JP5648549B2 - Terminal device and cradle device - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a terminal device and a cradle device that holds the terminal device.

  A driver engaged in the transportation business may be required to keep a record of vehicle operation for labor management. For example, there is a case where a vehicle operation record is left by a driver filling in a recording sheet. In addition, when a handy terminal is mounted on a vehicle for a record of delivery work or the like, the driver may operate the handy terminal to leave an operation record.

  As a technique for determining the operation status of a vehicle, for example, a technique for determining whether the vehicle is running or stopped by detecting the engine sound of the vehicle has been proposed (Patent Literature). 1).

  In addition, a technique has been proposed in which acceleration in the traveling direction of a vehicle is detected using an acceleration sensor, and the stop of the vehicle is detected based on the detection result (see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-6-294660 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-300438

  By the way, if the operation of recording the operation status of the vehicle is left to the driver, an accurate operation record cannot be obtained when the driver forgets the recording. Also, the task of entering the start and stop of travel on the recording sheet and the operation of operating the handy terminal for recording the operation are troublesome for the driver.

  On the other hand, it is difficult to apply the technology for determining the operation state of a vehicle based on detection of engine sound to an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle in a low-speed traveling state. In addition, in order to apply the technology for determining the operation status of the vehicle based on the output of the acceleration sensor, it is necessary to newly install an acceleration sensor in a handy terminal or the like.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal device and a cradle device that record the operation of a vehicle without bothering the driver.

  A terminal device according to one aspect determines a stop state of the vehicle when a reading unit that reads a determination chart installed in the vehicle at predetermined time intervals and a pattern sequentially read by the reading unit does not change. A determination unit that determines a traveling state of the vehicle when the pattern changes, and a recording unit that records a time when the determination unit determines whether the vehicle starts or stops traveling in a recording device.

  Further, a cradle device according to another aspect includes a mounting unit on which a terminal device is mounted, a support unit facing the reading unit included in the terminal device mounted on the mounting unit, and the determination chart. A holding unit that swingably holds at a position of the support unit facing the reading unit of the terminal device.

  According to the terminal device and the cradle device of the present disclosure, it is possible to record the operation of the vehicle without bothering the driver.

It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the function structure of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of mounting | wearing to the cradle apparatus of a handy terminal apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a code reader output. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of the function structure of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of mounting | wearing of a handy terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of a change of the luminance value of the sample pixel by vibration. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the hardware constitutions of a terminal device. It is a flowchart of an example of an operation record process. It is a flowchart of the process which judges driving | running | working start. It is a figure which shows the example of a sample value. It is a flowchart of an example of the process which determines driving | running | working stop. It is a flowchart of the process which detects mounting | wearing release of a handy terminal. It is a flowchart of the process which judges driving | running | working start. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a sample pixel. It is a flowchart of the process which judges driving | running | working stop.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a functional configuration of the terminal device.

  A handy terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a terminal device, and includes a code reader 11, an instruction unit 12, a determination unit 13, a recording unit 14, and a recording device 15. The recording device 15 may be built in the handy terminal device 10 or may be detachably attached.

  The cradle device 4 holds the main body of the handy terminal device 10. In addition, the cradle device 4 holds the determination chart 1 including the determination code 2 through an elastic body 3 such as a spring at a position facing the code reader 11 included in the handy terminal device 10.

  The mounting unit 5 physically and electrically connects the handy terminal device 10 and the cradle device 4.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of mounting the handy terminal device to the cradle device.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the cradle device 4 having an “L” -shaped outer shape holds the main body portion of the handy terminal device 10 inserted into the recess 6 provided in the installation portion 4 b corresponding to the “L” -shaped foot. . Further, the elastic body 3 attached to the support portion 4a corresponding to the rising portion of the “L” character of the cradle device 4 is a position at which the determination chart 1 can be read by the code reader 11 included in the handy terminal device 10. To swing freely. In the example of FIG. 2, both ends of the determination chart 1 are fixed to one end of the elastic bodies 3 on both sides. The other ends of these elastic bodies 3 are fixed to the cradle device 4 by two fixing members 8 respectively. The two elastic bodies 3 and the two fixing members 8 that fix them to the cradle device 4 are holding portions that hold the determination chart 1 in a desired position. And the fixed position by the fixing member 8 may be appropriately adjusted together with the dimensions and elastic constants of these elastic bodies 3. Then, by carrying out such adjustment, the holding unit makes the position of the determination chart 1 face the code reader 11 included in the handy terminal device 10 mounted as shown in FIG. The determination chart 1 held through the elastic body 3 in this way vibrates in the direction in which the elastic body 3 expands and contracts due to vibration transmitted to the cradle device 4.

  For example, a 13-digit bar code may be used as the determination code included in the determination chart shown in FIGS. In this case, a bar code reader already included in the handy terminal device 10 can be used as the code reader 11. Further, it is desirable that the expansion / contraction direction of the elastic body 3 described above coincides with the direction in which the linear patterns are arranged in the barcode that is the determination code 2 included in the determination chart 1, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the state where the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 of the handy terminal device 10 are kept facing each other, the code reader 11 reads the determination chart 1 to determine The reading result corresponding to the code is continuously output. On the other hand, when the vehicle in which the handy terminal device 110 and the cradle device 4 are installed starts to travel, the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 varies with time due to the vibration of the vehicle. Along with this, the pattern of the read signal obtained by the code reader 11 reading the determination chart 1 also varies with time.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of output by the code reader. 3A, 3C, and 3E show a schematic barcode including six linear patterns as an example of the determination code 2 included in the determination chart 1. FIG. 3B, 3D, and 3F show examples of read signals binarized by the code reader 11. FIG.

