Data collection device, data collection method, and data collection system

Abstract

To reliably collect data in accordance with requirements while preferentially using communication means desired by a user.SOLUTION: A data collection device 200 for implementing data collection includes: a data acquisition unit 204 for acquiring the data; a transmission unit 210 corresponding to a plurality of communication means (211, 212...) for transmitting the acquired data to a data collection server 100; a priority order setting unit 202 for setting a priority order for the use of the plurality of communication means for each set of data; and a usage plan setting unit 201 for setting, based on the priority order, whether or not the plurality of communication means can be used for each set of data. The transmission unit 210 transmits the data via the communication means set as being available by the usage plan setting unit 201.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to data collection using a terminal device that functions as a data collection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, data such as sensor data is collected and utilized in various fields. For example, development of services that utilize vehicle data, such as updates for autonomous driving and driving assistance systems, is progressing. To achieve this, continuous collection of sensor data, logs, images, and videos from vehicles is required. Characteristics of data collection in vehicles include the fact that there are many types of data to be collected, the urgency and reliability of collection differs depending on the type, and the fact that multiple communication means and connection destinations are available because the vehicle is mobile. In order to meet the different collection requirements for each data, a method is currently used that uses multiple communication means such as wireless LAN and mobile data communication. It is expected that communication means and connection destinations will continue to diversify in the future, such as user terminals such as smartphones and access points installed on roadside units.

[0003] Here, there are two general problems with collecting data using a mobile terminal device, such as vehicle data. 1. There are diverse requirements regarding data collection (type, cost, transmission deadlines, storage deadlines, etc.). 2. The communication environment changes as the terminal device moves, making data collection uncertain.

[0004] To address these issues, technologies that use multiple communication means according to the data to be transmitted and the communication situation are shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose methods for using multiple communication means according to the requirements for data collection and the current situation.

[0005] First, Patent Document 1 describes giving priority to communication at a predetermined location. For this purpose, Patent Document 1 describes calculating the time required for communication at a predetermined location from the location information of the vehicle and the connection destination, and if the time exceeds a standard, transmitting data using mobile data communication, thereby ensuring reliable data collection within the period. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes obtaining information on communication quality for multiple access points, and selecting a connection destination based on that information, thereby satisfying requirements for data collection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-129212 [Patent Document 2] JP 2021-111884 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described above, multiple communication means can be used in data collection. For this reason, processing such as selection of a communication means is required in data collection. However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not take this into consideration. Therefore, the present invention provides the following: 1. Use of an appropriate communication means, for example, a communication means desired by the user. 2. The objective is to make it possible to simplify data collection equipment.

[0008] First, we will explain item 1. Here, the user refers to the beneficiary of data collection, that is, the business operator who collects the data and the user (including the owner) of the data collection device, which is the terminal device, and the vehicle. Depending on the profit the user seeks, there is data that they would like to collect if it is low cost, and data that they would like to collect reliably even if it is high cost. It is thought that the communication means that should be prioritized will differ depending on the form of communication service provision, the user's contract status, and the profit they are seeking.

[0009] Next, we will explain problem 2. In Patent Document 1, location information is acquired from the outside, and in Patent Document 2, communication quality information is acquired from the outside, thereby solving problem 2. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the data collection device is required to have additional functions and processing capabilities, and to communicate with the outside periodically, which raises concerns about the complication and expansion of the scale of the data collection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Therefore, in the present invention, A data collection device that acquires data sets a priority order for a plurality of communication means used in the data collection device when communicating the acquired data to another device. The present invention also includes identifying a communication means to be used from the plurality of communication means according to the set priority order, and executing data collection by transmitting the acquired data to another device using the identified communication means.

[0011] A more specific configuration is a data collection device for realizing data collection, comprising a data acquisition unit that acquires the data, a transmission unit corresponding to a plurality of communication means that transmits the acquired data to other devices, a priority setting unit that sets a priority for use of the plurality of communication means for each set of data, and a usage plan setting unit that sets whether or not the plurality of communication means can be used for each set of data based on the priority, and the transmission unit is a data collection device that transmits the data via a communication means that has been set as usable by the usage plan setting unit.

[0012] The present invention also includes a data collection method using the data collection device, a data collection support system including the data collection device, and a program for causing a computer to function as the data collection device. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to use a communication means according to the situation regarding data collection and the desires of the user with a simpler configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of devices constituting the data collection system in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a usage pattern of the data collection device 200 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a usage pattern of the data collection device 200 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a priority setting file 601 used by the priority setting unit 202 in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a usage plan setting file 602 used by the usage plan setting unit 201 in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a usage plan 603 created by the usage plan setting unit 201 in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of setting a priority order and a usage plan in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a data transmission operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example (part 1) of a data transmission operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example (part 2) of the data transmission operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example (part 3) of the data transmission operation in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, data collection is performed by a data collection support system including a data collection device 200 provided in a vehicle, which is an example of a moving body, and a data collection server 100 connected to the data collection device 200 via a communication network 401. That is, the data collection device 200 acquires data from a data acquisition source 500, which is represented by a sensor 501 or a data processing device 502, and transmits the data to the data collection server 100, whereby various data are collected by the data collection server 100. More preferably, the data collection server 100 is connected to a plurality of data collection devices 200 and collects data from them. Also, the number of sensors 501 and data processing devices 502 is not limited to one, and a plurality of sensors may be prepared.

