Road anomaly detection device, road anomaly detection system, road anomaly detection method, and road anomaly detection program

Abstract

By comparing probe data acquired from the in-vehicle device with previously collected probe data, abnormal events are detected and notified if they differ, allowing for early detection of abnormal events and the implementation of countermeasures. [Solution] The server 20, which is a road anomaly detection device, includes an acquisition unit 24 that acquires probe data from an on-board unit 10 attached to a vehicle V, which includes at least the time, vehicle V location information, and an indicator representing the driving state of the vehicle V; a detection unit 25 that refers to a database 27 which stores probe data previously collected from on-board units 10 attached to multiple vehicles and detects an anomaly when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 is different from the normal data; and a notification unit 26 that notifies of the detection of an anomaly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a road anomaly detection device, a road anomaly detection system, a road anomaly detection method, and a road anomaly detection program.

Background Art

[0002] When an abnormal event such as an accident, a fallen object, or a故障 vehicle occurs on the road, technologies have been developed to notify of the detection of the abnormal event and enable countermeasures such as speed restriction.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle device that can detect the occurrence of dangerous driving even when another vehicle performs dangerous driving in front of or behind the own vehicle. The digital tachograph, which is an in-vehicle device, and the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) device cooperate with each other. When the own vehicle is traveling at a certain speed or more, the direction of another vehicle changes by a predetermined angle or more within a predetermined time, and the inter-vehicle distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, it is determined that the other vehicle has performed dangerous driving.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1 investigates the basic characteristics (calculation accuracy, coverage nationwide, etc.) of dangerous behaviors such as lane departure warnings calculated from the behavior history of probe data collected from in-vehicle devices mounted on vehicles, analyzes the correlation with traffic accident cases, and considers the usefulness of dangerous behaviors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0006]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0007] Conventional technologies struggle to detect road anomalies such as accidents, fallen objects, and broken-down vehicles in real time, and currently rely on information from those who report them. Information from road sensors, cameras, and ETC (Electronic Toll Collection system) 2.0 is fragmented, making it difficult to obtain detailed location information.

[0008] The present invention relates to a road anomaly detection device, a road anomaly detection system, a road anomaly detection method, and a road anomaly detection program that enable the detection of abnormal events on roads using probe data acquired from an in-vehicle device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the road anomaly detection device according to the present invention has the following features. An acquisition unit that acquires probe data from an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, including at least the time, the location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle. A detection unit detects an abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit differs from the normal data, by referring to a database that stores the probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles. A notification unit that notifies of the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, Road anomaly detection device.

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the road anomaly detection system according to the present invention has the following features. The road anomaly detection device described above, The road anomaly detection device includes an in-vehicle unit that transmits the probe data, A road anomaly detection system equipped with the following features.

[0011] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the road anomaly detection method according to the present invention is characterized by the following: Steps include acquiring probe data from an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, which includes at least the time, the location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle; The process involves a step of detecting an abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit differs from the normal data, by referring to a database that stores the probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles, The system includes a step of notifying the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, Road anomaly detection method.

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the road anomaly detection program according to the present invention has the following features. Steps include acquiring probe data from an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, which includes at least the time, the location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle; The process involves a step of detecting an abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit differs from the normal data, by referring to a database that stores the probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles, The steps include notifying the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, A road anomaly detection program that is executed by a computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to detect the occurrence of abnormal events on the road using probe data acquired from an in-vehicle device.

[0014] The above is a brief description of the present invention. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a road abnormality detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an in-vehicle device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a map showing a road including a first section, a second section, and a third section. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the vehicle speeds of three vehicles traveling on the road of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the average vehicle speeds of vehicles traveling in the first section, the second section, and the third section of the road shown in FIG. 4 from 0:00 to 8:00. (a) is a graph showing the average vehicle speed of probe data accumulated in the database, and (b) is a graph showing the average vehicle speed of probe data newly acquired by the acquisition unit from the in-vehicle device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the change in vehicle speed when there is a fallen object on the road.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a road abnormality detection system 1 according to an embodiment is a system that uses probe data from an in-vehicle device attached to a vehicle to detect and notify an abnormal event that has occurred on the road. The road abnormality detection system 1 includes an in-vehicle device 10 mounted on a vehicle V, a server 20 capable of communicating with the in-vehicle device 10, and an administrator PC (personal computer) 30.