  In FIG. 3A, symbols B1 to B6 indicate the bars B1 to B6 included in the determination code 2. 3A, 3 </ b> C, and 3 </ b> E, an arrow indicated by a symbol P indicates a scan when the laser beam emitted from the laser light source included in the code reader 11 scans the determination code 2. Direction and scan range are indicated. FIG. 3B is an example of a read signal in a state where the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 is not changed.

  In a state where the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 is not changed, it is necessary from the scanning start timing indicated by the symbol T0 in FIG. 3 to the timing at which each of the bars B1 to B6 is scanned by the laser beam. Times TB1 to TB6 do not change for each scan. Therefore, in this state, as shown in FIG. 3B, the pattern of the read signal obtained for each scan of the laser light changes to the black level at the same timing each time, and similarly changes to the white level at the same timing. To do. That is, the level of the read signal obtained at the sampling timing set based on the scan start timing is the same at each sampling timing when there is no change in the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11. In the example of FIG. 3B, sampling timings T1 to T5 indicated by reference numerals T1 to T5 correspond to timings at which a gap sandwiched between two bars is scanned. For this reason, the sample value of the read signal corresponding to the sampling timings T1 to T5 is a white level.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 3C and 3E are examples in which the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 is changed. FIG. 3C shows an example in which the determination code 2 is shifted in a direction approaching the scanning start side of the scanning range of the laser light due to a change in the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11. FIG. 3D shows a read signal pattern obtained when the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 3E shows an example in which the determination code 2 is shifted in a direction away from the scanning start side in the scanning range of the laser beam, contrary to FIG. 3C. FIG. 3F shows a read signal pattern obtained when the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 is as shown in FIG.

  As can be seen from the comparison between FIG. 3B, FIG. 3D, and FIG. 3F, the reading obtained by the code reader 11 in accordance with the change in the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11. The signal pattern is also shifted. For this reason, the sample value of the read signal at each of the sampling timings T1 to T5 set with reference to the scanning start timing is different from the sample value shown in FIG. In the examples of FIGS. 3C and 3E, the sampling timings T1 to T5 correspond to the timings at which the bars B2 to B6 or the bars B1 to B5 are scanned, respectively. Therefore, in the examples of FIGS. 3D and 3F, the sample value of the read signal at each of the sampling timings T1 to T5 is a black level.

  In an environment where there is an irregular vibration such as when the vehicle is traveling, an irregular variation in the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 causes each sampling timing to be set based on the scanning start timing. The sample value of the read signal also varies irregularly.

  Therefore, based on whether or not the same read signal pattern is continuously obtained from the code reader 11 over a predetermined time, the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the code reader 11 does not change. It can be determined whether or not there is.

  The handy terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 records the operation status of the vehicle on which the handy terminal device 10 is installed by utilizing this fact.

  The instruction unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 receives, for example, a notification that the handy terminal device 10 is mounted on the cradle device 4 via the mounting unit 5. In response to this notification, the instruction unit 12 activates the code reader 11. The instruction unit 12 causes the code reader 11 to read the determination code 2.

  The determination unit 13 receives a read signal from the code reader 11. The determination unit 13 determines whether the vehicle is in a stopped state or a traveling state based on whether or not the same read signal pattern is continuously obtained from the code reader 11. The recording unit 14 records the time when the vehicle transitions to the running state and the time when the vehicle transitions to the stop state based on the determination result by the determination unit 13. Recording by the recording unit 14 may be performed by storing the above-described time in a memory provided in the recording unit 14, or may be performed by recording in a recording device such as a memory card.

  As described above, according to the handy terminal device 10 of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle equipped with the handy terminal device 10 using the existing bar code reader as the code reader 11 in the handy terminal device 10. The operation status can be automatically recorded. Thereby, while reducing a driver | operator's burden, the carrier can acquire the exact operation record of a vehicle. Moreover, since the operation record by the handy terminal device 10 of the present disclosure can be realized without adding a new function such as an acceleration sensor, the introduction cost can be suppressed. Note that the determination code 2 included in the determination chart 1 may be a code from which a read signal can be acquired by the code reader 11, and may be, for example, a one-dimensional barcode having a different number of digits or a two-dimensional barcode. Good. Further, the determination unit 13 may receive a read code obtained as a result of the process of reading the determination code by the code reader 11 from the code reader 11. Then, based on whether the reading code continuously matches the determination code, it may be determined whether the vehicle is in a stopped state or a traveling state.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, by combining with the cradle device 4 that holds the determination chart 1 using the elastic body 3, fluctuations in the read signal pattern of the code reader 11 due to vibration during vehicle travel can be reduced. Can be amplified. As a result, it is possible to determine the start and stop of travel with high accuracy even for a vehicle with low vibration during travel, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid car during low speed travel.

  The technology disclosed herein can also be applied to a handy terminal device having a digital camera function instead of a barcode reader.

  FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the functional configuration of the terminal device. 4 that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The handy terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of a terminal device, and includes an imaging unit 16 instead of the code reader 11 illustrated in FIG.

  Further, the determination chart 1 shown in FIG. 4 is preferably a diagram including a plurality of clear edges such as a checkered pattern. Further, the lens 7 may be disposed between the determination chart 1 and the imaging unit 16. For example, the lens 7 is useful for causing the imaging unit 16 to acquire an image with less blur corresponding to the determination chart 1 when the focal length of the imaging unit 16 is limited.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of mounting the handy terminal device to the cradle device. Note that among the components shown in FIG. 5, the same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The positions where the two elastic bodies 3 connected to both ends of the determination chart 1 are fixed to the cradle device 4 and the dimensions and elastic constants of the elastic bodies 3 can be adjusted appropriately. Then, by performing such adjustment, the position of the determination chart 1 can be opposed to the imaging unit 16 in the mounted state illustrated in FIG. 5, for example. For example, the lens 7 may be arranged between the determination chart 1 and the imaging unit 16 in accordance with a range in which the light beam enters the imaging unit 16.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the determination chart 1 fixed to the cradle device 4 via the elastic body 3 also vibrates in the expansion / contraction direction of the elastic body 3 according to the vibration transmitted to the cradle device 4. Then, due to this vibration, the position in the determination chart corresponding to each sample pixel included in the image acquired by the imaging unit 16 changes, so that the luminance value of each sample pixel changes.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of change in the luminance value of the sample pixel due to vibration.