[0016] The data collection process in the data collection system of this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, a priority order is set for multiple communication means used by the data collection device 200 to acquire data when communicating the acquired data to other devices. Then, the data collection device 200 identifies a communication means to be used from the multiple communication means according to the set priority order, and executes data collection by transmitting the acquired data to the data collection server 100 using the identified communication means. As a result, the data collection server 100 accumulates the collected data. In addition, a data collection business using the data collection server 100 can provide the collected and accumulated data to a data using business, which can utilize the data.

[0017] In response to this provision, it becomes possible to provide services such as incentives to related parties. Here, the related parties include users (including owners) of the data collection device 200, data collection businesses, and communication businesses. According to this embodiment, data collection using appropriate communication means can be realized with a simpler configuration. Furthermore, by providing incentives for data collection, it is possible to promote the data collection and utilization of the collected data. Below, Example 1, which is a specific example of this embodiment, will be described. EXAMPLES

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in the first embodiment. The system in the first embodiment is configured as a data collection system including a data collection server 100 and a data collection device 200. This data collection system may include a relay terminal 302 and a user terminal 600. In addition, there may be a plurality of relay terminals 302. The data collection server 100, the data collection device 200, and the relay terminal 302 are connected via a communication network 401. There are a plurality of types of communication networks 401, and for example, a mobile data communication network, a wireless LAN, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication path, or a road-to-vehicle communication path may be used. Each device constituting the data collection system will be described below.

[0019] First, the data collection server 100 is a computer that includes a receiving unit 101 and can accumulate data transmitted from the data collection device 200. This may be realized by a cloud. The hardware configuration of the computer that realizes the data collection server 100 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0020] The data collection device 200 is a computer including a plurality of communication devices (211, 212, ...), a transmission unit 210, a usage plan setting unit 201, a priority setting unit 202, a data storage unit 203, and a data acquisition unit 204. In the first embodiment, the data collection device 200 can be realized by an in-vehicle ECU. The hardware configuration of the computer that realizes the data collection device 200 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0021] The components of the data collection device 200 will be described below. The multiple communication devices (211, 212, ...) transmit and receive data corresponding to different communication services (communication methods) and connection destinations. For example, the communication device A211 is a communication device that supports wireless LAN communication, the communication device B212 is a communication device that supports mobile data communication, and the communication device X213 is a communication device that supports connection to the relay terminal 302. Note that, as these communication services, other communication services that can be used include short-range wireless communication, road-to-vehicle communication, ITS spot communication, and tethering communication via a smartphone using short-range wireless communication. Then, from the multiple communication devices (211, 212, ...), a communication device to be used for transmitting data to be collected is selected. More specifically, the priority order setting unit 202 and the usage plan setting unit 201 specify the communication device to be used.

[0022] The operation of each communication device (211, 212, ...) is controlled by the transmitting unit 210 connected thereto. The transmitting unit 210 is compatible with each communication device. Being compatible with each communication device includes realizing data transmission in each communication device, which is hardware, and realizing data transmission in a plurality of communication services (wireless LAN, mobile communication, etc.). Details of the operation of the transmitting unit 210 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9. The communication devices (211, 212, ...) can also be expressed as communication units, and at least a part of the communication devices (211, 212, ...) may be realized by a device other than the data collecting device 200 as a part of the data collecting device 200. For example, each communication device (211, 212, ...) can be realized by a portable router for wireless LAN devices or a smartphone (tethering function).

[0023] Furthermore, the priority setting unit 202 sets a use priority order for the data to be transmitted. This setting may be performed in response to an instruction from a user via an input unit (not shown) or the like, or may be performed according to a predetermined rule. The input unit may be another device connected to the data collection device 200, for example, a user terminal 600 that can be realized by an in-vehicle device such as a smartphone or an in-vehicle information terminal (including an in-vehicle terminal for business use), or may be provided in the data collection device 200. An example of setting the priority order will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. The operation of the priority setting unit 202 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0024] Furthermore, the usage plan setting unit 201 sets and executes a usage plan 603 of the transmission unit 210 for the data to be collected, based on information from the priority order setting unit 202. The operation of the usage plan setting unit 201 will be described later with reference to Figs. 8 and 9.

