Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and a program to reduce the time required for content distribution or data collection using device-to-device communication of mobile bodies.SOLUTION: An information processing device acquires the total number of: a second mobile body that relays data block between a first mobile body and a specific server, in which the first mobile body is relayed through device-to-device communication, and the specific server is relayed through a first wireless communication; and a third mobile body that relays the data block between the first mobile body and the second mobile body through device-to-device communication in a predetermined area. The information processing device instructs either the second mobile body or the first mobile body to assign the other mobile body as the third mobile body by transmitting the data block through the device-to-device communication to the other mobile body when the total number of the second mobile body and the third mobile body is less than a predetermined threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to content distribution and data collection using communication between devices.

Background Art

[0002] There is disclosed a technique in which a plurality of delivery vehicles are caused to download a plurality of fragmented data obtained by dividing data content to be delivered through cellular communication or the like, and when passing by a receiving vehicle that needs the content on the road, the content is delivered by vehicle-to-vehicle communication (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). The receiving vehicle collects the fragmented data received from one or more delivery vehicles and performs decoding processing to restore the original data content.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program capable of shortening the time required for content distribution or data collection using communication between mobile devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is To obtain the total number of a first mobile entity and a second mobile entity that relays data blocks between the first mobile entity and a predetermined server via device-to-device communication and via first wireless communication within a predetermined area, and a third mobile entity that relays the data blocks between the first mobile entity and the second mobile entity via device-to-device communication. If the total number is less than a predetermined threshold, instruct either the second mobile body or the first mobile body to transmit the data block to the other mobile body via inter-device communication and appoint the other mobile body as the third mobile body, A control unit that executes There is an information processing device equipped with the following features.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure is, On the computer, To obtain the total number of a first mobile entity and a second mobile entity that relays data blocks between the first mobile entity and a predetermined server via device-to-device communication and via first wireless communication within a predetermined area, and a third mobile entity that relays the data blocks between the first mobile entity and the second mobile entity via device-to-device communication. If the total number is less than a predetermined threshold, instruct either the second mobile body or the first mobile body to transmit the data block to the other mobile body via inter-device communication and appoint the other mobile body as the third mobile body, This is a program to execute [the command / action]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce the time required for content delivery or data collection using inter-device communication of mobile devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of a content distribution system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware and functional configuration of the distribution server and distribution vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an example of a flowchart of the processing for the distribution server number adjustment unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an example of a flowchart of the processing in the relay vehicle appointment mode of the distribution control unit of the distribution vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart of the processing of the vehicle distribution adjustment unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an example of a flowchart of the processing in the relay vehicle appointment mode of the distribution control unit of the distribution vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the system configuration of the data collection system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the functional configuration of a source vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In systems where data content is downloaded to multiple distribution vehicles via cellular communication, etc., and then distributed via vehicle-to-vehicle communication when they pass each other, the data content may be divided into fragments. In areas with low vehicle density and during off-peak hours with little traffic, receiving vehicles have fewer opportunities to encounter distribution vehicles, and it may take time for the receiving vehicles to gather all the fragments necessary to reconstruct the data content.

[0010] On the other hand, there is a problem in that it is not easy to increase the number of distribution vehicles. This is because if distribution vehicles download fragmented data via cellular communication, the bandwidth usage of the cellular network and communication costs will increase as the number of distribution vehicles increases. Downloading fragmented data via Wi-Fi communication can reduce communication costs, but it is limited to electric vehicles that are charging and where there is less concern about the vehicle battery being depleted.

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure, in view of the above problem, is to increase the number of vehicles that distribute fragmented data to receiving vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, similar to the distribution vehicles, when the number of distribution vehicles for a given content within a given area is small. These vehicles do not operate as distribution vehicles, but receive fragmented data from distribution vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication and distribute the fragmented data to receiving vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, similar to the distribution vehicles. This makes it possible to increase the number of vehicles that distribute fragmented data to receiving vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication without using a cellular communication network. Therefore, receiving vehicles have more opportunities to receive fragmented data via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and the time it takes for receiving vehicles to gather all the fragmented data necessary to restore the data content can be shortened.

[0012] More specifically, one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device comprising a control unit. The control unit performs the following: obtains the total number of second mobile bodies and third mobile bodies within a predetermined area; and, if the total number is less than a predetermined threshold, instructs either the second mobile body or the first mobile body to transmit a data block to the other mobile body via inter-device communication to designate the other mobile body as the third mobile body. The second mobile body relays the data block between the first mobile body and the predetermined server via inter-device communication with the first mobile body and via first wireless communication with the predetermined server. The third mobile body performs inter-device communication Data blocks are relayed between the first mobile body and the second mobile body through this.

[0013] The information processing device is, for example, a server that controls a distribution vehicle in a content distribution system that causes the distribution vehicle to distribute the content to a receiving vehicle through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, or an in-vehicle device mounted on a source vehicle in a data collection system that causes a sink vehicle to collect data generated by the source vehicle through vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Or, the information processing device may be, for example, an in-vehicle device mounted on a distribution vehicle in a content distribution system, or a server that collects data in a data collection system. However, the information processing device is not limited to these, and may be, for example, a computer mounted on a moving body other than a vehicle, and a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a PC (Personal Computer). The control unit is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). However, the control unit is not limited to a processor, and may be, for example, a circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC: Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0014] The moving bodies include, for example, vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and railways, ships, and aircraft. Also, the moving bodies may include, for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, PCs, and portable game machines. In the content distribution system, for example, the first moving body is a receiving vehicle and the second moving body is a distribution vehicle. In the data collection system, for example, the first moving body is a source vehicle and the second moving body is a sink vehicle. The predetermined area is, for example, a grid of a predetermined length, or a predetermined range defined according to the road shape, etc.

[0015] The data block is, for example, the main body of the distribution content, fragment data of the distribution content, the main body of the data to be collected, or fragment data of the data to be collected, etc.

