Vehicle communication system and vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle communication system that assists the traveling of a plurality of vehicles that configure a traveling group communicates with a positioning measurement device external to the vehicles to obtain time-series traveling position information on the vehicles, calculates the output characteristic information on each vehicle by using parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of each vehicle acquired on the basis of the measurement information obtained by means of the vehicle state measuring means of each vehicle, identifies a predetermined position on a road where the plurality of vehicles have traveled on the basis of the traveling position information, and calculates comparison information by comparing output characteristic information of each vehicle traveling at a predetermined location within a predetermined period.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying the position of each vehicle on a map using position information of each vehicle participating in a touring trip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-7632 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the driving skills of the drivers of the vehicles participating in a touring trip vary. By displaying the distance between the vehicles participating in the touring trip, as in the technology of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to determine whether the distance is being maintained to maintain a safe distance between the vehicles, or whether there is a difference in skill between the drivers of the vehicles. Therefore, in order to provide safer touring in a traveling group of multiple vehicles, it is preferable for the system to compare output characteristic information between the vehicles as an objective indicator of driving operation.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a technology for comparing vehicle output characteristic information obtained using parameters indicating the driving state of the vehicle by the driver as an objective indicator of driving operation, in order to match the driving pace among multiple vehicles participating in a touring trip. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle communication system that supports driving of a plurality of vehicles that constitute a driving group, wherein at least one of a computing device of the vehicle and a computing device that can communicate with the communication device of the vehicle comprises: The method communicates with a positioning measurement device outside the vehicle to acquire time-series driving position information of the vehicle, calculates output characteristic information of the vehicle using parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the vehicle acquired based on measurement information from the vehicle state measurement means of the vehicle, identifies a predetermined position on a driving route on which the plurality of vehicles have traveled based on the driving position information, and calculates comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when it traveled from the predetermined position within a predetermined period. death, The computing device For at least a first vehicle and a second vehicle included in the traveling group of the plurality of vehicles, Identifying predetermined positions on a roadway on which the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled based on the travel position information of each vehicle, and calculating comparison information by comparing output characteristic information of the first vehicle with output characteristic information of the second vehicle when the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled through the predetermined positions within a predetermined period of time; the output characteristic information of the first vehicle includes at least a wheel output of the first vehicle, and the output characteristic information of the second vehicle includes at least a wheel output of the second vehicle; As the comparison information, an output difference due to a difference between the wheel output of the first vehicle and the wheel output of the second vehicle is calculated. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the vehicle communication system of the present invention, it becomes possible to compare vehicle output characteristic information obtained using parameters that indicate the driving state of the vehicle by the driver as an objective indicator of driving operation between vehicles.

[0008] This makes it possible to more easily match the driving pace between a plurality of vehicles that are traveling in real time by comparing the output characteristic information between them. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment; [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment; [Figure 2C]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the right side of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a view of the width of the vehicle as seen from the driver's side. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an output characteristic diagram for acquiring output characteristic information. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the traveling of a plurality of vehicles that make up a traveling group. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between traveling position information acquired in time series and rear wheel output. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the difference in wheel output of another vehicle relative to a target wheel output. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for operation intervention by a comparison unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] [System Overview] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a vehicle communication system STM according to an embodiment, and Figs. 2A, 2B, and 2C are block diagrams illustrating the functional configuration of the vehicle communication system STM according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, a group consisting of multiple vehicles participating in a touring trip is referred to as a traveling group GR, and to avoid duplication of explanation, an example of a traveling group GR consisting of two vehicles will be described. Note that a traveling group GR may also be composed of three or more vehicles.

[0012] The vehicle communication system STM is a communication system that supports the driving of multiple vehicles that make up a driving group, and the driving group GR of multiple vehicles has at least a first vehicle 1A and a second vehicle 1B. The first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B can communicate with each other via a communication device (communication unit 224) installed in each vehicle or a portable terminal (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, etc.) carried by the driver of each vehicle.

[0013] 2A, 2B, and 2C, the portable terminal carried by the driver of first vehicle 1A is referred to as first terminal device 230, and the portable terminal carried by the driver of second vehicle 1B is referred to as second terminal device 240. First terminal device 230 has a communication unit 233, and second terminal device 240 has a communication unit 243. First vehicle 1A and second vehicle 1B are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other using a communication device (communication unit 224) mounted on each vehicle or a portable terminal (230, 240) carried by the driver of each vehicle, and are also connected to server 250 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0014] [First terminal device 230, second terminal device 240] The first terminal device 230 carried by the driver of the first vehicle 1A has, as its internal configuration, a control unit 231 (authentication unit 232, communication unit 233), an operation unit 234, and a storage unit 235. The operation unit 234 functions as a user interface, and the authentication unit 232 performs user authentication based on information input from the operation unit 234. The control unit 231 manages the overall processing of the first terminal device 230, and processes information acquired via the communication unit 233 or the operation unit 234. The storage unit 235 stores various programs executed by the control unit 231, and also functions as a work area when the control unit 231 executes processing. The storage unit 235 also stores information acquired via the communication unit 233.

[0015] The second terminal device 240 carried by the driver of the second vehicle 1B has, similar to the first terminal device 230, an internal configuration including a control unit 241 (authentication unit 242, communication unit 243), an operation unit 244, and a storage unit 245. The operation unit 244 functions as a user interface, and the authentication unit 242 performs user authentication based on information input from the operation unit 244. The control unit 241 manages the overall processing of the second terminal device 240 and processes information acquired via the communication unit 243 or the operation unit 244. The storage unit 245 stores various programs executed by the control unit 241, and the storage unit 245 also functions as a work area when the control unit 241 executes processing. The storage unit 245 also stores information acquired via the communication unit 243.

[0016] Each vehicle is set with identification information for identifying each vehicle on the network NET, and the drivers of each vehicle mutually exchange (transmit and receive) the identification information of each of the multiple first vehicles 1A, 1B participating in the touring via a communication device (communication unit 224) or a portable terminal (first terminal device 230, second terminal device 240), thereby establishing pairing for the traveling group GR. For example, in the mutual exchange communication of identification information, identification information A of the first vehicle 1A is transmitted to the second vehicle 1B, and the identification information A is received by the second vehicle 1B. Similarly, identification information B of the second vehicle 1B is transmitted to the first vehicle 1A, and the identification information B is received by the first vehicle 1A.

[0017] The identification information of each vehicle constituting the traveling group GR is transmitted from each vehicle via the network NET to the server 250. For example, the first vehicle 1A transmits to the server 250, as the configuration of the traveling group GR, the identification information A of its own vehicle and the identification information B acquired through the mutual exchange communication of the identification information. Similarly, the second vehicle 1B transmits to the server 250, as the configuration of the traveling group GR, the identification information B of its own vehicle and the identification information A acquired through the mutual exchange communication of the identification information.

[0018] [Server 250] The server 250 includes a processor (not shown) that manages overall processing. The determination unit 251 executes processes related to various condition determinations, and the calculation unit 252 executes various calculation processes. The processor reads out programs stored in the memory unit 253 and executes the programs to cause the determination unit 251 and the calculation unit 252 to function. The comparison unit 255 acquires traveling position information and output characteristic information from multiple vehicles via the communication unit 254, identifies a predetermined position on a traveling route where the multiple vehicles have traveled based on the traveling position information, and acquires comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when the predetermined position was traveled within a predetermined period. The process of acquiring the comparison information by the comparison unit 255 is the same as that of the comparison unit 223 of each vehicle that constitutes the traveling group. In order to achieve this, the communication unit 254 is capable of wireless data communication with the multiple vehicles that constitute the traveling group.

[0019] The server 250 has a communication unit 254 that functions as a communication interface, and the communication unit 254 is capable of sending and receiving various information by communicating with the communication device (communication unit 224) installed in each vehicle and the portable terminal (first terminal device 230, second terminal device 240).

[0020] The determination unit 251 of the server 250 collates the combination of identification information received from each vehicle as the configuration of the traveling group GR and determines whether or not they match. If the combination of identification information matches, the configuration of the traveling group GR is approved and registered in the storage unit 253.

[0021] When there are multiple traveling groups GR, the server 250 manages the identification information for each traveling group. For example, the determination unit 251 of the server 250 registers the vehicle 1C (identification information C) and the vehicle 1D (identification information D) in the storage unit 253 as a second traveling group, and manages them separately from the traveling group GR (first vehicle 1A (identification information A), second vehicle 1B (identification information B)).

[0022] In the vehicle communication system STM, the processing performed by the server 250 may be executed by the ECU 220 of each vehicle (1A, 1B), or the control unit 231 of the first terminal device 230, or the control unit 241 of the second terminal device 240. In other words, the information acquired by the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B may be shared by communication via a communication device (communication unit 224) or a portable terminal (first terminal device 230, second terminal device 240) mounted on each vehicle, and the information may be processed by the ECU 220 of each vehicle, or the control unit 231 of the first terminal device 230, or the control unit 241 of the second terminal device 240.

