Vehicle inspection support system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle inspection support system that can improve efficiency in vehicle inspection and suppress variation in determination caused by experience values of inspectors.SOLUTION: A vehicle inspection support system 1 includes an on-vehicle device 11 and a portable terminal 20. The on-vehicle device 11 includes a vehicle control unit 13 that controls a vehicle instrument 14 on the basis of control signals from the portable terminal 20. The portable terminal 20 includes: a display unit capable of displaying the inspection content; an input unit that accepts input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle instrument 14 when control of the vehicle instrument 14 is necessary; a terminal control unit 22 capable of generating control signals on the basis of the input; and recognition means 24 that recognizes the vehicle 10 by a predetermined operation of the portable terminal 20 by the inspector toward the vehicle 10. When the recognition means 24 recognizes the vehicle 10, the inspection content is activated. The inspection content includes a plurality of inspection items linked to inspection methods and inspection contents corresponding to the vehicle 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle inspection support system.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, operators of commercial vehicles such as taxis and trucks are obliged to inspect the vehicle before operation. For this reason, systems for supporting pre-operation inspection of vehicles have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, in the business of commercial vehicles, there is a shortage of drivers due to aging and a shortage of workers. Under such circumstances, since overtime work hours are reduced due to the amendment of the law related to work style reform, etc., efficiency is required in driver operations. In particular, further efficiency is required in the pre-operation inspection that is carried out daily. In addition, in the pre-operation inspection, especially visual inspection, it is often judged based on the experience of the inspector (for example, the driver). On the other hand, when a new driver is hired as a countermeasure against the amendment of the law related to work style reform, etc., there is a risk of errors in judgment and omission of inspection items due to lack of experience in the pre-operation inspection. As described above, there is room for improvement in vehicle inspection (pre-operation inspection).

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle inspection support system that can achieve efficiency in vehicle inspection and suppress variations in judgment based on the experience value of the inspector.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to achieve the above-described object, the vehicle inspection support system according to the present invention is characterized as follows. A vehicle inspection support system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a portable terminal carried by an inspector of the vehicle and having inspection content for the vehicle, wherein the in-vehicle device has a vehicle control unit that controls vehicle equipment based on a control signal from the portable terminal, and the portable terminal has a display unit capable of displaying the inspection content, an input unit that receives an input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment when control of the vehicle equipment is necessary, a terminal control unit capable of generating the control signal based on the input, and a recognition means for recognizing the vehicle by a predetermined operation of the portable terminal on the vehicle by the inspector, wherein when the recognition means recognizes the vehicle, the inspection content is activated, the inspection content includes a plurality of inspection items associated with an inspection method and inspection content corresponding to the vehicle, and is a vehicle inspection support system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when control of vehicle equipment is necessary, the terminal control unit generates a control signal based on an input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment, and based on this control signal, the vehicle control unit controls the vehicle equipment. Thereby, according to the present invention, for example, it is not necessary to go back and forth inside and outside the vehicle for control and inspection of vehicle equipment, and efficiency can be improved. Further, according to the present invention, by a predetermined operation of the mobile terminal on the vehicle by the inspector, the recognition means of the mobile terminal recognizes the vehicle, and inspection content including a plurality of inspection items linked to the inspection method and inspection content is activated. Thereby, the present invention can suppress the variation in judgment based on the inspector's experience value, for example, by enriching the description of the inspection method and inspection content linked to the plurality of inspection items.

[0008] The present invention has been briefly described above. Further, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through the embodiments (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") for carrying out the invention described below with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to each drawing, a vehicle inspection support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle inspection support system 1 includes an in-vehicle device 11 mounted on a vehicle 10 and a portable terminal 20 carried by an inspector (e.g., a driver, etc.) of the vehicle 10 and having inspection content for the vehicle 10, and communication is performed between the in-vehicle device 11 and the portable terminal 20. Note that the "content" of the present invention is, for example, an application (so-called "smartphone app") executed on the portable terminal 20 or the like.

[0012] The vehicle 10 includes an in-vehicle device 11 and various vehicle devices 14, and the in-vehicle device 11 includes a communication unit 12 and a control unit 13 (corresponding to the "vehicle control unit" of the present invention) (see FIG. 1).

