Cab-mounted vehicle

Abstract

To provide a specially equipped vehicle configured to avoid restrictions on the number of devices to be mounted due to constraint on the amount of data.SOLUTION: A specially equipped vehicle is configured by mounting special equipment comprising a plurality of devices, the specially equipped vehicle including: an in-vehicle device capable of receiving data output by the devices; and an interface box for transferring the data received from the devices to the in-vehicle device. The interface box determines, when a determination is made that the amount of data output by the devices exceeds an upper limit of a communication band (YES in S2), the priority of the devices on the basis of parameter information of the devices (S3), and sets a receiving period for each of the devices so that data output by a high-priority device may be received more frequently and that pieces of data from the devices may be received at different times (S4).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting vehicle on which mounting equipment is mounted.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, mounting vehicles equipped with special machines and devices (mounting equipment) for specific purposes, such as refrigerated trucks equipped with transport refrigeration devices and mixer trucks equipped with concrete mixer equipment, are known.

[0003] Regarding such mounting vehicles, various proposals have been made. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle including an acquisition unit that acquires mounting information of a mounting body (mounting equipment) mounted on a loading platform, and a travel control unit that selects a travel mode corresponding to the mounting body based on the mounting information and causes the vehicle to travel in the selected travel mode.

[0004] According to the vehicle of Patent Document 1, it is said that when the mounting body is bus equipment, truck equipment, unmanned transport equipment, etc., the vehicle can travel in a manner suitable for the function and use of the mounting body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, in addition to those that exchange a single mounting information (type of mounting equipment) like the vehicle in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, mounting vehicles are equipped with a plurality of devices and apparatuses (hereinafter also referred to as "mounted items"), and information (data) output from these multiple mounted items is received by an in-vehicle device (for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a Central Gateway, a wireless communication device capable of transmitting data to a server provided in an external management center, etc.). There are also many such cases.

[0007] Thus, in such a mounting vehicle, it is common to receive data output from a plurality of mounted items once by an electronic device (such as a converter) that connects the vehicle and the mounting equipment via a communication line, and then transfer the received data from the electronic device to the in-vehicle device.

[0008] However, since there is a bandwidth limitation in the communication line, when the amount of data output by a plurality of mounted items increases, the communication bandwidth is compressed, which may cause noise when transferring data to the in-vehicle device, or in the worst case, it may become difficult to transfer data to the in-vehicle device.

[0009] In this way, in a mounting vehicle, due to the constraint on the allowable data amount of the communication line for flowing information (data) from the mounting equipment side to the vehicle side, there is a problem that the number of connectable mounted items, in other words, the number of mounted items is restricted.

[0010] Note that such a problem can occur not only when the mounted item and the electronic device are connected by a communication line (wired), but also when they are connected by wireless communication.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for avoiding the restriction on the number of mounted items due to data amount constraints in a mounting vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, in the mounting vehicle according to the present invention, a reception cycle is set for each mounted object.

[0013] Specifically, the present invention is directed to a mounting vehicle on which mounting equipment is mounted, the mounting equipment including a plurality of mounted objects each capable of outputting acquired data.

[0014] The mounting vehicle includes an in-vehicle device capable of receiving data output by each of the mounted objects, and an electronic device that receives data output by the plurality of mounted objects and transfers the received data to the in-vehicle device. The electronic device acquires parameter information of each of the mounted objects, including the data amount of the data output by each of the mounted objects. When it is determined that the total data amount output by the plurality of mounted objects exceeds the upper limit of the communication band, the reception cycle for each mounted object is set so that the total data amount received at the same timing does not exceed the upper limit of the communication band. In addition, when setting the reception period, this electronic device determines the priority of each of the above-mentioned mounted devices based on the above parameter information, and the higher the priority of the mounted device, the higher the reception frequency of the data output by the mounted device, and the reception period for each mounted device is set so that the reception timing of the data from each of the mounted devices is shifted.

[0015] According to this configuration, when it is determined that the total data amount output by the plurality of mounted objects exceeds the upper limit of the communication band, the electronic device sets the reception cycle for each mounted object so that the total data amount received at the same timing does not exceed the upper limit of the communication band. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the compression of the communication band. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the limitation on the number of mounted objects due to the data amount limitation, and thus it is possible to mount the necessary number of mounted objects.

