Information processing system

Abstract

To visualize whether communication is available.SOLUTION: An information processing system performs the following steps: wirelessly communicating with each of a plurality of probe vehicles via a mobile communication network, and generating map data indicating an area in which communication via the mobile communication network is possible, based on first data obtained from one or more of the plurality of probe vehicles with which communication has been established.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communications.

Background Art

[0002] A system has been devised that uses a plurality of vehicles as probe cars to collect information. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a data collection system that comprehensively collects information with less communication volume.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to visualize the communication availability status.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is performing wireless communication with each of a plurality of probe vehicles via a mobile communication network, and generating map data indicating an area where communication is possible by the mobile communication network based on first data acquired from one or more vehicles for which communication has been established among the plurality of probe vehicles. An information processing system having a control unit that executes

[0006] Also, as another aspect, there are a method executed by an apparatus constituting the above system, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the availability status of communication can be visualized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] In recent years, the connectivity of automobiles has advanced, and the number of vehicles with wireless communication functions has increased. Such vehicles can communicate with a predetermined server device via, for example, a cellular communication network. In addition, with the spread of autonomous driving and the like, vehicles that require constant connection to a server device have emerged.

[0010] On the other hand, when disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis occur, the infrastructure for wireless communication may be damaged, and there may be areas where wireless communication cannot be performed. When such an area occurs, for example , there is a risk of disruption to logistics, such as autonomous driving vehicles becoming inoperable. The information processing system according to the present disclosure visualizes the occurrence of such areas where wireless communication cannot be performed.

[0011] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure performs wireless communication with each of a plurality of probe vehicles via a mobile communication network, and generates map data indicating an area where communication is possible by the mobile communication network based on first data obtained from one or more vehicles with which communication has been established among the plurality of probe vehicles. The information processing system has a control unit that executes these operations.

[0012] The control unit performs wireless communication with a plurality of probe vehicles via a mobile communication network. Further, the control unit acquires first data from one or more vehicles with which communication has been established. The first data may include, for example, the position information of the probe vehicle and status information regarding wireless communication acquired by the probe vehicle. Based on the first data, the control unit can determine an area where wireless communication can be performed by the mobile communication network and generate map data indicating the area. Also, since the first data cannot be obtained in an area where mobile communication cannot be performed, such an area can be visualized.

[0013] The reception of the first data and the generation of the map data may be performed periodically. According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect at any time that an area where mobile communication has become impossible due to a disaster or the like has occurred. For example, if an area where mobile communication is impossible occurs at a certain point in time, the occurrence of a disaster or the like can be estimated.

[0014] Note that the control unit may start generating the map data when communication fails to be established with a predetermined ratio or more of the plurality of probe vehicles that had established communication within a predetermined area.

[0015] When a disaster or the like occurs, communication may be interrupted for probe vehicles that had previously established communication. If such vehicles occur at a predetermined ratio or more within a predetermined area, the generation of map data may be started assuming that some abnormality has occurred.

[0016] Further, the control unit may further generate information regarding an area where a communication failure has occurred or communication has been restored based on the map data generated along the time series.

[0017] For example, when a disaster or the like occurs, a communication failure may occur all at once. Also, as the failure is recovered, the area where mobile communication is possible gradually expands. When the map data is generated along the time series, for example, by taking these differences, it is possible to detect that a new area where mobile communication is not possible or an area where mobile communication has been restored has occurred, and it becomes possible to provide appropriate information to the user.

[0018] Further, the control unit may generate a vehicle travel route passing through the area where the communication is possible based on the map data. For example, when a request is made to generate a route connecting a departure point and a destination, the control unit generates a route passing only through the area where communication is possible. Thereby, it is possible to provide a suitable route for a vehicle (for example, an autonomous driving vehicle) that requires a constant connection.

[0019] Further, the control unit further acquires second data for determining a passable road, and generates a vehicle travel route leading to an area where communication by the mobile communication network is possible based on the second data. When a disaster or the like occurs, there may be passable roads and impassable roads. By using data for determining passable roads, a route for reaching an area where communication by the mobile communication network is possible can be generated.

[0020] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure only to them unless otherwise specified.

[0021] (First Embodiment) [Overview of the System] The overview of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment will be described. The vehicle system according to this embodiment includes a vehicle 1, a server device 2, and an MQTT server 3. The vehicle 1 is a connected vehicle that can access a wireless communication network. The vehicle 1 can communicate with the server device 2 and the MQTT server 3 via a mobile communication network (hereinafter referred to as a cellular communication network).