[0023] For example, when processing is performed by the ECU 220 of the first vehicle 1A, the processing results are transmitted from the communication unit 224 to the second vehicle 1B, and the ECU 220 of the second vehicle 1B performs processing based on the received processing results.

[0024] Furthermore, when processing is performed by the control unit 231 of the first terminal device 230, the processing results are transmitted from the communication unit 233 to the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B, and the ECUs 220 of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B perform processing based on the processing results they have received. The same applies when processing is performed by the ECU 220 of the second vehicle 1B or when processing is performed by the control unit 241 of the second terminal device 240.

[0025] [First car 1A, second car 1B] [Controller 200] In the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B, the operator 200 illustratively includes a throttle operator 8a, an operating mechanism 201, a handle switch 202 (handle SW), and an ignition switch 203 (ignition SW). The operating mechanism 201 operates the throttle operator 8a based on a control signal generated by a comparison unit 223.

[0026] [Measuring Device 210] Furthermore, in the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B, the measurement device 210 includes, as exemplary components, a vehicle speed measurement unit 211, a rotation speed measurement unit 212, a throttle opening measurement unit 213, a gear information measurement unit 214, and a positioning measurement unit 215. Here, the vehicle speed measurement unit 211 measures the speed of the vehicle. The rotation speed measurement unit 212 measures the rotation speed of the drive source 21. The throttle opening measurement unit 213 measures the operation amount (throttle opening: rotation angle) of the throttle operator 8a. The gear information measurement unit 214 measures the gear setting of the transmission 22. Furthermore, the positioning measurement unit 215 receives positioning signals from artificial satellites constituting a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). An example of a GNSS is the Global Positioning System (GPS). The positioning measurement unit 215 receives positioning signals (GNSS signals, for example, GPS signals) to detect the current position of the vehicle. Measurement information (measurement results) from each measurement unit (sensor) included in the measurement device 210 is input to the ECU 220.

[0027] [ECU220] The ECU 220 has, as its functional configuration, a position acquisition unit 221, a characteristic acquisition unit 222, a comparison unit 223, a notification unit 225, and a control unit 226. The ECU 220 includes a processor, typified by a CPU (central processing unit) that manages the overall control processing of the vehicle, a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, an input / output interface or a communication interface with external devices, etc. The storage device stores programs executed by the processor and data used by the processor for processing, etc. The processor reads out and executes the programs stored in the storage unit 227, thereby realizing the functions of each unit. The functional configuration of the ECU 220 may be configured using an integrated circuit or the like, as long as it performs similar functions. The ECU 220 may include multiple sets of processors, storage devices, interfaces, etc., corresponding to the respective functions of the vehicle 1.

[0028] (Position acquisition unit 221) In each vehicle constituting a traveling group, the position acquisition unit 221 acquires time-series traveling position information based on the measurement information of the positioning measurement unit 215. The positioning measurement unit 215 receives positioning signals (GNSS signals, for example, GPS signals) from artificial satellites constituting the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and the position acquisition unit 221 acquires the traveling position information of the vehicle based on the positioning signals received by the positioning measurement unit 215. The position acquisition unit 221 stores the acquired time-series traveling position information in the storage unit 227.

[0029] (Characteristics acquisition unit 222) The characteristic acquisition unit 222 acquires output characteristic information of each vehicle using parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of each vehicle acquired based on measurement information from the measurement device 210 of each vehicle. For each vehicle constituting a traveling group, the characteristic acquisition unit 222 acquires parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of each vehicle based on the measurement information from the measurement device 210 of each vehicle. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 then acquires output characteristic information of each vehicle using parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of each vehicle. Here, the parameters indicating the driving state include the vehicle speed, the operation amount (throttle opening) of the throttle operator 8a operated by the driver while driving, the rotation speed of the drive source 21, and the gear setting of the transmission 22 connecting the rotary shaft of the drive source 21 and the rotary shaft of the rear wheels (drive wheels) of the vehicle.

[0030] Furthermore, the output characteristic information includes, for example, the wheel output (torque) of the rear wheels (drive wheels) of the vehicle. For example, the output characteristic information of the first vehicle 1A includes at least the wheel output of the first vehicle 1A, and the output characteristic information of the second vehicle 1B includes at least the wheel output of the second vehicle 1B. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 calculates (acquires) the output characteristic information of the vehicle by arithmetic processing using parameters that indicate the driving state of the driver. Note that acquisition of the output characteristic information of the vehicle is not limited to arithmetic processing, and the output characteristic information of the vehicle may be acquired by referring to an output characteristic diagram in which the results of the arithmetic processing are preset. For example, by acquiring the output characteristic information by referring to an output characteristic diagram, the load of arithmetic processing is reduced and higher real-time performance can be achieved.

[0031] The memory unit 227 of each vehicle stores an output characteristic diagram that associates the amount of operation of the throttle operator 8a operated by the driver while driving, the rotation speed of the drive source 21, the gear setting of the transmission that connects the rotary shaft of the drive source to the rotary shaft of the rear wheels of each vehicle, and the wheel output that indicates the output of the rear wheels of each vehicle. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 acquires vehicle output characteristic information from the output characteristic diagram using parameters that indicate the driving state of the driver. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 acquires, from the output characteristic diagram, wheel output that corresponds to the amount of operation of the throttle operator 8a, the rotation speed of the drive source 21, and the gear setting of the transmission 22, which are acquired based on the measurement information from the measurement device 210, as parameters that indicate the driving state of the driver.

[0032] The characteristic acquisition unit 222 acquires the amount of operation of the throttle operator 8a as a parameter indicating the driving state by the driver based on the measurement information of the throttle opening measurement unit 213. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 also acquires the rotation speed of the driving source 21 corresponding to the amount of operation of the throttle operator 8a based on the measurement information of the rotation speed measurement unit 212. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 then acquires the gear setting of the transmission 22 based on the measurement information of the gear information measurement unit 214. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 then acquires the wheel output corresponding to the operation amount of the throttle operator 8a, the rotation speed of the driving source 21, and the gear setting of the transmission 22 from the output characteristic diagram.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an output characteristic diagram stored in memory unit 227, with the horizontal axis representing the amount of operation of throttle operator 8a (throttle opening), the right vertical axis representing the rotation speed (rpm) of drive source 21, and the left vertical axis representing rear wheel output (N). 1st, 2nd, . . . 6th represent the gear positions of transmission 22. In the output characteristic diagram shown in Fig. 5, each straight broken line represents the relationship between the amount of operation of throttle operator 8a (throttle opening) and the rotation speed (rpm) of drive source 21. Each curved solid line represents the relationship between the amount of operation of throttle operator 8a (throttle opening) and wheel output (rear wheel output torque: N).

[0034] For example, in the output characteristic diagram of Fig. 5, when the parameters indicating the driving state are throttle opening θ7, rotation speed N3 of drive source 21, and sixth gear of transmission 22, point A is determined on straight line 501. The wheel output (torque) corresponding to the conditions of these parameters indicating the driving state is determined by point B on curve 502. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 acquires vehicle output characteristic information (wheel output T1) from the output characteristic diagram (501, 502 in Fig. 5) using the parameters (θ7, N3, sixth gear) indicating the driving state of the driver.

[0035] In the output characteristic diagram of FIG. 5, the throttle opening on the horizontal axis is the same even if it is the vehicle speed measured by the vehicle speed measurement unit 211, and the relationship between the horizontal axis indicating the vehicle speed and the right vertical axis and the left vertical axis is the same.

[0036] (Comparison unit 223) The comparison unit 223 acquires driving position information and output characteristic information from multiple vehicles via the communication unit 224, identifies a predetermined position on a driving route where the multiple vehicles have traveled based on the driving position information, and acquires comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when the predetermined position was traveled within a predetermined period of time. Here, the communication unit 224 supports a communication protocol for an in-vehicle network and can acquire information about the vehicle based on the communication protocol. Furthermore, the communication unit 224 can perform data communication between the vehicle and other vehicles that make up the driving group via wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication unit 224 can perform data communication between the vehicle and server 250 that makes up the vehicle communication system via wireless communication.

[0037] The comparison unit 223 acquires, for example, traveling position information of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B and output characteristic information of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B via the communication unit 224. For example, the comparison unit 223 of the first vehicle 1A acquires the traveling position information and output characteristic information of its own vehicle based on a communication protocol. Furthermore, the comparison unit 223 of the first vehicle 1A acquires the traveling position information and output characteristic information of another vehicle (second vehicle 1B) via wireless communication via the communication unit 224. Similarly, the comparison unit 223 of the second vehicle 1B acquires the traveling position information and output characteristic information of its own vehicle based on a communication protocol. Furthermore, the comparison unit 223 of the second vehicle 1B acquires the traveling position information and output characteristic information of the other vehicle (first vehicle 1A) via wireless communication via the communication unit 224.

