Information processing system

Abstract

To improve the quality of services provided by applications.SOLUTION: An information processing system collects probe data regarding the quality of wireless communication from a plurality of first vehicles, generates, based on the collected probe data, a communication quality map which is data obtained by mapping the quality of wireless communication to a geographical area, and determines service quality that can be obtained when a predetermined application utilizing wireless communication is used in a second vehicle based on the communication quality map.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communication technology.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technique for determining the communication quality obtained by a mobile body based on information transmitted from the mobile body performing wireless communication. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that maps the communication quality obtained by a mobile terminal on a map based on probe data transmitted from the mobile terminal.

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 improve the quality of services provided by an application.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is collecting probe data regarding the quality of wireless communication from a plurality of first vehicles; generating a communication quality map, which is data obtained by mapping the quality of wireless communication to a geographical area based on the collected probe data; and determining, based on the communication quality map, the service quality obtained when a predetermined application using wireless communication is used in a second vehicle, and an information processing system having a control unit that executes the above.

[0006] In another aspect, there are provided an apparatus included in the above-described system, a method executed by the apparatus, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program non-temporarily.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the quality of services provided by an application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] In recent years, the connectivity of automobiles has advanced, and the number of vehicles having a wireless communication function has increased. Such vehicles can communicate with a predetermined server apparatus 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 apparatus have emerged.

[0010] In this regard, a technique for determining whether the quality of wireless communication is maintained well during the running of a vehicle has been proposed. For example, by collecting information on the quality of wireless communication from a plurality of probe cars and mapping this on a map, a map (communication quality map) representing the predicted communication quality for each location can be generated. Also, by using the communication quality map, the quality of wireless communication in a vehicle traveling on a predetermined route can be predicted.

[0011] By the way, the quality of wireless communication required by a vehicle can vary depending on the application software (hereinafter, in-vehicle application) used by the vehicle. For example, when using streaming playback of a video during running, if the average bit rate meets the requirements, some communication delays may not be a problem. On the other hand, in the case where a plurality of vehicles cooperate to perform autonomous driving, high-speed communication may not be necessary, but low latency may be required. In the conventional technology, since the quality of communication was determined based on only a single index (for example, the field strength of wireless communication), it was not possible to predict the service quality obtained when using a predetermined in-vehicle application during running. The information processing apparatus in the present disclosure solves such a problem.

[0012] An information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that executes: collecting probe data regarding the quality of wireless communication from a plurality of first vehicles; generating a communication quality map that is data mapping the quality of wireless communication to a geographical area based on the collected probe data; and determining, based on the communication quality map, the service quality obtained when using a predetermined application that uses wireless communication in a second vehicle.

[0013] The control unit receives probe data, which is data for reporting the quality of wireless communication, from a plurality of first vehicles. The probe data may include measurement values corresponding to one or more quality indicators regarding wireless communication.

[0014] Based on the collected probe data, the control unit generates a communication quality map. The communication quality map may be, for example, a map obtained by mapping a plurality of measurement values indicating quality indicators related to wireless communication on a map. In the case where there are multiple wireless communication methods, mapping may be performed for each of the multiple wireless communication methods, and the set thereof may be regarded as the communication quality map.

[0015] Based on the communication quality map, the control unit determines the service quality obtained when a predetermined application using wireless communication is used in the second vehicle. The service quality is the degree to which the requirements and usage purposes of the application are satisfied. For example, when the target application is a call application, even if the data transfer rate is high, if the communication is interrupted to the extent that a conversation cannot be made, it can be said that the service quality of the application is low. Based on the communication quality map, the control unit can determine the service quality for each application. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to provide information about the quality that can be obtained when a predetermined application is used.

[0016] Note that the probe data includes measurement values corresponding to one or more quality indicators related to wireless communication, and the control unit may generate the communication quality map by mapping the measurement values corresponding to the quality indicators for each location.

[0017] The probe data may include measurement values at the physical layer level, such as the received power of a reference signal and the signal-to-noise ratio, or may include measurement values at the application level, such as the bit rate and response time when communication is performed according to a predetermined protocol. In addition, the probe data may include information reporting the wireless communication method in use. As information related to the wireless communication method, for example, communication standards (such as 3G, LTE, 5G, etc.) and information for identifying frequency bands (bands) are included. In the case where different communication carriers provide communication services, they may be regarded as different wireless communication methods.

