Remote monitoring device

Abstract

To improve the operational efficiency of a vehicle by allowing a remote operator to appropriately grasp the values of parameters set for the vehicle.SOLUTION: A remote monitoring device 20 monitors operation of a vehicle 30 on the basis of values set as one or more parameters related to automatic driving of the vehicle 30. The remote monitoring device 20 comprises: a storage unit that pre-stores first information indicating the values of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at a first timing; and a control unit that, when acquiring second information indicating the values of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at a second timing later than the first timing, compares the first information stored in the storage unit with the second information, and generates update information indicating that the values of the parameters have been updated in accordance with a result of comparison.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remote monitoring device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an operation management system for remotely managing the operation status of a vehicle by a remote monitor.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a technician locally changes the value of a parameter for controlling the automatic driving of a vehicle, if the changed parameter value is not reflected in the remote monitoring device of the remote monitoring center that remotely monitors the operation, the remote operator who monitors the operation of the vehicle at the remote monitoring center may stop the operation of the vehicle for confirmation, assuming that the actual running state of the vehicle is different from the expected running state based on the parameter value. As a result, the operation efficiency of the vehicle decreases.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable a remote operator to appropriately grasp the value of a parameter set in a vehicle and improve the operation efficiency of the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The remote monitoring device according to the present disclosure is a remote monitoring device that monitors the operation of a vehicle based on values set for one or more parameters related to the automatic driving of the vehicle, a storage unit that stores in advance first information indicating the values of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle at a first timing, When acquiring second information indicating values of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle at a second timing after the first timing, compare the first information stored in the storage unit with the second information, and generate update information indicating that the value of the parameter has been updated according to the comparison result, a control unit comprises.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a remote operator can appropriately grasp the value of a parameter set in a vehicle, and the operation efficiency of the vehicle is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of the present embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of a system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0012] The system 10 according to this embodiment includes a remote monitoring device 20, at least one vehicle 30, and a server device 40. The remote monitoring device 20 can communicate with the server device 40 via a network 50. The remote monitoring device 20 may also be able to communicate with the vehicle 30 via the network 50. The system 10 is used for providing mobility services such as MaaS for example. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility-as-a-Service. Note that there may be a plurality of the remote monitoring devices 20, vehicles 30, and server devices 40 respectively.

[0013] The server device 40 can communicate with not only the remote monitoring device 20 but also the vehicle 30 via the network 50.

[0014] The remote monitoring device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center and is operated by an operation manager who manages the system 10. The remote monitoring device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing systems. Alternatively, the remote monitoring device 20 is installed in the management room of the system 10 and is used by the operation manager. Or, the remote monitoring device 20 installed in the management room may be shared by two or more operation managers. In this embodiment, the remote monitoring device 20 is installed in a remote monitoring center RC for remotely monitoring the vehicle 30. In the remote monitoring center RC, a remote operator OP as the administrator of the system 10 monitors the operation of the vehicle 30 and provides remote support.

[0015] The server device 40 acquires, stores, and processes data transmitted from the vehicle 30, and is installed in a facility such as a management center for managing the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30. The management center is, for example, an AD center. "AD" is an abbreviation for Autonomous Driving. The data transmitted from the vehicle 30 is, for example, information indicating the driving performance of the vehicle 30 and information indicating the driving route of the vehicle 30. In the present embodiment, the data transmitted from the vehicle 30 includes information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30. The server device 40 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. The server device 40 receives information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 transmitted from the vehicle 30. When the server device 40 receives information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30, the server device 40 transmits the information to the remote monitoring device 20.

[0016] The vehicle 30 is, for example, any type of automobile such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 30 is an AV in the present embodiment, but may be driven by a driver or the driving may be automated at any level. "AV" is an abbreviation for autonomous vehicle. The level of automation is, for example, any one of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE level classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle 30 may be a vehicle dedicated to MaaS. The vehicle 30 transmits information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 to the server device 40. Alternatively, the vehicle 30 may transmit information indicating the values of one or more parameters related to the autonomous driving of the vehicle 30 to the remote monitoring device 20.

