Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To obtain an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can improve the accuracy of predicting the condition of tires. [Solution] The information processing device includes an acquisition unit 1A that acquires an internal damage physical quantity, which is a physical quantity indicating the internal damage status of a vehicle's tire, and external damage information, which is information indicating the external damage status based on the external damage to the tire; a determination unit 1B that determines the overall damage status of the tire using the acquired internal damage physical quantity and external damage information; and an output unit 1C that outputs information according to the determination result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, sudden damage during the use of vehicle tires not only hinders the operation of the vehicle, but particularly when the tire is a mine tire, it disrupts the operation plan at the mine excavation site, leading to losses for the vehicle user, so it is an issue to be avoided.

[0003] Here, as a technique for predicting the damage status of a tire, an approach from external damage and an approach to fatigue accumulated inside the tire are known. In particular, damage resulting from internal fatigue is more difficult to detect than external damage that can be detected and addressed by means such as visual inspection.

[0004] As a technique for internal damage, there is a technique of providing a sensor module in the tire to measure the internal pressure and temperature of the tire (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a technique for performing operation management of a vehicle based on the measured values of the measured internal pressure and temperature has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, since the technique described in Patent Document 1 focuses only on internal damage, there is room for improvement in the accuracy of predicting the damage status of the tire.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of the above points and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can improve the accuracy of predicting the condition of tires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An information processing device according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires an internal damage physical quantity, which is a physical quantity indicating the internal damage status of a vehicle tire, and external damage information, which is information indicating the external damage status based on external damage to the tire; a determination unit that determines the overall damage status of the tire using the acquired internal damage physical quantity and the external damage information; and an output unit that outputs information according to the determination result.

[0010] An information processing device according to a second aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to a first aspect, wherein the internal damage physical quantity is the internal temperature of the tire, the external damage information is a damage level indicating the degree of damage to the tire, and the determination unit determines that an alert should be output as the overall damage status if the period during which the maximum value of the temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, and the damage level is equal to or greater than the reference level.

[0011] An information processing device according to a third aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to a second aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the trauma level as a result of determination by at least one of visual inspection and palpation of the tire.

[0012] An information processing device according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to a second aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the trauma level using a pre-learned learning model, with image information showing a captured image of the tire as input information and the trauma level as output information.

[0013] An information processing device according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the trauma level is a level corresponding to at least one of the type of damage, the circumferential size of the damage, and the depth of the damage.

[0014] An information processing device according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the internal damage physical quantities are the internal temperature and the internal pressure of the tire, and the determination unit determines that an alert should be output as the overall damage situation if the maximum value of the temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, the period during which the median value of the internal pressure is outside the reference range is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, and the trauma level is equal to or greater than the reference level.

[0015] An information processing device according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the internal damage physical quantities are the internal temperature of the tire and the internal pressure of the tire, and the determination unit determines that an alert should be output as the overall damage status if the maximum value of the temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, the period during which the fluctuation range of the internal pressure is equal to or greater than a reference range is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, and the trauma level is equal to or greater than the reference level.

[0016] An information processing device according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the determination of whether the maximum temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature is made by determining whether the maximum value after adding a value obtained by multiplying the outside temperature of the vehicle by a predetermined intake ratio to the maximum temperature of the tire is equal to or greater than the reference temperature.

[0017] An information processing device according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of the second to eighth aspects, wherein the output unit outputs, in addition to the alert, a method of operating the vehicle that can prevent damage to the tires.

[0018] The information processing system according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to ninth aspects, the vehicle including a sensor that measures the internal damage physical quantity, and a control unit that controls the running of the vehicle when it is determined by the determination unit that the alert is to be output.

[0019] The information processing method according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is to acquire an internal damage physical quantity, which is a physical quantity indicating the internal damage situation of a tire of a vehicle, and external damage information, which is information indicating an external damage situation based on an external damage of the tire, and use the acquired internal damage physical quantity and the external damage information to determine the overall damage situation of the tire, and output information according to the determination result, and the computer executes the process.

[0020] The information processing program according to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is to cause a computer to acquire an internal damage physical quantity, which is a physical quantity indicating the internal damage situation of a tire of a vehicle, and external damage information, which is information indicating an external damage situation based on an external damage of the tire, and use the acquired internal damage physical quantity and the external damage information to determine the overall damage situation of the tire, and output information according to the determination result.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the technology of the present disclosure, there is an effect that the accuracy of predicting the damage situation of the tire can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the cut separation of the tire according to the embodiment, and is a graph showing an example of the change with time of the crack length in the cut separation. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing the distribution of the median value of the internal pressure of a tire in setting the first reference value according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a graph showing a plot of the variation range of the internal pressure of a tire in setting the third reference value according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a graph showing a plot of the temperature of a tire in setting the fourth reference value according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a trauma level database according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a comprehensive determination database according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the first information processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a trauma level input screen displayed on a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the second information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of an alert output screen displayed on an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the first information processing according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described while referring to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0024] [First Embodiment] The information processing system according to the present embodiment predicts the damage situation of the tires of a vehicle and outputs an alert or the like when the tire has a high damage risk. First, the overall configuration of the information processing system will be described.

