Driving diagnosis apparatus, driving diagnosis system, and driving diagnosis method

Abstract

The present application relates to a driving diagnosis device, a driving diagnosis system, and a driving diagnosis method. A driving diagnosis device acquires at least one of vehicle information related to a state of a vehicle and driving information related to a driving state of a driver, and measures a number of times each of conditions of a pre-set evaluation item related to driving is satisfied, based on the acquired vehicle information and the acquired driving information. Then, when the measured number of times of one of the evaluation items reaches a predetermined warning number of times corresponding to the evaluation item, the driving diagnosis device outputs warning information. Thereafter, when a predetermined notification condition is satisfied before the measured number of times reaches the warning number of times, the driving diagnosis device performs a pre-notification to the driver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to driving diagnostic equipment, driving diagnostic systems, and driving diagnostic methods. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-071621 (JP 2014-071621 A) discloses a driving diagnostic management system that measures the number of times a driver's driving content deviates from at least one of safe driving and fuel-saving driving as the number of violations, and transmits the number of violations when the number of violations exceeds a threshold. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in JP 2014-071621 A mentioned above, the number of violations is only transmitted to the management terminal when the number of violations reaches the number required for a warning. Therefore, drivers cannot have information about the number of violations in advance, and there is room for improvement from the perspective of effectively promoting driving improvement.

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a driving diagnostic device, driving diagnostic system, and driving diagnostic method that can effectively encourage drivers to improve their driving.

[0005] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a driving diagnostic device. The driving diagnostic device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires at least one of vehicle information related to vehicle state and driving information related to driver's driving state; a measurement unit that measures the number of times each of the pre-set conditions for driving-related evaluation items is met based on the acquired vehicle information and the acquired driving information; a warning unit that outputs a warning message when the number of measurements for one of the evaluation items reaches a predetermined warning number corresponding to that evaluation item; and a pre-notification unit that performs a pre-notification to the driver when a predetermined notification condition is met before the number of measurements reaches the warning number.

[0006] According to the first aspect, the acquisition unit acquires at least one of vehicle information and driving information. Furthermore, the measurement unit, based on the vehicle information and driving information acquired by the acquisition unit, measures the number of times each of the pre-set conditions for driving-related evaluation items is met. Then, when the measurement count for one of the evaluation items reaches a predetermined warning count corresponding to that evaluation item, the warning unit outputs a warning message. Therefore, by referring to the warning message, the evaluation items requiring driving improvement can be identified.

[0007] Furthermore, the advance notification unit notifies the driver in advance when predetermined notification conditions are met before the number of measurements reaches the warning threshold. Therefore, the driver can be informed about the number of measurements before the warning threshold is reached, and this allows for improved driving practices.

[0008] In the first aspect of driving diagnostics, the notification conditions may include a situation where the number of measurements reaches a predetermined number of warnings, which is less than the predetermined number of warnings.

[0009] In driving diagnostic equipment based on the above aspects, the driver is notified when the required number of measurements reaches a warning threshold. This allows the driver to know the number of times a warning is required.

[0010] In the above-mentioned driving diagnostic equipment, the notification conditions may include the situation where a predetermined time is reached before the number of measurements reaches the warning number.

[0011] In driving diagnostic devices based on the above aspects, even before the number of measurements reaches the warning threshold, the driver can be notified of the driving status at a predetermined time.

[0012] In the driving diagnostic equipment based on the above aspects, the notification conditions may include the situation where a predetermined driving distance is reached before the number of measurements reaches the warning number.

[0013] In driving diagnostic devices based on the above aspects, even before the number of measurements reaches the warning threshold, the driver can monitor the driving status by being notified when a predetermined driving distance is reached.

[0014] In the driving diagnostic equipment based on the above aspects, the advance notification unit can perform advance notification only for specific evaluation items among the evaluation items.

[0015] In driving diagnostic equipment based on the above aspects, advance notification is given only for specific evaluation items among multiple evaluation items. Therefore, compared to giving advance notification for all evaluation items, it can reduce driver boredom.

[0016] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a driving diagnostic system. The system includes: a server owned by a vehicle administrator; a notification device installed in the vehicle; and the driving diagnostic device of the first aspect, wherein a warning unit outputs warning information to the server, and wherein a pre-notification unit performs pre-notification to the driver via the notification device.