[0016] The first wireless communication is, for example, communication by a cellular communication method such as 5G (5th Generation), 6G, 4G, or communication by WiFi communication, etc. However, the first wireless communication is not limited to these. Device-to-device communication is, for example, vehicle-to-vehicle wireless LAN communication, DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communications), 5G side-link communication, Device-to-Device (D2D) communication, and communication methods enabling communication between terminals such as ad hoc mode WiFi communication. However, device-to-device communication is not limited to these.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the total number of the second moving body and the third moving body within a predetermined area is less than a predetermined value, another moving body is appointed as the third moving body, and the number of the third moving bodies increases. For example, in a content distribution system, the number of vehicles that transmit data blocks to a receiving vehicle, which is the first moving body, by device-to-device communication increases. Therefore, the receiving vehicle has more opportunities to receive the data block, and the time until the content is acquired can be shortened. For example, in a data collection system, since the number of vehicles that receive data blocks from a source vehicle, which is the first moving body, by device-to-device communication increases, the time required for collecting the data blocks generated by the source vehicle can be shortened.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may further execute determining a predetermined threshold based on at least one of the position, time zone, and traffic volume of a predetermined area. Thereby, a threshold value in line with the actual traffic volume within the area can be set, and the total number of the second moving body and the third moving body within the area can be adjusted to a number suitable for the actual traffic volume of the area.

[0019] As another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer executes the processing executed by the above information processing apparatus A method of execution, a program for causing a computer to execute said method, and a non-temporary, computer-readable recording medium on which said program is recorded can be identified.

[0020] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and this disclosure is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

[0021] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the content distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment. The content distribution system 100 is a system that distributes predetermined content from some vehicles to other vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The content distribution system 100 includes a distribution server 1, a distribution vehicle 2, and a receiving vehicle 3. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the content distribution system 100 also includes a relay vehicle 4 that relays content between the distribution vehicle 2 and the receiving vehicle 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In practice, the content distribution system 100 may include multiple distribution vehicles 2, receiving vehicles 3, and relay vehicles 4. Unless otherwise specified, they will simply be referred to as distribution vehicle 2, receiving vehicle 3, and relay vehicle 4. In the first embodiment, each vehicle is equipped with an in-vehicle device that has a communication function. Hereafter, although the actual main component of communication for each vehicle is the in-vehicle device installed in that vehicle, for convenience, each vehicle will be described as the main component.

[0022] Distribution server 1 and each vehicle are connected to network N1 and can communicate with each other via network N1. Network N1 is, for example, a public network such as the internet. Each vehicle can connect to network N1 via a cellular network or wireless LAN as its access network.

[0023] Distribution server 1 is a server that holds the original data of the content to be distributed to the vehicle, selects the distribution vehicle 2, and transmits the content to the distribution vehicle 2. Distribution server 1 may divide the content into fragment data and transmit it to the distribution vehicle 2. The fragment data may be generated using encoding techniques such as loss-of-character correction codes. The distribution vehicle 2 downloads the fragment data from distribution server 1 via cellular communication or WiFi communication, stores it in the storage of the in-vehicle device, and transmits the fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication when it passes the receiving vehicle 3. The distribution vehicle 2 itself may or may not be the receiving vehicle 3 to which the content is distributed. In the first embodiment, vehicle-to-vehicle communication may be any of the following: vehicle-to-vehicle wireless LAN communication, DSRC, or 5G side-link communication.

[0024] Receiving vehicle 3 is the vehicle to which the content is delivered. Receiving vehicle 3 receives a content acquisition instruction from distribution server 1 via cellular or Wi-Fi communication. Subsequently, when receiving vehicle 3 passes distribution vehicle 2 on the road, if distribution vehicle 2 holds the fragment data specified in the content acquisition instruction, receiving vehicle 3 acquires the unheld fragment data from distribution vehicle 2 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Once receiving vehicle 3 has acquired a number of fragment data sufficient to reconstruct content C, it reconstructs content C using, for example, the decoding information included in the content acquisition instruction from distribution server 1.

[0025] Relay vehicle 4 is appointed when it passes distribution vehicle 2, receives fragmented data via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and transmits the fragmented data to receiving vehicle 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication when it passes receiving vehicle 3. Relay vehicle 4 does not necessarily have to be receiving vehicle 3, which is the destination of the content distribution.

[0026] In the first embodiment, (1) the distribution server 1 obtains the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 distributing content C for each area. If the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 distributing content C in an area is less than the threshold N, the distribution server 1 will... The system determines that it will increase the number of relay vehicles and sends an instruction to each distribution vehicle 2 to begin assigning relay vehicles.

[0027] (2) When the distribution vehicle 2 receives the instruction to start appointing relay vehicles, it transmits fragment data via vehicle-to-vehicle communication to passing vehicles and appoints them as relay vehicles. Once appointed as a relay vehicle, relay vehicle 4 transmits fragment data via vehicle-to-vehicle communication when it passes receiving vehicle 3. This increases the number of vehicles that transmit fragment data to receiving vehicle 3, thereby shortening the time it takes for receiving vehicle 3 to acquire all the fragment data necessary to restore the original content C.

[0028] Fragmented data is an example of a "data block." Receiving vehicle 3 is an example of a "first mobile entity." Distribution vehicle 2 is an example of a "second mobile entity." Relay vehicle 4 is an example of a "third mobile entity." Vehicle-to-vehicle communication is an example of "device-to-device communication." Distribution server 1 is an example of an "information processing device." In the following, when two vehicles pass each other, it means not only that the two vehicles pass each other, but also that vehicle-to-vehicle communication is possible between the two vehicles.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware and functional configuration of the distribution server 1 and the distribution vehicle 2. First, the hardware configuration of the distribution server 1 and the distribution vehicle 2 will be described. The distribution server 1 can be configured using an information processing device (computer) such as a server machine. The distribution server 1 may also be a collection of one or more computers (cloud). The distribution server 1 may also be a device equipped with an electrical circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) dedicated to executing the relevant processing.

[0030] The distribution server 1 comprises a processor 101, memory 102, auxiliary storage device 103, and communication unit 104 as its hardware configuration. The memory 102 and auxiliary storage device 103 are computer-readable recording media. The auxiliary storage device 103 is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk drive (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The program held in the auxiliary storage device 103 The memory includes, for example, an operating system (OS) and a control program for the content distribution system 100. The memory 102 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0031] The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU, GPU, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 101 is not limited to one; multiple processors may be provided. The processor 101 is an example of a "control unit".

[0032] The communication unit 104 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), an optical line interface, etc. Alternatively, the communication unit 104 may be, for example, a wireless communication circuit connected to a wireless network such as a wireless LAN.

[0033] The distribution vehicle 2 is equipped with an in-vehicle device. The hardware configuration of the distribution vehicle 2 shown in Figure 2 is the hardware configuration of the in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle device of the distribution vehicle 2 includes, for example, a data communication module, a car navigation system, or a drive recorder. The in-vehicle device comprises a processor 201, memory 202, auxiliary storage device 203, wireless communication unit 204, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication unit 205 as a hardware configuration. The processor 201, memory 202, and auxiliary storage device 203 are the same as those of the processor 101, memory 102, and auxiliary storage device 103. However, in addition to the OS, the auxiliary storage device 203 stores a control program that controls the operation of the distribution vehicle 2.