[0017] The on-board unit 10 is mounted on a vehicle V such as a truck and functions as a digital tachograph that collects probe data including at least the time, location information of the vehicle V, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle V. The on-board unit 10 also functions as a drive recorder that collects images of the area around the vehicle V, linked to the time and location information. In other words, the on-board unit 10 is both a first on-board unit (hereinafter simply referred to as "on-board unit") which is a digital tachograph, and a second on-board unit which is a drive recorder. The on-board unit 10 can be wirelessly connected to a network N such as the Internet, for example, by wireless communication.

[0018] Server 20 constitutes the road anomaly detection device, which forms the core of the road anomaly detection system 1. Server 20 is a computer device capable of communicating with other devices via the network N. Server 20 is operated by, for example, a company that operates vehicles V (e.g., a company that provides operation management services).

[0019] The administrator PC 30 is a communication terminal used by, for example, a road administrator managing a highway, and can communicate with other devices via network N. The communication terminal is not limited to a fixed-installation type like a business PC, but may also be a portable device such as a tablet or smartphone.

[0020] Next, the in-vehicle unit 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle unit 10 comprises a control unit 11, a position information acquisition unit 12, a speed information acquisition unit 13, an acceleration sensor 14, an imaging unit 15, and a communication unit 16. The control unit 11 is the main processing unit (computer) responsible for controlling the in-vehicle unit 10. The control unit 11 reads various programs stored in memory (not shown) and causes each part of the in-vehicle unit 10 to execute predetermined processes.

[0021] The location information acquisition unit 12 acquires the location information of the vehicle V using, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System). The speed information acquisition unit 13 acquires the speed of the vehicle V based on the vehicle speed pulse signal output by the vehicle speed sensor mounted on the vehicle V. The acceleration sensor 14 detects the magnitude of accelerations applied to the vehicle V in various directions, for example, in the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions of the vehicle (longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, vertical acceleration). The imaging unit 15 takes pictures of the area around the vehicle V and acquires captured images.

[0022] The communication unit 16 functions as a transmitting unit that transmits probe data, which includes at least the time, location information of vehicle V acquired by the location information acquisition unit 12, and an indicator representing the driving status of vehicle V, to the server 20, etc., via the network N at any predetermined intervals. The communication unit 16 also functions as a receiving unit that receives information from the server 20, administrator PC 30, etc.

[0023] Probe data is recorded and transmitted, for example, at 0.5-second intervals. Each record includes the time, location information (latitude and longitude), and an indicator showing the vehicle V's driving status, and is linked to the others. The indicator showing the driving status includes, for example, the vehicle V's speed acquired by the speed information acquisition unit 13, the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 14, and the presence or absence of a hazard signal. The communication unit 16 may also transmit the probe data linked to the images captured by the imaging unit 15.

[0024] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server 20 according to an embodiment. The server 20 comprises a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, an acquisition unit 24, a detection unit 25, a notification unit 26, and a database 27.

[0025] The control unit 21 is the arithmetic processing unit (computer) that is primarily responsible for controlling the server 20. The control unit 21 reads programs stored in memory, storage unit 23, etc. (not shown) and causes each part of the server 20 to execute predetermined processes.

[0026] The communication unit 22 functions as a receiver that receives probe data from the vehicle V via the network N from the server 20, and also functions as a transmitter that sends information to the server 20, the administrator PC 30, etc.

[0027] The memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores various data and programs. The memory unit 23 may store a road anomaly detection program, which will be described later, and the control unit 21 can read the road anomaly detection program from the memory unit 23 and perform road anomaly detection.

[0028] The acquisition unit 24 acquires probe data received by the communication unit 22 from the in-vehicle device 10. The probe data includes at least the time, location information of vehicle V, and indicators representing the driving state of vehicle V. Specifically, the indicators representing the driving state of vehicle V are the speed of vehicle V and the acceleration of vehicle V.

[0029] The detection unit 25 refers to a database 27, described later, which stores past probe data, and detects an abnormal event if the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 differs from the normal data.

[0030] The notification unit 26 notifies the detection of an abnormal event detected by the detection unit 25. The notification unit 26 notifies other devices, such as the administrator PC 30, of the detection of the abnormal event via the communication unit 22. The notification unit 26 may be a display device that the server 20 itself has for displaying abnormal event notifications, a speaker that provides voice notifications of abnormal event notifications, etc.

