JP2012146136A - Vehicle information recorder and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle information recorder and a vehicle, capable of reducing the bias of a recording amount due to frequency and surely leaving data of high importance.SOLUTION: A vehicle information recorder 20 includes: condition discrimination means 22 for discriminating which a trigger condition J2 among a plurality of trigger conditions J2 classified into two or more groups according to the frequency is satisfied; information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c, ..., 28z provided in a recording medium 28 corresponding to the respective groups, for recording vehicle information; and information recording means 27 for recording the vehicle information in the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c, ..., 28z corresponding to the group into which the trigger condition J2 discriminated as being satisfied by the condition discrimination means 22 is classified. By the configuration, the data of high importance is surely left. Since the vehicle information is recorded in the information recording areas one-to-one corresponding to the groups, the bias of the recording amount due to the frequency is reduced.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle information recording device that records vehicle information when a trigger condition is satisfied, and a vehicle including the vehicle information recording device.

  Conventionally, an example of a technique for reliably recording high-priority recording data by discriminating the importance of data to be recorded based on vehicle acceleration or the like and overwriting recording data with low importance when the recording timing overlaps. It is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-312553 A

  However, if the recording frequency of the recording data with high importance is high, the recording data with low importance is overwritten one after another, so that the recording data with medium importance that can be necessary for the verification after the accident is deleted. There was a problem of end.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle information recording apparatus and a vehicle that can reduce deviations in the amount of recording due to frequency and reliably leave highly important data. And

  The invention according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above problem, is a plurality of vehicles classified into two or more groups in a vehicle information recording apparatus that records vehicle information about a vehicle on a recording medium when a trigger condition is satisfied. Among the trigger conditions, condition determining means for determining whether any of the trigger conditions is satisfied, an information recording area provided in the recording medium corresponding to each group, and recording the vehicle information, And an information recording means for recording the vehicle information in the information recording area corresponding to the group into which the trigger condition determined to be satisfied by the condition determining means is classified.

  According to this configuration, the information recording area for recording the vehicle information is provided in the recording medium corresponding to each classified group, so that highly important data can be reliably left. Since the information recording means records the vehicle information in the information recording area corresponding to the group on a one-to-one basis, it is possible to reduce the deviation of the recording amount due to the frequency.

  The “vehicle information” is arbitrary as long as it is information about the vehicle. For example, the accelerator opening, the stroke amount of the operation, the steering angle of the steering, the position by the shift operation, the rotation speed of the drive source, the vehicle speed (vehicle speed), the steering angle of the wheel, the acceleration of the vehicle, the vehicle yaw rate, the vehicle Rotation angle and angular velocity, image or video, relative distance to the object, vehicle angle (roll angle, pitch angle, etc.). The “recording medium” is arbitrary as long as it can record vehicle information, but is preferably a non-volatile recording medium that can retain the recorded contents even after the power is turned off. The “trigger condition” is a condition that triggers recording of vehicle information on a recording medium. For example, conditions such as collision (including contact) with an object (including a vehicle), sudden braking, sudden acceleration, and sudden turning are applicable. Whether or not the trigger condition is satisfied is determined based on whether or not the sensor information output from the sensor corresponding to each condition reaches each reference value. The sensor corresponds to one sensor or a group of two or more sensors, and is simply referred to as “sensor” below.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the plurality of trigger conditions are classified into the two or more groups according to one or more items among the type of vehicle, the number of passengers, and the loading capacity. According to this configuration, the criterion that satisfies the trigger condition varies depending on the type of vehicle (vehicle type), the number of passengers, the loading capacity, and the like. Taking the type of vehicle as an example, there are large and small sizes such as small cars such as light cars, medium-sized cars such as ordinary cars, and large cars such as trucks and buses, so if trigger conditions are uniformly classified, incompatibility may occur. There is sex. Therefore, the trigger conditions classified into groups can be optimized by classifying the trigger conditions according to the type of vehicle. The same applies to the number of passengers and the load capacity.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a condition classification means for classifying the plurality of trigger conditions into the two or more groups according to a frequency that occurs every predetermined period. In general, the frequency of occurrence of the trigger condition varies depending on the characteristics of the vehicle type and the operator (including the driver and the driver). According to this configuration, since the plurality of trigger conditions are classified according to the frequency of occurrence for each predetermined period, optimal grouping according to the characteristics of the vehicle, the operator, and the like can be performed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided area capacity increasing / decreasing means for increasing or decreasing the recording capacity of the corresponding information recording area according to the frequency satisfying the trigger condition. According to this configuration, for example, the recording capacity of the information recording area is increased as the frequency that satisfies the trigger condition increases. Therefore, highly important data (vehicle information) can be reliably recorded.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a total capacity increasing / decreasing unit that uniformly increases / decreases a recording capacity of all the information recording areas according to a frequency that satisfies any one of the plurality of trigger conditions. It is characterized by that. According to this configuration, for example, the recording capacity of the information recording area is uniformly reduced as the frequency that satisfies the overall trigger condition decreases. Since the total recording capacity of the information recording area is reduced, the released recording area can be used for another purpose, or an area for recording information to be recorded other than the trigger condition can be secured.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the compressed data obtained by compressing two or more vehicle information recorded in the information recording area is recorded in the same information recording area, and the two or more that are the sources of the compressed data It has the information compression means which deletes the said vehicle information. According to this configuration, even if the recording capacity of the information recording area is the same, the amount of recordable data can be increased by performing data compression.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information recording area, the information recording unit traces the vehicle information retroactively from a time point satisfying the trigger condition according to a trigger condition determined to be satisfied by the condition determining unit. It is characterized in that the retroactive recording period to be recorded in is different. According to this configuration, for example, the retroactive recording period is lengthened as the frequency that satisfies the trigger condition increases. A trigger condition having a high frequency often has a high importance level, and data (vehicle information) having a high level of importance is surely recorded, and the cause can be easily traced by ensuring a long recording period.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the information recording means expands / contracts a recording interval when continuously recording the vehicle information according to a trigger condition determined to be satisfied by the condition determining means. And According to this configuration, the trigger condition with high frequency is often high in importance, and more important data (vehicle information) is recorded, and the cause can be easily pursued by securing a large amount of recording. .