[0038] Then, the comparison unit 223 identifies predetermined positions on the road where the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B have traveled based on the travel position information of each vehicle, and acquires comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of the first vehicle 1A and the output characteristic information of the second vehicle 1B when the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B traveled through the predetermined positions within a predetermined period of time. Note that the acquisition of the comparison information may be performed by the comparison unit 223 of each vehicle, or the calculation unit 252 of the server 250 may perform the function of the comparison unit 223. When processing is performed on the server 250 side, the calculation unit 252 may acquire the travel position information and output characteristic information of each vehicle via the communication unit 254, and acquire the comparison information.

[0039] (Example of obtaining comparative information) 6 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a plurality of vehicles that make up a traveling group. In FIG. 6, the driver of the first vehicle 1A is a first driver A, and the driver of the second vehicle 1B is a second driver B.

[0040] ST61 shows a state in which first vehicle 1A is traveling in the lead and second vehicle 1B is traveling behind second vehicle 1B. Comparison information acquisition position 601 is an arbitrary position on travel path 600, and any arbitrary position on travel path 600 can be set based on time-series travel position information. ST61 shows a state in which first vehicle 1A has reached comparison information acquisition position 601.

[0041] ST62 shows a state in which the first vehicle 1A has reached the comparison information acquisition position 601, and the second vehicle 1B has reached the comparison information acquisition position 601 a predetermined time later. The condition for acquiring the comparison information is that the following vehicle has reached the comparison information acquisition position 601 within the predetermined time. When touring, it is assumed that vehicles travel at predetermined intervals within a traveling group. Therefore, for example, if the second vehicle 1B has reached the comparison information acquisition position 601 after the predetermined time has elapsed, the comparison unit 223 does not acquire the comparison information.

[0042] 7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between traveling position information and output characteristic information (rear wheel output) acquired in chronological order. Dashed line 701 illustrates the relationship between traveling position information and output characteristic information (rear wheel output) acquired by first vehicle 1A. Solid line 702 illustrates the relationship between traveling position information and output characteristic information (rear wheel output) acquired by second vehicle 1B.

[0043] The comparison unit 223 identifies a predetermined position (comparison information acquisition position 601) on the road (600 in FIG. 6) traveled by the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B based on the travel position information, and acquires comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information (701) of the first vehicle 1A when the first vehicle 1A traveled the predetermined position within a predetermined period of time with the output characteristic information (702) of the second vehicle 1B. Here, the comparison information is information acquired from the difference between the output characteristic information (701) of the first vehicle 1A and the output characteristic information (702) of the second vehicle 1B, and the comparison unit 223 calculates the difference (output difference DIF) between the wheel output of the first vehicle 1A and the wheel output of the second vehicle 1B as the comparison information.

[0044] (Notification Department 225) (Notification of output difference and operation amount) The notification unit 225 displays a notification on the display device 228 (meter panel MP) based on the output difference calculated by the processing of the comparison unit 223. Here, the notification unit 225 displays the notification on the display device when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Each vehicle is provided with a display device 228 that displays various information to the driver, and the notification unit 225 displays the notification on the display device 228.

[0045] For example, when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 225 lights up an indicator (not shown) of the display device 228. Alternatively, when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 225 can also cause the display device 228 to display the output difference as a numerical value.

[0046] In the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B, if a target value of the wheel output for making the output difference DIF zero is set as the target wheel output, the notification unit 225 may display the target wheel output and the output difference DIF on the screen of the display device 228 when the output difference DIF is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Here, in the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B, when one of the vehicles is used as the reference, the wheel output of the other vehicle becomes the target wheel output.

[0047] Furthermore, when the output difference calculated by the processing of the comparison unit 223 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 225 causes the display device 228 of the other vehicle, of the first vehicle 1A or the second vehicle 1B, to display the operation amount of the throttle operator 8a as a notification based on the output difference so as to bring the wheel output of the other vehicle closer to the wheel output of the other vehicle. For example, when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 225 may cause the display device 228 to display the operation amount as a numerical value. Alternatively, when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 225 may cause the display device 228 to display the operation amount on a screen that shows the target wheel output and the output difference DIF.

[0048] In the processing of this embodiment, the one vehicle and the other vehicle are determined based on the magnitude relationship of the output characteristic information (wheel output). For example, between the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B, the comparison unit 223 determines the vehicle with the smaller wheel output as the one vehicle, and the vehicle with the larger wheel output as the other vehicle. In the example of FIG. 7, the comparison unit 223 determines the vehicle with the smaller wheel output (second vehicle 1B: 702) as the one vehicle. Also, the comparison unit 223 determines the vehicle with the larger wheel output (first vehicle 1A: 701) as the other vehicle.

[0049] The determination of one vehicle and the other vehicle may be made by comparing instantaneous wheel outputs, or by comparing average wheel outputs based on time-series wheel output history information within a predetermined period (time). Alternatively, the wheel output fluctuation range may be calculated based on time-series wheel output history information within a predetermined period (time), as a difference between the maximum and minimum wheel output values, and the wheel output fluctuation ranges may be compared. The time-series wheel output history information is stored in the storage unit 227, and the comparison unit 223 acquires the time-series wheel output history information from the storage unit 227 and performs arithmetic processing to obtain the average wheel output value and the wheel output fluctuation range. To efficiently utilize the storage area of ​​the storage unit 227, the storage unit 227 may store the wheel output history information for a predetermined period in a ring buffer format and update the wheel output history information for each period.

[0050] When comparing the average values ​​of wheel output, the comparison unit 223 acquires the average value of wheel output of each vehicle based on historical information of the wheel output in time series within a predetermined period. The comparison unit 223 determines, between the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B, the vehicle with the smaller average value of wheel output within the predetermined period (time) as one vehicle, and determines the vehicle with the larger average value of wheel output as the other vehicle.

[0051] Furthermore, when comparing the fluctuation ranges of wheel output, comparison unit 223 acquires the fluctuation range of wheel output by calculating the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of wheel output of each vehicle based on historical information of wheel output in time series within a predetermined period. Comparison unit 223 determines that, of first vehicle 1A and second vehicle 1B, the vehicle with the smallest fluctuation range of wheel output within a predetermined period (time) is one vehicle, and determines the vehicle with the largest fluctuation range of wheel output as the other vehicle.

[0052] This makes it possible to adjust the wheel output of one vehicle that is running stably within a predetermined period (time) based on the wheel output of the other vehicle.

[0053] Furthermore, the notification unit 225 causes the display device 228 of the other vehicle identified based on the result of the determination by the comparison unit 223 to display the operation amount of the throttle operator 8a. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the output difference between the target wheel output (wheel output of one vehicle) and the wheel output of the other vehicle. ST101 shows a state in which the output difference 1003 of the wheel outputs is on the positive side of the target wheel output. In this case, the notification unit 225 causes the display device 228 to display the operation amount 1001 that brings the output difference 1003 on the positive side closer to the target wheel output. In the state shown in ST101, the driver of the other vehicle can operate the throttle operator 8a to travel in a state in which the output difference 1003 is adjusted to the target wheel output in order to match the traveling pace between the vehicles.

[0054] ST102 also shows a state in which output difference 1004 of the wheel outputs is negative with respect to the target wheel output. In this case, notification unit 225 causes display device 228 to display operation amount 1002 that brings negative output difference 1004 closer to the target wheel output. In the state shown in ST102, the driver of the other vehicle operates throttle operation device 8a to drive in a state in which output difference 1004 is adjusted to the target wheel output in order to match the traveling pace between the vehicles. Based on the notification of output differences 1003, 1004 and operation amounts 1001, 1002 by notification unit 225, the driver of the other vehicle can operate throttle operation device 8a to match the traveling pace between the vehicles.

[0055] (Operation intervention by comparison unit 223) In the vehicle communication system STM of this embodiment, in addition to the notification of the output difference and the display of the operation amount by the notification unit 225, it is also possible to perform operation intervention control by the comparison unit 223 in order to match the driving pace between the vehicles. The comparison unit 223 performs operation intervention control to control the rotation of the throttle operator 8a of the other vehicle so as to match the driving pace between the vehicles.

[0056] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of operation intervention by the comparison unit 223. The comparison unit 223 outputs a control signal for operating the throttle operator 8a based on measurement information measured by the measurement device 210 so as to bring the wheel output of one vehicle closer to the wheel output of the other vehicle. The comparison unit 223 receives various pieces of measurement information measured by, for example, the vehicle speed measurement unit 211, the rotation speed measurement unit 212, the throttle opening measurement unit 213, and the gear information measurement unit 214, and generates a control signal for operating the throttle operator 8a based on the input measurement information and outputs it to the operation mechanism 201. Here, the control signal generated by the comparison unit 223 is a signal for controlling the rotation (rotation angle) of the throttle operator 8a via the operation mechanism 201. The rotation (rotation angle) of the throttle operator 8a corresponds to the operation amounts 1001 and 1002 (= radius of throttle operator 8a × rotation angle) shown in FIG. 10.

[0057] The operating mechanism 201 is an actuator such as a motor that generates a rotational force based on a control signal from the comparison unit 223. A drive gear 352 is attached to an output shaft 351 of the operating mechanism 201, and a driven gear 353 that is configured to be rotatable integrally with the throttle operator 8a is attached to the rotation shaft of the throttle operator 8a. The drive gear 352 is capable of transmitting a rotational force by meshing with the driven gear 353.