[0025] Furthermore, the data storage unit 203 stores (accumulates) the data to be collected and the usage plan 603 set by the usage plan setting unit 201 in association with each other.

[0026] The data acquisition unit 204 acquires data to be collected from a data acquisition source 500 such as a sensor 501 or a data processing device 502, and stores the data in the data storage unit 203. Here, the data acquisition source 500 will be described. The sensor 501 of the data acquisition source 500 measures and detects various data, and can be realized by a camera, a temperature sensor, or the like. The data processing device 502 is realized by an in-vehicle information terminal or each microcomputer installed in the vehicle. Therefore, various data related to the running and control of the vehicle (camera images, control signals, vehicle speed, acceleration, position, etc.) are handled as data to be collected. The operations of the data acquisition unit 204 and the data storage unit 203 will be described later in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. This concludes the description of the data collection device 200, but a plurality of data collection devices 200 may be installed in one vehicle, and the data acquired by these plurality of data collection devices 200 may be transmitted to the data collection server 100 by a communication device in another data collection device. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a plurality of data collection servers 100 may be provided, and a data utilization server connected to the data collection servers 100 may be provided.

[0027] The relay terminal 302 is a device for relaying data from the data collection device 200 to the data collection server 100. For this reason, the relay terminal 302 can be realized by a router or a computer including a receiving unit 301. Here, the relay terminal 302 may receive data from the data collection device 200 instead of the data collection server 100.

[0028] The received data may be processed by the data collection device 200 itself, or may be transmitted to the data collection server 100. For this reason, the relay terminal 302 may be realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, an in-vehicle information terminal, a device for road-to-vehicle communication, or a device for vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0029] Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the user terminal 600 is provided separately from the relay terminal 302, but either one of them may be configured. For example, the function of the relay terminal 302 may be implemented in the user terminal 600. The user terminal 600 is used to set the priority order. That is, it accepts a designation of the priority order from a driver or a passenger of the vehicle, which is an example of a user, and notifies the data collection device 200 of this. In response to this, the priority order setting unit 202 can set the priority order as described above. For this reason, the user terminal 600 can be realized by a so-called computer, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or an in-vehicle information terminal. In addition, it is desirable for the user terminal 600 to output the set priority order and the contents of the above-mentioned service. In addition, the user terminal 600 can be omitted.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of devices constituting the data collection system in the first embodiment.

[0031] The data collection server 100, the data collection device 200, the relay terminal 302, and the user terminal 600 can each be realized by a computer 900 as shown in Fig. 2. The computer 900 has a storage device 901, a calculation processing device 902, a communication device 903, and an input / output interface 904, which are connected to each other.

[0032] First, the storage device 901 may include a so-called main storage device, which is, for example, a semiconductor memory, and a so-called auxiliary storage device, which is, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. The storage device 901 stores programs and data to be executed by the calculation processing device 902.

[0033] Moreover, the calculation processing device 902 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, and executes various processes according to the programs stored in the storage device 901. The calculation processing device 902 operates according to the programs, thereby realizing the various functional units shown in Fig. 1. For example, the functions of the usage plan setting unit 201 and the priority setting unit 202 of the data collection device 200 are realized by the calculation processing device 902 operating according to the programs stored in the storage device 901 in the computer 900 corresponding to the data collection device 200.

[0034] The communication device 903 is an interface for connection to a communication network. For example, the transmission unit 210 of the data collection device 200 is realized by the communication device 903 of the computer 900 corresponding to the data collection device 200. The transmission unit 210 is connected to the communication network 401, and communicates with the reception unit 101 of the data collection server 100 and the reception unit 301 of the relay terminal 302, which are similarly realized by the communication device 903 of the computer 900.

[0035] Note that a plurality of communication devices 903 may be provided in the data collection device 200, or the communication device 903 may be capable of communication using a plurality of communication services. In the former case, the priority order setting unit 202 and the usage plan setting unit 201 identify a communication device used for data transmission from a plurality of communication devices, and in the latter case, a communication service is specified. In this way, the identification and selection of the communication means in the first embodiment includes the selection of hardware such as a communication device, a communication service (communication method) such as a communication service, and software.

[0036] The input / output interface 904 may include an input device such as at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, and an output device such as an image display device. Here, the input / output interface 904 may be omitted, and its functions may be realized by other devices. For example, input of the priority order to the data collection device 200 may be realized via the user terminal 600.

[0037] Next, an example of a usage form in the embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of a usage form of the data collection device 200 in the embodiment 1. In this first usage form, a data using company, a data collecting company, a vehicle owner (user), and a communication company are involved as related parties.