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle, the vehicle information recording device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a signal for determining whether or not the condition determining means satisfies the trigger condition. It is characterized by having a sensor which outputs. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can reduce the deviation of the recording amount due to the frequency and reliably retain the data with high importance.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the sensor includes an opening sensor that detects an accelerator opening, a stroke sensor that detects a stroke amount of an operation, a steering angle sensor that detects a steering angle of a steering, a shift operation, and the like. A position sensor for detecting the position, a rotation speed sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the drive source, a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the wheels, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, A yaw rate sensor that detects the yaw rate, a gyroscope that detects the rotation angle and angular velocity of the vehicle, a camera that captures an image or video, a distance sensor that detects the relative distance to an object, and detects angles such as the roll angle and pitch angle of the vehicle One or more angle sensors are included. According to this configuration, the cause can be easily pursued by including one or more sensors according to the frequency.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a recording medium. It is a block diagram explaining the relationship between the kind of sensor and a control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a vehicle information recording process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a recording condition setting process. It is a figure which shows the example of compression of vehicle information. It is a figure which shows the example of recording to three information recording areas.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, “connect” means electrical connection. Each figure shows elements necessary for explaining the present invention, and does not show all actual elements. When referring to directions such as up, down, left and right, the description in the drawings is used as a reference.

  A configuration example in the case where the present invention (vehicle information recording apparatus) is implemented in a vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the recording medium. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the sensor type and the control device. In this application example, the driver who drives the vehicle corresponds to the “operator”.

  A vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a sensor 11 and a vehicle information recording device 20. The one or more sensors 11 correspond to a sensor that detects an operation state by a driver's operation, a sensor that detects a motion state of the vehicle 10, and the like. A specific example of the sensor 11 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

  1 includes a sensor selection unit 21, a condition determination unit 22, a condition classification unit 23, a date / place identification unit 24, a capacity increase / decrease unit 25, an information compression unit 26, an information recording unit 27, and a recording medium. 28, information output means 29, and the like. Among these elements, the elements such as the sensor selection means 21, the condition classification means 23, the date / place identification means 24, the capacity increase / decrease means 25, the information compression means 26, and the information output means 29 indicated by the two-dot chain line are necessary. Depending on the case, it may be provided individually. The vehicle information recording device 20 is provided in an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 30 (see FIG. 3).

  The sensor selection unit 21 selects the sensor 11 according to the movement mode of the vehicle 10. For example, it is desirable to select a sensor whose detection value changes greatly. More specifically, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like is selected for acceleration or deceleration, and a yaw rate sensor, a gyroscope, or the like is selected for turning. The sensor selection unit 21 dynamically selects the sensor 11, but the sensor 11 may be previously selected and set in the recording medium 28 or the like.

  The condition determination unit 22 determines whether or not one or more trigger conditions J2 are satisfied among the plurality of trigger conditions J2. The trigger condition J2 is a condition that triggers recording of vehicle information on a recording medium. For example, conditions such as collision (including contact) with an object (including a vehicle), sudden braking, sudden acceleration, and sudden turning are applicable. Whether or not the trigger condition J2 is satisfied is determined based on whether or not the sensor information J1 output from the sensor 11 corresponding to each trigger condition J2 reaches each reference value. Each sensor information J1 corresponds to “vehicle information”.

  The plurality of trigger conditions J2 described above are classified into two or more groups in advance according to the frequency, or classified by the condition classification means 23 described later. The number of groups and the classification method (including classification criteria) can be arbitrarily set. For example, when the number of groups to be classified is “3”, a low frequency group, a medium frequency group, a high frequency group, and the like are applicable. These groupings are performed using a plurality of reference values. For example, a first reference value (for example, once or more per month) and a second reference value (for example, once or more per day) are used. If it is greater than or equal to the second reference value, it is classified into a high frequency group, if less than the second reference value and greater than or equal to the first reference value, it is classified into a medium frequency group, and if less than the second reference value, it is classified into a low frequency group.