[0058] The rotational force generated by the operating mechanism 201 is transmitted to the throttle operator 8a via the drive gear 352 and the driven gear 353. The throttle operator 8a operates (rotates) based on the transmitted rotational force. The operation (rotation) of the throttle operator 8a based on the control signal corresponds to the operation amounts 1001 and 1002 shown in FIG. 10.

[0059] The first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B are equipped with an operating mechanism 201 that operates the throttle operator 8a based on a control signal generated by a comparison unit 223, and the operating mechanism 201 operates (rotates) the throttle operator 8a based on the control signal generated by the comparison unit 223. Even if the driver is unable to operate the throttle operator 8a by a predetermined amount, operation intervention control by the vehicle communication system STM makes it possible to match the driving pace between the vehicles.

[0060] (control unit 226) The control unit 226 controls the output of the drive source 21 in accordance with the opening of the throttle operator 8a, which is supported so as to be rotatable. The control unit 226 controls the output of the drive source 21 based on the measurement information of the throttle opening by the throttle opening measurement unit 213.

[0061] [Vehicle Overview] FIG. 3 is a right side view of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a view of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction as seen from the driver's side. In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate mutually perpendicular directions, with the X direction indicating the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle (first direction), the Y direction indicating the vehicle width direction (left-to-right direction: second direction), and the Z direction indicating the up-to-down direction (third direction). The left and right of the vehicle refer to the left and right when viewed in the forward direction. Hereinafter, the front and rear of the vehicle in the front-to-rear direction may be simply referred to as the front or rear. Furthermore, the inside and outside of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction (left-to-right direction) may be simply referred to as the inside or outside. In the following description, the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B constituting the driving group GR may be collectively referred to simply as vehicle 1. Note that the vehicles shown in FIG. 3 are illustrative, and the vehicles constituting the driving group GR are not limited to vehicles of the same model, but may be vehicles of different models.

[0062] Vehicle 1 is a touring motorcycle suitable for long-distance travel, but the present invention is applicable to various types of vehicles, including other types of motorcycles. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to vehicles that use, as a driving source, other than an engine, such as an EV (Electric Vehicle) that runs on an electric motor driven by power supplied from a battery, or an FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) that runs on an electric motor driven by power supplied from a fuel cell.

[0063] The vehicle 1 is provided with a power unit 2 between the front wheels FW and the rear wheels RW. In this embodiment, the power unit 2 includes a drive source 21 and a transmission 22. The driving force of the transmission 22 is transmitted to the rear wheels RW via a drive shaft (not shown), rotating the rear wheels RW (drive wheels). The rotating shaft of the drive source 21 is mechanically connected to the rear wheels RW (drive wheels) of the vehicle 1 via a predetermined gear stage of the transmission 22.

[0064] The power unit 2 is supported by a body frame 3. The body frame 3 includes a pair of left and right main frames 31 extending in the X direction. A display device 228 (meter panel) that displays various information to the driver is provided above the main frames 31.

[0065] A head pipe 32 is provided at the front end of the main frame 31, and rotatably supports a steering shaft (not shown) that is rotated by a throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and a left handle lever 8b. A pair of left and right pivot plates 33 is provided at the rear end of the main frame 31. The lower ends of the pivot plates 33 are connected to the front end of the main frame 31 by a pair of left and right lower arms (not shown), and the power unit 2 is supported by the main frame 31 and the lower arms. A pair of left and right seat rails provided at the rear end of the main frame 31 support a seat 4a on which the driver sits, a seat 4b on which a passenger sits, a rear trunk 7b, etc. Left and right saddlebags 7a are provided on the sides above the rear wheels RW.

[0066] A front suspension mechanism 9 that supports a front wheel FW is configured at the front end of the main frame 31. The front suspension mechanism 9 includes an upper link 91, a lower link 92, a fork support 93, a cushion unit 94, and a pair of left and right front forks 95.

[0067] The upper link 91 and the lower link 92 are disposed at a distance above and below the front end of the main frame 31. The front ends of the upper link 91 and the lower link 92 are pivotally connected to a fork support 93. The upper link 91 and the lower link 92 each extend in the fore-and-aft direction and are disposed substantially parallel to each other.

[0068] The cushion unit 94 has a structure in which a shock absorber is inserted into a coil spring, and its upper end is supported so as to be able to swing freely by the main frame 31. The lower end of the cushion unit 94 is supported so as to be able to swing freely by the lower link 92.

[0069] The fork support 93 is cylindrical and tilted backward. The front end of an upper link 91 is rotatably connected to the front upper part of the fork support 93. The front end of a lower link 92 is rotatably connected to the rear lower part of the fork support 93.

[0070] A steering shaft 96 is supported by the fork support 93 so as to be rotatable about its axis. The steering shaft 96 has an axle (not shown) that passes through the fork support 93. A bridge (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the steering shaft 96, and a pair of left and right front forks 95 are supported on this bridge. The front wheel FW is rotatably supported by the front forks 95. The upper end of the steering shaft 96 is connected via a link 97 to a handlebar 11 (steering shaft) that is rotated by the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b. The steering shaft 96 rotates when the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) and the left handle lever 8b are operated, and the front wheel FW is steered. The upper part of the front wheel FW is covered by a fender 10, which is supported by the front fork 95.

[0071] The front of the vehicle 1 is covered by a front cover 12, and the front sides of the vehicle 1 are covered by a pair of left and right side covers 14. A screen 13 is disposed above the front cover 12. The screen 13 is a windshield that reduces wind pressure experienced by the driver while driving, and is formed, for example, from a transparent resin material. A pair of left and right side mirror units 15 are disposed on the sides of the front cover 12. The side mirror units 15 support side mirrors that enable the driver to view what is behind them.

[0072] The handlebars 11 are provided symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the vehicle body (center in the vehicle width direction) and are made up of, for example, separate left and right handlebar members. The handlebars 11 made up of the left and right handlebar members each extend diagonally upward from the upper end of the steering shaft 96 towards the left and right outside. The throttle operator 8a (right handlebar lever) and the left handlebar lever 8b extend downward from the ends of the handlebars 11 towards the rear and downward of the vehicle. The throttle operator 8a (right handlebar lever) and the left handlebar lever 8b are each made up of a cylindrical member extending in a straight line.

[0073] A throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) is rotatably supported on the tip end (outside the left and right sides of the vehicle body) of the right handle bar 11. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a hydraulic brake device, and a front brake lever 16a, which is one operator of the brake device, is provided in front of the right throttle operator 8a. The vehicle 1 is also equipped with a hydraulic clutch device, and a clutch lever 16b, which is an operator of the clutch device, is provided in front of the left handle lever 8b on the left side.

[0074] A housing 80 that rotatably holds the throttle operator 8a (right handle lever) is provided at the base end of the throttle operator 8a. Various handle switches 202 (handle SW) are provided in the housing 80. A rotation support member (bearing) (not shown) is provided inside the housing 80, and the throttle operator 8a is rotatably supported by the rotation support member. Also provided inside the housing 80 is an operating mechanism 201 that operates (rotates) the throttle operator 8a based on a control signal generated by a comparison unit 223 of the ECU 220.

[0075] The throttle operator 8a has a hollow structure, with a resin sleeve constituting its inner layer and a rubber grip body attached integrally to the outer periphery of the sleeve. The operating mechanism 201 may be provided, for example, inside the housing 80, or inside the hollow throttle operator 8a. Alternatively, the output shaft of the operating mechanism 201 may be connected to the rotation shaft of the throttle operator 8a via a joint or the like, without using the drive gear 352 and the driven gear 353, so that the rotational force generated by the operating mechanism 201 can be transmitted to the throttle operator 8a.

[0076] [Processing flow 1 in the vehicle communication system STM] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the vehicle communication system STM according to the embodiment. Process flow 1 in FIG. 8 can be executed in each vehicle constituting the traveling group GR. The processing of the ECU 220 of each vehicle can also be executed by a portable terminal (the control unit 231 of the first terminal device 230, the control unit 241 of the second terminal device 240) carried by the driver of each vehicle. For example, when the processing is executed by the control unit 231 of the first terminal device 230, the control unit 231 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 235 and executes the program, thereby enabling the control unit 231 to execute processing similar to that of the position acquisition unit 221, the characteristics acquisition unit 222, the comparison unit 223, and the notification unit 225 in the ECU 220. When the processing is executed by the control unit 241 of the second terminal device 240, the control unit 241 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 245 and executes the program, thereby enabling the control unit 241 to execute processing similar to that of the position acquisition unit 221, the characteristics acquisition unit 222, the comparison unit 223, and the notification unit 225 in the ECU 220. Note that a positioning sensor mounted on a portable terminal may be used instead of the positioning measurement unit 215 in each vehicle. Also, an operation screen on a portable terminal may be used instead of the display device 228 in each vehicle.

