Patent ID: 12214631

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a case will be described in which the vehicle state grasping system according to the present disclosure is applied as a system that performs some functions of a vehicle management system (a system that manages operation of a plurality of taxi vehicles) in a taxi company as an example. In other words, in each of the embodiments, the “vehicle usage mode in which a plurality of drivers share a vehicle under the control of an administrator” in the present disclosure corresponds to a vehicle usage mode in which a plurality of (for example, two) drivers take over a plurality of taxi vehicles under the control of an operation administrator of a taxi company (for example, take over at day and night).

First Embodiment

First, a first embodiment will be described.

Outline Configuration of Vehicle State Grasping System

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicle state grasping system1according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.1, the vehicle state grasping system1includes a plurality of vehicles (taxi vehicles)2,2, . . . , a system management server (for example, a cloud server)3, and an administrator terminal device (a communication device operated by an administrator in the present disclosure)4. The system management server3and the administrator terminal device4are installed in, for example, a taxi company. In addition, communication using a predetermined communication network5is possible between the vehicles2,2, . . . , the system management server3, and the administrator terminal device4.

The communication form between these vehicles2and2. . . and the system management server3and the administrator terminal device4, The form (the form in which communication between the vehicles2and2. . . and the system management server3and the administrator terminal device4is performed using the same communication network; hereinafter referred to as a communication mode of a first pattern) which communicates bidirectionally through the mobile phone network which has a large number of base stations, the Internet network, and the exclusive communication network, etc., Below, the form in which the communication form between the vehicles2and2. . . and the system management server3performs bidirectional communication through the mobile phone network, the Internet network, and the exclusive communication network, etc., and the form in which the communication form between the vehicles2and2. . . and the administrator terminal device4performs bidirectional communication through the existing exclusive communication network (the wireless communication network for dispatch) (hereinafter referred to as a communication mode of a second pattern). Hereinafter, the communication mode of the first pattern will be described as an example.

Vehicle

Vehicles2,2, . . . managed by the operation administrator (administrator) will be described. In each of the vehicles2,2, . . . shown inFIG.1, the components related to the vehicle state grasping system1have the same configuration.FIG.1shows a configuration of a part related to the vehicle state grasping system1, representing one vehicle2.

The vehicle2is equipped with a wheel speed sensor21, a Data Communication Module (DCM)22, a speaker (user interface device)23, a display monitor (user interface device)24, and a vehicle condition grasping ECU25. These devices are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other through an in-vehicle network such as CAN.

The wheel speed sensor21detects the rotational speed (the number of revolutions per unit time) of each wheel (four wheels: hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a tire instead of a wheel) T, T, . . . of the vehicle2. As the wheel speed sensor21, a well-known magnetic sensor such as an electromagnetic pickup or a Hall sensor can be used.

DCM22is a communication device that performs two-way communication with the system management server3and the administrator terminal device4through the communication network5.

The speaker23is installed in a vehicle cabin (for example, installed on an inner surface of a front door or the like), and outputs a sound for giving a warning, which will be described later, to a driver of the vehicle2. The speaker23may be dedicated to the vehicle state grasping system1, or may be also used as a speaker of a car audio (not shown) or a speaker of a car navigation system (not shown).

The display monitor24displays an image for giving a warning to the driver of the vehicle2, which will be described later. The display monitor24is constituted by, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and may be dedicated to the vehicle state grasping system1or may also be used as a display monitor of a car navigation system (not shown).

ECU25includes, for example, a processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU, a Read Only Memory (ROM for storing a control program, a Random Access Memory (RAM for temporarily storing data, and an input/output port.

ECU25includes an air pressure recognition unit25aas a functional unit realized by the control program. The air pressure recognition unit25ahas a function of individually recognizing the air pressure (internal pressure) of each of the tire (four tires) T, T, . . . of the vehicle2. Hereinafter, the principle of recognizing the air pressure of the tire T will be described.

