Server, communication system, vehicle, communication method, and communication program

Abstract

To prevent receiving of vehicle information on a first vehicle by a server from being delayed due to degradation in the communication quality of the first vehicle.SOLUTION: A server can communicate with a first vehicle and second vehicle. When determining that the communication quality relative to the first vehicle is lower than predetermined quality (Yes at S37), the server transmits information, which signifies a request for transmitting the vehicle information on the first vehicle from the second vehicle, to the second vehicle at step S41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server, a communication system, a vehicle, a communication method, and a communication program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a system including a server, a vehicle that can communicate with the server, and a second vehicle that cannot communicate with the server. The first vehicle transmits vehicle information of the first vehicle and vehicle information of the second vehicle to the server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-212610 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a system such as that described in Patent Document 1, there is a case where the second vehicle is a vehicle that can communicate with the server. In this case, depending on the communication status of the first vehicle, there is a risk that the server may be slow in acquiring vehicle information about the first vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a server capable of communicating with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, which, when it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, transmits information to the second vehicle indicating a request for the second vehicle to transmit vehicle information of the first vehicle.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a communication method executed by a server capable of communicating with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, wherein when the server determines that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, the server sends information to the second vehicle indicating a request for vehicle information of the first vehicle to be sent from the second vehicle.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a communication program to be executed by a server capable of communicating with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, which causes the server to send information to the second vehicle indicating a request for vehicle information of the first vehicle to be sent from the second vehicle when it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a communication system including a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and a server capable of communicating with the first vehicle and the second vehicle, wherein when the server determines that communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, the server transmits to the second vehicle information indicating a request to transmit vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle, and when the second vehicle receives the information indicating the request to transmit vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle, the second vehicle transmits the vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle to the server. According to each of the above configurations, it is possible to prevent a delay in the server's acquisition of the vehicle information of the first vehicle due to a decrease in communication quality of the first vehicle.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle that, when a server with which it can communicate determines that the communication quality of a target vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, receives information indicating a request to aggregate vehicle information of the target vehicle and send it to the server, and when it receives information indicating a request to send the vehicle information of the target vehicle to the server, sends the vehicle information of the target vehicle to the server.

[0010] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the communication quality of the target vehicle from causing a delay in the server's acquisition of vehicle information about the target vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for generating prediction information in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for determining a vehicle group in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes including a request to aggregate and transmit vehicle information in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence chart illustrating the flow of information when the state of individual transmission changes to the state of aggregated transmission in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processes including an individual transmission request for vehicle information in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence chart illustrating the flow of information when the state of aggregated transmission changes to the state of individual transmission in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a series of processes including a request to aggregate and transmit vehicle information in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence chart illustrating the flow of information when the state of individual transmission of the first vehicle information changes to the state of aggregate transmission in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processes including an individual transmission request for the first vehicle information in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence chart illustrating the flow of information when the state of collectively transmitting the first vehicle information changes to the state of individually transmitting the first vehicle information in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a series of processes including a request to aggregate and transmit vehicle information in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of a server, a communication system, a communication method, and a communication program will be described below.

[0013] <Communication system overview> As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 10 includes a plurality of vehicles 20, a plurality of base stations 30, and a server 40.

[0014] The vehicle 20 has a vehicle communication device 21, a vehicle control device 22, and a plurality of information acquisition devices 23. The vehicle communication device 21 communicates with the server 40 via wireless communication via the base station 30. The vehicle control device 22 is a device that controls the vehicle 20. The vehicle control device 22 outputs information to be transmitted to the server 40 to the vehicle communication device 21. The vehicle control device 22 acquires, from the vehicle communication device 21, information that the vehicle communication device 21 has received from the server 40.

[0015] The multiple information acquisition devices 23 acquire various types of information about the vehicle 20. The multiple information acquisition devices 23 are, for example, a GPS receiver 24 and a vehicle speed sensor 25. The GPS receiver 24 receives position information indicating the current position of the vehicle 20 from a GPS satellite. The position information is coordinate values ​​of latitude and longitude. The vehicle speed sensor 25 acquires the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 as the vehicle speed. Each information acquisition device 23 outputs the acquired information about the vehicle 20 to the vehicle control device 22.

[0016] The vehicle control device 22 acquires, as vehicle information VI, various types of information about the vehicle 20 acquired from the multiple information acquisition devices 23, identification information indicating the vehicle 20, and the time when the various types of information were acquired. Then, the vehicle control device 22 outputs the vehicle information VI to the vehicle communication device 21. Then, the vehicle communication device 21 transmits the vehicle information VI to the server 40 via the base station 30.

[0017] The vehicle control device 22 calculates a value indicating the communication quality when transmitting the vehicle information VI to the server 40. The value indicating the communication quality is, for example, a communication speed. Then, together with transmitting the vehicle information VI, the vehicle control device 22 transmits the value indicating the communication quality when transmitting the vehicle information VI to the server 40.

[0018] 1 illustrates the details of one vehicle 20 among the plurality of vehicles 20, while omitting details of the other vehicles 20. The plurality of vehicles 20 are capable of communicating information with each other under predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions are, for example, when a predetermined type of information is transmitted using a predetermined frequency band to a vehicle 20 within a predetermined distance. In other words, the plurality of vehicles 20 are capable of so-called vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0019] The base stations 30 constitute a network for wireless communication between the vehicle 20 and the server 40. The multiple base stations 30 each constitute a network. The vehicle 20 selects one base station 30 from the multiple base stations 30 and performs wireless communication with the server 40 using the network formed by the selected base station 30. When performing inter-vehicle communication with another vehicle 20, the vehicle 20 performs the communication without going through the base station 30.

[0020] The server 40 is capable of communicating with all of the plurality of base stations 30. Therefore, the server 40 is capable of communicating with a plurality of vehicles 20. The server 40 includes a communication device 50, an information processing device 60, and a data center 70.

[0021] The communication device 50 communicates with a plurality of vehicles 20 via the base station 30. The communication device 50 receives vehicle information VI and a value indicating communication quality transmitted from the vehicle 20. The communication device 50 outputs the received vehicle information VI and the value indicating communication quality to the information processing device 60. The communication device 50 also transmits the information acquired from the information processing device 60 to the vehicle 20 via the base station 30.

[0022] The information processing device 60 includes a CPU 61, which is an execution device, a peripheral circuit 62, a data storage unit 63, a program storage unit 64, and a bus 65. The bus 65 connects the CPU 61, the peripheral circuit 62, the data storage unit 63, and the program storage unit 64 so that they can communicate with one another. The peripheral circuit 62 includes a circuit that generates a clock signal that regulates internal operation, a power supply circuit, a reset circuit, etc. The data storage unit 63 stores data generated as the CPU 61 executes programs. The program storage unit 64 stores programs executed by the CPU 61. The CPU 61 performs information processing by executing various programs stored in the program storage unit 64. The CPU 61 also stores data generated by the information processing in the data storage unit 63. The program storage unit 64 stores a program P1 for generating forecast information FI, a program P2 for determining a vehicle group, a program P3 for aggregating transmission vehicles of the vehicle information VI, and a program P4 for separating transmission vehicles of the vehicle information VI. Furthermore, the CPU 61 outputs the information to the data center 70 after processing the information.

[0023] The data center 70 stores the prediction information FI. The prediction information FI is information generated based on the vehicle information VI of multiple vehicles 20 and includes multiple pieces of vehicle information VI from the time the vehicle information VI in a predetermined area was acquired. The predetermined area may be, for example, an area including one country, an area including only a portion of one country, or an area including the entire world. In other words, the prediction information FI is a so-called digital twin. Specifically, the data center 70 stores time-series data of the prediction information FI generated by the information processing device 60. In other words, the data center 70 acquires the prediction information FI generated by the information processing device 60 multiple times over time. As a result, the data center 70 stores the time-series data of the prediction information FI.

[0024] <Generating forecast information> Next, the generation of the prediction information FI performed by the information processing device 60 will be described. The CPU 61 repeatedly generates the forecast information FI by repeating the generation program P1 for the forecast information FI at a predetermined cycle, which is set to, for example, one minute.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, when the CPU 61 starts execution of the program P1 for generating the prediction information FI, it first performs the process of step S11. In step S11, the CPU 61 acquires the vehicle information VI of each vehicle 20 in the communication system 10. When acquiring a plurality of pieces of vehicle information VI, the CPU 61 acquires the vehicle information VI of each vehicle 20 based on the identification information of the vehicle 20 included in the vehicle information VI. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S12.