[0013] The communication unit 12 can communicate with the communication unit 21 of the portable terminal 20 described later by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 12 receives, for example, a control signal of the vehicle device 14 from the communication unit 21.

[0014] The control unit 13 has, for example, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates according to a program stored in the memory, and controls the vehicle device 14 according to a control signal received from the portable terminal 20. Further, the control unit 13 controls the travelable / non-travelable state of the vehicle 10.

[0015] The vehicle device 14 is various devices that can be controlled by the control unit 13, and is, for example, devices such as a headlight, a blinker, a hazard lamp, and a tail light. Note that, for example, a speaker, a light, etc. (not shown) may be provided in the vehicle device 14 that is an inspection point during vehicle inspection. When these are provided, based on the control signal received by the control unit 13 from the portable terminal 20, the control unit 13 can output sound, light, etc. from the speaker, the light, etc. to make the inspector perceive the inspection point.

[0016] The mobile terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22 (corresponding to the "terminal control unit" of the present invention), a touch panel 23 (corresponding to the "display unit" and "input unit" of the present invention), a recognition means 24, and a storage unit 25 (see FIG. 1). The mobile terminal 20 is a device such as a smartphone.

[0017] The communication unit 21 can communicate with the communication unit 12 of the in-vehicle device 11 or an external server, etc. either by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 21, for example, transmits a control signal of the vehicle device 14 to the communication unit 12 of the in-vehicle device 11.

[0018] The control unit 22 has, for example, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates according to a program stored in the memory, and generates a control signal of the vehicle device 14 for the in-vehicle device 11. Further, after the inspection is completed, the control unit 22 can reflect the inspection results input on the inspection content on an inspection form (see FIG. 5) such as a daily report.

[0019] The touch panel 23 can receive an input operation by a touch panel arranged over the display screen of the mobile terminal 20. The touch panel 23 serves as both a display unit and an input unit.

[0020] The recognition means 24 is a means for recognizing the vehicle 10 by a predetermined operation of the mobile terminal 20 on the vehicle 10 by an inspector. The recognition means 24 is, for example, an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag or NFC reader incorporating an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, ultra-wideband wireless communication (UWB: Ultra Wide Band), a camera of the mobile terminal 20, etc. Therefore, examples of the method for recognizing the vehicle 10 by the recognition means 24 include short-range wireless communication (NFC), ultra-wideband wireless communication (UWB), image analysis, reading of a code provided on the vehicle 10, etc. That is, the above-mentioned predetermined operation is, for example, holding the mobile terminal 20 over the vehicle or reading a code provided on the vehicle.

[0021] The storage unit 25 stores, for example, an inspection form (see FIG. 5) such as a daily report. Further, the storage unit 25 stores, for example, a program for the mobile terminal 20 to realize various functions.

[0022] Note that the mobile terminal 20 may further include an audio output unit. The audio output unit may be, for example, a general speaker capable of outputting audio, and may be provided in the mobile terminal 20 or may be connected (retrofit) to the mobile terminal 20.

[0023] Next, an example of the operation of the vehicle inspection support system 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 2. When an inspector holds the mobile terminal 20 near the vehicle 10 or reads a code provided on the vehicle 10 with the mobile terminal 20, etc., the vehicle inspection support system 1 is started.

[0024] When a predetermined operation such as holding the mobile terminal 20 near the vehicle 10 is performed by the inspector, the mobile terminal 20 recognizes the vehicle 10 (Sp1), and the inspection content is activated by the control unit 22 (Sp2). Note that when the inspector approaches the vehicle 10, the mobile terminal 20 may recognize the vehicle 10 (Sp1), and the inspection content may be automatically activated (Sp2). When the inspection content is activated, a plurality of inspection items associated with the inspection method and inspection content corresponding to the vehicle 10 recognized by the mobile terminal 20 are displayed (Sp3). The plurality of inspection items are displayed on the mobile terminal 20 as shown in FIG. 3, for example. Thereby, the inspector can confirm the inspection items.