[0017] In the driving diagnostic system according to the second aspect, warning information is output from the warning unit to the administrator's server. Therefore, the administrator can centrally manage warning information. Furthermore, the advance notification unit utilizes a notification device installed in the vehicle to perform advance notification to the driver, thus effectively informing the driver.

[0018] A third aspect of this disclosure relates to a driving diagnostic method. The method includes: acquiring at least one of vehicle information related to vehicle status and driving information related to the driver's driving status; measuring the number of times each of the pre-set conditions for driving-related evaluation items is met based on the acquired vehicle information and the acquired driving information; outputting a warning message when the number of measurements for one of the evaluation items reaches a predetermined warning number corresponding to that evaluation item; and providing a pre-notification to the driver when a predetermined notification condition is met before the number of measurements reaches the warning number.

[0019] As described above, the driving diagnostic device, driving diagnostic system, and driving diagnostic method according to the present invention can effectively encourage drivers to make improvements in their driving. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a driving diagnostic system according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a driver diagnostic device according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a server according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a driver diagnostic device according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a table illustrating examples of evaluation items in the embodiments;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the driving diagnostic process in an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the advance notification process in the embodiments; and

[0028] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another example of the advance notification process in the embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0029] A driving diagnostic system 10, including a driving diagnostic device 12, according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the driving diagnostic system 10 of this embodiment includes a driving diagnostic device 12, a server 14, and a vehicle V. The driving diagnostic device 12, the server 14, and the vehicle V are connected via a network N. Although multiple vehicles V are connected to the network N, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 The image shows only one vehicle, V.

[0031] As an example, the driving diagnostic device 12 in this embodiment is an on-board device installed on the vehicle V. However, the driving diagnostic device 12 is not limited to this. For example, the driving diagnostic device 12 may be a control device located outside the vehicle V.

[0032] Server 14 is a server owned by the administrator of vehicle V. That is, the administrator of vehicle V owns server 14, and as an example, in this embodiment, vehicle V is a vehicle used as a taxi to carry users. Server 14 is owned by a taxi company.

[0033] In this embodiment, the driving diagnostic device 12 performs driving diagnostics on the driver of each vehicle V and issues warnings or alerts to the driver based on the driving diagnostic results.

[0034] Hardware configuration of driver diagnostic device 12

[0035] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the driver diagnostic device 12. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the driving diagnostic device 12 is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU): processor 20, read-only memory (ROM) 22, random access memory (RAM) 24, storage device 26, communication interface 28, and input-output interface 30. Each configuration is communicatively connected to each other via bus 32.

[0036] CPU 20 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various units. That is, CPU 20 reads programs from ROM 22 or storage device 26 and uses RAM 24 as its working area to execute the programs. CPU 20 controls each of the above configurations and executes various arithmetic processes according to the programs recorded in ROM 22 or storage device 26.

[0037] ROM 22 stores various programs and data. RAM 24 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage device 26, consisting of a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. In this embodiment, ROM 22 or storage device 26 stores programs for performing driver diagnostic processes, programs for performing pre-notification processes, various data, etc.

[0038] Communication interface 28 is the interface through which the driver diagnostic device 12 communicates with the server and other devices (not shown), and uses, for example, standards such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Ethernet (registered trademark), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0039] The front-facing camera 40, the indoor camera 42, the accelerometer 44, the steering angle sensor 46, the central display 48 which acts as a notification device, and the speaker 50 which acts as a notification device are electrically connected to the input-output interface 30.

[0040] A front-facing camera 40 is positioned at the front of the vehicle and captures images of the area in front of the vehicle. The images captured by the front-facing camera 40 are used, for example, to identify the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle V and a vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle V, lanes, traffic lights, etc.

[0041] An indoor camera 42 is installed inside the driver's compartment of vehicle V and pointed at the driver. The images captured by the indoor camera 42 are then used, for example, to detect the driver's line of sight.

[0042] Acceleration sensor 44 detects the vehicle's acceleration. Steering angle sensor 46 detects the vehicle's steering angle. The acceleration data detected by acceleration sensor 44 is used, for example, to determine whether the vehicle V suddenly accelerates or decelerates. Furthermore, the steering angle data detected by steering angle sensor 46 is used, for example, to determine whether a sudden turn or U-turn is to be performed.

