Vehicle information processing device and vehicle information processing program

Abstract

To provide a vehicle information processing device and a vehicle information processing program capable of processing information relating to a vehicle with a simple operation.SOLUTION: One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing device including a control unit that combines a driving video captured while a vehicle is traveling with vehicle information acquired from the vehicle, the control unit has a function of controlling the storage of driving video in association with the shooting time, and storing vehicle information acquired using the vehicle's OBD (On Board Diagnostics) in association with the driving time, and a function of generating a composite video in which the driving video and the vehicle information are combined in a preset screen layout so that the time information of the shooting time and the driving time match each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle information processing apparatus and a vehicle information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] When a vehicle travels on a predetermined course such as a circuit, it may be necessary to measure the lap time or section time for each lap. Generally, an antenna is buried in advance at a predetermined position of the course, and a measurement system that starts / stops time measurement by receiving a signal from the antenna with a receiver (transponder) mounted on the traveling vehicle is used. Depending on the measurement system, instead of an antenna, a magnetic bar is buried, and there is also a system that determines the passage of the magnetic bar by a magnetic sensor mounted on the vehicle and starts / stops time measurement.

[0003] In these measurement systems, it is necessary to bury an antenna or a magnetic bar in the course in advance as facilities on the circuit side and prepare equipment for controlling time measurement. Since such a measurement system is costly, there is also a device that simply measures the traveling time only on the vehicle side. For example, there is a device that determines the lap of the circuit by detecting the position information of the traveling vehicle by GPS (Global Positioning System) and performs time measurement.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle lap time measurement device that calculates the straight line of the goal line from the position information by GPS and measures the time required from when the vehicle passes the goal line until it makes one lap around the circuit and reaches the goal line again.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a time measurement device that generates a time measurement course on a map based on map data and measures the driving time based on radio waves from GPS satellites, in order to reduce costs and ease restrictions on measurement locations. Patent Document 3 discloses a time measurement device that improves the measurement accuracy of the vehicle's passage time at a predetermined reference position based on satellite signals from positioning satellites. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-088136 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-108231 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-228161 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] When measuring lap times and section times while driving on a designated course such as a circuit, it is possible to do so with a simple configuration without using a measurement system installed on the course. Such GPS-based time measurement devices should ideally be easy to operate without placing an excessive burden on the driver, and should also be highly accurate.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle information processing device and a vehicle information processing program that can process information related to a vehicle, such as measuring driving time with high accuracy using GPS location information with simple operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing device having a function for measuring the time required when a vehicle travels a predetermined course, comprising: a GPS receiving unit that acquires vehicle position information at a predetermined sampling rate; a reference position designation unit that generates a reference position designation signal when the vehicle is located at a desired reference position on the course; a reference position acquisition unit that acquires the vehicle position information received by the GPS receiving unit as reference position coordinates based on the timing of receiving the reference position designation signal generated by the reference position designation unit; a detection area calculation unit that calculates a rectangular detection area including the reference position coordinates acquired by the reference position acquisition unit and having two sides parallel to the vehicle's travel line; and a time measurement unit that measures the time required from when the current position coordinates received by the GPS receiving unit during vehicle travel until the vehicle leaves the inside of the detection area and re-enters the inside of the detection area.

[0010] With this configuration, while the vehicle is driving on the course, a position on the course that will serve as the reference for measuring the driving time is specified during the vehicle's movement, thereby setting a starting and stopping point (reference position coordinate) for measuring the driving time. Once the reference position coordinate is set, a rectangular detection area is calculated that includes this reference position coordinate and has two sides parallel to the vehicle's driving line. In measuring the driving time, the time taken from when the current position coordinate received by the GPS receiver during the vehicle's movement leaves the inside of the rectangular detection area and re-enters the inside of the rectangular detection area is measured. Since the actual course on which the vehicle drives has a certain width, setting a rectangular detection area makes it easier to absorb deviations in the driving line on the course and GPS errors.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing device for processing information when a vehicle is traveling on a course, comprising: a GPS receiving unit that acquires vehicle position information at a predetermined sampling rate; a reference position acquisition unit that acquires the coordinates of a desired reference position on the course as reference position information; a detection area calculation unit that calculates a rectangular detection area overlapping the course, including the reference position coordinates indicated by the reference position information detected by the reference position acquisition unit; and a storage unit that stores date and time information and vehicle position information when the current position coordinates received by the GPS receiving unit during vehicle travel move from outside to inside the detection area.

[0012] With this configuration, once a reference position coordinate is set in advance, a rectangular detection area is calculated that includes this reference position coordinate and overlaps with the course. Then, the date and time information and the vehicle's position information when the current position coordinate received by the GPS receiver while the vehicle is driving enter the rectangular detection area from outside to inside are stored in the memory unit. Since the actual course on which the vehicle travels has a certain width, setting a rectangular detection area makes it easier to absorb deviations in the driving line on the course and GPS errors.

[0013] In the above-described vehicle information processing device, the detection area calculation unit may calculate the driving line from the reference position coordinates and the vehicle's position information received by the GPS receiver immediately before or after receiving the reference position designation signal, and calculate a rectangular detection area consisting of the front and rear areas along the driving line centered on the reference position coordinates and the left and right areas along the direction perpendicular to the driving line. This makes it possible to automatically set a rectangular detection area based on the vehicle's driving line centered on the reference position coordinates.

[0014] In the above-described vehicle information processing device, the detection area calculation unit may perform a correction to expand or offset the detection area in one direction perpendicular to the driving line, according to the direction of the curve of the course before and after the reference position coordinates. This makes it possible to adjust the detection area to fit the width direction of the course by assuming where the vehicle's driving line is located in the width direction of the course based on the course layout.

[0015] In the above-described vehicle information processing device, the detection area calculation unit may change the size of the detection area according to the vehicle's speed at the time the reference position acquisition unit receives the reference position designation signal. This increases the probability of acquiring GPS location information of a moving vehicle within the detection area and improves measurement accuracy.

[0016] In the above-described vehicle information processing device, the detection area calculation unit may change the size of the detection area according to at least one of the sampling rate at which the GPS receiver acquires the vehicle's position information and the vehicle's speed. This increases the probability of acquiring the GPS position information of a moving vehicle within the detection area and improves measurement accuracy.

[0017] In the above-described vehicle information processing device, the detection area calculation unit may calculate multiple detection areas on the course, and the required time measurement unit may measure the time required from when the current position coordinates leave one of the multiple detection areas and enter another detection area. This makes it possible to measure the time for each section of the course.

[0018] The above-described vehicle information processing device may further include a correction calculation unit that, when the current position coordinates move from outside to inside the detection area, calculates a correction value for the required time based on the distance obtained from the difference between the current position coordinates and the reference position coordinates in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and the time per unit distance obtained from the vehicle's most recent speed. The required time measurement unit may then correct the measured required time based on the correction value and calculate the corrected required time. This makes it possible to correct the error in the measured time caused by the error between the position where GPS position information is obtained within the detection area and the reference position coordinates.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing program for measuring the time required when a vehicle travels a predetermined course, which causes a computer to execute: a GPS reception step for acquiring vehicle location information; a reference position designation step for generating a reference position designation signal when the vehicle is located at a desired reference position on the course; a reference position acquisition step for acquiring the vehicle location information received in the GPS reception step as reference position coordinates based on the timing of receiving the reference position designation signal generated in the reference position designation step; a detection area calculation step for calculating a rectangular detection area that includes the reference position coordinates acquired in the reference position acquisition step and has two sides parallel to the vehicle's travel line; and a time measurement step for measuring the time required when the current position coordinates received in the GPS reception step move out of the detection area and then re-enter the detection area while the vehicle is traveling.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle information processing program for processing information when a vehicle is traveling on a course, which causes a computer to execute: a GPS reception step for acquiring vehicle location information; a reference location acquisition step for acquiring the coordinates of a desired reference location on the course as reference location information; a detection area calculation step for calculating a rectangular detection area that overlaps with the course and includes the reference location coordinates indicated by the reference location information detected in the reference location acquisition step; and a storage step for storing date and time information and vehicle location information when the current location coordinates received in the GPS reception step while the vehicle is traveling move from outside to inside the detection area.

