Weather information providing method and weather information system

Abstract

This weather information providing method is executed by a processor included in a weather observation device (300) mounted on a moving body. The processor acquires weather prediction information predicting a future weather condition from a weather prediction device (100), generates, after acquiring the weather prediction information, weather observation information obtained by observing a weather condition at a position of the moving body on the basis of detection information from a sensor included in the moving body, and provides the weather observation information to the weather prediction device (100).

Description

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[0001] The present invention relates to a weather information providing method and a weather information system.

[0002] Techniques for predicting future weather conditions based on observation data are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a weather prediction system that acquires observation data (environmental data) observed by a plurality of moving bodies, observation data possessed by meteorological authorities, etc., and predicts future weather phenomena based on these observation data.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-092396

[0004] Although the weather prediction system disclosed in Patent Document 1 can use environmental data acquired by a plurality of moving bodies for weather prediction, the prediction accuracy has not been studied, and the introduction of a technique for improving the prediction accuracy is desired. [[ID=第十四条]]

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the prediction accuracy of weather conditions.

[0006] To achieve the above object, a weather information providing method according to the present invention is a weather information providing method executed by a processor included in a weather observation device mounted on a moving body. The processor acquires weather prediction information predicting future weather conditions from a weather prediction device, and after acquiring the weather prediction information, generates weather observation information observing the weather conditions at the location of the moving body based on detection information by a sensor included in the moving body, and provides the weather observation information to the weather prediction device.

[0007] According to the present invention, a weather information providing method and a weather information system can improve the prediction accuracy of weather conditions.

[0008] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a weather information system according to an embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of a weather forecasting device. This is a block diagram showing an example functional configuration of a weather forecasting device. This is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of a weather observation device. This is a block diagram showing an example functional configuration of a weather observation device. This is a diagram showing an example of a precipitation forecast distribution. This is a diagram showing an example of an image captured by a vehicle traveling in an area where almost no precipitation is predicted in the precipitation forecast distribution. This is a diagram showing another example of an image captured by a vehicle traveling in an area where almost no precipitation is predicted in the precipitation forecast distribution. This is a diagram showing an example of an image captured by a vehicle traveling in an area where a large amount of precipitation is predicted in the precipitation forecast distribution. This is a diagram showing another example of an image captured by a vehicle traveling in an area where a large amount of precipitation is predicted in the precipitation forecast distribution. This is a diagram showing an example of comparison information. This is a flowchart showing the flow of the weather forecast information supply process. This is a flowchart showing the flow of the comparison information provision process.

[0009] Hereinafter, a weather information provision method and weather information system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The weather information provision method and weather information system according to embodiments of the present invention improve the accuracy of weather forecasts by providing weather observation information actually observed and acquired at the location of a moving object to a weather forecasting device and reflecting it in the weather forecast of the weather forecasting device.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the weather information system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one weather forecasting device 100 for predicting weather conditions, a plurality of vehicles 200a, 200b, 200c, ..., 200x for each user to ride in and drive, and a plurality of weather observation devices 300a, 300b, 300c, ..., 300x for observing weather conditions.

[0011] In the following explanation, when vehicles 200a, 200b, 200c, ..., 200x are not individually distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as vehicle 200. Similarly, when weather observation devices 300a, 300b, 300c, ..., 300x are not individually distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as weather observation device 300.

[0012] Furthermore, since the weather observation devices are mounted on vehicles, a common alphabet is appended to the end of the names of the corresponding vehicles 200 and weather observation devices 300. For example, the weather observation device mounted on vehicle 200a is designated as weather observation device 300a, the weather observation device mounted on vehicle 200b is designated as weather observation device 300b, and so on. The alphabet appended to the end of the names of the vehicles 200 and weather observation devices 300 is merely for convenience to distinguish each vehicle 200 and each weather observation device 300, and is unrelated to the number of vehicles 200 and weather observation devices 300.

[0013] Each of the weather forecasting device 100 and the weather observation device 300 is wirelessly connected to enable the transmission and reception of information via, for example, a network NW. The network NW is composed of, for example, an internet line network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a dedicated communication network, etc., and may also involve various network relay devices such as antennas, gateways, routers, and hubs.

[0014] The weather forecasting device 100 is an information processing device that uses observation data to predict future weather conditions in a target area, and is a general-purpose information processing device such as a server, workstation, or personal computer. The weather forecasting device 100 is installed and used, for example, by a meteorological agency or its affiliated organization that performs meteorological services, or by a company that provides weather forecasting services. The weather forecasting device 100 may also be a server built on the cloud. The weather forecasting device 100 predicts future weather conditions using a weather forecasting model obtained by machine learning and supplies (distributes) weather forecast information generated based on the prediction results to the weather observation device 300. The weather forecasting device 100 also acquires comparison information showing the result of comparing the weather forecast information supplied to the weather observation device 300 with weather observation information obtained by actually observing the weather conditions around the location of the vehicle 200, and updates the weather forecasting model using the acquired comparison information.