[0026] In step S12, the CPU 61 generates predicted information FI based on the acquired vehicle information VI. Specifically, the CPU 61 performs the following process to synchronize the vehicle information VI of each vehicle 20, thereby generating the predicted information FI. First, the CPU 61 references information indicating the time at which the acquired vehicle information VI was acquired. Next, the CPU 61 predicts the vehicle information VI at the reference time by using the time of the most recently acquired vehicle information VI as a reference time and correcting the other vehicle information VI by the time difference. For example, the CPU 61 performs the correction based on vehicle information VI such as past vehicle speed. Then, the CPU 61 generates the predicted vehicle information VI as predicted information FI. As a result, the CPU 61 acquires the vehicle information VI of the multiple vehicles 20 synchronized with the current time as predicted information FI. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S13.

[0027] In step S13, the CPU 61 stores the generated forecast information FI in the data center 70. Thereafter, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes. As a result, the data center 70 stores the acquired forecast information FI. As the CPU 61 repeatedly executes the generation program P1 for the forecast information FI, the data center 70 acquires and stores the forecast information FI at predetermined intervals. Thus, the data center 70 stores the time-series data of the forecast information FI.

[0028] <Decision on Vehicle Groups> Next, the determination of the vehicle group performed by the information processing device 60 will be described. The CPU 61 repeats the vehicle group determination program P2 at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle is set to, for example, one minute. This allows the CPU 61 to determine whether a specific vehicle 20 among the multiple vehicles 20 forms a vehicle group with another vehicle 20 other than the specific vehicle 20 among the multiple vehicles 20 and is traveling as a vehicle group.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, when the CPU 61 starts executing the vehicle group determination program P2, it first starts the process of step S21. In step S21, the CPU 61 acquires data for a predetermined period of time from the time-series data of the forecast information FI in the data center 70. The predetermined period of time is, for example, 10 minutes. Thereafter, the CPU 61 advances the process to step S22.

[0030] In step S22, the CPU 61 determines, based on the time series data of the prediction information FI acquired in step S21 for the past predetermined period, whether or not the vehicle 20 that is the specific target vehicle is traveling as part of a vehicle group that includes other vehicles 20. In this embodiment, the CPU 61 compares the prediction information FI of the multiple vehicles 20 to determine whether or not the specific vehicle 20 is traveling in a similar manner to the other vehicles 20 within a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

[0031] In detail, first, the CPU 61 selects another vehicle 20 whose position is within a predetermined range from the position information included in the latest prediction information FI of the specific vehicle 20. Next, the CPU 61 compares the position information of the specific vehicle 20 with the position information of the selected other vehicle 20 at each reference time, and selects other vehicles 20 that have been present within the predetermined range from the position of the specific vehicle 20 during a predetermined period of time in the past. If there is one or more selectable other vehicles 20, the CPU 61 determines that the specific vehicle 20 and other vehicles 20 form a vehicle group, and that each vehicle 20 forming the vehicle group is traveling. On the other hand, if there is no selectable other vehicle 20, the CPU 61 determines that the specific vehicle 20 does not form a vehicle group with other vehicles 20. Furthermore, if the position of the specific vehicle 20 has not changed during the predetermined period of time in the past, the CPU 61 determines that the vehicle group is not traveling.

[0032] If the CPU 61 determines that the specific vehicle 20 is traveling as part of a vehicle group including other vehicles 20 (S22: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the CPU 61 adds information indicating that the specific vehicle 20 is in a state of forming a vehicle group together with the other vehicles 20 to the prediction information FI. For example, the CPU 61 assigns a label that identifies the vehicle group to the vehicle group including the specific vehicle 20 in the prediction information FI, and sets a flag for the vehicles 20 included in the vehicle group to which the label has been assigned indicating that they are forming a vehicle group identified by the label. Thereafter, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes.

[0033] On the other hand, if the CPU 61 determines that the specific vehicle 20 is not traveling as part of a vehicle group including other vehicles 20 (S22: NO), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the CPU 61 adds information indicating that the specific vehicle 20 is not in a vehicle group with other vehicles 20 to the prediction information FI. For example, the CPU 61 clears the above-mentioned flag. Thereafter, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes.

[0034] The information processing device 60 can identify the vehicles 20 traveling as one vehicle group by executing the vehicle group determination program P2 on each vehicle 20. In addition, by adding the results of selection of other vehicles 20 in the vehicle group, it is possible to identify multiple vehicles 20 included in one vehicle group.

[0035] <Server's decision on whether to aggregate and send when sending individually> Next, the process performed by the information processing device 60 when aggregating and transmitting vehicle information VI will be described. Here, an example will be described in which one vehicle group is made up of five vehicles 20 out of a plurality of vehicles 20. The five vehicles 20 include a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and a third vehicle, which will be described later.

[0036] When each vehicle 20 in the vehicle group individually transmits vehicle information VI to the server 40, the CPU 61 executes the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle is, for example, one minute. Specifically, when a flag indicating that the vehicle 20 constitutes a vehicle group is set in the above-mentioned prediction information FI, the CPU 61 determines that the vehicles 20 for which the flag is set constitute a vehicle group. Furthermore, when the CPU 61 individually receives vehicle information VI from all vehicles 20 constituting a vehicle group, the CPU 61 determines that each vehicle 20 in the vehicle group individually transmits vehicle information VI to the server 40. Whether or not the vehicle information VI is individually received is determined by, for example, whether or not the reception times of all the vehicles coincide.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, when the CPU 61 starts executing the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3, the CPU 61 first performs processing in step S31. In step S31, the CPU 61 acquires, from each vehicle 20 included in the vehicle group, a value indicating the communication quality when the vehicle information VI is individually transmitted, as information indicating the individual quality IQ. The individual quality IQ is the communication quality when multiple vehicles 20 individually transmit the vehicle information VI. For example, the individual quality IQ is the communication speed. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to processing in step S32.

[0038] In step S32, the CPU 61 determines an aggregated vehicle CV from the five vehicles 20. The aggregated vehicle CV is a vehicle 20 that aggregates the vehicle information VI of the five vehicles 20 included in one vehicle group and transmits it to the server 40. The CPU 61 determines the vehicle 20 with the highest quality individual quality IQ from among the individual quality IQs of each vehicle 20 acquired in the processing of step S31 as the aggregated vehicle CV. Note that, of the five vehicles 20, the vehicle 20 with the lowest individual quality IQ is the first vehicle and the target vehicle. Furthermore, of the five vehicles 20, the aggregated vehicle CV is the second vehicle, and one vehicle 20 of the remaining three vehicles 20 is the third vehicle. The CPU 61 then proceeds to the processing of step S33.

[0039] In step S33, the CPU 61 determines the base station 30 to be used by the aggregation vehicle CV. The CPU 61 determines, from among the multiple base stations 30, the base station 30 that is closest to the location indicated by the location information included in the latest forecast information FI of the aggregation vehicle CV as the base station 30 to be used by the aggregation vehicle CV. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S34.

[0040] In step S34, the CPU 61 calculates the total amount of data of the vehicle information VI of all vehicles 20 included in the vehicle group. The total amount of data is, for example, data size. Specifically, the CPU 61 multiplies the predetermined data amount of the vehicle information VI by the number of vehicles 20 included in the vehicle group to calculate the total amount of data of the vehicle information VI of all vehicles 20 included in the vehicle group. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S35.

[0041] In step S35, the CPU 61 predicts, as the aggregated predicted quality CPQ, the communication quality when the aggregating vehicle CV aggregates the vehicle information VI of all vehicles 20 included in the vehicle group and transmits the aggregated predicted quality CPQ to the server 40. Specifically, the CPU 61 assumes that the aggregating vehicle CV transmits the total amount of data of the vehicle information VI calculated in step S34 using the base station 30 determined in step S33. The CPU 61 calculates the communication speed when communication is performed using the determined base station 30 for the total amount of data. The CPU 61 calculates the calculated communication speed as a value indicating the aggregated predicted quality CPQ. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S36.

[0042] In step S36, the CPU 61 calculates the average quality of the individual quality IQ indicated by the information indicating the individual quality IQ acquired in step S31 as the individual average quality IAQ. Specifically, the CPU 61 calculates the average value of the communication speed when individually transmitted, which is the individual quality IQ, as a value indicating the individual average quality IAQ. That is, in step S36, the CPU 61 calculates the individual average quality IAQ of multiple vehicles 20 including the first vehicle, second vehicle, and third vehicle. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S37.