  In FIG. 6A, reference numeral 1 g indicates an image acquired by imaging the determination chart 1 by the imaging unit 16. In FIG. 6A, the pixel of the image 1g corresponding to the intersection of the straight line Y = Y1 parallel to the X axis and the straight line X = X1 parallel to the Y axis is an example of a sample pixel. In the following description, this sample pixel is referred to as sample pixel (X1, Y1). One white or black section included in the checkerboard pattern of the determination chart 1 corresponds to an area including a plurality of pixels of the imaging unit 16.

  The luminance values of the sample pixels (X1, Y1) have a constant value when the vehicle on which the handy terminal device 10 and the cradle device 4 are mounted is stopped. This fixed value is a predetermined luminance value indicating the luminance of the position corresponding to the sample pixel (X1, Y1) of the image 1g in the determination chart 1. Therefore, when the vehicle is stopped, the frequency distribution obtained by sampling the luminance values of the sample pixels (X1, Y1) N times is a sharp peak at a predetermined luminance value as shown in FIG. have. Note that the sample pixel shown in FIG. 6A is included in the region corresponding to the white section included in the checkered pattern of the determination chart 1, so the peak of the frequency distribution shown in FIG. The position is a luminance value Bw indicating the “white” level.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle is in a running state, the position on the determination chart 1 corresponding to the sample pixel changes according to the change in the relative position between the determination chart 1 and the imaging unit 16. Assuming that the fluctuation range is a width corresponding to two sections of a checkered pattern, for example, as indicated by a symbol d in FIG. 6, the luminance of the sample pixel (X1, Y1) of the image 1g acquired by the imaging unit 16 The value can vary from a “white” level to a “black” level. For this reason, the result of sampling the luminance value of the sample pixel (X1, Y1) described above N times is, for example, as shown in FIG. 6C from the luminance value Bw corresponding to the “white” level to “black”. It is distributed in the range up to the luminance value Bd corresponding to the level.

  Therefore, for example, the determination unit 13 illustrated in FIG. 4 determines the traveling state of the vehicle based on whether or not the same luminance value is continuously obtained as the luminance values of the plurality of sample pixels included in the image 1g. You may judge.

  In this way, the operation recording technology disclosed herein can also be applied to a system that uses a smartphone or the like as the handy terminal device 10.

  Note that the determination unit 13 may determine whether a predetermined luminance value is continuously obtained based on the upper bits of the data indicating the luminance value of the sample pixel output from the imaging unit 16. By making such a determination, the determination unit 13 can ignore the influence of noise appearing in the lower bits of the data indicating the luminance value in the above determination. Further, the determination unit 13 may determine whether or not a predetermined luminance value is continuously obtained based on the distribution of luminance values as shown in FIGS.

  The handy terminal device 10 of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4 can be realized by a computer in which hardware such as a processor and a memory is organically coupled.

  FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a hardware configuration of a handy terminal device which is an example of a terminal device. The terminal device illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a display control unit 24, a display device 25, and an input device 26. The computer further includes an optical reading device 27 such as a barcode reader or a digital camera, and a cradle interface (I / F: InterFace) unit 28. The handy terminal device 10 may further include a communication control unit 29. The auxiliary storage device 23 may be a small hard disk device or a removable storage medium such as an SD (Secure Digital) card. The handy terminal device 10 is connected to the cradle device 4 through the cradle interface unit 28. The cradle device 4 has a function of connecting to another higher-level computer device via, for example, a USB interface.

  The processor 21, the memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the display control unit 24, the input device 26, the optical drive device 28, and the communication control unit 29 are connected via a bus. The communication control unit 29 is connected to the network 30.

  The memory 22 and the auxiliary storage device 23 store an operating system and an application program for executing the operation recording process disclosed herein. The application program includes a program for executing each process included in the operation recording process disclosed herein.

  The application program for executing the operation recording process can be recorded on a computer-readable removable disk, for example. And this removable disk may be distributed with the attachment for mounting | wearing the chart 1 for determination mentioned above to the cradle apparatus 4, for example. Then, for example, the removable disk is attached to an optical drive device included in a higher-level computer device connected to the cradle device 4 via the USB interface, and reading processing is performed. Then, the application program for executing the operation recording process disclosed in the present disclosure read into the host computer device is installed in the memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 via the USB interface, the cradle device 4 and the cradle interface unit 28. Is done. In addition, an application program for executing the operation recording process disclosed in the present disclosure can be installed in the memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 via the network 30 such as the Internet and the communication control unit 29.

  As described above, if the application program for executing the operation recording process and the attachment for the cradle device 4 are provided in combination, the operation recording function can be added to the existing handy terminal device and the cradle device. is there.

  The handy terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 realizes the above-described various functions by organically cooperating hardware such as the processor 21 and the memory 22 described above with programs such as an operating system and application programs. .

  8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 15 are flowcharts of processes performed by the handy terminal device 10 by executing the operation recording program.

  The function of the instruction unit 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 is realized by the processor 21 performing the process of step 301 in cooperation with the cradle interface unit 28. The function of the determination unit 13 is realized by the processor 21 performing the processing of step 302 and step 305 in FIG. 8 based on the output of the optical reading device 27. Note that the process of step 302 includes the steps shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 13, and the process of step 305 includes the steps shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. Also, the function of the recording unit 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is realized by the processor 21 performing the processing of step 304 and step 309 in FIG. The code reader 11 shown in FIG. 1 is realized by the processor 21 cooperating with an optical reading device 27 such as a bar code reader. Similarly, the imaging unit 16 illustrated in FIG. 4 is realized by the processor 21 cooperating with an optical reading device 27 such as a digital camera. 1 and 4 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 21 and the cradle interface unit 28. Further, information generated in the process of each unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is stored in the memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23.