[0015] Vehicle 200 is a mobile device having functions such as location information acquisition, imaging, display, and sensing. Vehicle 200 is just one example of a mobile device and may be an aircraft, drone, ship, railway vehicle, etc. Physically, vehicle 200 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) device, imaging device, navigation device, sensor unit, etc. The imaging device is, for example, a drive recorder equipped with multiple cameras. The sensor unit consists of various sensors that detect the surrounding environment of vehicle 200. The sensor unit includes, for example, a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, pressure sensor, precipitation sensor, etc. The imaging device and sensor unit supply captured images and detected information to the weather observation device 300. The navigation device displays, for example, a map of the area around vehicle 200 along with weather forecast information acquired by the weather observation device 300 from the weather forecasting device 100 on the display screen.

[0016] The weather observation device 300 is an information processing device that can be mounted on the vehicle 200. The weather observation device 300 acquires weather forecast information that predicts future weather conditions from the weather forecasting device 100. When the weather observation device 300 acquires the weather forecast information, it generates weather observation information that shows the current weather conditions around the location of the vehicle 200 based on detection information acquired from the sensor unit installed in the vehicle 200, and compares it with the weather forecast information acquired from the weather forecasting device 100. If the weather forecast information and the weather observation information do not match or do not match very well, the weather observation device 300 generates comparison information that shows the comparison result and provides it to the weather forecasting device 100. In the following explanation, when the weather forecast information and the weather observation information do not match or do not match very well, it may be expressed as "the weather forecast information and the weather observation information are divergent," etc.

[0017] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the weather forecasting device 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the weather forecasting device 100 physically comprises a processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, communication interface (communication I / F (InterFace)) 104, display device 105, and input / output interface (input / output I / F) 106. Each of these components is electrically connected to the others via a bus line 107.

[0018] The processor 101 is a computing unit that controls the operation of the entire weather forecasting device 100. The processor 101 is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0019] Memory 102 is the main memory and includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The processor 101 reads programs and various data from ROM or storage 103 onto RAM and executes processing to realize the overall control and functions of the weather forecasting device 100.

[0020] Storage 103 is an auxiliary storage device that stores programs and various data necessary for program execution, and includes non-volatile storage devices such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives). Storage 103 stores, for example, the OS (Operating System), which is the basic software that controls the entire weather forecasting device 100, and applications that run on the OS and provide various functions. Storage 103 also stores, for example, weather forecast information generated by the device itself and weather observation information acquired from the weather observation devices 300 of each vehicle 200. Note that some of the programs and various data necessary for program execution may be stored in ROM.

[0021] The communication interface 104 connects to the network NW and is an interface for the weather forecasting device 100 to communicate data with the weather observation device 300. The communication interface 104 includes, for example, a network board, a wireless communication module, etc.

[0022] The display device 105 is an image display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and displays various images according to the control of the processor 101. The display device 105 displays, for example, weather forecast information, weather observation information, etc. on the display screen. The display device 105 may also be used in a configuration connected to the input / output interface 106.

[0023] The input / output interface 106 is an interface for connecting to input devices such as keyboards and mice that input operation signals, and output devices such as speakers that output audio data. For example, the input / output interface 106 takes in operation data input by the operator via the input device and outputs data such as moving images and audio to the output device. Note that if operator operation is not required, the weather forecasting device 100 does not need to be equipped with the display device 105 and the input / output interface 106.

[0024] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the weather forecasting device 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the weather forecasting device 100 functionally comprises a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, a display unit 140, and an input / output unit 150.

[0025] The control unit 110 is implemented, for example, by the processor 101 and memory 102 shown in Figure 2. The storage unit 120 is implemented, for example, by the memory 102 and storage 103 shown in Figure 2. The communication unit 130 is implemented by the communication interface 104 shown in Figure 2. The display unit 140 is implemented by the display device 105 shown in Figure 2. The input / output unit 150 is implemented, for example, by the input / output interface 106 shown in Figure 2.

[0026] The control unit 110 controls the overall functions of the weather forecasting device 100. The control unit 110 includes a weather forecasting information generation unit 111, a weather forecasting information supply unit 112, a comparison information acquisition unit 113, and a weather forecasting model update unit 114.