[0031] Database 27 stores probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles. The detection unit 25 compares the past probe data stored in database 27 with newly acquired probe data from the acquisition unit 24 to detect abnormal events.

[0032] The acquisition unit 24 and the detection unit 25 may be software function units that are implemented when the control unit 21 reads road anomaly detection data from the storage unit 23.

[0033] The administrator PC 30 is a communication terminal that receives notifications of abnormal events from the server 20. The administrator PC 30 may notify the administrator of the abnormal event by displaying it on its own display device, or it may notify the administrator of the abnormal event by voice using a speaker.

[0034] According to the server 20 of this embodiment, if real-time probe data acquired from the in-vehicle device 10 installed in the target vehicle V differs from previously collected probe data stored in the database 27, an abnormal event can be detected and notified. Therefore, for example, road administrators who receive notification via the administrator PC 30 can take early action against the occurrence of an abnormal event. For example, if an abnormal event such as an accident, fallen object, or broken-down vehicle occurs on the road, road administrators can take measures such as speed limits, lane restrictions, and warnings to drivers by receiving notification of the detection of the abnormal event. Therefore, road administrators can become aware of the occurrence of an abnormal event early and take countermeasures without relying on reports from passersby, thus suppressing serious incidents.

[0035] The detection unit 25 may detect an abnormal event if the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 includes an indicator whose difference from the average value of indicators (e.g., vehicle speed, acceleration, etc.) collected over a certain period in the past is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. This allows for the detection of abnormal events based on the results of a comparison with the average value over a certain period in the past. Specifically, if the real-time driving speed as an indicator is, for example, 30% or less of the average speed as an indicator included in the probe data in the database, the detection unit 25 can determine that an abnormal event has occurred.

[0036] The detection unit 25 may detect an abnormal event if the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 includes signals that were not included in the probe data collected over a certain period in the past. This allows the detection unit 25 to detect an abnormal event if the data includes signals that were not collected over a certain period in the past. For example, the detection unit 25 can detect an abnormal event if newly acquired probe data includes an ON signal for the hazard lights, which is not normally detected. The detection unit 25 may also determine that an abnormal event exists if it detects a certain number of ON signals for the hazard lights.

[0037] Furthermore, the detection unit 25 may compare probe data previously collected within a predetermined area from the database 27 with the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 to determine whether the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 differs from normal data. By doing so, the detection unit 25 can detect abnormal events by comparing the current probe data with past probe data collected within the predetermined area. An example of a predetermined area is the first section, second section, and third section of the road shown in Figure 4, which will be described later.

[0038] The acquisition unit 24 can acquire probe data from multiple in-vehicle devices 10 installed in multiple vehicles. In this case, the detection unit 25 can detect an abnormal event if the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 from the multiple in-vehicle devices 10 is different from the normal data. As a result, an abnormal event is detected when the probe data from multiple vehicles differs from the normal data, enabling highly accurate determination.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic map showing a road including the first, second, and third sections. For example, the administrator PC30 may display this map. On this road, an accident occurred in the second section near the third section, and multiple vehicles are stopped in the second section. Vehicles are traveling normally in the first section, but in the third section, vehicles that have escaped from the second section are traveling at a slower speed than usual.

[0040] Figure 5 is a graph showing the speeds of three vehicles (solid line, thick solid line, dashed line) traveling on the road shown in Figure 4. This graph shows how the vehicles, upon reaching the second section of the road in Figure 4, rapidly decelerate from their normal speed and come to a stop due to the effects of the accident. This graph also shows how each vehicle gradually recovers its speed after being stopped for a certain period of time.

