connection request in step 801. The transmitting unit 210 then records the communication devices that responded in step 802 as connected.

[0076] Furthermore, in step 803, a search is performed in the transmission unit 210 based on the result of the connection confirmation (step 802). For this purpose, the transmission unit 210 outputs information to the usage plan setting unit 201 to specify the communication means whose connection has been confirmed. In addition, the usage plan setting unit 201 requests the data storage unit 203 to search for data to be transmitted. The data to be transmitted, which serves as the search target, is data specified by the usage plan 603 indicating that the communication means whose connection was confirmed in step 802 are within the usable time period.

[0077] This allows us to determine whether the communication means are within the usable time period by determining whether the time of performing this step falls within the usable time period, or whether a predetermined time or later, starting from the time of performing this step, is included in the usable time period. The usage plan setting unit 201 specifies data within the usable time period by the corresponding communication means using usage plan 603.

[0078] Furthermore, in step 804, the data sought in step 803 (transfer target data) is transferred from data storage unit 203 to transmission unit 210. In this step, transmission unit 210 can perform a realization by reading the requested data from data storage unit 203.

[0079] Furthermore, in step 805, the transmission unit 210 transmits the target transmission data, i.e., the data sought in step 803, to the receiving unit 101 using the communication means whose connection has been confirmed. In this step, if a multitude of communication means are available in a given data usage plan 603, the communication means with a higher priority ranking may be used preferentially, or the multitude of communication means may be used, for example, in parallel. Furthermore, a multitude of communication means may be used sequentially.

[0080] Through the processing described above, it is possible in Example 1 to implement suitable means of communication, i.e., data transmission using the communication device and data collection including data transmission. Furthermore, the processing described in Example 1 allows for the implementation of suitable communication means, i.e., data transmission using the communication device and data collection including data transmission. Fig. The data transfer is illustrated as follows: 9. (1) First, the usage plan setting unit 201 searches for data to be transferred from the data storage unit 203 at a predetermined transfer time. For example, it searches for data that has not been transferred from the data storage unit 203. The predetermined transfer time may be a predetermined transfer cycle or may involve carrying out the present process (within a predetermined period). (2) Next, the Usage Plan Setting Unit 201 specifies communication means that are capable of transmitting the requested data using Usage Plan 603. In this context, "being transmissible" can be determined by whether the transmission time is included within the usable period of Usage Plan 603. (3) Furthermore, the transmission unit 210 transmits a connection request to the receiving unit 101 using the communication means specified in (2), as in step 801. For this purpose, the transmission unit 210 specifies communication means that are capable of sending a notification of connection confirmation from the receiving unit 101. (4) The transmission unit 210 transmits the target data, i.e. the data sought in (1), to the receiving unit 101 using the communication means specified in (3).

[0081] Accordingly, in the above process, the connection request is selected and specified from the data to be transferred (transfer target data) in step 801, and a transfer process is carried out.

[0082] Therefore, the description of each of the sequence diagrams has been carried out above, with the operation and processing of Example 1 being described schematically and more specifically below.

[0083] First, it shows Fig. 10. A diagram to describe an example (part 1) of the data transfer operation in Example 1. The elapsed time is shown on the vertical axis. Fig. 10. The elapsed time since the usage plan was set up. Furthermore, the usable time periods 1, 2, and 3 indicate the usable time periods in the communication channels of priority rankings 1, 2, and 3 in this data.

[0084] Furthermore, in Fig. Only the communication unit with priority rank 1 can be used until the elapsed time reaches 3:00. In a case where the connection to the receiving unit 101 is established by the communication means with priority rank 1 during this period, this data will be processed according to the sequence diagram of Fig. 9 transferred.

[0085] Furthermore, communication channels with priority levels 2 and 3 are unusable until 3:00 has elapsed. Even if a connection to receiving unit 101 is established using communication channels with priority levels 2 and 3 during this period, the data will not be transmitted. By setting the time period during which only high-priority communication channels are usable, it is possible to perform data transmission with maximum effort using only the communication channels prioritized by the user, provided there is a margin for data transmission time limits. Consequently, it is possible to achieve an effect (for example, using a communication service with a lower usage fee) desired by the user at the time the priority ranking is set.

