Information processing device, vehicle, and information processing method

Abstract

Efficiently share files between vehicles. [Solution] The information processing device (10) includes a control unit (12), which receives vehicle information from each of a plurality of vehicles (20) indicating at least one of the status and location of each vehicle (20), determines a hub vehicle (20-1) that will act as a data provision hub from the plurality of vehicles (20) based on the vehicle information, transmits predetermined data to the hub vehicle (20-1), determines client vehicles (20-2, 20-3) that will share the predetermined data with each hub vehicle (20-1) based on the vehicle information, and transmits information to identify the corresponding client vehicles (20-2, 20-3) for each hub vehicle (20-1) in order to share the predetermined data with the client vehicles (20-2, 20-3).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system that enables vehicles to communicate with each other has been developed. For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to facilitate the establishment of a wireless link between vehicles entering an intersection, a first communication circuit that operates as an infrastructure mode access point and transmits and receives radio waves toward the front of the vehicle, and a second communication circuit that operates as an infrastructure mode station and transmits and receives radio waves toward the front of the vehicle are provided. A communication device mounted on a vehicle is disclosed. With such a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, files can be shared between vehicles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the files required by each vehicle and the timing of requesting files are different. Therefore, a more efficient file sharing method between vehicles is required.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, a vehicle, and an information processing method capable of efficiently sharing files between vehicles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit, which receives vehicle information from each of a plurality of vehicles indicating at least one of the state and location of each vehicle, determines a hub vehicle from the plurality of vehicles to act as a data provision hub based on the vehicle information, transmits predetermined data to the hub vehicle, determines client vehicles for each hub vehicle to share the predetermined data based on the vehicle information, and transmits information for each hub vehicle to identify the corresponding client vehicle in order to share the predetermined data with the client vehicles.

[0007] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, and transmits vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's state and location to the information processing device, and when the information processing device determines, based on the vehicle information, that the vehicle is a hub vehicle that will serve as a data provision hub, it receives predetermined data from the information processing device, and when it receives identification information from the information processing device that identifies a client vehicle that shares the predetermined data, it transmits the predetermined data received from the information processing device to the client vehicle identified by the identification information.

[0008] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, and transmits vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's state and location to the information processing device, and when the information processing device determines, based on the vehicle information, that the vehicle is a client vehicle that shares predetermined data, the vehicle receives predetermined data from a hub vehicle which the information processing device determines, based on the vehicle information, is a vehicle that acts as a data provision hub.

[0009] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information processing device that receives vehicle information from each of a plurality of vehicles indicating at least one of the state and location of each vehicle; determines a hub vehicle from the plurality of vehicles to act as a data provision hub based on the vehicle information; transmits predetermined data to the hub vehicle; determines, for each hub vehicle, client vehicles to share the predetermined data based on the vehicle information; and transmits information to each hub vehicle to identify the corresponding client vehicle in order to share the predetermined data with the client vehicles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it will be possible to efficiently share files between vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle in an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] A sequence diagram showing an example of operation of an information processing system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment will be described. The information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an information processing device 10 and a plurality of vehicles 20. The information processing device 10 and the plurality of vehicles 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a network 30 including the Internet.

[0014] The information processing device 10 is a server that controls vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The information processing device 10 comprises a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0015] The communication unit 13 includes a communication interface for communicating with multiple vehicles 20. The information processing device 10 receives vehicle information from each of the multiple vehicles 20 via the communication unit 13 and the network 30, indicating at least one of the status and location of each vehicle 20. "Vehicle status" refers to, for example, surplus power, surplus data capacity, whether or not it is parked, whether or not it is connected to public Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0016] The storage unit 11 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), or flash memory. The storage unit 11 stores the latest predetermined data (predetermined file) that may be requested by each vehicle 20. "Predetermined data" refers to, for example, update files for electronic devices such as ECUs (Engine Control Units) installed in each vehicle 20. The predetermined data may also be map information, traffic information, etc. The information processing device 10 also stores vehicle information received from each of the multiple vehicles 20 in the storage unit 11.