[0022] The vehicle 1 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 10 and a DCM 20. The in-vehicle device 10 is a computer that provides a predetermined function to the passengers of the vehicle 1. The in-vehicle device 10 may be, for example, a car navigation device or a head unit. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 10 has a function of periodically generating information about the vehicle 1 and transmitting it to an external device. In the following description, the data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 is also referred to as "probe data".

[0023] The DCM 20 is a data communication module for network-connecting components of the vehicle (for example, the in-vehicle device 10 and other ECUs) via the cellular communication network. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 10 can communicate with an external network through the DCM 20 to provide various services. Examples of various services include a navigation service, a remote control (for example, remote air conditioning, etc.) service, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi (registered trademark) service, an emergency notification service, and a security service.

[0024] The server device 2 is a management device configured to be communicable with a plurality of vehicles 1 via a network. The server device 2 receives probe data from each of the plurality of vehicles 1 under its management at a predetermined cycle, and generates a map (communication area map) indicating an area where cellular communication is possible based on the received probe data.

[0025] In this embodiment, the server device 2 and the in-vehicle device 10 transmit and receive messages according to the publish-subscribe communication model. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 10 is the publisher, and the server device 2 is the subscriber. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the information generated by the in-vehicle device 10 is transmitted to the server device 2 asynchronously. Although only one vehicle 1, in-vehicle device 10, DCM 20, server device 2, and MQTT server 3 are shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle system in this embodiment may include a plurality of these elements.

[0026] Also, in this embodiment, the MQTT protocol is adopted as the protocol for performing publish-subscribe communication. In the MQTT protocol, the subscriber on the message receiving side subscribes (subscribes) to the delivery of the message sent from the distributor to the MQTT broker. Also, the distributor distributes (publishes) an arbitrary message to the MQTT broker. The MQTT broker identifies the subscribers who have subscribed to the delivery of the message and delivers the message to the actual subscribers. In this embodiment, the subscriber corresponds to the server device 2, and the distributor corresponds to the in-vehicle device 10. Also, the MQTT broker corresponds to the MQTT server 3. The server device 2 registers in advance with the MQTT server 3 which vehicle the probe data is to be subscribed from. The vehicle to be registered is one or more vehicles that the server device 2 manages. The vehicle 1 (in-vehicle device 10) transmits the generated probe data to the MQTT server 3. When the MQTT server 3 receives the probe data from the in-vehicle device 10, it identifies the destination device (i.e., the server device 2 that has subscribed to the message) and transfers the probe data to the server device 2.

[0027] ​As a result, the server device 2 can receive probe data from one or more vehicles 1 to be managed.

[0028] [Device Configuration] Next, the configuration of each device constituting the system will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of each device included in the vehicle system according to the present embodiment. The vehicle system according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle 1, a server device 2, and an MQTT server 3.

[0029] First, the components of the vehicle 1 will be described. The vehicle 1 includes an in-vehicle device 10 and a DCM 20. The in-vehicle device 10 can be configured as a computer having a processor (such as a CPU or GPU), a main storage device (such as a RAM or ROM), and an auxiliary storage device (such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium). The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that meet predetermined purposes, as described later, can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0030] The in-vehicle device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a position information acquisition unit 14.

[0031] The control unit 11 is an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the in-vehicle device 10 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 11 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU, for example. Also, the control unit 11 may include a RAM, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a cache memory, etc.

[0032] The control unit 11 is composed of two software modules, namely, a message transmission unit 111 and a function providing unit 112. Each software module may be realized by executing a program stored in a storage unit 12, which will be described later, by the control unit 11 (such as a CPU).

[0033] The message transmission unit 111 periodically generates probe data and transmits it to the MQTT server 3. In this embodiment, the probe data is composed of two types of data: data for measuring the quality of cellular communication (measurement data) and data related to the vehicle (vehicle data).

[0034] An explanation of the measurement data will be given. The message transmission unit 111 measures values related to the communication quality of the communication (cellular communication) performed via the DCM 20 and generates measurement data including the results of the measurement. In this embodiment, the measurement data includes the following values. ·RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) Reference Signal Received Power. It is the numerical value [dBm] of the intensity (reception level) of the radio wave received from the base station. It is the result of quantization. ·RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) Reference Signal Received Quality. It is an index obtained by quantifying the quality of the received reference signal with [dB]. ·SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio. It is an index obtained by quantifying the power ratio of the desired signal to the power of signals other than the desired signal (interference waves and thermal noise) in the received signal with [dB].