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment consists of an information processing device 1 and a plurality of vehicles 50. Each vehicle 50 is equipped with a communication device 25 and a plurality of TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) 20 (details will be described later). The information processing device 1 according to this embodiment is capable of wireless communication with the communication device 25 of each vehicle 50. In addition, the communication device 25 of the vehicle 50 is capable of wireless communication with the TPMS 20 provided on each tire of the vehicle 50. As a result, the information processing device 1 receives tire information. Although not shown in the diagram, the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment also includes a portable terminal carried by a gas station worker who refuels the vehicles 50.

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 1 is configured using, for example, a computer 10. The computer 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10A, RAM (Random Access Memory) 10B, non-volatile memory 10C, and an input / output interface (I / O) 10D. Each component is connected to the others so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 10E.

[0027] The CPU 10A is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls each component. Specifically, the CPU 10A reads programs from the non-volatile memory 10C and executes them using the RAM 10B as the working area. The CPU 10A controls each of the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the non-volatile memory 10C. The CPU 10A is also responsible for processing each of the functional units shown in Figure 4.

[0028] The non-volatile memory 10C is an example of a storage device that maintains stored information even when the power supplied to the non-volatile memory 10C is cut off. For example, semiconductor memory is used, but a hard disk may also be used. For example, information that needs to be stored even when the power supply to the information processing device 1 is cut off, such as the internal pressure and temperature of a tire, is stored in the non-volatile memory 10C. The non-volatile memory 10C also functions as the data storage unit 1M in Figure 4, and various types of information are stored there. Note that the non-volatile memory 10C does not necessarily need to be built into the computer 10; for example, it may be a portable storage device that can be attached to or detached from the computer 10.

[0029] For example, a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, and a display unit 13 are connected to I / O 10D. The information processing device 1 is configured to include the communication unit 11, the input unit 12, and the display unit 13.

[0030] The communication unit 11 is connected to a communication line and includes a communication protocol for sending and receiving data with external devices connected to the communication line. For example, if the information processing device 1 is installed in the operations control room, the information processing device 1 communicates data with each vehicle 50 via a wireless line, which is an example of a communication line connected to the communication unit 11. Alternatively, if the information processing device 1 is installed in a vehicle 50, the information processing device 1 communicates data with a server (not shown) installed in the operations control room via a wireless line connected to the communication unit 11, and displays the internal pressure and temperature status of each tire on a monitor installed in the operations control room.

[0031] Furthermore, the communication unit 11 communicates wirelessly with the communication device 25 of the vehicle 50. The communication device 25 is installed in the vehicle 50 and communicates with the TPMS 20 of each tire of the vehicle 50. The TPMS 20 includes at least a transmitter 23, a temperature sensor 21, and a pressure sensor 22. The transmitter 23 communicates with the communication device 25 of the vehicle 50. Specifically, the transmitter 23 transmits at least information on the temperature and pressure of the tires of the vehicle 50. In addition, the temperature and pressure measurements by the temperature sensor 21 and the pressure sensor 22 are performed at a preset sampling interval.

[0032] Furthermore, since tires generate heat during driving, the measured pressure will differ from the pressure when the tire returns to room temperature. Therefore, it is preferable to convert it to the pressure at room temperature as needed. In other words, since the measured internal pressure of the tire is affected by temperature, the value converted (corrected) to the pressure at a constant temperature may be used as the internal pressure of the tire described below. In addition, although measurements are taken at a predetermined sampling interval in this embodiment, the measurement may also be taken when the tire is cold, i.e., when it is cold. If the tire is measured when it is cold, pressure changes due to temperature changes are excluded, which improves the accuracy of predicting the tire's damage status. Note that an ambient temperature gauge for measuring the ambient temperature around the vehicle 50, which will be described later, only needs to be provided on the vehicle 50 (not shown).

[0033] The input unit 12 is a device that receives user instructions and notifies the CPU 10A, and includes, for example, buttons, touch panels, mice, keyboards, and pointing devices.

[0034] The display unit 13 is an example of a display device that displays information processed by the CPU 10A as an image, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. For example, if the information processing device 1 is installed in the vehicle 50, the display unit 13 is used as a monitor inside the vehicle. Also, if the information processing device 1 is installed in the operation control room, the display unit 13 is used as a monitor inside the operation control room.

[0035] Here, with reference to Figure 3, the mechanism of occurrence of cut separation, which is an example of tire damage targeted by the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment, will be explained. Figure 3 is a diagram used to explain cut separation of a tire according to this embodiment, and is a graph showing an example of the change in the length of a crack in cut separation over time. In Figure 3, cut separation is referred to as "sepa".

[0036] Cut separation is a phenomenon in which damage begins, for example, when a crack (cut) forms inside the tire after running over a rock, and then progresses as the tire rolls, eventually leading to the occurrence of cut separation.

[0037] Thus, as cut separation progresses, the length of the tire crack gradually deepens over time from the starting point, as shown in Figure 3 as an example.