  The condition classification unit 23 classifies the plurality of trigger conditions J2 into two or more groups based on the classification conditions. What kind of content is set as the classification condition is arbitrary. For example, the vehicle 10 is classified according to the type (for example, a small vehicle such as a light vehicle, a medium-sized vehicle such as an ordinary vehicle, a large vehicle such as a truck or a bus), or the vehicle 10 according to the number of passengers. It is classified according to 10 loading amounts (including weight) or according to the frequency of the trigger condition J2 that occurs every predetermined period (for example, 1 year, 3 months, 100 days, etc.). Two or more classification conditions may be applied (set) in any combination.

  When it is determined by the condition determining means 22 that one or more trigger conditions J2 are satisfied, the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,... Corresponding to the group into which the trigger condition J2 determined to be satisfied is classified. , 28z, the information recording means 27 records vehicle information. For example, it is assumed that the low frequency group corresponds to the information recording area 28a, the medium frequency group corresponds to the information recording area 28b, and the high frequency group corresponds to the information recording area 28c. Under the assumption, vehicle information is recorded in the information recording area 28a when the trigger condition J2 belonging to the low frequency group is satisfied, and vehicle information is recorded in the information recording area 28b when the trigger condition J2 belonging to the medium frequency group is satisfied. When the trigger condition J2 belonging to the high frequency group is satisfied, the vehicle information is recorded in the information recording area 28c. Since the recordable capacity of each information recording area is limited, for example, it is also called a ring buffer that forms a ring shape by connecting the beginning and end of the array (otherwise referred to as “circular buffer” or “ring memory”). ).

  The record information J4 recorded in the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z is arbitrary as long as it is information related to the vehicle 10. For example, one or more of the sensor information J1 that can be acquired by the sensor 11 and the date / location information J3 transmitted from the date / location specifying unit 24 to be described later. A specific example of the sensor information J1 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

  The date / location specifying unit 24 specifies the date / time and location at the time when the condition determining unit 22 determines that one or more trigger conditions J2 are satisfied, and outputs the date / location information J3. In specifying the date and time, a time measuring device (for example, a clock timer) provided inside and outside the vehicle information recording device 20 is used. In specifying the location, a position information device (for example, a GPS device or a navigation device) provided inside or outside the vehicle information recording device 20 is used. The date / location information J3 includes date (for example, “February 3, 2011”), type (for example, “morning (morning)”, “afternoon (daytime)”, “nighttime”), hour and minute ( For example, “12:34”), seconds (including hundredths of a second and 1000 seconds), latitude, longitude, prefecture name, municipality name, road name (eg, national highway 1) Including one or more road numbers), and facility names along the road (including public facilities and commercial facilities).

  The capacity increasing / decreasing means 25 has a function of increasing / decreasing each recording capacity of the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,. Specifically, one or both of the area capacity increasing / decreasing means 25a and the total capacity increasing / decreasing means 25b are applicable (not shown). The area capacity increasing / decreasing means 25a individually increases / decreases the recording capacity of the corresponding information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z according to the frequency that satisfies the trigger condition J2. The total capacity increasing / decreasing means 25b uniformly increases / decreases the recording capacity of all the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z according to the frequency satisfying any one of the plurality of trigger conditions J2. To do.

  The information compression means 26 compresses and deletes vehicle information. Specifically, compressed data obtained by compressing two or more pieces of vehicle information recorded in the information recording area is recorded in the same information recording area, and two or more pieces of vehicle information that are compression sources are deleted. The information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z are performed for each individual information recording area.

  As the recording medium 28, a non-volatile memory that retains the recorded contents of the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,. For example, a flash memory, a hard disk, an EEPROM, or the like is applicable. Naturally, the maximum recording capacity of the recording medium 28 is the upper limit for the amount of vehicle information (including compressed data) that can be recorded as the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z to be secured on the recording medium 28, a recording capacity corresponding to the frequency is secured. In the example of FIG. 2, the number of blocks “Na” is secured for the information recording area 28a, the number of blocks “Nb” is secured for the information recording area 28b, and the number of blocks “Nz” is secured for the information recording area 28z. Yes. Na, Nb,..., Nz are all integers of 1 or more. One record information J4 is recorded for one block. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the blocks surrounded by thin lines are four pieces of information, that is, (1) accelerator opening, (2) foot brake stroke amount, (3) vehicle 10 vehicle speed, and (4) drive source rotation speed. Each information is included.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the information output means 29 outputs (transmits) the information recorded in the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z to the transmission device as output information J5. The transmission device corresponds to, for example, a display, an audio device, an external processing device, or the like. The external processing device corresponds to a processing device (for example, an ECU or the like) in the vehicle 10 or a processing device (for example, a server or a personal computer) that is communicably connected via a communication line regardless of wired or wireless.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example in which the vehicle information recording device 20 is provided in the ECU 30. Since other elements provided in the ECU 30 are various and well known, illustration and description are omitted. In this configuration example, a display device 40 corresponding to “transmission device” is connected to the ECU 30. Hereinafter, an example of the sensor 11 connected to the ECU 30 will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a sensor applicable as the sensor 11. The operation system sensor 11 includes sensors such as an opening sensor 11a, stroke sensors 11b, 11c, and 11d, a steering angle sensor 11e, and a position sensor 11f. The motion system sensor 11 includes sensors such as a rotation speed sensor 11g, a speed sensor 11h, a rudder angle sensor 11i, an acceleration sensor 11j, a yaw rate sensor 11k, a gyroscope 11m, a camera 11n, a distance sensor 11p, and an angle sensor 11q. . Although the function of each sensor is outlined below, any measurement method that exhibits the function may be applied.