[0034] The wireless communication unit 204 is a wireless communication circuit that supports, for example, mobile communication systems such as 5G, 4G, or 6G, or wireless communication systems such as WiFi. The vehicle-to-vehicle communication unit 205 is a wireless communication circuit that supports, for example, vehicle-to-vehicle wireless LAN communication, DSRC, or 5G side-link communication. The hardware configuration of the distribution server 1 and the in-vehicle device is not limited to that shown in Figure 2. The in-vehicle devices mounted on the receiving vehicle 3 and the relay vehicle 4 also have the same hardware configuration as the in-vehicle device of the distribution vehicle 2 shown in Figure 2.

[0035] Next, the functional configurations of the distribution server 1, distribution vehicle 2, and relay vehicle 4 will be described. The distribution server 1 includes a control unit 11, a unit adjustment unit 12, and a content database 13 as its functional configuration. The control unit 11, the unit adjustment unit 12, and the content database 13 are functional components achieved, for example, by the processor 101 of the distribution server 1 executing a control program for the content distribution system 100. However, it is not limited to this, and the control unit 11, the unit adjustment unit 12, and the content database 13 may each be implemented by hardware components such as FPGAs. The same applies to the functional components included in other devices.

[0036] The content database 13 holds the original data of the distributed content. The content database 13 is created in the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 103.

[0037] The control unit 11 generates fragment data, selects and assigns the distribution vehicle 2, and sends content acquisition instructions to the receiving vehicle 3. For example, the control unit 11 selects the distribution vehicle 2 from among the vehicles managed by the content distribution system 100 according to predetermined rules.

[0038] The control unit 11 notifies the distribution vehicle 2 that it has been selected, for example, by sending a message notifying it of its assignment as a distribution vehicle or by pushing fragment data to the distribution vehicle. Based on the content to be distributed, the control unit 11 identifies the receiving vehicle 3 and sends a content acquisition instruction to the receiving vehicle 3. The content acquisition instruction includes, for example, identification information and decoding information for each fragment data to be acquired by the receiving vehicle 3. The decoding information is information used to restore the original content from the fragment data. The decoding information includes, for example, decoding parameters and a checksum to verify consistency with the original content. For example, if the fragment data is generated by an erasure correction code, the decoding parameters include the number of fragment data required to restore the original content.

[0039] The vehicle adjustment unit 12 adjusts the number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 for each content being distributed in each area. An area is, for example, a grid of a predetermined length, or an area defined with a predetermined width according to the shape of a road. Areas can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the content distribution system 100.

[0040] The vehicle count adjustment unit 12 understands the distribution status of each content in each area based on communication history information with the distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4. For example, when the control unit 11 transmits fragment data to the distribution vehicles 2 via cellular or Wi-Fi communication, and obtains location information and a list of fragment data held by each distribution vehicle 2, the vehicle count adjustment unit 12 may use this information as communication history information. Alternatively, the distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 may be instructed to notify the distribution server 1 of their current location, a list of fragment data held by them, and transmission history information of fragment data to other vehicles at predetermined intervals or when predetermined events occur. Transmission history information of fragment data to other vehicles includes, for example, the identification information of the destination vehicle, a timestamp, and the transmission location. Events that trigger the transmission of this information from the distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 include, for example, the transmission of fragment data to other vehicles, changes in the list of fragment data held due to the addition or deletion of fragment data, and the appointment of other vehicles as relay vehicles. This could be the vehicle being appointed as a relay vehicle. The vehicle adjustment unit 12 may use the current location, a list of fragment data held, and transmission history information of fragment data to other vehicles as communication history information, which are received from the distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4.

[0041] The vehicle count adjustment unit 12 obtains the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 for each content within each area, based on communication history information for distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4. If the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 for a target content within an area is less than a threshold N, the vehicle count adjustment unit 12 sends a relay vehicle appointment start instruction to distribution vehicle 2, which is distributing the target content within that area, instructing it to start appointing relay vehicles for that content. Along with the relay vehicle appointment start instruction, the number of relay vehicles to be appointed by distribution vehicle 2 may also be notified to distribution vehicle 2. Furthermore, the vehicle count adjustment unit 12 may specify the time for distribution vehicle 2 and relay vehicle 4 to retain fragment data of the target content on their in-vehicle storage, and send this specified time to distribution vehicle 2 along with the relay vehicle appointment start instruction. As a result, the fragment data of the target content is retained from the in-vehicle storage of distribution vehicle 2 and relay vehicle 4, and then deleted from the in-vehicle storage of distribution vehicle 2 and relay vehicle 4 after the specified time has elapsed.

[0042] The vehicle adjustment unit 12 monitors the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 for each content in each area. If the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 exceeds a threshold N, it sends a relay vehicle assignment suspension instruction to each distribution vehicle 2 currently distributing the target content in that area, instructing them to stop assigning relay vehicles for that content. This stops the increase in relay vehicles in that area.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 may determine a threshold N for the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 in each area. For example, if the number of distribution vehicles 2 in each area is determined according to the vehicle density, then in areas with high vehicle density, there will be many distribution vehicles 2, and the receiving vehicles 3 will have more opportunities to pass by distribution vehicles 2. On the other hand, in areas with low vehicle density, there will be fewer distribution vehicles 2, and the receiving vehicles 3 will have fewer opportunities to pass by distribution vehicles 2. Vehicle density also fluctuates depending on the time of day, such as during commuting hours. Vehicle density also fluctuates due to sudden events. Therefore, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 may determine the threshold N based on one or a combination of the following: the location of the area, the time of day, and the traffic volume. For example, N is set to be larger the more traffic-heavy the area is located in. For example, N is set to be larger during times when traffic volume increases, such as during commuting hours, than at other times. For example, N is set to be larger the more traffic volume there is. Note that N is greater than or equal to the number of distribution vehicles 2 in the area. The threshold N may be set using, for example, a predetermined function or a machine learning model. Furthermore, the threshold N may be set according to the content. The higher the importance of the content, the larger the threshold N may be set to.

[0044] This allows the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 that deliver the target content within the area to be appropriately adjusted, for example, according to fluctuations in vehicle density within the area. However, this is not limited to this, and the threshold N may be a predetermined value (constant) for each area.