[0038] Therefore, the extent of tire damage can be determined from the temperature and internal pressure inside the tire (corresponding to the "physical quantities of internal damage" in this disclosure, as described later), but the accuracy of predicting the extent of tire damage can be further improved by also taking into account the external damage status based on the external damage to the tire. Herein, "external damage" broadly includes not only damage that can be confirmed by visual inspection from the outside, but also separation between the tread and belt parts inside the tire, which can be determined by palpation using a hammer or other tools from the outside, or by images taken with a thermal camera or infrared camera.

[0039] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the functional configuration of the computer 10 constituting the information processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the computer 10 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 1A, a determination unit 1B, an output unit 1C, and a control unit 1D. A data storage unit 1M is also provided in a predetermined storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory 10C. The CPU 10A, which is stored in the non-volatile memory 10C, functions as the acquisition unit 1A, determination unit 1B, output unit 1C, and control unit 1D by executing the first information processing program and the second information processing program, which will be described later. Furthermore, the information processing method of this disclosure is executed by executing the first information processing program and the second information processing program. The data storage unit 1M stores the setting values ​​of the first to fourth reference values, which will be described later. The data storage unit 1M also stores various information acquired by the acquisition unit 1A.

[0040] The acquisition unit 1A acquires the internal pressure and temperature of each tire of the multiple vehicles 50 as physical quantities indicating the internal damage status of the tire (hereinafter referred to as "internal damage physical quantities"). The determination by the determination unit 1B, described later, is performed for each tire of the vehicle 50. Here, the internal pressure of the tire is measured by the pressure sensor 22 of the TPMS 20 attached to the tire of the vehicle 50. The acquisition unit 1A acquires the measurement result of the internal pressure of the tire via the communication unit 11 through the I / O 10D. The temperature of the tire is measured by the temperature sensor 21 of the TPMS 20 attached to the tire of the vehicle 50. The acquisition unit 1A acquires the measurement result of the temperature of the tire via the communication unit 11 through the I / O 10D.

[0041] The determination unit 1B determines whether each of the conditions 1 to 3 specified below is met. The conditions are as follows:

[0042] Condition 1: The median internal pressure of the tires is below the first standard value or above the second standard value. Condition 2: The fluctuation range of the tire's internal pressure is greater than or equal to the third standard value. Condition 3: The maximum tire temperature is equal to or greater than the fourth standard value.

[0043] First, the determination unit 1B determines whether condition 1 is met, that is, whether the median internal pressure of the vehicle 50's tires is below the first reference value or above the second reference value. Specifically, the determination unit 1B first sets the first reference value and the second reference value in advance. Each reference value is set based on the actual value, which is the median internal pressure of the tires measured in the past, and the fact that the vehicle was able to operate stably within the range of the actual value (details will be described later).

[0044] When a first reference value is set and the determination unit 1B determines whether the median tire pressure is less than or equal to the first reference value, it means that the determination unit determines whether the tire pressure is lower than the standard. When a second reference value is set and the determination unit 1B determines whether the median tire pressure is greater than or equal to the second reference value, it means that the determination unit determines whether the tire pressure is higher than the standard. Here, the median tire pressure is calculated by taking measured values ​​of the tire pressure of vehicle 50 at a predetermined sampling interval (for example, every few seconds) from the start to the end of operation of vehicle 50 each day, and taking the middle value of all measured values. The determination unit 1B calculates the median tire pressure on a daily basis. In this way, the determination unit 1B makes a determination by comparing each set reference value with the calculated median tire pressure.

[0045] Furthermore, the determination unit 1B determines whether condition 2 is met, that is, whether the fluctuation range of the tire pressure of the vehicle 50 is greater than or equal to the third reference value. Specifically, first, the determination unit 1B pre-sets the third reference value. The third reference value is set based on the measured value, which is the fluctuation range of the tire pressure measured in the past, and the fact that the vehicle was able to operate stably within the range of the measured value (details will be described later).

[0046] Here, the range of variation in tire internal pressure is, for example, the value obtained by taking measured values ​​of the tire internal pressure at a predetermined sampling interval from the start to the end of operation of vehicle 50 for one day, and subtracting the median value from the highest value among all measured values. Alternatively, the range of variation in tire internal pressure may be the value obtained by subtracting the lowest value from the highest value among all measured values, or the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the median value from the lowest value. The determination unit 1B calculates the range of variation in tire internal pressure on a daily basis. In this way, the determination unit 1B makes a determination by comparing the set reference value with the calculated range of variation in tire internal pressure.

[0047] Furthermore, the determination unit 1B determines whether condition 3 is met, that is, whether the maximum tire temperature of vehicle 50 is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value. Specifically, first, the determination unit 1B pre-sets the fourth reference value. The fourth reference value is set based on the actual value, which is the maximum tire temperature measured in the past, and the fact that the vehicle was able to operate stably within the range of the actual value (details will be described later). The determination unit 1B calculates the maximum tire temperature on a daily basis. In this way, the determination unit 1B makes a determination by comparing the set reference value with the calculated maximum tire temperature.

[0048] Furthermore, condition 3 may be changed from "the maximum tire temperature is equal to or greater than the fourth standard value" to "the maximum value after adding a value obtained by multiplying the ambient temperature measured by the vehicle's ambient temperature gauge by a predetermined intake ratio to the maximum tire temperature is equal to or greater than the fourth standard value."