[0038] First, the framework and mechanism of the business including the flow of data among the various parties involved will be described. Driving information (data to be collected) of vehicle owners is collected by a data collection business via a communication network (communication network 401) provided by a communication business. The collected data is then provided by the data collection business to a data user through sales or the like. For this reason, there is a business relationship between the data collection business and the data user business, such as buying and selling of data.

[0039] As a result, the collected data is utilized by the data user. For example, the data is analyzed, accident risks are calculated, and automobile insurance is developed and driving assistance maps are created and updated. Then, services such as automobile insurance and driving assistance maps that are the results of these analyses are provided to vehicle owners. The provision of this service also includes the provision of incentives such as compensation. For example, the vehicle owner can use the compensation to pay communication fees to the communication carrier. For this reason, so-called points can be used as compensation. Furthermore, this compensation may be limited to use for communication fees for communication of the above-mentioned driving information.

[0040] Next, the information processing for realizing the business framework and mechanism will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The data collection device 200 transmits driving information data, such as vehicle sensor values ​​and images, to the data collection server 100 managed by the vehicle collection business operator. The data collection business operator provides or sells the collected data to the data user business operator with which it is affiliated, according to demand. For this purpose, the data collection server 100 performs access control so that the data user business operator can access the collected data, and transmits the collected data to a computer used by the data user business operator.

[0041] Then, the data using business uses the obtained data and the analysis results to provide services to the vehicle owner. In other words, developed insurance products and driving assistance maps are provided. For this purpose, a computer used by the data using business transmits insurance product enrollment guides and driving assistance maps to a computer used by the vehicle owner, such as the user terminal 600. Furthermore, the computer used by the data using business may transmit points, etc., as a service, to the computer used by the owner.

[0042] The owner of the vehicle enters into a contract with a communication carrier for use of the communication service from the vehicle, including the data collection device 200, and pays the communication fee. As described above, the payment may be made using transmitted points or the like. The communication service may vary in communication fee or communication quality depending on the amount of use. A contract may be made with multiple communication carriers depending on the communication area, communication amount, and fee. As the communication service, for example, mobile data communication, which is generally high-cost, highly reliable, and usable in a wide area, and home wireless LAN, which is generally low-cost and has a limited area of ​​use, may be used. For example, the priority order of the use of communication means for data may be set according to the service provided by the data use carrier and the fee for data collection obtained from the data collection carrier.

[0043] Examples of services provided by the data using business operator may include reflecting driving conditions in insurance premiums, vehicle price assessment, and driving assistance maps. Examples of compensation for data collection may include points, discounts, coupons, etc. Regarding use of the home LAN as a communication service, the transmitting unit 210 may determine whether or not it can be used depending on the moving speed and location of the vehicle or the data collecting device 200. That is, if the location is near the owner's home or the vehicle's parking lot, the speed is below a certain speed, and the home LAN is available, it is selected from multiple communication services.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the priority order of the data collection device 200 is set by the owner of the vehicle. For example, a high-cost but highly reliable communication means may be preferentially used for data required for the vehicle owner to receive a service desired by the vehicle owner, and a low-cost communication means (communication service) may be preferentially used for collection of other data. Alternatively, a high-cost but highly reliable communication means may be preferentially used for data for which the cost of data collection is high, such as data from areas with little data or data from new car models.

[0045] The owner of the vehicle in this example does not have to be an individual. For example, a rental car company, taxi company, or transportation company may set the priority order for each of the multiple vehicles they manage. For example, the above-mentioned priority order may be set according to the driving history of the actual driver, such as past violations and accidents, and the planned driving route. In this case, the driver, as well as the manager of the vehicle, may set the priority order.

[0046] By allowing the vehicle owner to set the priority order of communication means as described above, the vehicle owner can obtain the service or data collection he desires at the cost he desires.

[0047] The first example of the usage form in the first embodiment has been described above, and the second example will now be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the second example of the usage form of the data collection device 200 in the first embodiment. In the second example, the data using business, the data collecting business, the vehicle owner (user), and the communication company are also involved as related parties in this first usage form. However, the data collecting business and the data using business are the same or are an affiliated automobile manufacturer.

[0048] First, the driving information collected from the data collection device 200 is used to update vehicle software provided by the automobile manufacturer. The vehicle software may be, for example, an auxiliary program or an ECU control program used for driving assistance or automatic driving. In this example, the service provided is the distribution of the auxiliary program or the ECU control program. For this reason, the data collection server 100 or a computer used by the data user distributes these to a computer used by the owner, such as a user terminal 600, or the data collection device 200.

[0049] In addition, the automobile manufacturer pays the telecommunications carrier all or part of the communication fee for collecting the data required for these updates (distribution). The contract form for the communication fee varies depending on the communication volume of all vehicles. The telecommunications carrier may have multiple contracts depending on the communication area, communication volume, and fee.