[0045] Next, the distribution vehicle 2 includes a distribution control unit 21 and a content DB 23 as its functional configuration. Although Figure 2 also shows a number adjustment unit 22, the number adjustment unit 22 is not provided in the distribution vehicle 2 in the first embodiment, and is provided in the distribution vehicle 2 in the second embodiment. The number adjustment unit 22 will be described in the second embodiment described later. The processing performed by these functional components is achieved, for example, by the processor 201 of the in-vehicle device of the distribution vehicle 2 executing a predetermined program held in the auxiliary storage device 203.

[0046] The content database 23 is created within the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 203. The content database 23 holds the fragmented data obtained from the distribution server 1.

[0047] The distribution control unit 21 acquires fragment data from the distribution server 1 and distributes the fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3. If the notification of the appointment of a distribution vehicle is made by a notification message for the appointment of a distribution vehicle, the distribution control unit 21 acquires the fragment data by, for example, downloading it from the distribution server 1 based on the information of the fragment data to be acquired that it has received from the distribution server 1. For example, if the notification of the appointment of a distribution vehicle is made by push transmission of fragment data, the distribution control unit 21 may acquire the fragment data by receiving it through push transmission from the distribution server 1. The distribution control unit 21 stores the fragment data acquired from the distribution server 1 in the content DB 23.

[0048] The distribution control unit 21 distributes fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3. More specifically, when the distribution control unit 21 passes the receiving vehicle 3, it sends a list of fragment data held in the content DB 23 to the receiving vehicle 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. If the receiving vehicle 3 has any unheld fragment data in the list received from the distribution vehicle 2, it sends a request to the distribution vehicle 2 to acquire the unheld fragment data. The distribution control unit 21 reads the requested fragment data from the content DB 23 and sends it to the receiving vehicle 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. For example, if the distribution control unit 21 receives fragment data from the distribution server 1 along with a specified time for retaining the fragment data, it may delete the fragment data from the content DB 23 after the specified time has elapsed. After deleting the fragment data, the distribution control unit 21 may send a timestamp, current location, and a list of retained fragment data to the distribution server 1.

[0049] When the distribution control unit 21 receives an instruction from the distribution server 1 to start appointing a relay vehicle, it starts operating in relay vehicle appointment mode. In relay vehicle appointment mode, when the distribution control unit 21 encounters a vehicle that meets the requirements for a relay vehicle, it sends fragment data of the target content and a notification of relay vehicle appointment, regardless of whether the vehicle is a vehicle that wishes to receive the target content, and appoints the vehicle as a relay vehicle. The requirements for a relay vehicle include, for example, that the remaining onboard storage capacity is above a predetermined threshold, and that the vehicle is a distribution vehicle or relay vehicle for the same fragment data. However, the requirements for a relay vehicle are not limited to these. Information used to determine whether the requirements for a relay vehicle, such as the remaining onboard storage capacity, are met is received from the other vehicle via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The distribution control unit 21 may also send a specified time for the relay vehicle 4 to hold the fragment data along with the fragment data. When the distribution control unit 21 receives an instruction from the distribution server 1 to stop appointing a relay vehicle, it terminates relay vehicle appointment mode and returns to normal mode. In normal mode, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 transmits fragmented data to the receiving vehicle 3 that it has passed, and does not appoint relay vehicles.

[0050] The distribution control unit 21 may, at predetermined intervals, send a timestamp, current location, and a list of retained fragment data to the distribution server 1. It may also send a distribution report to the distribution server 1 when it has sent fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3 and when it has appointed relay vehicle 4 as a relay vehicle. The distribution report includes, for example, a timestamp of the time of distribution, location information at the time of distribution, identification information of the distributed fragment data, identification information of the vehicle to which the data was received, and information indicating whether or not a relay vehicle has been appointed. A distribution report that includes information indicating that a relay vehicle has been appointed is an example of a "first notification".

[0051] Next, the relay vehicle 4 comprises a relay control unit 41 and a content DB 42 as its functional configuration. The relay control unit 41 is operated by the processor of the on-board device of the relay vehicle 4 executing a predetermined program held in an auxiliary storage device. When the relay control unit 41 passes the distribution vehicle 2, it receives notification of the assignment of the relay vehicle and fragment data from the distribution vehicle 2, and stores the fragment data in the content DB 42. Subsequently, when the relay control unit 41 passes the receiving vehicle 3, it transmits the fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3 in the same manner as the distribution vehicle 2. The relay control unit 41 may, like the distribution vehicle 2, send a timestamp, current location, and a list of retained fragment data to the distribution server 1 at predetermined intervals. Also, like the distribution vehicle 2, the relay control unit 41 may send a distribution report to the distribution server 1 when it has sent fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3. Furthermore, if the relay control unit 41 receives a notification of the appointment of a relay vehicle and the fragment data along with a specified time for retaining the fragment data, it will delete the corresponding fragment data from the content DB 42 after the specified time has elapsed. After deleting the fragment data, the relay control unit 41 may send a timestamp, current location, and a list of retained fragment data to the distribution server 1.

[0052] The content database 42 is created in the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device in the on-board equipment of the relay vehicle 4. The content database 42 holds the fragmented data received from the distribution vehicle 2. Note that the functional configurations of the distribution server 1, distribution vehicle 2, and relay vehicle 4 shown in Figure 2 are all examples, and the functional configurations of the distribution server 1, distribution vehicle 2, and relay vehicle 4 are not limited to the examples shown in Figure 2.

[0053] Figure 3 is an example of a flowchart of the processing performed by the distribution server 1's number adjustment unit 12. The processing shown in Figure 3 is repeatedly executed, for example, at predetermined intervals of one to several hours, as specified by the administrator of the content distribution system 100, or at timings specified by the administrator of the content distribution system 100. Furthermore, the processing shown in Figure 3 is executed for each piece of content being distributed in each area. The entity executing the processing shown in Figure 3 is, for example, the processor 101 of the distribution server 1's in-vehicle device, but for convenience, the functional components will be described as the main focus.

[0054] In OP101, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 determines a threshold N for the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 distributing the target content within the target area, based on, for example, the location, time of day, and traffic volume of the target area.

[0055] In OP102, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 obtains the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 distributing the target content within the target area, based on communication history information with distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 over the most recent predetermined period. Note that the number of distribution vehicles 2 within the target area is the same at any given time, regardless of the content being distributed. On the other hand, the number of relay vehicles 4 within the target area differs for each piece of content being distributed at any given time.