[0025] In Sp3, the control unit 22 detects the current or next inspection location from a plurality of inspection items (inspection item list), generates a control signal for the control unit 13 to cause the inspector to perceive the current or next inspection location, and based on this control signal, the control unit 13 may output sound, light, etc. from a speaker, light, etc. corresponding to the current or next inspection location.

[0026] Then, whether control of vehicle equipment is necessary as an inspection item is determined by the control unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 or by the inspector's input to the touch panel 23 on the inspection content (Sp4).

[0027] When it is determined that control of vehicle equipment is necessary (Yes in Sp4), a control signal is generated by the control unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 (Sp5), the control signal is communicated via the communication units 21, 12, and the vehicle equipment 14 is controlled by the control unit 13 of the in-vehicle device 11 (Sp6). Thereafter, it is determined whether the inspection of all items is completed (Sp7). On the other hand, when it is determined that control of vehicle equipment is unnecessary (No in Sp4), the process proceeds to Sp7.

[0028] Between Sp4 and Sp7, the inspector inspects the vehicle 10. In this inspection, for example, when a visual inspection item is selected from the inspection item list, as shown in FIG. 4, the reference value and image of the inspection location are displayed. The inspector compares the reference value and image with the state of the vehicle 10, and if the requirements are met, the checklist can be marked as "〇", and if the requirements are not met, the checklist can be marked as "×". In this way, the inspection of various inspection locations is carried out.

[0029] In Sp7, when it is determined that the inspection of all items is completed (Yes in Sp7), the inspection result is stored on the inspection content or in the storage unit 25, etc. (Sp8), and thereafter, it is determined by the control unit 13 or the control unit 22 whether the vehicle 10 is in a state where there are no maintenance defects and can run based on the inspection result (Sp9). On the other hand, in Sp7, when it is determined that the inspection of all items is not completed (No in Sp7), the process returns to Sp4.

[0030] When it is determined at Sp9 that there are no maintenance defects or the like in the vehicle 10 based on the inspection results and the vehicle 10 is drivable (Yes at Sp9), the control unit 13 changes the vehicle 10 from the non-drivable state to the drivable state (Sp10). As a result, the vehicle 10 can run, and the vehicle inspection is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined at Sp9 that there are maintenance defects or the like in the vehicle 10 based on the inspection results and the vehicle 10 is non-drivable (No at Sp9), the vehicle 10 is maintained in the non-drivable state (Sp11). As a result, the vehicle 10 remains non-drivable, and the vehicle inspection is completed.

[0031] Then, the control unit 22 acquires an inspection form (see FIG. 5) such as a daily report from the storage unit 25 of the mobile terminal 20 or an external server, and reflects the inspection results input and stored on the inspection content on the inspection form (Sp12). As a result, an inspection form such as a daily report is automatically created.

[0032] Note that the control unit 22 may cause the voice output unit to output the inspection locations in order based on a plurality of inspection items (list of inspection items). More specifically, for example, when the input of the current inspection location by the inspector to the checklist on the inspection content is detected on the inspection content, the voice output unit can output the next inspection location based on a plurality of inspection items (list of inspection items).