[0018] Further, the control unit may determine the service quality obtained when the second vehicle travels along a predetermined route based on the quality index required by the predetermined application to meet a predetermined service quality. Thereby, it becomes possible to evaluate whether the traveling route of the second vehicle is appropriate.

[0019] Further, the control unit may store data associating each of a plurality of applications executable in the second vehicle with the quality index required by the application. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to accurately perform quality determination for each application.

[0020] Further, the control unit may determine the traveling route of the second vehicle based on the result of the determination. For example, the control unit may search for a traveling route that enables communication satisfying the service quality for a predetermined application.

[0021] 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 those unless otherwise specified.

[0022] (First Embodiment) [Overview of the System] The overview of the vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment will be described. The vehicle communication system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of vehicles 1 and a server device 2. 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 other external devices (for example, an external device for providing a predetermined service, etc.) via a wireless communication network (for example, a cellular communication network).

[0023] Vehicle 1 functions as both a vehicle (probe car) that measures the quality related to wireless communication and provides the results to the server device 2, and a vehicle that receives information from the server device 2 and performs wireless communication based on the acquired information. In FIG. 1, the former is distinguished as vehicle 1A and the latter as vehicle 1B. In the following description, the vehicle 1 (probe car) that provides information to the server device 2 is referred to as vehicle 1A, and the vehicle 1 that receives information from the server device 2 is referred to as vehicle 1B.

[0024] Vehicle 1 has a data communication module (Data Communication Module, hereinafter referred to as DCM) for connecting components (such as DCM and other ECUs, etc.) of the vehicle to the network, and an in-vehicle device. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device can provide various services by communicating with an external device via the DCM. Also, in the in-vehicle device, various application programs (hereinafter referred to as in-vehicle applications) can be executed. The in-vehicle applications may be provided by the vehicle manufacturer or may be downloaded by the user. M) and has an in-vehicle device. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device can provide various services by communicating with an external device via the DCM. Also, in the in-vehicle device, various application programs (hereinafter referred to as in-vehicle applications) can be executed. The in-vehicle applications may be provided by the vehicle manufacturer or may be downloaded by the user.

[0025] The server device 2 is a device configured to be communicable with a plurality of vehicles 1 via a network. The server device 2 receives reports (probe data) on communication quality from each of the plurality of vehicles 1A (probe cars) under its management, and generates a communication quality map, which is data obtained by mapping the quality of wireless communication onto a map, based on the received probe data.

[0026] Further, when the server device 2 receives a request from the vehicle 1B, it provides the communication quality map to the vehicle 1B. Thereby, the vehicle 1B can determine whether a predetermined in-vehicle application can provide a sufficient service quality during the running of its own vehicle based on the communication quality map.

[0027] [Device Configuration] Next, the configurations of the respective devices 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 communication system according to the present embodiment. The vehicle communication system according to the present embodiment includes one or more vehicles 1 and a server device 2.

[0028] First, the components included in the vehicle 1 will be described. The vehicle 1 includes a DCM 10 and an in-vehicle device 20.

[0029] The DCM 10 is a device that performs wireless communication with a predetermined network in order to connect a component (for example, the in-vehicle device 20) included in the vehicle 1 and an external device (for example, the server device 2). In the present embodiment, the DCM 10 is configured to be connectable to a predetermined cellular communication network. The DCM 10 may be selectively connectable to a plurality of cellular communication networks provided by a plurality of carriers. Further, the DCM 10 may be able to select a plurality of communication methods (for example, communication standards, frequency bands, etc.).

[0030] The DCM 10 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.). 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 match a predetermined purpose, 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 an FPGA.

[0031] The DCM 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a wireless communication unit 14, and a position information acquisition unit 15.

[0032] The control unit 11 is an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the DCM 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 be configured to include a RAM, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a cache memory, and the like.

[0033] The control unit 11 is configured to include three software modules: a communication control unit 111, a measurement unit 112, and an evaluation unit 113. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 11 (such as a CPU) executing a program stored in the storage unit 12 described later.

[0034] The communication control unit 111 controls the wireless connection to the cellular communication network. The communication control unit 111 attaches to the cellular communication network by a predetermined communication method and establishes a communication path to an external device. When communication from a component of the vehicle 1 to an external device occurs, the communication control unit 111 relays the communication to the cellular communication network. Also, when receiving communication from the cellular communication network to a predetermined component, the communication control unit 111 relays the communication to the component.