[0043] In step S37, the CPU 61 determines whether the individual average quality IAQ is lower than the aggregate predicted quality CPQ. Specifically, the CPU 61 compares the communication speed calculated as the individual average quality IAQ with the communication speed calculated as the aggregate predicted quality CPQ. When the communication speed calculated as the individual average quality IAQ is lower than the communication speed calculated as the aggregate predicted quality CPQ, the CPU 61 determines that the individual average quality IAQ is lower than the aggregate predicted quality CPQ. On the other hand, when the communication speed calculated as the individual average quality IAQ is equal to or higher than the communication speed calculated as the aggregate predicted quality CPQ, the CPU 61 determines that the individual average quality IAQ is not lower than the aggregate predicted quality CPQ. In the first embodiment, the aggregate predicted quality CPQ is the first predetermined quality.

[0044] In the first embodiment, when the individual average quality IAQ is determined to be lower than the aggregate predicted quality CPQ, the individual quality IQ of vehicle 20, which is the first vehicle with the lowest individual quality IQ, can naturally be determined to be lower than the aggregate predicted quality CPQ. On the other hand, when the individual average quality IAQ is determined to be lower than the aggregate predicted quality CPQ, the individual quality IQ of a third vehicle different from the first and second vehicles may not be lower than the aggregate predicted quality CPQ.

[0045] When the CPU 61 determines that the individual average quality IAQ is lower than the aggregated predicted quality CPQ (S37: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S38. In step S38, the CPU 61 transmits to the aggregation vehicle CV an acquisition request RG to acquire vehicle information VI of other vehicles 20. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S39.

[0046] In step S39, the CPU 61 transmits an aggregation request RC to the other vehicles 20 in the vehicle group to transmit the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV. The vehicles 20 that receive the aggregation request RC stop transmitting the vehicle information VI individually to the server 40 without passing through the aggregation vehicle CV. The CPU 61 then proceeds to step S40.

[0047] In step S40, the CPU 61 transmits, to the aggregation vehicle CV, information indicating the base station 30 to be used, which was determined in step S33. After that, the CPU 61 advances the process to step S41.

[0048] In step S41, the CPU 61 transmits a transmission request RS1 for the aggregated vehicle information VI to the aggregating vehicle CV. That is, the CPU 61 transmits a request to the second vehicle, which is the aggregating vehicle CV, to aggregate and transmit the vehicle information VI of all vehicles 20 that make up the vehicle group including the first vehicle. Upon receiving the transmission request, the aggregating vehicle CV aggregates the vehicle information VI of the multiple vehicles 20 that make up the vehicle group and transmits it to the server 40. Also, as described above, in the first embodiment, even if the individual quality IQ of the third vehicle is higher than the aggregated predicted quality CPQ, the transmission request RS1 for the vehicle information VI of the third vehicle is transmitted to the aggregating vehicle CV. Then, the CPU 61 terminates the series of processes.

[0049] On the other hand, when the CPU 61 determines that the individual average quality IAQ is not lower than the aggregated predicted quality CPQ (S37: NO), the CPU 61 ends the series of processes. That is, in this case, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes while keeping the vehicle information VI of all the vehicles 20 constituting the vehicle group transmitted individually from each vehicle 20 without aggregating the vehicle information VI of all the vehicles 20 constituting the vehicle group into the aggregated vehicle CV.

[0050] <Information flow when switching from individual transmission to aggregate transmission> Next, we will explain the flow of information when the communication system 10 changes from a state in which multiple vehicles 20 individually transmit vehicle information VI to a state in which an aggregated vehicle CV aggregates and transmits the vehicle information VI. In the following explanation of the information flow, we will explain the vehicle information VI and each request, and omit explanations of information added to the vehicle information VI and information indicating the base station.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of vehicles 20 individually transmit vehicle information VI to the server 40. A first vehicle, which is a target vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles 20, transmits first vehicle information VI1, which is the vehicle information VI of the first vehicle, to the server 40. A second vehicle, which is an aggregation vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles 20, transmits second vehicle information VI2, which is the vehicle information VI of the second vehicle, to the server 40. A third vehicle included in the plurality of vehicles 20 transmits third vehicle information VI3, which is the vehicle information VI of the third vehicle, to the server 40. Then, the server 40 acquires the first vehicle information VI1, the second vehicle information VI2, and the third vehicle information VI3 by processing in step S11. Note that in the following description of the flow of information, the five vehicles 20 that make up the plurality of vehicles 20 are described as consisting of a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and three third vehicles. Also, only one third vehicle is illustrated in the drawings.

[0052] Next, the server 40 executes the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 described above, and when the determination in step S37 is affirmative, performs the processes of steps S38 to S41. As a result, the server 40 transmits an aggregation request RC to the third vehicle. The third vehicle, which has received the aggregation request RC, transmits its own vehicle information VI, that is, third vehicle information VI3, to the second vehicle. The server 40 also transmits the aggregation request RC to the first vehicle. The first vehicle, which has received the aggregation request RC, transmits its own vehicle information VI, that is, first vehicle information VI1, to the second vehicle. The server 40 also transmits an acquisition request RG and a transmission request RS1 to the second vehicle. The second vehicle, which has received the acquisition request RG and the transmission request RS1, aggregates the first vehicle information VI1, the second vehicle information VI2, and the third vehicle information VI3, and transmits them to the server 40. The server 40 then acquires the first vehicle information VI1, the second vehicle information VI2, and the third vehicle information VI3 from the second vehicle by the process of step S11. That is, through the transmission and reception of this information in the communication system 10, the aggregation vehicle CV receives a transmission request RS1 for the first vehicle information VI1 when the server 40 determines that the communication quality of the first vehicle, which is the target vehicle, is lower than a first predetermined quality. Then, upon receiving the transmission request RS1, the aggregation vehicle CV transmits the first vehicle information VI1 to the server 40.

[0053] <Determining whether to send individually when sending in aggregate> Next, the process performed by the information processing device 60 when transmitting vehicle information VI individually will be described. When an aggregating vehicle CV among the vehicles 20 constituting a vehicle group aggregates and transmits the vehicle information VI to the server 40, the CPU 61 executes a vehicle information VI separation program P4 at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle is, for example, one minute. Specifically, when a flag indicating that the vehicle 20 constitutes a vehicle group is set in the above-mentioned prediction information FI, the CPU 61 determines that the vehicle 20 with the set flag constitutes a vehicle group. Furthermore, when the CPU 61 aggregates and receives vehicle information VI from an aggregating vehicle CV among the multiple vehicles 20 constituting a vehicle group, the CPU 61 determines that the aggregating vehicle CV aggregates and transmits the vehicle information VI to the server 40.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 6, when the CPU 61 starts executing the vehicle information VI separation program P4, it first performs the process of step S51. In step S51, the CPU 61 acquires information from the aggregating vehicle CV indicating the aggregation quality CQ, which is the communication quality when aggregating and transmitting the vehicle information VI of all vehicles 20 that make up the vehicle group. For example, the aggregation quality CQ is the communication speed. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to the process of step S52.

[0055] In step S52, the CPU 61 determines the base station 30 to be used by each vehicle 20. Specifically, the CPU 61 determines, among the multiple base stations 30, the base station 30 that is closest to the location indicated by the location information included in the latest prediction information FI of the vehicle 20 as the base station 30 to be used by that vehicle 20. Similarly, the CPU 61 determines the base stations 30 to be used by each of the remaining four vehicles 20. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S53.

[0056] In step S53, the CPU 61 calculates the individual predicted quality IPQ of each vehicle 20. The individual predicted quality IPQ is a predicted result of communication quality when the vehicle 20 individually transmits the vehicle information VI to the server 40. Specifically, the CPU 61 assumes that the vehicle 20 transmits a predetermined amount of data of the vehicle information VI using the base station 30 determined in step S52. The CPU 61 calculates the communication speed when communicating that amount of data using the determined base station 30. Similarly, the CPU 61 calculates the individual predicted qualities IPQ of the remaining four vehicles 20. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S54.

[0057] In step S54, the CPU 61 calculates the individual average prediction quality IPAQ. The individual average prediction quality IPAQ is the average quality of the individual prediction qualities IPQ. Specifically, the CPU 61 calculates the average value of the individual prediction qualities IPQ of each vehicle 20 acquired in step S53 as the individual average prediction quality IPAQ. In the first embodiment, the individual average prediction quality IPAQ is the second predetermined quality. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S55.