  The opening degree sensor 11a detects and outputs the opening degree of the accelerator which is changed by the driver operating the accelerator pedal. The stroke sensor 11b detects and outputs a brake stroke amount that is changed by the driver operating the foot brake pedal. The stroke sensor 11c detects and outputs a brake stroke amount that is changed by the driver operating the side brake lever. A stroke sensor 11d indicated by a two-dot chain line is provided in a manual vehicle, and detects and outputs a clutch stroke amount which is changed by a driver operating a clutch pedal. The steering angle sensor 11e detects and outputs a steering angle that changes when the driver operates a steering wheel. The position sensor 11f detects and outputs a position (gear, range, etc.) due to a shift operation (for example, shift lever or select lever).

  The rotation speed sensor 11g detects and outputs the rotation speed of a drive source (for example, a combustion engine or a rotating electric machine). The speed sensor 11h detects and outputs the speed of the vehicle 10 (for example, a speed based on the rotational speed of the wheels). The steering angle sensor 11i detects and outputs the steering angle of the vehicle 10 (for example, wheels). The acceleration sensor 11j detects and outputs the acceleration of the vehicle 10 (for example, acceleration based on the rotational speed of the wheels). The yaw rate sensor 11k detects and outputs the yaw rate of the vehicle 10. The gyroscope 11m detects and outputs the angular velocity (or rotation angle) of the vehicle 10. The camera 11n captures an image or video around the vehicle 10 (particularly the front side in the traveling direction). The distance sensor 11p detects and outputs a relative distance between the vehicle 10 and the object (for example, a distance between the preceding vehicle and the like). The “object” is all objects except the vehicle 10 of the own vehicle. For example, other vehicles, structures (including buildings), installations (signs, traffic lights, guardrails, etc.), animals (including humans), and the like are applicable. The relative distance detection method is arbitrary. For example, detection by transmission / reception of a detection wave (for example, light, radio wave, sound wave, etc.), detection by analysis of an image captured by the camera 11n, and the like are applicable. The angle sensor 11q detects the angle of the vehicle 10 (an inclination angle such as a roll angle or a pitch angle). The degree of bank can be determined by the roll angle, and the degree of forward or backward tilt can be determined by the pitch angle.

  An example of a processing procedure for recording vehicle information in the information recording area in the ECU 30 described above will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 shows a procedure example of the vehicle information recording process, and FIG. 5 shows a procedure example of the recording condition setting process. Step S10 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the sensor selection means 21, step S12 corresponds to the condition determination means 22, step S13 corresponds to the date / location specifying means 24, and steps S14 to S19 correspond to the information recording means 27. To do. Step S31 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the condition classification means 23, steps S32 and S33 correspond to the capacity increase / decrease means 25, step S34 corresponds to the information compression means 26, and steps S35 and S36 correspond to the information recording means 27. To do.

  In order to simplify the explanation, the above assumption is applied. That is, the plurality of trigger conditions J2 are classified into three groups (low frequency group, medium frequency group, and high frequency group) according to the frequency of occurrence. The low-frequency group uses, for example, “collision with an object” or “car rollover” as a trigger condition J2, and corresponds to the information recording area 28a. For the medium frequency group, for example, “sudden braking” or “sudden steering” is set as the trigger condition J2, and is associated with the information recording area 28b. The high-frequency group uses, for example, “rapid acceleration” or “frequent shift operation” as the trigger condition J2, and corresponds to the information recording area 28c. Any trigger condition J2 is actually determined by whether or not a reference value (threshold value) corresponding to each condition is reached.

  In the vehicle information recording process shown in FIG. 4, first, one or more sensors 11 to be detected are selected according to the movement mode of the vehicle 10 [step S10]. For example, if the motion mode is acceleration or deceleration, the opening sensor 11a, the stroke sensor 11b, the speed sensor 11h, the acceleration sensor 11j, and the like are selected. If the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed within a predetermined speed range (for example, a range of ± 10 [Km / h] based on the average speed), the opening sensor 11a, the distance sensor 11p, etc. are selected. If the vehicle is turning, the steering angle sensor 11e, the yaw rate sensor 11k, the gyroscope 11m, and the like are selected. This step S10 may be executed as necessary.