[0035] The measurement unit 112 measures values for each indicator (quality indicator) related to communication quality for the communication (cellular communication) performed by the communication control unit 111, and transmits the results of the measurement to the server device 2. Examples of the quality indicators measured by the measurement unit 112 are as follows. ·RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) Reference Signal Received Power. It is the intensity (received level) of the radio wave received from the base station, quantified in [dBm]. ·RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) Reference Signal Received Quality. It is an indicator that quantifies the quality of the received reference signal in [dB]. ·SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio. It is an index that quantifies, in [dB], 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. ·Average bit rate The average bit rate of data transmitted and received by in-vehicle applications. ·Average response time The average time from when an in-vehicle application issues a request to a server device until a response is received. ·Packet loss rate The average loss rate of packets transmitted and received by in-vehicle applications. Note that the quality indicators may include other indicators related to wireless communication and indicators related to quality of experience (QoE).

[0036] The measurement unit 112 periodically measures these values and transmits them to the server device 2 as probe data. FIG. 3(A) is an example of probe data. In this embodiment, the probe data is composed of four sections: basic information, communication status, communication method, and measured values.

[0037] The basic information section includes the acquisition date and time of the data and the location information of the vehicle 1. The location information of the vehicle 1 can be obtained from the location information acquisition unit 15 described later. The communication status section includes various status information in cellular communication. Examples of the status information include network information (IP address, gateway address, APN information, etc.), terminal identification number (IMEI), subscriber identification number (IMSI), connected base station ID, service status, etc.

[0038] The communication method section includes various information related to the communication method. As information related to the communication method, for example, the identification number (PLMN) of the cellular carrier, the communication standard (such as 3G, LTE, 5G), the band (frequency band), etc. can be exemplified. The communication standard and the band may be set based on an instruction from the base station, or may be specified by the communication control unit 111.

[0039] The measurement value section includes measurement values for each of a plurality of quality indicators related to the communication quality. In this embodiment, as described above, RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio), etc. are the objects of measurement.

[0040] The evaluation unit 113 periodically requests the server device 2 to provide a communication quality map, and based on the communication quality map provided by the server device 2, determines whether a predetermined in-vehicle application can be executed with a predetermined quality while the host vehicle is traveling. First, the evaluation unit 113 acquires information regarding the travel route of the host vehicle and the in-vehicle application that is planned to be used. Second, the evaluation unit 113 acquires the quality indicators required by the in-vehicle application that is planned to be used.

[0041] The evaluation unit 113 recognizes the necessary quality indicators by referring to the data (required quality data) in which the quality indicators required by the in-vehicle application are defined. Figure 3(B) is an example of the required quality data. The required quality data is data in which the required quality indicators are defined for each of the in-vehicle applications that can be executed in vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the required quality data consists of a pair of an app ID and a quality indicator. The app ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the in-vehicle application. The quality indicator is a pair of the quality indicator required by the in-vehicle application and the value to be satisfied. For example, when the in-vehicle application that is planned to be used is a video viewing app, the evaluation unit 113 can recognize that a quality indicator of "average bitrate" is required to be a predetermined value or more.

[0042] Thirdly, based on the communication quality map, the evaluation unit 113 estimates the service quality of the in-vehicle application on the route where the movement is planned. For example, when the vehicle is moving while using a video viewing application, the evaluation unit 113 determines whether or not a quality index called "average bit rate" becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value on the route. Thereby, the evaluation unit 113 can recognize that a predetermined route is an appropriate route (or that a route change is necessary).

[0043] 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. Programs executed by the control unit 11, data used by the programs, etc. are stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the probe data described above is temporarily stored in the storage unit 12. Furthermore, the communication quality map 12A received from the server device 2 is stored in the storage unit 12. Also, the required quality data 12B described above is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0044] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface with the in-vehicle network provided in the vehicle 1. The communication unit 13 communicates via, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) network or an in-vehicle Ethernet network. The DCM 10 can communicate with the in-vehicle device 20 (and other ECUs, etc.) via the in-vehicle network. The wireless communication unit 14 is a wireless communication interface for connecting the vehicle 1 to an external network. The wireless communication unit 14 is configured to be able to communicate with the server device 2 via, for example, a wireless LAN or a cellular communication network such as 3G, 4G, or 5G.