[0050] In this example, the priority order of the data collection device 200 is set by the automobile manufacturer, which is the data collection business operator. In other words, the priority order of communication means for data is set so that desired data can be collected while suppressing the payment fee for the contracted communication service. For example, a high-cost but highly reliable communication means may be used preferentially for data related to failures, errors, and accidents, which are important in software updates, and a low-cost communication means may be used preferentially for data that is constantly generated and is less important. Alternatively, a high-cost but highly reliable communication means may be used preferentially for data for which the opportunity to collect data is limited, such as data from areas with little data or data from new car models.

[0051] By setting the priority order of communication means as described above, the data collection business operator can collect the data he or she desires at a cost that meets his or her desires. This concludes the explanation of the usage form of the first embodiment.

[0052] Next, information (files) used in the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a priority setting file 601 used by the priority setting unit 202 in the first embodiment. The priority setting file 601 records data priorities and communication means priorities used for data collection. The priority setting file 601 may be set by communication from outside the vehicle. Furthermore, the priority setting file 601 may be set by an interface (input / output interface 904) in the in-vehicle device or the user terminal 600. The priority setting file 601 may be held by the priority setting unit 202 or the data storage unit 203.

[0053] In this embodiment, the higher the priority (the smaller the number), the higher the priority, for example, priority 1 takes precedence over priority 2. The higher the communication means priority, the more preferentially the communication means is used. The communication means priority is set for each communication device (211, 212,...).

[0054] Furthermore, the priorities in the priority setting file 601 may be set for each type of data to be collected. For example, different priorities may be set for camera footage to be collected in an emergency and driving records during normal times. Furthermore, the priorities in the priority setting file 601 may be set by the user. For example, the user may set wireless LAN, which is a low-cost communication means, to a higher priority than mobile data communication, which is a higher-cost communication means, depending on the fee structure of the communication service to which the user subscribes. Furthermore, the data priority order may be selected based on the service benefits and incentives obtained from the type of data to be collected.

[0055] Here, at least one of the data priority order and the communication means priority order can be set according to an input from the user. When only the data priority order is set, the communication means priority order that is set in advance for each data priority order is assigned. For example, the communication means priority order for data priority order 1 may be set in advance by a service provider or the like, and the user may select which data is to be assigned data priority order 1. However, the data priority order and the communication means priority order may be set by the priority order setting unit 202 according to a predetermined rule.

[0056] In addition, the items in the priority setting file 601 may be set by the user individually, or the data collection service provider may prepare several setting candidates from which the user may select. Furthermore, the priority setting unit 202 may set at least a part of the items, or item candidates may be prepared and modified by the user.

[0057] Furthermore, the priority setting file 601 is input to the usage plan setting unit 201 and is used when setting a usage plan 603 for data to be transmitted. A specific operation will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0058] Next, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a usage plan setting file used by the usage plan setting unit 201 in the first embodiment. The usage plan setting file 602 records the available period or the number of times that the communication means of each priority order can be used in data collection. In other words, the usage plan setting file 602 records the usage restrictions of each communication means. The available period and the number of times that the communication means can be used, which are examples of the usage restrictions, may be set either one or a combination of them. Also, each setting item may be set for each data type.

[0059] According to the first embodiment, the usage plan setting file 602 can be set by a business entity that provides a data collection service. The usage plan setting file 602 may be placed in the usage plan setting unit 201 by communication from outside the vehicle. Furthermore, the usage plan setting file 602 may be set by an interface (input / output interface 904) in the in-vehicle device or the user terminal 600. The usage plan setting file 602 may be held by the usage plan setting unit 201 or the data storage unit 203.

[0060] It is not necessary to specifically set the communication means for each priority in the usage plan setting file 602. For example, the available period of the communication means of priority 2 is set, but whether the communication means of priority 2 is wireless LAN or mobile data communication is set by the priority setting file 601. However, the usage plan setting file 602 may specify the communication means.

[0061] According to the first embodiment, the available period for the communication means of each priority is set based on the reference time. For example, "priority 2:00d03h00m-30d00h00m" means that "the communication means of priority 2 is available from 3 hours to 30 days after the reference time." The data generation time or the usage plan setting time may be used as the reference time.

[0062] According to the first embodiment, the number of times that the communication means of each priority can be used can be set based on the number of transmission attempts. For example, "priority 2: 3-18 times" means that "if the number of transmission attempts of the data is 3 to 18 times, the communication means of priority 2 can be used."

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the higher the priority (the smaller the number), the more priority is given, and a communication means with a lower priority can be made available for a longer period of time or for a later number of transmission attempts than a communication means with a higher priority.

[0064] The usage plan setting file 602 is used when setting a usage plan 603 for data to be transmitted. A specific operation will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0065] Next, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a usage plan 603 created by the usage plan setting unit 201 in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the usage plan 603 in this embodiment is managed for each piece of data to be transmitted (data name). The usage plan 603 also includes the priority order of the data to be transmitted and the available period of each communication means. The retention period may also be set in a similar format.