[0049] The setting of the first to fourth reference values ​​will be further explained using Figures 5 to 7.

[0050] Figure 5 is a graph showing the distribution of the median internal pressures of multiple tires for each of the normal tires and damaged tires (tires whose damage has progressed beyond a predetermined level) when setting the first reference value. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents tire pressure, and the vertical axis represents the number of tires. The distribution of normal tires is shown by line 103, and the distribution of damaged tires is shown by line 105. As can be seen from the distribution in Figure 5, damaged tires tend to be located on the lower pressure side. Therefore, the first reference value (dotted line 100 in Figure 5) is set with the lower limit of the pressure of normal tires as the threshold. Similarly, the second reference value is set with the upper limit of the pressure of normal tires as the threshold (not shown).

[0051] Figure 6 is a graph plotting the daily fluctuation range of internal pressure for normal and damaged tires in the setting of the third reference value. The horizontal axis of Figure 6 represents the number of days, with the day the tire was removed being set as day 0, and values ​​from that day up to 30 days prior being plotted. The vertical axis represents pressure, and the fluctuation range, as mentioned above, is, for example, the difference between the highest internal pressure of the tire and the median internal pressure of the tire. The plot for normal tires is line 303, and the plot for damaged tires is line 305. As can be seen from Figure 6, line 303 for normal tires tends to be flat, while line 305 for damaged tires shows a higher frequency of large values. In addition, when the load on the tire is large, the fluctuation range on this vertical axis will be a large value. Line 305 for damaged tires shows a tendency to show large values ​​more often. The third reference value is set as a threshold between the line 303 for a normal tire and the line 305 for a damaged tire, as shown in Figure 6, at a position like the dotted line 300.

[0052] Figure 7 is a graph plotting the temperature of a normal tire and a damaged tire on a daily basis when setting the fourth reference value. The horizontal axis in Figure 7 represents the number of days, with the day the tire was removed being set as day 0, and the values ​​from that day up to 30 days prior are plotted. The vertical axis represents the tire temperature. The plot for a normal tire is line 403, and the plot for a damaged tire is line 405. As shown in Figure 7, the fourth reference value is set as a threshold between line 403 for the normal tire and line 405 for the damaged tire, at a position such as the dotted line 400.

[0053] Furthermore, in setting the first to fourth reference values, the graphs in Figures 5 to 7 may not only be used for internal processing of the information processing device 1, but may also be displayed on the display unit 13 so that the user of the information processing device 1 can see them.

[0054] Note that while the graphs in Figures 5 to 7 calculate values ​​daily over a 30-day period, this is not the only option. Depending on the purpose of predicting the extent of damage, monitoring may also be conducted over a weekly period or hourly.

[0055] The range from the first reference value to the second reference value corresponds to the reference range of this disclosure, the third reference value corresponds to the reference width of this disclosure, and the fourth reference value corresponds to the reference temperature of this disclosure.

[0056] Here, the acquisition unit 1A according to this embodiment acquires external damage information, which is information indicating the external damage status based on external damage to the tire, in addition to the internal damage physical quantity. In this embodiment, an external damage level indicating the degree of external damage to the tire is applied as the external damage information. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of stages (in this embodiment, 5 stages from 1 to 5 in order of increasing degree of damage) is applied as the external damage level.

[0057] Table 1 shows an example of the check items for the level of trauma according to this embodiment.

[0058] [Table 1]

[0059] As shown in Table 1, in this embodiment, a trauma level of 2 or less is considered acceptable, and a trauma level of 3 or more is considered problematic, but this is not the only way. For example, a configuration where a trauma level of 3 or less is considered acceptable, and a trauma level of 4 or more is considered problematic, or a configuration where a trauma level of 1 or less is considered acceptable, and a trauma level of 2 or more is considered problematic, is also possible. In Table 1, "2Lug" and "3Lug" represent the size of the peeling of the tread portion of the tire in the direction of rotation, which is 2 lugs and 3 lugs, respectively.

[0060] Thus, in this embodiment, five levels are applied as the trauma level, but the embodiment is not limited to this form. A number of levels other than five may be applied as the trauma level, or a continuous value without any steps may be applied as the trauma level.

[0061] In particular, the acquisition unit 1A according to this embodiment acquires the trauma level as a result of determination by at least one (both in this embodiment) of visual inspection and palpation of the tire. In this embodiment, as shown in Table 1, levels corresponding to the type of damage, the circumferential size of the damage, and the depth of the damage are applied as the trauma level, but the embodiment is not limited to this form. For example, a form in which a level corresponding to any one or a combination of any two of these damage conditions is applied as the trauma level may also be used.

[0062] Furthermore, the determination unit 1B according to this embodiment determines the overall damage status of the tire using the external damage status indicated by the acquired external damage level, in addition to the determination using the internal damage status indicated by the internal damage physical quantity described above. Specifically, the determination unit 1B determines whether the period during which condition 3 described above is met and at least one of condition 1 and condition 2 is met is a predetermined period (3 days in this embodiment) or longer, and whether the external damage level is above a predetermined standard level (3 in this embodiment).