[0077] In S801, pairing is performed between the multiple vehicles that make up the driving group GR. The drivers of each vehicle mutually exchange (transmit and receive) identification information for each of the multiple first vehicles 1A and second vehicles 1B participating in the touring via a communication device (communication unit 224) or a portable terminal (first terminal device 230, second terminal device 240), thereby establishing pairing for the driving group GR. The identification information for each vehicle that makes up the driving group GR is transmitted from each vehicle to the server 250 via the network NET. The processing flow in FIG. 8 describes an example in which the driving group GR is made up of two vehicles (first vehicle 1A, second vehicle 1B), but the driving group GR may also be made up of three or more vehicles.

[0078] In addition to identification information, the storage unit 227 of each vehicle stores specification information for comparing vehicle types among multiple vehicles, and when the identification information is transmitted and received between vehicles, the specification information is also exchanged (transmitted and received) between the vehicles. The specification information includes information indicating driving performance such as vehicle weight and running resistance as parameters that affect wheel output. By comparing at least one piece of information included in the specification information, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle and the other vehicles that make up the driving group GR are of the same vehicle type.

[0079] In S811, the position acquisition unit 221 of the first vehicle 1A acquires time-series traveling position information of the first vehicle 1A based on the positioning signal received by the positioning measurement unit 215. The position acquisition unit 221 stores the acquired time-series traveling position information in the storage unit 227.

[0080] In S812, the characteristic acquisition unit 222 of the first vehicle 1A acquires parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the first vehicle 1A based on the measurement information obtained by the measurement device 210. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 stores the parameters indicating the driving state acquired in chronological order in the storage unit 227. Here, the measurement information obtained by the measurement device 210 includes various pieces of measurement information obtained by the vehicle speed measurement unit 211, the rotation speed measurement unit 212, the throttle opening measurement unit 213, and the gear information measurement unit 214. The parameters indicating the driving state include the vehicle speed, the amount of operation (throttle opening) of the throttle operator 8a operated by the driver while driving, the rotation speed of the drive source 21, and the gear setting of the transmission 22 that connects the rotary shaft of the drive source 21 and the rotary shaft of the rear wheels (drive wheels) of the vehicle.

[0081] In S813, the characteristic acquisition unit 222 of the first vehicle 1A acquires output characteristic information of the first vehicle 1A using parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the first vehicle 1A. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 stores the output characteristic information of the first vehicle 1A acquired in chronological order in the storage unit 227. Here, the output characteristic information includes, for example, the wheel output (torque) of the rear wheels (drive wheels) of the vehicle. For example, the output characteristic information of the first vehicle 1A includes at least the wheel output of the first vehicle 1A, and the output characteristic information of the second vehicle 1B includes at least the wheel output of the second vehicle 1B.

[0082] Processing similar to the processing of S811 to S813 is also performed in second vehicle 1B. That is, in S821, position acquisition unit 221 of second vehicle 1B acquires time-series traveling position information of second vehicle 1B based on the positioning signal received by position measurement unit 215. Position acquisition unit 221 stores the acquired time-series traveling position information in storage unit 227.

[0083] In S822, the characteristic acquisition unit 222 of the second vehicle 1B acquires parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the second vehicle 1B based on the measurement information from the measurement device 210. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 stores the parameters indicating the driving state acquired in chronological order in the storage unit 227.

[0084] In S823, the characteristic acquisition unit 222 of the second vehicle 1B acquires output characteristic information of the second vehicle 1B using parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the second vehicle 1B. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 stores the output characteristic information of the second vehicle 1B acquired in chronological order in the storage unit 227.

[0085] In the process of S830, the comparison unit 223 of each vehicle compares the specification information acquired in S801 to determine whether the vehicles that make up the traveling group GR are of the same model.

[0086] If the comparison of the specification information shows that the specification information of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B is the same, the comparison unit 223 determines that they are the same vehicle type (S830-YES), and the process proceeds to S850.

[0087] On the other hand, if the specification information of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B is different (S830-NO), the comparison unit 223 determines that the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B are different vehicle types, and proceeds to S840.

[0088] In S840, the comparison unit 223 sets a coefficient for matching the specification information of one of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B to the specification information of the other vehicle, using the specification information of the other vehicle as a reference.

[0089] For example, if the weight of one reference vehicle is 200 kg and the weight of the other vehicle is 100 kg, the comparison unit 223 sets a coefficient of 2 to match the specification information of the other vehicle (weight 100 kg) with the specification information of the one vehicle (weight 200 kg).The comparison unit 223 then corrects the wheel output of the other vehicle based on the set coefficient.

[0090] The same applies when comparing running resistance as specification information. The comparison unit 223 sets a coefficient for matching the running resistance ratio of the other vehicle to the running resistance ratio of the one vehicle, and corrects the wheel output of the other vehicle based on the set coefficient.

[0091] Even if the vehicles in a driving group are of different models, the specifications of each vehicle can be corrected to be equal using the set coefficients. This allows the output differences that may arise due to differences in the specifications of each vehicle (such as vehicle weight and running resistance) to be reduced by the correction when comparing the output characteristic information (wheel output) of the S850.

[0092] In S850, the communication unit 224 of the first vehicle 1A transmits the traveling position information and output characteristic information of the first vehicle 1A acquired in S811 and S813 to the second vehicle 1B. In addition, the communication unit 224 of the second vehicle 1B transmits the traveling position information and output characteristic information of the second vehicle 1B acquired in S821 and S823 to the first vehicle 1A. This allows the traveling position information and output characteristic information acquired in each vehicle to be shared.

[0093] The comparison unit 223 of the first vehicle 1A acquires driving position information and output characteristic information from multiple vehicles (the vehicle itself and the second vehicle 1B) via the communication unit 224, identifies a predetermined position on the driving path where the multiple vehicles have traveled based on the driving position information, and acquires comparison information that compares the output characteristic information of each vehicle when it traveled at the predetermined position within a predetermined period of time.

[0094] Similar processing is also performed in comparison unit 223 of second vehicle 1B. That is, comparison unit 223 of second vehicle 1B acquires traveling position information and output characteristic information from multiple vehicles (first vehicle 1A and its own vehicle) via communication unit 224, identifies a predetermined position on the traveling road where the multiple vehicles have traveled based on the traveling position information, and acquires comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when it traveled through the predetermined position within a predetermined period of time. Comparison unit 223 calculates, as the comparison information, the difference (output difference DIF) between the wheel output of first vehicle 1A and the wheel output of second vehicle 1B.

[0095] In S860, the notification unit 225 of each vehicle determines whether the difference in wheel output (output difference) acquired in S850 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the output difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S860-NO), the process returns to S850, and the same process is repeated. On the other hand, if the determination in S860 is that the output difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S860-YES), the process proceeds to S870.

[0096] In S870, when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 225 displays a notification of the output difference on the display device 228. The notification unit 225 displays the operation amount of the throttle operator 8a on the display device 228 of the other vehicle, as a notification based on the output difference, so that the wheel output of one of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B approaches the wheel output of the other vehicle.

[0097] Here, the judgment of one vehicle and the other vehicle can be made based on the magnitude relationship of the output characteristic information (wheel output). Alternatively, average values ​​of wheel output may be compared based on time-series history information of wheel output within a predetermined period (time). Alternatively, the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of wheel output (fluctuation range of wheel output) may be calculated based on time-series history information of wheel output within a predetermined period (time), and the fluctuation range of wheel output may be compared.

[0098] The comparison unit 223 of each vehicle determines whether the vehicle corresponds to one of the vehicles or the other vehicle based on the acquired output characteristic information (wheel output). For example, if the comparison unit 223 of the first vehicle 1A determines that the first vehicle 1A corresponds to the other vehicle, the notification unit 225 of the first vehicle 1A displays the output difference and the operation amount of the throttle operator 8a, as shown in FIG.

[0099] In addition to the notification unit 225 notifying the output difference and displaying the operation amount, the comparison unit 223 of the first vehicle 1A can perform operation intervention control to match the traveling pace between the vehicles. The comparison unit 223 of the first vehicle 1A outputs a control signal to operate the throttle operator 8a based on measurement information measured by the measurement device 210 so as to bring the wheel output of one vehicle (first vehicle 1A) closer to the wheel output of the other vehicle (second vehicle 1B) (FIG. 11). The operation mechanism 201 operates (rotates) the throttle operator 8a based on the control signal generated by the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) of the server 250.

[0100] If the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) determines that the second vehicle 1B corresponds to one of the vehicles, the calculation unit 252 (notification unit) does not generate a display control signal for notification to the second vehicle 1B, and the notification unit 225 of the second vehicle 1B does not issue a notification.

[0101] Furthermore, the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) does not generate a control signal for operation intervention control for the second vehicle 1B, and the comparison unit 223 of the second vehicle 1B does not perform operation intervention control. In this case, since the driving pace is adjusted on the side of the first vehicle 1A within the driving group GR, it becomes possible to match the driving pace between the vehicles without the second vehicle 1B performing notification or operation intervention control.