[0056] In OP103, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 determines whether the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 acquired in OP102 is equal to or greater than the threshold N. If the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold N (OP103: YES), then a sufficient number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 already exist in the target area, and the process shown in Figure 3 ends. If the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 is less than the threshold N (OP103: NO), the process proceeds to OP104. In OP104, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 sends an instruction to each distribution vehicle 2 distributing the target content within the target area to start assigning relay vehicles for the target content.

[0057] In OP105, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 determines whether or not it has received a distribution report from a distribution vehicle 2 within the target area, including the appointment of a relay vehicle for the target content. If it has received a distribution report from a distribution vehicle 2 within the target area that includes information indicating the appointment of a relay vehicle for the target content (OP105: YES), the vehicle adjustment unit 12 updates the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 distributing the target content within the target area, and the process proceeds to OP106. If it has not received a distribution report from a distribution vehicle 2 within the target area that includes information indicating the appointment of a relay vehicle for the target content (OP105: NO), the vehicle adjustment unit 12 enters a standby state.

[0058] In OP106, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 determines whether the total number of updated distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold N. If the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 is less than the threshold N (OP106: NO), the process proceeds to OP105. If the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold N (OP106: YES), the process proceeds to OP107. In OP107, the vehicle adjustment unit 12 sends an instruction to the distribution vehicle 2 that distributes the target content within the target area to suspend the assignment of relay vehicles for the target content. After that, the process shown in Figure 3 is completed.

[0059] Furthermore, when the processing shown in Figure 3 is to be started again for the target content in the target area, the processing shown in Figure 3 that is currently running will be terminated by, for example, the processing of OP105 and OP106. Note that the processing of the number of units adjustment unit 12 is not limited to the processing shown in Figure 3.

[0060] Figure 4 is an example of a flowchart of the processing in relay vehicle appointment mode of the distribution control unit 21 of distribution vehicle 2. The processing shown in Figure 4 is initiated when the distribution control unit 21 receives an instruction to start the appointment of a relay vehicle from the distribution server 1. The entity executing the processing shown in Figure 4 is, for example, the processor 201 of the onboard equipment of distribution vehicle 2, but for convenience, the functional components will be described as the main focus. The same applies to the flowcharts related to distribution vehicle 2 below.

[0061] In OP201, the distribution control unit 21 determines whether or not it has passed another vehicle. If it has passed another vehicle (OP201:YES), the process proceeds to OP202. If it has not passed another vehicle (OP201:NO), the process proceeds to OP209.

[0062] In OP202, the distribution control unit 21 determines whether the vehicle that passed is the receiving vehicle 3. If the vehicle that passed is the receiving vehicle 3 (OP202: YES), the process proceeds to OP203. In OP203, the distribution control unit 21 sends the requested fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In OP204, the distribution control unit 21 sends a distribution report to the distribution server 1 regarding the distribution of the fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3. After that, the process proceeds to OP206.

[0063] If the passing vehicle is not receiving vehicle 3 (OP202:NO), the process proceeds to OP206. In OP206, the distribution control unit 21 determines whether the passing vehicle meets the requirements for a relay vehicle. If the passing vehicle meets the requirements for a relay vehicle (OP206:YES), the process proceeds to OP207. If the passing vehicle does not meet the requirements for a relay vehicle (OP206:NO), the process proceeds to OP209.

[0064] In OP207, the distribution control unit 21 sends a notification to the passing vehicle that it has been appointed as a relay vehicle, along with fragment data of the content to which the relay vehicle has been appointed, via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In OP208, the distribution control unit 21 sends the fragment data of the content to which the relay vehicle has been appointed to the distribution server 1, along with a distribution report containing information indicating that a relay vehicle has been appointed.

[0065] In OP209, the distribution control unit 21 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the distribution server 1 to suspend the appointment of a relay vehicle. If an instruction to suspend the appointment of a relay vehicle is received from the distribution server 1 (OP209: YES), the process shown in Figure 4 ends, and the distribution control unit 21 returns to normal mode. If an instruction to suspend the appointment of a relay vehicle is not received from the distribution server 1 (OP209: NO), the process proceeds to OP201. Note that the processing of the distribution control unit 21 is not limited to the process shown in Figure 4.

[0066] <Effects of the First Embodiment> In the first embodiment, for content where the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 within an area is less than a threshold N, the number of relay vehicles 4 that distribute the target content to the receiving vehicle 3 is increased through the distribution vehicle 2 that is currently distributing the target content within that area. This increases the opportunities for content fragments to be delivered to the receiving vehicle 3, thereby shortening the time it takes for the receiving vehicle 3 to acquire the target content.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4 receives the fragment data along with a specified time for which the fragment data will be held in the distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4. As a result, once the specified time has elapsed, the distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4 deletes the fragment data from its onboard storage. Therefore, once enough time has passed for the content to be sufficiently distributed to the receiving vehicles 3 in the area, the number of relay vehicles 4 distributing the content will naturally decrease, and the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 in the area can be adjusted.

[0068] <Modified form of the first embodiment> In the first embodiment, the distribution control unit 21 of the distribution vehicle 2 assigns vehicles it encounters on the road to be relay vehicles 4 from the time it receives an instruction to start assigning relay vehicles until it receives an instruction to stop assigning relay vehicles. With this method, the number of relay vehicles 4 can be increased more quickly. However, in addition to the above, the following methods can also be applied to assign relay vehicles to the distribution vehicle 2.

[0069] (Method for appointing relay vehicles 1) Once the distribution control unit 21 has appointed one vehicle as a relay vehicle 4, it suppresses the appointment of the next relay vehicle until predetermined conditions are met. These predetermined conditions include, for example, the elapsed time since the previous relay vehicle appointment reaching a predetermined threshold, or the distance traveled from the previous relay vehicle appointment point exceeding a predetermined threshold. This allows the relay vehicles 4 to be distributed over a wider area.

[0070] (Method for appointing relay vehicles 2) If the distribution control unit 21 anticipates that another vehicle will be traveling parallel to its own distribution vehicle 2, it excludes that other vehicle from the list of candidates for relay vehicles. For example, when the distribution control unit 21 passes another vehicle, it may obtain the other vehicle's planned future travel route from that vehicle via vehicle-to-vehicle communication and determine the possibility of parallel travel by comparing the planned travel routes of its own distribution vehicle 2 and the other vehicle. Alternatively, the distribution control unit 21 may determine the possibility of parallel travel based on the similarity of the direction and speed of travel between its own distribution vehicle 2 and the other vehicle.