[0058] In step S55, the CPU 61 determines whether the aggregated quality CQ is lower than the individual predicted average quality IPAQ. Specifically, the CPU 61 compares the communication speed acquired as the aggregated quality CQ with the communication speed calculated as the individual predicted average quality IPAQ. When the communication speed acquired as the aggregated quality CQ is lower than the communication speed calculated as the individual predicted average quality IPAQ, the CPU 61 determines that the aggregated quality CQ is lower than the individual predicted average quality IPAQ. On the other hand, when the communication speed acquired as the aggregated quality CQ is equal to or higher than the communication speed calculated as the individual predicted average quality IPAQ, the CPU 61 determines that the aggregated quality CQ is not lower than the individual predicted average quality IPAQ.

[0059] When the CPU 61 determines that the aggregate quality CQ is lower than the individual predicted average quality IPAQ (S55: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the CPU 61 transmits a request RD to the aggregation vehicle CV to stop acquiring vehicle information VI of other vehicles 20. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S57.

[0060] In step S57, the CPU 61 transmits information indicating the base station 30 to be used to each vehicle 20 in the vehicle group determined in step S52. Thereafter, the CPU 61 advances the process to step S58.

[0061] In step S58, the CPU 61 transmits an individual transmission request RS2 to each vehicle 20 in the vehicle group to transmit the vehicle information VI individually to the server 40. The vehicle 20 that receives the transmission request stops transmitting the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV. Then, the vehicle 20 that receives the transmission request transmits the vehicle information VI individually to the server 40. Thereafter, the CPU 61 ends this series of processes.

[0062] On the other hand, when the CPU 61 determines that the aggregated quality CQ is not lower than the individual predicted average quality IPAQ (S55: NO), the CPU 61 ends the current series of processes. That is, in this case, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes while leaving the vehicle information VI of all vehicles 20 constituting the vehicle group aggregated and transmitted from the aggregated vehicle CV.

[0063] <Information flow when switching from aggregated transmission to individual transmission> Next, we will explain the flow of information when the communication system 10 changes from a state in which the aggregation vehicle CV aggregates and transmits vehicle information VI from multiple vehicles 20 to a state in which multiple vehicles 20 individually transmit vehicle information VI.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 7, the third vehicle transmits the third vehicle information VI3 to the second vehicle. The first vehicle transmits the first vehicle information VI1 to the second vehicle. The second vehicle aggregates the acquired first vehicle information VI1, second vehicle information VI2, and third vehicle information VI3 and transmits them to the server 40. Then, the server 40 acquires the first vehicle information VI1, second vehicle information VI2, and third vehicle information VI3 by processing in step S11.

[0065] Next, the server 40 executes the above-mentioned vehicle information VI separation program P4, and when a positive determination is made in step S55, performs the processes of steps S56 to S58. As a result, the server 40 transmits an individual transmission request RS2 to the third vehicle. The third vehicle that has received the individual transmission request RS2 transmits the third vehicle information VI3 to the server 40. The server 40 also transmits a stop request RD and an individual transmission request RS2 to the second vehicle. The second vehicle that has received the stop request RD and the individual transmission request RS2 cancels the acquisition of the first vehicle information VI1 and the third vehicle information VI3 and transmits the second vehicle information VI2 to the server 40. The server 40 also transmits the individual transmission request RS2 to the first vehicle. The first vehicle that has received the individual transmission request RS2 transmits the first vehicle information VI1 to the server 40. Then, the server 40 acquires the first vehicle information VI1, the second vehicle information VI2, and the third vehicle information VI3 from each vehicle 20 individually through the process of step S11.

[0066] <Operation of the First Embodiment> In the communication system 10, assume that each vehicle 20 included in a vehicle group individually transmits vehicle information VI to the server 40. Assume that, of the five vehicles 20 constituting the vehicle group, the vehicles 20 other than the aggregation vehicle CV temporarily experience a deterioration in communication quality due to the communication state of each vehicle 20. In this case, the CPU 61 in the server 40 executes the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3, thereby performing the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 . In this case, the vehicle 20 with the lowest individual quality IQ among the five vehicles 20 becomes the first vehicle, and the aggregation vehicle CV with the highest individual quality IQ becomes the second vehicle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first and third vehicles transmit the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV rather than individually to the server 40. Then, the aggregation vehicle CV acquires a transmission request RS1 to aggregate and transmit the vehicle information VI of all vehicles 20 constituting the vehicle group and transmits the aggregated information VI to the server 40.

[0067] <Effects of the first embodiment> (1-1) According to the first embodiment, when communication quality in the network formed by the base station 30 of the first vehicle deteriorates, the aggregation vehicle CV aggregates and transmits the first vehicle information VI1 to the server 40. Therefore, when the communication quality of the first vehicle is low, the first vehicle does not directly transmit the vehicle information VI to the server 40, but transmits the first vehicle information VI1 via the aggregation vehicle CV. This makes it possible to prevent the server 40 from receiving the first vehicle information VI1 late due to a deterioration in the communication quality of the first vehicle.

[0068] (1-2) According to the first embodiment, when the server 40 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the aggregated predicted quality CPQ, it transmits an acquisition request RG to the second vehicle, which is the aggregated vehicle CV. This allows the second vehicle to understand that it will acquire the vehicle information VI of the other vehicles 20, including the first vehicle. As a result, even if the second vehicle has not acquired the vehicle information VI of the other vehicles 20 until it receives the acquisition request RG, it can start the process of acquiring the vehicle information VI of the other vehicles 20, including the first vehicle, at the time it acquires the acquisition request RG. Therefore, the second vehicle does not need to acquire unnecessary vehicle information VI when it does not aggregate and transmit the vehicle information VI.

[0069] (1-3) According to the first embodiment, when the server 40 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the aggregated predicted quality CPQ, it transmits an aggregation request RC to the other vehicles 20 in the vehicle group, including the first vehicle, excluding the second vehicle, which is the aggregated vehicle CV. This allows the other vehicles 20, excluding the second vehicle, to know that they should transmit vehicle information VI to the aggregated vehicle CV.

[0070] (1-4) In the first embodiment, the server 40 generates the prediction information FI based on the acquired plurality of pieces of vehicle information VI. If there is vehicle information VI that cannot be acquired when generating the prediction information FI, it becomes difficult for the server 40 to generate the prediction information FI with high accuracy. In this regard, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the server 40 from being unable to acquire the vehicle information VI due to a deterioration in the communication conditions of the first vehicle, and as a result, it is possible to prevent a deterioration in the accuracy with which the server 40 generates the prediction information FI.

[0071] (1-5) In the first embodiment, the server 40 determines whether the first vehicle is traveling as part of a vehicle group based on the prediction information FI. If the accuracy of the stored prediction information FI decreases, it becomes difficult for the server 40 to appropriately determine whether the first vehicle is traveling as part of a vehicle group. In this regard, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the accuracy of the prediction information FI from deteriorating due to a deterioration in the communication conditions of the first vehicle, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the accuracy of the server 40's determination of whether the first vehicle is traveling as part of a vehicle group from deteriorating.

[0072] Then, by requesting that the vehicle information VI of the first vehicle be transmitted from a second vehicle included in the group of vehicles, the second vehicle can receive the vehicle information VI of the first vehicle from the first vehicle via vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0073] (1-6) According to the first embodiment, the first predetermined quality is the aggregated predicted quality CPQ. Therefore, the CPU 61 can determine whether to aggregate the vehicle information VI by comparing the communication quality with the communication quality that would be obtained if the vehicle information VI were aggregated and transmitted.

[0074] (1-7) According to the first embodiment, the server 40 determines communication quality using the individual average quality IAQ of multiple vehicles 20, including the first vehicle, the second vehicle, and the third vehicle. Specifically, the server 40 determines whether the individual average quality IAQ is lower than the aggregated predicted quality CPQ. In this case, even if the individual quality IQ of the third vehicle is higher than the aggregated predicted quality CPQ, the CPU 61 transmits a transmission request RS1 to the aggregating vehicle CV so that all vehicle information VI constituting the vehicle group including the third vehicle is transmitted from the aggregating vehicle CV. This allows the server 40 to manage a situation in which, for one vehicle group in the communication system 10, all vehicles 20 transmit individually, or one aggregating vehicle CV aggregates and transmits all vehicle information VI. This makes it relatively easy for the server 40 to manage the transmission status of the vehicle group.