[0017] Network 50 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or a combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 50 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or a combination thereof. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of this embodiment will be described.

[0019] In system 10, the remote monitoring device 20 functions as a mobility service platform. The vehicle 30 is a bus that transports one or more passengers in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the remote monitoring device 20 monitors the operation of the vehicle 30 based on the values set for one or more parameters related to the automatic driving of the vehicle 30. In this embodiment, in the remote monitoring center RC, the values of each parameter and the behavior of the vehicle based on each parameter, etc. are managed as an "operation manual". In the remote monitoring center RC, the remote operator OP as the administrator of the system 10 monitors the operation of the vehicle 30 and provides remote support based on the "operation manual". The values of each parameter as the "operation manual" are shown to the remote operator OP as the characteristics of the behavior of the vehicle 30. By referring to the "operation manual", the remote operator OP can grasp, as the characteristics of the behavior of the vehicle 30, for example, the detection distance of obstacles and the speed when driving slowly.

[0020] In this embodiment, the parameters related to the automatic driving of the vehicle 30 include parameters related to the control of the operating state of the vehicle 30 and parameters related to the automatic driving function of the vehicle 30. The parameters related to the control of the operating state of the vehicle 30 are parameters related to the control of the engine, motor, brake, etc. of the vehicle 30. The parameters related to the control of the operating state of the vehicle 30 include, for example, the speed, acceleration, temperature inside the vehicle cabin, opening / closing state of the entrance / exit door, driving distance, number of passengers, sales, engine speed, cooling water temperature, operation amount of the steering wheel, remaining fuel amount, and, when the vehicle 30 is an electric vehicle, parameters indicating the setting of the charging rate of the fuel cell. The parameters related to the automatic driving function of the vehicle 30 are, for example, parameters necessary to realize automatic driving and are parameters related to functions added to the software that controls the driving of the vehicle 30. The parameters related to the automatic driving function of the vehicle 30 include, for example, the distance to an obstacle, speed setting for each route, reception level of the GPS signal for self-position estimation, collision prevention sensor, sensor for obstacle detection, parameters indicating the setting of a camera provided outside the vehicle, etc.

[0021] The background of this embodiment will be described in detail. Technicians may change the values of the parameters for controlling the automatic driving of the vehicle 30 on-site. Examples of cases where the values of the parameters are changed include before starting the test run, after the actual commercial operation has started, or when responding to changes in the traffic environment after the commercial operation has started. Changes in the traffic environment include, for example, an increase or decrease in the number of signals compared to when the operation started, and an increase or decrease in the traffic volume.

[0022] As an example, as a parameter set for a collision prevention sensor or a sensor for obstacle detection, it is conceivable to set the timing to start recognizing and avoiding an obstacle. In this case, the value set as the default value is generally planned to recognize an obstacle from a distance and avoid it well in advance. As a result, a relatively gentle avoidance path will be generated. However, in a case where an obstacle must be continuously avoided due to the road conditions at the site, etc., if the parameter remains at the default value, the first obstacle may be avoided too gently and the second one may not be avoidable. In such a case, a technician on site changes the value of the parameter so that the second obstacle can be appropriately avoided. When the value of the parameter is changed on site in this way, if the value of the changed parameter is not reflected in the remote monitoring device 20 of the remote monitoring center RC, the remote operator OP of the remote monitoring center RC may stop the operation of the vehicle 30 for confirmation, assuming that the actual running state of the vehicle 30 grasped based on the "operation manual" is different from the expected running state from the "operation manual". As a result, the operation efficiency of the vehicle 30 decreases. Also, in the remote monitoring center RC, if there is a case where the vehicle 30 is remotely operated based on the "operation manual" showing the value of the parameter before the change without knowing the on-site change of the value of the parameter, there is also a risk that the worst case may cause a collision accident. Therefore, when the value of the parameter is changed on site, it is desirable that the value of the changed parameter be promptly reflected in the remote monitoring device 20 of the remote monitoring center RC.