[0071] (Method 3 for appointing relay vehicles) Distribution server 1 may determine the timing and location for appointing relay vehicles and instruct distribution vehicle 2 accordingly. For example, a geofence may be set along the planned route of distribution vehicle 2, and when distribution vehicle 2 enters the geofence, it may be instructed to appoint a new relay vehicle. This makes it possible to make the density of distribution vehicle 2 and relay vehicle 4 uniform throughout the entire area.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the distribution vehicle 2 appoints the relay vehicle, but for example, the distribution server 1 may send an instruction to the relay vehicle 4 to start appointing a relay vehicle, instructing the relay vehicle 4 to appoint another vehicle as a relay vehicle.

[0073] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the number of units adjustment unit is provided in the distribution server 1, but in the second embodiment, the number of units adjustment unit is provided in each distribution vehicle 2. In the second embodiment, explanations that overlap with the first embodiment are omitted. The system configuration of the content distribution system 100 in the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the distribution server 1, distribution vehicle 2, receiving vehicle 3, and relay vehicle 4, and the functional configuration of the distribution server 1 and relay vehicle 4 are the same as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the in-vehicle device mounted on the distribution vehicle 2 is an example of an "information processing device".

[0074] In the second embodiment, the functional configuration of the distribution server 1 does not include the number adjustment unit 12, while the functional configuration of the distribution vehicle 2 includes the number adjustment unit 22. When the distribution vehicle 2 is equipped with the number adjustment unit 22, the distribution vehicle 2 can determine the current location of other distribution vehicles 2 in the same area, and the number of vehicles it possesses. It is difficult to comprehensively grasp the list of fragmented data. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the vehicle adjustment unit 22 estimates the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 that are in the same area as its own vehicle, based on information obtained from other vehicles through vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0075] More specifically, when the vehicle count adjustment unit 22 passes another distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4 on the road, it exchanges a list of the fragment data it possesses via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. For each fragment data held by its own vehicle, the vehicle count adjustment unit 22 counts the number of times E it has encountered distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 that possess fragment data originating from the same content during a predetermined period in the past, and estimates the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 participating in the distribution of the same content in the same area as its own vehicle based on this number E. For example, the vehicle count adjustment unit 22 may assume that the total number V (estimated value) of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 in the same area as its own vehicle is proportional to the number of encounters E in the predetermined period in the past, and estimate V using a predetermined coefficient k, with the relationship V = kE. However, the method by which the vehicle count adjustment unit 22 estimates the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 in the same area is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle adjustment unit 22 may improve the accuracy of estimating the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 in the same area by using a more complex regression equation or a machine learning model.

[0076] Otherwise, similar to the vehicle number adjustment unit 12 in the first embodiment, the vehicle number adjustment unit 22 instructs the distribution control unit 21 to operate in relay vehicle appointment mode when the total number V of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 located in the same area as the vehicle itself is less than the threshold N. When the total number V of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 located in the same area as the vehicle itself reaches the threshold N, the vehicle number adjustment unit 22 instructs the distribution control unit 21 to operate in normal mode. In the second embodiment, the vehicle number adjustment unit 22 may determine the threshold N based on, for example, the location of the area, the time of day, the traffic volume in the area, and the importance of the distribution content.

[0077] Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart of the processing of the distribution vehicle 2 number adjustment unit 22 according to the second embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 5 is executed each time the distribution vehicle 2 passes another distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4, or at predetermined intervals, while the distribution vehicle 2 is holding the distribution content. Furthermore, the processing shown in Figure 5 is executed for each fragment data held by the distribution vehicle 2, or for the content from which each fragment data held by the distribution vehicle 2 originates.

[0078] In OP301, the vehicle adjustment unit 22 estimates the total number V of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 that are participating in the distribution of the same content within the same area as the vehicle itself. In OP302, the vehicle adjustment unit 22 determines whether the total number V of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 that are participating in the distribution of the same content within the same area as the vehicle itself is greater than or equal to a threshold N. If the total number V of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 is greater than or equal to a threshold N (OP302: YES), the process proceeds to OP303. In OP303, the vehicle adjustment unit 22 determines the operation of the distribution control unit 21 in normal mode and gives instructions to the distribution control unit 21. In normal mode, when the distribution control unit 21 passes a receiving vehicle 3, it sends fragmented data to the receiving vehicle 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. After that, the process shown in Figure 5 is completed.

[0079] If the total number V of the distribution vehicle 2 and relay vehicle 4 is less than the threshold N (OP302: NO), the process proceeds to OP304. In OP304, the vehicle adjustment unit 22 determines the operation of the distribution control unit 21 in the relay vehicle appointment mode in the second embodiment and issues an instruction to the distribution control unit 21. After that, the process shown in Figure 5 is completed.

[0080] Figure 6 is an example of a flowchart of the processing performed by the distribution control unit 21 of the distribution vehicle 2 according to the second embodiment when it is in relay vehicle appointment mode. The processing shown in Figure 6 is repeatedly executed while the distribution control unit 21 is operating in relay vehicle appointment mode.

[0081] In OP401, the distribution control unit 21 determines whether or not it has passed another vehicle. If it has passed another vehicle (OP401: YES), the process proceeds to OP402. If it has not passed another vehicle (OP401: NO), the process shown in Figure 6 ends.

[0082] In OP402, the distribution control unit 21 determines whether the vehicle that passed is the receiving vehicle 3. If the vehicle that passed is the receiving vehicle 3 (OP402: YES), the process proceeds to OP403. In OP403, the distribution control unit 21 sends the requested fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. After this, the distribution control unit 21 may send a distribution report of the fragment data to the receiving vehicle 3 to the distribution server 1. Then the process proceeds to OP406.

[0083] If the vehicle that passed is not receiving vehicle 3 (OP402: NO), the process proceeds to OP404. In OP404, the distribution control unit 21 determines whether the vehicle that passed is distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4. If the vehicle that passed is distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4 (OP404: YES), the process proceeds to OP405. In OP405, the distribution control unit 21 exchanges a list of the fragmented data it holds with the other distribution vehicle 2 or relay vehicle 4 that passed via vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0084] If the passing vehicle is neither receiving vehicle 3, distribution vehicle 2, nor relay vehicle 4 (OP404:NO), the process proceeds to OP406. In OP406, the distribution control unit 21 determines whether the passing vehicle meets the requirements for a relay vehicle. If the passing vehicle meets the requirements for a relay vehicle (OP406:YES), the process proceeds to OP407. If the passing vehicle does not meet the requirements for a relay vehicle (OP406:NO), the process proceeds to OP408.