  For the sensor 11 selected in advance or the sensor 11 selected in step S10, the detected sensor information J1 is acquired [step S11], and the sensor information J1 sets one of the trigger conditions J2 among the plurality of trigger conditions J2. It is determined whether or not it is satisfied [step S12]. If the sensor information J1 does not satisfy all the trigger conditions J2 for the plurality of trigger conditions J2 (NO), it is not necessary to record the vehicle information, so the vehicle information recording process is returned as it is without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if the sensor information J1 satisfies one or more trigger conditions J2 among the plurality of trigger conditions J2 (YES), steps S13 to S19 are executed. Of these steps, steps S13 to S15 may be executed in any order. Whether or not to execute step S13 is arbitrary, and the recording condition setting process shown in FIG. 5 is executed in order to set the recording condition and the like. Specific contents of the recording condition setting process will be described later.

  Next, the date and time when the trigger condition J2 is satisfied in step S12 is identified [step S14], the group to which the trigger condition J2 belongs is identified [step S15], and the information recording area corresponding to the identified group (that is, Recording information J4 is recorded in any one of the information recording areas 28a, 28b, and 28c (step S16). “Date / time etc.” in step S14 includes at least date / time information J3. In addition, a recording disclosure time point that goes back in the past by a retroactive recording period based on the date / location information J3 may be included. The recording disclosure time is the date and time when the vehicle information starts to be recorded in the information recording area 28a. The “recording information J4” in step S16 includes the sensor information J1, and may further include the date / location information J3.

  Thereafter, the recording end condition is not satisfied (NO in step S17), and recording information J4 is recorded (accumulated) in the same information recording area as that in step S16 [step S19] at every recording interval [step S18]. The “recording end condition” in step S17 can be arbitrarily set. For example, when a predetermined recording period (for example, 5 minutes or 30 minutes) elapses with the date and time specified in step S14 as a reference, the numerical value of the sensor information J1 for the predetermined sensor 11 is a specific value (for example, the vehicle speed is 0 [Km / h] etc.). An exceptional case is that there is no recordable area in the information recording area. The recorded information J4 in step S18 corresponds to “vehicle information”. An arbitrary length (for example, 0.1 second) can be set as the “recording interval” in step S19. It should be noted that the recording interval can be expanded or decreased by appropriately executing step S36 described later.

  If the recording end condition is satisfied (YES in step S17), the vehicle information is output (transmitted) to the display 40 and displayed [step S20], and the vehicle information recording process is returned. The vehicle information transmitted to the indicator 40 is information recorded in one or more information recording areas among the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c.

  The recording condition setting process shown in FIG. 5 is performed when one or more of steps S31 to S33 described later are executed, and the frequency of occurrence of the trigger condition J2 determined to be satisfied in step S12 is obtained [step S30]. “Frequency” means the number of occurrences within a predetermined period. When two or more trigger conditions J2 belong to one group with different condition contents, a simple average value, a weighted average value or the like may be used as “frequency” (the same applies hereinafter). Even with the same trigger condition J2, the frequency varies depending on the type of the vehicle 10 and the characteristics of the operator (including the driver and the driver). The “predetermined period” can be arbitrarily set. For example, a period from when the ignition key is turned on to when it is turned off, three days, two months, one year, or the like is applicable. Steps S31 to S36 described below can be arbitrarily executed (or mounted) individually, and may be performed in any order when two or more steps are executed.

  In step S31, grouping (classification) is performed for some or all of the trigger conditions J2 among the plurality of trigger conditions J2 based on the frequency obtained in step S30. This grouping includes first (first) classification and second and subsequent reclassifications. Since the frequency of occurrence of each trigger condition J2 varies depending on the type of the vehicle 10 and the characteristics of the operator, etc., grouping is performed according to the change in the frequency. Note that grouping may be performed for some or all of the trigger conditions J2 among the plurality of trigger conditions J2 according to the type of the vehicle 10, the number of passengers, the loading amount, and the like.

  In step S32, the recording capacity (or the number of recording blocks) is individually increased or decreased based on the frequency obtained in step S30 for the information recording areas 28a, 28b, and 28c corresponding to the group to which the trigger condition J2 belongs. For example, when the frequency of occurrence of the trigger condition J2 belonging to the medium frequency group increases, the recording capacity of the corresponding information recording area 28b is increased. On the other hand, when the frequency of occurrence of the trigger condition J2 belonging to the same medium frequency group decreases, the recording capacity of the corresponding information recording area 28b is decreased. The same applies to the low frequency group and the high frequency group.

  In step S33, the recording capacity (or the number of recording blocks) is uniformly increased or decreased individually for all of the information recording areas 28a, 28b, and 28c based on the frequency obtained in step S30. The capacity and ratio of increase / decrease can be arbitrarily set. For example, the increase / decrease amount of the recording capacity is set based on the increase / decrease amount of the frequency. For example, when the simple average value or the weighted average value of the frequencies related to the plurality of trigger conditions J2 increases, the recording capacity for all the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c is increased uniformly. On the other hand, when the simple average value, the weighted average value, and the like of the frequency applied to the plurality of trigger conditions J2 are lowered, the recording capacity applied to all the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c is uniformly reduced.