When the tire T is punctured by a nail or the like, and the puncture is such that the air gradually escapes, the vehicle2can travel even after the puncture has occurred. However, as the air gradually escapes, as shown inFIG.2, the tire T is deformed in the road surface installation portion, and the amount of deformation gradually increases. At this time, the air pressure of the tire T gradually decreases. When the vehicle2travels under such circumstances, the tire radius (the radial r1inFIG.2) at the road surface installation portion of the tire T becomes shorter than the original tire radius (the tire radius other than the road surface installation portion and the radial r0inFIG.2). Therefore, the circumferential length of the tire T in which the puncture occurs becomes shorter than the circumferential length of the other tire (tire in which the puncture does not occur) T. In other words, the time required for one rotation of the tire T in which the puncture occurs becomes shorter than the time required for one rotation of the other tire T. That is, in the case where the vehicle2is traveling straight, the rotational speed (rotational angular speed) of the tire T in which the puncture occurs is higher than the rotational speed of the tire T in which the puncture does not occur. Since there is a certain degree of proportionality between the shortening of the tire radial r1at the road surface installation part of the tire T and the reduction of the air pressure of the tire T, it is possible to individually recognize (estimate) the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . by using the information of the difference in the rotational speed of each tire T, T, . . . .

For example, assuming that the air pressure of the tire T having the lowest rotational speed among the tire T, T, . . . is an appropriate value, the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . is estimated from the difference in the rotational speed with respect to the tire T (the tire having the lowest rotational speed) (estimating that the air pressure is lower as the difference in the rotational speed of the tire T is larger). Further, not only when the rotational speeds of all the tire T, T, . . . are compared, but also the air pressure may be estimated by comparing the rotational speeds of the pair of tire T, T. For example, the rotational speeds of the front tires (front wheels) and the rear tires (rear wheels) may be compared, the rotational speeds of the right tires (right front wheels and right rear wheels) may be compared, the rotational speeds of the left tires (left front wheels and left rear wheels) may be compared, and the rotational speeds of the diagonal tires (right front wheels and left rear wheels, left front wheels and right rear wheels) may be compared.

The relationship between the difference in the rotational speed and the amount of decrease in the air pressure is defined in advance by an experiment or a simulation according to the type of the tire T, and the air pressure of the tire T can be estimated accordingly.

Since the wheel speed sensor21detects the rotational speed of each wheel (each tire T, T,), the output from the wheel speed sensor21(the rotational speed information of each tire T, T, . . . ) is transmitted to the air pressure recognition unit25a, and the air pressure recognition unit25aindividually recognizes the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . at a predetermined time-interval (for example, every few sec) using the above-described principles. In addition, the individual information (ID information) of the vehicle2and the individual information of the tire T are associated with the information of the air pressures of the respective tire T, T, . . . recognized by the air pressure recognition unit25a.

The thus estimated (recognized) information on the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . (the individual information of the vehicle2and the information on the air pressure associated with the individual information of the tire T) is transmitted to DCM22at a predetermined time interval, and DCM22transmits the information on the air pressure to the system management server3at a predetermined time interval through the communication network5. Therefore, this DCM22corresponds to the air pressure information transmitting unit (the air pressure information transmitting unit that transmits the information of the air pressure of the tire recognized by the air pressure recognition unit).

System Management Server

The system management server3performs information processing in accordance with information on the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . received from DCM22of each of the vehicles2,2, . . . , and includes an abnormality notification information generating unit31and an abnormality notification information transmitting unit32as functional units thereof. The functions of the respective units31and32are realized by a program stored in a computer provided in the system management server3.