[0086] Furthermore, in Fig. 10. The communication means of priority rank 2 are made available at the time when the elapsed time is 3:00, and the communication means of priority rank 3 are made available at the time when the elapsed time is 6:00, in addition to the communication means of priority rank 1. By using a multitude of communication means, including those of lower priority, as time elapses, it is possible to achieve the effect of reliable data transmission. In this case, where a multitude of communication means are used, a predetermined number or fewer of these communication means can be made available among the usable communication means.

[0087] Furthermore, in Fig. 10. Only the usage plan 603, the connection status, and the elapsed time are used to select the communication means, and measurements and external information such as position information and communication quality are unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to implement both the selection of communication means according to priority ranking and the security of data transmission through a configuration that is simpler than the known example.

[0088] Furthermore, in Fig. 10. All parts of communication equipment become unusable after the elapsed time reaches 18:00.

[0089] In this case, although a connection to the receiving unit 101 is possible, this data will not be transmitted. The data collection device 200 may also have a function for deleting or overwriting such data.

[0090] Next, an example will be described that differs from Fig. 10 differs. Fig. Figure 11 shows a diagram to describe an example (part 2) of the data transfer operation in Example 1. Also in Fig. Item 11 indicates the elapsed time on the vertical axis, specifically the time elapsed since the usage plan was implemented. Furthermore, the usable time periods 1, 2, and 3 indicate the usable time periods in the communication channels corresponding to priority rankings 1, 2, and 3, respectively, within this data.

[0091] In Fig. 11, who separated from Fig. While 10 distinguishes between priority rankings, both 1 and 2 can be used, particularly from the outset. Furthermore, for highly significant data, a variety of communication tools can be used simultaneously from the beginning. In this case, it is possible to achieve the desired effect of conducting reliable data collection in a shorter timeframe.

[0092] Furthermore, in Fig. 11, who separated from Fig. 10 distinguishes a period in which the communication means of priority 3 are usable, not being set. In this case, it is accordingly not possible to use the communication means of priority 3 for the transmission of this data. For example, in a case where the communication means of priority 3 are expensive and the importance of the target data is low, it is possible to achieve an effect of suppressing unnecessary communication by setting the communication means as unusable, as described above.

[0093] Furthermore, as in Fig. Figure 11 illustrates that by setting the transmission period for each element of communication means, it is possible to achieve the effect of carrying out data collection according to the requirements for each element of data. As described above, it illustrates Fig. 11, that communication can be carried out uniformly through any element of communication means from 1:00 to 10:00 and it is not possible to carry out communication thereafter. On the other hand, in Fig. 10. The means of communication that is capable of carrying out communication in a step-by-step manner has been changed.

[0094] Next, another operational example will be presented with reference to Fig. 12 described. Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram to describe an example (part 3) of the data transfer operation in Example 1. Fig. Figure 12 illustrates an example of a case where a communication plan is set not within a usable time period, but within a usable number of times. The elapsed time on the vertical axis indicates the number of transmission attempts since the time the usage plan was set. Furthermore, the usable time periods 1, 2, and 3 indicate the usable number of times in the communication means of priority ranks 1, 2, and 3, respectively, within this data.

[0095] Furthermore, in Fig. 12. Data transmission is carried out only via communication means of priority 1 until the number of data transmission attempts reaches 3. If the number of transmission attempts reaches three and six respectively, communication means of priority 2 and 3 are deactivated.

[0096] In this case too, it is like in the case of Fig. 10. It is possible to achieve an effect of reliable data collection, preferably using the means of communication desired by the user.

[0097] Furthermore, in Fig. 12. Only the usage plan 603, the connection status, and the number of transmission attempts are used to select the communication means, thus making measurements and external information such as position information and communication quality unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to implement both the selection of communication means according to priority ranking and the security of data transmission through a configuration that is simpler than the known example. As described above, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 examples are given here where the usage time is used as the usage restriction, and Fig. 12 is an example where the number of uses is used as the usage restriction. Therefore, the example of Fig. 12. be set up in such a way that it is uniformly usable or unusable, as in Fig. 11 illustrates. Although the description of Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. As previously carried out, the usage plan 603 can also be managed in a format that is in Fig. 10 to Fig. 12 is illustrated.