[0041] Figure 6 is a graph showing the average vehicle speed from 0:00 to 8:00 for vehicles traveling through the first, second, and third sections of the road shown in Figure 4. Figure 6(a) is a graph showing the average vehicle speed of probe data stored in the database 27, and Figure 6(b) is a graph showing the average vehicle speed of probe data newly acquired by the acquisition unit 24 from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0042] In the example above, the indicator representing the driving state of vehicle V is the vehicle speed acquired by the location information acquisition unit 12 of the in-vehicle device 10. The detection unit 25 compares the average speed calculated from probe data previously collected in a predetermined section set on the road from the database 27 (for example, the example in Figure 6(a)) with the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 (for example, the example in Figure 6(b)). The detection unit 25 then detects an abnormal event if the difference between the vehicle speed acquired by the acquisition unit 24 and the average speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. In this example, the average speed in the second section at 8 o'clock differs significantly between Figure 6(a) and Figure 6(b) due to an accident, with the average speed in Figure 6(b) being significantly lower than the average speed in Figure 6(a). Since the difference between the two is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the detection unit 25 can detect an abnormal event. Thus, the detection unit 25 can detect an abnormal event based on the result of comparing it with the past average speed.

[0043] In addition, the indicator representing the driving state of vehicle V may be the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 14 of the onboard unit 10.

[0044] Figure 7 is a graph showing the change in vehicle speed when there is debris on the road. When a driver spots debris, they significantly reduce their speed, resulting in a large drop in vehicle speed in a predetermined section. The dashed line shows the average vehicle speed calculated from previously collected probe data when debris is present, and the solid line shows the vehicle speed from newly acquired probe data by the acquisition unit 24. In such cases, the detection unit 25 can also infer the type of abnormal event based on the pattern of change in an indicator such as vehicle speed. In this example, since the pattern of change in vehicle speed acquired by the acquisition unit 24 is similar to the pattern of change in vehicle speed collected in the past (having a certain degree of similarity), the detection unit 25 can infer that the type of abnormal event is the presence of debris. In other words, the detection unit 25 can infer the type of abnormal event based on changes in the vehicle's driving state, such as the presence of debris.

[0045] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 24 may acquire weather information at the current time, and the detection unit 25 may take the weather information into account to determine whether the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit 24 is different from normal data. This allows for the detection of abnormal events by taking into account weather information such as the amount of rainfall or the presence or absence of snowfall. For example, if a vehicle is traveling at a low speed and there is rainfall exceeding a predetermined amount, it will be considered a normal situation and will not be judged as an abnormal event, thus enabling abnormality detection that is more in line with the actual situation.

[0046] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 24 may acquire captured images from a second in-vehicle device, the in-vehicle device 10, which collects captured images of the vehicle's surroundings linked to time and location information. The second in-vehicle device, the in-vehicle device 10, functions as a drive recorder, with the acquisition unit 15 acquiring the captured images. In this case, the notification unit 26 can present the captured images when notifying of the detection of an abnormal event. Since the detection of an abnormal event is notified along with the presentation of the captured images, road administrators and others who receive this notification can check the captured images on the display device of the administrator PC 30 and grasp the actual situation, such as dense fog or objects on the road.

[0047] In this embodiment, probe data collected from commercial vehicles such as trucks and taxis is assumed to be used, but probe data collected from general vehicles may also be used.

[0048] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0049] Herein, the features of the embodiments of the road anomaly detection device, road anomaly detection system, road anomaly detection method, and road anomaly detection program according to the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to

[13] .

[0050] [1] An acquisition unit (24) that acquires probe data from an on-board device (10, digital tachograph) attached to a vehicle (vehicle V) which includes at least the time, location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle, A detection unit (25) detects an abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit is different from the normal data, by referring to a database (27) that stores the probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles, A notification unit (26) that notifies of the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, Road anomaly detection device (server 20).

[0051] According to the configuration described in [1] above, if probe data acquired from an in-vehicle device installed in the target vehicle differs from previously collected and stored probe data, an abnormal event can be detected and notified. Therefore, road administrators and others who receive the notification can take early action against the occurrence of an abnormal event. For example, if an abnormal event such as an accident, fallen object, or broken-down vehicle occurs on the road, road administrators and others can take measures such as speed limits, lane closures, and warnings to drivers by receiving a notification of the detection of the abnormal event. Therefore, road administrators and others can become aware of the occurrence of an abnormal event early and take countermeasures without relying on reports from passersby, etc., and thus serious incidents can be suppressed.

[0052] [2] The detection unit detects the abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit includes an index whose difference from the average value of the index collected over a certain period in the past is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The road anomaly detection device described in [1] above.

[0053] According to the configuration described in [2] above, abnormal events can be detected by comparing the results with the average value over a certain period in the past.