As described above, in a case where a plurality of drivers alternately ride the same taxi vehicle under the management of the taxi company (operation administrator), there is a possibility that there is a driver for continuously driving the vehicle2(avoiding troublesome tire replacement operation) by replenishing air without replacing the tire (adding air at a service station or the like) even if the tire T is punctured (punctured to the extent that the air gradually escapes). Hereinafter, the action of the driver will be referred to as an “inappropriate return air pressure action”. In the case where the air pressure inappropriate return action is performed, a tire replacement operation or a puncture repair operation is forced to be performed on a driver who gets in, and the burden on the driver increases. In addition, the driver has a problem in that the driver is dissatisfied with the fact that the tire replacement operation and the puncture repair operation have to be performed even though the driver does not puncture the tire T.

In view of this point, the abnormality notification information generating unit31creates abnormality notification information when the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation are not performed after the air pressure of the tire T has decreased to a predetermined abnormal value based on the information on the air pressure of each of the tire T, T, . . . received from DCM22(when the air pressure inappropriate return operation is performed). Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

The abnormality notification information generating unit31determines that the tire (the tire having the high rotational speed described above) T is punctured when the air pressure of the tire T is lower than the proper value by more than 30% (which is less than 70% of the proper value: which corresponds to the abnormal value described in the present disclosure) based on the information on the air pressure of each of the respective tire T, T, . . . of the vehicles2,2, . . . received from DCM22. Since the individual information of the vehicle2and the individual information of the tire T are associated with the information of the air pressures of the respective tire T, T, . . . , when it is determined that the tire T is punctured, it is possible to specify which tire T of any vehicle2is punctured. The threshold for the puncture determination described above is not limited to 30%, and can be arbitrarily set. The appropriate value of the air pressure is defined in advance according to the type of the tire T.

After it is determined that the tire T is punctured in this manner, when the air pressure of the tire T is restored to the normal value without any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation performed by the driver (for example, when the air pressure becomes 80% or more of the proper value), it is determined that the air pressure inappropriate restoration action in which the vehicle2is continuously driven is performed by replenishing the air without performing the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation (performing the air splicing at the service station or the like) (the driver is in a state in which the troublesome tire replacement operation is avoided) even though the tire T is punctured, and the abnormality notification information generating unit31transmits the abnormality notification information to the abnormality notification information transmitting unit32. Since the individual information of the vehicle2and the individual information of the tire T are also associated with the abnormality notification information, it is possible to specify which tire T of any vehicle2has been subjected to an inappropriate return of air pressure.

Detection that the tire replacement operation has not been performed is performed by detecting whether or not the tire T has been removed. For example, the tire T is provided with a predetermined switch (a switch that is OFF when it is detached from the hub), and ON/OFF of the switch is detected to determine whether or not a tire replacement operation has been performed. That is, when the air pressure returns to the normal level while ON status of the switch is maintained, it is determined that the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed. In addition, a switch for detecting that a spare tire stored in a trunk room or the like of a vehicle has been removed (a switch that is turned OFF when the spare tire is removed) is provided, and ON/OFF of the switch is detected to determine whether or not a tire replacement operation has been performed. Also in this case, when the air pressure returns to the normal level while ON status of the switch is maintained, it is determined that the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed. The method of detecting that the tire replacement operation has not been performed is not limited to the method described above, and IC tips may be attached to the respective tire T, T, . . . to use the identification information of IC tips.

Further, the detection that the tire repair operation has not been performed includes providing a switch for detecting that the container of the tire repair agent stored in the luggage compartment of the vehicle has been removed (a switch that is OFF when the container of the tire repair agent is taken out from the luggage compartment or the like), and detecting ON/OFF of the switch to determine whether or not the tire repair operation has been performed. That is, when the air pressure returns to the normal level while ON status of the switch is maintained, it is determined that the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed. The method of detecting that the tire repair operation has not been performed is not limited to the method described above.

When the abnormality notification information is received from the abnormality notification information generating unit31, the abnormality notification information transmitting unit32transmits the abnormality notification information to the administrator terminal device4through the communication network5.

Administrator Terminal Device

The administrator terminal device4is, for example, a personal computer installed in the management section of the taxi company, and can perform various instructions, warnings, and the like for the drivers of the vehicles2,2. by being operated by the operation administrator.