  Hereinafter, each process performed when the handy terminal device 10 executes the operation recording program will be described.

  In step 301 shown in FIG. 8, the processor 21 activates the optical reading device 27 when receiving a notification that the cradle device 4 is attached via the cradle interface unit 28.

  Next, the processor 21 performs processing for determining the start of traveling of the vehicle based on the output of the optical reading device 27 (step 302). When the determination result that the vehicle has started traveling is not obtained in the process of step 302 (No determination of step 303), the processor 21 returns to the process of step 302 and determines the start of the vehicle travel Continue.

  On the other hand, when a determination result indicating that the vehicle has started traveling is obtained in the processing of step 302 (affirmative determination in step 303), the processor 21 sets the current time as, for example, the auxiliary storage device 23 as the vehicle traveling start time. (Step 304). The processor 21 records the current time in minutes, for example, according to the same format as the conventional recording table.

  Next, the processor 21 performs a process of determining whether or not the vehicle is stopped based on the output of the optical reading device 27 (step 305). When the determination result that the vehicle has stopped traveling is not obtained in the processing of step 305 (No determination in step 306), the processor 21 returns to the processing of step 305 and determines whether the vehicle has stopped traveling. Continue.

  On the other hand, when a determination result indicating that the vehicle has stopped traveling is obtained in the process of step 305 (affirmative determination in step 306), the processor 21 performs steps 307 and 308 prior to recording the stop time in step 309. Perform the process.

  In step 307, the processor 21 determines whether or not the mounting state of the handy terminal device 10 and the cradle device 4 is released. If the release of the wearing state is not detected in step 307 (No determination in step 308), the processor 21 returns to the process in step 305 and continues the process of determining the stop of traveling of the vehicle.

  On the other hand, when the release of the wearing state is detected in step 307 (affirmative determination in step 308), the processor 21 sets the current time as, for example, the auxiliary storage device 23 as the vehicle travel stop time in the same manner as in step 304. (Step 309). Then, the processor 21 performs processing for pausing the optical reading device 27 (step 310). Thereafter, the processor 21 ends the process by the operation recording program.

  In this way, the operation status of the vehicle equipped with the handy terminal device 10 and the cradle device 4 can be automatically recorded by the handy terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG.

  Note that the function realized by the processing of steps 307, 308, and 310 shown in FIG. 8 by the processor 21 is to return the handy terminal device 10 to the original operating state as a business terminal. . Therefore, this function may be regarded as a part of the function of the instruction unit 12.

  Hereinafter, the processing of Step 302, Step 305, and Step 307 will be described when the optical reading device 27 included in the handy terminal device 10 is a barcode reader.

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of processing for determining the start of traveling. Each step shown in FIG. 9 is an example of the processing of step 302 and step 303 shown in FIG.

  First, the processor 21 starts a time counting operation of a timer for determining the start of travel (step 311). Next, the processor 21 acquires a read signal from the optical reader 27 which is a bar code reader (step 312). Next, the processor 21 collects sample values at a plurality of sampling timings from the acquired read signal (step 313). Next, the processor 21 determines whether or not the sampling in step 313 has been repeated n times (step 314). In the case of negative determination in step 314, the processor 21 returns to the processing in step 312 and performs sampling from a new read signal.

  In the process of step 312, the processor 21 collects, for example, the values of the read signals at the respective sampling timings indicated by reference numerals T1 to T5 in FIG. 3 as sample values. Note that the number of sample timings collected by the processor 21 may be plural, and for example, sample values may be collected for the sampling timings at five or more locations described above. Further, the number n of repetitions of the sampling process in step 312 may be any number as long as it is a plurality of times. Since the barcode reader outputs a read signal every time the determination code is scanned 100 times or more per second by scanning with a laser beam, even when the number of repetitions n is 10, it takes about 0.1 seconds. Sample value collection can be completed.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of sample values collected from the read signal. Symbols T1 to T5 shown in FIG. 10 indicate the sampling timings T1 to T5 shown in FIG.

  The code corresponding values shown in FIG. 10 indicate sample values collected at each sampling timing T1 to T5 from the read signal when the determination chart 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is not vibrating. These code correspondence values may be stored in advance in the memory 22 or the like.

  FIG. 10A shows an example of sample values collected at each sampling timing corresponding to “first time”, “second time”, and “n time”. In the example of FIG. 10A, for example, the sample values obtained corresponding to the sampling timings T2, T3, and T5 at the time of the “first” sampling are different from the corresponding code values. In addition, the sample values obtained corresponding to the sampling timings T1 and T2 at the time of the “second” sampling are different from the code corresponding values. In the “n-th” sampling, the sample values obtained corresponding to the sampling timings T1, T4, and T5 are different from the code corresponding values.

  The difference between the sample value collected corresponding to each sampling timing and each code corresponding value indicates the degree to which the pattern of the read signal fluctuates due to the vibration of the vehicle. Therefore, for example, the processor 21 evaluates the variation of the pattern of the read signal due to the vibration of the vehicle based on the number of changes indicating the number of times the sample value different from the code corresponding value is collected corresponding to each sampling timing. May be. In FIG. 10, the number of changes corresponding to each sampling timing is indicated by symbols m1 to m5.

  In step 315 of FIG. 9, the processor 12 calculates the number of changes corresponding to each sampling timing described above, and evaluates the sum M of these numbers of changes to indicate the degree to which the pattern of the read signal has changed due to vehicle vibration. Calculate as an index. Note that the evaluation index calculated by the processor 21 in step 315 is not limited to the above-described sum of the number of changes, and any index may be used as long as it indicates the degree that each sample value does not match the corresponding code correspondence value.