[0075] (1-8) According to the first embodiment, while receiving the first vehicle information VI1 from the second vehicle, which is an aggregate vehicle CV, the server 40 determines whether the aggregate quality CQ is lower than the individual predicted average quality IPAQ. When the server 40 determines that the aggregate quality CQ is lower than the individual predicted average quality IPAQ, the server 40 transmits an individual transmission request RS2 to each vehicle 20 so as to individually transmit the vehicle information VI to all vehicles 20 constituting the vehicle group. This prevents the server 40 from being unable to receive all of the vehicle information VI from the other vehicles 20 when the communication conditions of the aggregate vehicle CV deteriorate.

[0076] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the processing in the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 and the vehicle information VI separation program P4 is partially different from that in the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the same points will be simplified or omitted.

[0077] The aggregation program P3 in the first embodiment is a program that determines whether or not to aggregate all of the vehicle information VI of the five vehicles 20. The separation program P4 in the first embodiment is a program that determines whether or not to separate all of the vehicle information VI of the five vehicles 20. On the other hand, the aggregation program P3 in the second embodiment is a program that determines whether or not to aggregate the vehicle information VI of some of the vehicles 20 in the vehicle group. Furthermore, the separation program P4 in the second embodiment is a program that determines whether or not to separate the vehicle information VI of some of the vehicles 20 in the vehicle group. In the following description of the second embodiment, the vehicle 20 that is the subject of the determination as to whether to aggregate or separate is the first vehicle.

[0078] <Determining whether to aggregate and send emails when they are sent individually> The following describes the aggregation of vehicle information VI performed by the information processing device 60. Here, the following describes an example in which one vehicle group is made up of five vehicles 20 out of a plurality of vehicles 20.

[0079] When a first vehicle, which is a specific vehicle 20 in a group of vehicles, individually transmits vehicle information VI, and the group of vehicles includes vehicles 20 that transmit vehicle information VI in an aggregated manner, the CPU 61 executes a vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 for a predetermined period of time.

[0080] 8, when the CPU 61 starts executing the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 in the second embodiment, it first performs the process of step S61. In step S61, the CPU 61 acquires information indicating the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle from the first vehicle. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to the process of step S62.

[0081] In step S62, the CPU 61 calculates the total amount of data of the first vehicle information VI1 and the vehicle information VI transmitted by the aggregating vehicle CV. Specifically, the CPU 61 calculates the total amount of data by adding the amount of data of the first vehicle information VI1 to the amount of data of the vehicle information VI aggregated and transmitted by the aggregating vehicle CV. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S63.

[0082] In step S63, the CPU 61 predicts, as the additional aggregated predicted quality ACPQ, the communication quality when the aggregation vehicle CV additionally aggregates the first vehicle information VI1 and transmits it to the server 40. Specifically, the CPU 61 calculates, as the additional aggregated predicted quality ACPQ, the communication quality when transmitting the total amount of data calculated in step S62. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S64.

[0083] In step S64, the CPU 61 determines whether the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ. Specifically, the CPU 61 compares the communication speed calculated as the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle with the communication speed calculated as the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ. When the communication speed calculated as the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the communication speed calculated as the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ, the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ. On the other hand, when the communication speed calculated as the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is equal to or higher than the communication speed calculated as the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ, the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is not lower than the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ. In the first embodiment, the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ is the first predetermined quality.

[0084] When the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ (S64: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the CPU 61 transmits a partial acquisition request RG1 to acquire the first vehicle information VI1 to the aggregate vehicle CV. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S66.

[0085] In step S66, the CPU 61 transmits an aggregation request RC to the first vehicle to transmit the first vehicle information VI1 to the aggregation vehicle CV. Upon receiving the aggregation request, the first vehicle stops transmitting the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV and to the server 40 without passing through the aggregation vehicle CV. The CPU 61 then proceeds to step S67.

[0086] In step S67, the CPU 61 transmits to the aggregating vehicle CV a transmission request RS1 for vehicle information VI that has been aggregated by adding the first vehicle information VI1. That is, the CPU 61 requests the aggregating vehicle CV to aggregate and transmit the first vehicle information VI1 in addition to the vehicle information VI of the vehicle 20 that has already been aggregated. Thereafter, the CPU 61 ends this series of processes.

[0087] On the other hand, when the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is not lower than the additional aggregated predicted quality ACPQ (S64: NO), the CPU 61 ends the current series of processes. That is, in this case, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes without aggregating the first vehicle information VI1 into the aggregated vehicle CV, and leaves the first vehicle in a state of transmitting the vehicle information VI individually.

[0088] <Information flow when the first vehicle changes from individual transmission to aggregate transmission> Next, we will explain the flow of information when the first vehicle is individually transmitting the first vehicle information VI1 and the second vehicle is aggregating and transmitting the third vehicle information VI3, and then the second vehicle also aggregates and transmits the first vehicle information VI1.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 9, the third vehicle transmits the third vehicle information VI3 to the second vehicle. The second vehicle aggregates the second vehicle information VI2 and the third vehicle information VI3 and transmits them to the server 40. The first vehicle transmits the first vehicle information VI1 to the server 40. Then, the server 40 acquires the first vehicle information VI1, the second vehicle information VI2, and the third vehicle information VI3 by processing in step S11.

[0090] Next, the server 40 executes the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 described above, and when the determination in step S64 is affirmative, performs the processes of steps S65 to S67. As a result, the server 40 transmits an aggregation request RC to the first vehicle. The first vehicle that has received the aggregation request RC transmits the first vehicle information VI1 to the second vehicle. Meanwhile, the server 40 does not transmit information to the third vehicle. Therefore, the third vehicle continues to transmit the third vehicle information VI3 to the second vehicle. The server 40 also transmits a partial acquisition request RG1 and a transmission request RS1 to the second vehicle. The second vehicle that has received the partial acquisition request RG1 and the transmission request RS1 aggregates the first vehicle information VI1 in addition to the second vehicle information VI2 and the third vehicle information VI3, and transmits them to the server 40. Then, the server 40 acquires the first vehicle information VI1, the second vehicle information VI2, and the third vehicle information VI3 from the second vehicle by the process of step S11.

[0091] <Determining whether to send individually when sending in aggregate> When vehicle information VI of a first vehicle, which is a specific vehicle 20 in a group of vehicles, is aggregated from an aggregation vehicle CV different from the first vehicle and transmitted to the server 40, the CPU 61 executes a vehicle information VI separation program P4 for a predetermined period of time.

[0092] 10, when the CPU 61 starts executing the vehicle information VI separation program P4 in the second embodiment, it first performs the process of step S81. In step S81, the CPU 61 acquires information indicating the aggregation quality CQ, which is the communication quality when aggregating and transmitting the first vehicle information VI1, from the aggregation vehicle CV. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to the process of step S82.

[0093] In step S82, the CPU 61 determines the base station 30 to be used by the first vehicle. Specifically, the CPU 61 determines, from among the multiple base stations 30, the base station 30 that is closest to the location indicated by the location information included in the latest prediction information FI of the first vehicle, as the base station 30 to be used by the first vehicle. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S83.

[0094] In step S83, the CPU 61 calculates an individual predicted quality IPQ, which is a prediction result of communication quality when the first vehicle individually transmits the first vehicle information VI1. In the second embodiment, the individual predicted quality IPQ is the second predetermined quality. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S84.

[0095] In step S84, the CPU 61 determines whether the aggregated quality CQ is lower than the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle. Specifically, the CPU 61 compares the communication speed acquired as the aggregated quality CQ with the communication speed calculated as the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle. When the communication speed acquired as the aggregated quality CQ is lower than the communication speed calculated as the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle, the CPU 61 determines that the aggregated quality CQ is lower than the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle. On the other hand, when the communication speed acquired as the aggregated quality CQ is equal to or higher than the communication speed calculated as the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle, the CPU 61 determines that the aggregated quality CQ is not lower than the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle.

[0096] When the CPU 61 determines that the aggregated quality CQ is lower than the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle (S84: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S85. In step S85, the CPU 61 transmits a partial cancellation request RD1 for the acquisition of the first vehicle information VI1 to the aggregated vehicle CV. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S86.

[0097] In step S86, the CPU 61 transmits to the first vehicle information indicating the base station to be used by the first vehicle, which was determined in step S82. Thereafter, the CPU 61 advances the process to step S87.