[0021] In the above-described vehicle information processing program, the detection area calculation step may calculate the vehicle's driving line from the reference position coordinates and the vehicle's position information received in the GPS reception step immediately before or immediately after receiving the reference position designation signal, and calculate a rectangular detection area consisting of the front and rear areas along the driving line centered on the reference position coordinates and the left and right areas along the direction perpendicular to the driving line.

[0022] In the vehicle information processing program, the detection area calculation step may perform correction to expand or offset the detection area in one direction orthogonal to the travel line according to the direction of the curve of the course before and after the reference position coordinates.

[0023] In the vehicle information processing program, the detection area calculation step may change the size of the detection area according to the speed of the vehicle at the timing when the reference position designation signal is received in the reference position acquisition step.

[0024] In the vehicle information processing program, the detection area calculation step may change the size of the detection area according to at least either the sampling rate for acquiring the position information of the vehicle in the GPS reception step or the speed of the vehicle.

[0025] In the vehicle information processing program, the detection area calculation step may calculate a plurality of detection areas on the course, and the required time measurement step may measure the required time until the current position coordinates exit from the inside of one of the plurality of detection areas and enter the inside of another detection area.

[0026] In the vehicle information processing program, at the stage when the current position coordinates enter from the outside to the inside of the detection area, a correction calculation step for calculating a correction value of the required time based on the distance obtained from the difference between the current position coordinates and the reference position coordinates in the traveling direction of the vehicle and the time per unit travel distance obtained from the latest speed of the vehicle is further provided, and the required time measurement step may correct the measured required time based on the correction value to calculate the corrected required time.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle information processing device and a vehicle information processing program that can perform processing of information related to a vehicle, such as measuring the travel time with high accuracy by a simple operation using the position information of GPS.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart illustrates an information processing method using the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection area. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection area and the travel line. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram explaining error correction. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the setting of the detection area. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a comparative example. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example using a detection area. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the differences in detection based on the course layout. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram explaining how section times are measured. [Figure 11] This flowchart illustrates a method for measuring section times using the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart illustrates a method for measuring section times using the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correction of the detection area. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram illustrating a driving video upload system that performs combined uploading of video footage and vehicle information. [Figure 15] This flowchart illustrates a method for uploading a composite image of video and vehicle information. [Figure 16] This is an example diagram of a menu screen. [Figure 17] (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating screens related to the camera. [Figure 18](a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the settings screen. [Figure 19] (a) is an example of a camera image, and (b) is an example of a settings screen. [Figure 20] (a) is an example of the settings screen, and (b) is an example of the video selection screen. [Figure 21] (a) is a diagram illustrating a video playback screen, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a social media posting screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for identical components, and components that have already been described will be omitted from the description as appropriate.

[0030] (Configuration of the vehicle information processing system) Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. The vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that has the function of measuring the time required for a vehicle to travel on a predetermined course. The course includes not only a circuit but also courses that do not involve laps (rally courses, gymkhana courses, public roads, etc.). The vehicle includes mobile vehicles such as automobiles, race cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. In this embodiment, the explanation will mainly focus on the case of measuring the travel time of an automobile traveling on a circuit.

[0031] The vehicle information processing device 1 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 50, a reference designation unit 11, a reference position acquisition unit 12, a detection area calculation unit 13, and a required time measurement unit 14. In this embodiment, the vehicle information processing device 1 also includes an input unit 10, an output unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40. The reference designation unit 11, the reference position acquisition unit 12, the detection area calculation unit 13, and the required time measurement unit 14 may be included in the control unit 40. The control unit 40 may also include a correction calculation unit 15.

[0032] The vehicle information processing device 1 is installed in a vehicle traveling on a course. Each component of the vehicle information processing device 1 may be incorporated into a single enclosure, or it may be configured in separate enclosures as needed.

[0033] The input unit 10 is, for example, a button or the input part of a touch panel. The output unit 20 is, for example, the display part of a display or touch panel, or a speaker that outputs sound. The storage unit 30 is, for example, non-volatile memory. The control unit 40 is the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each of the units.

[0034] The GPS receiver 50 acquires vehicle position information at a predetermined sampling rate using GPS satellites. The reference designation unit 11 generates a reference position designation signal when the vehicle is located at a desired reference position on the course. For example, when the driver reaches a desired reference position on the course while driving the vehicle, the reference designation unit 11 generates a reference position designation signal by operating the input unit 10. The reference designation unit 11 may also generate a reference position designation signal when it receives a signal sent from outside the vehicle.

[0035] The reference position acquisition unit 12 acquires the vehicle's position information received by the GPS receiver unit 50 as reference position coordinates based on the timing of receiving the reference position designation signal generated by the reference designation unit 11. In other words, the reference position coordinates are GPS position information (latitude, longitude, etc. of the reference position) corresponding to a desired reference position on the course.

[0036] The detection area calculation unit 13 calculates a detection area that includes the reference position coordinates acquired by the reference position acquisition unit 12 and has two sides that are parallel (including substantially parallel) to the vehicle's travel line. A basic example of the detection area calculation by the detection area calculation unit 13 is to define the detection area as a rectangular region that has pre-set ranges in front, behind, to the left and right in the direction of travel of the vehicle, centered on the reference position coordinates.

[0037] For example, a rectangular area (a rectangle measuring 10m x 20m) is calculated as the detection area, with a range of 5 meters (m) in front of and behind the reference position coordinates, and 10m (m) to the left and right of the reference position coordinates. Preferably, the front, back, left, and right ranges are stored as initial values ​​in the storage unit 30. The front, back, left, and right ranges are values ​​that take into account the error range of GPS in the direction of vehicle travel, and the left and right ranges are values ​​that take into account the width of a typical circuit. Note that the front, back, left, and right ranges may be changeable by the user. An example of the detection area calculation by the detection area calculation unit 13 will be described later.

[0038] The time measurement unit 14 measures the time required from the current position coordinates received by the GPS receiver unit 50 while the vehicle is in motion until the vehicle leaves the detection area and re-enters the detection area. The correction calculation unit 15 corrects the error in the measurement time based on the error between the position where GPS position information was acquired within the detection area and the reference position coordinates. The error correction by the correction calculation unit 15 will be described later.

[0039] According to the vehicle information processing device 1 with this configuration, when the vehicle is driving on the course, a position on the course that will serve as the reference for measuring the driving time is specified while the vehicle is driving, thereby setting a position (reference position coordinate) that will trigger the start and stop of the driving time measurement. Once this reference position coordinate is set, a rectangular detection area is calculated that includes this reference position coordinate and has two sides parallel to the vehicle's driving line.

[0040] In measuring driving time, the time taken for the current position coordinates received by the GPS receiver 50 during vehicle operation to move out of the rectangular detection area and re-enter the rectangular detection area is measured. Since the actual course on which the vehicle travels has a certain width, setting a rectangular detection area makes it easier to absorb deviations in the driving line on the course and GPS errors. In addition, because the rectangle of the detection area is composed of two sides parallel to the driving line and two sides perpendicular to the driving line, the boundary of the detection area is set in a straight line in the width direction of the course, allowing for stable detection regardless of where the vehicle passes in the width direction of the course.

[0041] (Method for measuring running times) Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring driving time using the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S101, GPS reception and recording are performed. When the vehicle information processing device 1 receives power from the vehicle, the GPS receiving unit 50 starts receiving GPS location information and records the received location information in the storage unit 30. The GPS receiving unit 50 receives signals from GPS satellites at a predetermined sampling rate, acquires location information, and sequentially records it in the storage unit 30.

[0042] Next, as shown in step S102, it is determined whether or not a reference position designation signal has been received. The reference position designation signal is received by the reference position acquisition unit 12 of the control unit 40. When measuring driving time by driving a vehicle on a course, it is necessary to set a reference position that will serve as the start / stop point for time measurement. In this embodiment, for example, the driver specifies a desired reference position while the vehicle is driving on the course.

[0043] For example, when the vehicle is positioned at a desired reference position on the course, the driver operates the input unit 10 (for example, by pressing a button). This causes the reference position designation unit 11 to output a reference position designation signal. In step S102, it is determined whether the reference position designation signal output from the reference position designation unit 11 has been acquired by the reference position acquisition unit 12. If it has not been acquired, the process returns to step S101, and GPS reception and recording are repeated.