[0045]

[0046] ​The position information acquisition unit 15 acquires the position information of the vehicle 1. The position information acquisition unit 15 includes a GPS antenna and a positioning module for positioning the position information. The GPS antenna is an antenna that receives positioning signals transmitted from positioning satellites (also referred to as GNSS satellites). The positioning module is a module that calculates position information based on the signals received by the GPS antenna.

[0047] Next, the server device 2 will be described. Similar to the DCM 10, the server device 2 can be configured as a computer having a processor (such as a CPU or GPU), a main memory device (such as a RAM or ROM), and an auxiliary storage device (such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium).

[0048] The server device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0049] 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. Also, the control unit 21 may include a RAM, a ROM (Read Only Memory) , a cache memory, and the like.

[0050] The control unit 21 is configured to have two software modules, a data update unit 211 and an information providing unit 21, Each software module may be realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 22 described later by the control unit 21 (such as a CPU).

[0051] The data update unit 211 receives probe data from a plurality of vehicles 1 (DCM10), and generates or updates a communication quality map based on the received probe data. In the present embodiment, the communication quality map is data obtained by mapping values indicating communication quality in cellular communication onto a map. The communication quality map is stored in the storage unit 22. The object of mapping may be a measurement value included in the probe data, or a value (for example, an average value) obtained by integrating a plurality of measurement values transmitted from a plurality of vehicles.

[0052] When there is a request for providing the communication quality map from vehicle 1B, the information providing unit 212 acquires the stored communication quality map and transmits it to vehicle 1B. Details of the processes performed by the data update unit 211 and the information providing unit 212 will be described later.

[0053] The storage unit 22 is a means for storing information, and is constituted by 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. In addition, the storage unit 22 stores a set of communication quality maps (map data 22A) generated by the data update unit 211.

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

[0055] 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, storage or execution of a program may be performed by a combination of a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device other than those illustrated.

[0056] [Outline of Generation and Provision Process of Communication Quality Map] Next, the server device 2 generates a communication quality map based on the probe data received from the vehicle 1A, and based on this, the outline of the process of providing information to the vehicle 1B will be described.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the map data 22A generated by the server device 2. The map data 22A is a set of a plurality of communication quality maps. In the present embodiment, the server device 2 generates a communication quality map based on the probe data received from the vehicle 1A. The communication quality map is data obtained by mapping on a map the communication quality obtained when the vehicle performs cellular communication. For example, the communication quality map may divide the geographical area included in the map into unit areas, and assign an evaluation value representing the quality of wireless communication to each unit area. Reference numeral 401 is an example of the communication quality map. The evaluation value may be, for example, a value (e.g., an average value) obtained by integrating the measured values included in the probe data.

[0058] For example, the communication quality map indicated by reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4 maps the evaluation value to the unit area on the map for each of the quality indicators A, B, and C. By referring to the communication quality map, the communication quality at a certain point (unit area) can be predicted.

[0059] The server device 2 stores such communication quality maps for each communication method. In the server device 2, for example, a communication quality map is defined for each combination of a carrier, a communication standard, and a frequency band. When the server device 2 receives probe data from the vehicle 1A, it updates the corresponding communication quality map based on the probe data. For example, when probe data is received from the vehicle 1A performing cellular communication by the communication method C, the communication quality map indicated by reference numeral 401 becomes the update target. The set of a plurality of communication quality maps generated for each communication method is the map data 22A.

[0060] In this embodiment, the server device 2 identifies the unit area where the probe car is located based on the probe data, and updates the evaluation value assigned to the unit area.

[0061] Also, when the server device 2 receives a request for providing a communication quality map from the vehicle 1B, the server device 2 extracts a communication quality map suitable for the vehicle 1B from the stored map data 22A, and provides it to the vehicle 1B. For example, when the vehicle 1B that has sent the request adopts the communication method C, the server device 2 provides the vehicle 1B with a communication quality map (reference numeral 401) corresponding to the communication method C. The vehicle 1B stores the communication quality map in the storage unit 12. By providing such data to the vehicle 1B, the vehicle 1B can determine the "service quality obtained when using the in-vehicle application during driving".