[0063] Furthermore, the output unit 1C according to this embodiment outputs information about the vehicle 50's tires or information related to the use of the tires when the determination unit 1B determines that the result is positive.

[0064] Specifically, the determination unit 1B determines on a daily basis whether each of the conditions 1 to 3 is met. Using this result, the output unit 1C outputs tire information or tire usage information if, for example, the period during which the conditions were met is 3 days or more, and the injury level is 3 or higher.

[0065] In this embodiment, as an example, if the above conditions are met for 3 or more days in the past 30 days, and the injury level is 3 or higher, tire information or tire usage information will be output. These values ​​are examples only and are not limited to these. For example, it is possible to set them as appropriate for the purpose, such as 30 or more days in the past 90 days. Tire information includes, for example, information that identifies the individual tire and information that relates to the type of tire. Tire usage information includes information on the tire's usage period, information on the frequency of tire use, tire temperature, and tire internal pressure.

[0066] Output unit 1C outputs an alert regarding the tire condition as tire information or information related to tire usage. Specifically, output unit 1C outputs an alert regarding the tire condition to information processing device 1. The content of the alert may, for example, notify that the tire is at high risk of damage. The notification method is not limited to displaying a message; it may also be notified by voice.

[0067] In addition to alerts, the output unit 1C outputs methods for operating the vehicle 50 in a way that can prevent tire damage. Specifically, the output unit 1C may, for example, output instructions to reduce the vehicle 50's speed, to guide the vehicle 50 to a route with a gentler surface, or to reduce the load of cargo on the vehicle 50.

[0068] When the output unit 1C outputs an alert, the control unit 1D controls the driving of the vehicle 50 equipped with the tire that is the subject of the alert. Specifically, the control unit 1D controls the driving speed and direction of the vehicle 50. The control unit 1D is part of an information processing system 90 that includes an information processing device 1, a vehicle 50 equipped with a TPMS 20 including sensors for measuring the internal pressure and temperature of the tires, and the control unit 1D that controls the driving of the vehicle 50 when the output unit 1C outputs an alert.

[0069] In the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment, a trauma level database and a comprehensive judgment database are constructed in the data storage unit 1M to realize the above functions. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the trauma level database according to this embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the comprehensive judgment database according to this embodiment.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the injury level database according to this embodiment stores vehicle ID (Identification), tire ID, and injury level information in association with each other.

[0071] The above vehicle ID is information that is pre-assigned to each vehicle 50 in order to individually identify each vehicle 50. Similarly, the above tire ID is information that is pre-assigned to each tire in order to individually identify the tire mounted on the corresponding vehicle 50, and the above injury level is information that indicates the injury level set for the corresponding tire.

[0072] In the example shown in Figure 8, for instance, a tire with tire ID "101" installed on a vehicle with vehicle ID "C001" is shown to have a trauma level of "3".

[0073] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, the comprehensive judgment database according to this embodiment stores information on internal damage judgment results, external damage judgment results, and overall judgment results in an associated manner.

[0074] The above internal damage determination result is information indicating the determination result of the internal damage status using the internal damage physical quantity. In this embodiment, the internal damage determination result is set by the value of a flag; if it is determined that there is internal damage, the flag value is set to "1", and if it is determined that there is no internal damage, the flag value is set to "0".

[0075] Furthermore, the external damage assessment result is information indicating the level of damage itself, as described above, while the overall assessment result is information indicating an overall assessment result corresponding to the combination of the internal damage assessment result and the external damage assessment result. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the information indicating the overall assessment result is "no risk" if there is no risk of damage to the tire in the corresponding situation, and "risk present" if there is a risk of damage to the tire in the corresponding situation. However, the embodiment is not limited to this form. For example, a form in which the presence or absence of risk is set using a flag, similar to the internal damage assessment result, may also be used.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 9, if the flag indicating the internal damage assessment result is "0," meaning that no internal damage has occurred, the overall assessment result will be "no risk," regardless of the external damage situation. Also in the example shown in Figure 9, if the flag indicating the internal damage assessment result is "1," meaning that internal damage has occurred, and the trauma level is 2 or lower, the overall assessment result will be "no risk." On the other hand, if the flag indicating the internal damage assessment result is "1," and the trauma level is 3 or higher, the overall assessment result will be "risk present."

[0077] Next, the operation of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described as an operation of the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment. In the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, a first information processing is performed to acquire the level of tire damage, while a second information processing is performed to determine the risk of tire damage.

[0078] First, with reference to Figure 10, the operation of the information processing device 1 when executing the first information processing will be explained. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first information processing according to this embodiment. The first information processing shown in Figure 10 is executed when the CPU 10A executes the first information processing program stored in the non-volatile memory 10C at a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, the timing of refueling the vehicle 50 at the gas station). Here, in order to avoid confusion, we will explain the case in which the worker (hereinafter simply referred to as "worker") performing the refueling work on the vehicle 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as "target vehicle") is carrying a portable terminal (not shown), and the information processing device 1 is able to communicate with the portable terminal (hereinafter simply referred to as "portable terminal").

[0079] In step S100 of Figure 10, the CPU 10A controls the mobile terminal to display a predetermined trauma level input screen, and in step S102, the CPU 10A waits until predetermined information is received from the target vehicle.