In addition, when receiving the abnormality notification information from the abnormality notification information transmitting unit32of the system management server3, the administrator terminal device4in the present embodiment displays the abnormality notification information on the display screen, and provides the vehicle2in which the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed, the individual information of the vehicle2(vehicle body number and the like), and the individual information of the tire T in which the puncture has occurred (information on which of the four tires is the tire T) to the operation administrator. In addition, in a case where the driving information of each driver (information on which time zone the driver is riding in which vehicle2) is stored in the system management server3, the personal information of the driver riding in the vehicle2in which the puncture has occurred is also provided to the operation administrator.

When such information is provided, the operation administrator issues a warning to the driver who has performed the inappropriate return of the air pressure through the communication network5. That is, the driver (the current driver of the vehicle2) is warned that a tire replacement operation or a tire repair operation needs to be performed.

Specifically, the administrator terminal device4includes an input unit41and a warning information transmitting unit42as functional units thereof.

The input unit41includes a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like for inputting an operation from an operation administrator. By the operation of the input unit41, the operation administrator specifies the vehicle2that is the target of the warning, and performs the operation of transmitting the warning information.

The warning information transmitting unit42transmits the warning information from the administrator terminal device4to the communication network5in response to the operation of the input unit41. As a form of the warning, one or both of a warning by sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and a warning by an image on the display monitor24are performed by transmitting warning information through the communication network5to the vehicle (the vehicle on which the driver who has performed the air pressure inappropriate restoration action is riding)2. As an example of the warning, the left front tire is punctured. Replace the tire or repair the tire immediately. Provision of a sound (sound from the speaker23) such as “or an image (an image on the display monitor24) is exemplified.

In a case where the driver who has received the warning in this way performs the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation, it is not necessary to force the driver to perform the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation thereafter, and it is possible to eliminate the burden on the driver (the driver who rides after the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation is performed).

Operation when Puncture Occurs

Next, an operation when a puncture occurs in the present embodiment will be described.FIG.3is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operations of the vehicle2, the system management server3, and the administrator terminal device4. InFIG.3, the information processing operation (the recognition operation of the air pressure of the tire T) in the vehicle2, the information processing operation (the creation operation and the transmission operation of the abnormality notification information) in the system management server3, and the operation (the warning operation by the operation administrator) in the administrator terminal device4are shown in order from the left side. InFIG.3, communication between one vehicle2, the system management server3, and the administrator terminal device4is taken as an example, but communication between another vehicle2, the system management server3, and the administrator terminal device4is also performed in the same manner.

First, the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . is recognized by the air pressure recognition unit25amounted on the vehicle2(S1: air pressure recognition operation referred to in the present disclosure), and the information of the air pressure of each of the recognized tire T, T, . . . is transmitted from DCM22to the system management server3.

On the basis of the received information on the air pressure of the tire T, T, . . . , the system management server3performs a determination process of determining whether or not the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation have been restored to the normal value without performing any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation after the air pressure of the tire T has decreased to the predetermined abnormal value (a determination process of whether or not the air pressure inappropriate return operation has occurred) (S2).

When it is determined that the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed by returning to the normal value without performing any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation, the abnormality notification information generating unit31creates abnormality notification information (an operation of creating abnormality notification information in the present disclosure), and the abnormality notification information is transmitted from the system management server3to the administrator terminal device4.

In the administrator terminal device4, information indicating that the vehicle2in which the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed is present, individual information of the vehicle2, and individual information of the tire T in which the puncture has occurred are displayed on a display screen (display of the abnormality notification information), and the abnormality notification information is provided to the operation administrator (S3).

In such a situation, the operation administrator performs an operation (warning information sending operation) of the administrator terminal device4to send warning information through the communication network5to the corresponding vehicle (the vehicle on which the driver who has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action rides)2(an operation of providing warning information in the present disclosure). As a result, one or both of a warning by sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and a warning by an image on the display monitor24are performed.