[0054] [3] The detection unit detects the abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit includes a signal that is not included in the probe data collected over a certain period in the past. The road anomaly detection device described in [1] or [2] above.

[0055] According to the configuration described in [3] above, an abnormal event can be detected if it includes signals that were not collected during a certain period in the past. For example, an abnormal event can be detected if the probe data includes an ON signal for the hazard lights, which is not normally detected.

[0056] [4] The detection unit compares the probe data previously collected within a predetermined area from the database with the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit, and determines whether the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit is different from the normal data. A road anomaly detection device as described in any one of the above [1] to [3].

[0057] According to the configuration described in [4] above, abnormal events can be detected by comparing them with past probe data collected within a predetermined area.

[0058] [5] The acquisition unit acquires the probe data from a plurality of in-vehicle devices attached to a plurality of the vehicles, The detection unit detects the abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit from the multiple in-vehicle devices is different from the data under normal conditions. A road anomaly detection device as described in any one of the above [1] to [4].

[0059] According to the configuration described in [5] above, abnormal events are detected when the probe data from multiple vehicles differs from the normal data, enabling highly accurate determination.

[0060] [6] The indicator is the speed or acceleration of the vehicle, The detection unit compares the average speed calculated from the probe data previously collected in a predetermined section of the road from the database with the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit, and detects the abnormal event if the difference between the vehicle speed acquired by the acquisition unit and the average speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The road anomaly detection device described in [2] above.

[0061] According to the configuration described in [6] above, abnormal events can be detected by comparing the results with the average speed over time.

[0062] [7] The detection unit estimates the type of abnormal event based on the pattern of change of the indicator. A road anomaly detection device as described in any one of the above [1] to [6].

[0063] According to the configuration described in [7] above, the type of abnormal event can be inferred based on changes in the vehicle's driving conditions, such as the presence of fallen objects.

[0064] [8] The acquisition unit acquires weather information at the current time, The detection unit, taking into account the weather information, determines whether the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit is different from the data under normal circumstances. A road anomaly detection device as described in any one of the above [1] to [7].

[0065] According to the configuration described in [8] above, abnormal events are detected by taking into account meteorological information such as the amount of rainfall or the presence or absence of snowfall. For example, if a vehicle is traveling at a low speed and there is rainfall exceeding a predetermined amount, it will be considered a normal situation and will not be judged as an abnormal event, thus enabling abnormality detection that is appropriate to the actual situation.

[0066] [9] The acquisition unit acquires the captured images from a second in-vehicle device (in-vehicle device 10, drive recorder) that collects captured images of the area around the vehicle linked to time and location information. When the notification unit notifies of the detection of the abnormal event, it presents the captured image. A road anomaly detection device as described in any one of the above [1] to [8].

[0067] According to the configuration described in [9] above, the detection of an abnormal event is notified along with the presentation of the captured image, so that road administrators and others who receive this notification can grasp the actual situation, such as dense fog or objects lying on the road.

[0068]

[10] A road anomaly detection device described in any one of [1] to [9] above, The road anomaly detection device includes an in-vehicle unit that transmits the probe data, A road anomaly detection system equipped with the following features.

[0069] According to the configuration described in

[10] above, if the probe data acquired from the in-vehicle device installed in the target vehicle differs from previously collected and stored probe data, an abnormal event can be detected and notified.

[0070]

[11] The road abnormality detection device further comprises a communication terminal (administrator PC 30) that receives notification of the detection of the abnormal event.

[10] The road anomaly detection system described.

[0071] According to the configuration described in

[11] above, road administrators and others who receive notifications will be able to respond to the occurrence of abnormal events at an early stage.

[0072]

[12] Steps of obtaining probe data from an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, which includes at least the time, location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle, The process involves referring to a database that stores probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles, and detecting an abnormal event if the acquired probe data differs from normal data. The system includes a step of notifying the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, Road anomaly detection method.

[0073] According to the configuration described in

[12] above, if probe data acquired from an in-vehicle device installed in the target vehicle differs from previously collected and stored probe data, an abnormal event can be detected and notified. Therefore, road administrators and others who receive the notification can take action against the occurrence of an abnormal event at an early stage. For example, if an abnormal event such as an accident, fallen object, or broken-down vehicle occurs on the road, road administrators and others can take measures such as speed limits, lane restrictions, and warnings to drivers by receiving a notification of the detection of the abnormal event. Therefore, road administrators and others can become aware of the occurrence of an abnormal event at an early stage and take countermeasures without relying on reports from passersby, etc., and thus serious incidents can be suppressed.