[0044] In circuit driving, when measuring the time for one lap (lap time), the control line set on the course is generally set as the reference position. However, even if one attempts to obtain position information by specifying the control line of the circuit from map information published on the internet, it is not possible to specify it accurately due to the limitations of the map's magnification. Furthermore, map information alone does not provide information on the direction of travel of the vehicle. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the vehicle is actually driving on the course and reaches the reference position, for example, the driver operates the input unit 10, and the reference designation unit 11 generates a reference position designation signal. Note that the reference designation unit 11 may also generate a reference position designation signal when it receives a signal sent from outside the vehicle, in addition to the driver's operation of the input unit 10.

[0045] Next, as shown in step S103, reference position information is acquired. Based on the timing of receiving the reference position designation signal output from the reference designation unit 11, the reference position acquisition unit 12 acquires the vehicle's position information received by the GPS receiver unit 50 as reference position coordinates.

[0046] Next, as shown in step S104, the detection area is calculated. The detection area is calculated by the detection area calculation unit 13 of the control unit 40. The detection area calculation unit 13 receives the reference position coordinates obtained by the reference position acquisition unit 12 and calculates a rectangular detection area that includes these reference position coordinates and has two sides parallel to the vehicle's travel line.

[0047] Next, as shown in step S105, time measurement is performed. Time measurement is performed by the required time measurement unit 14 of the control unit 40. For the first time measurement after the reference position designation signal is output by the reference designation unit 11, the required time measurement unit 14 sets the timing of the output of the reference position designation signal as the start of time measurement.

[0048] Next, as shown in step S106, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has re-entered the detection area. The time measurement unit 14 starts measuring the time, and then determines whether the vehicle's position information received by the GPS receiver 50 has moved from inside the detection area to outside and then back inside the detection area. If the vehicle has not re-entered the detection area (i.e., is outside the detection area), the process returns to step S105 and the time measurement continues.

[0049] On the other hand, if the vehicle re-enters the detection area, the measured time is output as shown in step S107, assuming the vehicle has completed one lap of the course (lap time output). The lap time is displayed on the output unit 20, for example, on a display.

[0050] Then, as shown in step S108, if the measurement is to be terminated, the time measurement process is terminated; if the measurement is to be continued, the process returns to step S105 and the subsequent processing is repeated. As a result, for time measurements from the second lap onward, the lap time for each lap is measured simultaneously with the end of the time measurement for the previous lap and the start of the time measurement for the next lap. In other words, from the second lap onward, each time the vehicle's position information received by the GPS receiver 50 enters the detection area again, the lap time is automatically measured and output to the output unit 20.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection area. When vehicle M is traveling on course C, for example, if the driver specifies a desired reference position, a reference position specification signal is output from the reference position specification unit 11, and the vehicle's position information received by the GPS receiver unit 50 based on the timing of receiving the reference position specification signal becomes the reference position coordinate RP. The detection area calculation unit 13 calculates a rectangular detection area SA that includes the reference position coordinate and has two sides parallel to the vehicle's travel line.

[0052] One example of calculating the detection area SA is to define a rectangular region as the detection area SA, with a length L (for example, several meters) in front of and behind the vehicle M in the direction of travel D, centered on the reference position coordinate RP, and a width W (for example, several meters) in the left and right directions relative to the direction of travel D of the vehicle M, centered on the reference position coordinate RP.

[0053] In a typical circuit course C, the width is about 20m, so the length (width) of the detection area SA in the left-right direction should be about 20m. Also, the length (length) of the detection area SA in the front-back direction should be about 10m, taking into account the error range of GPS. The direction of travel D of the vehicle M is calculated from the reference position coordinates RP and the position information of the vehicle M received by the GPS receiver 50 immediately before or after receiving the reference position designation signal. In calculating the direction of travel D, information on the vehicle M's driving line (driving trajectory TL) and information on the vehicle M's direction of travel (direction of travel) D are obtained.

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the detection area and the travel line. When vehicle M is driven on the circuit, the driving line of vehicle M (where it passes in the direction of the course width) may differ from lap to lap (see Figures 4(a) and (b)). By setting a rectangular area as the detection area SA, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not vehicle M has entered the detection area SA, even if the driving line of vehicle M shifts in the width direction of course C from lap to lap.

[0055] (Error correction) Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating error correction. In this embodiment, a rectangular detection area SA is set, and the timing of vehicle M entering this detection area SA is used as a trigger for starting / stopping the measurement of the driving time. Therefore, depending on the timing of acquisition of position information by the GPS receiver 50, a discrepancy (error) may occur between the set reference position and the start / stop position of the time measurement.

[0056] Figures 5(a) and (c) show the case where the timing at which vehicle M first acquires GPS position information after entering the detection area SA is before the reference position coordinate RP in the direction of travel, and Figure 5(b) shows the case where the timing at which vehicle M first acquires GPS position information after entering the detection area SA is ahead of the reference position coordinate RP in the direction of travel. If a correction calculation unit 15 is provided in the control unit 40, this error is corrected by the correction calculation unit 15.

[0057] One example of error correction by the correction calculation unit 15 is to correct the lap time based on the relationship between the difference between the position information of vehicle M acquired by the GPS receiver 50 and the reference position coordinate RP, and the speed of vehicle M, when vehicle M enters the detection area SA.

[0058] Specifically, the correction calculation unit 15 acquires the position information of the vehicle M from the GPS receiver 50 at a predetermined sampling rate, and calculates the distance in the direction of travel D of the vehicle M from the current position coordinates CP of the vehicle M acquired when the vehicle M enters the detection area SA from outside to inside, and from the reference position coordinates RP. The correction calculation unit 15 also calculates the time per unit distance traveled, which is obtained from the vehicle M's most recent speed.

[0059] The most recent speed of vehicle M may be calculated from the position information and sampling time immediately before or after acquiring the current position coordinates CP, or it may be calculated using vehicle speed information (such as a vehicle speed pulse) that can be obtained from vehicle M.

[0060] The correction calculation unit 15 then calculates a correction value for the lap time based on the distance obtained from the difference between the current position coordinate CP and the reference position coordinate RP, and the time per unit distance traveled obtained from the vehicle M's most recent speed.

[0061] For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), if the distance d1 in the direction of travel D between the vehicle M's current position coordinate CP, acquired when the vehicle M enters the detection area SA from outside, and the reference position coordinate RP is -2m, and the vehicle M's most recent speed is 120km / h, then the lap time error is 0.06 seconds. The correction calculation unit 15 adds the error of 0.06 seconds to the lap time measured by the time measurement unit 14 and outputs the corrected lap time to the output unit 20. The correction calculation unit 15 also instructs the time measurement unit 14 to add 0.06 seconds to the start time of the next lap's lap time measurement.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), if the distance d2 in the direction of travel D between the current position coordinates of vehicle M, obtained when vehicle M enters the detection area SA from outside, and the reference position coordinates is +1.5m, and the most recent speed of vehicle M was 150km / h, then the lap time error is 0.036 seconds (s).

[0063] The correction calculation unit 15 subtracts an error of 0.036 seconds from the lap time measured by the time measurement unit 14 and outputs the corrected lap time to the output unit 20. The correction calculation unit 15 also instructs the time measurement unit 14 to subtract 0.036 seconds from the start time of measuring the lap time for the next lap. This corrects the error in measurement time that is caused by the error between the position where GPS position information is acquired within the detection area and the reference position coordinate RP.

[0064] Furthermore, when measuring driving time such as lap times and correcting errors using the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, GPS signal reception may be lost (satellite loss), especially in tunnels, urban areas (places with many obstacles such as buildings), and mountainous areas. To account for this satellite loss, it is advisable to constantly acquire vehicle speed information from the vehicle M's OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) and use this information to correct errors in time measurement and distance traveled.

[0065] Specifically, when GPS satellite signals are temporarily insufficient, such as in tunnels, urban areas with many skyscrapers, or mountainous regions, the vehicle speed information obtained from the OBD is used to determine the distance traveled by vehicle M. In other words, since the vehicle speed information obtained from the OBD is always used to calculate the distance traveled by vehicle M, the distance and time traveled are interpolated using the distance and time from the time of satellite loss until the GPS signal is re-acquired.

