Driving diagnosis device and driving diagnosis method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a driving diagnosis apparatus and a driving diagnosis method. A data acquisition unit is provided, which is capable of acquiring, from a vehicle, a detection value indicating movement of a turn signal lever provided in the vehicle from a neutral position to an operation position and a specific acceleration, which is at least one of a fore-aft acceleration of the vehicle and a steering angle acceleration of a steering wheel provided in the vehicle; and an event recognition unit is provided, which determines whether or not a duration, which is a time during which the turn signal lever is continuously positioned at the operation position, is less than a first threshold value and whether or not an absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, based on the detection value and the specific acceleration acquired by the data acquisition unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a driving diagnosis device and a driving diagnosis method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-216214 (JP 2013-216214 A) discloses an invention that can prompt a driver of a vehicle to start an operation of a turn signal lever at a predetermined time (three seconds) before a predetermined time for performing a predetermined driving operation. The technical concept disclosed in JP 2013-216214 A can be applied to a driving diagnosis device. That is, a driving diagnosis device can be configured that issues a negative diagnosis result when a time during which a turn signal lever is located at an operation position is shorter than a predetermined time. SUMMARY

[0003] The above-described driving diagnosis device always issues a negative diagnosis result when a time during which a turn signal lever is located at an operation position is shorter than a predetermined time. However, the negative diagnosis result can include a diagnosis result that is not so necessary to be determined as a negative result.

[0004] In view of the above-described fact, an object of the present application is to obtain a driving diagnosis device and a driving diagnosis method that can issue a negative diagnosis result for an operation of a turn signal lever for which it is very necessary to issue a negative diagnosis result, and not issue a negative diagnosis result for an operation of a turn signal lever for which it is not so necessary to issue a negative diagnosis result.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, a driving diagnosis device includes a data acquisition unit that can acquire, from a vehicle, a detection value indicating movement of a turn signal lever provided in the vehicle from a neutral position to an operation position, and a specific acceleration, the specific acceleration being at least one of a fore-aft acceleration of the vehicle and a steering angle acceleration of a steering wheel provided in the vehicle; and an event recognition unit that determines whether or not a duration during which the turn signal lever is continuously located at the operation position is less than a first threshold value and an absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, based on the detection value and the specific acceleration acquired by the data acquisition unit.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present application, the data acquisition unit of the driving diagnosis apparatus is capable of acquiring, from the vehicle, the detection value indicating movement of the turn signal lever provided in the vehicle from the neutral position to the operation position and the specific acceleration, which is at least one of the front-rear acceleration of the vehicle and the steering angle acceleration of the steering wheel provided in the vehicle. Further, the event recognition unit of the driving diagnosis apparatus determines whether the duration, which is a time during which the turn signal lever is continuously positioned at the operation position, is less than the first threshold value and whether the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, based on the detection value and the specific acceleration acquired by the data acquisition unit.

[0007] When the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value and the duration of the turn signal lever is less than the first threshold value, it is highly necessary to issue a negative diagnosis result. On the other hand, when the absolute value of the specific acceleration is less than the second threshold value, it is less necessary to issue a negative diagnosis result in the case where the duration of the turn signal lever is less than the first threshold value. As described above, the driving diagnosis apparatus according to the first aspect of the present application determines whether the duration of the turn signal lever is less than the first threshold value and whether the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present application, the driving diagnosis apparatus is capable of issuing a negative diagnosis result for the operation of the turn signal lever for which it is highly necessary to issue a negative diagnosis result, while not issuing a negative diagnosis result for the operation of the turn signal lever for which it is less necessary to issue a negative diagnosis result.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present application, the driving diagnosis apparatus further includes a notification apparatus that notifies a driver of the vehicle of a determination result of the event recognition unit when the event recognition unit determines that the duration is less than the first threshold value and the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0009] In the first aspect according to the present application, when the event recognition unit determines that the duration is less than the first threshold value and the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the notification device notifies the driver of the vehicle of the determination result of the event recognition unit. That is, even when the duration is less than the first threshold value, the notification device does not notify the driver in a case where the absolute value of the specific acceleration is less than the second threshold value. Therefore, when the absolute value of the specific acceleration is less than the second threshold value, the notification device does not notify the driver of the determination result related to the operation of the steering signal lever performed by the driver.