[0066] The usage plan 603 is created by referring to the priority setting file 601 and the usage plan setting file 602 corresponding to the data type. The usage plan 603 may be created as a separate file or database associated with each data to be transmitted, or as metadata or tags for the data to be transmitted. Furthermore, the usage plan 603 is used when the transmitting unit 210 transmits the data to be transmitted. The specific operation will be described later with reference to FIG. 9. This concludes the description of the information used in the first embodiment, and the operation and processing of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0067] 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of setting priority order and usage plan in the first embodiment. In step 701, the priority order setting unit 202 outputs the contents of the priority order setting file 601 to the usage plan setting unit 201. Furthermore, step 701 may be executed either periodically (for example, periodically) or irregularly. For example, it may be executed in a limited manner when there is a change in the settings. Furthermore, in this step, only the difference of the changed part of the contents of the priority order setting file 601 may be output to the usage plan setting unit 201.

[0068] Furthermore, in step 702, the data acquiring unit 204 outputs, from among the acquired data, data that has not been set in the usage plan 603 to the usage plan setting unit 201. Step 702 may also be executed either periodically (for example, periodically) or irregularly.

[0069] Furthermore, in step 703, the usage plan setting unit 201 creates (sets) a usage plan 603 based on the priority setting file 601 and the usage plan setting file for the data input in step 702. Furthermore, in step 704, the usage plan setting unit 201 stores the usage plan 603 created in step 703 in the data storage unit 203. This concludes the explanation of FIG.

[0070] Next, Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a data transmission operation in the first embodiment. That is, Fig. 9 shows a process in which acquired data is transmitted from the data collecting device 200 to the data collecting server 100 as a part of data collection in the first embodiment. First, in step 801, the transmitting unit 210 notifies the receiving unit 101 of the data collecting server 100 of a connection request using one or more communication means. Here, as the receiving unit, not only the receiving unit 101 of the data collecting server 100 but also the receiving unit 301 of the relay device may be used.

[0071] Furthermore, step 801 may be performed periodically (for example, periodically) or irregularly. The notification of the connection request from the transmitting unit 210 may be initiated by either the transmitting unit 210 or the receiving unit 101. Here, the transmitting unit 210 selects an arbitrary communication device as the communication means to be used in this step, that is, the communication device (211, 212, ...). Then, the transmitting unit 210 may notify each communication device of the communication request in sequence for each selection. In this case, the processing from step 802 onwards is executed in sequence for each selected communication device.

[0072] In step 801, the communication means may be screened out according to the vehicle speed and location information. For example, if the vehicle speed is above a certain level or the location information is other than the parking lot at home, the use of a communication device that provides communication services with a home LAN can be omitted. This can also be done in the process of (2) described later.

[0073] Also, in step 802, the receiving unit 101 returns a notification of connection confirmation to the transmitting unit 210 in response to the connection request in step 801. The transmitting unit 210 records the communication means for which a response was received in step 802 as being connected.

[0074] Furthermore, in step 803, a search is performed according to the result of the connection confirmation (step 802) in the transmitting unit 210. For this purpose, the transmitting unit 210 outputs information for identifying the communication means for which the connection has been confirmed to the usage plan setting unit 201. Furthermore, the usage plan setting unit 201 requests the data storage unit 203 to search for data to be transmitted. Here, the data to be transmitted that is the subject of the search is data that the usage plan 603 indicates is that the communication means for which the connection has been confirmed in step 802 is within the available period.

[0075] Here, whether it is within the available period can be determined by whether the execution time of this step is within the available period, or whether a predetermined time after the execution time of this step is included in the available period. Then, the usage plan setting unit 201 uses the usage plan 603 to identify data within the available period for the relevant communication means.

[0076] In step 804, the data searched for in step 803 (data to be transmitted) is passed from data storage unit 203 to transmission unit 210. This step can be realized by transmission unit 210 reading out the searched data from data storage unit 203.

[0077] In step 805, the transmitting unit 210 transmits the data to be transmitted, i.e., the data searched for in step 803, to the receiving unit 101 using the communication means whose connection has been confirmed. In this step, in the usage plan 603 for certain data, if multiple communication means are available, the communication means with the highest priority may be used first, or the multiple communication means may be used in parallel, for example. Furthermore, the multiple communication means may be used sequentially.

[0078] By the above process, data transmission using an appropriate communication means, that is, a communication device, and data collection including the data transmission can be realized in the embodiment 1. Moreover, the data transmission shown in FIG.