[0033] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when control of the vehicle device 14 is required, the control unit 22 generates a control signal based on the input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle device 14, and based on this control signal, the control unit 13 controls the vehicle device 14. As a result, in the present embodiment, for example, it is not necessary to go back and forth inside and outside the vehicle for the control and inspection of the vehicle device 14, and efficiency can be improved. Also, according to the present embodiment, by a predetermined operation of the mobile terminal 20 on the vehicle 10 by the inspector (such as holding the mobile terminal 20 near the vehicle 10, reading a code provided on the vehicle 10, etc.), the recognition means 24 of the mobile terminal 20 recognizes the vehicle 10, and inspection content including a plurality of inspection items linked to the inspection method and inspection content is activated. Thereby, in the present embodiment, for example, by enriching the description of the inspection method and inspection content linked to a plurality of inspection items, etc., the variation in judgment due to the inspector's experience value can be suppressed.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, after all the inspections of a plurality of inspection items are completed, if it is determined that the vehicle 10 is capable of running, the vehicle 10 is changed from a non-running state to a running state. That is, if all the inspections of all inspection items have not been completed or if there is a defect in the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 cannot run. Thereby, the present embodiment can prevent omission of inspection items and can prevent the use of a vehicle 10 with poor maintenance.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, after all the inspections of a plurality of inspection items are completed, the control unit 22 acquires a predetermined inspection form from the storage unit 25 of the mobile terminal 20 or an external server, and reflects the inspection results input on the inspection content on the inspection form. Thereby, in the present embodiment, for example, by simply performing an inspection, the inspection results are reflected in the inspection form such as a daily report, so that the efficiency of the work related to vehicle inspection can be improved.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the method for recognizing the vehicle 10 by the recognition means 24 is at least one of short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband wireless communication, image analysis using the camera function of the mobile terminal 20, and reading of a code provided on the vehicle 10. That is, as a predetermined operation of the mobile terminal 20 on the vehicle 10, the inspector may simply hold the mobile terminal near the vehicle or read a code provided on the vehicle.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 13 allows the inspector to perceive the inspection points of the vehicle 10 by sound or light based on a control signal, facilitating the inspector's understanding of the inspection points.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 22 allows the inspector to easily understand the inspection points of the vehicle 10 by causing the voice output unit to sequentially output the inspection points of the vehicle 10 based on a plurality of inspection items.

[0039] <Other forms> Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, arrangement location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and are not limited.

[0040] Here, the features of the embodiments of the vehicle inspection support system according to the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [6] respectively.

[0041] [1] A vehicle inspection support system (1) including an in-vehicle device (11) mounted on a vehicle (10) and a portable terminal (20) carried by an inspector of the vehicle (10) and having inspection content for the vehicle (10), The in-vehicle device (11) includes A vehicle control unit (13) that controls vehicle equipment (14) based on a control signal from the portable terminal (20), The portable terminal (20) includes A display unit (touch panel 23) capable of displaying the inspection content, An input unit (touch panel 23) that receives an input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment (14) when control of the vehicle equipment (14) is required, A terminal control unit (22) capable of generating the control signal based on the input, And a recognition means (24) that recognizes the vehicle (10) by a predetermined operation of the portable terminal (20) on the vehicle (10) by the inspector. When the recognition means (24) recognizes the vehicle (10), the inspection content is activated. The inspection content includes a plurality of inspection items associated with an inspection method and inspection details corresponding to the vehicle (10). Vehicle inspection support system (1).

[0042] According to the configuration of [1] above, when vehicle equipment control is required, based on an input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment, the terminal control unit generates a control signal, and based on this control signal, the vehicle control unit controls the vehicle equipment. Thereby, in this configuration, for example, it is not necessary to go back and forth inside and outside the vehicle for vehicle equipment control and inspection, and efficiency can be improved. Also, according to this configuration, by a predetermined operation of the mobile terminal on the vehicle by the inspector, the recognition means of the mobile terminal recognizes the vehicle, and the inspection content including a plurality of inspection items associated with the inspection method and inspection details is activated. Thereby, in this configuration, for example, by enriching the description of the inspection method and inspection details associated with a plurality of inspection items, etc., variations in judgments based on the inspector's experience can be suppressed.

[0043] [2] The vehicle inspection support system (1) according to [1] above, wherein the vehicle control unit (13) after all inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, when it is determined that the vehicle (10) is capable of running, changes the vehicle (10) from a non - running state to a running state. Vehicle inspection support system (1).

[0044] According to the configuration of [2] above, after all inspections of a plurality of inspection items are completed, when it is determined that the vehicle is capable of running, the vehicle is changed from a non - running state to a running state. That is, when not all inspections of all inspection items are completed or when there is a defect in the vehicle, the vehicle cannot run. Thereby, this configuration can prevent omission of inspection item checks and further prevent the use of vehicles with poor maintenance.

[0045] [3] The vehicle inspection support system (1) according to the above [1] or [2], wherein the terminal control unit (22), after all inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, acquires a predetermined inspection form from the storage unit (25) of the mobile terminal (20) or an external server, and reflects the inspection results input on the inspection content on the inspection form. Vehicle inspection support system (1).