[0035] The message transmission unit 111 periodically measures these values and generates measurement data. FIG. 3(A) is an example of the measurement data. In this embodiment, the measurement data is composed of four sections: basic information, communication status, communication method, and measurement value.

[0036] The basic information section includes the acquisition date and time of data, and the position information of Vehicle 1. The position information of Vehicle 1 can be acquired from the position information acquisition unit 14 described later. The communication status section includes various status information in cellular communication. Examples of the status information include, for example, network information (IP address, gateway address, APN information, etc.), terminal identification number (IMEI), subscriber identification number (IMSI), connected base station ID, service status, and the like.

[0037] The communication method section includes various information related to the communication method. Examples of the information related to the communication method include, for example, the identification number of the cellular communication carrier (PLMN), communication standards (3G, LTE, 5G, etc.), band (frequency band), and the like. The communication standard and the band may be set based on an instruction from the base station, or may be set by the device itself.

[0038] The measurement value section includes a plurality of measurement values related to the communication quality. In the present embodiment, as described above, three of RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), and SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) are the measurement targets.

[0039] Furthermore, the message transmission unit 111 generates vehicle data and transmits it to the server device 2 in addition to the measurement data. The vehicle data is a set of data related to the running of Vehicle 1. FIG. 3(B) is an example of the vehicle data. In the present embodiment, the vehicle data includes information related to the position, speed, and traveling direction of Vehicle 1. These information may be acquired from the position information acquisition unit 14, or may be acquired from sensors or ECUs etc. that Vehicle 1 has.

[0040] The message transmission unit 111 periodically generates probe data and transmits it to the server device 2 via the MQTT server 3. In addition, in the present embodiment, the message transmission unit 111 is configured to generate and transmit probe data even during a period when the driving system is not activated. For example, the message transmission unit 111 can generate and transmit probe data for a predetermined period after the vehicle is parked (after the driving system is shut down) by the power supplied from the in-vehicle battery.

[0041] The function providing unit 112 executes various functions provided by the in-vehicle device 100. Examples of the functions provided by the in-vehicle device 100 include the following. · Terminal link function A function that connects to a terminal (such as a smartphone) possessed by a vehicle occupant and performs functions such as playing music and videos and mirroring the screen. · Audio function A function that plays music stored in a storage device. · TV / Radio function A function that receives radio broadcasts and digital TV broadcasts. · Navigation function A function that provides route navigation based on map data stored in a storage device. These functions can be provided, for example, via an input / output device (such as a touch panel).

[0042] The storage unit 12 is a means for storing information and is composed of a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, or a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 11, data used by the programs, and the like.

[0043] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface with an in-vehicle network provided in the vehicle 1. The communication unit 13 communicates via a CAN (Controller Area Network) network. The in-vehicle device 10 can communicate with the DCM20 (and other ECUs, etc.) via the in-vehicle network.

[0044] The position information acquisition unit 14 acquires the position information of the vehicle 1. The position information acquisition unit 14 includes a GPS antenna and a positioning module for positioning the position information. The GPS antenna is an antenna that receives a positioning signal transmitted from a positioning satellite (also referred to as a GNSS satellite). The positioning module is a module that calculates the position information based on the signal received by the GPS antenna.

[0045] The DCM 20 is a device that performs wireless communication with a predetermined network in order to connect a component (for example, the in-vehicle device 10) of the vehicle 1 and an external device (for example, the MQTT server 3). In the present embodiment, the DCM 20 is configured to be connectable to a predetermined cellular communication network. The DCM 20 is configured to have an eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) for identifying a user. The eUICC may be a physical SIM card or an eSIM or the like.

[0046] Next, the server device 2 will be described. Similar to the in-vehicle device 10, the server device 2 can be configured as a computer having a processor (such as a CPU or GPU), a main storage device (such as a RAM or ROM), and an auxiliary storage device (such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium).

[0047] The server device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0048] The control unit 21 is an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the server device 2 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 21 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU, for example. Further, the control unit 21 may include a RAM, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a cache memory, and the like.

[0049] The control unit 21 is composed of two software modules: a message receiving unit 211 and a map generation unit 212. Each software module may be realized by executing, by the control unit 21 (such as a CPU), a program stored in a storage unit 22 described later.