[0079] (1) First, the usage plan setting unit 201 searches for data to be transmitted at a predetermined transmission timing from the data storage unit 203. For example, untransmitted data is searched for from the data storage unit 203. Here, the predetermined transmission timing may be a predetermined transmission cycle, or may include when this process is executed (within a predetermined period including the time), etc.

[0080] (2) Next, the usage plan setting unit 201 identifies a communication means capable of transmitting the searched data, using the usage plan 603. Here, whether or not the data is transmittable can be determined based on whether the transmission timing is included in the available period of the usage plan 603.

[0081] (3) The transmitting unit 210 also transmits a connection request to the receiving unit 101 by using the communication means identified in (2) in the same manner as in step 801. Then, the transmitting unit 210 identifies a communication means by which the receiving unit 101 can notify the receiving unit 101 of a connection confirmation.

[0082] (4) Then, the transmitting unit 210 transmits the data to be transmitted, that is, the data searched for in (1), to the receiving unit 101 using the communication means specified in (3).

[0083] In the above process, the connection request in step 801 is selected and specified from the data to be transmitted (data to be transmitted), and transmission processing is executed.

[0084] This concludes the explanation of each sequence diagram, and the operations and processing of the first embodiment will now be explained in a schematic and more specific manner.

[0085] First, Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example (part 1) of the data transmission operation in the first embodiment. In Fig. 10, the elapsed time on the vertical axis indicates the elapsed time from the time when the usage plan was set. Also, available periods 1, 2, and 3 indicate the available periods for the communication means of priority 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in this data.

[0086] 10, only the communication means with priority order 1 can be used until the elapsed time reaches 3:00. If a connection to the receiving unit 101 is established by the communication means with priority order 1 during this period, the data is transmitted according to the sequence diagram in FIG.

[0087] Furthermore, communication means with priorities 2 and 3 cannot be used until the elapsed time reaches 3:00. Even if a connection to the receiving unit 101 is established during this period by a communication means with priorities 2 and 3, the data will not be transmitted. By setting a period during which only communication means with high priority can be used, best-effort data transmission can be performed using only the communication means prioritized by the user while there is still time before the data transmission deadline. This provides the effect that the user desired when setting the priority (for example, the use of a communication service with lower usage fees).

[0088] 10, at 3:00, the communication means with priority 2 becomes available, and at 6:00, the communication means with priority 3 becomes available in addition to the communication means with priority 1. By using multiple communication means, including communication means with lower priorities as time passes, the effect of ensuring reliable data transmission can be achieved. Here, when using multiple communication means, a predetermined number of communication means or less may be allowed to be used among the available communication means.

[0089] 10, only the usage plan 603, the connection status, and the elapsed time are used to select the communication means, and no measurement or external information such as location information or communication quality is required. This makes it possible to achieve both the selection of the communication means according to the priority order and the reliability of data transmission with a configuration simpler than that of the known example.

[0090] 10, all communication means are unavailable after 18:00. In this case, even if a connection to the receiving unit 101 is possible, the data is not transmitted. The data collection device 200 may be provided with a function to delete or overwrite such data.

[0091] Next, an example different from that shown in Fig. 10 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example (part 2) of the data transmission operation in the first embodiment. In Fig. 11 as well, the elapsed time on the vertical axis indicates the elapsed time from when the usage plan was set. Also, available periods 1, 2, and 3 indicate available periods for the communication means with priorities 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in this data.

[0092] In Fig. 11, unlike Fig. 10, both priority levels 1 and 2 can be used from the beginning. For data with high importance, multiple communication methods can be used simultaneously from the beginning like this. In that case, the effect of reliable data collection in a shorter period of time can be obtained.

[0093] Also, unlike Fig. 10, Fig. 11 does not set a period during which the communication means with priority level 3 can be used. In this case, the communication means with priority level 3 cannot be used to transmit this data. For example, if the communication means with priority level 3 is expensive and the importance of the target data is low, setting it as an unusable communication means in this way has the effect of reducing unnecessary communication.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 11, by setting the transmission period for each communication means, it is possible to collect data according to the requirements for each piece of data. As shown above, Fig. 11 shows that communication is possible using any communication means from 1:00 to 10:00, and that communication is not possible after that. In contrast, Fig. 10 shows that the communication means that are possible for communication are changed in a more gradual manner.

[0095] Next, another operation example will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining one example (part 3) of data transmission operation in the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is an example in which a communication plan is set based on the number of times that it can be used, rather than the period that it can be used. The elapsed time on the vertical axis indicates the number of transmission attempts made since the usage plan was set. Also, the periods that it can be used 1, 2, and 3 indicate the number of times that it can be used for communication means with priorities 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for this data.

[0096] 12, data transmission is performed only through the communication means with priority 1 until the number of transmission attempts reaches 3. When the number of transmission attempts reaches 3 and 6, the communication means with priority 2 and 3 become available, respectively.