[0062] [Processing for the server device 2 to update the communication quality map] Next, details of the process in which the server device 2 collects probe data from a plurality of vehicles 1A and updates the communication quality map will be described. FIG. 5(A) is a sequence diagram of the process. The process shown in FIG. 5(A) is periodically started by the DCM10 mounted on the vehicle 1A. Also, the illustrated process is executed for each of the plurality of vehicles 1A under the management of the server device 2.

[0063] Before the illustrated process is started, it is assumed that the communication method (any one of the communication methods A, B, and C in the example of FIG. 4) used for cellular communication is preset in the DCM10.

[0064] First, in step S11, the DCM10 (measurement unit 112) generates probe data. The measured values included in the probe data may be measured by the wireless communication unit 14, for example. The measurement unit 112 transmits the generated probe data to the server device 2 (data update unit 211).

[0065] In step S12, the server device 2 (data update unit 211) generates or updates a communication quality map based on the received probe data. For example, the data update unit 211 identifies the unit area where the vehicle 1A is located among the communication quality maps corresponding to the communication method adopted by the vehicle 1A, and updates the evaluation value corresponding to the unit area based on the measured value included in the probe data. If the target communication quality map has already been generated, the data update unit 211 may calculate the updated evaluation value by weighted average with other vehicles or the like.

[0066] [Processing in which the server device 2 provides a communication quality map] Next, details of the process in which the server device 2 receives a request for providing a communication quality map from the vehicle 1B and provides the communication quality map to the vehicle 1B will be described. FIG. 5(B) is a sequence diagram of the process. The process shown in FIG. 5(B) is started by the DCM10 mounted on the vehicle 1B. The process may be started when the DCM10 mounted on the vehicle 1B determines that the latest communication quality map is required. The process may be started, for example, at a predetermined cycle, or when the vehicle 1B satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when entering a new unit area or starting a new drive, etc.). Before the illustrated process is started, it is assumed that map data 22A is generated in the server device 2 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0067] Before the illustrated process is started, it is assumed that map data 22A is generated in the server device 2 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0068] First, in step S21, the DCM10 mounted on the vehicle 1B determines the driving route of the own vehicle and the in-vehicle application planned to be used on the route. Such information can be obtained from the in-vehicle device 20. Then, the DCM10 transmits a request for providing a communication quality map to the server device 2. The request for providing may include data for identifying the communication method adopted by the vehicle 1B.

[0069] In step S22, the server device 2 (information providing unit 212) extracts a corresponding communication quality map from the map data 22A based on the communication method included in the provision request. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, when the communication method adopted by the vehicle 1B is C, the server device 2 extracts the communication quality map indicated by the symbol 401. The extracted communication quality map is transmitted to the vehicle 1B (DCM10).

[0070] In step S23, the vehicle 1B (evaluation unit 113 included in DCM10) stores the communication quality map received from the server device 2 in the storage unit 12. Further, the evaluation unit 113 determines the service quality of the application based on the communication quality map.

[0071] In this step, the evaluation unit 113 refers to the received communication quality map and identifies one or more unit areas on the travel route of the host vehicle.

[0072] Specifically, the evaluation unit 113 acquires the quality index required by the in-vehicle application to be used, and acquires the evaluation value for each quality index in a plurality of unit areas existing on the route from the received communication quality map. Then, the evaluation unit 113 determines whether the quality index required by the in-vehicle application is satisfied in each unit area. The determination result may be the ratio of the unit areas that satisfy the quality index to the whole.

[0073] In step S24, the evaluation unit 113 performs a predetermined process based on the determination result. As the predetermined process, for example, a process of notifying the vehicle occupants of the determined service quality of the application can be exemplified. For example, the service quality of the application obtained on the route may be mapped on a map and output. Further, as the predetermined process, a process of notifying the vehicle occupants that there is a section where the required service quality cannot be satisfied may be performed. Furthermore, when the determined service quality does not meet a predetermined standard, the evaluation unit 113 may propose a change in the route.

[0074] As described above, in the vehicle communication system according to the present embodiment, based on the probe data transmitted from the vehicle 1A which is a probe car, the server device 2 generates data (communication quality map) in which the communication quality is mapped on a map. Further, the vehicle 1B determines the service quality of the in-vehicle application based on the communication quality map acquired from the server device 2. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to instruct the passengers of the vehicle 1B whether the in-vehicle application can be used with sufficient quality during the running of the vehicle 1B.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the server device 2 transmits a communication quality map to the vehicle 1 (DCM10), and the DCM10 determines the service quality of the in-vehicle application based on the received communication quality map. On the other hand, the determination of the service quality may be performed by the server device 2. That is, the process of step S22 may be performed on the server device side, and only the result may be notified to the DCM10.