[0023] In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the remote monitoring device 20 stores in advance the first information D1 indicating the value of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the first timing t1. When the remote monitoring device 20 acquires the second information D2 indicating the value of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the second timing t2 after the first timing t1, the remote monitoring device 20 compares the pre-stored first information D1 with the second information D2, and generates update information D3 indicating that the value of the parameter has been updated according to the comparison result. The remote monitoring device 20 outputs the generated update information D3.

[0024] According to the present embodiment, when the value of a parameter related to the automatic driving of the vehicle 30 is changed by an adjustment called tuning by a technician for local adaptation, data reflecting the change is output as update information D3 in the remote monitoring center RC. Therefore, the remote operator OP can appropriately grasp the value of the parameter set in the vehicle 30. In addition, the running state of the vehicle 30 grasped by the remote operator OP and the actual running state will not be different. As a result, the remote operator OP rarely stops the operation of the vehicle 30 for confirmation. As a result, the operation efficiency of the vehicle 30 is improved.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the remote monitoring device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0026] The remote monitoring device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25.

[0027] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the remote monitoring device 20 while controlling each part of the remote monitoring device 20.

[0028] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. Stored in the storage unit 22 are data used for the operation of the remote monitoring device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the remote monitoring device 20. Further, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 22 stores first information D1 indicating the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the first timing t1. Also, the storage unit 22 may store second information D2 indicating the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the second timing t2 after the first timing t1.

[0029] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the remote monitoring device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the remote monitoring device 20. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 23 communicates with the server device 40. The communication unit 23 may communicate with the vehicle 30.

[0030] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen provided integrally with a display, or a microphone. The input unit 24 receives an operation in which an administrator of the remote monitoring center RC inputs data. In the present embodiment, when the remote operator OP manually updates the value of a parameter, the input unit 24 receives an operation in which the remote operator OP inputs the value of the parameter. Instead of being provided in the remote monitoring device 20, the input unit 24 may be connected to the remote monitoring device 20 as an external input device. As the connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0031] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescence. The output unit 25 outputs the data received by the remote monitoring device 20. In the present embodiment, the output unit 25 outputs the update information D3 generated by the remote monitoring device 20 as an "operation manual". The update information D3 will be described later. Instead of being provided in the remote monitoring device 20, the output unit 25 may be connected to the remote monitoring device 20 as an external output device. As the connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0032] The functions of the remote monitoring device 20 are realized by executing the remote monitoring program according to the present embodiment on a processor as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the remote monitoring device 20 are realized by software. The remote monitoring program causes a computer to execute the operations of the remote monitoring device 20, thereby making the computer function as the remote monitoring device 20. That is, the computer functions as the remote monitoring device 20 by executing the operations of the remote monitoring device 20 according to the remote monitoring program.

[0033] The program for controlling the remote monitoring device 20 can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be stored in the server storage and transferred from the server to other computers to distribute the program. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0034] A computer stores, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in a main memory device once. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory device with a processor and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may directly read a program from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may sequentially execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring a program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information for use in processing by an electronic computer that conforms to the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has a property that defines the processing of the computer corresponds to "what conforms to the program".

[0035] Some or all functions of the remote monitoring device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. That is, some or all functions of the remote monitoring device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of the server device 40 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0037] The server device 40 includes a server control unit 41, a server storage unit 42, and a server communication unit 43.

[0038] The server control unit 41 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The server control unit 41 executes processes related to the operation of the server device 40 while controlling each part of the server device 40.

[0039] The server storage unit 42 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The server storage unit 42 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Data used for the operation of the server device 40 and data obtained by the operation of the server device 40 are stored in the server storage unit 42.

[0040] The server communication unit 43 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The server communication unit 43 receives data used for the operation of the server device 40 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the server device 40. In the present embodiment, the server communication unit 43 communicates with the vehicle 30 and the remote monitoring device 20.

[0041] Some or all of the functions of the server device 40 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the server control unit 41. That is, some or all of the functions of the server device 40 may be realized by hardware.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. This operation corresponds to the remote monitoring method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the operation of the remote monitoring device 20.