  In step S34, compressed data obtained by compressing two or more pieces of information is recorded in the same information recording area in one or more information recording areas among the information recording areas 28a, 28b, and 28c. Further, in order to secure a large recordable area, two or more pieces of information that are the sources of the compressed data are deleted. A data compression method for compressing two or more pieces of vehicle information is arbitrary as long as it is reversible. For example, MR (Modified Read) method, MMR (Modified Modified Read) method, MH (Modified Huffman) method, Run Length coding method, LZ (Lempel Ziv) coding method, arithmetic coding method, LZSS code And the LZW (Lempel Ziv Welch) encoding method. An example of compression will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of compressing information recorded in the information recording area 28c, which is one information recording area. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows a recording state before compression, and FIG. 6B shows a recording state after compression. The recording state shown in FIG. 6A assumes that information is recorded in recording blocks Bc1, Bc2,..., Bc960 out of the recording blocks Bc1, Bc2,..., Bc1024 secured in the information recording area 28c. To do. Assume that no information has been recorded in the recording blocks Bc961, Bc962,..., Bc1024. When step S34 is executed, it is assumed that a predetermined number (16 in this example) of recording blocks can be compressed as compressed data into one recording block.

  Under the assumption described above, compressed data is recorded in recording blocks Bc961, Bc962,..., Bc1020 which are unrecorded blocks as shown in FIG. Further, the information contents of the recording blocks Bc1, Bc2,..., Bc960, which are the original information of the compressed data, are deleted. The deletion can be applied by any method that makes it practically impossible to handle it as information. For example, it corresponds to erasure of data, change of information (also referred to as “pointer”) indicating the beginning or end of data, and the like. After deletion, the compressed data and the information that was not the target of compression remain. The subsequent recording is performed in the order of the recording blocks Bc1021, Bc1022,. Since part or all of the information recording area including the information recording area 28c constitutes a ring buffer, recording is performed in order from the recording block Bc1 after the recording block Bc1024.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in step S35, the retroactive recording period is changed according to the trigger condition J2 determined to be satisfied in step S12 of FIG. However, it is set shorter than the maximum recordable period for each information recording area corresponding to the group to which the trigger condition J2 belongs. As an example, when the trigger condition J2 is “collision with an object”, the retroactive recording period is set to 30 seconds, when “rapid braking” is set, the retroactive recording period is set to 20 seconds. For example, 10 seconds. Note that the retroactive recording period may be expanded or contracted based on the frequency obtained in step S30.

  In step S36, the recording interval shown in step S19 in FIG. 4 is expanded or contracted according to the trigger condition J2 determined to be satisfied in step S12 in FIG. As an example, when the trigger condition J2 is “collision with an object”, the retroactive recording interval is set to 0.01 seconds, when “rapid braking” is set, the recording interval is set to 0.1 seconds, and when it is “rapid acceleration”, recording is performed. The interval is set to 0.2 seconds. Note that the recording interval may be expanded or contracted based on the frequency obtained in step S30.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the state of the recording medium 28 after executing the vehicle information recording process of FIG. 4 and the recording condition setting process of FIG. In the recording medium 28 shown in FIG. 7, information recording areas 28a, 28b, and 28c are secured. The number of blocks in the information recording area 28a is “8”, and there are recording blocks Ba1, Ba2,. The number of blocks in the information recording area 28b is “256”, and there are recording blocks Bb1, Bb2,. The number of blocks in the information recording area 28c is “1024”, and there are recording blocks Bc1, Bc2,. Each recording block contains five pieces of information: (1) accelerator opening, (2) stroke amount of foot brake, (3) vehicle speed, (4) rotational speed of drive source, (5) date and time (date Each information of place information J3) is included. Note that some of the recording blocks, including the recording block Ba256 in the information recording area 28b and the recording block Bc1024 in the information recording area 28c, are in an unrecorded state.

  According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. First, corresponding to claim 1, among the plurality of trigger conditions J2 classified into two or more groups, condition determination means 22 for determining whether or not any of the trigger conditions J2 is satisfied corresponds to each group. Information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z provided on the recording medium 28 and the trigger condition J2 determined to be satisfied by the condition determining means 22 are recorded in the information recording area 28. The area 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z has information recording means 27 for recording vehicle information (see FIG. 1). According to this configuration, highly important data can be reliably left. Since the information recording means 27 records the vehicle information in the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z that correspond one-to-one with the group, it is possible to reduce the deviation of the recording amount due to the frequency.