[0050] The message receiving unit 211 receives probe data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 via the MQTT server 3 and stores it in the storage unit 22 described later. Note that the message receiving unit 211 may pre-register (subscribe) with the MQTT server 3 as to which vehicle's transmitted probe data to receive (subscribe to).

[0051] The map generation unit 212 generates a map (communication area map) showing an area where cellular communication is possible based on the probe data stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the map generation unit 212 assigns a flag (communication availability flag) indicating the availability of cellular communication to the corresponding area of the map based on the position information of the vehicle where communication has been established. Note that "communication has been established" and "communication available" may mean that a communication quality equal to or higher than a predetermined value has been obtained in cellular communication. The communication area map may be divided into unit areas of a predetermined size. In this case, a communication availability flag may be assigned to each unit area.

[0052] The map generation unit 212 may generate the communication area map at a predetermined cycle. In this case, the map generation unit 212 may generate a communication area map showing the communication situation in the past one hour based on the probe data received in a predetermined past period (for example, the past one hour).

[0053] The storage unit 22 is a means for storing information and is composed of a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, or a flash memory. The storage unit 22 stores a program executed by the control unit 21, data used by the program, and the like.

[0054] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 2 to the network. The communication unit 23 is configured to be able to communicate with the network via, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), wireless LAN, mobile communication service, etc.

[0055] Next, the MQTT server 3 will be described. Similar to the in-vehicle device 10, the MQTT server 3 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main storage device (RAM, ROM, etc.), and an auxiliary storage device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.).

[0056] The MQTT server 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33.

[0057] The control unit 31 is an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the MQTT server 3 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 31 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU, for example. Also, the control unit 31 may include a RAM, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a cache memory, etc.

[0058] The control unit 31 is configured to have a message relay unit 311 as a software module. The software module may be realized by executing, by the control unit 31 (such as a CPU), a program stored in the storage unit 32 described later.

[0059] The message relay unit 311 relays probe data to a predetermined subscriber based on pre-registered subscription information. First, the message relay unit 311 receives subscription information from the server device 2. The subscription information includes an identifier of the vehicle 1 that wishes to subscribe to the probe data. When there are a plurality of messages transmitted from the vehicle 1, the subscription information may include an identifier for specifying the message to be subscribed to, etc. The subscription information is stored in the storage unit 32.

[0060] In addition, the message relay unit 311 receives probe data from the vehicle 1 (in-vehicle device 10) and relays the probe data to a predetermined subscriber based on the stored subscription information. If there are multiple server devices 2 and one of them receives probe data for which it wishes to subscribe, the message relay unit 311 transmits the probe data to the corresponding server device 2.

[0061] The storage unit 32 is a means for storing information and is composed of a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, or a flash memory. The storage unit 32 stores programs executed by the control unit 31, data used by the programs, and the like.

[0062] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface for connecting the MQTT server 3 to the network. The communication unit 33 is configured to be able to communicate with the network via, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN, or a mobile communication service.

[0063] Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and all or part of the illustrated functions may be executed using a dedicatedly designed circuit. Also, the storage or execution of the program may be performed by a combination of a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device other than those illustrated.

[0064] [Transmission / Reception Processing of Probe Data] Next, a method in which the in-vehicle device 10 transmits probe data and the server device 2 acquires this will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of the process of transmitting probe data from the in-vehicle device 10 to the server device 2.

[0065] First, the server device 2 registers (subscribes to) the vehicle 1 that is the subscription target of the probe data with the MQTT server 3 (message relay unit 311) (step S11). The vehicle 1 that is the subscription target, for example, is identified by a vehicle identifier (such as a Vehicle Identification Number). You may specify this. As a result, subscription information is generated and stored by the MQTT server 3. The subscription information is information that associates the issuer and subscriber of the probe data.

[0066] In parallel with this, the in-vehicle device 10 generates probe data at a specified timing and transmits (Publishes) it to the MQTT server 3 (step S12). The specified timing may be periodic timing (for example, every 5 minutes). Note that the probe data is generated and transmitted even when the driving system of the vehicle 1 is not activated.

[0067] In this step, the in-vehicle device 10 (message transmission unit 111) generates probe data including the identifier of the vehicle 1, the date and time when the message was generated, and the position information of the vehicle 1. The position information of the vehicle 1 can be obtained, for example, via the position information acquisition unit 14. The generated probe data is transmitted to the MQTT server 3 via the DCM20.

[0068] In step S13, the MQTT server 3 that has received the probe data identifies the server device 2 that has registered the subscription to the probe data based on the stored subscription information. The probe data is transmitted to the server device 2 that has registered the subscription.