[0076]

[0077] FIG. 6(A) is a sequence diagram of the processes executed by the vehicle 1B and the server device 2 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, first, in step S31, the DCM10 acquires information regarding the traveling route of its own vehicle and the in-vehicle application to be used on the route. Such information can be acquired from the in-vehicle device 20.

[0078] Next, the DCM10 transmits an inquiry including information regarding the traveling route and the in-vehicle application to the server device 2. The server device 2 (information providing unit 212) determines the service quality in step S32 by performing the same processing as in step S23 based on the travel route and the in-vehicle application that is planned to be used on the route. Note that, in order to determine the service quality on the server device side, in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the server device 2 stores the required quality data.

[0079] The result of the determination is transmitted to the DCM 10, and the DCM 10 executes processing based on the determination result in step S33. Since the content of the processing is the same as in step S24, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0080] In this way, the determination regarding the service quality can also be executed on the server device side.

[0081] (Third Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the service quality of the application was determined under the situation where the travel route of the vehicle 1B was determined. On the other hand, it is also possible to dynamically determine a travel route such that the service quality of the application satisfies a predetermined standard. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which the server device 2 according to the second embodiment is further provided with a route search function, and the server device 2 determines the travel route of the vehicle 1B.

[0082] In the third embodiment, the server device 2 (information providing unit 212) is configured to be able to execute route search. Route search is generally performed by assigning a cost to a road link based on the required time and distance, and searching for a route with the minimum cumulative cost among a plurality of routes connecting the departure point and the destination. In this embodiment, the service quality of the application is used as one of the costs used in route search. That is, the higher the service quality obtained on a certain road link, the lower the cost assigned to the road link. Thereby, a route that maximizes the total service quality obtained can be obtained.

[0083] FIG. 6(B) is a sequence diagram of the processes executed by the vehicle 1B and the server device 2 in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, first, in step S41, the DCM 10 acquires information regarding the departure and destination of the host vehicle and in-vehicle applications that are planned to be used on the route. Such information can be acquired from the in-vehicle device 20.

[0084] Next, the DCM 10 transmits an inquiry including information regarding the departure point, the destination, and the in-vehicle application to the server device 2. The server device 2 (information providing unit 212) searches for a route connecting the departure point and the destination in step S42. At this time, the information providing unit 212 determines the service quality that can be obtained for the specified in-vehicle application based on the communication quality map, and treats the obtained quality as the cost for the road link. The generated route is transmitted to the DCM 10, and the DCM 10 starts operation based on the route in step S43.

[0085] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to generate a driving route such that the service quality satisfies a predetermined requirement and teach it to the vehicle 1B.

[0086] (Modification example) The above embodiments are merely examples, 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.

[0087] Also, 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, it is possible to flexibly change how each function is realized by a hardware configuration (server configuration).

[0088] ​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 Signs

[0089] 1 ··· Vehicle 10 ··· DCM 20 ··· In-vehicle device 11 ··· Control unit 12 ··· Storage unit 13 ··· Communication unit 14 ··· Wireless communication unit 15 ··· Position information acquisition unit 2 ··· Server device 21 ··· Control unit 22 ··· Storage unit 23 ··· Communication unit

Claims

1. collecting probe data relating to quality of wireless communication from a plurality of first vehicles; generating a communication quality map, which is data mapping wireless communication quality to a geographical area, based on the collected probe data; determining, based on the communication quality map, a quality of service that can be obtained when a predetermined application that uses wireless communication is used in a second vehicle; An information processing system having a control unit that executes the above.

2. the probe data includes measurements corresponding to one or more quality indicators related to wireless communications; the control unit generates the communication quality map by mapping measurement values corresponding to the quality indexes for each point. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit determines the service quality that can be obtained when the second vehicle travels a predetermined route based on a quality index required by the predetermined application. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. a storage unit that stores data associating each of a plurality of applications executable in the second vehicle with a quality index required by the application; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit determines a travel route of the second vehicle based on the result of the determination. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

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