[0066] Furthermore, since time is accumulated using a crystal inside the hardware, the distance traveled can be calculated using the time (accumulated value) during periods of satellite loss and the vehicle speed during that time (average vehicle speed), and then interpolated when the GPS signal is re-acquired. Alternatively, if the distance of one lap has already been determined, the travel time can be calculated from the distance traveled and the time traveled. In addition, the vehicle's attitude change can be determined from vehicle speed information, acceleration information, and gyro sensor information obtained from the OBD, and the vehicle's travel direction and trajectory can also be obtained.

[0067] (Setting the detection area) Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the setting of the detection area. In the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, a rectangular detection area SA is calculated by the detection area calculation unit 13 (see Figure 1). When measuring the driving time of vehicle M, the start / stop of time measurement is triggered by whether or not the GPS location information of vehicle M has moved from outside to inside this detection area SA. Furthermore, GPS location information is acquired by the GPS receiver unit 50 at a predetermined sampling rate. In addition, errors may occur in the acquisition of GPS location information.

[0068] For example, if vehicle M is traveling at 100 km / h and the sampling rate is 10 times / second, the GPS location acquisition pitch SP will be approximately 2.8 m. The GPS location error E varies depending on the type of GPS satellite and the surrounding environment, but is typically between a few meters and several tens of meters.

[0069] In this embodiment, for calculating the detection area SA, the width of a typical circuit course is set in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle M (width direction), and a value is set in the direction of travel of the vehicle M (longitudinal direction) D that is expected from the vehicle speed of the vehicle M, the GPS position information acquisition pitch SP obtained from the GPS sampling rate, and the GPS position information error E.

[0070] As an example, if SP is the pitch for acquiring GPS position information, which is determined from the vehicle M's speed and GPS sampling rate, and E is the error in the GPS position information, then the length D in the direction of vehicle M's movement (longitudinal direction) of the rectangular detection area SA is 2 × SP + E. In the specific example shown above, if the pitch SP = approximately 2.8m and the error E = approximately 5m, the longitudinal length of the detection area SA will be 2 × approximately 2.8m + approximately 5m = approximately 10.6m. This ensures that at least one GPS position information can be reliably received in the detection area SA, taking into account the vehicle speed, sampling rate, and GPS error. Furthermore, if the width of the detection area SA is set to approximately 20m, which is the typical width of course C, then even if the vehicle M's driving line deviates in the width direction of course C, the GPS position information can be reliably received in the detection area SA.

[0071] In this embodiment, the detection area calculation unit 13 may change the size of the detection area SA according to the speed of the vehicle M at the time the reference position designation signal is received by the reference position acquisition unit 12. For example, the faster the speed of the vehicle M at the time the reference position designation signal is received, the longer the length L (length D in the direction of travel of the vehicle M) used to calculate the detection area SA is made, and the slower the speed of the vehicle M, the shorter the length L used to calculate the detection area SA is made. This increases the probability of acquiring GPS position information of the moving vehicle M within the detection area SA and improves measurement accuracy.

[0072] Furthermore, the detection area calculation unit 13 may change the size of the detection area SA according to the sampling rate at which the GPS receiver 50 acquires the position information of the vehicle M. For example, the lower the sampling rate of GPS position information at the GPS receiver 50, the longer the length L (length D in the direction of travel of the vehicle M) used to calculate the detection area SA may be made, and the higher the sampling rate, the shorter the length L used to calculate the detection area SA may be made. This increases the probability of acquiring GPS position information of the moving vehicle M within the detection area SA and improves measurement accuracy.

[0073] Here, the direction of travel D of vehicle M can be determined from the distance traveled and direction of movement (time change of position) obtained from GPS location information. In addition, if satellite signals are lost, the direction of travel D and the current position of vehicle M can also be determined from the vehicle M's speed information obtained from OBD and information from the acceleration sensor. In other words, since GPS location information and vehicle speed information from OBD are normally continuously acquired, the current position and driving trajectory (map information) of vehicle M can be obtained from the vehicle speed and acceleration sensor information, and the direction of travel D of vehicle M can also be determined.

[0074] Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is moving in the same direction near the detection area SA and to supplement the accumulation of lap times. For example, if the position of vehicle M is close to the detection area SA (for example, within a range that extends the detection area SA by approximately 2 to 10 times in the direction of travel D (forward and backward extension range)), it is determined whether vehicle M is approaching or moving away from the detection area SA from the direction of travel D of vehicle M. If GPS position information within the detection area SA cannot be obtained between the time when it is determined that vehicle M is approaching the detection area SA and the time when it is determined that vehicle M is moving away from the detection area SA, it may be possible to determine that the vehicle has entered the detection area SA at an intermediate time between the time when it was last determined that the vehicle was approaching the detection area SA and the time when it was first determined that the vehicle was moving away from the detection area SA, and measure the lap time.

[0075] Additionally, when driving around Course C, the distance of one lap can be accumulated. If satellite signal loss occurs, the time taken to drive the lap, which is the distance of one lap pre-calculated from the vehicle speed information and driving time from the OBD, can be used as the lap time.

[0076] (Comparative example) Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a comparative example. In the comparative example, the vehicle information processing device calculates the starting line SL as a straight line based on location information received by GPS, acquires the GPS location information of the vehicle M in motion, and measures the time when the vehicle has completed a lap if its location information crosses the straight line of the starting line SL. In this case, if there is an error in the location information acquired by GPS, the following situation may occur.

[0077] First, as shown in Figure 7(a), when GPS location information is acquired while the moving vehicle M is positioned before the start line SL, there is a possibility of false detection occurring in the portion S1 of the GPS error range E (circular area in the figure) that exceeds the start line SL. In this case, although the vehicle M is actually positioned before the start line SL, if false detection occurs in the portion S1 when acquiring location information by GPS, the system will mistakenly determine that the vehicle M has crossed the start line SL.

[0078] Next, as shown in Figure 7(b), if GPS location information is acquired when a moving vehicle M is positioned beyond the starting line SL, there is a possibility of false detection occurring in the portion S2 of the GPS error range E (circular area in the figure) that does not cross the starting line SL. In this case, although the vehicle M is actually positioned beyond the starting line SL, if false detection occurs in the portion S2 when acquiring location information by GPS, it will be incorrectly determined that the vehicle M has not crossed the starting line SL.

[0079] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example using a detection area. The example using a detection area shown in Figure 8 is an embodiment of this product. Figure 8(a) shows a case where the relationship between the moving vehicle M and the start line SL (reference position) is the same as in 7(a). In this case, even if a false detection occurs in the portion S1 that exceeds the start line SL within the range of GPS error E (circular area in the figure), if the portion S1 is within the detection area SA, it can be determined that the vehicle has entered the detection area SA.

[0080] Figure 8(b) shows a case where the relationship between the moving vehicle M and the start line SL (reference position) is the same as in 7(b). In this case, even if a false detection occurs in the portion S2 within the range of GPS error E (circular area in the figure) that does not exceed the start line SL, if the portion S2 is within the detection area SA, it can be determined that the vehicle has entered the detection area SA.

[0081] In other words, compared to determining the start line SL using a linear formula and deciding whether or not the vehicle has crossed it, determining whether or not the vehicle has entered the detection area SA allows for more accurate determination of the start / stop trigger.

[0082] In particular, when measuring the travel time of vehicle M, since vehicle M moves in one direction on a predetermined width course, setting a rectangular detection area SA allows for accurate determination of whether or not the moving vehicle M has reached a reference position. Furthermore, calculating whether or not the vehicle is within the rectangular detection area SA is easier than calculating whether or not it has crossed a straight line based on GPS location information.

[0083] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the differences in detection based on the course layout. In the case of the course C layout shown in Figure 9, if the start line SL is represented as a straight line, course C will intersect the extension of the start line SL multiple times. In this case, the vehicle will cross the straight line of the start line SL in the direction of the arrow (from bottom to top in the figure) at the positions of the start line SL shown in (1) and (2) on course C. In other words, the vehicle will cross the straight line twice while completing one lap of course C, which will lead to an incorrect lap count.

[0084] On the other hand, if a rectangular detection area SA is set as in this embodiment, the detection area SA is limited to a predetermined area including the start line SL of course C. Therefore, regardless of the course layout, it is possible to accurately detect that the vehicle has completed one lap of course C and to accurately measure the lap time for one lap.