  Corresponding to claim 2, the trigger condition J2 is divided into two or more groups (low frequency group, medium frequency group, high frequency described above) according to one or more items among the type of vehicle 10, the number of passengers, and the loading capacity. Frequency group) (see step S31 in FIG. 5). According to this configuration, the reference that satisfies the trigger condition J2 changes according to the type (vehicle type) of the vehicle 10, the number of passengers, the loading capacity, and the like. By performing the classification of the trigger condition J2 according to the type of the vehicle 10, the trigger condition J2 classified into a group can be optimized. Similarly, the trigger condition J2 can be optimized with respect to the number of passengers and the loading capacity.

  Corresponding to claim 3, it is configured to have condition classification means 23 for classifying a plurality of trigger conditions J2 into two or more groups according to the frequency of occurrence for each predetermined period (step S31 in FIGS. 1 and 5). reference). According to this configuration, optimal grouping can be performed in accordance with the characteristics of the vehicle 10 and the operator.

  Corresponding to claim 4, it has area capacity increasing / decreasing means 25a (capacity increasing / decreasing means 25) for increasing / decreasing the recording capacity of the corresponding information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,. The configuration is adopted (see step S32 in FIGS. 1 and 5). According to this configuration, for example, the recording capacity of the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z is increased as the frequency that satisfies the trigger condition J2 increases. Therefore, highly important data (vehicle information) can be reliably recorded.

  Corresponding to claim 5, the recording capacities of all the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z are uniformly increased / decreased according to the frequency at which any one of the plurality of trigger conditions J2 is satisfied. The total capacity increasing / decreasing means 25b (capacity increasing / decreasing means 25) is configured (see step S33 in FIGS. 1 and 5). According to this configuration, since the total recording capacity of the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z is reduced, the released recording area can be used for another purpose or information to be recorded other than the trigger condition J2 can be recorded. An area for doing this can be secured.

  Corresponding to claim 6, compressed data obtained by compressing two or more pieces of vehicle information recorded in the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z is recorded in the same information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,. In addition, the information compression means 26 for deleting two or more pieces of vehicle information that is the source of the compressed data is provided (see step S34 in FIGS. 1 and 5 and FIG. 6). According to this configuration, even if the recording capacities of the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z are the same, the amount of data that can be recorded can be increased by performing data compression.

  Corresponding to claim 7, the information recording means 27 is configured to vary the retroactive recording period according to the trigger condition J2 determined to be satisfied by the condition determining means 22 (see step S35 in FIGS. 1 and 5). . According to this configuration, for example, the retroactive recording period is lengthened as the frequency of satisfying the trigger condition J2 increases. The trigger condition J2 having a high frequency often has a high degree of importance, and the data (vehicle information) having a high degree of importance is reliably recorded, and the cause can be easily pursued by ensuring a long recording period.

  Corresponding to claim 8, the information recording means 27 is configured to expand and contract the recording interval according to the trigger condition J2 determined to be satisfied by the condition determining means 22 (see step S36 in FIGS. 1 and 5). According to this configuration, the frequently-triggered trigger condition J2 is often high in importance, and more highly important data (vehicle information) is recorded, and the cause can be easily traced by securing a large amount of recording. To do.

  Corresponding to claim 9, the vehicle 10 is provided with the vehicle information recording device 20 and the sensor 11 (see FIG. 1). According to this configuration, it is possible to provide the vehicle 10 that can reduce the deviation of the recording amount due to the frequency and reliably retain the data with high importance.

  The sensor 11 includes an opening sensor 11a, stroke sensors 11b, 11c, and 11d, a steering angle sensor 11e, a position sensor 11f, a rotation speed sensor 11g, a speed sensor 11h, a steering angle sensor 11i, and an acceleration sensor. 11j, a yaw rate sensor 11k, a gyroscope 11m, a camera 11n, a distance sensor 11p, and an angle sensor 11q are included (see FIGS. 1 and 3). According to this configuration, by including one or more sensors 11 according to the frequency, the vehicle information can be recorded on the recording medium 28, and the cause can be easily pursued based on the recorded information.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the form for implementing this invention was demonstrated above, this invention is not limited to the said form at all. In other words, various forms can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following forms may be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of pieces of information are recorded in one recording block including the accelerator opening, the foot brake stroke amount, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10, the rotational speed of the drive source, and the like (FIG. 2). , See FIG. Instead of this configuration, the sensor information J1 output from each sensor 11 shown in FIG. 3 may be configured such that one piece of information is recorded in one recording block, and other numbers of information are recorded. It is good also as a structure. Since the difference is merely the number, the same operational effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the embodiment described above, the information of the same item is recorded in common to all the recording blocks (see FIGS. 2 and 7). Instead of this configuration, information items (vehicle information and date / time) to be recorded may be varied according to the information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,. Even when necessary information differs according to the frequency, it is possible to reduce the deviation of the recording amount and reliably leave highly important data.