[0080] Figure 11 shows an example of the injury level input screen displayed in the mobile terminal according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the injury level input screen according to this embodiment displays an input area 70A for inputting the injury level of each tire mounted on the target vehicle, along with a message prompting the user to input the injury level of each tire.

[0081] When the injury level input screen shown in Figure 11 is displayed on the mobile terminal, the worker visually and palpatingly checks the injury level of each tire mounted on the target vehicle, inputs the resulting injury level of each tire into the corresponding input area 70A, and then presses the end button 70B. When the worker presses the end button 70B, the mobile terminal transmits the injury levels entered by the worker to the information processing device 1. Upon receiving the injury levels from the mobile terminal, step S102 becomes a positive determination and the process proceeds to step S104.

[0082] Thus, in this embodiment, the worker determines the level of tire damage by visual inspection and palpation, and therefore the worker is familiar with the method for determining the level of damage in advance. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, by displaying information on the method for determining the level of damage on the damage level input screen shown in Figure 11, any person (e.g., the driver or passengers of the vehicle in question) can determine the level of damage regardless of their familiarity with the method.

[0083] In step S104, the CPU 10A registers the trauma level received from the target vehicle into the trauma level database for each corresponding tire, and then terminates this first information processing.

[0084] Through the above first information processing, the information indicating the level of trauma registered in the trauma level database will be updated each time vehicle 50 refuels.

[0085] Thus, in this embodiment, the timing of refueling the vehicle 50 is used as the timing for executing the first information processing, but this is not the only option. For example, the timing of inspections, such as the timing of inspecting the vehicle 50 or the timing of inspecting the tires themselves, may be used as the timing for executing the first information processing. Furthermore, the frequency of executing the first information processing may be increased or decreased depending on the previously confirmed level of damage. For example, if the previously confirmed level of damage was 1, the execution at a predetermined timing such as refueling may be skipped once. Alternatively, if the previously confirmed level of damage was 3 or higher, the number of executions at that predetermined timing may be increased.

[0086] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the operation of the information processing device 1 when executing the second information processing will be explained. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second information processing according to this embodiment. The second information processing shown in Figure 12 is executed when the CPU 10A executes the second information processing program stored in the non-volatile memory 10C when an instruction input to start execution is made by the user of the information processing device 1 via the input unit 12. Here, in order to avoid confusion, we will explain the case where the trauma level database and the comprehensive judgment database have already been constructed.

[0087] In step S200 of Figure 12, CPU 10A performs initial processing to count the number of days. For example, CPU 10A assigns the value 1 to the variable day and the value 0 to the variable count. Note that the variable day is used to count the number of days that have elapsed. The variable count is used to count the number of days that satisfy condition 3 AND condition 1 or condition 2.

[0088] In step S202, CPU 10A performs initialization processing for a flag that indicates whether any of the conditions have been met. For example, CPU 10A assigns the value false (0 in this embodiment) to the flag variable flag.

[0089] In step S204, CPU10A obtains the tire's internal pressure and temperature.

[0090] In step S206, CPU 10A determines whether the tire temperature is above the fourth reference value. If CPU 10A determines that the acquired tire temperature is above the fourth reference value (step S206: YES), the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if CPU 10A determines that the acquired tire temperature is not above the fourth reference value, that is, below the fourth reference value (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to step S218.

[0091] In step S208, the CPU 10A determines whether the median tire pressure is below the first reference value or above the second reference value. If the CPU 10A determines that the acquired median tire pressure is below the first reference value or above the second reference value (step S208: YES), the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if the CPU 10A determines that the acquired median tire pressure is above the first reference value or below the second reference value (step S208: NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0092] In step S210, CPU 10A determines whether the fluctuation range of the tire's internal pressure is greater than or equal to the third reference value. If CPU 10A determines that the acquired fluctuation range of the tire's internal pressure is greater than or equal to the third reference value (step S210: YES), the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if CPU 10A determines that the acquired fluctuation range of the tire's internal pressure is not greater than or equal to the third reference value, that is, less than the third reference value (step S210: NO), the process proceeds to step S214.

[0093] In step S212, the CPU 10A assigns the value true (1 in this embodiment) to the variable flag.

[0094] In step S214, CPU 10A determines whether the value of the variable flag is true or not. If CPU 10A determines that the value of the variable flag is true (step S214: YES), the process proceeds to step S216. On the other hand, if CPU 10A determines that the value of the variable flag is not true (i.e., the value of the variable flag is the initial value false) (step S214: NO), the process proceeds to step S218.

[0095] In step S216, CPU10A adds (increments) the value 1 to the variable count.

[0096] In step S218, the CPU 10A determines whether the value of the variable `day` is the number 30. If the CPU 10A determines that the value of the variable `day` is the number 30 (step S218: YES), the process proceeds to step S222. On the other hand, if the CPU 10A determines that the value of the variable `day` is not the number 30 (step S218: NO), the process proceeds to step S220. In this embodiment, the damage status is predicted based on the measurement results for a 30-day period, but this is not limited to this, and the number 30 used in the determination in step S218 may be changed as appropriate to match the period to be referenced.