[0085] (Measurement of section times) Next, I will explain how section times are measured. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the measurement of section times. In the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the detection area calculation unit 13 may calculate multiple detection areas SA on course C. In the example shown in Figure 10, three detection areas SA1 to SA3 are set on one lap of course C. In this case, the time required measurement unit 14 measures the time required from when the coordinates of the current position of the vehicle traveling on course C, as determined by the GPS receiver unit 50, move out of one of the multiple detection areas SA1 to SA3 and enter the inside of another detection area. This makes it possible to measure the section time of course C.

[0086] Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating a method for measuring section times using the vehicle information processing device according to this embodiment. First, as shown in step S201, the number of sections is obtained. The number of sections can be arbitrarily set in advance by the driver. The information on the number of sections is stored in the storage unit 30, and the control unit 40 obtains the information on the number of sections stored in the storage unit 30.

[0087] Next, as shown in step S202, GPS reception and recording are performed. When the vehicle information processing device 1 receives power from the vehicle, the GPS receiving unit 50 starts receiving GPS location information and records the received location information in the storage unit 30. The GPS receiving unit 50 receives signals from GPS satellites at a predetermined sampling rate, acquires location information, and sequentially records it in the storage unit 30.

[0088] Next, as shown in step S203, it is determined whether or not a reference position designation signal has been received. The reference position designation signal is received by the reference position acquisition unit 12 of the control unit 40. When measuring section time, the driver, for example, specifies a desired reference position for which they want to measure the section time while the vehicle is driving on the course. For example, the driver operates the input unit 10 (for example, by pressing a button) while the vehicle is positioned at the desired reference position on the course. As a result, a reference position designation signal is output from the reference designation unit 11. In step S203, it is determined whether or not the reference position designation signal output from the reference designation unit 11 has been acquired by the reference position acquisition unit 12. If it has not been acquired, the process returns to step S202, and GPS reception and recording are repeated.

[0089] Next, as shown in step S204, reference position information is acquired. Based on the timing of receiving the reference position designation signal output from the reference designation unit 11, the reference position acquisition unit 12 acquires the vehicle's position information received by the GPS receiver unit 50 as reference position coordinates.

[0090] Next, as shown in step S205, the detection area is calculated. The detection area is calculated by the detection area calculation unit 13 of the control unit 40. The detection area calculation unit 13 receives the reference position coordinates obtained by the reference position acquisition unit 12 and calculates a rectangular detection area that includes these reference position coordinates and has two sides parallel to the vehicle's travel line.

[0091] Next, as shown in step S206, it is determined whether or not there is another section. If there is another section, the process returns to step S202, and the next detection area is calculated based on the reference position specified by the driver or the like at the boundary of the next section.

[0092] After calculating the detection area for the number of sections obtained in step S201, it is determined whether the vehicle has entered the detection area again, as shown in step S207. That is, calculating the detection area for the last section and entering the next detection area means that the vehicle has entered the detection area initially set on the course. This initiates time measurement, as shown in step S208. Time measurement is performed by the required time measurement unit 14 of the control unit 40.

[0093] Next, as shown in step S209, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has entered the next detection area. The time measurement unit 14 starts measuring the time, and then determines whether the vehicle's position information received by the GPS receiver 50 has moved from inside the detection area to outside and then entered inside the next detection area. If the vehicle has not entered the next detection area (is outside the detection area), the unit returns to step S208 and continues measuring the time. On the other hand, if the vehicle has entered the next detection area, the unit outputs the measured time as shown in step S210, assuming that the vehicle has traveled one section set on the course (section time output). The section time is displayed on the output unit 20, for example, on a display.

[0094] Next, as shown in step S211, a determination is made as to whether or not there is another section. If there is another section, the process returns to step S208, time is measured, and the section time is output when the next detection area is entered. If there is no next section, as shown in step S212, the section times measured up to that point are totaled, and as shown in step S213, the total time is output. The total section times are calculated by the required time measurement unit 14.

[0095] If the section time is measured for each section, the vehicle will have completed one lap of the course. Therefore, the total lap time can be calculated by summing the section times for each lap. The lap time is displayed on the output unit 20, for example, on a display. In this case, it is preferable to display the time of the last section along with the lap time.

[0096] Then, as shown in step S214, if the measurement is to be terminated, the time measurement process is terminated; if the measurement is to be continued, the process returns to step S208 and the subsequent processing is repeated. As a result, for time measurements from the second lap onward, the section time and lap time for each lap are measured and output to the output unit 20, as the time measurement for the next lap begins simultaneously with the end of the time measurement for the previous lap.

[0097] (Correction of detection area) Next, we will explain how to adjust the detection area according to the course layout. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the correction of the detection area. In the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the detection area calculation unit 13 may perform a correction to expand or offset the detection area SA in one direction perpendicular to the driving line, according to the direction of the curve of course C before and after the reference position coordinate RP. The correction of the detection area SA described below may be performed when the driver or the like selects to switch the control unit 40 from normal mode (no correction mode) to correction mode (correction enabled mode).

[0098] For example, in the case of course C with a layout as shown in Figure 13, vehicle M often follows the driving line shown by the dashed line in the figure. This is the line that is considered to allow vehicle M to travel quickly when driving on course C, which is composed of multiple curves (the so-called out-in-out driving line). Thus, the position of vehicle M in the width direction of course C on the driving line differs depending on the position of course C.

[0099] For example, at position P1 of course C shown in Figure 13, the vehicle M's driving line is slightly to the left in the width direction of course C (slightly to the left when facing the direction of travel D). Also, at position P2, the vehicle M's driving line is almost in the center of course C. And at position P3, the vehicle M's driving line is slightly to the right of course C (slightly to the right when facing the direction of travel D).

[0100] Increasing the detection area SA increases the probability of covering the entire width of course C, but making it too wide increases the likelihood of decreased measurement accuracy and false detections (detection outside the course). Therefore, it is preferable to set the detection area SA to the minimum necessary size.

[0101] When setting a detection area SA, the driver or other person sets a reference position while the vehicle M is traveling along course C. At that time, if the vehicle M is traveling close to one side in the width direction of course C, the detection area SA may shift in the width direction of course C. If the detection area SA is shifted in the width direction of course C and does not cover course C, there is a possibility that the vehicle M entering the detection area SA cannot be detected. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the detection area calculation unit 13 calculates the detection area SA, it performs a correction to expand or offset the detection area SA in one direction perpendicular to the driving line according to the course layout.

[0102] Here, the general driving line of vehicle M can be determined to some extent by the course layout, assuming the so-called out-in-out driving line is the principle. In the correction of the detection area SA in this embodiment, this characteristic is used to expand or offset the detection area SA.

[0103] Specifically, the direction of expansion or offset of the detection area SA is determined according to the direction of the curve (right turn, left turn) of the course before and after the position where the detection area SA is set. Since the vehicle information processing device 1 acquires position information with the GPS receiver 50 while the vehicle M is in motion, it can obtain the driving line (driving trajectory TL) and direction of travel D of course C. Based on this, it is possible to determine the direction of the curve (which way the curve is in relation to the direction of travel D of the vehicle M) before and after a predetermined position on course C.

[0104] Furthermore, in the so-called out-in-out driving line, the direction of the curves before and after a certain position can determine which direction the vehicle M's driving line is more likely to be on in the width direction of course C, as shown in (1) to (3) below.

[0105] (1) If both the curves before and after a certain position on course C are right curves, then vehicle M is likely to travel to the left side of the width of course C at that position. For example, at positions P1 and P4 in Figure 13, the curve before is a right curve (indicated as "right" in Figure 13; the same applies below), and the curve after is also a right curve. In this case, vehicle M is likely to travel to the left side of the width of course C at positions P1 and P4. (2) If both the curves before and after a certain position on course C are left curves, then vehicle M is likely to travel to the right side of the width of course C at that position. For example, at position P3 in Figure 13, the curve before it is a left curve (indicated as "left" in Figure 13; the same applies below), and the curve after it is also a left curve. In this case, vehicle M is likely to travel to the right side of the width of course C at position P3. (3) If the direction of the curves before and after a certain position on course C is such that one is a right curve and the other is a left curve, then vehicle M is likely to travel near the center of course C in the width direction at that position. For example, at position P2 in Figure 13, the curve before it is a right curve and the curve after it is a left curve. In this case, vehicle M is likely to travel near the center of course C at position P2.