  In the embodiment described above, the vehicle information recording device 20 is provided in the ECU 30 (see FIG. 3). Instead of this form, a configuration may be provided in the vehicle 10 other than the ECU 30 (including an ECU other than the ECU 30) or outside the vehicle 10. As an example provided outside the vehicle 10, an external processing device or the like that can be connected via a communication line is applicable. Since it is merely a difference in arrangement, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the compressed data is recorded in the same information recording areas 28a, 28b, 28c,..., 28z, and the information compression means 26 for deleting two or more vehicle information that is the source of the compressed data is provided. (See step S34 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). In addition to this configuration, external output of information and memory compaction may be performed. It is appropriate to perform the former external output when compression does not fit within the information recording area or when there are few unrecorded recording blocks. Specifically, information is recorded on an external recording medium (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk) by the information output means 29. According to the external output, important data can be prevented from being lost. The latter memory compaction is a process for moving the compressed data of the recording blocks Bc961, Bc962,..., Bc1020 recorded after deletion to the recording blocks Bc1, Bc2,. According to this process, an area to be continuously recorded can be secured, so that the information recording process performed thereafter can be easily performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display device 40 is applied as a transmission device (see FIG. 3). Instead of (or in addition to) this form, other transmission devices other than the display device 40 may be applied. Other transmission devices include, for example, processing devices including other ECUs provided in the vehicle 10 (transport equipment), acoustic devices such as speakers, computers and servers connected via signal lines and communication lines, etc. Applicable to external processing devices. Even with other transmission devices, it is possible to obtain an analysis result about a factor that has satisfied the trigger condition and vehicle information to be analyzed. Therefore, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In embodiment mentioned above, the vehicle 10 was applied as an object provided with the vehicle information recording device 20 (refer FIGS. 1-10). It can replace with this form and can be similarly applied to other transportation equipment other than the vehicle 10. Other transportation equipment corresponds to transportation equipment capable of transporting people, cargo, etc., such as airplanes and ships. Since this is merely a structural difference and humans and cargo can be transported, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

10 Vehicle (transport equipment)
11 Sensor (sensor group)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Vehicle information recording device 21 Sensor selection means 22 Condition discrimination means 23 Condition classification means 24 Date and time specification means 25 Capacity increase / decrease means 26 Information compression means 27 Information recording means 28 Recording medium 28a, 28b, 28c, ..., 28z Information recording area 29 Information Output means 30 ECU (processing device)
40 Indicator (transmission equipment)
J1 sensor information (vehicle information)
J2 Trigger condition J3 Date and time information J4 Record information J5 Output information

Claims (10)

When the trigger condition is satisfied, in the vehicle information recording apparatus that records the vehicle information about the vehicle on the recording medium
Among a plurality of trigger conditions classified into two or more groups, condition determination means for determining whether any of the trigger conditions is satisfied,
An information recording area provided in the recording medium corresponding to each group, and recording the vehicle information;
Information recording means for recording the vehicle information in the information recording area corresponding to the group into which the trigger condition determined to be satisfied by the condition determination means is classified;
A vehicle information recording apparatus comprising:   2. The vehicle information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of trigger conditions are classified into the two or more groups according to one or more items among the type, the number of passengers, and the loading capacity of the vehicle. .   3. The vehicle information recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a condition classification unit that classifies the plurality of trigger conditions into the two or more groups according to a frequency that occurs every predetermined period.   4. The vehicle information recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an area capacity increasing / decreasing unit that increases / decreases a recording capacity of the corresponding information recording area according to a frequency satisfying the trigger condition. 5. .   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a total capacity increasing / decreasing unit that uniformly increases / decreases a recording capacity of all the information recording areas according to a frequency satisfying any one of the plurality of trigger conditions. 5. The vehicle information recording device according to any one of 4.   Information compression in which compressed data obtained by compressing two or more vehicle information recorded in the information recording area is recorded in the same information recording area, and the two or more vehicle information that is a source of the compressed data is deleted. The vehicle information recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means.   The information recording unit varies a retroactive recording period in which the vehicle information is recorded in the information recording area retroactively from a time point satisfying the trigger condition, according to the trigger condition determined to be satisfied by the condition determining unit. The vehicle information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle information recording apparatus is a vehicle information recording apparatus.   8. The information recording unit according to claim 1, wherein the information recording unit expands or contracts a recording interval when the vehicle information is continuously recorded in accordance with a trigger condition determined to be satisfied by the condition determining unit. The vehicle information recording device according to claim 1.   8. The vehicle information recording apparatus according to claim 1, and a sensor that outputs a signal for determining whether or not the condition determination unit satisfies the trigger condition. Vehicle.   The sensor includes an opening sensor that detects the opening of the accelerator, a stroke sensor that detects the stroke amount of the operation, a steering angle sensor that detects the steering angle of the steering, a position sensor that detects a position by a shift operation, and a drive source A rotational speed sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the vehicle, a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the wheels, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, a yaw rate sensor for detecting the yaw rate of the vehicle, One or more of a gyroscope that detects a rotation angle and an angular velocity, a camera that captures an image or video, a distance sensor that detects a relative distance to an object, and an angle sensor that detects an angle such as a roll angle or a pitch angle of a vehicle A vehicle characterized by including.

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