[0017] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array). The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). While controlling each part of the information processing device 10, the control unit 12 executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0018] Based on the vehicle information acquired from the vehicle 20, the control unit 12 determines (selects) a vehicle that serves as a data-providing hub (hereinafter referred to as the "hub vehicle") from a plurality of vehicles 20. The control unit 12 may determine a plurality of hub vehicles. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the hub vehicle is taken as the vehicle 20-1.

[0019] Based on the vehicle information, the control unit 12 determines, as the hub vehicle 20-1, a vehicle that corresponds to at least one of the following, for example, from a plurality of vehicles 20. · A vehicle with surplus power of a predetermined threshold or more · A vehicle with surplus data capacity of a predetermined threshold or more · A vehicle parked for a long time of a predetermined time or more · A vehicle expected to be parked for a long time of a predetermined time or more · A vehicle in which other vehicles exist within a predetermined range for a certain time or more · A vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi

[0020] When the control unit 12 determines the hub vehicle based on the surplus power, it may determine the hub vehicle in a predetermined order, such as in the order of battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), hybrid vehicle (HEV), and conventional car. Also, the control unit 12 may determine the PHEV as the hub vehicle only when the PHEV is being charged.

[0021] The "vehicle expected to be parked for a long time" is, for example, a vehicle parked at a shopping mall, stadium, event venue, etc. The control unit 12 may analyze the big data received from each vehicle 20 to determine the "vehicle expected to be parked for a long time".

[0022] The "vehicle in which another vehicle exists within a predetermined range for a certain period of time or more" is a vehicle in which another vehicle is located at a short distance for a long time. For example, when traveling in a group on a highway, etc., it is a vehicle with little change in the relative position with other vehicles without overtaking or being overtaken. The control unit 12 may analyze the big data received from each vehicle 20 to determine the "vehicle in which another vehicle exists within a predetermined range for a certain period of time or more".

[0023] The control unit 12 can allow the "vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi" to download a predetermined amount of data for free.

[0024] Alternatively, the control unit 12 determines, based on the vehicle information, one or more vehicles corresponding to any of the following priority orders from a plurality of vehicles 20 as the hub vehicle. 1. A vehicle having surplus power equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold 2. A vehicle having a surplus data capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold 3. A vehicle parked for a long time for a predetermined period of time or more 4. A vehicle expected to be parked for a long time for a predetermined period of time or more 5. A vehicle in which another vehicle exists within a predetermined range for a certain period of time or more 6. A vehicle connected to public Wi-Fi

[0025] In addition, when the control unit 12 selects the hub vehicle 20-1, it may notify the user of the selected vehicle 20-1 as the hub vehicle and formally determine it as the hub vehicle after obtaining the user's consent. Also, at the time of vehicle contract, the user's consent to the possibility of becoming a hub vehicle in advance may be obtained.

[0026] Next, the control unit 12 transmits predetermined data to the hub vehicle 20-1 and, based on the vehicle information, determines (selects) the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "client vehicle") that shares the predetermined data for each hub vehicle 20-1. Different hub vehicles may correspond to different client vehicles (that should communicate between vehicles). Furthermore, the client vehicles corresponding to hub vehicles may also change over time. For the sake of explanation, in this specification, the client vehicles corresponding to hub vehicle 20-1 are referred to as vehicles 20-2 and 20-3, but there may be one client vehicle or three or more.

[0027] The control unit 12 selects vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 from among multiple vehicles 20 that are located in a position where vehicle-to-vehicle communication is possible with the hub vehicle 20-1 (for example, within 100m of an open site) and designates them as client vehicles. Locations where vehicle-to-vehicle communication is actively possible include large parking lots, large intersections, highways, highway parking areas (PA) / service areas (SA), and large gas stations with attached convenience stores or coffee shops. It is also considered that vehicles traveling on highways are likely to have the same map information requirements.

[0028] Hub vehicle 20-1 may store predetermined data that all vehicles 20 may require, but in order to reduce the amount of data to be stored, it may receive and store only predetermined data that matches the vehicle class or model of hub vehicle 20-1 from the information processing device 10. In that case, since the predetermined data is likely to be common to each vehicle class or model, the control unit 12 determines that vehicles that are determined to be identical or similar to hub vehicle 20-1 in at least one of the vehicle class and model are client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. "Vehicle class" refers to the vehicle classification based on, for example, body size, vehicle type, model, etc. "Model" refers to the classification number of vehicles that are identical in structure, equipment, performance, etc.