[0043] A central display 48 is positioned in a location visible to the driver, for example, at the front of the vehicle's cab, and displays various information. Furthermore, the central display 48 displays advance notices, which will be described later. A speaker 50 is located inside the vehicle's cab and outputs sound to the driver.

[0044] Server 14 Hardware Configuration

[0045] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of server 14. (For example...) Figure 3As shown, server 14 includes CPU 52, ROM 54, RAM 56, storage device 58, communication interface 60, and input-output interface 62. Each configuration is communicatively connected to each other via bus 64.

[0046] CPU 52 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various units. That is, CPU 52 reads programs from ROM 54 or storage device 58 and uses RAM 56 as its working area to execute the programs. CPU 52 controls each of the above configurations and executes various arithmetic processes according to the programs recorded in ROM 54 or storage device 58.

[0047] ROM 54 stores various programs and data. RAM 56 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage device 58 is composed of HDD or SSD, storing various programs including the operating system, and storing various data. In this embodiment, ROM 54 or storage device 58 stores programs, various data, etc., used to manage vehicle V.

[0048] Communication interface 60 is the interface through which server 14 communicates with devices such as driver diagnostic equipment 12.

[0049] Display device 66 and input device 68 are electrically connected to input-output interface 62. Display device 66 is a monitor used to display various information acquired by server 14. Input device 68 is a device used by the administrator to input instructions to server 14 in order to obtain necessary information, and includes, for example, a keyboard and mouse.

[0050] Functional configuration of driver diagnostic equipment 12

[0051] The driver diagnostic device 12 implements various functions by utilizing the above hardware resources. (Refer to...) Figure 4 Describe the functional configuration implemented by the driver diagnostic device 12.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the driving diagnostic device 12 includes an acquisition unit 70, a measurement unit 72, a warning unit 74, and a pre-notification unit 76 as functional configurations. Each functional configuration is implemented by the CPU 20 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 22 or the storage device 26.

[0053] The acquisition unit 70 acquires at least one of vehicle information regarding the vehicle's state and driving information regarding the driver's driving state. As an example, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 70 acquires both vehicle information and driving information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 70 acquires the acceleration and steering angle of the vehicle V detected by the acceleration sensor 44 and the steering angle sensor 46 as vehicle information. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 70 acquires the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle V and the preceding vehicle based on images captured by the front-facing camera 40, the vehicle's position relative to the lane, etc., as driving information. Additionally, the acquisition unit 70 acquires the driver's gaze direction from driver images captured by the interior camera 42 as driving information.

[0054] Based on the acquired vehicle and driving information, the measurement unit 72 measures the number of times pre-set conditions for driving-related evaluation items are met. Here, reference will be made to... Figure 5 Examples of evaluation items are described below. In this embodiment, the evaluation items include the following: sudden acceleration, sudden braking, sudden steering, lane departure, negligent driving, and inter-vehicle distance. Furthermore, Figure 5 The data shown is stored in RAM 24 or storage device 26 and can be updated as appropriate.

[0055] Sudden acceleration and sudden braking are determined based on signals from the acceleration sensor 44. For example, when the acceleration sensor 44 detects an acceleration of a predetermined value or greater, the measurement unit 72 counts it as sudden acceleration. Furthermore, when the change in speed per unit time detected by the speed sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the measurement unit 72 can count it as sudden acceleration. Sudden steering is determined based on signals from the steering angle sensor 46. For example, when the change in steering angle per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the measurement unit 72 counts it as sudden steering.

[0056] Regarding lane departure, when the position of vehicle V deviates from the image of the vehicle's forward field of view captured by the front-facing camera 40, it is determined that vehicle V has performed lane departure. For example, when vehicle V deviates from its lane for a predetermined time or longer while driving, the measurement unit 72 counts it as lane departure.

[0057] Negligent driving is measured when the driver's gaze is taken away from the direction of travel while driving. For example, based on signals from the indoor camera 42, the measurement unit 72 counts it as negligent driving when the driver's gaze is deviated from the direction of travel for a predetermined time or longer. The evaluation item indicated as "short inter-vehicle distance" is an evaluation item based on signals from the front camera 40 or a sensor (not shown) when the inter-vehicle distance between vehicle V and the preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. For example, when the state of short inter-vehicle distance between vehicle V and the preceding vehicle continues for a predetermined time or longer, the measurement unit 72 counts it as a state of short inter-vehicle distance.