[0098] Example 1 has been described so far, but the present invention need not be limited to this example. For instance, the utilization plan 603 can also be modified according to the area in which the data collection device 200 is located or the carrier providing the communication service. In this case, the priority ranking setting file 601, the utilization plan setting file 602, and the utilization plan 603 can be prepared and implemented for each area or carrier.

[0099] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to collections of various types of data that are not related to a vehicle. For example, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a PC can be used as the data collection device 200 to collect the user's operating history. Reference symbol list 100 data collection servers 101 Receiving unit 200 data collection device 210 transmission unit 211 Communication device A 212 Communication device B 213 Communication device X 201 Usage Plan - Setting Unit 202 Priority Ranking Hiring Unit 203 Data storage unit 204 Data acquisition unit 302 Relay terminal unit 301 Receiving unit 401 Communication Network 500 data collection sources 501 Sensor 502 Data processing device 601 Priority Ranking Settings File 602 Usage Plan Settings File 603 Usage Plan 900 computers 901 Storage device 902 Calculation processing device 903 Communication device 904 Input / Output Interface QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2021-129212 A

[0005] JP 2021-111884 A

[0005]

Claims

A data collection device configured to collect data, the data collection device comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires the data; a transmission unit corresponding to a plurality of communication means that transmit the acquired data to another device; a priority ranking setting unit that sets a priority ranking for use with respect to the plurality of communication means for each of sets of data parts; and a utilization plan setting unit that sets an availability of the plurality of communication means for each set of data parts based on the priority ranking, the transmission unit transmitting the data via the communication means that are set to be usable by the utilization plan setting unit. The data collection device according to claim 1, wherein the priority ranking setting unit receives a specification of the priority ranking of each set of parts of the data and / or each of the plurality of parts of communication means from a user and sets the priority ranking for the plurality of parts of communication means according to the specification. The data collection device according to claim 1, wherein the usage plan setting unit sets the availability according to a usage restriction for each of the plurality of parts of communication means for each set of parts of the data. The data collection device according to claim 3, wherein the usage restriction is a usable time period which specifies a period of time during which each of the plurality of parts of communication means is usable, and the usable time period of the communication means begins at a later time when the priority ranking decreases. The data collection device according to claim 3, wherein the usage restriction is a usable number of times, which indicates a number of times each of the plurality of parts of communication means is usable, and after the usable number of times for any of the plurality of parts of communication means has been reached, communication means having a lower priority ranking than the corresponding communication means are set to be usable. A data collection procedure by a data collection device for realizing a data collection, the data collection procedure comprising: capturing the data by a data collection unit; enabling data transmission according to a plurality of communication means capable of transmitting the captured data to another device by a transmission unit; setting a priority ranking for the plurality of communication means for each set of data parts by a priority ranking setting unit; setting an availability of the plurality of communication means for each set of data parts based on the priority ranking by a utilization plan setting unit; and transmitting the data via the communication means set to be usable by the utilization plan setting unit by the transmission unit. The data collection method according to claim 6, wherein the priority ranking setting unit receives a specification of the priority ranking of each set of parts of the data and / or each of the plurality of parts of communication means from a user and sets the priority ranking for the plurality of parts of communication means according to the specification. The data collection method according to claim 6, further comprising: setting the availability according to a usage restriction for each of the plurality of parts of communication means for each set of parts of the data by the usage plan setting unit. The data collection method according to claim 8, wherein the usage restriction is a usable time period which specifies a period of time during which each of the plurality of parts of communication means is usable, and the usable time period of the communication means begins at a later time when the priority ranking decreases. The data collection method according to claim 8, wherein the usage restriction is a usable number of times, which indicates a number of times each of the plurality of parts of communication means is usable, and after the usable number of times for any of the plurality of parts of communication means has been reached, communication means having a lower priority ranking than the corresponding communication means are set to be usable. A data collection support system comprising: a data collection device that transmits collected data via communication means selected from a variety of communication means according to a set priority ranking; and a data collection server that receives the transmitted data, collects the received data, accumulates the collected data, makes the data available to a data-using business operator, and specifies a service for the data for a user of the data collection device in response to the provision of the data to the data-using business operator, wherein the service can be provided to the user of the data collection device. The data collection support system according to claim 11, wherein the data collection device receives a priority ranking specification from a user and sets the priority ranking.

Images