[0029] Next, the control unit 12 controls the communication unit 13 in order to share predetermined data with client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 (i.e., to allow hub vehicle 20-1 to recognize the corresponding client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3), and transmits identification information (e.g., vehicle identification number) to each hub vehicle 20-1 to identify the corresponding client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3.

[0030] The amount of communication between the hub vehicle 20-1 and the information processing device 10 and the client vehicle 20-2 increases. Therefore, the control unit 12 cancels the determination of each hub vehicle 20-1 if a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of the hub vehicle 20-1, or if the number of times predetermined data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle 20-1 exceeds a predetermined number. This process helps to prevent deterioration of the performance of the battery or memory unit of the hub vehicle 20-1.

[0031] The control unit 12 may reward the hub vehicle 20-1 according to the amount of data transmitted to client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. The type of reward is arbitrary; for example, the control unit 12 may set digital currency, points exchangeable for gift certificates, a reduction in lease fees, or goods as rewards.

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 includes a control device 21. The control device 21 includes a storage unit 211, a control unit 212, and a communication unit 213.

[0033] The storage unit 211 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The storage unit 211 of the hub vehicle 20-1 stores predetermined data received from the information processing device 10. The storage units 211 of the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 store predetermined data received from the hub vehicle 20-1.

[0034] The control unit 212 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 212 controls various parts of the vehicle 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0035] The communication unit 213 includes a communication interface for communicating with the information processing device 10 (e.g., cellular communication) and a communication interface for vehicle-to-vehicle communication with other vehicles 20 (e.g., Wi-Fi communication). The communication unit 213 of each vehicle transmits vehicle information to the information processing device 10.

[0036] The communication unit 213 of the hub vehicle 20-1 receives predetermined data from the information processing device 10. The storage unit 211 of the hub vehicle 20-1 stores the predetermined data. When the communication unit 213 of the hub vehicle 20-1 receives identification information from the information processing device 10 to identify client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3, it transmits the predetermined data received from the information processing device 10 to the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 identified by the identification information.

[0037] The timing for the hub vehicle 20-1's communication unit 213 to transmit predetermined data to client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 (when the hub vehicle 20-1 and client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 switch to data sharing mode) is when client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 approach within a distance where vehicle-to-vehicle communication can be established (for example, within 100m) and communication with client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 is established. For example, in parking lots, gas stations, and highway rest areas / service areas, the system switches to data sharing mode when there are many more client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 parked in the vicinity than a predetermined number. At intersections, the system switches to data sharing mode when the hub vehicle 20-1 and client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 are stopped at a traffic light, or when they pass each other at an intersection. On highways, when traveling in a group, the system switches to data sharing mode when the relative speed between hub vehicle 20-1 and client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 is below a threshold. When hub vehicle 20-1 is charging or operating with pre-air conditioning powered by external power, power is supplied and communication can be performed without worrying about power, so the system may proactively switch to data sharing mode.

[0038] The control unit 212 of the hub vehicle 20-1 may divide predetermined data, and the communication unit 213 of the hub vehicle 20-1 may transmit the divided predetermined data to client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. This makes it possible to improve the reuse rate of predetermined data. For example, if predetermined data A requested by client vehicle 20-2 consists of data a and data b, and predetermined data B requested by client vehicle 20-3 consists of data a and data c, then by preparing divided data a, b, and c, it becomes possible to reuse data a.

[0039] The control unit 212 of the hub vehicle 20-1 may have a version control function for predetermined data and may be synchronized with the information processing device 10. If the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 have a self-compilation environment or an interpreter-type execution environment, the communication unit 213 of the hub vehicle 20-1 may receive information from the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 regarding the version of predetermined data stored in the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3, and transmit only the difference data between the current version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data, or only compressed data of the difference data, to the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. This process makes it possible for the hub vehicle 20-1 to transmit only the data that may be required to update the software to the latest version to the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3.

[0040] The communication unit 213 of client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 receives predetermined data from hub vehicle 20-1. The storage unit 211 of client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 stores the predetermined data. If client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 have a self-compilation environment or an interpreter-type execution environment, the communication unit 213 of client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 may transmit information regarding the version of the predetermined data stored in the storage unit 211 of client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 to hub vehicle 20-1, and receive only the difference data between that version of the predetermined data and the latest version of the predetermined data, or only compressed data of the difference data, from hub vehicle 20-1. This process enables client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 to receive only the data that may be required to update the software to the latest version.