[0017] According to this configuration, the higher the priority of the mounted object that outputs data, the higher the reception frequency, and the reception timings of the data from the respective mounted objects are shifted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the competition of the reception of the data from the mounted objects, and it is possible to receive important data (data with a high priority) in a shorter cycle.

[0018] Furthermore, in the mounting vehicle, the electronic device may be configured to determine the priority of each of the mounted objects such that the higher the data amount of the data output by the mounted object, the higher the priority.

[0019] In many cases where data with a larger data volume has a higher importance level, according to this configuration, since the priority of the mounting object that outputs data with a larger data volume becomes higher, it becomes possible to reliably receive data with a high importance level in a short cycle.

[0020] Further, in the above-described mounting vehicle, the parameter information includes the priority order set by the user, and the electronic device may be configured to determine the priority of each mounting object such that the higher the priority order set by the user for the mounting object, the higher the priority.

[0021] According to this configuration, since the higher the priority order set by the user for the mounting object, the higher the priority, it becomes possible for the user to reliably receive data considered to be of high importance in a short cycle.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the mounting vehicle according to the present invention, it is possible to avoid a limitation on the number of mounting objects mounted due to data volume constraints.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] -Overall configuration of the mounting vehicle- FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overview of the mounting vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the communication configuration in the mounting vehicle 1. Note that in FIG. 1, for ease of viewing the figure, the sizes of the respective devices are exaggerated. As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a refrigerated vehicle in which a transport refrigeration device (refrigerator) 20 is mounted on the vehicle 10 as mounting equipment.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the transport refrigeration device 20 includes a thermometer and hygrometer 21, and first and second cameras 23 and 25.

[0027] The thermometer and hygrometer 21 is for measuring the temperature and humidity inside the transport refrigeration device 20, and is configured to output the measured temperature and humidity inside the transport refrigeration device 20 as a signal representing the temperature and a signal representing the humidity, respectively. Therefore, in relation to the claims, since the thermometer and hygrometer 21 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "mounting object capable of outputting acquired data" in the present invention, hereinafter, the thermometer and hygrometer 21 will also be referred to as the "mounting object 21".

[0028] The first and second cameras 23 and 25 are for photographing the inside of the transport refrigeration device 20 from different positions and angles, and are used to monitor the occurrence of load collapse or the like. These first and second cameras 23 and 25 are configured to output the photographed image inside the transport refrigeration device 20 as image data. Therefore, in relation to the claims, since the first and second cameras 23 and 25 of the present embodiment also correspond to the "mounting object capable of outputting acquired data" in the present invention, hereinafter, the first camera 23 and the second camera 25 will also be referred to as the "mounting object 23" and the "mounting object 25", respectively.

[0029] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 includes a wireless communication device 40 and an interface box 30.

[0030] The wireless communication device (in-vehicle device) 40 is configured to be connectable to a network via a wireless base station (not shown) or a wireless access point (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, a management server 50 provided in a management center (not shown) outside the mounted vehicle 1 is connected to the network, whereby the management server 50 and the wireless communication device 40 can communicate with each other via the network.

[0031] The interface box (electronic device) 30 is for simplifying wiring processing that generally tends to become complicated in connection with a plurality of devices. As shown in FIG. 1, it is connected to a thermometer 21, a first camera 23, and a second camera 25 via communication lines 21a, 23a, and 25a, respectively, and is also connected to the wireless communication device 40 via a communication line 40a (for example, an Ethernet cable or the like).

[0032] Thereby, the interface box 30 can receive the data output from the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25, and transfer the received data from the interface box 30 to the wireless communication device 40. That is, in the present embodiment, the interface box 30 plays a role of connecting the mounted equipment side (the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25) and the vehicle 10 side (the wireless communication device 40).

[0033] In the mounted vehicle 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, signals representing the temperature and humidity inside the transport refrigeration device 20 measured by the thermometer 21, and image data inside the transport refrigeration device 20 captured by the first and second cameras 23 and 25 are transferred to the wireless communication device 40 via the interface box 30 and transmitted from the wireless communication device 40 to an external management server 50 via the network.