[0102] [Processing flow 2 in the vehicle communication system STM] 9 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing in the vehicle communication system STM according to the embodiment. Process flow 2 in FIG. 9 can be executed by each vehicle that constitutes the traveling group GR and the server 250.

[0103] The processing of S901 is the same as the processing of S801 in Fig. 8, and pairs are established between the multiple vehicles that make up the driving group GR. The drivers of each vehicle mutually exchange (transmit and receive) identification information of the multiple first vehicles 1A and second vehicles 1B participating in the touring via a communication device (communication unit 224) or a portable terminal (first terminal device 230, second terminal device 240), thereby establishing pairing for the driving group GR. In addition to the identification information, the memory unit 227 of each vehicle stores specification information for comparing vehicle types among the multiple vehicles, and when the identification information is transmitted and received between the vehicles, the specification information is also mutually exchanged (transmitted and received) between the vehicles.

[0104] The processing of S911 is similar to the processing of S811, and the position acquisition unit 221 of the first vehicle 1A acquires time-series traveling position information of the first vehicle 1A based on the positioning signal received by the positioning measurement unit 215. The position acquisition unit 221 stores the acquired time-series traveling position information in the storage unit 227.

[0105] The processing of S912 is similar to the processing of S812, and the characteristic acquisition unit 222 of the first vehicle 1A acquires parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the first vehicle 1A based on the measurement information from the measurement device 210. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 stores the parameters indicating the driving state acquired in chronological order in the memory unit 227.

[0106] In S913, the communication unit 224 of the first vehicle 1A transmits the time-series traveling position information acquired in S911 and the parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the first vehicle 1A acquired in S912 to the server 250. In addition, the communication unit 224 transmits an output characteristic diagram of the first vehicle 1A such as that shown in Fig. 5 to the server 250 as information of the first vehicle 1A.

[0107] The processor of the server 250 reads out the program stored in the memory unit 253 and executes the program, whereby the calculation unit 252 can perform processing similar to that of the characteristic acquisition unit 222, the comparison unit 223, and the notification unit 225 in the ECU 220.

[0108] The processing of S914 is similar to the processing of S813, and the calculation unit 252 executes the same processing as the characteristics acquisition unit 222 to acquire output characteristics information of the first vehicle 1A using parameters that indicate the driving state of the driver of the first vehicle 1A. The calculation unit 252 executes the same processing as the characteristics acquisition unit 222 to acquire output characteristics information (wheel output) using the output characteristics diagram (FIG. 5).

[0109] Processing similar to the processing of S911 to S912 is also performed in second vehicle 1B. That is, in S921, position acquisition unit 221 of second vehicle 1B acquires time-series traveling position information of second vehicle 1B based on the positioning signal received by position measurement unit 215. Position acquisition unit 221 stores the acquired time-series traveling position information in storage unit 227.

[0110] In S922, the characteristic acquisition unit 222 of the second vehicle 1B acquires parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the second vehicle 1B based on the measurement information from the measurement device 210. The characteristic acquisition unit 222 stores the parameters indicating the driving state acquired in chronological order in the storage unit 227.

[0111] In S923, the communication unit 224 of the second vehicle 1B transmits the time-series traveling position information acquired in S921 and the parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the second vehicle 1B acquired in S922 to the server 250. In addition, the communication unit 224 transmits an output characteristics diagram of the second vehicle 1B such as that shown in Fig. 5 to the server 250 as information of the second vehicle 1B.

[0112] The processing of S924 is similar to the processing of S823, and the calculation unit 252 executes the same processing as the characteristics acquisition unit 222 to acquire output characteristics information of the second vehicle 1B using parameters that indicate the driving state of the driver of the second vehicle 1B. The calculation unit 252 can acquire output characteristics information (wheel output) using the output characteristics diagram (FIG. 5) by processing similar to that of the characteristics acquisition unit 222.

[0113] The processing of S930 is the same as the processing of S830, and the calculation unit 252 executes the same processing as the comparison unit 223. In the following description, the calculation unit 252 that executes the same processing as the comparison unit 223 may be referred to as the "calculation unit 252 (comparison unit)." The calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) compares the specification information acquired in S901 to determine whether the multiple vehicles that make up the traveling group GR are of the same model.

[0114] If the comparison of the specification information shows that the specification information of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B is the same, the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) determines that they are the same vehicle type (S930-YES), and the process proceeds to S950.

[0115] On the other hand, if the specification information of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B is different (S930-NO), the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) determines that the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B are different vehicle types, and proceeds to S940.

[0116] The processing of S940 is the same as the processing of S840, and the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) sets a coefficient for matching the specification information of one of the first vehicle 1A and the second vehicle 1B to the specification information of the other vehicle, using the specification information of the other vehicle as a reference. The coefficient is set as described in S840, and the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) corrects the wheel output of the other vehicle based on the set coefficient.

[0117] The processing at S950 is similar to that at S850, and the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) identifies a predetermined position on the road where multiple vehicles have traveled based on the travel position information, and obtains comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when it traveled through the predetermined position within a predetermined period. Then, the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) calculates the difference (output difference DIF) between the wheel output of the first vehicle 1A and the wheel output of the second vehicle 1B as the comparison information.

[0118] The processing of S960 is the same as the processing of S860, and calculation unit 252 executes the same processing as notification unit 225. In the following description, calculation unit 252 that executes the same processing as notification unit 225 may be referred to as "calculation unit 252 (notification unit)."

[0119] The calculation unit 252 (notification unit) determines whether the difference in wheel output (output difference) acquired in S950 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the output difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S960-NO), the process returns to S950, and the same process is repeated. On the other hand, if the output difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value in the determination in S960 (S960-YES), the process proceeds to S970.

[0120] The processing of S970 is similar to the processing of S870, and when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the calculation unit 252 (notification unit) generates a display control signal for causing the display device 228 to display a notification of the output difference. The calculation unit 252 (notification unit) generates a display control signal for causing the display device 228 of the other vehicle, of the first vehicle 1A or the second vehicle 1B, to display the operation amount of the throttle operator 8a as a notification based on the output difference so as to bring the wheel output of the other vehicle closer to the wheel output of the other vehicle. Here, the determination of the first vehicle and the other vehicle is as described in S870. The generated display control signal is transmitted to the other vehicle (for example, the first vehicle 1A) via the communication unit 254.

[0121] The notification unit 225 of the other vehicle, the first vehicle 1A, receives and processes the display control signal transmitted from the server 250, and displays a notification and an operation amount based on the output difference on the display device 228 based on the received and processed display control signal (FIG. 10). The notification unit 225 of the first vehicle 1A displays a notification and an operation amount on the display device 228 based on the display control signal when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (FIG. 10).

[0122] Furthermore, in addition to the calculation unit 252 (notification unit) notifying the difference in output and displaying the amount of operation, the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) is capable of performing operation intervention control to match the driving pace between the vehicles. The calculation unit 252 (comparison unit) acquires measurement information measured by the measurement device 210 of each vehicle via the communication unit 254, and generates a control signal for operating the throttle operator 8a based on the measurement information. The generated control signal is transmitted to the other vehicle (for example, the first vehicle 1A) via the communication unit 254.

[0123] The comparison unit 223 of the first vehicle 1A, which is the other vehicle, receives and processes the control signal transmitted from the server 250, and controls the operation mechanism 201 based on the received and processed control signal. The operation mechanism 201 operates (rotates) the throttle operator 8a based on the control signal generated by the comparison unit 223 of the first vehicle 1A.

[0124] If the calculation unit 252 (comparison unit 223) determines that the second vehicle 1B corresponds to one of the vehicles, no notification or operation intervention control is performed on the second vehicle 1B. In this case, the driving pace is adjusted on the side of the first vehicle 1A within the driving group GR, so it is possible to match the driving pace between the vehicles without notification or operation intervention control being performed on the second vehicle 1B.

[0125] [Other embodiments] Furthermore, a program for realizing each function of the vehicular communication system described in the embodiments is supplied to a server, a vehicle, or a driver's portable terminal via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the server, a vehicle, or a driver's portable terminal can read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized in such an embodiment.

[0126] [Summary of the embodiment] The above embodiment discloses at least the following vehicle communication system.

[0127] Configuration 1. The vehicle communication system of the above embodiment is a vehicle communication system that supports the driving of a plurality of vehicles that constitute a driving group, and at least one of the computing devices (220) of the plurality of vehicles and the computing device (250) that can communicate with the communication device (224) of the plurality of vehicles is: Communicating with a positioning measurement device outside the vehicle to acquire time-series running position information of the vehicle; calculating output characteristic information of the vehicle using parameters indicating a driving state of the vehicle by a driver, the parameters being acquired based on measurement information from a vehicle state measurement means of the vehicle; Identifying predetermined positions on the roadway along which the plurality of vehicles have traveled based on the travel position information; Comparison information is calculated by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when it travels at the predetermined location within a predetermined period of time.

[0128] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 1, vehicle output characteristic information obtained using parameters indicating the driving state of the vehicle by the driver is compared between vehicles as an objective indicator of driving operation, and by comparing the output characteristic information between multiple vehicles that are traveling in real time, an indicator for matching the driving pace can be obtained, making it possible to more easily match the driving pace between multiple vehicles.