[0058] When the number of times a measurement in an evaluation item reaches the predetermined number of warnings corresponding to that evaluation item, Figure 4 The warning unit 74 shown outputs a warning message. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a warning count is set for each evaluation item. In this embodiment, as an example, the warning count for sudden acceleration is set to five. Therefore, when the measured number of sudden accelerations reaches five within a predetermined time period, the warning unit 74 outputs a warning message. In this embodiment, the warning unit 74 transmits the warning message to the server 14. Furthermore, the warning message includes information for identifying the driver or vehicle V, the evaluation item for which the warning count has been reached, and information such as the time when the warning count was reached.

[0059] When the predetermined notification conditions are met before the number of measurements reaches the warning threshold, Figure 4 The advance notification unit 76 shown in the diagram performs advance notification to the driver. For example... Figure 5 As shown in the example, in this embodiment, the driver is notified in advance when the number of warnings is less than a predetermined number.

[0060] Here, in each evaluation item, a parameter is set to determine whether a notification exists that determines whether to notify the driver. Therefore, evaluation items for which notification is enabled are notified to the driver, while evaluation items for which notification is not enabled are set not to be sent. That is, in this embodiment, notification is only performed on specific evaluation items among multiple evaluation items.

[0061] For example, in Figure 5 In this system, the number of warnings for sudden acceleration is set to three. Therefore, when three sudden accelerations are measured, the driver is notified. The advance notification unit 76 notifies the driver by displaying information on the central display 48. For example, the advance notification unit 76 causes the central display 48 to display information indicating that a warning message will be output when two more sudden accelerations are measured. Furthermore, the advance notification unit 76 can use the speaker 50 to perform the advance notification to the driver via voice. It should be noted that the evaluation item for which no notification is issued is set for the parameter of not notifying the driver.

[0062] The advance notification unit 76 can notify the driver when a predetermined time has elapsed before the number of measurements reaches the warning threshold. Furthermore, the advance notification unit 76 can notify the driver when a predetermined driving distance has been traveled before the number of measurements reaches the warning threshold.

[0063] Effect

[0064] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0065] Example of a driving diagnostic process

[0066] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the driving diagnostic process performed by the driving diagnostic device 12. The driving diagnostic process is executed by the CPU 20 reading the program from the ROM 22 or storage device 26 and expanding it to the RAM 24.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, CPU 20 acquires vehicle information in step S102. Furthermore, CPU 20 acquires camera information in step S104. Specifically, CPU 20 utilizes the functions of acquisition unit 70 to acquire information from sensors including front-facing camera 40, interior camera 42, acceleration sensor 44, and steering angle sensor 46.

[0068] In step S106, CPU 20 determines whether a predetermined behavior exists relative to vehicle V. Specifically, when CPU 20 detects a predetermined behavior in vehicle V using the function of measurement unit 72, CPU 20 determines that a predetermined behavior exists and proceeds to step S112. The process of step S112 will be described later. The predetermined behavior referred to here is such as sudden acceleration, sudden braking, sudden steering, and lane departure.

[0069] When CPU 20 determines in step S106 that there is no predetermined behavior relative to vehicle V, CPU 20 proceeds to step S108 and determines whether the inter-vehicle distance between vehicle V and the preceding vehicle is short. Specifically, CPU 20 uses the function of measurement unit 72 to measure the inter-vehicle distance between vehicle V and the preceding vehicle based on signals from front camera 40 or sensor (not shown), and determines that the inter-vehicle distance is short when the inter-vehicle distance between vehicle V and the preceding vehicle is shorter than a predetermined distance for a predetermined time or longer. Then, when CPU 20 determines that the inter-vehicle distance is short in step S108, CPU 20 proceeds to step S112.

[0070] If the distance between vehicles is not determined to be short in step S108, the CPU 20 proceeds to step S110. Similarly, if no vehicle is detected ahead, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the CPU 20 determines whether negligent driving has occurred. Specifically, using the function of the measurement unit 72, when the driver's line of sight deviates from the driving direction for a predetermined time or longer based on signals from the indoor camera 42, the CPU 20 determines that the driver is performing negligent driving. Then, when the CPU 20 determines in step S110 that negligent driving is occurring, the CPU 20 proceeds to step S112. Conversely, when the CPU 20 determines in step S110 that no negligent driving has occurred, the CPU 20 terminates the driving diagnosis process.