[0043] In S1 (hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is specified as S and a number), the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 acquires first information D1 indicating the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at a first timing t1. In the present embodiment, the first information D1 is transmitted from the vehicle 30 to the server device 40 at the first timing t1. The first timing t1 may be arbitrarily set. For example, it is the Nth startup of the vehicle 30. "N" is a natural number. The server device 40 receives the first information D1 transmitted from the vehicle 30 via the server communication unit 43 and transmits the received first information D1 to the remote monitoring device 20. At this time, the server device 40 transmits the first information D1 in association with an ID or the like for identifying the vehicle 30. "ID" is an abbreviation for identifier. Also, in the present embodiment, the first information D1 is attached with a timestamp indicating the latest time when the values of one or more parameters are set in the vehicle 30. The control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 receives the first information D1 transmitted from the server device 40 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 stores the received first information D1 in the storage unit 22. As a result, the first information D1 is stored in the storage unit 22 of the remote monitoring device 20 in advance. Then, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 acquires the first information D1 from the storage unit 22. Note that in the present embodiment, the remote monitoring device 20 is configured to receive the first information D1 via the server device 40. However, the remote monitoring device 20 may communicate with the vehicle 30 and receive the first information D1 from the vehicle 30.

[0044] In S2, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 acquires second information D2 indicating the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at a second timing t2 after the first timing t1. The second information D2 may be acquired by an arbitrary procedure. For example, it can be acquired in the same procedure as the procedure for acquiring the first information D1 in S1. The second timing t2 may be an arbitrary timing as long as it is after the first timing t1. For example, it is the (N + 1)th startup of the vehicle 30.

[0045] When the value of a parameter is changed by a technician on-site, as one method of reflecting the changed parameter value in the remote monitoring device 20 of the remote monitoring center RC, it is conceivable to increase the number of times of information transmission and perform updates frequently. However, when updates are performed frequently, the processing load increases in each of the remote monitoring device 20, the vehicle 30, and the server device 40 that perform data transmission. Furthermore, when the number of vehicles managed by the remote monitoring device 20 increases, there is a risk that the load will increase cumulatively. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, by limiting the timing of acquiring the first information D1 and the second information D2, for example, at the time of starting the vehicle 30, etc., it is possible to reduce the processing load of each device in the system 10 as compared with the case where updates are performed frequently.

[0046] Similar to the first information D1, the second information D2 is attached with a timestamp indicating the latest time when the values of one or more parameters are set in the vehicle 30. Therefore, when the value of the parameter is changed due to on-site adaptation between the first timing t1 and the second timing t2, different timestamps are attached to the first information D1 and the second information D2. On the other hand, when the value of the parameter is not changed between the first timing t1 and the second timing t2, the same timestamp is attached to the first information D1 and the second information D2.

[0047] In S3, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 compares the first information D1 acquired in S1 with the second information D2 acquired in S2. Specifically, the control unit 21 compares the first timestamp T1 attached to the first information D1 with the second timestamp T2 attached to the second information D2.

[0048] In S4, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 determines whether the first time stamp T1 and the second time stamp T2 are different. When it is determined that the first time stamp T1 and the second time stamp T2 are different, the process of S5 is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first time stamp T1 and the second time stamp T2 are the same, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0049] In S5, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 compares the value indicated by the first information D1 and the value indicated by the second information D2 for one or more parameters. Specifically, the control unit 21 compares the value indicated by the first information D1 and the value indicated by the second information D2 for one or more parameters. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first time stamp T1 and the second time stamp T2 are compared, and the value indicated by the first information D1 and the value indicated by the second information D2 are compared only when it is determined that the first time stamp T1 and the second time stamp T2 are different. Therefore, the processing load on the remote monitoring device 20 can be reduced as compared with the case where the value indicated by the first information D1 and the value indicated by the second information D2 are compared for all of the first information D1 and the second information D2 acquired at different timings.