[0097] In this case as well, the effect of reliably collecting data can be obtained while giving priority to the communication means desired by the user, as in the case of FIG.

[0098] Furthermore, in Fig. 12, only the usage plan 603, the connection status and the number of transmission attempts are used to select a communication means, and no measurement or external information such as location information or communication quality is required. This makes it possible to achieve both the selection of a communication means according to priority and the reliability of data transmission with a configuration simpler than that of the known example. As described above, Figs. 10 and 11 are examples in which the usage time is used as the usage limit, and Fig. 12 is an example in which the number of uses is used as the usage limit. For this reason, the example of Fig. 12 may be set to be available or unavailable uniformly as in Fig. 11. This concludes the explanation of Figs. 10 to 12, but the usage plan 603 may be managed in the format shown in Figs. 10 to 12.

[0099] Although the description of the first embodiment is finished above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the usage plan 603 may be changed according to the area where the data collection device 200 is located or the carrier that provides the communication service. In this case, the priority setting file 601, the usage plan setting file 602, and the usage plan 603 may be prepared for each area or each carrier.

[0100] The present invention can also be applied to the collection of various data other than that of vehicles. For example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC may be used as the data collection device 200 to collect the operation history of a user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100 Data Collection Servers 101 Receiving unit 200 Data Acquisition Device 210 Transmitter 211 Communication device A 212 Communication device B 213 Communication device X 201 Usage Plan Setting Unit 202 Priority Setting Unit 203 Data Storage Department 204 Data Acquisition Department 302 Relay terminal 301 Receiving unit 401 Communication Network 500 Data source 501 Sensors 502 Data Processing Device 601 Priority Configuration File 602 Usage plan configuration file 603 Usage Plan 900 Computers 901 Storage device 902 Computer Processing Device 903 Communication equipment 904 Input / Output Interface

Claims

1. A data collection device for realizing data collection, A data acquisition unit that acquires the data; A transmission unit corresponding to a plurality of communication means for transmitting the acquired data to another device; a priority setting unit that sets a priority for use of the plurality of communication means for each of the data sets; a usage plan setting unit that sets whether or not the plurality of communication means are available for each set of data based on the priority order; The transmission unit is a data collection device that transmits the data via a communication means that has been set as available by the usage plan setting unit.

2. 2. The data collection device according to claim 1, The priority setting unit is a data collection device that receives a designation of a priority for each of the data sets and / or each of the plurality of communication means from a user, and sets the priority for the plurality of communication means in accordance with the designation.

3. 2. The data collection device according to claim 1, The usage plan setting unit is a data collection device that sets the availability of each of a plurality of communication means in accordance with usage restrictions for each set of data.

4. 4. The data collection device according to claim 3, The usage restriction is an available period indicating a period during which each of the plurality of communication means is available, and the lower the priority level, the later the available period for that communication means starts.

5. 4. The data collection device according to claim 3, The usage limit is a number of times that each of the multiple communication means can be used, and after the number of times that any of the multiple communication means can be used is reached, the data collection device allows a communication means with a lower priority than that communication means to be used.

6. A data collection method using a data collection device for achieving data collection, comprising: A data acquisition unit acquires the data, a transmission unit that enables data transmission in accordance with a plurality of communication means capable of transmitting the acquired data to another device; a priority setting unit sets a priority for each of the plurality of communication means for each of the data sets; a usage plan setting unit sets whether or not the plurality of communication means can be used for each set of data based on the priority order; A data collection method, comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the data via a communication means that is set as available by the usage plan setting unit;

7. 7. The data collection method according to claim 6, A data collection method in which the priority setting unit receives a designation of a priority for each of the data sets and / or each of the plurality of communication means from a user, and sets the priority for the plurality of communication means in accordance with the designation.

8. 7. The data collection method according to claim 6, The data collection method, wherein the usage plan setting unit sets the availability of each of a plurality of communication means in accordance with usage restrictions for each set of data.

9. 9. The data collection method according to claim 8, The data collection method, wherein the usage restriction is an available period indicating a period during which each of the plurality of communication means is available, and the lower the priority level, the later the available period of the communication means starts.

10. 9. The data collection method according to claim 8, The data collection method includes a usage limit indicating the number of times each of the plurality of communication means can be used, and after the number of times that each of the plurality of communication means can be used has been reached, a communication means having a lower priority than that communication means is allowed to be used.

11. a data collection device that transmits acquired data via a communication means selected from a plurality of communication means in accordance with a set priority order; Receive the transmitted data; a data collection server that collects the received data, stores the collected data, provides the data to a data user, and specifies a service for the data to a user of the data collection device in response to the provision of the data to the data user; A data collection support system that can provide the service to users of the data collection devices.

12. The data collection support system according to claim 11, The data collection device is a data collection support system that receives the priority order designation from a user and sets the priority order.

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