  Note that the method for determining whether or not the same read signal pattern is continuously obtained is not limited to the method based on the comparison between each sample value and the code corresponding value as shown in FIG. . For example, it may be determined whether or not the same read signal pattern is continuously obtained based on the result of comparing the sample values at the respective sampling timings obtained by repeating Step 312 to Step 314 with each other. .

  FIG. 10B shows an example of sample values at each sampling timing of the read signal acquired each time from the first time to the n-th time. The number-of-changes column in FIG. 10B shows the number of sample values obtained at each sampling timing at different sampling timings that are different from the corresponding sample value acquired at the previous time. For example, since all sample values acquired in the second time in FIG. 10B are all different from the corresponding sample values acquired in the first time, the number of changes corresponding to the second time is the sampling number. The total number of timings is “5”. In addition, among the sample values acquired at the third time in FIG. 10B, the sample values corresponding to the sampling timings T1 to T3 are different from the corresponding sample values acquired at the second time. The number of changes corresponding to three times is “3”. On the other hand, since the sample value acquired at the nth time in FIG. 10B matches the corresponding sample value acquired at the (n−1) th time, the number of changes corresponding to the nth time is “0”. "

  Thus, the sum total of the number of changes obtained for the read signals acquired from the second time to the nth time also indicates the degree to which the pattern of the read signal fluctuates due to the vibration of the vehicle. Therefore, in step 315, the processor 21 may add up the sum M of the number of sample values different from the sample values acquired in the previous round instead of the number of times the sample values different from the code corresponding values are collected. Good.

  Then, the processor 21 compares the calculated total number M of changes with a predetermined threshold value Thm1 (step 316). The value of the predetermined threshold value Thm1 may be determined in advance in consideration of, for example, fluctuations in sample values that appear due to noise when the vehicle is stopped.

  When the total number M of changes is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value Thm1 (negative determination at step 316), sample values that match the corresponding code correspondence values are obtained at each sampling timing. From this, the processor 21 determines that the read signal obtained by repeating Step 312 matches the read signal obtained by reading the determination code 2 when there is no vibration. That is, at this time, the processor 21 determines that the same read signal pattern is continuously obtained, and determines that the vehicle is stopped based on this determination. In this case, the processor 21 performs a process of resetting the time measured by the travel determination timer to return to the initial value “0” (step 317). Then, returning to the process of step 312, the process of determining the start of traveling of the vehicle is resumed.

  On the other hand, when the sum M of the number of changes is larger than the predetermined threshold value Thm1 (affirmative determination in step 316), the processor 21 determines that the same read signal pattern may not be obtained continuously. . In this case, the processor 21 compares the time Td measured by the travel determination timer with a predetermined travel determination threshold Thd (step 318). By the comparison processing based on the travel determination threshold Thd, for example, when the vehicle driver contacts the handy terminal device 10 or the cradle device 4, sudden sample value fluctuations and continuous sample due to the start of travel of the vehicle. It is possible to distinguish the occurrence of fluctuations in value. In addition, what is necessary is just to set the value of about several seconds as the value of driving | running | working determination threshold value Thd, for example.

  When the time Td measured by the travel determination timer is less than the travel determination threshold Thd described above, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle has not yet started travel (No determination in step 303). In this case, the processor 21 takes over the measurement time of the travel determination timer, returns to step 312, and continues the process of determining the start of travel of the vehicle.

  When the processing from step 312 to step 318 is repeated and the time Td measured by the travel determination timer becomes equal to or greater than the travel determination threshold Thd, the processor 21 continuously uses the same read signal pattern. It is determined that the state that cannot be obtained continues. Based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle has started running (affirmative determination in step 303). The time at which it is determined that the vehicle has started traveling through such a determination process may be several seconds after the vehicle actually starts traveling. However, since the time required for operation recording is in minutes, the above-described delay in determination does not hinder the automatic recording of the operation status of the vehicle.

  After an affirmative determination in step 303, the processor 21 performs a process of stopping the time counting operation of the travel determination timer (step 319). Thereafter, the processor 21 starts the process of step 304 in FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of processing for determining stoppage of travel. Each step shown in FIG. 11 is an example of the process of step 305 shown in FIG. Note that among the steps shown in FIG. 11, those showing the same processes as those shown in FIG. 9 are given the same reference numerals.

  First, the processor 21 starts a time measuring operation by a stop determination timer (step 321). Next, the processor 21 repeats Steps 312 to 314 to collect sample values corresponding to each sampling timing. Then, based on the collected sample values, the above-mentioned sum M of the number of changes is calculated (step 315).

  Next, the processor 21 compares the calculated total number M of changes with a predetermined threshold Thm2 (step 323). The value of the predetermined threshold Thm2 may be determined in advance in consideration of, for example, the sum of the number of changes corresponding to the sample value fluctuation that appears when the vehicle is traveling.

  When the total number M of changes is larger than the predetermined threshold value Thm2 (negative determination in step 323), the processor 21 determines that the state where the same read signal pattern cannot be continuously obtained continues. Then, based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle is continuously running. In this case, the processor 21 resets the time measured by the stop determination timer and returns it to the initial value “0” (step 324). Then, returning to the process of step 312, the process of determining stoppage of the vehicle is resumed.

  On the other hand, when the total number M of changes is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value Thm2 (affirmative determination in step 323), the processor 21 may have obtained the same read signal pattern continuously. to decide. In this case, the processor 21 compares the time Ts measured by the stop determination timer with a predetermined stop determination threshold Ths (step 325). Note that the value of the stop determination threshold Ths is set to a value of about several tens of seconds in consideration of, for example, an average value of the time during which the vehicle temporarily stops at the time of a temporary stop at an intersection or a signal wait. That's fine.