[0106] When the driver or other person sets a reference position in a moving vehicle M, if the above condition (1) is met for the set reference position, the detection area calculation unit 13 performs a correction to expand or offset the detection area SA to the right in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle M's driving line. The amount of expansion or offset of the detection area SA can be a preset value, for example, about 1 / 2 to 1 / 3 of the width of the detection area SA. As a result, when the reference position is specified while the vehicle M is driving on the left side in the width direction of course C, the detection area SA expands or offsets to the right to more easily cover the width direction of course C.

[0107] Furthermore, when a reference position is set, if condition (2) above is met for that reference position, the detection area calculation unit 13 performs a correction to expand or offset the detection area SA to the left in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle M's driving line. As a result, when a reference position is specified while the vehicle M is driving on the right side in the width direction of course C, the detection area SA expands or offsets to the left, making it easier to cover the width direction of course C.

[0108] Furthermore, when a reference position is set, if condition (3) above is met for that reference position, the detection area calculation unit 13 does not expand or offset the detection area SA.

[0109] By correcting the detection area SA in this way, it is possible to adjust the detection area SA to fit the width of course C by assuming the position of the vehicle M's driving line in the width direction of course C based on the layout of course C.

[0110] (Recording of measurement information) In the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the storage unit 30 may record various types of information measured. For example, when the vehicle information processing device 1 measures the driving time (lap time or total time) when a vehicle M drives on course C, the storage unit 30 stores the date and time information (year / month / day / hour / minute / second, etc.) and the location information of the vehicle M when the vehicle M enters the detection area SA, based on the information received by the GPS receiver 50.

[0111] This recording should ideally be performed automatically when vehicle M enters detection area SA. Furthermore, it is preferable to store the recording in pre-configured folders (for example, folders separated by course C). This makes it easier to read, check, and manage (statistical processing and comparative processing) the measured times and driving history for each course C from the storage unit 30.

[0112] Furthermore, in the vehicle information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, the output unit 20 may also have a function to output measured information (log data output function). For example, the measured time and driving history recorded in the storage unit 30 may be displayed on the display which is the output unit 20, or they may be output to an external device (such as a mobile terminal or the vehicle's display).

[0113] The above example shows how to record information when vehicle M drives on circuit course C, but it is also possible to record information when vehicle M drives on public roads. In this case, a reference position coordinate on the public road is set in advance, and the detection area calculation unit 13 calculates the detection area SA based on this reference position coordinate. Then, when vehicle M enters the detection area SA, the date and time information of when vehicle M entered the detection area SA and the location information of vehicle M are stored in the storage unit 30 based on the information received by the GPS receiver unit 50.

[0114] In this embodiment, when accurate coordinate information can be obtained from map information, various databases, past driving history, etc., as a reference position coordinate, the reference position coordinate may be sent to the reference position acquisition unit 12, and the detection area calculation unit 13 may calculate the detection area SA from the reference position coordinate. In this case, the detection area calculation unit 13 may calculate the detection area SA, which includes the reference position coordinate and is a quadrilateral (square, rectangle, parallelogram, rhombus, etc.) that overlaps with the course.

[0115] This allows the system to record in its history when the vehicle enters a detection area SA, which includes a pre-set reference point on the course. Alternatively, the system can notify the driver via the display or speaker (output unit 20) when the vehicle M enters the detection area SA. For example, by pre-setting a target point or destination as a reference point, the system can record and notify the driver when the vehicle M reaches that target point or destination (enters the detection area SA). This makes it easier for the driver to understand when they have reached their target point or destination.

[0116] Examples of databases used to obtain coordinate information that serves as a reference position include those containing coordinate information for landmarks, buildings, circuits, facilities, speed enforcement points, road warning locations, gas stations, charging infrastructure, and locations where vehicle maintenance is possible.

[0117] Furthermore, if reference position coordinates are obtained from map information, for example, a reference position coordinate on a road may be specified, and a direction that can be considered as the direction of the road may be obtained from a straight line connecting the position coordinates on the road before and after that reference position coordinate, and a rectangular area with two parallel sides perpendicular to that direction may be calculated as the detection area SA. Alternatively, a rectangular area with two sides parallel to the direction that can be considered as the direction of the road may be calculated as the detection area SA.

[0118] When obtaining coordinate information from past driving history, the user specifies the desired reference position from the driving trajectory included in the vehicle M's driving history (for example, the driving trajectory shown on a map) using a touch panel or the like. The reference position acquisition unit 12 obtains the reference position coordinates corresponding to this specified position from the coordinate information of the driving trajectory. The detection area calculation unit 13 then obtains the driving direction of the vehicle M when it passed the reference position coordinates from the driving direction of the vehicle M included in the driving history (the direction of driving obtained from information such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and gyro sensor), and may calculate a rectangular area SA that includes the reference position coordinates and has two sides that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to that driving direction. Alternatively, the detection area SA may be calculated as a rectangular area that includes the reference position coordinates and has two sides that are parallel to the driving direction.

[0119] Alternatively, to obtain the reference position coordinates, two points in the width direction of the course may be specified from the map information, and the point on the line connecting these two points (for example, the midpoint) may be used as the reference position coordinates. In this case, a rectangle formed by the line connecting the two points as the center and two sides parallel to that line in front and behind may be calculated as the detection area SA. Furthermore, if the direction of the course can be obtained from the map information or past driving history, a rectangle formed by the line connecting the two points as the center and two sides parallel to that line in front and behind, and two sides parallel to the direction of the course may be calculated as the detection area SA.

[0120] In either case, the size of the detection area SA, which is expanded from the reference position coordinates, can be set in advance in the storage unit 30 or other variable values. For example, the setting size of the detection area SA in the front-to-back direction (length direction) may be a fixed value, or it may be changed according to at least one of the sampling rate and vehicle speed (average vehicle speed over a predetermined period, etc.) used to acquire the vehicle M's position information by the GPS receiver 50, or the type of road at the reference position coordinates obtained from map information (e.g., expressway, national highway, prefectural road, city road). Similarly, the setting size of the detection area SA in the left-to-right direction (width direction) may be a fixed value based on a general width, or it may be changed according to the type of road at the reference position coordinates (same as above).

[0121] Furthermore, when obtaining reference position coordinates from map information or various databases, or when setting reference position coordinates for a location without past driving history, big data on the driving history of other vehicles may be used to determine the size of the detection area SA and the direction of vehicle M's movement.

[0122] The control unit 40 may use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to determine which road the vehicle M and detection area SA are located on. For example, if there are multiple roads near the position coordinates of the vehicle M received by the GPS receiver 50 or the position coordinates of the area set as the detection area SA (for example, a highway and its side road, or two roads that intersect at different levels), the AI ​​can be used to determine which road the vehicle is located on based on the vehicle speed information and the position information before and after the vehicle. The reference position acquisition unit 12 and the detection area calculation unit 13 may also use AI to set reference position coordinates at a suitable location on the road, or to set a detection area of ​​an appropriate size according to the road.

[0123] (Vehicle information processing program) The processing performed by the reference designation unit 11, reference position acquisition unit 12, detection area calculation unit 13, required time measurement unit 14, and correction calculation unit 15 of the control unit 40 described above can be implemented as a vehicle information processing program (application software) executed by a computer (in this embodiment, for example, the control unit 40).

[0124] Furthermore, the vehicle information processing program according to this embodiment may be stored in the storage unit 30 or recorded on a separate recording medium. The vehicle information processing program may also be distributed via a network.

[0125] (Composite upload of video and vehicle information) Next, we will explain how to upload a composite image of video and vehicle information. Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating a driving video upload system that performs combined uploading of video footage and vehicle information. The driving video upload system 100 is a device that has the function of combining video footage taken while a vehicle is in motion with information about the vehicle in motion and uploading it to a Social Networking Service (SNS) server.

[0126] The driving video upload system 100 comprises a main unit 101, a terminal 102 provided separately from the main unit 101, and application software 200 executed on either the main unit 101 or the terminal 102. In this embodiment, the application software 200 is executed on the terminal 102.