[0098] In step S87, the CPU 61 transmits an individual transmission request RS2 to the first vehicle to transmit the vehicle information VI individually to the server 40. Upon receiving the transmission request, the first vehicle stops transmitting the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV. Then, the CPU 61 ends this series of processes.

[0099] On the other hand, when the CPU 61 determines that the aggregated quality CQ is not lower than the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle (S84: NO), the CPU 61 ends the current series of processes. That is, in this case, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes while keeping the first vehicle information VI1 aggregated and transmitted from the aggregation vehicle CV.

[0100] <Information flow when switching from aggregated transmission to individual transmission> Next, we will explain the flow of information when the communication system 10 changes from a state in which the aggregation vehicle CV aggregates and transmits vehicle information VI from multiple vehicles 20 to a state in which only the first vehicle transmits vehicle information VI individually.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 11, the third vehicle transmits the third vehicle information VI3 to the second vehicle. The first vehicle transmits the first vehicle information VI1 to the second vehicle. The second vehicle aggregates the acquired first vehicle information VI1, second vehicle information VI2, and third vehicle information VI3 and transmits them to the server 40. Then, the server 40 acquires the first vehicle information VI1, second vehicle information VI2, and third vehicle information VI3 by processing in step S11.

[0102] Next, the server 40 executes the above-mentioned vehicle information VI separation program P4, and when the determination in step S84 is affirmative, performs the processes of steps S85 to S87. As a result, the server 40 transmits an individual transmission request RS2 to the first vehicle. The first vehicle that has received the individual transmission request RS2 transmits the first vehicle information VI1 to the server 40. On the other hand, the server 40 does not transmit the individual transmission request RS2 to the third vehicle. Therefore, the third vehicle continues to transmit the third vehicle information VI3 to the second vehicle. In addition, the server 40 transmits a partial stop request RD1 to the second vehicle. The second vehicle that has received the partial stop request RD1 stops acquiring the first vehicle information VI1 and transmits the second vehicle information VI2 and the third vehicle information VI3 to the server 40. In other words, the second vehicle does not aggregate only the first vehicle information VI1, but aggregates and transmits the second vehicle information VI2 and the third vehicle information VI3. Then, the server 40 acquires the first vehicle information VI1, the second vehicle information VI2, and the third vehicle information VI3 through the process of step S11.

[0103] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> In the communication system 10, assume that a first vehicle among the vehicles 20 included in a vehicle group is individually transmitting vehicle information VI to the server 40, while the other vehicles 20 are aggregating the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV. For example, this situation occurs when the first vehicle is newly added to a vehicle group including the aggregation vehicle CV. In this case, the CPU 61 in the server 40 executes the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 in the second embodiment, thereby performing the series of processes shown in FIG. 6. If the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the additional aggregated predicted quality ACPQ, the first vehicle does not individually transmit the vehicle information VI to the server 40, but transmits the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV. The aggregation vehicle CV then additionally aggregates the first vehicle information VI1 and transmits it to the server 40.

[0104] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-6) and (1-8) of the first embodiment, the following effect can be achieved.

[0105] (2-1) According to the second embodiment, the server 40 determines whether to additionally aggregate the first vehicle information VI1 by comparing the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle with the additional aggregation predicted quality ACPQ. That is, the server 40 determines whether to additionally aggregate each vehicle 20 by comparing the communication quality that would result if additional aggregation were performed. Thus, the server 40 can set the transmission state of the vehicle information VI of the multiple vehicles 20 in the communication system 10 to a state in which the communication quality for transmitting the vehicle information VI of the vehicle group is high when the first vehicle information VI1 is not added and when it is added.

[0106] (2-2) According to the second embodiment, while receiving the first vehicle information VI1 from the second vehicle, which is an aggregate vehicle CV, the server 40 determines whether the individual predicted quality IPQ of the first vehicle is lower than the aggregated quality CQ. When the server 40 determines that the individual predicted quality IPQ is lower than the aggregated quality CQ, the server 40 transmits an individual transmission request RS2 to the first vehicle among the vehicles 20 constituting the vehicle group, requesting that the first vehicle information VI1 be transmitted individually to the first vehicle. As a result, when the communication conditions of the first vehicle deteriorate, the server 40 can change only the communication path of the first vehicle information VI1 from the first vehicle without changing the communication path of the third vehicle.

[0107] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the processing in the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 is partially different from that in the second embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment, and the description of the same points will be simplified or omitted.

[0108] The first predetermined quality in the first embodiment is the aggregate predicted quality CPQ. The first predetermined quality in the second embodiment is the additional aggregate predicted quality ACPQ. These first predetermined qualities are all calculated in a series of processes. On the other hand, the predetermined quality RQ in the third embodiment is a quality that is determined in advance.

[0109] <Determining whether to aggregate and send emails when they are sent individually> The following describes the aggregation of vehicle information VI performed by the information processing device 60. Here, the following describes an example in which one vehicle group is made up of five vehicles 20 out of a plurality of vehicles 20.

[0110] When a first vehicle, which is a specific vehicle 20 in a group of vehicles, individually transmits vehicle information VI, and the group of vehicles includes vehicles 20 that transmit vehicle information VI in an aggregated manner, the CPU 61 executes a vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 for a predetermined period of time.

[0111] 12, when the CPU 61 starts executing the vehicle information VI aggregation program P3 in the third embodiment, it first performs the process of step S91. In step S91, the CPU 61 acquires information indicating the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle from the first vehicle. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to the process of step S92.

[0112] In step S92, the CPU 61 determines an aggregated vehicle CV different from the first vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles 20. The CPU 61 determines one of the vehicles 20 that make up the vehicle group including the first vehicle and that is different from the first vehicle as the aggregated vehicle CV. The CPU 61 then proceeds to step S93.

[0113] In step S93, the CPU 61 acquires information indicating the individual quality IQ of the aggregated vehicle CV from the aggregated vehicle CV. After that, the CPU 61 advances the process to step S94. In step S94, the CPU 61 determines whether the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality RQ. The predetermined quality RQ is determined in advance through testing or simulation as the lower limit of the communication speed at which the vehicle information VI can be received without delay. Specifically, the CPU 61 compares the communication speed, which is the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle acquired in step S91, with the communication speed, which is the predetermined quality RQ. When the communication speed, which is the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle, is lower than the communication speed, which is the predetermined quality RQ, the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality RQ. On the other hand, when the communication speed, which is the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle, is equal to or higher than the communication speed, which is the predetermined quality RQ, the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is not lower than the predetermined quality RQ.

[0114] When the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality RQ (S94: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S95. In step S95, the CPU 61 determines whether the individual quality IQ of the aggregation vehicle CV is higher than the predetermined quality RQ. Specifically, the CPU 61 compares the communication speed, which is the individual quality IQ of the aggregation vehicle CV acquired in step S93, with the communication speed, which is the predetermined quality RQ. When the communication speed, which is the individual quality IQ of the aggregation vehicle CV, is lower than the communication speed, which is the predetermined quality RQ, the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the aggregation vehicle CV is lower than the predetermined quality RQ. On the other hand, when the communication speed, which is the individual quality IQ of the aggregation vehicle CV, is equal to or higher than the communication speed, which is the predetermined quality RQ, the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the aggregation vehicle CV is not lower than the predetermined quality RQ.

[0115] When the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the aggregation vehicle CV is higher than the predetermined quality RQ (S95: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S96. In step S96, the CPU 61 transmits an acquisition request RG to acquire the first vehicle information VI1 to the aggregation vehicle CV. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S97.

[0116] In step S97, the CPU 61 transmits to the first vehicle an aggregation request RC to transmit the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S98. In step S98, the CPU 61 transmits a transmission request RS1 for the aggregated first vehicle information VI1 to the aggregation vehicle CV, and then the CPU 61 ends the series of processes.

[0117] On the other hand, when the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is not lower than the predetermined quality RQ (S94: NO), the CPU 61 ends the current series of processes. That is, in this case, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes without aggregating the first vehicle information VI1 into the aggregated vehicle CV, and leaves the vehicle information VI transmitted individually from the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0118] Furthermore, when the CPU 61 determines that the individual quality IQ of the aggregated vehicle CV is not higher than the predetermined quality RQ (S95: YES), the CPU 61 ends this series of processes. That is, in this case, the CPU 61 ends the series of processes without aggregating the first vehicle information VI1 into the aggregated vehicle CV, and leaves the state in which the vehicle information VI is transmitted individually from the first vehicle and the second vehicle. That is, in the third embodiment, the CPU 61 transmits a transmission request RS1 to the second vehicle on the condition that the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality RQ and the individual quality IQ of the second vehicle is higher than the predetermined quality RQ.