  When the measurement time Ts by the stop determination timer is less than the stop determination threshold Ths described above, the processor 21 determines that the same read signal pattern is not continuously obtained. Based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle has not yet stopped (No determination in step 306). In this case, the processor 21 takes over the measurement time of the stop determination timer, returns to step 312, and continues the process of determining the stop of the vehicle.

  When the processing of Step 312 to Step 315 and Step 323 to Step 325 described above is repeated and the measurement time Ts by the travel determination timer becomes equal to or greater than the stop determination threshold Ths, the processor 21 reads the same reading signal. It is determined that the pattern has been continuously obtained. Then, based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle has stopped (Yes determination in step 306). The time when it is determined that the vehicle has stopped traveling through such a determination process may be several seconds after the vehicle actually stops traveling. However, since the time required for operation recording is in minutes, the above-described delay in determination does not hinder the automatic recording of the operation status of the vehicle.

  Thereafter, the processor 21 proceeds to the process of step 307 in FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for detecting the release of the handy terminal device. Each step shown in FIG. 12 is an example of the process of step 307 shown in FIG. Of the steps shown in FIG. 12, those showing the same processing as the steps shown in FIG. 9 are given the same reference numerals.

  Here, the read signal obtained by the bar code reader indicates the time change of the intensity of the laser beam reflected by the determination code 2 included in the determination chart 1. Therefore, when the handy terminal device 10 is detached from the cradle device 4, the reflected light does not return to the bar code reader, so that the read signal has a value indicating the black level over the entire scanning period of the laser beam.

  Accordingly, when the processor 21 determines that the read signal acquired in the same manner as in step 312 is at the black level over the entire scanning period (affirmative determination in step 331), the processor 21 determines that the handy terminal device 10 is released. (Step 332). In this case, the processor 21 proceeds to the process of step 308 in FIG. 8 after performing the process of stopping the stop determination timer in step 333.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the read signal is not at the black level over the entire scanning period (negative determination at step 331), the processor 21 determines that the handy terminal device 10 is not yet released (step 334).

  In this case, the processor 21 may execute processing as described below. For example, the processor 21 compares the measurement time Ts of the stop determination timer with a predetermined threshold Thq different from the stop determination threshold Ths (step 335). The value of the threshold Thq is determined based on, for example, an average time that elapses from when the vehicle is stopped until the driver removes the handy terminal 10 from the cradle device 4 during normal delivery work. Can do.

  When it is determined that the measurement time Ts of the stop determination timer is greater than the above-described threshold value Thq (affirmative determination in step 335), the processor 21 detects, for example, a long-running stop in the memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. Information indicating that it has been recorded is recorded (step 336). Information recorded in this way can be used by the carrier for management of individual drivers.

  Next, processing in steps 302 and 305 will be described in the case where the optical reading device 27 included in the handy terminal device 10 is a digital camera.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of processing for determining the start of traveling. Each step shown in FIG. 13 is an example of the processing of step 302 and step 303 shown in FIG. Of the steps shown in FIG. 13, the same steps as those shown in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  First, the processor 21 starts a time counting operation of a timer for determining the start of travel (step 311). Next, the processor 21 acquires an image 1g picked up from the optical reading device 27 that is a digital camera (step 341). Next, the processor 21 collects luminance values corresponding to a plurality of sampling pixels from the acquired image 1g (step 342). Next, the processor 21 determines whether or not the sampling in step 342 has been repeated n times (step 343). In the case of negative determination in step 343, the processor 21 returns to the processing in step 341, and performs a process of acquiring a new image 1g and acquiring a luminance value of each sample pixel included in the new image 1g.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of arrangement of sample pixels. In FIG. 14, reference symbols G1 to G5 indicate sample pixels included in the image 1g of the determination chart 1 acquired by the digital camera.

  In the process of step 342, the processor 21 collects the luminance values of the sample pixels indicated by reference numerals G1 to G5 in FIG. 14, for example. Note that the number of sample pixels from which the processor 21 collects luminance values may be plural, and the positions of the sample pixels in the image 1g are desirably arranged equally, but there is no other limitation. For example, the processor 21 may collect luminance values for N sample pixels arranged at random. Further, the number n of repetitions of the sampling process in step 342 may be any number as long as it is a plurality of times. Since the digital camera has a function of outputting an image 1g obtained by capturing the determination chart 1 at a frame rate of 30 frames per second, for example, even when the number of repetitions n is 10, the time is about a fraction of a second. Can complete the sampling process.

  Each sample pixel whose luminance value is collected in step 342 has a luminance at a corresponding position in the determination chart 1. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the difference between the reference value obtained as the luminance value of each sample pixel when the vehicle is stopped and the luminance value collected in step 342 is the collected luminance value. Indicates the degree of influence by the vibration of the vehicle. That is, for example, the processor 21 may evaluate the degree to which the luminance value of the sample pixel is affected by the vibration of the vehicle based on the difference value between the reference value corresponding to each sample pixel and the collected luminance value. . The reference value corresponding to each sample pixel may be stored in advance in the memory 22 or the like.

  In step 344 shown in FIG. 13, the processor 21 determines, for example, the difference square sum S between the reference value corresponding to each sample pixel and the collected luminance value, and the luminance value of the sample pixel is affected by the vibration of the vehicle. Calculated as an evaluation index indicating the degree. Note that the evaluation index calculated by the processor 21 in step 344 is not limited to the sum of squared differences, and increases according to the magnitude of the difference between the luminance value corresponding to the sample pixel and the reference value, such as a sum of absolute differences, for example. Any evaluation index having properties may be used. Further, the processor 21 may evaluate the degree to which the luminance value of the sample pixel is affected by the vibration of the vehicle based on the variation of the luminance value collected corresponding to each sample pixel.