[0041] <Example of information processing system operation> Next, with reference to Figure 3, the operation of the information processing system 1 according to one embodiment will be described. It is assumed that each vehicle 20 periodically (for example, at intervals of a few seconds) transmits vehicle information to the information processing device 10.

[0042] In S101, the information processing device 10 determines the hub vehicle 20-1 from among the multiple vehicles 20 according to the hub vehicle determination rules described above.

[0043] In S102, the information processing device 10 transmits the latest predetermined data (for example, an update file) to the hub vehicle 20-1 determined in S101.

[0044] In S103, the hub vehicle 20-1 receives and stores the latest predetermined data from the information processing device 10.

[0045] In S104, the information processing device 10 determines client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 from among multiple vehicles 20 according to the client vehicle determination rules described above.

[0046] In S105, the information processing device 10 transmits information to the hub vehicle 20-1 that identifies the corresponding client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 (which should communicate between vehicles).

[0047] In S106, the hub vehicle 20-1 establishes communication with the client vehicle 20-2 and transmits predetermined data to the client vehicle 20-2. The hub vehicle 20-1 also establishes communication with the client vehicle 20-3 and transmits predetermined data to the client vehicle 20-3. As described above, the hub vehicle 20-1 may transmit divided predetermined data, differential data from the latest version of the predetermined data, or compressed data of the differential data to the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3.

[0048] In S107, client vehicle 20-2 receives and stores predetermined data from hub vehicle 20-1. In S108, client vehicle 20-3 receives and stores predetermined data from hub vehicle 20-1.

[0049] In S109, the information processing device 10 determines whether the first condition, that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since vehicle 20-1 was determined to be the hub vehicle, or the second condition, that the number of times predetermined data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle 20-1 has exceeded a predetermined number, is met. If either the first or second condition is met, the information processing device 10 proceeds to S110; otherwise, it returns to S102.

[0050] In S110, the information processing device 10 detaches vehicle 20-1 from the hub vehicle.

[0051] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment receives vehicle information from each of the multiple vehicles 20, determines a hub vehicle 20-1 from the multiple vehicles 20 based on the vehicle information, transmits predetermined data to the hub vehicle 20-1, determines client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 for each hub vehicle 20-1 based on the vehicle information, and transmits information identifying the corresponding client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3 for each hub vehicle 20-1 in order to share predetermined data with the client vehicles 20-2 and 20-3. Therefore, according to this disclosure, it is possible to efficiently share files between vehicles.

[0052] <Program> To enable the computer to function as the information processing device 10 or control device 21 described above, it is also possible to use a computer capable of executing program instructions. The program can cause the computer to function as the information processing device 10 or control device 21 by having the computer perform the operations described above.

[0053] The program can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or leasing portable media such as SD (Secure Digital) cards, DVDs (digital versatile discs), or CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory) on which the program is stored. The program may also be distributed by storing it in server storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0054] A computer, for example, stores a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in its memory unit. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the memory unit with its processor and executes the processing according to the read program.

[0055] A computer may read a program directly from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. A computer may also execute processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred to the computer from a server. Processing may also be performed by a so-called ASP (application service provider) type service, which does not transfer programs from the server to the computer, but realizes its function only through execution instructions and result retrieval. A program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of defining the computer's processing falls under "equivalent to a program."

[0056] Although the embodiments described above are representative examples, various modifications or changes are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, multiple component blocks or processing steps described in the embodiments can be combined into one, or one can be divided into multiple.