[0071] When a positive determination is made in step S106, step S108, and step S110, the CPU 20 proceeds to step S112 and increases the number of measurements. Specifically, the CPU 20 increases the measurement count of the corresponding evaluation item by one. For example, when it is determined in step S110 that negligent driving is occurring, the CPU 20 increases the measurement count of negligent driving by one in step S112 using the function of the measurement unit 72. Then, the CPU 20 ends the driving diagnosis process.

[0072] Example of a pre-notification process

[0073] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the pre-notification process performed by the driving diagnostic device 12. The pre-notification process is executed by the CPU 20 reading the program from the ROM 22 or storage device 26 and expanding it to the RAM 24. Furthermore, the pre-notification process is repeated at predetermined cycle intervals.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, CPU 20 acquires the number of measurements in step S202. Specifically, CPU 20 acquires the number of measurements for each evaluation item. Subsequently, CPU 20 acquires the number of warnings and alerts in step S204.

[0075] In step S206, CPU 20 determines whether the number of measurements is equal to or greater than the number of alerts. In this embodiment, CPU 20 compares the number of measurements and the number of alerts for each evaluation item. For evaluation items with parameters set to not issue notifications, no alert number is set, and therefore the number of measurements and the number of alerts are not compared.

[0076] When it is determined in step S206 that the number of measurements is equal to or greater than the number of warnings, the CPU 20 proceeds to step S208. Furthermore, when the number of measurements is less than the number of warnings in step S206, the CPU 20 terminates the pre-notification process.

[0077] In step S208, CPU 20 determines whether the number of measurements is equal to or greater than the number of warnings. In this embodiment, CPU 20 compares the number of measurements and the number of warnings for each evaluation item.

[0078] When it is determined in step S208 that the number of measurements is equal to or greater than the number of warnings, the CPU 20 proceeds to step S212 and uses the function of the warning unit 74 to transmit (output) the measurement information to the server 14. Then, the CPU 20 ends the pre-notification process.

[0079] Conversely, if the number of measurements in step S208 is less than the number of warnings, CPU 20 proceeds to step S210. In step S210, CPU 20 provides advance notification to the driver. Specifically, utilizing the function of the advance notification unit 76, CPU 20 notifies the driver by displaying information on the central display 48. Alternatively, CPU 20 can notify the driver via voice from the speaker 50. Furthermore, CPU 20 may choose not to provide advance notification for evaluation items for which prior notification has already been given.

[0080] Other examples of advance notification processes

[0081] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another example of the pre-notification process performed by the driving diagnostic device 12. The pre-notification process is executed by the CPU 20 reading the program from the ROM 22 or storage device 26 and expanding it to the RAM 24.

[0082] Figure 8 The advance notification process shown in the figure is similar to Figure 7 The difference in the pre-notification process shown is the addition of step S214. Specifically, when the number of measurements is less than the number of alerts in step S206, the CPU 20 moves to step S214.

[0083] In step S214, CPU 20 determines whether the time is a predetermined time or whether the distance is a predetermined travel distance. For example, CPU 20 acquires the current time, and if the current time is a preset time, CPU 20 determines that the current time is the predetermined time. Furthermore, CPU 20 acquires the travel distance of vehicle V, and if the travel distance is a preset travel distance, CPU 20 determines that the travel distance is the predetermined travel distance. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, the time when the driver intends to rest. Moreover, the predetermined travel distance is set to a distance less than the average travel distance during work, wherein the travel distance at the start of work is set to zero. For example, the predetermined travel distance may be set to approximately half of the average travel distance during work.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, when the number of measurements for one of the evaluation items reaches a predetermined number of warnings corresponding to that evaluation item, the warning unit 74 transmits warning information to the server 14. As a result, managers and drivers can understand which evaluation items require driving improvement by referring to the warning information. Furthermore, managers can centrally manage the warning information.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the advance notification unit 76 notifies the driver in advance when a predetermined notification condition is met before the number of measurements reaches the warning count. As a result, the driver can know information about the number of measurements before the warning count is reached, and can improve driving performance before the warning count is reached. At this time, the advance notification unit 76 can perform the advance notification to the driver using the central display 48 and speaker 50 installed in the vehicle.