  Then, the processor 21 compares the calculated sum of squared differences S with a predetermined threshold Thz1 (step 345). The value of the predetermined threshold Thz1 may be determined in advance in consideration of, for example, fluctuations in the luminance value of the sample pixel that appears due to noise when the vehicle is stopped.

  When the sum of squared differences S is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold Thz1 (negative determination in step 345), the luminance value of each sample pixel matches the corresponding reference value. At this time, the processor 21 determines that the state in which the luminance of the sample pixel does not change continues, and based on this determination, determines that the vehicle is in a stopped state. In this case, the processor 21 performs a process of resetting the time measured by the travel determination timer to return to the initial value “0” (step 317). Then, the process returns to the process of step 341, and the process of determining the start of traveling of the vehicle is resumed.

  On the other hand, when the difference square sum S is larger than the predetermined threshold value Thz1 (affirmative determination in step 345), the luminance values of the respective sample pixels vary greatly. In this case, the processor 21 determines that there is a possibility that the luminance of the sample pixel has changed from a state where it does not change to a state where it changes. In this case, the processor 21 compares the time Td measured by the travel determination timer with the above-described travel determination threshold Thd, similarly to step 318 described with reference to FIG.

  When the time Td measured by the travel determination timer is less than the travel determination threshold Thd described above, the processor 21 determines that the state in which the luminance of the sample pixel does not change may still be continued. Based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle has not yet started running (No determination at step 303). In this case, the processor 21 takes over the measurement time of the travel determination timer, returns to step 341, and continues the process of determining the start of travel of the vehicle.

  When the processing of Step 341 to Step 345 and Steps 317 and 318 is repeated and the measurement time Td by the travel determination timer becomes equal to or greater than the travel determination threshold Thd, the processor 21 determines that the luminance of the sample pixel is Judge that the fluctuating state continues. Based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle has started running (affirmative determination in step 303). In this case, the processor 21 performs processing for stopping the time measuring operation of the timer for travel determination (step 319). Thereafter, the processor 21 starts the process of step 304 in FIG.

  FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of processing for determining stoppage of travel. Each step shown in FIG. 15 is an example of the process of step 305 shown in FIG. Note that among the steps shown in FIG. 15, those showing the same processing as the steps shown in FIG. 11 and FIG.

  First, the processor 21 starts a time measuring operation by a stop determination timer (step 321). Next, the processor 21 repeats Steps 341 to 343 to collect the luminance value of each sample pixel. Then, based on the collected luminance value of each sample pixel and the reference value of each sample pixel, the above-described difference square sum S is calculated (step 344).

  Next, the processor 21 compares the calculated sum of squared differences S with a predetermined threshold Thz2 (step 323). The value of the predetermined threshold Thz2 may be determined in advance in consideration of, for example, the value of the sum of squares of differences corresponding to the change in the luminance value of the sample pixel that appears when the vehicle is traveling.

  When the difference square sum S is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold Thz2 (No determination in step 346), the processor 21 determines that the state in which the luminance of the sample pixel varies continues. Based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle is in a traveling state. In this case, the processor 21 resets the time measured by the stop determination timer and returns it to the initial value “0” (step 324). Then, returning to the process of step 312, the process of determining stoppage of the vehicle is resumed.

  On the other hand, when the sum of squared differences S is less than the predetermined threshold Thz2 (affirmative determination in step 346), the processor 21 determines that there is a possibility of transition from a state where the luminance of the sample pixel fluctuates to a state where it does not change. . In this case, the processor 21 compares the time Ts measured by the stop determination timer with the stop determination threshold Ths described above (step 325).

  When the measurement time Ts by the stop determination timer is less than the stop determination threshold Ths described above, the processor 21 determines that it has not yet completely shifted to a state in which the luminance of the sample pixel does not change. Based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle has not yet stopped (No determination in step 306). In this case, the processor 21 takes over the measurement time of the stop determination timer, returns to step 341, and continues the process of determining the stop of the vehicle.

  When the processing of Step 341 to Step 344, Step 346, and Steps 324 and 325 is repeated and the measurement time Ts by the travel determination timer becomes equal to or longer than the stop determination threshold Ths, the processor 21 It is determined that the state where the brightness of the screen does not change continues. Then, based on this determination, the processor 21 determines that the vehicle has stopped (Yes determination in step 306). In this case, the processor 21 proceeds to the process of step 307 in FIG.

  Note that the processing in step 307 in FIG. 8 may be realized by, for example, the processor 21 making a determination based on whether or not the cradle interface unit 28 is notified of information indicating that the mounting state is released. .

  As described above, according to the handy terminal device 10 and the cradle device 4 of the present disclosure, each processing necessary for recording the operation status is performed on the handy terminal device 10 using an existing bar code reader or digital camera. Can be realized.

  The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 15 are examples of the flow of the operation recording process, and various modifications are possible. For example, the processing of steps 307, 308 and 310 shown in FIG. 8 may be separated and time recording related to the start and stop of travel of the vehicle may be executed. In this case, in response to an affirmative determination in step 306, the processor 21 records the stop time of the vehicle in step 309, and then returns to the process in step 302 to start the process of determining the start of the vehicle. Also good. Further, the processor 21 may determine whether the handy terminal device 10 is attached to and detached from the cradle device 4 independently of the determination of the start and stop of the vehicle. Further, the processor 21 may record the times when the handy terminal device 10 and the cradle device 4 are determined to be attached / detached.

  Further, by appropriately setting the threshold value Thm1 used in the process of step 316 in FIG. 9 or the threshold value Thz1 used in the process of step 345 in FIG. 13, the start of running of a vehicle with less vibration such as an electric vehicle. Can be detected with high accuracy. Similarly, by appropriately setting the threshold value Thm2 used in the process of step 323 of FIG. 11 or the threshold value Thz2 used in the process of step 346 of FIG. Is possible. Furthermore, by adjusting the above-mentioned various threshold values, the number of sample values to be collected, the data length of each sample value, etc. according to the type of vehicle and the road conditions in the range where the vehicle travels, etc. Detection accuracy can also be improved.