[0027] The weather forecast information generation unit 111 periodically generates weather forecast information using a weather forecast model obtained through machine learning. The weather forecast model is a trained model obtained by machine learning the correlation between observational data of past or present weather conditions and forecast data of future weather conditions. The weather forecast model can be generated using any known learning algorithm such as a neural network, deep learning, SVM (Support Vector Machine), or k-nearest neighbor algorithm (k-NN). For example, the weather forecast model takes observational data acquired from ground observation points, weather satellites, etc., as input and outputs forecast data (forecast values) such as weather, precipitation (rainfall amount, snowfall amount, etc.), temperature, humidity, and sea level pressure. The weather forecast information generation unit 111 generates weather forecast information based on the forecast data output from the weather forecast model. The weather forecast information includes, for example, forecast data (forecast values) for each weather element at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes to 1 hour) within the forecast area and forecast time period. The forecast area is, for example, the entire Earth or a part of the Earth. The forecast time period is, for example, the period from the time the weather forecast information generation unit 111 generates the weather forecast information up to 24 hours later. The interval for generating weather forecast information is arbitrary, for example, 10 minutes to 1 hour. The weather forecast information generation unit 111 stores the generated weather forecast information in the storage unit 120.

[0028] The weather forecast information supply unit 112 controls the communication unit 130 to supply (transmit) the weather forecast information generated by the weather forecast information generation unit 111 to the weather observation device 300. The timing of supplying the weather forecast information to the weather observation device 300 may be each time the weather forecast information generation unit 111 generates weather forecast information, or it may be at predetermined time intervals. In this embodiment, the weather forecast information supply unit 112 responds to receiving a weather forecast information transmission request from the weather observation device 300 by supplying the weather forecast information to the weather observation device 300 with weather forecast information corresponding to the forecast target area and forecast target time period specified in the weather forecast information transmission request.

[0029] The comparison information acquisition unit 113 acquires comparison information showing the result of comparing weather forecast information transmitted by the weather forecast information supply unit 112 with weather observation information showing the actual weather conditions observed by the weather observation devices 300 mounted on each vehicle 200. The comparison information acquisition unit 113 acquires weather observation information by receiving the comparison information transmitted from the weather observation devices 300 mounted on each vehicle 200 via the communication unit 130. The comparison information is transmitted from the weather observation device 300 when the weather forecast information acquired by the weather observation device 300 from the weather forecasting device 100 does not match, or does not match very well.

[0030] The weather forecast model update unit 114 updates the weather forecast model used to generate weather forecast information. The weather forecast model update unit 114 updates the existing weather forecast model based on comparison information acquired from the weather observation device 300. For example, the weather forecast model update unit 114 updates the weather forecast model to improve forecast accuracy by using weather observation information included in the comparison information acquired from the weather observation device 300, and the corresponding weather forecast information, as training data.

[0031] The memory unit 120 stores control programs executed by the control unit 110 and various data. For example, the memory unit 120 stores weather forecast information supplied to each weather observation device 300 and comparison information acquired from each weather observation device 300. The communication unit 130 transmits and receives various data with each weather observation device 300 via the network NW in accordance with the control unit 110. The display unit 140 displays various information in accordance with the control unit 110. The input / output unit 150 receives various data from the input device and outputs various data to the output device in accordance with the control unit 110.

[0032] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the weather observation device 300 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the weather observation device 300 physically includes a processor 301, memory 302, storage 303, communication interface (communication I / F) 304, and input / output interface (input / output I / F) 305. These components are electrically connected to each other via a bus line 306. The example of the hardware configuration of the weather observation device 300 is the same as the example of the hardware configuration of the weather forecasting device 100 described above, except that it does not have a display device, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0033] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the weather observation device 300 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the weather observation device 300 functionally comprises a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, a communication unit 330, and an input / output unit 340.

[0034] The control unit 310 is implemented, for example, by the processor 301 and memory 302 shown in Figure 4. The storage unit 320 is implemented, for example, by the memory 302 and storage 303 shown in Figure 4. The communication unit 330 is implemented, for example, by the communication interface 304 shown in Figure 4. The input / output unit 340 is implemented, for example, by the input / output interface 305 shown in Figure 4.

[0035] The control unit 310 controls the overall functions of the weather observation device 300. The control unit 310 includes a weather forecast information acquisition unit 311, a weather observation information generation unit 312, a weather information comparison unit 313, a comparison information generation unit 314, and a comparison information provision unit 315.