[0034] As a result, at the management center, for example, it is possible to grasp in real time that the temperature inside the refrigeration device 20 for transportation has risen due to some malfunction, or that the load inside the refrigeration device 20 for transportation has shifted. Then, by transmitting the temperature rise, the occurrence of load shift, and the countermeasures thereto from the management center via the wireless communication device 40 to the driver of the mounting vehicle 1, it becomes possible to safely transport the load.

[0035] -Bandwidth Limitation- FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically explaining problems due to bandwidth limitation of a communication line in a conventional mounting vehicle. Note that reference numeral 127 in FIG. 6 represents mounting objects in general.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, in a conventional mounting vehicle, similar to the mounting vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, data output from a plurality of mounting objects 121, 123, 125, 127 is once received by an interface box 130 that connects the vehicle 110 and the mounting equipment with a communication line, and the received data is transferred from the interface box 130 to the vehicle 110 side.

[0037] However, since there is a bandwidth limitation in the communication line, when the amount of data output from a plurality of mounting objects 121, 123, 125, 127 increases, the communication bandwidth is compressed at the location indicated by the hatched arrow in FIG. 6 (the location corresponding to the communication line 40a), and there is a risk of noise generation when transferring data to the vehicle 110 side, or in the worst case, there is a risk that data transfer to the vehicle 110 side becomes difficult.

[0038] As described above, in a conventional mounting vehicle, due to the limitation of the allowable data amount of the communication line for flowing information (data) from the mounting equipment side to the vehicle 110 side, there is a problem that the number of connectable mounting objects is restricted, and thus it is impossible to add mounting objects even if desired.

[0039] -Interface Box- Therefore, in the mounting vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the interface box 30 is configured to set a reception cycle for each of the mounting objects 21, 23, 25.

[0040] Specifically, parameter information of each of the mounted devices 21, 23, 25 including the data volume of the data output by the mounted devices 21, 23, 25 is acquired. When it is determined that the total data volume output by the plurality of mounted devices 21, 23, 25 exceeds the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a, the interface box 30 is configured to set the reception cycle for each of the mounted devices 21, 23, 25 so that the total data volume received at the same timing does not exceed the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a.

[0041] Moreover, in the mounted vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, when setting the reception cycle in this way, the priority of each of the mounted devices 21, 23, 25 is determined based on the parameter information, and the higher the priority of the mounted device, the higher the reception frequency of the data output by the mounted device. Also, the interface box 30 is configured to set the reception cycle for each of the mounted devices 21, 23, 25 so that the reception timing of the data from each of the mounted devices 21, 23, 25 is shifted. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described in detail.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the interface box 30 includes a control unit 31, a reception unit 33, a transmission unit 35, an acquisition unit 37, and a determination unit 39. The interface box 30 includes a microcomputer composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a processing program, a RAM (Random Access Memory, etc.) that temporarily stores data, etc. By causing the CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. to cooperate, the functions and processes of the control unit 31, reception unit 33, transmission unit 35, acquisition unit 37, and determination unit 39 are realized.

[0043] When the ignition switch (not shown) is turned ON, for example, the receiving unit 33 is configured to receive parameter information regarding the thermometer 21 from the thermometer 21 and parameter information regarding the first and second cameras 23 and 25 from the first and second cameras 23 and 25 when the communication between the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, the second camera 25, and the interface box 30 is connected.

[0044] The acquisition unit 37 is configured to acquire, from the parameter information received by the receiving unit 33, the data amount of the signal representing the temperature and humidity output by the thermometer 21 and the data amount of the image data output by the first and second cameras 23 and 25. Further, when the parameter information includes the priority order set by the user, the acquisition unit 37 is configured to also acquire information regarding the priority order in addition to the data amount.

[0045] Based on the data amount acquired by the acquisition unit 37, the determination unit 39 is configured to determine whether the total data amount output by the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25 exceeds the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a.

[0046] When it is determined by the determination unit 39 that the total data amount exceeds the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a, the control unit 31 is configured to determine the priorities of the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25 based on the parameter information acquired by the acquisition unit 37. At this time, when the parameter information includes the priority order, the control unit 31 determines the priority such that the fixture with a higher priority order set by the user has a higher priority. On the other hand, when the parameter information does not include the priority order set by the user, the control unit 31 determines the priority such that the fixture that outputs more data has a higher priority.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically explaining a reception cycle. As shown in FIG. 3(a), it is assumed that when mounting objects A, B, and C output data at the same start timing t0 with a cycle t, the total amount of data exceeds the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a.