[0127] The main unit 101 includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 that acquires information about a vehicle in motion. The main unit 101 is also provided with a monitor unit 1012, an input unit 1013, a storage unit 1014, and a communication unit 1015.

[0128] The vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 acquires information about the vehicle while it is in motion (vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle opening, water temperature, gear position, mileage, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, voltage, etc.) using, for example, the vehicle's OBD. In the case of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, battery current, battery voltage, battery temperature, motor speed, motor torque, etc. are acquired.

[0129] In addition to the above-mentioned vehicle information, the vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 may also acquire the acceleration of the vehicle while it is in motion (pitch, roll, yaw), lap times (section times) during circuit driving, course maps, etc. The storage unit 1014 stores the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 in association with time information. For example, when driving a vehicle on a circuit, the vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 acquires various vehicle information during the drive, and the vehicle information is stored in the storage unit 1014 in association with the time of the drive.

[0130] The monitor unit 1012 of the main unit 101 displays various vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 1011. The input unit 1013 of the main unit 101 is, for example, a touch panel. The communication unit 1015 of the main unit 101 sends and receives data with the terminal 102 via a short-range wireless network or wired connection.

[0131] Terminal 102 is, for example, a mobile phone or a portable terminal. Terminal 102 comprises an imaging unit 1021, an input / output unit 1022, a storage unit 1023, a communication unit 1024, and a control unit 1025. Terminal 102 may also include a GPS receiver 1026. Terminal 102 is installed, for example, inside a vehicle, and the imaging unit 1021 records video of the vehicle in motion. The recorded video is stored in the storage unit 1023, associated with the time of recording. The time of recording information can be obtained from time information sent from a telephone line or from information received by the GPS receiver 1026.

[0132] The input / output unit 1022 of terminal 102 is, for example, a touch panel display. The communication unit 1024 of terminal 102 has the function of communicating with the communication unit 1015 of the main unit 101 and the function of communicating via an external network (Internet, LAN, telephone line, etc.).

[0133] The control unit 1025 of terminal 102 has a synthesis function 201 and a communication function 202. The synthesis function 201 and the communication function 202 are implemented by application software 200 executed in the control unit 1025.

[0134] The synthesis function 201 creates a composite video by combining a video captured by the imaging unit 1021 with vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 of the main unit 101. Here, the video captured by the imaging unit 1021 is stored in the storage unit 1023 along with the shooting time information. On the other hand, the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 of the main unit 101 is stored in the storage unit 1014 of the main unit 101. The synthesis function 201 creates a composite video by combining the video file specified by the user through the operation of the input / output unit 1022 with the vehicle information file stored in the storage unit 1014 of the main unit 101, matching the shooting time and the time associated with the vehicle information.

[0135] The communication function 202 processes the uploading of the composite video created by the synthesis function 201 to a server specified by the user. The terminal 102 has SNS servers pre-registered by the user. The communication function 202 uploads the composite video to the SNS server specified by the user.

[0136] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for uploading a composite image of video and vehicle information. For the combined upload of video and vehicle information, it is assumed that a driving video is pre-recorded by the imaging unit 1021 of terminal 102 and stored in the storage unit 1023, and that vehicle information is acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 of main unit 101 and stored in the storage unit 1014. Here, main unit 101 and terminal 102 are connected by communication units 1015 and 1024, and when the imaging unit 1021 of terminal 102 starts recording a driving video, the vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 of main unit 101 automatically starts acquiring vehicle information. The recorded driving video is stored in association with the recording time, and the acquired vehicle information is stored in association with the driving time.

[0137] First, as shown in step S301, vehicle information is acquired. That is, the user operates the input / output unit 1022 of terminal 102 to specify the file of vehicle information to be combined, which is stored in the storage unit 1014 of main unit 101. The combination function 201 of terminal 102 acquires the vehicle information file specified by the user from main unit 101 and stores it in the storage unit 1023 of terminal 102.

[0138] Next, as shown in step S302, video information is acquired. The user operates the input / output unit 1022 of terminal 102 to specify the file of the synthesized driving video stored in the storage unit 1023 of terminal 102. Here, the acquisition of vehicle information shown in step S301 and the acquisition of video information shown in step S302 may be in reverse order. In acquiring each piece of information, the user may be allowed to select only the other piece of information that matches (either a complete or partial match) the time information of the previously specified piece of information, based on that time information.

[0139] Next, as shown in step S303, the process of compositing vehicle information onto the video is performed. The compositing function 201 combines the acquired vehicle information and video information so that their time information matches. The composite video is a video of the vehicle in motion with vehicle information acquired at the same time inserted.

[0140] Next, as shown in step S304, the upload destination is selected. The user operates the input / output unit 1022 of terminal 102 to specify the SNS server to which they want to upload the synthesized video.

[0141] Next, as shown in step S305, the composite video is uploaded. That is, the communication function 202 performs the process of uploading the composite video to the SNS server specified in step S304.

[0142] (Example of application software screen) Here, the processing flow will be explained based on an example screen in the application software 200 of the driving video upload system 100. Figures 16 to 21 show examples of application software screens. Figures 16 to 21 show example screens when the application software 200 is executed by terminal 102. When processing is performed by the application software 200, the terminal 102 is connected to the main unit 101 in advance via a short-range wireless network or the like. Figure 16 shows an example of a menu screen. Menu screen G1 displays the icons for "Setting" (A11), "Camera" (A12), "Edit" (A13), and "SNS" (A14).

[0143] Figures 17(a) to (c) show examples of screens related to the camera. Tapping the "Camera" icon A12 on the menu screen G1 displays the camera screen G2 shown in Figure 17(a). The camera screen G2 displays a monitor of the shooting by the imaging unit 1021, and at the bottom of the screen are icons for camera settings A21, recording start / stop A22, accessing the library A23, and composite video settings A24.

[0144] Tapping the composite video settings icon A24 allows you to select one of the following settings screens: G3 shown in Figure 17(b), G4 shown in Figure 17(c), G5 shown in Figure 18(a), or G6 shown in Figure 18(b).

[0145] The setting screen G3 shown in Figure 17(b) is an example of a screen for setting the system to automatically start and stop recording based on the vehicle speed M. For example, the setting can be configured to start recording when the vehicle speed reaches 5 km / h and stop recording when the vehicle speed reaches 0 km / h. The control unit 1025 of terminal 102 gives instructions to the imaging unit 1021 to start and stop imaging according to this setting.

[0146] The settings screen G4 shown in Figure 17(c) is an example of a screen for setting the layout when creating a composite video. This settings screen G4 allows you to select the screen layout for the driving video and vehicle information when creating a composite image.

[0147] The settings screen G5 shown in Figure 18(a) and the settings screen G6 shown in Figure 18(b) are examples of screens for setting the display items of vehicle information when creating a composite image. In the settings screen G5 shown in Figure 18(a), you can select the items to be displayed in the area that mimics the meter. In the settings screen G6 shown in Figure 18(b), you can select the items to be displayed in the area adjacent to the area that mimics the meter.

[0148] To start recording manually, tap the recording start / stop icon A22 on the camera screen G2 shown in Figure 17(a). This will change the camera screen to the recording state G7, as shown in Figure 19(a). You can determine whether recording is in progress or stopped by the display of icon A22. To stop recording manually, tap icon A22 again. The recorded driving video is saved in the storage unit 1023, associated with the time of recording.

[0149] Simultaneously with the start of recording, the control unit 1025 instructs the main unit 101 via the communication unit 1024 to begin acquiring vehicle information. The vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 of the main unit 101 acquires information about the vehicle in motion upon receiving instructions from the terminal 102. Simultaneously with the stop of recording, the control unit 1025 instructs the main unit 101 via the communication unit 1024 to end the acquisition of vehicle information. The vehicle information acquisition unit 1011 of the main unit 101 ends the acquisition of vehicle information upon receiving instructions from the terminal 102. Simultaneously with the end, the vehicle information is stored in the storage unit 1014 of the main unit 101. The acquired vehicle information is saved in the storage unit 1023, associated with the time of travel. Because the start and end of recording are linked to the start and end of vehicle information acquisition, the recording time of the saved driving video and the time of travel in the vehicle information will match.