[0046] According to the configuration of the above [3], after all inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, the terminal control unit acquires a predetermined inspection form from the storage unit of the mobile terminal or an external server, and reflects the inspection results input on the inspection content on the inspection form. As a result, in this embodiment, for example, by simply performing inspections, the inspection results are reflected in an inspection form such as a daily report, so that the efficiency of operations related to vehicle inspections can be improved.

[0047] [4] The vehicle inspection support system (1) according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the method for recognizing the vehicle (10) by the recognition means (24) is, at least one of short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband wireless communication, image analysis by the camera function of the mobile terminal, and reading of a code provided on the vehicle. Vehicle inspection support system (1).

[0048] According to the configuration of the above [4], the method for recognizing the vehicle by the recognition means is at least one of short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband wireless communication, image analysis by the camera function of the mobile terminal, and reading of a code provided on the vehicle. That is, as a predetermined operation of the mobile terminal with respect to the vehicle, the inspector may simply hold the mobile terminal near the vehicle or read a code provided on the vehicle. [5] The vehicle inspection support system (1) according to any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the vehicle control unit (13), Based on the control signal, the inspection point of the vehicle is made perceptible to the inspector by sound or light. Vehicle inspection support system (1).

[0049] According to the configuration of [5] above, the vehicle control unit makes the inspection point of the vehicle perceptible to the inspector by sound or light based on the control signal, facilitating the inspector's grasp of the inspection point.

[0050] [6] The vehicle inspection support system (1) according to any one of [1] to [5] above, The mobile terminal (20) further has an audio output unit. The terminal control unit (22) Based on the plurality of inspection items, the inspection points of the vehicle (10) are sequentially output by the audio output unit. Vehicle inspection support system (1).

[0051] According to the configuration of [6] above, the terminal control unit sequentially outputs the inspection points of the vehicle by the audio output unit based on the plurality of inspection items, facilitating the inspector's grasp of the inspection point.

Explanation of symbols

[0052] 1 Vehicle inspection support system 10 Vehicle 11 Vehicle-mounted device 12 Communication unit 13 Control unit (vehicle control unit) 14 Vehicle equipment 20 Mobile terminal 21 Communication unit 22 Control unit (terminal control unit) 23 Touch panel 24 Recognition means 25 Storage unit

Claims

1. A vehicle inspection support system including an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a portable terminal carried by an inspector of the vehicle and having inspection content for the vehicle, wherein the in-vehicle device, has a vehicle control unit that controls vehicle equipment based on a control signal from the portable terminal, and the portable terminal, has a display unit capable of displaying the inspection content, an input unit that receives an input on the inspection content for controlling the vehicle equipment when control of the vehicle equipment is required, a terminal control unit capable of generating the control signal based on the input, and a recognition means for recognizing the vehicle by a predetermined operation of the portable terminal on the vehicle by the inspector, wherein when the recognition means recognizes the vehicle, the inspection content is activated, and the inspection content includes a plurality of inspection items associated with an inspection method and inspection content corresponding to the vehicle, Vehicle inspection support system.

2. The vehicle inspection support system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control unit, when it is determined that the vehicle is capable of running after all inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, changes the vehicle from a non-running state to a running state, Vehicle inspection support system.

3. The vehicle inspection support system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal control unit, after all inspections of the plurality of inspection items are completed, acquires a predetermined inspection form from a storage unit of the portable terminal or an external server and reflects the inspection results input on the inspection content in the inspection form, Vehicle inspection support system.

4. The vehicle inspection support system according to claim 1, wherein the method for recognizing the vehicle by the recognition means is, at least one of short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband wireless communication, image analysis by a camera function of the portable terminal, and reading of a code provided on the vehicle, Vehicle inspection support system.

5. The vehicle inspection support system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control unit, based on the control signal, causes the inspector to perceive an inspection location of the vehicle by sound or light, Vehicle inspection support system.

6. The vehicle inspection support system according to claim 1, wherein the portable terminal further has an audio output unit, and the terminal control unit, based on the plurality of inspection items, causes the audio output unit to output the inspection locations of the vehicle in order, Vehicle inspection support system.

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