[0048] Here, it is assumed that the control unit 31 determines the priorities of the mounting objects A, B, and C such that the mounting object A is "high", the mounting object B is "medium", and the mounting object C is "low". In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the control unit 31 sets the cycle of the mounting object A to 2t, the cycle of the mounting object B to 4t, and the cycle of the mounting object C to 8t so that the higher the priority of the mounting object, the higher the reception frequency of the data output by it. Also, the control unit 31 sets the start timing of the output (reception) of the mounting object A to t0, the start timing of the output of the mounting object B to t0 + t, and the start timing of the output of the mounting object C to t0 + 3t so that the reception timings of the data from the mounting objects A, B, and C are shifted.

[0049] In this way, the determined start timing and cycle are transmitted as command signals from the transmission unit 35 to the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25, respectively. As a result, the mounting object A (for example, the first camera 23) outputs data at the start timing t0 and the cycle 2t, the mounting object B (for example, the second camera 25) outputs data at the start timing t0 + t and the cycle 4t, and the mounting object C (for example, the thermometer 21) outputs data at the start timing t0 + 3t and the cycle 8t.

[0050] The reception unit 33 receives a signal representing the temperature and humidity inside the transport refrigeration device 20 measured by the thermometer 21 and image data of the inside of the transport refrigeration device 20 captured by the first and second cameras 23, 25. At this time, since the reception cycles of the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25 are set respectively, it is possible to suppress the reception of data from the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25 from competing, as in FIG. 3(b), and it is possible to receive data from the mounting object A (for example, the first camera 23) with a higher priority at a shorter cycle (higher frequency).

[0051] The transmission unit 35 is configured to transmit the data received by the reception unit 33 to the wireless communication device 40. At this time, since there is no competition in the reception of data from the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25, the communication bandwidth is not compressed, so that data can be transmitted to the wireless communication device 40 smoothly and accurately without generating noise or the like.

[0052] -Flowchart- Next, an example of the processing procedure executed in the mounting vehicle 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. Note that this flowchart starts, for example, when the communication between the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, the second camera 25, and the interface box 30 is connected by turning on the ignition.

[0053] First, in step S1, the acquisition unit 37 of the interface box 30 acquires the parameter information of the mounted objects (the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25) received by the reception unit 33.

[0054] In the next step S2, the determination unit 39 of the interface box 30 determines whether or not the total amount of data output from the mounted objects 21, 23, 25 exceeds the upper limit of the communication bandwidth based on the parameter information (data amount) acquired by the acquisition unit 37. If the determination in this step S2 is NO, that is, if the total amount of data from the plurality of mounted objects 21, 23, 25 does not exceed the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a, then when transferring the data to the wireless communication device 40, the communication bandwidth is not compressed, so it ends as it is. On the other hand, if the determination in step S2 is YES, it proceeds to step S3.

[0055] In the next step S3, the control unit 31 of the interface box 30 determines the priority of each mounted object 21, 23, 25 based on the parameter information acquired by the acquisition unit 37, and then proceeds to step S4.

[0056] In the next step S4, after the control unit 31 sets the reception cycle for each of the mounted objects 21, 23, and 25 based on the priority determined in step S3, it ends.

[0057] -Operation and Effect- According to the mounted vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the total amount of data output by the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25 exceeds the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a, the higher the priority of the mounted object, the higher the reception frequency of the data output by the mounted object, and the reception cycles of the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25 are set so that the reception timings of the data from the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25 are shifted. Therefore, it is possible to receive important data in a shorter cycle while suppressing the competition of data reception from the thermometer 21, the first camera 23, and the second camera 25.

[0058] As a result, the number of mounted objects is not limited by the data volume constraint, so it is possible to add a third camera 27 as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

[0059] Further, when the parameter information includes the priority order set by the user, the control unit 31 determines the priority of each of the mounted objects 21, 23, and 25 so that the higher the priority order of the mounted object, the higher the priority. Therefore, it is possible to surely receive the data considered important by the user in a shorter cycle.

[0060] Furthermore, in many cases where the larger the data volume, the higher the importance, when the parameter information does not include the priority order set by the user, the control unit 31 determines the priority of each of the mounted objects 21, 23, and 25 so that the higher the data volume of the mounted object, the higher the priority. Therefore, it is possible to surely receive the important data in a shorter cycle.