[0119] <Effects of the third embodiment> According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-5) of the first embodiment and the effect (2-2) of the second embodiment, the following effect can be achieved.

[0120] (3-1) According to the third embodiment, the server 40 stores a predetermined quality RQ. The server 40 compares the individual quality IQ of the first vehicle with the predetermined quality RQ to determine whether to aggregate the first vehicle information VI1. Therefore, the server 40 does not need to calculate the communication quality to be compared each time a determination is made.

[0121] (3-2) According to the third embodiment, the server 40 determines whether to aggregate the first vehicle information VI1 by comparing the aggregation quality CQ of the aggregated vehicle CV with a predetermined quality RQ. Therefore, if the aggregation quality CQ of the aggregated vehicle CV is low, the server 40 can avoid further deterioration of the communication situation by not aggregating the first vehicle information VI1. Note that in the first and second embodiments, the first predetermined quality is set to the average quality and the second vehicle is set to the vehicle 20 with the highest communication quality, thereby achieving the same effect.

[0122] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0123] <About information processing devices> The information processing device 60 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). The information processing device 60 may also be configured as a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute the processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The same applies to the vehicle control device 22.

[0124] <About forecast information> When generating the prediction information FI, the information processing device 60 may set the reference time to a different time. For example, the CPU 61 may set the reference time to a time in the future than the time at which the most recent vehicle information VI was acquired. In this case, the information processing device 60 can control the vehicle 20 and the like based on the position information of the vehicle 20 at a future time using the prediction information FI.

[0125] The information processing device 60 may store asynchronous information VI for multiple vehicles as the prediction information FI. Even if the information processing device 60 does not synchronize, it can determine the vehicle group based on the time difference between the acquisition times of the multiple vehicle information VI.

[0126] The information processing device 60 may store only the latest prediction information FI in the data center 70. For example, when the data center 70 acquires new prediction information FI, it may delete past prediction information FI.

[0127] The method of generating the predicted information FI by the information processing device 60 is not limited to the example of the first embodiment. For example, if the vehicle information VI includes information indicating a planned driving route, the CPU 61 may generate the position of the vehicle 20 as predicted information FI based on the planned driving route.

[0128] The information processing device 60 does not have to generate the prediction information FI. For example, the prediction information FI may be generated by a device other than the information processing device 60. Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 60 may use the acquired vehicle information VI to control multiple vehicles 20.

[0129] <Regarding vehicle convoy decisions> The method of determining whether the vehicle 20 is part of a vehicle group by the information processing device 60 is not limited to the example of the first embodiment. For example, the CPU 61 may predict the future position of the vehicle 20 based on the prediction information FI and determine whether the vehicle 20 is part of a vehicle group.

[0130] For example, if the vehicle information VI includes information indicating that the vehicle 20 is following another vehicle 20, the CPU 61 may determine that the vehicle 20 forms a vehicle group with the other vehicle 20 based on the information indicating the following.

[0131] Furthermore, for example, the CPU 61 may determine that a plurality of vehicles 20 constitute a vehicle group when the vehicles 20 are traveling on a predetermined route. Specifically, based on the prediction information FI, when the vehicles 20 are traveling on a specific road such as an expressway, the CPU 61 may determine that the vehicles 20 constitute a vehicle group if the difference in vehicle speed among the plurality of vehicles 20 within a certain range is smaller than a predetermined difference. Furthermore, for example, the CPU 61 may determine that the higher the vehicle speed of the vehicle 20, the more the vehicle 20 constitutes a vehicle group, even if the distance between the vehicle 20 and other vehicles 20 is large.

[0132] The information processing device 60 does not need to determine whether all vehicles 20 are part of a vehicle group. For example, the information processing device 60 may determine whether only vehicles 20 traveling faster than a predetermined speed are part of a vehicle group. This can prevent the vehicle information VI from being acquired for vehicles 20 that move a large amount per unit time.

[0133] <Determining whether to aggregate and send> The information processing device 60 may start execution of the aggregation program P3 regardless of whether the first vehicle and the second vehicle are traveling as a group of vehicles. In this case, for example, in the third embodiment, the information processing device 60 may determine that the second vehicle, which is reasonably close to the first vehicle, is the aggregated vehicle CV.

[0134] The communication quality is not limited to the communication speed. The communication quality may be a parameter determined based on the communication speed. Furthermore, a value that takes into account reliability, jitter, packet loss, QoS (Quality of Service), and communication delay time may be used as a value indicating the communication quality. Packet loss is a value indicating the ratio of lost packets to the amount transmitted. The communication quality may be determined based on the communication speed, packet loss, and communication delay time. In this case, the information processing device 60 can easily reduce the delay in acquiring the vehicle information VI from the server 40 or determine whether the server 40 is in a state where it is unable to acquire the vehicle information VI.

[0135] In the first embodiment, the method by which the information processing device 60 determines the base station 30 is not limited to the examples in the above embodiments. For example, the CPU 61 may determine, from among the available base stations 30, a base station 30 that is used by fewer vehicles 20, depending on the location of the vehicles 20. In this case, when the communication conditions of the base station 30 to be used deteriorate due to an excessively large number of vehicles 20, it is possible to avoid selecting a base station 30 with a deteriorated communication condition. This also applies to step S52 when transmitting individually and step S82 in the second embodiment.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, the CPU 61 may determine the base station 30 based on indicators such as the received signal strength of the radio waves, the received power of the reference signal, the received quality of the reference signal, and the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio for each base station 30.

[0137] In the first embodiment, in the process of step S34, the total amount of data of the vehicle information VI may be calculated as the number of data items of the vehicle information VI. In the first embodiment, the CPU 61 may change the order of the processes in steps S38 to S41. In the second embodiment, the CPU 61 may change the order of the processes in steps S65 to S67. In the third embodiment, the CPU 61 may change the order of the processes in steps S96 to S98.

[0138] In the first embodiment, the information processing device 60 does not have to transmit information indicating the base station 30. Furthermore, the information processing device 60 does not have to determine the base station 30. Specifically, the CPU 61 may omit the processes of steps S33 and S40. Each vehicle 20 may select and use a base station 30.

[0139] The information processing device 60 does not have to send the aggregation request RC. Specifically, the CPU 61 may omit the processing of step S39 in the first embodiment, the processing of step S66 in the second embodiment, or the processing of step S97 in the third embodiment. For example, even if the vehicle 20 does not receive the aggregation request RC from the server 40, the aggregation vehicle CV may send a request for vehicle information VI to the vehicle 20, and the vehicle 20 that receives the request may send the vehicle information VI to the aggregation vehicle CV.

[0140] The information processing device 60 may not send the acquisition request RG. Specifically, the CPU 61 may omit the processing of step S38 in the first embodiment, step S65 in the second embodiment, or step S96 in the third embodiment. For example, even if the aggregation vehicle CV does not receive the acquisition request RG from the server 40, if the aggregation vehicle CV is unable to acquire vehicle information VI from other vehicles 20 after receiving the transmission request RS1, the aggregation vehicle CV may send a request to acquire vehicle information VI to the other vehicles 20. Also, for example, the aggregation vehicle CV may acquire the vehicle information VI of the other vehicles 20 regardless of the acquisition request RG.

[0141] <Determining whether to send individually> In the first embodiment, the CPU 61 may change the order of the processes in steps S56 to S58. In the second embodiment, the CPU 61 may change the order of the processes in steps S85 to S87.

[0142] In each embodiment, the information processing device 60 does not have to transmit information indicating the base station 30. Furthermore, the information processing device 60 does not have to determine the base station 30. Specifically, the CPU 61 may omit the processes of steps S52 and S57 in the first embodiment, or the processes of steps S82 and S86 in the second embodiment. Each vehicle 20 may select and use a base station 30.

[0143] The information processing device 60 does not have to transmit the stop request RD or the partial stop request RD1. Specifically, the CPU 61 may omit the process of step S56 in the first embodiment or the process of step S85 in the second embodiment. In this case, for example, when the first vehicle receives the individual transmission request RS2, the CPU 61 may transmit a signal to the aggregation vehicle CV to stop transmission of the first vehicle information VI1.