[0010] In the driving diagnosis device according to the first aspect of the present application, the data acquisition unit is a transmission-reception unit that is capable of receiving the detection value and the specific acceleration from the vehicle through the Internet and is capable of transmitting the acquired detection value and specific acceleration to the event recognition unit.

[0011] In the first aspect according to the present application, the driving diagnosis device further includes a transmission-reception unit that is capable of receiving the detection value and the specific acceleration from the vehicle through the Internet and transmitting the acquired detection value and specific acceleration to the event recognition unit. Therefore, for example, the driving diagnosis device can be constructed as a cloud computing system.

[0012] The driving diagnosis device according to the first aspect of the present application further includes a database unit that stores information on whether the duration determined by the event recognition unit is less than the first threshold value and whether the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value and is connected to the Internet.

[0013] In the first aspect according to the present application, the database unit connected to the Internet stores information on whether the duration determined by the event recognition unit is less than the first threshold value and whether the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Therefore, a person who has access to the database unit can develop an application program using the information.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present application, a driving diagnosis method includes: a step of acquiring, from a vehicle, a detection value indicating movement of a turn signal lever provided in the vehicle from a neutral position to an operation position and a specific acceleration, the specific acceleration being at least one of a fore-aft acceleration of the vehicle and a steering angle acceleration of a steering wheel provided in the vehicle; and a step of determining whether a duration, which is a time during which the turn signal lever is continuously positioned at the operation position, is less than a first threshold value and whether an absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, based on the detection value and the specific acceleration.

[0015] As described above, the driving diagnosis apparatus and the driving diagnosis method according to the present application achieve the more preferable effect that the driving diagnosis apparatus and the driving diagnosis method can issue a negative diagnosis result with respect to an operation of the turn signal lever for which it is very necessary to issue the negative diagnosis result, and do not issue the negative diagnosis result with respect to an operation of the turn signal lever for which it is less necessary to issue the negative diagnosis result. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle capable of transmitting a detection value to a driving diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a driving diagnosis apparatus, a vehicle, and a mobile terminal according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of a first server of the driving diagnosis apparatus illustrated in Figure 2

[0020] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of a second server illustrated in Figure 3

[0021] Figure 5 is a control block diagram of a third server of the driving diagnosis apparatus illustrated in Figure 2

[0022] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of a fourth server of the driving diagnosis apparatus illustrated in Figure 2

[0023] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of a mobile terminal illustrated in Figure 2

[0024] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a list of events;​​​​​

[0025] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a one-dimensional mapping representing the second threshold;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the second server;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the fourth server;

[0028] Figure 12 It is shown by Figure 2 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing performed by the mobile terminal.

[0029] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display unit of a mobile terminal; and

[0030] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal. Specific Implementation

[0031] The following description will refer to the accompanying drawings to illustrate embodiments of the driving diagnostic device 10 and driving diagnostic method according to the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, a vehicle 30 capable of communicating data with a driving diagnostic device 10 via a network includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 31, wheel speed sensors 32, a steering angle sensor 35, a turn signal switch 36, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 37, a wireless communication device 38, and a camera 39. A vehicle identifier (ID) is assigned to a vehicle 30 capable of receiving diagnostics performed by the driving diagnostic device 10. In this embodiment, at least one vehicle 30 capable of receiving diagnostics performed by the driving diagnostic device 10 is manufactured by body A. The wheel speed sensor 32, steering angle sensor 35, turn signal switch 36, GPS receiver 37, wireless communication device 38, and camera 39 are connected to the ECU 31. The ECU 31 includes a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a memory, a wireless communication interface (I / F), and an input-output I / F. The CPU, ROM, RAM, memory, communication I / F, and input-output I / F of the ECU 31 are interconnected to enable communication with each other via a bus. The aforementioned network includes telecommunications operator communication networks and the Internet. The vehicle 30's wireless communication device 38 and the mobile terminal (notification device) 50, described later, perform data communication via a network. Furthermore, as... Figure 1As shown, the vehicle 30 includes an accelerator pedal 30A, a brake pedal 30B, a turn signal lever 30C, and a steering wheel 30D. The turn signal lever 30C is rotatable from a predetermined neutral position (initial position) to a first position on the upper side and a second position on the lower side.