[0061] -Modification Example- This modified example is different from the above-described embodiment in that the control unit 31 sets the reception period for each mounted object without determining the priority of each mounted object. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically explaining the reception period according to this modified example. As shown in FIG. 5(a), it is assumed that mounted object A outputs data with a data amount of 2D, mounted object B outputs data with a data amount of D, and mounted object C outputs data with a data amount of D at the same start timing t0 and the same period t.

[0063] Here, if the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a is 2.5D, the total data amount output by mounted object A, mounted object B, and mounted object C is 4D, which exceeds the upper limit of the communication bandwidth. However, the data amount of 2D output by mounted object A does not exceed the upper limit of the communication bandwidth, and the total data amount (2D) output by mounted object B and mounted object C also does not exceed the upper limit of the communication bandwidth.

[0064] In such a case, the control unit 31 of this modified example is configured to set the reception periods of mounted object A, mounted object B, and mounted object C so that the total data amount received at the same timing does not exceed the upper limit of the communication bandwidth of the communication line 40a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the control unit 31 sets the start timing of mounted object A to t0, sets the start timings of mounted object B and mounted object C to t0 + t, and sets the periods of mounted object A, mounted object B, and mounted object C to 2t.

[0065] As a result, although the reception of data from mounted object B and mounted object C conflicts, the communication bandwidth is not compressed, and moreover, it is possible to receive the data output by mounted object A, mounted object B, and mounted object C at the same frequency.

[0066] (Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be implemented in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a refrigerated truck equipped with a refrigeration device for transportation. However, as long as there are a plurality of mounting objects capable of outputting data, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention may be applied to mounting vehicles other than refrigerated trucks.

[0068] Also, in the above embodiment, the mounting objects 21, 23, 25 - interface box 30 and the interface box 30 - wireless communication device 40 are connected by a communication line (wired). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and either one or both of the mounting objects 21, 23, 25 - interface box 30 and the interface box 30 - wireless communication device 40 may be connected wirelessly.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as an in - vehicle device capable of receiving the data output by each of the mounting objects 21, 23, 25, a wireless communication device 40 capable of transmitting these data to an external management server 50 is adopted. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as an in - vehicle device, for example, an automatic driving ECU or a central gateway that does not communicate with the outside may be adopted.

[0070] Thus, the above - mentioned embodiment is merely an example in every respect and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0071] According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the limitation on the number of mounting objects due to data volume constraints. Therefore, it is extremely beneficial when applied to mounting vehicles equipped with mounting facilities having a plurality of mounting objects.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 1 Mounting vehicle 20 Refrigeration device for transportation (mounting facility) 21 Thermo - hygrometer (mounting object) 23 First camera (mounting object) 25 Second camera (mounting object) 30 Interface box (electronic device) 40 Wireless communication device (in-vehicle device)

Claims

1. A mounted vehicle equipped with mounted equipment having a plurality of mounted objects capable of outputting the respectively acquired data, an in-vehicle device capable of receiving the data output by each of the mounted objects, and an electronic device that receives the data output by the plurality of mounted objects and transfers the received data to the in-vehicle device, wherein the electronic device acquires parameter information of each of the mounted objects, including the data volume of the data output by each of the mounted objects, and when it is determined that the total data volume output by the plurality of mounted objects exceeds the upper limit of the communication bandwidth, is configured to set the reception cycle for each of the mounted objects so that the total data volume received at the same timing does not exceed the upper limit of the communication bandwidth, and when setting the reception cycle, is configured to determine the priority of each of the mounted objects based on the parameter information, and to set the reception cycle for each of the mounted objects such that the higher the priority of the mounted object, the higher the reception frequency of the data output by the mounted object, and the reception timing of the data from each of the mounted objects is shifted. A mounted vehicle characterized by this.

2. In the mounted vehicle according to Claim 1 above, the electronic device is configured to determine the priority of each of the mounted objects such that the higher the data volume of the data output by the mounted object, the higher the priority. A mounted vehicle characterized by this.

3. In the mounted vehicle according to Claim 1 above, the parameter information includes the priority order set by the user, and the electronic device is configured to determine the priority of each of the mounted objects such that the higher the priority order set by the user, the higher the priority. A mounted vehicle characterized by this.

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