[0036] The weather forecast information acquisition unit 311 acquires weather forecast information from the weather forecasting device 100. The weather forecast information acquisition unit 311 acquires weather forecast information by, for example, sending a weather forecast information transmission request to the weather forecasting device 100 via the communication unit 330, and receiving the weather forecast information transmitted by the weather forecasting device 100 in response to this request. In this embodiment, the weather forecast information transmission request can specify the forecast target area and the forecast target time period, and is configured to be able to specify these according to the current location and current time of the vehicle 200 each time the weather forecast information transmission request is sent. Alternatively, the weather forecast information acquisition unit 311 may acquire weather forecast information by sending a weather forecast information transmission request in response to an operation by the operator of the weather observation device 300 (for example, a passenger in the vehicle 200), or it may acquire weather forecast information periodically by automatically sending a weather forecast information transmission request at predetermined intervals.

[0037] The weather observation information generation unit 312 generates weather observation information each time it acquires weather forecast information from the weather forecasting device 100. Based on detection information acquired from the sensor unit installed in the vehicle 200, the weather observation information generation unit 312 generates weather observation information indicating the current weather conditions around the location of the vehicle 200. The weather observation information includes at least one weather element from among the weather, precipitation, temperature, humidity, local atmospheric pressure, and sea level pressure at the location of the vehicle 200.

[0038] The weather observation information generation unit 312 analyzes images captured by the imaging device equipped on the vehicle 200 using well-known image analysis techniques to determine the weather around the vehicle 200's location. For example, the weather observation information generation unit 312 estimates the conditions of the space around the vehicle, such as the distribution of sunlight and solar radiation, from the hue, brightness, and lightness of the captured images, and determines the weather around the vehicle 200's location.

[0039] Furthermore, the weather observation information generation unit 312 calculates sea level pressure based on the local atmospheric pressure at the location of the vehicle 200 and includes this as a meteorological element in the weather observation information. Local atmospheric pressure is the atmospheric pressure actually observed at weather observation points such as meteorological observatories and weather stations, and in weather forecast information, sea level pressure, which is obtained by correcting this local atmospheric pressure to sea level height (altitude 0m), is used as a meteorological element. Sea level pressure P0 can be calculated using the following formula (1): P0 = P[1 - {0.0065h / (T + 0.0065h + 273.15)}]^-5.257 ……(1) Here, P is local atmospheric pressure, T is the measured temperature (°C), h is the altitude (m), and the constant 0.0065K / m is the temperature lapse rate. Also, "^" indicates exponentiation. The altitude is determined by the measurement value of the GPS device.

[0040] The weather information comparison unit 313 compares the weather forecast information with the weather observation information generated by the weather observation information generation unit 312 and determines whether the two pieces of information are roughly the same (whether they are not significantly different). More specifically, the weather information comparison unit 313 compares each meteorological element of the forecast data of the weather forecast information acquired by the weather forecast information acquisition unit 311 from the weather forecasting device 100 with the observation data of the weather observation information. Here, if the meteorological elements of the forecast data and observation data are numerical data such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and the numerical values ​​of the same meteorological elements in both pieces of information do not match, or if the difference in the numerical values ​​of the same meteorological elements in both pieces of information exceeds a predetermined threshold, the weather information comparison unit 313 determines that the meteorological elements do not match. Also, if the meteorological elements are type data such as weather (in the case of weather, sunny, rainy, cloudy, etc.), and the same meteorological elements in both pieces of information are of different types, the weather information comparison unit 313 determines that the meteorological elements do not match. The weather information comparison unit 313 determines that the weather forecast information and the weather observation information are approximately identical (not divergent) if all meteorological elements included in the weather forecast information and the weather observation information match. On the other hand, the weather observation device 300 determines that the weather forecast information and the weather observation information do not match (diverge) if at least one of the meteorological elements included in the weather forecast information and the weather observation information does not match. The determination of whether the weather forecast information and the weather observation information are approximately identical may be made by determining whether the sum of the divergence levels of each meteorological element is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or by assigning weights to the meteorological elements (for example, weather > temperature > humidity > others).

[0041] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the precipitation forecast distribution DM for the forecast area, based on the meteorological element "precipitation" included in the weather forecast information, is assumed to indicate a precipitation forecast of approximately 0 to 100 mm. Furthermore, it is assumed that a vehicle 200a equipped with a weather observation device 300a and a vehicle 200b equipped with a weather observation device 300b are traveling through this forecast area.