[0129] Configuration 2. The vehicle communication system includes a traveling group of the plurality of vehicles, the traveling group including at least a first vehicle (1A) and a second vehicle (1B), The computing device (220, 250) A predetermined position on the road where the first vehicle and the second vehicle traveled is identified based on the travel position information of each vehicle, and comparison information is calculated by comparing the output characteristic information of the first vehicle when traveling at the predetermined position within a predetermined period with the output characteristic information of the second vehicle.

[0130] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 2, it becomes possible to compare the output characteristic information of each vehicle obtained using parameters indicating the driving state of the vehicle by the driver between the first and second vehicles that make up a traveling group. As a result, by comparing the output characteristic information at the same traveling position between the first and second vehicles that are traveling in real time, it becomes possible to obtain more useful information for matching the traveling pace of the two vehicles.

[0131] Configuration 3. The output characteristic information of the first vehicle includes at least a wheel output of the first vehicle, and the output characteristic information of the second vehicle includes at least a wheel output of the second vehicle; The arithmetic unit (220, 250) calculates, as the comparison information, an output difference due to the difference between the wheel output of the first vehicle and the wheel output of the second vehicle.

[0132] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 3, by calculating the output difference due to the difference in wheel output of each vehicle, it is possible to compare the behavior of the vehicles in response to changes in driver operation without being affected by the road surface.

[0133] Configuration 4. The computing device (220, 250) displays a notification based on the output difference to the driver of the vehicle using a display device, The computing device (220, 250) causes the display device to display the notification when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0134] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 4, when the output difference due to the difference in wheel output of each vehicle exceeds a predetermined value, the driver is notified, which makes it easier for the driver to notice the difference and adjust the driving pace.

[0135] Configuration 5. The arithmetic unit (220, 250) controls the output of the drive source in accordance with the amount of operation of a throttle operator supported so as to be rotatable; The output of the drive source is controlled based on measurement information from a throttle opening measurement means that measures the operation amount, When the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the calculation device (220, 250) causes the display device of the other vehicle to display the amount of operation of the throttle operator as a notification based on the output difference, so as to bring the wheel output of one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle closer to the wheel output of the other vehicle.

[0136] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 5, the driver is notified by the vehicle communication system and operates the throttle operator, making it possible to easily coordinate the driving pace of multiple vehicles traveling in real time without the driver having to operate the throttle operator.

[0137] Configuration 6. The calculation device (220, 250) determines, of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the vehicle with the smaller wheel output as the one vehicle, and determines the vehicle with the larger wheel output as the other vehicle; The display device of the other vehicle identified based on the result of the determination displays the operation amount of the throttle operator.

[0138] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 6, by using one vehicle with stable driving and low wheel output as a reference and adjusting the wheel output of the other vehicle, it is possible to provide more stable and safe touring in a traveling group of multiple vehicles.

[0139] Configuration 7. The vehicle includes an operating mechanism that operates the throttle operator based on a control signal generated by the arithmetic device, The arithmetic unit (220, 250) outputs the control signal for operating the throttle operator so as to bring the wheel output of the one vehicle closer to the wheel output of the other vehicle.

[0140] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 7, by operating the throttle operator based on the control signal so as to match the wheel output of one vehicle to the wheel output of the other vehicle, it becomes possible to provide safer touring in a traveling group of multiple vehicles regardless of the driver's operating skill.

[0141] Configuration 8: The plurality of vehicles are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other using a communication device installed in each of the plurality of vehicles or a portable terminal (230, 240) carried by the driver of each vehicle, and are also connected to a server so that they can communicate with each other.

[0142] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 8, information can be shared bidirectionally among multiple vehicles that make up a traveling group. Furthermore, by communicating between each of the multiple vehicles and a server, highly real-time processing can be performed by distributing processing. For example, each vehicle acquires traveling position information and output characteristic information, and the server compares the output characteristic information between the multiple vehicles, thereby distributing processing and enabling highly real-time processing.

[0143] Configuration 9. The arithmetic unit (220, 250) acquires specification information from the plurality of vehicles for comparing the vehicle types of the plurality of vehicles, If the first vehicle and the second vehicle are different vehicle types as a result of the comparison of the specification information, a coefficient is set to normalize the specification information of one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on the specification information of the other vehicle; The wheel output of the other vehicle is corrected based on the coefficient.

[0144] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 9, even if the vehicles constituting a traveling group are of different models, the specification information of each vehicle can be corrected to be equal using a set coefficient, and in the comparison process of output characteristic information, output differences that may arise due to differences in the specification information of each vehicle (for example, vehicle weight, running resistance, etc.) can be reduced by correction.

[0145] Factors that cause differences in output of output characteristic information include (a) differences in the driver's driving operation (for example, parameters that indicate the vehicle's driving state, such as the opening of the throttle operator), and (b) differences in the specifications of each vehicle (such as vehicle weight and running resistance) when the vehicle type is different.

[0146] According to the vehicle communication system of configuration 9, when the vehicle models are different, the output difference due to the factor (b) can be reduced by correcting the output difference that may occur due to the difference in the specification information of each vehicle. As a result, it becomes possible to use the vehicle output characteristic information obtained using the parameters that indicate the driving state of the vehicle by the driver as an objective index of driving operation, and to compare between vehicles in accordance with more actual conditions.

[0147] Configuration 10. A storage device provided in the vehicle or outside the vehicle stores an output characteristic diagram that associates the operation amount of a throttle operator operated by the driver while driving, the rotation speed of a drive source, the setting of a gear stage of a transmission that connects a rotary shaft of the drive source and a rotary shaft of a rear wheel of the vehicle, and wheel output that indicates the output of the rear wheel of the vehicle; The computing device (220, 250) As a parameter indicating the driving state of the driver, the wheel output corresponding to the amount of operation of the throttle operator, the rotation speed of the drive source, and the gear setting of the transmission, which are obtained based on the measurement information of the measurement means, is obtained from the output characteristic diagram.

[0148] Configuration 11. The arithmetic unit (220, 250) As a parameter indicating the driving state by the driver, acquiring an operation amount of the throttle operator based on measurement information from a throttle opening degree measurement means; acquiring a rotation speed of the drive source corresponding to an operation amount of the throttle operator based on measurement information from a rotation speed measuring means; acquiring a gear setting of the transmission based on measurement information from a gear information measurement unit; The wheel output corresponding to the operation amount of the throttle operator, the rotation speed of the drive source, and the setting of the gear stage of the transmission is obtained from the output characteristic diagram.

[0149] According to the vehicle communication systems of configurations 10 and 11, the load of calculation processing is reduced and higher real-time performance can be achieved by obtaining output characteristic information (wheel output) by referring to the output characteristic diagram.

[0150] Configuration 12: The calculation device (220, 250) acquires a fluctuation range of the wheel output based on the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the wheel output of each vehicle based on the history information of the wheel output in time series within a predetermined period, the calculation device (220, 250) determines, from among the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the vehicle whose wheel output fluctuation range is small within the predetermined period as the one vehicle, and determines the vehicle whose wheel output fluctuation range is large as the other vehicle; The computing device (220, 250) causes the display device of the other vehicle identified based on the result of the determination to display the operation amount of the throttle operator.

[0151] Configuration 13: The calculation device (220, 250) acquires a fluctuation range of the wheel output based on the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the wheel output of each vehicle based on the history information of the wheel output in time series within a predetermined period, the calculation device (220, 250) determines, from among the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the vehicle whose wheel output fluctuation range is small within the predetermined period as the one vehicle, and determines the vehicle whose wheel output fluctuation range is large as the other vehicle; The computing device (220, 250) causes the display device of the other vehicle identified based on the result of the determination to display the operation amount of the throttle operator.

[0152] According to the vehicle communication systems of configurations 12 and 13, by displaying the wheel output of one vehicle that is running stably within a predetermined period (time), the driver of the other vehicle can use the displayed information as a standard and easily adjust the wheel output to match the wheel output of the one vehicle.

[0153] Configuration 14. A vehicle that constitutes a traveling group, wherein the calculation device (220) provided in the vehicle is The system communicates with a positioning measuring device outside the vehicle to obtain time-series driving position information of the vehicle, calculates output characteristic information of the vehicle using parameters indicating the driving state of the driver of the vehicle obtained based on the measurement information of the vehicle's vehicle state measuring means, identifies a predetermined position on the driving route on which the multiple vehicles have traveled based on the driving position information, and calculates comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of the vehicles when they traveled from the predetermined position within a predetermined period.

[0154] According to the vehicle of configuration 14, vehicle output characteristic information obtained using parameters indicating the driving state of the vehicle by the driver is compared between vehicles as an objective indicator of driving operation, and by comparing the output characteristic information between multiple vehicles traveling in real time, an indicator for matching the driving pace can be obtained, making it possible to more easily match the driving pace between multiple vehicles.