[0057] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Note 1] An information processing device comprising a control unit, The control unit, From each of the multiple vehicles, vehicle information is received that indicates at least one of the status and location of each vehicle. Based on the aforementioned vehicle information, a hub vehicle is selected from the multiple vehicles to serve as the data provision hub. The hub vehicle receives predetermined data, Based on the vehicle information, for each hub vehicle, a client vehicle that shares the predetermined data is determined. An information processing device that transmits information identifying the corresponding client vehicle for each hub vehicle in order to share the predetermined data with the client vehicles. [Note 2] Determining the hub vehicle is done by selecting from the plurality of vehicles based on the vehicle information. Vehicles with surplus power exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles with excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles parked for extended periods, Vehicles expected to be parked for extended periods, Vehicles that are within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer, and Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi, The information processing device described in Appendix 1, which includes determining a vehicle that meets at least one of the following criteria as a hub vehicle. [Note 3] Determining the hub vehicle is done by selecting from the plurality of vehicles based on the vehicle information. Does the vehicle have surplus power above a predetermined threshold? Does the vehicle have excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Does it qualify as a vehicle parked for an extended period of time? Does it qualify as a vehicle expected to be parked for an extended period? Whether another vehicle falls under the category of a vehicle that has been within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer. Does this vehicle qualify as one connected to public Wi-Fi? An information processing device as described in Appendix 1, which includes determining a vehicle that falls under any of the following priority categories as the hub vehicle. [Note 4] Determining the aforementioned client vehicle is The information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, which includes determining a vehicle as the client vehicle if it is determined that the vehicle class and type are identical or similar to the hub vehicle. [Note 5] The control unit, An information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein, for each hub vehicle, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the hub vehicle was determined, or if the number of times the predetermined data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle exceeds a predetermined number, the determination of the hub vehicle is canceled. [Note 6] The control unit, An information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, which provides the hub vehicle with a reward corresponding to the amount of data transmitted to the client vehicle. [Note 7] A vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, Vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's status and location is transmitted to the information processing device. When the information processing device determines, based on the vehicle information, that a vehicle is a hub vehicle that will serve as a data provision hub, it receives predetermined data from the information processing device, A vehicle that, upon receiving identification information from the information processing device to identify a client vehicle that shares the predetermined data, transmits the predetermined data received from the information processing device to the client vehicle identified by the identification information. [Note 8] The vehicle described in Appendix 7, which, upon receiving information identifying the client vehicle from the information processing device, receives a version of predetermined data stored in the client vehicle from the client vehicle, and transmits to the client vehicle only the difference data between the version of predetermined data and the latest version of predetermined data, or transmits only compressed data of the difference data. [Note 9] When the information processing device determines that it is the hub vehicle, When there are more than a predetermined number of the aforementioned client vehicles parked in the vicinity, At an intersection, when the client vehicle is stopped at a traffic light, or when passing the client vehicle, On a highway, when the relative speed with the client vehicle is below a threshold, When charging or when pre-air conditioning is running, A vehicle as described in Appendix 7 or 8, which transmits the predetermined data to the client vehicle. [Note 10] The surplus power is above a predetermined threshold. The surplus data capacity is above a predetermined threshold. Parking for a long time, Long-term parking is expected. If another vehicle is within the designated area for a certain period of time or longer, Connected to public Wi-Fi, A vehicle described in any of the appendices 7 to 9, which is determined to be the hub vehicle by the information processing device if it meets at least one of the following conditions. [Note 11] Does the vehicle have surplus power above a predetermined threshold? Does the vehicle have excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Does it qualify as a vehicle parked for an extended period of time? Does it qualify as a vehicle expected to be parked for an extended period? Whether another vehicle falls under the category of a vehicle that has been within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer. Does this vehicle qualify as one connected to public Wi-Fi? A vehicle described in any of the appendices 7 to 9 that is determined to be the hub vehicle by the information processing device if any of the following conditions are met, in order of priority. [Note 12] A vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, Vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's status and location is transmitted to the information processing device. A vehicle that, when determined by the information processing device to be a client vehicle that shares predetermined data based on the vehicle information, receives predetermined data from a hub vehicle that, based on the vehicle information, is determined by the information processing device to be a vehicle that acts as a data provision hub. [Note 13] The vehicle described in Appendix 12, which transmits a version of predetermined data it has stored to the hub vehicle, and receives from the hub vehicle only the difference data between the predetermined data of that version and the latest version of the predetermined data, or only compressed data of the difference data. [Note 14] A vehicle as described in Appendix 12 or 13, which is determined by the information processing device to be the client vehicle when at least one of the vehicle class and type is the same as or similar to the hub vehicle. [Note 15] Information processing device, Receiving vehicle information from each of multiple vehicles, indicating at least one of the status and location of each vehicle, Based on the aforementioned vehicle information, a hub vehicle will be selected from the multiple vehicles to serve as the data provision hub. To transmit predetermined data to the aforementioned hub vehicle, Based on the vehicle information, determine the client vehicles that share the predetermined data for each hub vehicle. In order to share the predetermined data with the client vehicles, each hub vehicle transmits information to identify the corresponding client vehicle. An information processing method that performs [this action]. [Note 16] Determining the hub vehicle is done by selecting from the plurality of vehicles based on the vehicle information. Vehicles with surplus power exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles with excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles parked for extended periods, Vehicles expected to be parked for extended periods, Vehicles that are within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer, and Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi, The information processing method described in Appendix 15, which includes determining a vehicle that meets at least one of the following criteria as a hub vehicle. [Note 17] Determining the hub vehicle is done by selecting from the plurality of vehicles based on the vehicle information. Does the vehicle have surplus power above a predetermined threshold? Does the vehicle have excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Does it qualify as a vehicle parked for an extended period of time? Does it qualify as a vehicle expected to be parked for an extended period? Whether another vehicle falls under the category of a vehicle that has been within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer. Does this vehicle qualify as one connected to public Wi-Fi? The information processing method described in Appendix 15, which includes determining a vehicle that falls under any of the following priority categories as the hub vehicle. [Note 18] Determining the aforementioned client vehicle is The information processing method according to any one of the appendices 15 to 17, which includes determining a vehicle as the client vehicle if it is determined that at least one of the vehicle class and type is the same as or similar to the hub vehicle. [Note 19] The information processing method described in any of Appendix 15 to 18, which includes canceling the determination of a hub vehicle when a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of the hub vehicle, or when the number of times the predetermined data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle exceeds a predetermined number. [Note 20] An information processing method according to any one of the appendices 15 to 19, which includes providing the hub vehicle with a reward corresponding to the amount of data transmitted to the client vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 20 vehicles 21 Control device 30 Networks 11,211 storage unit 12,212 Control Unit 13,213 Communications Department