When the driver who has received the warning in this way performs the tire replacement operation or the tire repairing operation, there is no need to force the driver who gets in to perform the tire replacing operation or the tire repairing operation afterwards.

Advantageous Effect of Embodiment

As described above, in the present embodiment, in the case where the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation are both restored to the normal value without being performed after the air pressure of the tire T has decreased to the predetermined abnormal value, the abnormality notification information is displayed on the administrator terminal device4, and the operation administrator transmits warning information to the driver in accordance with the abnormality notification information. That is, the current driver of the vehicle is warned that a tire replacement operation or a tire repair operation needs to be performed. When the driver that has received the warning information performs the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation, the driver that is to be ridden thereafter is not forced to perform the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation, and the burden on the driver can be eliminated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the individual information of the vehicle2and the individual information of the tire T are associated with the information of the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . recognized by the air pressure recognition unit25a. Therefore, it is possible to specify which vehicle2has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action, and it is possible to accurately specify the vehicle2or the driver that is the transmission target of the warning information, and it is possible to appropriately transmit the warning information only to the vehicle2or the driver.

Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the process of issuing warning information to the driver. Since the other configurations and processing operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the processing of transmitting the warning information to the driver will be mainly described here.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the vehicle state grasping system1according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG.4, the vehicle state grasping system1according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of vehicles2,2, . . . , and a system management server3. In addition, communication using a predetermined communication network5is possible between the vehicles2,2, . . . , and the system management server3.

Vehicle

The configuration of the parts related to the vehicle state grasping system1in each of the vehicles2,2, . . . is the same as that of the first embodiment. In other words, the estimated (recognized) information of the air pressure of tires T, T, . . . of the respective vehicles2,2, . . . is transmitted from DCM22to the system management server3through the communication network5at predetermined intervals.

System Management Server

The system management server3includes an abnormality notification information generating unit31and a warning information transmitting unit34as functional units thereof.

Similar to that of the first embodiment, the abnormality notification information generating unit31can specify which of the vehicles2the tire T is puncturing when it is determined that the tire T is puncturing based on the information on the air pressure of each of the vehicles2,2, . . . , the tire T, T, . . . received from DCM22.

When it is determined that the tire T is punctured and the air pressure returns to a normal value without performing any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation by the driver on the tire T, the abnormality notification information generating unit31in the present embodiment determines that the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed, and transmits the abnormality notification information to the warning information transmitting unit34.

When receiving the abnormality notification information from the abnormality notification information generating unit31, the warning information transmitting unit34gives a warning to the driver who has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action that the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation needs to be performed through the communication network5. That is, by using the individual information of the vehicle2associated with the information on the air pressure of the tire T, it is determined which vehicle2has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action, and by transmitting the warning information to the vehicle2, one or both of the warning by the sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and the warning by the image on the display monitor24are performed.

Also in the case of the present embodiment, when the driver who has received the warning performs the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation, it is not necessary to force the driver to perform the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation thereafter, and it is possible to eliminate the burden on the driver (the driver who rides after the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation is performed).

Operation when Puncture Occurs

Next, an operation when a puncture occurs in the present embodiment will be described.FIG.5is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operations of the vehicle2and the system management server3. InFIG.5, the information processing operation in the vehicle2(the recognition operation of the air pressure of the tire T) and the information processing operation in the system management server3(the generation operation of the abnormality notification information and the transmission operation of the warning information) are shown in order from the left side. AlthoughFIG.5also illustrates communication between one vehicle2and the system management server3as an example, communication between another vehicle2and the system management server3is performed in the same manner.

First, the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . is recognized by the air pressure recognition unit25amounted on the vehicle2(S1), and the air pressure of each of the recognized tire T, T, . . . is transmitted from DCM22to the system management server3.