[0042] Assume that the area in which vehicle 200a is traveling is a region where the weather element "weather" in the weather forecast information is "cloudy" and the predicted precipitation amount is 0.5 mm or less in the precipitation prediction distribution shown in Figure 6. Under these circumstances, if the image captured in the direction of travel of vehicle 200a is an image where the space corresponding to the sky is cloudy, as shown in Figure 7A, the weather observation information generation unit 312 identifies the weather element "weather" in the weather observation information as "cloudy" through image analysis. The weather information comparison unit 313 also determines that the weather element "weather" in the weather forecast information and the weather observation information are consistent. On the other hand, if the image captured in the direction of travel of vehicle 200a is an image where it is raining, as shown in Figure 7B, the weather observation information generation unit 312 identifies the weather element "weather" in the weather observation information as "rain" through image analysis. The weather information comparison unit 313 also determines that the weather element "weather" in the weather forecast information and the weather observation information are inconsistent.

[0043] On the other hand, suppose the area in which vehicle 200b is traveling is a region where the weather element "weather" in the weather forecast information is "rain" and the precipitation forecast distribution in Figure 6 predicts 20 to 50 mm of rainfall. Under these circumstances, if the image captured in the direction of travel of vehicle 200b is an image of rain, as shown in Figure 8A, the weather observation information generation unit 312 identifies the weather element "weather" in the weather observation information as "rain" through image analysis. The weather information comparison unit 313 also determines that the weather element "weather" in the weather forecast information and the weather observation information are consistent. On the other hand, if the image captured in the direction of travel of vehicle 200b is a sunny image, as shown in Figure 8B, the weather observation information generation unit 312 identifies the weather element "weather" in the weather observation information as "sunny" through image analysis. The weather information comparison unit 313 also determines that the weather element "weather" in the weather forecast information and the weather observation information are inconsistent.

[0044] When the weather information comparison unit 313 determines that the weather prediction information and the weather observation information do not match (deviate) (when a predetermined condition is satisfied), the comparison information generation unit 314 generates comparison information indicating the comparison result between the two. The comparison information includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, prediction data included in the weather prediction information, observation data included in the weather observation information, and a deviation level (evaluation result) indicating the degree of deviation of each weather element between the weather prediction information (prediction data) and the weather observation information (observation data) to be compared. For example, when the weather element to be compared is numerical data, the comparison information generation unit 314 may determine the deviation level according to which range of a plurality of thresholds set in advance step by step the difference in the numerical values of the weather elements to be compared belongs. Also, for example, when the weather element to be compared is type data, the deviation level may be assigned a deviation level set in advance according to the combination of the types of the weather elements to be compared. In the comparison information shown in FIG. 9, the deviation level is expressed as "large", "medium", and "small", but other evaluation methods (for example, deviation rate, etc.) may also be used.

[0045] The comparison information providing unit 315 transmits and provides the comparison information generated by the comparison information generation unit 314 to the weather prediction device 100 via the communication unit 330. Also, the comparison information providing unit 315 stores the comparison information in the storage unit 320. When the weather information comparison unit 313 determines that the weather prediction information and the weather observation information match (do not deviate) (when a predetermined condition is not satisfied), the comparison information providing unit 315 may transmit to the weather prediction device 100 that the weather prediction information is as predicted (the prediction is correct).

[0046] The storage unit 320 stores a control program executed by the control unit 310 and various data. The communication unit 330 performs transmission and reception of various data with the weather prediction device 100 via the network NW according to the control of the control unit 310. The input / output unit 340 inputs various data from an input device and outputs various data to an output device according to the control of the control unit 310.

[0047] Next, the operation of the weather information system 1 having the above configuration will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart regarding the weather prediction information supply process executed by the weather prediction device 100, which is an example of the operation of the weather information system 1. This operation corresponds to the weather information providing method of the weather information system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0048] The control unit 110 of the weather prediction device 100 starts the weather prediction information supply process, for example, in response to an operation input of a start instruction by an operator of the weather prediction device

[0049] When starting the weather prediction information supply process, the control unit 110 first acquires weather data (step S101). The weather prediction information generation unit 111 of the control unit 110 acquires observation data at a plurality of observation points installed within the prediction target area, observation data by weather satellites, etc. via the communication unit 130.

[0050] Next, the control unit 110 generates weather prediction information (step S102). The weather prediction information generation unit 111 inputs the observation data acquired in step S101 into the weather prediction model, and generates weather prediction information based on the prediction data output by the weather prediction model.

[0051] Next, the control unit 110 starts timing after the generation of the weather prediction information (step S103). The control unit 110 measures the elapsed time after the generation of the weather prediction information using, for example, a timer included in the processor 101.

[0052] Subsequently, the control unit 110 supplies the weather prediction information to the weather observation devices 300 of each vehicle 200 (step S104). The weather prediction information supply unit 112 of the control unit 110 transmits the weather prediction information corresponding to the specified content of the weather prediction information transmission request to the weather observation device 300 that is the transmission source of the weather prediction information transmission request.