[0097] In step S220, CPU10A adds (increments) the value 1 to the variable day.

[0098] In step S222, CPU 10A determines whether the value of the variable `count` is greater than or equal to a threshold. For example, the threshold is 3. If CPU 10A determines that the value of the variable `count` is greater than or equal to the threshold (step S222: YES), the process proceeds to step S224. On the other hand, if CPU 10A determines that the value of the variable `count` is less than the threshold (step S222: NO), the second information processing is terminated.

[0099] In step S224, the CPU 10A reads the corresponding tire's injury level from the injury level database. In step S226, the CPU 10A refers to the comprehensive judgment database and determines whether the read injury level is an injury level (in this embodiment, an injury level of 3 or higher) that is classified as "risky" in the comprehensive judgment result in the comprehensive judgment database, thereby determining whether there is a problem with the tire. If this determination is negative (step S226: NO), the second information processing ends, and if it is positive (step S226: YES), the process proceeds to step S228.

[0100] In step S228, the CPU 10A outputs information related to the alert by controlling the display unit 13 to display the alert output screen shown in Figure 13 as an example, and then terminates the second information processing.

[0101] The alert output screen shown in Figure 13 displays a message indicating that the tire is being damaged, along with information to identify the tire and how to address it. Therefore, the user can understand this information and take appropriate action. While Figure 13 illustrates the recommended actions of repairing the tire and rotating it, it is not limited to these. For example, the recommended action could be to replace the tire. Here, "rotation" refers to replacing a tire that is less damaged but does not require repair or replacement with a tire that is less damaged.

[0102] Thus, in this embodiment, the alert output notifies the user of a high risk of damage and how to deal with it, but the embodiment is not limited to this form. As mentioned above, the output may also be a method of operating the vehicle 50 that can suppress tire damage, or the operation of the vehicle 50 may be controlled.

[0103] As described above, according to this embodiment, an internal damage physical quantity, which is a physical quantity indicating the internal damage status of the vehicle's tire, and external damage information, which is information indicating the external damage status based on the external damage to the tire, are acquired. The overall damage status of the tire is determined using the acquired internal damage physical quantity and external damage information, and information corresponding to the determination result is output. Therefore, the damage status of the tire can be determined by taking into account not only the internal damage status but also the external damage status, which improves the accuracy of predicting the tire's damage status.

[0104] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the internal temperature and internal pressure of the tire are applied as internal damage physical quantities, and the damage level indicating the degree of tire damage is applied as external damage information. If condition 3 is met, and the period during which at least one of conditions 1 and 2 is met is longer than a predetermined period, and the damage level is above the standard level, it is determined that an alert should be output as the overall damage situation. Therefore, the damage status of the tire can be predicted by taking into account the internal temperature and internal pressure of the tire and the damage level.

[0105] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the level of injury is obtained as a result of a determination based on at least one of visual inspection and palpation of the tire. Therefore, the level of injury can be obtained with higher accuracy compared to when the level of injury is obtained using a learning model.

[0106] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the trauma level is defined as a level corresponding to at least one of the type of damage, the circumferential size of the damage, and the depth of the damage. Therefore, it is possible to predict the damage status of the tire, taking into account the target of application.

[0107] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a case in which the level of tire damage is obtained by visual inspection and palpation was described. In the second embodiment, an example of a form in which the level of damage is obtained using a pre-trained learning model, with image information showing a captured image of the tire as input information and the level of damage as output information.

[0108] The information processing system 90 according to this embodiment differs from the one shown in Figure 1 as an example in that a camera is provided for each of the vehicles 50 to photograph the tires mounted on them. Furthermore, the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment differs from the one shown in Figure 1 as an example in that the information processing device 1 is equipped with a pre-learned model that takes image information showing the captured image of the tire as input information and the level of trauma as output information.

[0109] A camera installed on the vehicle 50 is capable of communicating with the vehicle 50's communication device 25, and the information processing device 1 can acquire image information showing the corresponding tire image captured by the camera. Then, the acquisition unit 1A of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment acquires the trauma level by inputting the acquired image information into the learning model.

[0110] In this embodiment, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model is used as the learning model, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, a recurrent neural network (RNN) model may be used as the learning model. Also, in this embodiment, a visible light camera is used as the camera, but the system is not limited to this, and other cameras such as thermal cameras or infrared cameras may be used as the camera.

[0111] Since the configuration other than the camera and the learning model described above is the same as that of the information processing system 90 according to the first embodiment, a further explanation of the configuration of the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0112] On the other hand, the operation of the information processing system 90 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the information processing system 90 according to the first embodiment, except for the operation when executing the first information processing. Therefore, the operation when executing the first information processing will be described below.

[0113] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first information processing according to this embodiment. The first information processing shown in Figure 14 is executed when the CPU 10A executes the first information processing program stored in the non-volatile memory 10C at a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, the timing of refueling the vehicle 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "target vehicle") at the gas station). To avoid confusion, the case where the learning model has already been trained will be described here.

[0114] In step S150 of Figure 14, the CPU 10A acquires image information from the target vehicle, showing images of all the tires mounted on the vehicle as captured by cameras.