On the basis of the received information on the air pressure of the tire T, T, . . . , the system management server3performs a determination process of determining whether or not the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation have been restored to the normal value without performing any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation after the air pressure of the tire T has decreased to the predetermined abnormal value (a determination process of whether or not the air pressure inappropriate return operation has occurred) (S2).

When it is determined that the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed by returning to the normal value without performing any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation, warning information is transmitted from the system management server3to the vehicle2. As a result, one or both of a warning by sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and a warning by an image on the display monitor24are performed.

When the driver that has received the warning in this way performs the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation (S5), the operation completion information is transmitted to the system management server3. This operation completion information is transmitted in accordance with the detection of ON/OFF of the switch provided in the tire T described above. Alternatively, the operation completion information is transmitted to the system management server3by the operation of the terminal carried by the driver. In the system management server3that has received the operation completion information, a process (warning stopping process) of stopping the warning information transmitted toward the vehicle2is performed (S6), whereby the warning by the sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and the warning by the images on the display monitor24are stopped.

Advantageous Effect of Embodiment

Even in the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment (in the case where the driver who has received the warning information performs the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation, the driver who gets in after that is not forced to perform the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation, and thus the burden on the driver can be eliminated) can be achieved. Further, in the present embodiment, since the warning information can be transmitted to the vehicle2without passing through the administrator terminal device4, the burden on the operation administrator can be reduced.

(Warning Level Change Process in the Second Embodiment)

In the second embodiment, the warning level change processing described below may be performed in addition to the processing operation described above. Hereinafter, the warning level change processing will be described.

In a state where the warning information is transmitted to the vehicle2from the warning information transmitting unit34of the system management server3, and one or both of the warning by the sound from the speaker23and the warning by the image on the display monitor24are performed, when the air pressure inappropriate return action is performed again in the same vehicle2, the warning level of the warning information to be transmitted to the vehicle2is increased from the warning information transmitting unit34of the system management server3. For example, the sound of the warning from the speaker23is made larger (larger than the sound of the warning from the speaker23performed on the previous air pressure inappropriate return action). Further, the size of the image of the warning on the display monitor24is increased (larger than the size of the image of the warning on the display monitor24performed for the previous air pressure inappropriate return action). Specifically, in a situation where the schedule management of the boarding time period of each driver in each vehicle2is performed, the warning level of the warning information transmitted toward the vehicle2is increased when a certain driver performs the air pressure inappropriate return again in the boarding time period.

This raises the warning level of the warning information in order to prohibit an inappropriate return of air pressure by the same driver. As a result, it is possible to increase the deterrent force against repeated inappropriate return of the air pressure.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment will be described below. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the process of transmitting the warning information to the driver. Since other configurations and processing operations are the same as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the process of issuing warning information to the driver will be mainly described here.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the vehicle state grasping system1according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.6, the vehicle state grasping system1according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of vehicles2,2, . . . , a system management server3, and an administrator terminal device4. In addition, communication using a predetermined communication network5is possible between the vehicles2,2, . . . , the system management server3, and the administrator terminal device4.

Vehicle

The configuration of the parts related to the vehicle state grasping system1in each of the vehicles2,2, . . . is the same as that of the first embodiment. In other words, the estimated (recognized) information of the air pressure of tires T, T, . . . of the respective vehicles2,2, . . . is transmitted from DCM22to the system management server3through the communication network5at predetermined intervals.

System Management Server

The system management server3includes an abnormality notification information generating unit31, an abnormality notification information transmitting unit32, a warning information transmitting unit34, a history information storage unit36, and a transmission destination switching unit37as functional units.

Similar to that of the first embodiment, the abnormality notification information generating unit31can specify which of the vehicles2the tire T is puncturing when it is determined that the tire T is puncturing based on the information on the air pressure of each of the vehicles2,2, . . . , the tire T, T, . . . received from DCM22.