[0085] In OP407, the distribution control unit 21 sends a notification to the passing vehicle of the appointment of a relay vehicle and fragment data of the content to which the relay vehicle is to be appointed via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In OP408, the distribution control unit 21 updates the number of encounters E of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 that are participating in the distribution of the same content or the same fragment data within the same area as the vehicle itself, based on the list of fragment data held by other distribution vehicles 2 or relay vehicles 4 received in OP405 and the relay vehicle 4 newly appointed in OP407. After that, the process shown in Figure 6 is completed. Subsequently, the vehicle count adjustment unit 22 executes, for example, the process in Figure 5, and when the total number V of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 participating in the distribution of the same content or the same fragment data within the same area as the vehicle reaches the threshold N, the distribution control unit 21 switches to normal mode operation and stops the repeated execution of the process shown in Figure 6.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the distribution vehicle 2 does not need to notify the distribution server 1 of distribution reports, for example, and communication overhead of cellular or WiFi communication can be reduced.

[0087] <Third Embodiment> Figure 7 shows an example of the system configuration of the data collection system 500 according to the third embodiment. The data collection system 500 is a system that allows a sink vehicle to collect data generated by a source vehicle via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. An example of data generated by the source vehicle is sensor data. Hereinafter, the data that the data collection system 500 collects, generated by the source vehicle 70, will be referred to as uploaded data.

[0088] The data collection system 500 includes a source vehicle 70 that generates upload data, a sink vehicle 60 that acquires the upload data from the source vehicle 70 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and a data collection server 50 that collects the upload data generated by the source vehicle 70 from the sink vehicle 60. In the third embodiment, the data collection system 500 includes a source vehicle 70 and a sink vehicle 60. The system also includes a relay vehicle 80 that relays uploaded data to the sink vehicle 60 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The data collection system 500 may include multiple sink vehicles 60, source vehicles 70, and relay vehicles 80. Unless otherwise specified, they will simply be referred to as sink vehicle 60, source vehicle 70, and relay vehicle 80. While the actual primary entity responsible for communication between each vehicle is the on-board equipment installed in that vehicle, for convenience, each vehicle will be described as the primary entity.

[0089] The data collection server 50 and each vehicle are connected to network N2 and can communicate with each other via network N2. Network N2 is, for example, a public network such as the Internet. Each vehicle can connect to network N2 via a cellular network, wireless LAN, etc., as its access network. In the second embodiment, vehicle-to-vehicle communication may be, for example, vehicle-to-vehicle wireless LAN communication, DSRC, or 5G sidelink communication.

[0090] First, let's explain the flow of data collection via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The data collection server 50 selects multiple sink vehicles 60 and source vehicles 70 from the vehicles managed by the data collection system 500, for example, based on a predetermined policy. The data collection server 50 sends a notification of sink vehicle assignment to the selected sink vehicles 60, for example, via WiFi communication or cellular communication. The data collection server 50 sends a data collection instruction to the selected source vehicles 70. The data collection instruction includes, for example, the type of upload data generated by the source vehicle 70, the acquisition time, the acquisition frequency, and a list of sink vehicles.

[0091] The source vehicle 70 generates and collects upload data according to data collection instructions, and when it passes a designated sink vehicle 60, it sends the upload data to the sink vehicle 60 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The sink vehicle 60 temporarily stores the upload data received from the source vehicle 70 in the storage of its in-vehicle device, and, for example, when it next connects to a WiFi access point, it sends the temporarily stored upload data to the data collection server 50 via WiFi communication.

[0092] In the data collection system 500, if there are few sink vehicles 60 in the area, the source vehicle 70 will have fewer opportunities to transmit upload data, and it may take time for the upload data to be collected by the data collection server 50. In the third embodiment, when there are few sink vehicles 60 in the area, vehicles that pass by the source vehicle 70 are designated as relay vehicles 80, increasing the number of relay vehicles 80 that relay upload data between the source vehicle 70 and the sink vehicles 60, thereby increasing the opportunities for the source vehicle 70 to transmit upload data. This makes it possible to shorten the time it takes for the upload data to be collected by the data collection server 50.

[0093] More specifically, the following applies: (A) The source vehicle 70 estimates the total number of sink vehicles 60 and relay vehicles 80 in the area where it is located. The method for estimating the total number of sink vehicles 60 and relay vehicles 80 is, for example, the same as the method for estimating the total number of distribution vehicles 2 and relay vehicles 4 in the second embodiment.

[0094] (B) If the estimated total number of sink vehicles 60 and relay vehicles 80 in the area is less than the threshold N, the source vehicle 70 decides to increase the number of relay vehicles 80, and sends a notification of the appointment of a relay device and upload data to passing vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, appointing them as relay vehicles 80. When a relay vehicle 80 passes a sink vehicle 60, it sends the upload data via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. As a result, the number of vehicles sending upload data to the sink vehicle 60 increases, so even if the source vehicle 70 has few opportunities to pass a sink vehicle 60, the number of relay vehicles When the sink vehicle 60 passes the 80, the upload data from the source vehicle 70 is transmitted, which shortens the time it takes for the upload data to reach the data collection server 50.

[0095] Uploaded data is an example of a "data block". Source vehicle 70 is an example of a "first mobile entity". Sink vehicle 60 is an example of a "second mobile entity". Relay vehicle 80 is an example of a "third mobile entity". Vehicle-to-vehicle communication is an example of "device-to-device communication". The onboard equipment of source vehicle 70 is an example of an "information processing device".

[0096] In the third embodiment, the hardware configuration of the data collection server 50 is the same as that of the distribution server 1 in the first embodiment (see Figure 2). The hardware configuration of the on-board devices of the sink vehicle 60, source vehicle 70, and relay vehicle 80 is the same as that of the first embodiment (see Figure 2).

[0097] Figure 8 shows an example of the functional configuration of the source vehicle 70. The source vehicle 70 comprises a data block generation unit 71, an upload control unit 72, a unit number adjustment unit 73, and an upload data storage unit 74. The data block generation unit 71, the upload control unit 72, the unit number adjustment unit 73, and the upload data storage unit 74 are functional components achieved, for example, by the processor of the on-board device of the source vehicle 70 executing a predetermined program.