[0150] Tapping the "Edit" icon A13 on the menu screen G1 shown in Figure 16 displays the settings screen G8 shown in Figure 19(b). Tapping the "Edit Settings" icon A81 on this settings screen G8 displays the settings screen G9 shown in Figure 20(a). Tapping "Transfer Data Stored on Hard" on the settings screen G9 transfers the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 1014 of the main unit 101 to the terminal 102.

[0151] Tapping the "Video Selection" icon A82 on the settings screen G8 shown in Figure 19(b) displays the video selection screen G10 shown in Figure 20(b). Here, you select the driving video to which you want to synthesize vehicle information. Once a driving video is selected, the synthesis function 201 of the control unit 1025 performs the synthesis process of the driving video and vehicle information. In this synthesis process, the synthesized video is generated by matching (timing) the shooting time associated with the driving video with the acquisition time of the vehicle information.

[0152] Tapping the "Video Playback" icon A83 on the settings screen G8 shown in Figure 19(b) displays the video playback screen G11 shown in Figure 21(a). The video playback screen G11 displays a composite video in which the driving video and vehicle information are combined according to a pre-configured layout. Tapping "Start" on the video playback screen G11 plays the video, and tapping "Stop" stops the video. After checking the played composite video and confirming that there are no problems, tap the "Save to Library" icon A121. This saves the composite video to the storage unit 1023 of the terminal 102.

[0153] Tapping the "SNS" icon A14 on the menu screen G1 shown in Figure 16 displays the SNS posting screen G12 shown in Figure 21(b). On the SNS posting screen G12, you can select the SNS to which you want to post (upload) the composite video. By selecting the desired SNS, the composite video stored in the storage unit 1023 is uploaded to the SNS server.

[0154] Such a composite upload device and composite upload method make it possible to generate a composite video with driving footage and vehicle information that matches the timing with simple operation, and to immediately upload the composite video to an SNS server.

[0155] Conventionally, driving footage and vehicle information are imported into a personal computer, and video processing software is used to insert the vehicle information into the driving footage. In this case, it is difficult to synchronize the timing of the driving footage and the vehicle information. For example, if you try to match the timing of a car crossing the control line in circuit driving footage with the vehicle information at that time, it is difficult to read the timing of the car crossing the control line from the vehicle information. Therefore, creating a composite video with accurate timing required experience. In this embodiment, the timing of the driving footage and vehicle information can be synchronized and a composite video can be created automatically, making it possible to easily create a composite video with accurate timing.

[0156] Furthermore, conventionally, uploading a composite video created with video processing software to an SNS server required several steps: launching a separate SNS application, logging in, selecting the composite video, and uploading it. In this embodiment, it is possible to upload the composite video simply by selecting the SNS server using the same application software after creating the composite video. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily upload a composite video of driving footage and vehicle information that is precisely time-matched to it to an SNS server.

[0157] Furthermore, in the composite upload device and composite upload method according to this embodiment, the capture of driving footage, acquisition of vehicle information, creation of a composite video, and uploading of the composite video to an SNS server may be performed continuously while the vehicle is in motion. This makes it possible to live stream a composite video of driving footage and vehicle information.

[0158] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle information processing device 1 and a vehicle information processing program that can process information related to the vehicle M, such as measuring driving time with high accuracy using GPS location information with simple operation.

[0159] Although the embodiments and their application examples have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, any additions, deletions, or design modifications of components to the aforementioned embodiments or their application examples, or any combination of features of the embodiments, as appropriate by those skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the essence of the present invention.

[0160] This embodiment includes the following note. [Note 1] A main unit equipped with a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information about a vehicle in motion, A terminal is provided separately from the main unit, connected to the main unit via a short-range network or wired connection, and equipped with an imaging unit for recording video of the vehicle while it is in motion. Application software executed on the main unit or the terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned application software is A synthesis function that creates a composite video by combining vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit at a time that matches the shooting time information associated with the video captured by the imaging unit with the video, A driving video upload system comprising: a communication function that processes uploading the synthesized video synthesized by the synthesis function to a server connected to a network. [Note 2] A driving video upload program that combines a video of a vehicle in motion with information about the vehicle in motion and uploads it to a server, Computers, A synthesis means for creating a composite video by combining information about the vehicle acquired at a time that matches the time of recording information associated with a video of the vehicle in motion with the video. A communication means that processes uploading the synthesized video synthesized by the aforementioned synthesis function to a server connected to the network. A driving video upload program that functions as such. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 1... Vehicle information processing device 10...Input section 11...Standard specification section 12...Reference position acquisition section 13...Detection area calculation unit 14…Time Measurement Unit 15...Correction calculation unit 20…Output section 30...Storage section 40... Control Unit 50…GPS receiver 100... Driving video upload system 101...Main unit 102… Terminal 200…Application Software 201... Synthesis function 202...Communication function 1011... Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 1012...Monitor section 1013...Input section 1014...Storage section 1015... Communications Department 1021…IMAGING Department 1022…Input / output section 1023...Storage section 1024... Communications Department 1025... Control Unit 1026...GPS receiver A11~14, A21~A24, A81~A83, A121... Icons C...Course CP…Current position coordinates D…Direction of travel E…error G1... Menu screen G2...Camera screen G3~G6, G8~G9... Settings screen G7...Camera screen G10...Video selection screen G11...Video playback screen G12...SNS posting screen M... Vehicle RP…Reference position coordinates S1,S2…part SA, SA1, SA2, SA3... Detection Area SL... Starting line SP...Pitch TL…travel trajectory d1,d2…distance

Claims

1. A vehicle information processing device equipped with a control unit that synthesizes driving video taken while the vehicle is in motion with vehicle information, The control unit, The function controls the start and storage of recording of the aforementioned driving video, in association with time information obtained from a telephone line or GPS (Global Positioning System), and the start and storage of acquisition of the aforementioned vehicle information using the vehicle's OBD (On-Board Diagnostics), upon receiving a command to start recording the aforementioned driving video. A function to generate a composite video in which the driving video and the vehicle information are combined in a pre-set screen layout so that their respective time information matches, A vehicle information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit, The vehicle information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a function for uploading the aforementioned synthesized video to an SNS (Social Networking Service) server.

3. The control unit, The vehicle information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a function that controls the device to automatically start recording the driving video when the vehicle's speed reaches a preset speed, and to automatically stop recording the driving video when the vehicle's speed returns to a preset speed.

4. The control unit, The vehicle information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a function to continuously perform the following while the vehicle is in motion: capturing the aforementioned driving video, acquiring the aforementioned vehicle information, generating the aforementioned composite video, and uploading the aforementioned composite video to an SNS (Social Networking Service) server.

5. The vehicle information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle information includes vehicle information obtained from sources other than the vehicle's OBD (On Board Diagnostics).

6. The vehicle information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle information includes lap time information when the vehicle travels a predetermined course.

7. A vehicle information processing program that combines driving video taken while a vehicle is in motion with vehicle information, On the computer, The steps include: controlling the start of recording and storage of the aforementioned driving video in association with time information based on information obtained from a telephone line or GPS (Global Positioning System) upon receiving an instruction to start recording the aforementioned driving video; and controlling the start of acquiring and storing the aforementioned vehicle information using the vehicle's OBD (On Board Diagnostics); A vehicle information processing program that performs the steps of generating a composite video in which the driving video and the vehicle information are combined in a pre-set screen layout so that their respective time information matches.

8. To the aforementioned computer, The vehicle information processing program according to claim 7, further comprising the step of uploading the synthesized video to an SNS (Social Networking Service) server.

9. To the aforementioned computer, The vehicle information processing program according to claim 7, further comprising the step of performing a control to automatically start recording the driving video when the speed of the vehicle reaches a preset speed, and to automatically stop recording the driving video when the speed of the vehicle returns to a preset speed.

10. To the aforementioned computer, The vehicle information processing program according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of continuously performing the following steps while the vehicle is in motion: capturing the aforementioned driving video, acquiring the aforementioned vehicle information, generating the aforementioned composite video, and uploading the aforementioned composite video to an SNS (Social Networking Service) server.

11. The vehicle information processing program according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the vehicle information includes vehicle information obtained from sources other than the vehicle's OBD (On Board Diagnostics).

12. The vehicle information processing program according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the vehicle information includes lap time information when the vehicle travels a predetermined course.

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