Then, when it is determined that the tire T is punctured and the air pressure of the tire T returns to the normal value without performing any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation by the driver, the abnormality notification information generating unit31in the present embodiment determines that the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed, and transmits the abnormality notification information to the transmission destination switching unit37.

On condition that the abnormality notification information transmitted by the abnormality notification information generating unit31is received (more specifically, when the abnormality notification information transmitted by the abnormality notification information generating unit31is received via the transmission destination switching unit37), the abnormality notification information transmitting unit32transmits the abnormality notification information to the administrator terminal device4through the communication network5.

On condition that the abnormality notification information transmitted by the abnormality notification information generating unit31is received (more specifically, when the abnormality notification information transmitted by the abnormality notification information generating unit31is received via the transmission destination switching unit37), the warning information transmitting unit34transmits the warning information to the vehicle2on which the driver who has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action rides.

The history information storage unit36stores the driving history information of each driver registered in advance in the vehicle state grasping system1. Specifically, when there is a driver having a history of performing an inappropriate return of air pressure, information of the driver (personal information of the driver) is accumulated.

The transmission destination switching unit37can switch between a first transmission mode in which the abnormality notification information received from the abnormality notification information generating unit31is transmitted toward the abnormality notification information transmitting unit32and a second transmission mode in which the abnormality notification information received from the abnormality notification information generating unit31is transmitted toward the warning information transmitting unit34.

Specifically, in a case where the air pressure inappropriate return action is performed, the driving history information of each driver stored in the history information storage unit36is referred to, and in a case where the current driver of the vehicle2(the driver who has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action) is a driver having a history of performing the air pressure inappropriate return action in the past, the first transmission mode is set. That is, the abnormality notification information received from the abnormality notification information generating unit31is transmitted to the abnormality notification information transmitting unit32. On the other hand, in a case where the current driver of the vehicle2(a driver that has performed an inappropriate return of air pressure) is a driver that does not have a history of performing an inappropriate return of air pressure in the past, the driver is set to a second transmission form. That is, the abnormality notification information received from the abnormality notification information generating unit31is transmitted to the warning information transmitting unit34.

A driver having a history of performing an inappropriate return of air pressure in the past is likely to perform the same action again. In view of this point, in the present embodiment, in a case where an inappropriate return of air pressure is performed, in a case where the driver of the vehicle2has performed an inappropriate return of air pressure also in the past, the warning information is transmitted from the operation administrator instead of the system management server3automatically transmitting the warning information toward the vehicle2. Thus, an artificial warning (advice) can be given to the current driver of the vehicle2by the operation administrator. Therefore, it is possible to increase the forcing force of causing the driver to perform the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation.

Operation when Puncture Occurs

Next, an operation when a puncture occurs in the present embodiment will be described.FIG.7is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operations of the vehicle2, the system management server3, and the administrator terminal device4. InFIG.7, the information processing operation (the recognition operation of the air pressure of the tire T) in the vehicle2, the information processing operation (the creation operation and the transmission operation of the abnormality notification information) in the system management server3, and the operation (the warning operation by the operation administrator) in the administrator terminal device4are shown in order from the left side. AlthoughFIG.7also illustrates communication between one vehicle2and the system management server3and the administrator terminal device4as an example, communication between another vehicle2, the system management server3, and the administrator terminal device4is performed in the same manner.

First, the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . is recognized by the air pressure recognition unit25amounted on the vehicle2(S1), and the air pressure of each of the recognized tire T, T, . . . is transmitted from DCM22to the system management server3.

On the basis of the received information on the air pressure of the tire T, T, . . . , the system management server3performs a determination process of determining whether or not the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation have been restored to the normal value without performing any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation after the air pressure of the tire T has decreased to the predetermined abnormal value (a determination process of whether or not the air pressure inappropriate return operation has occurred) (S2).

When it is determined that the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed by returning to the normal value without performing any of the tire replacement operation and the tire repair operation, the system management server3refers to the driving history information of the driver who has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action, and performs a determination process (history determination process) of determining whether or not the driver has a history of performing the air pressure inappropriate return action in the past (S7).