[0050] As a modification of the present embodiment, in S5, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 may select a predetermined parameter from among one or more parameters, and compare the value indicated by the first information D1 and the value indicated by the second information D2 for the selected predetermined parameter. The parameter to be selected may be arbitrarily determined. For example, a parameter that affects the running of the vehicle 30 or a parameter that affects the safety of the vehicle 30 can be determined as the predetermined parameter. Examples of parameters that affect the running of the vehicle 30 include the speed of the vehicle 30, acceleration, engine speed, coolant temperature, and a parameter indicating the setting of the operation amount of the steering wheel. Examples of parameters that affect the safety of the vehicle 30 include the distance to an obstacle, the speed setting for each route, and a parameter indicating the setting of the state of the collision prevention sensor and the sensor for detecting an obstacle. According to this modification, since a parameter that affects the running of the vehicle 30 or a parameter that affects the safety of the vehicle 30 can be preferentially set as a comparison target, the processing load in the remote monitoring device 20 can be reduced while maintaining the running safety of the vehicle 30 as compared with the case where all of the one or more parameters are set as comparison targets.

[0051] In S6, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 determines whether there is a difference in the values of the parameters compared in S6. Whether there is a difference may be determined by an arbitrary procedure. For example, it is determined by the following procedure. The control unit 21 compares the values of the corresponding parameters, and determines that there is a difference when the values are different. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may determine that there is a difference when the values are different and the difference is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The threshold value may be arbitrarily determined. For example, it may be determined within a range where it is considered that even if the values of the parameters are different, the influence on the actual running of the vehicle 30 is small or there is no influence. In S6, when it is determined that there is a difference, the process of S7 is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no difference, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0052] In S7, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 generates update information D3 indicating that the value of the parameter has been updated. Specifically, the control unit 21 creates, as the update information D3, information indicating the value indicated by the second information D2 as the value of the parameter. For example, the control unit 21 creates the update information D3 by reflecting the value indicated by the second information D2 in the values of the respective parameters indicated in the "operation manual" managed in the remote monitoring center RC.

[0053] Alternatively, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 may create information indicating an error in relation to the parameter determined to have a difference in value in S6 as the update information D3. Specifically, the control unit 21 may generate an error message as the update information D3. The control unit 21 may generate, as the error message, for example, a message such as "The value of parameter X has been changed. Please check."

[0054] In S8, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 outputs the update information D3 created in S7. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs control to display the value indicated by the second information D2 indicated by the update information D3 on a display which is an output interface as the output unit 25. For example, the control unit 21 causes the "operation manual" in which the value indicated by the second information D2 is reflected to be displayed on the display. Alternatively, when the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 generates an error message as the update information D3, the control unit 21 may perform control to display the generated message on a display which is an output interface as the output unit 25 of the remote monitoring device 20. Instead of displaying the error message on the display, the control unit 21 may output it as voice through a speaker. By outputting, as the update information D3, information indicating an error regarding the parameter whose value has been changed, the remote operator OP can visually confirm what is actually happening in the vehicle 30 along with the change in the value of the parameter, and then manually update the value of the parameter in the remote monitoring device 20.

[0055] As a modification example of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 may further perform control to cause the vehicle 30 to display the update information D3 created in S7. The control for causing the vehicle 30 to display the update information D3 may be performed in an arbitrary procedure. For example, it can be performed in the following procedure. The control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 transmits the update information D3 to the server device 40 via the communication unit 23. The server control unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the update information D3 via the server communication unit 43, and transmits the received update information D3 to the vehicle 30 via the server communication unit 43. The vehicle 30 receives the update information D3 and displays the update information D3 on an output interface such as a display mounted on the vehicle 30. Alternatively, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 may communicate with the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23 and directly transmit the update information D3 to the vehicle 30 without going through the server device 40. By causing the vehicle 30 to display the update information D3, it is convenient because when a technician who performs tuning work locally is in the vehicle 30, the value of the parameter after the change can be confirmed even locally.

[0056] As described above, the remote monitoring device 20 monitors the operation of the vehicle 30 based on the values set for one or more parameters related to the automatic driving of the vehicle 30. The remote monitoring device 20 stores in advance the first information D1 indicating the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the first timing t1, and when acquiring the second information D2 indicating the values of one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle 30 at the second timing t2 after the first timing t1, compares the first information D1 stored in the storage unit 22 with the second information D2, and generates update information D3 indicating that the value of the parameter has been updated according to the comparison result. The remote monitoring device 20 outputs the generated update information D3.