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, The control unit, From each of the multiple vehicles, vehicle information is received that indicates at least one of the status and location of each vehicle. Based on the aforementioned vehicle information, a hub vehicle is selected from the multiple vehicles to serve as the data provision hub. The hub vehicle receives predetermined data, Based on the vehicle information, for each hub vehicle, a client vehicle that shares the predetermined data is determined. An information processing device that transmits information identifying the corresponding client vehicle for each hub vehicle in order to share the predetermined data with the client vehicles.

2. Determining the hub vehicle is done by selecting from the plurality of vehicles based on the vehicle information. Vehicles with surplus power exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles with excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles parked for extended periods, Vehicles expected to be parked for extended periods, Vehicles that are within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer, and Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising determining a vehicle that falls under at least one of the following as a hub vehicle.

3. Determining the hub vehicle is done by selecting from the plurality of vehicles based on the vehicle information. Does the vehicle have surplus power above a predetermined threshold? Does the vehicle have excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Does it qualify as a vehicle parked for an extended period of time? Does it qualify as a vehicle expected to be parked for an extended period? Whether another vehicle falls under the category of a vehicle that has been within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer. Does this vehicle qualify as one connected to public Wi-Fi? The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising determining a vehicle that falls under any of the following priority groups as a hub vehicle.

4. Determining the aforementioned client vehicle is The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising determining a vehicle as the client vehicle if it is determined that at least one of the vehicle class and type is the same as or similar to the hub vehicle.

5. The control unit, The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein for each hub vehicle, the determination of the hub vehicle is canceled if a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of the hub vehicle, or if the number of times the predetermined data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle exceeds a predetermined number.

6. The control unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, which provides the hub vehicle with a reward corresponding to the amount of data transmitted to the client vehicle.

7. A vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, Vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's status and location is transmitted to the information processing device. When the information processing device determines, based on the vehicle information, that a vehicle is a hub vehicle that will serve as a data provision hub, it receives predetermined data from the information processing device, A vehicle that, upon receiving identification information from the information processing device to identify a client vehicle that shares the predetermined data, transmits the predetermined data received from the information processing device to the client vehicle identified by the identification information.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein when it receives information identifying the client vehicle from the information processing device, it receives a version of predetermined data stored in the client vehicle from the client vehicle, and transmits to the client vehicle only the difference data between the version of predetermined data and the latest version of predetermined data, or transmits only compressed data of the difference data.