[0074]

[13] Steps of obtaining probe data from an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, which includes at least the time, location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle, The process involves referring to a database that stores probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles, and detecting an abnormal event if the acquired probe data differs from normal data. The steps include notifying the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, A road anomaly detection program that is executed by a computer.

[0075] According to the configuration described in

[13] above, if probe data acquired from an in-vehicle device installed in the target vehicle differs from previously collected and stored probe data, an abnormal event can be detected and notified. Therefore, road administrators and others who receive the notification can take action early on when an abnormal event occurs. For example, if an abnormal event such as an accident, fallen object, or broken-down vehicle occurs on the road, road administrators and others can take measures such as speed limits, lane restrictions, and warnings to drivers by receiving a notification of the detection of the abnormal event. Therefore, road administrators and others can become aware of the occurrence of an abnormal event early and take countermeasures without relying on reports from passersby, etc., and thus serious incidents can be suppressed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1. Road Anomaly Detection System 10 On-board device (2nd on-board device) 11 Control Unit 12 Location information acquisition unit 13 Speed ​​information acquisition section 14. Accelerometer 15. Photography Department 16 Communications Department 20 Servers (Road Anomaly Detection Devices) 21 Control Unit 22 Communications Department 23 Memory section 24 Acquisition Department 25 Detection unit 26 Notification Department 27 Databases 30 Administrator PC N Network V Vehicle

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires probe data from an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, including at least the time, the location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle. A detection unit detects an abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit differs from the normal data, by referring to a database that stores the probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles. A notification unit that notifies of the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, Road anomaly detection device.

2. The detection unit detects the abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit includes an index whose difference from the average value of the index collected over a certain period in the past is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The road anomaly detection device according to claim 1.

3. The detection unit detects the abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit includes a signal that is not included in the probe data collected over a certain period in the past. The road anomaly detection device according to claim 1.

4. The detection unit compares the probe data previously collected within a predetermined area from the database with the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit, and determines whether the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit is different from the normal data. The road anomaly detection device according to claim 1.

5. The acquisition unit acquires the probe data from multiple in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles. The detection unit detects the abnormal event when the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit from the multiple in-vehicle devices is different from the data under normal conditions. The road anomaly detection device according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned indicator is the speed or acceleration of the vehicle. The detection unit compares the average speed calculated from the probe data previously collected in a predetermined section of the road from the database with the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit, and detects the abnormal event if the difference between the vehicle speed acquired by the acquisition unit and the average speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The road anomaly detection device according to claim 2.

7. The detection unit estimates the type of abnormal event based on the pattern of change in the indicator. The road anomaly detection device according to claim 1.

8. The acquisition unit acquires weather information at the current time, The detection unit, taking into account the weather information, determines whether the probe data acquired by the acquisition unit is different from the data under normal circumstances. The road anomaly detection device according to claim 1.

9. The acquisition unit acquires the captured images from a second onboard device that collects captured images of the area around the vehicle, linked to time and location information. When the notification unit notifies of the detection of the abnormal event, it presents the captured image. The road anomaly detection device according to claim 1.

10. A road anomaly detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The road anomaly detection device includes an in-vehicle unit that transmits the probe data, A road anomaly detection system equipped with the following features.

11. The system further includes a communication terminal that receives notifications of the detection of the abnormal event from the road abnormality detection device. The road anomaly detection system according to claim 10.

12. Steps include acquiring probe data from an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, which includes at least the time, the location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle; The process involves referring to a database that stores probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles, and detecting an abnormal event if the acquired probe data differs from normal data. The system includes a step of notifying the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, Road anomaly detection method.

13. Steps include acquiring probe data from an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, which includes at least the time, the location information of the vehicle, and an indicator representing the driving status of the vehicle; The process involves referring to a database that stores probe data previously collected from in-vehicle devices installed in multiple vehicles, and detecting an abnormal event if the acquired probe data differs from normal data. The steps include notifying the detection of the aforementioned abnormal event, A road anomaly detection program that is executed by a computer.

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