[0053] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether or not comparison information has been acquired (step S105). The comparison information acquisition unit 113 of the control unit 110 makes the determination in this step according to whether or not the communication unit 130 has received weather observation information from any of the weather observation devices 300.

[0054] If it is determined that comparison information has been acquired (step S105: YES), the control unit 110 updates the weather forecast model (step S106). The weather forecast model update unit 114 of the control unit 110 uses the weather forecast information and weather observation information included in the comparison information acquired by the comparison information acquisition unit 113 from the weather observation device 300 as training data to retrain and update the weather forecast model. This makes it possible to generate a higher quality weather forecast model and improve the accuracy of weather forecasts.

[0055] If it is determined in step S105 that comparison information has not been acquired (step S105: NO), or after executing the process in step S106, the control unit 110 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S107). The predetermined time corresponds to the generation interval of weather forecast information. The control unit 110 refers to the timer that was started in step S103 and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the generation of the weather forecast information. If it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed (step S107: NO), the control unit 110 returns to step S105 and repeats the processes in steps S105 and S106 until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (step S107: YES), the control unit 110 returns the process to step S101 and repeats the series of processes described above in steps S101 to S107 until, for example, a stop instruction is input by the operator of the weather forecasting device 100.

[0057] Next, the comparative information provision process performed by the weather observation device 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 11. This operation corresponds to the weather information provision method of the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment. The control unit 310 of the weather observation device 300 starts the comparative information provision process in response to an operation input of a start instruction by, for example, the operator of the weather observation device 300 (for example, a passenger in the vehicle 200).

[0058] When the comparative information provision process is started, the control unit 310 first acquires weather forecast information (step S201). The weather forecast information acquisition unit 311 of the control unit 110 transmits a weather forecast information transmission request to the weather forecasting device 100 via the communication unit 330, and acquires weather forecast information by receiving the weather forecast information transmitted from the weather forecasting device 100 in response.

[0059] Next, the control unit 310 starts timing after the generation of weather forecast information (step S202). The control unit 310 uses, for example, a timer provided by the processor 301 to time the elapsed time after the acquisition of weather forecast information.

[0060] Next, the control unit 110 generates weather observation information (step S203). The weather observation information generation unit 312 of the control unit 110 generates weather observation information indicating the current weather conditions around the location of the vehicle 200, based on detection information acquired from the sensor unit installed in the vehicle 200.

[0061] Next, the control unit 110 compares the weather forecast information with the weather observation information (step S204). The weather information comparison unit 313 of the control unit 110 compares the weather forecast information acquired by the weather forecast information acquisition unit 311 in step S201 with the weather observation information generated by the weather observation information generation unit 312 in step S202. The weather information comparison unit 313 compares each weather element between the forecast data of the weather forecast information and the observation data of the weather observation information.

[0062] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether the weather forecast information and the weather observation information match (step S205). The weather information comparison unit 313 determines that the weather forecast information and the weather observation information match if all the weather elements in the forecast data of the weather forecast information and the observation data of the weather observation information match. On the other hand, the weather information comparison unit 313 determines that the weather forecast information and the weather observation information do not match (they are divergent) if at least one of the weather elements in the forecast data extracted from the weather forecast information and the observation data of the weather observation information do not match.

[0063] If it is determined that the weather forecast information and the weather observation information do not match (they are inconsistent) (step S205: NO), the control unit 310 generates comparison information (step S206). The comparison information generation unit 314 of the control unit 310 generates comparison information that includes forecast data included in the weather forecast information, observation data included in the weather observation information, and a deviation level (evaluation result) indicating the degree of deviation of each meteorological element in the weather forecast information (forecast data) and the weather observation information (observation data) being compared.

[0064] Next, the control unit 110 provides comparison information to the weather forecasting device 100 (step S207). The comparison information providing unit 315 of the control unit 310 transmits the comparison information generated by the comparison information generation unit 314 in step S205 to the weather forecasting device 100 via the communication unit 130.

[0065] If it is determined in step S205 that the weather forecast information and the weather observation information match (step S205: YES), or after executing the process in step S207, the control unit 310 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S208). The predetermined time corresponds to the interval for acquiring weather forecast information. The control unit 310 refers to the timer that was started in step S202 and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since acquiring the weather forecast information. If it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed (step S208: NO), the control unit 310 repeats the process in step S208 until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (step S208: YES), the control unit 310 returns the process to step S201 and repeats the series of processes described above in steps S201 to S208 until, for example, the operator of the weather observation device 300 inputs an instruction to stop the comparative information provision process.