[0069] In step S14, the server device 2 (message reception unit 211) that has received the probe data stores the probe data in the storage unit 22. By executing the process shown in FIG. 3, probe data is periodically transmitted from the vehicle 1 (in-vehicle device 10) to the server device 2.

[0070] [Map generation process] Next, the details of the processing executed by the server device 2 based on the received probe data will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the server device 2. The processing shown in FIG. 5 starts when the server device 2 is requested to transmit probe data from the in-vehicle device 10 under its management.

[0071] First, in step S21, the message receiving unit 211 receives probe data from the target vehicle and stores it in the storage unit 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the probe data includes measurement data and vehicle data. Next, in step S22, the map generation unit 212 calculates, for each unit area, the ratio of vehicles with which communication has been established in the past and whose communication has been interrupted most recently. The unit area is an area obtained by dividing the map into a plurality of areas, and may be represented by, for example, a mesh having a predetermined size.

[0072] For example, when the probe data is transmitted from vehicle 1 every unit time, as shown in FIG. 6(A), if the next probe data is not received even after the unit time has elapsed, it can be determined that the communication has been interrupted. In this step, this determination can be made based on the past probe data stored in the storage unit 22. Note that whether the communication has been interrupted may be determined according to the following conditions.

[0073] · If the probe data that was supposed to be received at a predetermined timing cannot be received even once, it is determined that the communication has been interrupted · If the reception of the probe data fails continuously a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the communication has been interrupted · If the reception of the probe data within a predetermined period fails at a predetermined ratio (for example, 50%) or more, it is determined that the communication has been interrupted

[0074] ​In addition, this determination is made for each unit area (hereinafter referred to as an area). In this example, as shown in FIG. 6(B), there are six areas, and it is assumed that probe data is received from 14 vehicles traveling in the areas. Among these, it is assumed that the reception of probe data from the vehicles illustrated by the dotted lines has stopped. In this case, the server device 2 can determine that for area 3, the communication of all (100%) vehicles has been interrupted, and for area 4, the communication of 50% of the vehicles has been interrupted. The server device 2 calculates the ratio of the vehicles whose communication has been interrupted most recently for each area, and when the ratio exceeds a predetermined value, determines that wireless communication in the area has become impossible. For example, when the predetermined value is 40%, it is determined that communication is impossible for area 3 and area 4.

[0075] In step S22, when it is determined that an area where cellular communication has become impossible has occurred (step S23 - Yes), the process transitions to step S24. In step S22, when it is determined that an area where cellular communication has become impossible has not occurred (step S23 - No), the process ends.

[0076] In step S24, the map generation unit 212 generates a communication area map. The communication area map is a map in which a flag indicating the availability of cellular communication is assigned for each unit area. The generated communication area map may be output via a predetermined interface (for example, an output device such as a display or a communication interface).

[0077] As described above, in the vehicle system according to the present embodiment, the in-vehicle device 10 mounted on the vehicle transmits probe data according to a predetermined cycle. The server device 2 receives the probe data for each vehicle, identifies an area where cellular communication can be normally performed and an area where it cannot be performed based on the probe data, and assigns the result to a map (for example, a unit area included in the map). Thereby, when a disaster such as an earthquake occurs, it becomes possible to visualize in which area a communication failure has occurred.

[0078] Note that, in this embodiment, the generation of the communication area map is started based on the ratio of vehicles whose communication has been interrupted. However, the communication area map may be generated periodically. In this case, by taking the difference between the communication area maps along the time series, the server device 2 can detect that an area where cellular communication is not possible has occurred. In this case, the server device 2 may generate information notifying that an area where cellular communication is not possible has occurred and transmit it externally. Similarly, based on a plurality of periodically generated communication area maps, it may be determined that there is an area where communication has been restored. In this case, the server device 2 may generate information notifying that there is an area where communication has been restored and transmit it externally.

[0079] Also, the server device 2 may be configured to be able to acquire a map (service area map) indicating an area where a communication service is provided. In this case, by comparing the service area map with the generated communication area map, it may be determined an "area where communication is not possible even though a communication service is provided".

[0080] Also, in this embodiment, a communication area map in which binary values of "communicable" and "non-communicable" are assigned to unit areas is generated. However, the values assigned to the unit areas may be other than these. For example, an evaluation value representing the quality of communication may be calculated, and a communication area map may be generated by assigning the evaluation value to the unit areas.