[0098] The upload data storage unit 74 holds the upload data. The upload data storage unit 74 is created in the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device of the source vehicle 70. When the data block generation unit 71 receives a data collection instruction from the data collection server 50, it starts generating the upload data. For example, the data block generation unit 71 acquires detected values ​​from an on-board sensor, generates upload data, and stores it in the upload data storage unit 74.

[0099] When the upload control unit 72 passes the sink vehicle 60, it transmits the upload data held in the upload data storage unit 74 to the sink vehicle 60 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In addition, when operating in relay vehicle appointment mode, if the vehicle that the upload control unit 72 passes meets the requirements for a relay vehicle, it transmits a notification of the appointment as a relay vehicle and the upload data via vehicle-to-vehicle communication to that vehicle, and appoints that vehicle as a relay vehicle 80. The requirements for a relay vehicle in the third embodiment include, for example, that the remaining amount of on-board storage is above a predetermined threshold, and that it is already a sink vehicle or relay vehicle with the same upload data. However, the requirements for a relay vehicle are not limited to these.

[0100] The relay vehicle 80 stores the uploaded data received from the source vehicle 70 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication in its onboard storage, and when it passes the sink vehicle 60, it transmits the uploaded data held in the onboard storage via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The upload control unit 72 may also transmit to the relay vehicle 80 or the sink vehicle 60, along with the uploaded data, a specified time for the relay vehicle 80 or the sink vehicle 60 to hold the uploaded data. The relay vehicle 80 and the sink vehicle 60 may delete the uploaded data from their onboard storage after the specified time has elapsed.

[0101] The details of the processing of the upload control unit 72 are similar to, for example, the processing of the distribution control unit 21 of the distribution vehicle 2 in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, when the receiving vehicle 3 is replaced with the sink vehicle 60, the distribution vehicle 2 with the source vehicle 70, the relay vehicle 4 with the relay vehicle 80, and the content with the uploaded data.

[0102] The vehicle number adjustment unit 73 adjusts the distribution vehicle 2 in the second embodiment to the sink vehicle 60 and relay vehicle 4 By replacing the relay vehicle 80 with a relay vehicle 80, the total number V of sink vehicles 60 and relay vehicles 80 in the same area is estimated based on the number of encounters with the sink vehicle 60 or relay vehicle 80, in the same manner as the number adjustment unit 22 of the distribution vehicle 2 in the second embodiment. The number adjustment unit 73 also determines whether the upload control unit 72 should operate in relay vehicle appointment mode if the total number V of sink vehicles 60 and relay vehicles 80 in the same area is less than the threshold N, and instructs the upload control unit 72. If the total number V of sink vehicles 60 and relay vehicles 80 in the same area reaches the threshold N, the number adjustment unit 73 determines whether the upload control unit 72 should operate in normal mode and instructs the upload control unit 72. The normal mode operation of the upload control unit 72 is to transmit upload data to the sink vehicle 60 that has passed by via vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0103] According to the third embodiment, even in a data collection system 500 where the data flow is in the upload direction, the number of relay vehicles 80 that relay the uploaded data between the source vehicle 70 and the sink vehicle 60 can be adjusted, similar to a content distribution system 100 where the data flow is in the download direction.

[0104] As a variation of the third embodiment, a system is provided in which the vehicle count adjustment unit is located in the data collection server 50 instead of the source vehicle 70. When the vehicle count adjustment unit is located in the data collection server 50, similar to the first embodiment, the source vehicle 70 and relay vehicle 80 send reports to the data collection server 50 that they have sent upload data to the sink vehicle 60, as well as location information and a list of the upload data they hold, at predetermined intervals or when a predetermined event occurs. Based on the communication history information with these source vehicles 70 and relay vehicles 80, the data collection server 50 obtains the total number of sink vehicles 60 and relay vehicles 80 in each area, and if it is less than the threshold N, it sends an instruction to the source vehicle 70 to start appointing relay vehicles in order to increase the number of relay vehicles 80. When the total number of sink vehicles 60 and relay vehicles 80 in each area reaches the threshold N, the data collection server 50 sends an instruction to the source vehicle 70 to stop appointing relay vehicles.

[0105] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence.

[0106] The processes and methods described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented, provided that no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0107] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0108] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage mediums include, for example, any type of disk such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1. Distribution Server 2. Delivery Vehicles 3. Receiving vehicle 4. 80 relay vehicles 11. Control Unit 12, 22, 73... Unit Quantity Adjustment Section 13, 23, 42... Content Database 21. Distribution Control Unit 41. Relay Control Unit 50. Data collection server 60-inch vehicles 70 · Source vehicle 100 Content Distribution System 101, 201... Processors 102, 202...memory 103, 203... Auxiliary storage device 104 Communications Department 204 ·· Wireless Communication Department 205 ··Vehicle-to-vehicle communication unit 500 Data Collection System

Claims

1. To obtain the total number of a first mobile entity and a second mobile entity that relays data blocks between the first mobile entity and a predetermined server via device-to-device communication and via first wireless communication within a predetermined area, and a third mobile entity that relays the data blocks between the first mobile entity and the second mobile entity via device-to-device communication. If the total number is less than a predetermined threshold, instruct either the second mobile body or the first mobile body to transmit the data block to the other mobile body via inter-device communication and appoint the other mobile body as the third mobile body, A control unit that executes An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit, The predetermined threshold is further determined based on at least one of the location, time period, and traffic volume of the predetermined area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, Acquiring location information from multiple moving objects located within the aforementioned predetermined area, Receiving a first notification from either the second mobile body or the first mobile body that the other mobile body has been appointed as the third mobile body, Further execution, The information processing device according to claim 1, which obtains the total number of the second and third moving bodies within the predetermined area based on the first notification and the location information of the second and third moving bodies.

4. The information processing device is mounted on the second mobile body, The control unit, Further, through the inter-device communication, the exchange of a list of data blocks to be held with one or more other second mobile bodies or one or more of the third mobile bodies is performed. Based on the one or more lists obtained by the exchange, the total number of the second and third moving bodies within the predetermined area is estimated for the data block. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. On the computer, To obtain the total number of a first mobile entity and a second mobile entity that relays data blocks between the first mobile entity and a predetermined server via device-to-device communication and via first wireless communication within a predetermined area, and a third mobile entity that relays the data blocks between the first mobile entity and the second mobile entity via device-to-device communication. If the total number is less than a predetermined threshold, instruct either the second mobile body or the first mobile body to transmit the data block to the other mobile body via inter-device communication and appoint the other mobile body as the third mobile body, A program to execute.

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