[0057] According to this embodiment, when a technician changes the value of a parameter related to the automatic driving of the vehicle 30 through tuning for local adaptation, data reflecting the change is output as update information D3 in the remote monitoring center RC. Therefore, the remote operator OP can appropriately grasp the value of the parameter set in the vehicle 30. As a result, the driving state of the vehicle 30 grasped by the remote operator OP is likely to match the actual driving state, so the remote operator OP is less likely to stop the operation of the vehicle 30 for confirmation. Therefore, the operation efficiency of the vehicle 30 is improved.

[0058] As a modification of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the remote monitoring device 20 may perform control to calculate the amount of change that occurs in the actual running of the vehicle 30 based on the difference for a parameter determined to have a difference in value, and output information indicating the calculated amount of change together with the update information D3. Specifically, for the parameter determined to have a difference in value in S6, the control unit 21 calculates in S7 how the actual running of the vehicle 30 changes due to the change in the value of the parameter. Then, in S8, the control unit 21 may cause the display as the output unit 25 to display the information indicating the calculated change. As an example, assume that in S6, it is determined that there is a difference in the values of the parameters related to the vehicle speed, acceleration, and battery consumption of the vehicle 30. In S7, the control unit 21 calculates the vehicle speed, acceleration, and battery consumption amount while the vehicle 30 travels one round of the operation route based on the values of the parameters related to the vehicle speed, acceleration, and battery consumption of the vehicle 30 before and after the change. Then, in S8, when the control unit 21 causes the output unit 25 to display the update information D3, the vehicle speed, acceleration, and battery consumption amount of the vehicle 30 before and after the change of the parameter value may be displayed for comparison.

[0059] Generally, it is difficult to immediately predict the change in actual driving from the change in the parameter value. According to this modification, it becomes easier for the remote operator OP to grasp how much and in what way the change in the parameter value affects the actual running of the vehicle 30. Therefore, the convenience is improved.

[0060] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, a plurality of blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing a plurality of steps described in the flowchart in time series according to the description, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing capacity of the device that executes the step or as necessary. In addition, changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0061] 10 System 20 Remote Monitoring Device 21 Control Unit 22 Storage Unit 23 Communication Unit 24 Input Unit 25 Output Unit 30 Vehicle 40 Server Device 41 Server Control Unit 42 Server Storage Unit 43 Server Communication Unit 50 Network RC Remote Monitoring Center OP Remote Operator

Claims

1. A remote monitoring device that monitors the operation of a vehicle based on values set for one or more parameters related to the automatic driving of the vehicle, comprising: a storage unit that stores in advance first information indicating values of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle at a first timing; a control unit that, when acquiring second information indicating values of the one or more parameters transmitted from the vehicle at a second timing after the first timing, compares the first information stored in the storage unit with the second information, and generates update information indicating that the value of the parameter has been updated according to the comparison result. The remote monitoring device comprising the above.

2. The first information and the second information are attached with a timestamp indicating the latest time when the values of the one or more parameters are set in the vehicle. The control unit compares the first timestamp attached to the first information with the second timestamp attached to the second information, and when the first timestamp and the second timestamp are different, compares the value indicated by the first information with the value indicated by the second information for the one or more parameters to determine whether there is a difference. When it is determined that there is a difference, the remote monitoring device according to Claim 1 generates the update information.

3. When the first timestamp and the second timestamp are different, the control unit selects a predetermined parameter among the one or more parameters, and compares the value indicated by the first information with the value indicated by the second information for the selected predetermined parameter. The remote monitoring device according to Claim 2.

4. When the control unit determines that there is a difference between the value indicated by the first information and the value indicated by the second information for a certain parameter, the control unit creates, as the update information, information indicating the value indicated by the second information as the value of the parameter, and performs control to output the created update information. The remote monitoring device according to Claim 2 or Claim 3.

5. The control unit calculates, based on the difference, the amount of change that occurred in the actual running of the vehicle in relation to the parameter for which a difference in value is determined, and performs control to output information indicating the calculated amount of change together with the update information. The remote monitoring device according to Claim 4.

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