[0033] The wheel speed sensors 32, the steering angle sensor 35, the turn signal switch 36, and the GPS receiver 37 are detection units that repeatedly detect, every predetermined time, a physical quantity that changes based on at least one of running, steering, and braking of the vehicle 30, or a physical quantity that changes as a predetermined operation member (e.g., the accelerator pedal 30A, the brake pedal 30B, the turn signal lever 30C, and the steering wheel 30D) is operated. The vehicle 30 is provided with four wheel speed sensors 32. Each wheel speed sensor 32 detects a wheel speed of a corresponding one of the four wheels of the vehicle 30. The steering angle sensor 35 detects a steering angle of the steering wheel 30D. The turn signal switch 36 detects an operation of the turn signal lever 30C. For example, when the turn signal switch 36 detects that the turn signal lever 30C is moved from the neutral position to the first position, a left turn signal (indicator light) (not shown) that is an illumination device provided in the vehicle 30 is turned on under the control of the ECU 31. On the other hand, when the turn signal switch 36 detects that the turn signal lever 30C is moved from the neutral position to the second position, a right turn signal (indicator light) (not shown) that is provided in the vehicle 30 is turned on under the control of the ECU 31. The GPS receiver 37 acquires information on a position at which the vehicle 30 is running (hereinafter, referred to as "position information") by receiving a GPS signal transmitted from a GPS satellite. The detection values detected by the wheel speed sensors 32, the steering angle sensor 35, the turn signal switch 36, and the GPS receiver 37 are transmitted to the ECU 31 via a controller area network (CAN) provided in the vehicle 30, and stored in a memory of the ECU 31. Further, the camera 39 repeatedly captures an image of an object located outside the vehicle 30 every predetermined time. Image data acquired by the camera 39 is transmitted to the ECU 31 via a network provided in the vehicle 30, and stored in the memory.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 30 includes the ECU 31, the accelerator pedal 30A, the brake pedal 30B, the turn signal lever 30C, the steering wheel 30D, the wheel speed sensors 32, the steering angle sensor 35, the turn signal switch 36, the GPS receiver 37, and the camera 39. Figure 2As shown, the drive diagnosis apparatus 10 includes a first server 12, a second server 14, a third server (database unit) 16, and a fourth server 18. For example, the first server 12, the second server 14, the third server 16, and the fourth server 18 are arranged in one building. The first server 12 and the fourth server 18 are connected to the above-described network. The first server 12 and the second server 14 are connected through a local area network (LAN). The second server 14 and the third server 16 are connected through the LAN. The third server 16 and the fourth server 18 are connected through the LAN. That is, the drive diagnosis apparatus 10 is constructed as a cloud computing system. In the present embodiment, the first server 12, the second server 14, and the third server 16 are managed by the subject A. In contrast, the fourth server 18 is managed by the subject B.

[0035] Figure 3 The first server 12 as shown is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU: processor) 12A, a read only memory (ROM) 12B, a random access memory (RAM) 12C, a storage 12D, a communication interface (I / F) 12E, and an input-output I / F 12F. The CPU 12A, the ROM 12B, the RAM 12C, the storage 12D, the communication I / F 12E, and the input-output I / F 12F are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 12Z. The first server 12 is able to acquire information on a date and time from a timer (not shown).

[0036] The CPU 12A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various units. That is, the CPU 12A reads a program from the ROM 12B or the storage 12D and executes the program using the RAM 12C as a work area. The CPU 12A controls respective configurations and executes various arithmetic processing (information processing) according to the program recorded in the ROM 12B or the storage 12D.