  Further, when the handy terminal device 10 is equipped with a digital camera function, instead of causing the imaging unit 16 to capture the determination chart 1 as described above, the imaging unit 16 can capture a landscape outside the vehicle. Also good. And based on the brightness | luminance change of the sample pixel contained in the image obtained by this imaging, you may judge the driving | running | working start and driving | running | working stop of a vehicle.

  Furthermore, the technology for determining the start and stop of travel of the vehicle using the code reader 11 or the imaging unit 16 according to the present disclosure is to determine the operation status of the vehicle in another in-vehicle terminal equipped with an optical sensor. It can be applied as a technology.

Regarding the above description, the following items are further disclosed.
(Supplementary Note 1) A reading unit that reads the determination chart (1) installed in the vehicle at predetermined time intervals;
A determination unit that determines a stop state of the vehicle when a pattern sequentially read by the reading unit does not change, and that determines a running state of the vehicle when the pattern changes;
A recording unit that records the time at which the determination unit determines the start or stop of traveling of the vehicle in a recording device;
A terminal device comprising:
(Appendix 2) In the terminal device described in Appendix 1,
When the main body including the reading unit is installed at a predetermined position in the vehicle, the main unit includes an instruction unit that instructs the reading unit to operate,
The reading unit starts an operation of reading the determination chart in response to an instruction from the instruction unit.
(Supplementary note 3) In the terminal device according to Supplementary note 1 or Supplementary note 2,
The reading unit is a code reader that optically reads a determination code included in a determination chart arranged oppositely,
The determination unit determines that the vehicle has stopped traveling when the code reader continuously obtains a predetermined reading result corresponding to the determination code for a predetermined time or more, and the predetermined reading is performed. The terminal device, characterized in that it is determined that the vehicle has started running when the result is changed to a state where the predetermined reading result cannot be obtained.
(Appendix 4) In the terminal device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2,
The reading unit is an image capturing unit that captures an image of a determination chart arranged to face each other.
The determination unit determines that the vehicle has stopped traveling when a state in which the luminance of the plurality of sample pixels set in the image obtained by the imaging unit is not changed continues for a predetermined time or more, Determining that the vehicle has started running when the brightness of the plurality of sample pixels has changed from a state in which the brightness of the plurality of sample pixels has not changed,
A terminal device characterized by that.
(Additional remark 5) The mounting part in which the terminal device of Additional remark 1 thru | or Additional remark 4 is mounted | worn;
A support unit facing the reading unit included in the terminal device mounted on the mounting unit;
A cradle device comprising: a holding unit that holds the determination chart in a swingable manner at a position of the support unit facing the reading unit of the terminal device in a mounted state.
(Appendix 6) In the cradle device described in Appendix 5,
The holding part is
An elastic body connected to the determination chart;
A cradle device comprising: a fixing member that fixes the elastic body to the support portion.
(Appendix 7) In the cradle device described in Appendix 6,
The said elastic body is attached to the said support part by the said fixing member so that it can expand-contract in the sequence direction of the some linear pattern contained in the said chart for determination. The cradle apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Judgment chart; 2 ... Judgment code; 3 ... Elastic body; 4 ... Cradle device; 4a ... Supporting part; 4b ... Installation part; 5 ... Mounting part; 11 ... Code reader; 12 ... Instruction part; 13 ... Judgment part; 14 ... Recording part; 16 ... Imaging part; 21 ... Processor; 22 ... Memory; 23 ... Auxiliary storage device; 26 ... Input device; 27 ... Optical reader; 28 ... Cradle interface (I / F) unit; 29 ... Communication control unit; 30 ... Network; B1-B6 ... Bar; T1-T5 ... Sampling timing; G1 to G5: Sample pixels

Claims (5)

A reading unit that reads a determination chart installed in the vehicle at predetermined time intervals;
A determination unit that determines a stop state of the vehicle when a pattern sequentially read by the reading unit does not change, and that determines a running state of the vehicle when the pattern changes;
A recording unit that records the time at which the determination unit determines the start or stop of traveling of the vehicle in a recording device;
A terminal device comprising: The terminal device according to claim 1,
When the main body including the reading unit is installed at a predetermined position in the vehicle, the main unit includes an instruction unit that instructs the reading unit to operate,
The reading unit starts an operation of reading the determination chart in response to an instruction from the instruction unit. In the terminal device according to claim 1 or 2,
The reading unit is a code reader that optically reads a determination code included in a determination chart arranged oppositely,
The determination unit determines that the vehicle has stopped traveling when the code reader continuously obtains a predetermined reading result corresponding to the determination code for a predetermined time or more, and the predetermined reading is performed. The terminal device, characterized in that it is determined that the vehicle has started running when the result is changed to a state where the predetermined reading result cannot be obtained. In the terminal device according to claim 1 or 2,
The reading unit is an image capturing unit that captures an image of a determination chart arranged to face each other.
The determination unit determines that the vehicle has stopped traveling when a state in which the luminance of the plurality of sample pixels set in the image obtained by the imaging unit is not changed continues for a predetermined time or more, Determining that the vehicle has started running when the brightness of the plurality of sample pixels has changed from a state in which the brightness of the plurality of sample pixels has not changed,
A terminal device characterized by that. A mounting portion to which the terminal device according to claim 1 is mounted;
A support unit facing the reading unit included in the terminal device mounted on the mounting unit;
A cradle device comprising: a holding unit that holds the determination chart in a swingable manner at a position of the support unit facing the reading unit of the terminal device in a mounted state.

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