Then, in a case where the driver does not have a history of performing an inappropriate return of air pressure in the past, the abnormality notification information received from the abnormality notification information generating unit31is transmitted toward the warning information transmitting unit34, whereby warning information is transmitted from the system management server3toward the vehicle2(see an arrow indicated by a broken line inFIG.7). As a result, one or both of a warning by sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and a warning by an image on the display monitor24are performed.

When the driver that has received the warning in this way performs the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation (S5), the operation completion information is transmitted to the system management server3. This operation completion information is transmitted in accordance with the detection of ON/OFF of the switch provided in the tire T described above. In the system management server3that has received the operation completion information, a process (warning stopping process) of stopping the warning information transmitted toward the vehicle2is performed (S6), whereby the warning by the sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and the warning by the images on the display monitor24are stopped.

On the other hand, when the driver has a history of performing an inappropriate return of air pressure in the past, the abnormality notification information received from the abnormality notification information generating unit31is transmitted to the administrator terminal device4.

In the administrator terminal device4, information indicating that the vehicle2in which the air pressure inappropriate return action has been performed is present, information indicating that the driver of the vehicle2is a driver having a history of the air pressure inappropriate return action in the past, individual information of the vehicle2, and individual information of the tire T in which the puncture has occurred are displayed on a display screen (display of the abnormality notification information), and the abnormality notification information is provided to the operation administrator (S3).

Then, the operation administrator performs an operation (warning information sending operation) of the administrator terminal device4to send warning information through the communication network5to the corresponding vehicle (the vehicle on which the driver who has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action rides)2. As a result, one or both of a warning by sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and a warning by an image on the display monitor24are performed.

As a result, an artificial warning (advice) is given to the current driver of the vehicle2by the operation administrator, and the force of causing the driver to perform the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation can be increased. As a means for further enhancing the forcing force, it is preferable to emit the sound of the operation administrator from the speaker23(or to enhance the forcing force by direct conversation between the operation administrator and the driver), as an image on the display monitor24, the operation administrator to display the character information input by the operation of the input unit41(to display the character information which is a strong warning from the administrator).

Advantageous Effect of Embodiment

Even in the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment (in the case where the driver who has received the warning information performs the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation, the driver who gets in after that is not forced to perform the tire replacement operation or the tire repair operation, and thus the burden on the driver can be eliminated) can be achieved. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the forcing force against the repeated air pressure inappropriate return action.

Other Embodiments

It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and all modifications and applications encompassed within the scope of the claims and the scope of equivalents thereof are possible.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the vehicle state grasping system1according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle management system in a taxi company as an example. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and is applicable to a vehicle management system in a rental car company or a vehicle management system in another car sharing operating company.

Further, in the above embodiments, the air pressure recognition unit25aindividually recognizes the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . by using the difference in the rotational speed of each tire T, T, . . . . The present disclosure is not limited to this, and a pressure sensor may be provided for each tire T, T, . . . to individually recognize the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . .

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the warning information is transmitted to the vehicle (the vehicle on which the driver who has performed the air pressure inappropriate return action rides)2through the communication network5, so that one or both of the warning by the sound from the speaker23mounted on the vehicle2and the warning by the image on the display monitor24are performed. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the warning information may be transmitted to a terminal (such as a smartphone) carried by the driver, and one or both of a warning by voice from the terminal and a warning by an image on a display screen of the terminal may be performed.

In the above embodiments, the individual information of the vehicle2and the individual information of the tire T are associated with the information of the air pressure of each tire T, T, . . . recognized by the air pressure recognition unit25a. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and only the individual information of the vehicle2may be associated with the information of the air pressure.

The present disclosure is applicable to a vehicle state grasping system capable of grasping a state of a vehicle in a vehicle usage form in which a plurality of drivers shares a vehicle under the control of an administrator.