[0086] Specifically, in this embodiment, the driver is notified when the number of measurements reaches a warning threshold. This allows the driver to know the number of times a warning is required.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even before the number of measurements reaches the warning threshold, the driver can still monitor the driving situation by being notified of a predetermined time or distance traveled.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, advance notification is given only for the specific evaluation item where notification is enabled among multiple evaluation items. Therefore, compared to giving advance notification for all evaluation items, driver boredom can be suppressed.

[0089] The driving diagnostic system 10 and driving diagnostic device 12 according to embodiments have been described above. It should be understood that they can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, sudden acceleration and sudden braking are detected based on signals from the acceleration sensor 44. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, electrical signals input from the accelerator pedal and brake pedal can be acquired, and sudden acceleration and sudden braking can be detected based on these signals.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, advance notification is performed only for specific evaluation items among the evaluation items. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, advance notification can be given for all evaluation items. In this case, advance notification can be given for each change in the evaluation items. For example, when it is desired to further alert the driver, a warning can be displayed on the central display 48 and the notification can be performed by voice, and the driver can be notified of evaluation items with low alert levels by only displaying a warning on the central display 48.

[0091] Furthermore, various processors other than CPU 20 can execute the display process of CPU 20 reading and executing the program in the above embodiments. In this case, processors are exemplified as programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), whose circuit configurations can be changed after manufacturing; and dedicated circuits, which belong to processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to perform specific processes, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Additionally, the driving diagnostic process and the advance notification process can be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types. For example, the process can be executed by a combination of multiple FPGAs, CPUs, and FPGAs. Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is more specifically a circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the storage device 26 is configured to store various types of data. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, non-temporary storage media such as CDs, DVDs, and USB flash drives can be used as storage units. In this case, various programs, data, etc., are stored in the above storage media.

Claims

1. A driver diagnostic device, comprising: The acquisition unit acquires information related to at least the vehicle's acceleration and steering angle, the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle, the vehicle's position relative to the lane, and the driver's line of sight. A measurement unit that measures the number of times each of the pre-set conditions for driving-related evaluation items is met based on the acquired information; The warning unit outputs a warning message when the number of measurements for one of the evaluation items reaches a predetermined number of warnings corresponding to that evaluation item. as well as The advance notification unit notifies the driver in advance when a predetermined notification condition is met before the number of measurements reaches the number of warnings. The evaluation items include: sudden acceleration, sudden braking, sudden steering, lane departure, negligent driving, and distance from the vehicle. The notification conditions include situations where the number of measurements reaches a predetermined number of warnings, and the number of warnings is a predetermined number less than the number of alerts. The notification conditions include the condition that a predetermined time is reached before the number of measurements reaches the number of warnings, where the predetermined time is the time the driver intends to rest. The advance notification unit's advance notification to the driver includes: informing the driver of the number of measurements required to reach the warning number before the number of measurements for any of the evaluation items reaches the warning number, and This involves providing advance notice for all assessment items, and varying the method of providing advance notice for different assessment items.

2. The driving diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein, The notification conditions include reaching a predetermined driving distance before the number of measurements reaches the number of warnings.

3. A driver diagnostic system, comprising: The server owned by the vehicle administrator; Notification devices installed in the vehicle; as well as The driving diagnostic device according to claim 1 or 2, The warning unit outputs a warning message to the server, and The advance notification unit sends an advance notification to the driver via the notification device.

4. A driving diagnostic method, comprising: Obtain information that is at least related to the vehicle's acceleration and steering angle, the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead, the vehicle's position relative to the lane, and the driver's line of sight. The number of times each condition of a pre-defined driving-related evaluation item is met is measured based on the information obtained. When the number of measurements for one of the evaluation items reaches a predetermined number of warnings corresponding to that evaluation item, a warning message is output; as well as If a predetermined notification condition is met before the number of measurements reaches the number of warnings, a prior notification is given to the driver. The evaluation items include: sudden acceleration, sudden braking, sudden steering, lane departure, negligent driving, and distance from the vehicle. The notification conditions include situations where the number of measurements reaches a predetermined number of warnings, and the number of warnings is a predetermined number less than the number of alerts. The notification conditions include situations where a predetermined time is reached before the number of measurements reaches the warning number, where the predetermined time is the time the driver intends to rest. The provision of advance notification to the driver includes: informing the driver of the number of measurements required to reach the warning number before the number of measurements for any of the evaluation items reaches the warning number, and This involves providing advance notice for all assessment items, and varying the method of providing advance notice for different assessment items.

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