[0081] (Second Embodiment) The server device 2 may function not only to generate and provide a communication area map, but also to provide further information using the map. The server device 2 according to the second embodiment provides a "vehicle driving route that passes only through areas where cellular communication is possible" based on the latest communication area map.

[0082] There may be vehicles such as self-driving vehicles that always require a network connection. The server device 2 may receive a route search request including a departure point and a destination from the vehicle, and search for a route that passes only through areas where cellular communication is possible. The control unit 21 of the server device 2 according to the second embodiment has a software module for performing route search. For example, in route search, the module assigns a cost to a road link passing through an area where wireless communication is difficult. Thereby, a route that passes only through areas where wireless communication is possible can be obtained.

[0083] In this embodiment, the description has been made on the premise that the binary values of "communicable" and "non-communicable" are assigned to the unit areas in the communication area map. However, when an evaluation value representing the communication quality is assigned to the communication area map, a route that can obtain a communication quality higher than a predetermined value may be selected. That is, the route provided by the server device 2 may not only pass through areas where wireless communication is possible, but also pass through areas where a communication quality of a predetermined value or more can be obtained.

[0084] (Third Embodiment) When disasters such as earthquakes and floods occur, there may be passable roads and non-passable roads. Also, a technique for determining passable roads based on data collected from probe vehicles is known. For example, a system has been devised in which vehicles relay information to each other through vehicle-to-vehicle communication to deliver information on passable roads to the server device without using the cellular communication network.

[0085] The server device 2 according to the third embodiment further acquires such data (second data) for determining passable roads, and generates a vehicle travel route to an area where cellular communication is possible based on the data. In this embodiment, the server device 2 is configured to be able to receive, from the vehicle 1 (in-vehicle device 10), in addition to the probe data, second data for determining passable roads. The second data may be transmitted and received via a network other than the cellular communication network. For example, even if mobile communication such as cellular communication is unavailable, data can be relayed by vehicle-to-vehicle communication. There is a technique for transmitting data to the server device in this way. The second data may be acquired by such a method. Further, the server device 2 may generate a road map indicating passable roads based on the collected second data.

[0086] When the server device 2 receives a route search request from a vehicle 1 located in an area where communication via the cellular communication network is impossible, based on the road map and the communication area map, it generates a route to a communicable area via a passable road and transmits it to the vehicle. Note that the route search request and the route generated by the server device 2 are preferably transmitted and received by communication means other than cellular communication (for example, a wireless LAN hot spot or vehicle-to-vehicle communication). This makes it possible to quickly guide the target vehicle to an area where cellular communication is possible.

[0087] (Modification example) The above embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0088] For example, in each embodiment, the server device 2, which is a center server, generates a communication area map based on the probe data received from the in-vehicle device 10, but the server device 2 may be a distributed system. In this case, the generated communication area map may be held by a plurality of vehicles 1.

[0089] Also, in each embodiment, the wireless transmission of probe data was performed using the MQTT protocol. However, the transmission protocol and communication medium are not limited to specific ones as long as the server device 2 can receive probe data from a plurality of vehicles 1 under its management. Further, in this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 10 triggered the transmission of probe data. However, the transmission of probe data may be triggered by the server device 2 (e.g., by polling or the like).

[0090] Moreover, the processes described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, the processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, how each function is realized by a hardware configuration (server configuration) can be flexibly changed.

[0091] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer and causing one or more processors included in the computer to read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0092] 10 ··· In-vehicle device 11 ··· Control unit 12 ··· Storage unit 13 ··· Communication unit 14 ··· Position information acquisition unit 2... Server device 21... Control unit 22... Memory unit 23... Communication unit 3... MQTT server 31... Control unit 32... Memory unit 33... Communication unit

Claims

1. Performing wireless communication with each of a plurality of probe vehicles via a mobile communication network; Generating map data indicating an area where communication is possible via the mobile communication network based on first data obtained from one or more vehicles with which communication has been established among the plurality of probe vehicles; An information processing system having a control unit that executes the above.

2. The control unit starts generating the map data when communication fails to be established with a predetermined ratio or more of the plurality of probe vehicles with which communication has been established within a predetermined area. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit further generates information regarding an area where a communication failure has occurred or communication has been restored based on the map data generated over time. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

4. The control unit generates a vehicle travel route passing through the area where communication is possible based on the map data. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

5. The control unit further acquires second data for determining passable roads, and generates a vehicle travel route leading to an area where communication is possible via the mobile communication network based on the second data. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

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