[0067] As described above, the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment acquires weather forecast information from the weather forecasting device 100, which is a weather observation device 300 mounted on the vehicle 200 that predicts future weather conditions. After acquiring the weather forecast information, the weather observation device 300 generates weather observation information that observes the weather conditions at the location of the vehicle 200 based on detection information from sensors equipped on the vehicle 200. Furthermore, the weather observation device 300 compares the weather forecast information and the weather observation information, and if it determines that the two pieces of information are divergent, it generates comparison information showing the comparison result and provides it to the weather forecasting device 100. In this way, in the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment, the weather observation device 300 provides the weather forecasting device 100 with comparison information showing the comparison result between the weather forecast information from the weather forecasting device 100 and the weather observation information from the weather observation device 300 mounted on the vehicle 200. As a result, the weather forecasting device 100 can update its weather forecasting model using the comparison information and improve the accuracy of weather condition predictions. Information from mobile devices and other sources may contain false information, but information from the weather observation device 300 mounted on the vehicle 200 does not contain false information, thus ensuring high reliability. Furthermore, the weather observation device 300 only provides comparative information to the weather forecasting device 100 when it determines that there is a discrepancy between the weather forecast information and the weather observation information, thus reducing the communication load.

[0068] Furthermore, in the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment, the weather observation device 300 mounted on the vehicle 200 determines the weather based on images captured by the imaging device installed on the vehicle 200. This makes it possible to determine weather conditions using image analysis technology in addition to detection information from sensors installed on the vehicle 200, thereby improving the accuracy of the weather forecast by the weather forecasting device 100.

[0069] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0070] (Modification) For example, if the vehicle 200 is located near a weather observation point that supplies observation data used by the weather forecasting device 100 when predicting weather conditions, and the weather observation device 300 determines that there is a discrepancy between the weather forecast information obtained from the weather forecasting device 100 and the weather observation information generated by the device itself at that location, the weather observation device 300 may notify the user of the weather observation device 300 that the device and its sensors need to be inspected. Since the weather forecast information at the weather observation point is highly reliable, if there is a discrepancy in the weather observation information from the weather observation device 300 at that location, there is a high possibility that the weather observation device 300 or its sensors are malfunctioning. By having the weather observation device 300 and its sensors inspected at a dealer or repair shop in response to the notification prompting inspection, the user can resolve any malfunctions such as failures or misalignments in the weather observation device 300 and its sensors, and obtain accurate observation data.

[0071] Furthermore, the weather observation device 300 may acquire weather observation information generated by a checked weather observation device 300 and sensor mounted on another vehicle 200, and if it determines that there is a discrepancy between the two after comparing the results with the weather observation information generated by its own device, it may notify the user of its own device that its own device and sensor need to be inspected. This is because the reliability of weather observation information from a checked weather observation device 300 and sensor is high. In this case, the weather observation information should include not only observation data, but also the most recent inspection date of the weather observation device 300 and sensor used for the observation. This ensures the accuracy of the weather observation information generated by the weather observation device 300.

[0072] Furthermore, the weather observation device 300 may acquire multiple weather observation data from weather observation devices 300 mounted on multiple other vehicles 200, take a majority vote of each meteorological element of the observation data from these weather observation data and the weather observation data from its own device, and if it determines that the majority weather observation data and the weather observation data from its own device deviate from each other, it may notify the user of its own device that inspection of its own device and sensors is necessary. This is because the reliability of the majority weather observation data is high. In this case as well, the accuracy of the weather observation data generated by the weather observation device 300 can be ensured.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the weather observation device 300 compares the weather observation information it has generated with the corresponding weather forecast information, and if it determines that the two pieces of information do not match, it transmits comparison information indicating the comparison result to the weather forecasting device 100. However, the method of providing weather observation information is not limited to this, and for example, the weather forecasting device 100 may be configured to allow an operator to request necessary weather observation information and to obtain the requested weather observation information from a weather observation device 300 that is capable of fulfilling this request. This makes it possible to more reliably obtain the weather observation information required by the operator of the weather forecasting device 100.

[0074] Furthermore, the weather observation device 300 may be configured to provide only the weather observation information it has generated to the weather forecasting device 100 after acquiring weather forecast information from the weather forecasting device 100. In this case, for example, the weather forecasting device 100 can compare the weather forecast information it has generated and supplied with the weather observation information acquired from the weather observation device 300 and update its weather forecasting model based on the results of this comparison. This reduces the information processing load on the weather observation device 300, and the weather forecasting device 100, which has relatively higher information processing capabilities than the weather observation device 300, can analyze the weather forecast information and weather observation information in more detail, thereby improving the accuracy of the weather forecasting device 100's weather forecasts.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the weather observation device 300 was described as a device mounted on the vehicle 200. However, the functions of the weather observation device 300 may be implemented on the vehicle 200, and the vehicle 200 and the weather forecasting device 100 may be configured to directly exchange weather information, etc., without going through the weather observation device 300.