[0144] The second predetermined quality may be a predetermined communication quality. For example, the stop request RD may be transmitted when the number of pieces of vehicle information VI transmitted from one vehicle 20 exceeds a predetermined number.

[0145] The information processing device 60 does not need to execute the separation program P4. For example, when an aggregation vehicle CV no longer constitutes a vehicle group, the CPU 61 may send an individual transmission request RS2 to all vehicles 20 that constituted the vehicle group. Also, for example, when an aggregation vehicle CV no longer constitutes a vehicle group, the CPU 61 may determine the vehicle 20 with the second highest communication quality among the multiple vehicles 20 that constituted the vehicle group as the new aggregation vehicle CV. In this case, the CPU 61 may send a transmission request RS1 and an acquisition request RG to the determined new aggregation vehicle CV, and may also send an aggregation request RC to the other vehicles 20.

[0146] <Other> Regarding the transmission of requests in each of the above embodiments, the CPU 61 may transmit information indicating each request. For example, the information indicating a request may be information indicating a communication mode and may include making each request to set the communication mode indicated by the information. Furthermore, for example, the individual transmission request RS2 may be a request to cancel the aggregate transmission request RS1. In other words, the information indicating a request may be a signal indicating only a request, or may be information indicating that the request is to be made without including a signal indicating the request itself.

[0147] The amount of data in the vehicle information VI may differ for each vehicle 20. The information acquisition device 23 is not limited to the examples in the above-described embodiments. For example, it may be a sensor that acquires a steering angle, a sensor that acquires an accelerator opening, or a device that acquires information indicating the destination of the vehicle 20.

[0148] In the above embodiments, the aggregation program P3 and the separation program P4 are described as two separate programs, but the aggregation program P3 and the separation program P4 may be configured as a single program. The same applies to the generation program P1 for the forecast information FI and the vehicle group determination program P2, and the four programs may be configured as a single program.

[0149] The combination of the aggregation program P3 and the separation program P4 in each embodiment may be changed. For example, the CPU 61 may execute a combination of the aggregation program P3 in the first embodiment and the separation program P4 in the second embodiment.

[0150] (Additional information) The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modifications will be described below. <Appendix 1> A server capable of communicating with the first vehicle and the second vehicle, If it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, information indicating a request for transmitting vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle is transmitted to the second vehicle. server.

[0151] <Appendix 2> If it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality, the second vehicle transmits information indicating a request to acquire vehicle information of the first vehicle. The server described in <Appendix 1>.

[0152] <Appendix 3> If it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality, information indicating a request to transmit vehicle information of the first vehicle to the second vehicle is transmitted to the first vehicle. The server described in <Appendix 1> or <Appendix 2>.

[0153] <Appendix 4> generating predicted information, which is the vehicle information of the first vehicle and the vehicle information of the second vehicle at a reference time after the time of acquisition in a predetermined area, based on the acquired vehicle information of the first vehicle and the vehicle information of the second vehicle; The prediction information is stored A server described in any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 3>.

[0154] <Appendix 5> determining whether the first vehicle is traveling as part of a vehicle group including the second vehicle based on the prediction information; When the first vehicle is traveling as part of the vehicle group and it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality, the second vehicle transmits information to the second vehicle indicating a request for the second vehicle to transmit vehicle information of the first vehicle. The server described in <Appendix 4>.

[0155] <Appendix 6> The predetermined quality is a communication quality predicted when the vehicle information of the first vehicle and the vehicle information of the second vehicle are transmitted from the second vehicle. A server described in any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 5>.

[0156] <Appendix 7> It is possible to communicate with the third vehicle, the predetermined quality is a communication quality predicted when vehicle information of a plurality of vehicles including the first vehicle, the second vehicle, and the third vehicle is transmitted from the second vehicle; If the average communication quality of the communication qualities of the plurality of vehicles is lower than the predetermined quality, it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality; When it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality, even if the communication quality with the third vehicle is higher than the predetermined quality, information indicating a request to transmit vehicle information of the plurality of vehicles from the second vehicle is transmitted. A server described in any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 6>.

[0157] <Appendix 8> When the predetermined quality is a first predetermined quality, When it is determined that the communication quality with the second vehicle is lower than a second predetermined quality while the vehicle information of the first vehicle is being received from the second vehicle, information indicating that transmission of the vehicle information of the first vehicle is to be stopped is transmitted to the second vehicle, and information indicating a request to transmit the vehicle information of the first vehicle is transmitted to the first vehicle. A server described in any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 7>.

[0158] <Appendix 9> The communication quality is a parameter determined based on at least one of a communication speed, a packet loss, and a communication delay time. A server described in any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 8>. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10. Communication Systems 20...Vehicle 30...Base station 40...Server 50...Communication equipment 60...Information processing device 70...Data center

Claims

1. a server capable of communicating with the first vehicle and the second vehicle, If it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, information indicating a request for transmitting vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle is transmitted to the second vehicle. server.

2. If it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality, the second vehicle transmits information indicating a request to acquire vehicle information of the first vehicle. The server of claim 1 .

3. If it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality, information indicating a request to transmit vehicle information of the first vehicle to the second vehicle is transmitted to the first vehicle. The server of claim 1 .

4. generating predicted information, which is the vehicle information of the first vehicle and the vehicle information of the second vehicle at a reference time after the time of acquisition in a predetermined area, based on the acquired vehicle information of the first vehicle and the vehicle information of the second vehicle; The prediction information is stored The server of claim 1 .

5. determining whether the first vehicle is traveling as part of a vehicle group including the second vehicle based on the prediction information; When the first vehicle is traveling as part of the vehicle group and it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality, the second vehicle transmits information to the second vehicle indicating a request for transmitting vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle. The server of claim 4.

6. The predetermined quality is a communication quality predicted when the vehicle information of the first vehicle and the vehicle information of the second vehicle are transmitted from the second vehicle. The server of claim 1 .

7. It is capable of communicating with a third vehicle; the predetermined quality is a communication quality predicted when vehicle information of a plurality of vehicles including the first vehicle, the second vehicle, and the third vehicle is transmitted from the second vehicle; If the average communication quality of the communication qualities of the plurality of vehicles is lower than the predetermined quality, it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality; When it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than the predetermined quality, even if the communication quality with the third vehicle is higher than the predetermined quality, information indicating a request to transmit vehicle information of the plurality of vehicles from the second vehicle is transmitted. The server of claim 1 .

8. When the predetermined quality is a first predetermined quality, When it is determined that the communication quality with the second vehicle is lower than a second predetermined quality while the vehicle information of the first vehicle is being received from the second vehicle, information indicating that transmission of the vehicle information of the first vehicle is to be stopped is transmitted to the second vehicle, and information indicating a request to transmit the vehicle information of the first vehicle is transmitted to the first vehicle. The server of claim 1 .

9. The communication quality is a parameter determined based on at least one of a communication speed, a packet loss, and a communication delay time. The server of claim 1 .

10. A communication system including a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and a server capable of communicating with the first vehicle and the second vehicle, The server When it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, transmitting information to the second vehicle indicating a request for transmitting vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle; When the second vehicle receives information indicating a request to transmit the vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle, the second vehicle transmits the vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle to the server. Communication system.

11. When a communication quality of a target vehicle is determined to be lower than a predetermined quality by a server that can communicate with the target vehicle, information indicating a request to aggregate vehicle information of the target vehicle and transmit the aggregated information to the server is received; When receiving information indicating a request to transmit the vehicle information of the target vehicle to the server, the vehicle information of the target vehicle is transmitted to the server. vehicle.

12. When the communication quality is determined to be lower than a predetermined quality by a server that can communicate with the vehicle, the vehicle receives information indicating a request to transmit its own vehicle information to the aggregating vehicle; When receiving information indicating a request to transmit the vehicle information of the vehicle to the aggregating vehicle, the vehicle information of the vehicle is transmitted to the aggregating vehicle. vehicle.

13. A communication method executed by a server capable of communicating with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, The server If it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, information indicating a request for transmitting vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle is transmitted to the second vehicle. to carry out Communication method.

14. A communication program executed by a server capable of communicating with a first vehicle and a second vehicle, The server, If it is determined that the communication quality with the first vehicle is lower than a predetermined quality, information indicating a request for transmitting vehicle information of the first vehicle from the second vehicle is transmitted to the second vehicle. to make something happen Communications program.

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