[0115] In step S152, the CPU 10A inputs the acquired image information into the learning model for each tire mounted on the target vehicle. The learning model then outputs the level of damage for each tire.

[0116] Therefore, in step S154, the CPU 10A acquires the trauma level output from the learning model, and in step S156, the CPU 10A registers the acquired trauma level in the trauma level database for each corresponding tire, and then terminates the first information processing.

[0117] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the level of injury is acquired using a pre-trained learning model, with image information showing a captured image of the tire as input information and the level of injury as output information. Therefore, the level of injury can be acquired more easily compared to when it is acquired by human visual inspection or palpation.

[0118] In each of the above embodiments, the combination of conditions 1 to 3 may be changed as appropriate. For example, only condition 3 may be applied, or only the combination of conditions 1 and 3 may be applied, or only the combination of conditions 2 and 3 may be applied. Furthermore, only condition 1 may be applied, or only condition 2, or a combination of conditions 1 and 2 may be applied. In this way, the combination of conditions can be changed, so it can be appropriately adapted to the characteristics and circumstances of each mine, for example.

[0119] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe examples where an alert is issued when the conditions are met for a predetermined number of days or more within a predetermined period and the injury level is above a predetermined level, the invention is not limited to this. For example, it can also be applied to issue an alert when the conditions are met for a predetermined percentage or more within a predetermined period and the injury level is above a predetermined level. To add to this, for example, an alert may be issued when 30% or more of the conditions are met and the injury level is above a predetermined level within one hour.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the information processing device 1 of each embodiment described above, the damage status of each tire on multiple vehicles 50 can be predicted. Therefore, for example, when multiple vehicles 50 are lined up in sequence and transporting goods at a mining site in a mine, the damage status of the tires can be predicted in advance, making it possible to reduce the waiting time for tire replacement due to tire damage. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 1. Information Processing Device 1A Acquisition Department 1B Judgment section 1C Output Section 1D Control Unit 1M Data Storage Unit 10 Computers 10A CPU 10B RAM 10C Non-Volatile Memory 10D I / O 10E Bus 11 Communication Unit 12 Input Units 13 Display Unit 20 TPMS 21 Temperature sensor 22 Pressure Sensor 23 Transmitter 25 Communication devices 50 vehicles 90 Information Processing Systems 100 First reference value 300 Third reference value 400 4th reference value

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires an internal damage physical quantity, which is a physical quantity indicating the internal damage status of a vehicle's tire, and external damage information, which is information indicating the external damage status based on the external damage of the tire. A determination unit that determines the overall damage status of the tire using the acquired internal physical damage quantity and external damage information, An output unit that outputs information according to the judgment result, Equipped with an information processing device.

2. The aforementioned physical quantity of internal damage is the temperature inside the tire. The aforementioned external damage information is an injury level indicating the degree of damage to the tire. The determination unit determines that if the period during which the maximum temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature is longer than a predetermined period, and the trauma level is equal to or greater than the reference level, then it is a situation in which an alert should be output as the overall damage situation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires the trauma level as a result of a determination based on at least one of visual inspection and palpation of the tire. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the trauma level using a pre-trained learning model, with image information showing a captured image of the tire as input information and the trauma level as output information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The trauma level is a level corresponding to at least one of the type of injury, the circumferential size of the injury, and the depth of the injury. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The aforementioned physical quantities of internal damage are the internal temperature of the tire and the internal pressure of the tire. The determination unit determines that an alert should be output as the overall damage situation if the maximum temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, the period during which the median internal pressure is outside the reference range is longer than a predetermined period, and the trauma level is equal to or greater than the reference level. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

7. The aforementioned physical quantities of internal damage are the internal temperature of the tire and the internal pressure of the tire. The determination unit determines that an alert should be output as the overall damage situation if the maximum temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, the period during which the fluctuation range of the internal pressure is equal to or greater than the reference range is equal to or greater than a predetermined period, and the trauma level is equal to or greater than the reference level. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

8. The determination of whether the highest temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature is made by adding a value obtained by multiplying the outside temperature of the vehicle by a predetermined intake ratio to the highest temperature of the tire, and then determining whether the resulting highest value is equal to or greater than the reference temperature. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

9. In addition to the alert, the output unit outputs a method of operating the vehicle that can prevent damage to the tires. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The vehicle is equipped with a sensor that measures the amount of internal damage, If the determination unit determines that the situation warrants outputting the alert, the control unit controls the vehicle's movement, An information processing system that includes this.

11. The system acquires an internal damage physical quantity, which is a physical quantity indicating the internal damage status of the vehicle's tire, and external damage information, which is information indicating the external damage status based on the external damage to the tire. Using the acquired internal damage physical quantities and external damage information, the overall damage status of the tire is determined. Output information based on the judgment result. An information processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

12. The system acquires an internal damage physical quantity, which is a physical quantity indicating the internal damage status of the vehicle's tire, and external damage information, which is information indicating the external damage status based on the external damage to the tire. Using the acquired internal damage physical quantities and external damage information, the overall damage status of the tire is determined. Output information based on the judgment result. An information processing program that instructs a computer to perform a task.

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