[0155] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0156] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-158646, filed September 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1A: First vehicle, 1B: Second vehicle, 8a: Throttle operator, 201: operating mechanism, 210: measuring device, 211: vehicle speed measuring unit, 212: rotation speed measurement unit, 213: throttle opening measurement unit, 214: Gear information measurement unit, 215: Positioning measurement unit, 220: ECU, 221: Position acquisition unit, 222: Characteristic acquisition unit, 223: Comparison unit, 224: Communication unit, 225: Notification unit, 226: control unit, 227: memory unit, 228: display device (meter panel), 230: first terminal device, 231: control unit, 233: communication unit, 240: second terminal device, 241: control unit, 243: communication unit, 250: Server, 251: Determination unit, 252: Calculation unit, 253: memory unit, 254: communication unit

Claims

1. A vehicle communication system that supports the driving of a plurality of vehicles that constitute a driving group, wherein at least one of a computing device of the plurality of vehicles and a computing device that can communicate with the communication device of the plurality of vehicles, Communicating with a positioning measurement device outside the vehicle to acquire time-series running position information of the vehicle; calculating output characteristic information of the vehicle using parameters indicating a driving state of the vehicle by a driver, the parameters being acquired based on measurement information from a vehicle state measurement means of the vehicle; Identifying predetermined positions on the roadway along which the plurality of vehicles have traveled based on the travel position information; Calculating comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when traveling at the predetermined location within a predetermined period of time; The computing device For at least a first vehicle and a second vehicle included in the traveling group of the plurality of vehicles, Identifying predetermined positions on a roadway on which the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled based on the travel position information of each vehicle, and calculating comparison information by comparing output characteristic information of the first vehicle with output characteristic information of the second vehicle when the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled through the predetermined positions within a predetermined period of time; the output characteristic information of the first vehicle includes at least a wheel output of the first vehicle, and the output characteristic information of the second vehicle includes at least a wheel output of the second vehicle; The vehicle communication system is characterized in that an output difference resulting from a difference between the wheel output of the first vehicle and the wheel output of the second vehicle is calculated as the comparison information.

2. the computing device displays a notification based on the output difference to the driver of the vehicle using a display device; 2. The vehicle communication system according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic unit displays the notification on the display unit when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

3. the computing device controls the output of the drive source in accordance with the amount of operation of a throttle operator supported so as to be rotatable; The output of the drive source is controlled based on measurement information from a throttle opening measurement means that measures the operation amount, The vehicle communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the output difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the calculation device causes a display device of the other vehicle to display the operation amount of the throttle operator as a notification based on the output difference, so as to bring the wheel output of one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle closer to the wheel output of the other vehicle.

4. the calculation device determines, from among the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the vehicle with the smaller wheel output as the one vehicle, and determines the vehicle with the larger wheel output as the other vehicle; 4. The vehicle communication system according to claim 3, wherein the operation amount of the throttle operator is displayed on a display device of the other vehicle identified based on the result of the determination.

5. the vehicle includes an operating mechanism that operates the throttle operator based on a control signal generated by the arithmetic device, 5. The vehicle communication system according to claim 4, wherein the arithmetic unit outputs the control signal for operating the throttle operator so as to bring the wheel output of the one vehicle closer to the wheel output of the other vehicle.

6. 2. The vehicular communication system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of vehicles are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other using a communication device installed in each of the plurality of vehicles or a portable terminal carried by the driver of each vehicle, and are also connected to a server so as to be able to communicate with each other.

7. A vehicle communication system that supports the driving of a plurality of vehicles that constitute a driving group, wherein at least one of a computing device of the plurality of vehicles and a computing device that can communicate with the communication device of the plurality of vehicles, Communicating with a positioning measurement device outside the vehicle to acquire time-series running position information of the vehicle; calculating output characteristic information of the vehicle using parameters indicating a driving state of the vehicle by a driver, the parameters being acquired based on measurement information from a vehicle state measurement means of the vehicle; Identifying predetermined positions on the roadway along which the plurality of vehicles have traveled based on the travel position information; Calculating comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when traveling at the predetermined location within a predetermined period of time; The computing device For at least a first vehicle and a second vehicle included in the traveling group of the plurality of vehicles, Identifying predetermined positions on a roadway on which the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled based on the travel position information of each vehicle, and calculating comparison information by comparing output characteristic information of the first vehicle with output characteristic information of the second vehicle when the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled through the predetermined positions within a predetermined period of time; acquiring specification information from the plurality of vehicles for comparing vehicle types; If the first vehicle and the second vehicle are different vehicle types as a result of the comparison of the specification information, a coefficient is set to normalize the specification information of one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on the specification information of the other vehicle; A vehicle communication system, characterized in that the wheel output of the other vehicle is corrected based on the coefficient.

8. A vehicle communication system that supports the driving of a plurality of vehicles that constitute a driving group, wherein at least one of a computing device of the plurality of vehicles and a computing device that can communicate with the communication device of the plurality of vehicles, Communicating with a positioning measurement device outside the vehicle to acquire time-series running position information of the vehicle; calculating output characteristic information of the vehicle using parameters indicating a driving state of the vehicle by a driver, the parameters being acquired based on measurement information from a vehicle state measurement means of the vehicle; Identifying predetermined positions on the roadway along which the plurality of vehicles have traveled based on the travel position information; Calculating comparison information by comparing the output characteristic information of each vehicle when traveling at the predetermined location within a predetermined period of time; The computing device For at least a first vehicle and a second vehicle included in the traveling group of the plurality of vehicles, Identifying predetermined positions on a roadway on which the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled based on the travel position information of each vehicle, and calculating comparison information by comparing output characteristic information of the first vehicle with output characteristic information of the second vehicle when the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled through the predetermined positions within a predetermined period of time; a storage device provided in the vehicle or outside the vehicle stores an output characteristic diagram that associates an operation amount of a throttle operator operated by the driver while driving, a rotation speed of a drive source, a setting of a gear stage of a transmission that connects a rotary shaft of the drive source and a rotary shaft of a rear wheel of the vehicle, and a wheel output that indicates an output of a rear wheel of the vehicle; The computing device a vehicle communication system characterized in that the wheel output corresponding to the operation amount of the throttle operator, the rotation speed of the drive source, and the gear setting of the transmission, which are obtained based on measurement information from a measurement device, are obtained from the output characteristic diagram as parameters indicating the driving state of the driver.

9. The computing device As a parameter indicating the driving state by the driver, acquiring an operation amount of the throttle operator based on measurement information from a throttle opening degree measurement means; acquiring a rotation speed of the drive source corresponding to an operation amount of the throttle operator based on measurement information from a rotation speed measuring means; acquiring a gear setting of the transmission based on measurement information from a gear information measurement unit; 9. The vehicle communication system according to claim 8, wherein the wheel output corresponding to the operation amount of the throttle operator, the rotation speed of the drive source, and the setting of the gear stage of the transmission is obtained from the output characteristic diagram.

10. the calculation device acquires an average value of wheel output of each vehicle based on time-series history information of wheel output within a predetermined period; the calculation device determines, from among the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the vehicle having the smaller average wheel output within the predetermined period as the one vehicle, and determines the vehicle having the larger average wheel output as the other vehicle; 5. The vehicle communication system according to claim 4, wherein the arithmetic unit displays the operation amount of the throttle operator on a display device of the other vehicle identified based on the result of the determination.

11. the calculation device acquires a fluctuation range of the wheel output, which is a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the wheel output of each vehicle, based on time-series history information of the wheel output within a predetermined period; the calculation device determines, from among the first vehicle and the second vehicle, one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle whose wheel output fluctuation range is small within the predetermined period as the one vehicle, and determines the other of the first vehicle and the second vehicle whose wheel output fluctuation range is large within the predetermined period as the other vehicle; 5. The vehicle communication system according to claim 4, wherein the arithmetic unit displays the operation amount of the throttle operator on a display device of the other vehicle identified based on the result of the determination.

12. A vehicle that constitutes a traveling group, wherein a calculation device of the vehicle Communicating with a positioning measurement device outside the vehicle to acquire time-series running position information of the vehicle; calculating output characteristic information of the vehicle using parameters indicating a driving state of the vehicle by a driver, the parameters being acquired based on measurement information from a vehicle state measurement means of the vehicle; Identifying a predetermined position on a road on which the vehicle has traveled based on the travel position information; Calculating comparison information by comparing output characteristic information of the vehicle when traveling at the predetermined location within a predetermined period of time; The computing device For at least a first vehicle and a second vehicle included in a traveling group of multiple vehicles, Identifying predetermined positions on a roadway on which the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled based on the travel position information of each vehicle, and calculating comparison information by comparing output characteristic information of the first vehicle with output characteristic information of the second vehicle when the first vehicle and the second vehicle have traveled through the predetermined positions within a predetermined period of time; the output characteristic information of the first vehicle includes at least a wheel output of the first vehicle, and the output characteristic information of the second vehicle includes at least a wheel output of the second vehicle; The vehicle is characterized in that an output difference resulting from a difference between the wheel output of the first vehicle and the wheel output of the second vehicle is calculated as the comparison information.

Images