9. When the information processing device determines that it is the hub vehicle, When there are more than a predetermined number of the aforementioned client vehicles parked in the vicinity, At an intersection, when the client vehicle is stopped at a traffic light, or when passing the client vehicle, On a highway, when the relative speed with the client vehicle is below a threshold, When charging or when pre-air conditioning is running, The vehicle according to claim 7, which transmits the predetermined data to the client vehicle.

10. The surplus power is above a predetermined threshold. The surplus data capacity is above a predetermined threshold. Parking for a long time, Long-term parking is expected. If another vehicle is within the designated area for a certain period of time or longer, Connected to public Wi-Fi, The vehicle according to claim 7, which is determined to be the hub vehicle by the information processing device when at least one of the following conditions is met.

11. Does the vehicle have surplus power above a predetermined threshold? Does the vehicle have excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Does it qualify as a vehicle parked for an extended period of time? Does it qualify as a vehicle expected to be parked for an extended period? Whether another vehicle falls under the category of a vehicle that has been within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer. Does this vehicle qualify as one connected to public Wi-Fi? The vehicle according to claim 7, which is determined to be the hub vehicle by the information processing device if any of the following conditions are met in order of priority.

12. A vehicle that communicates with an information processing device, Vehicle information indicating at least one of the vehicle's status and location is transmitted to the information processing device. A vehicle that, when determined by the information processing device to be a client vehicle that shares predetermined data based on the vehicle information, receives predetermined data from a hub vehicle that, based on the vehicle information, is determined by the information processing device to be a vehicle that acts as a data provision hub.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, which transmits a version of predetermined data stored to the hub vehicle, and receives from the hub vehicle only the difference data between the predetermined data of that version and the latest version of the predetermined data, or only compressed data of the difference data.

14. The vehicle according to claim 12, which is determined by the information processing device to be the client vehicle when at least one of the vehicle class and type is the same as or similar to the hub vehicle.

15. Information processing device, Receiving vehicle information from each of multiple vehicles, indicating at least one of the status and location of each vehicle, Based on the aforementioned vehicle information, a hub vehicle will be selected from the multiple vehicles to serve as the data provision hub. To transmit predetermined data to the aforementioned hub vehicle, Based on the vehicle information, determine the client vehicles that share the predetermined data for each hub vehicle. In order to share the predetermined data with the client vehicles, each hub vehicle transmits information to identify the corresponding client vehicle. An information processing method that performs [this action].

16. Determining the hub vehicle is done by selecting from the plurality of vehicles based on the vehicle information. Vehicles with surplus power exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles with excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold, Vehicles parked for extended periods, Vehicles expected to be parked for extended periods, Vehicles that are within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer, and Vehicles connected to public Wi-Fi, The information processing method according to claim 15, comprising determining a vehicle that falls under at least one of the following as a hub vehicle.

17. Determining the hub vehicle is done by selecting from the plurality of vehicles based on the vehicle information. Does the vehicle have surplus power above a predetermined threshold? Does the vehicle have excess data capacity exceeding a predetermined threshold? Does it qualify as a vehicle parked for an extended period of time? Does it qualify as a vehicle expected to be parked for an extended period? Whether another vehicle falls under the category of a vehicle that has been within a designated area for a certain period of time or longer. Does this vehicle qualify as one connected to public Wi-Fi? The information processing method according to claim 15, comprising determining a vehicle that falls under any of the following priority groups as the hub vehicle.

18. Determining the aforementioned client vehicle is The information processing method according to claim 15, further comprising determining a vehicle as the client vehicle if it is determined that at least one of the vehicle class and type is the same as or similar to the hub vehicle.

19. The information processing method according to claim 15, further comprising canceling the determination of a hub vehicle when a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination of the hub vehicle, or when the number of times the predetermined data has been transmitted to the hub vehicle exceeds a predetermined number.

20. The information processing method according to claim 15, further comprising giving the hub vehicle a reward in proportion to the amount of data transmitted to the client vehicle.

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