[0076] In the above embodiment, for example, the control program executed by the processor 301 of the weather observation device 300 was mainly stored in the storage 303 beforehand. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control program for executing the above-mentioned various processes may be implemented in an existing general-purpose computer, framework, workstation, etc., thereby enabling it to function as a device equivalent to the weather observation device 300 according to the above embodiment. The same applies to the weather forecasting device 100.

[0077] The method of providing such programs is optional. For example, they may be distributed by storing them on a computer-readable storage medium (flexible disk, CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM), or they may be stored on network storage such as the Internet and provided for download.

[0078] Furthermore, when the above processing is performed by a division of labor between the OS (Operating System) and the application program, or by collaboration between the OS and the application program, only the application program may be stored on a recording medium or storage. It is also possible to superimpose the program onto a carrier wave and distribute it over a network. For example, the above program may be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on a network and distributed over the network. The program may then be designed to execute the above processing by launching it and running it under the control of the OS, just like any other application program.

[0079] This invention allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. In other words, the scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meaning of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

[0080] 1... Weather information system, 100... Weather forecasting device, 101... Processor, 102... Memory, 103... Storage, 104... Communication interface, 105... Display device, 106... Input / output interface, 107... Bus line, 110... Control unit, 111... Weather forecast information generation unit, 112... Weather forecast information supply unit, 113... Comparison information acquisition unit, 114... Weather forecast model update unit, 120... Storage unit, 130... Communication unit, 140... Display unit, 150... Input / output unit, 200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200x... Vehicle, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300x... Weather observation device, 301... Processor, 302... Memory, 303... Storage, 304... Communication interface, 305... Input / Output interface, 306... Bus line, 310... Control unit, 311... Weather forecast information acquisition unit, 312... Weather observation information generation unit, 313... Weather information comparison unit, 314... Comparison information generation unit, 315... Comparison information provision unit, 320... Memory unit, 330... Communication unit, 340... Input / Output unit, DM... Precipitation forecast distribution, NW... Network.

Claims

1. A method for providing weather information, which is performed by a processor in a weather observation device mounted on a mobile body, wherein the processor obtains weather forecast information predicting future weather conditions from a weather forecasting device, generates weather observation information observing the weather conditions at the location of the mobile body based on detection information from sensors on the mobile body after obtaining the weather forecast information, and provides the weather observation information to the weather forecasting device.

2. The weather information provision method according to claim 1, wherein the processor compares the weather forecast information with the weather observation information, and if predetermined conditions are met, generates comparison information indicating the comparison result and provides it to the weather forecasting device.

3. The weather information provision method according to claim 2, wherein the processor determines whether there is a discrepancy between the weather forecast information and the weather observation information when comparing them, and if it is determined that there is a discrepancy between the weather forecast information and the weather observation information as the predetermined conditions are met, it generates comparison information including the weather forecast information and the weather observation information to be compared, and an evaluation result indicating the degree of discrepancy between them, and provides it to the weather forecasting device.

4. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the weather observation information includes at least one of the following: weather, precipitation, temperature, humidity, local atmospheric pressure, and sea level pressure at the location of the moving object.

5. The weather information provision method according to claim 4, wherein the processor determines the weather based on an image captured by an imaging device provided by the mobile body.

6. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor determines that there is a discrepancy between the weather forecast information and the weather observation information at a weather observation site, and notifies the user of the weather observation device that inspection of the weather observation device and the sensor is necessary.

7. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor acquires other weather observation information from inspected weather observation devices and sensors mounted on other mobile bodies, compares the weather observation information with the other weather observation information, and if it determines that there is a discrepancy between the two, notifies the user of the weather observation device that the weather observation device and sensors on the mobile body need to be inspected.

8. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processor acquires multiple other weather observation information from other weather observation devices mounted on multiple other mobile bodies, takes a majority vote between the weather observation information it generates and the multiple other weather observation information, and if it determines that there is a discrepancy between the majority weather observation information and the weather observation information it generated, it notifies the user of the weather observation device that inspection of the weather observation device and the sensor on the mobile body is necessary.

9. A weather information system comprising a weather forecasting device and a weather observation device mounted on a mobile body, wherein a processor in the weather observation device acquires weather forecast information predicting future weather conditions from the weather forecasting device, generates weather observation information observing the weather conditions at the location of the mobile body based on detection information from sensors on the mobile body after acquiring the weather forecasting information, and provides the weather observation information to the weather forecasting device.

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