[0037] The ROM 12B stores various programs and various data. The RAM 12C temporarily stores a program or data as a work area. The storage 12D is constituted by a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs and various data. The communication I / F 12E is an interface for the first server 12 to communicate with other apparatuses. The input-output I / F 12F is an interface for communication with various apparatuses.

[0038] The detection value data is data indicating detection values detected by the wheel speed sensor 32, the steering angle sensor 35, the steering signal switch 36, and the GPS receiver 37 of the vehicle 30. Every time a predetermined time elapses, the detection value data and the image data acquired by the camera 39 are transmitted from the wireless communication device 38 to the transmission-reception unit (data acquisition unit) 13 of the first server 12 via the above-described network, and the detection value data and the image data are recorded in the memory 12D. All of the detection value data and the image data recorded in the memory 12D include information on the vehicle ID, information on the acquired time, and position information acquired by the GPS receiver 37. That is, the detection value data and the image data are associated with the information on the vehicle ID, the information on the time, and the position information.

[0039] The basic configuration of the second server 14, the third server 16, and the fourth server 18 is the same as that of the first server 12.

[0040] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the second server 14. The second server 14 includes a transmission-reception unit 141, an event identification unit 142, and a deletion unit 143 as a functional configuration. The transmission-reception unit 141, the event identification unit 142, and the deletion unit 143 are realized when the CPU of the second server 14 reads and executes a program stored in the ROM.

[0041] The transmission-reception unit 141 transmits and receives information to and from the first server 12 and the third server 16 via the LAN. The detection value data and the image data recorded in the memory 12D of the first server 12 are transmitted to the transmission-reception unit 141 of the second server 14 while being associated with the vehicle ID, the time information, and the position information. The detection value data and the image data transmitted from the first server 12 to the transmission-reception unit 141 include data groups acquired during a predetermined data detection period. The data detection period is, for example, 30 minutes. Hereinafter, a data group (detection value data and image data) corresponding to one vehicle ID and acquired during the data detection period will be referred to as a "detection value data group". The detection value data groups recorded in the first server 12 are transmitted to the transmission-reception unit 141 in order from the earliest acquisition time. More specifically, as will be described later, when a detection value data group is deleted from the memory of the second server 14, a detection value data group newer than the deleted detection value data group is transmitted from the first server 12 to the transmission-reception unit 141 and this new detection value data group is stored in the memory of the second server 14.

[0042] The event identification unit 142 identifies an event by referring to the detection value data groups stored in the memory of the second server 14 and Figure 8The event is identified by the event list 24 shown and recorded in the ROM of the second server 14. The event is a specific behavior that occurs in the vehicle 30 due to the operation of the driver. The event list 24 defines the type (content) of the event and the condition (recognition condition) to be recognized as the event. The event list 24 defines "short-time turn signal lever operation" as the event.

[0043] The event recognition unit 142 determines that the turn signal lever 30C is moved from the neutral position to the first position or the second position based on all the detection values of the turn signal switch 36 included in the detection value data group stored in the memory. The first position or the second position to which the turn signal lever 30C is moved can be referred to as an "operation position". Further, when the event recognition unit 142 detects that the turn signal lever 30C is moved to the operation position, the event recognition unit 142 determines whether or not a duration, which is an amount of time during which the turn signal lever 30C continuously stays at the operation position, is less than a predetermined first threshold value based on information on a time at which the detection value of the turn signal switch 36 is acquired. The first threshold value is determined based on, for example, a regulation of a country in which a road on which the vehicle 30 travels is located. For example, in a case where the above-described regulation of the country requires the driver to position the turn signal lever 30C at the operation position for 3 seconds or more, the first threshold value is "3 (seconds)". The first threshold value is recorded in the ROM or the memory of the second server 14, for example.

[0044] Further, the event recognition unit 142 determines whether or not an absolute value of a specific acceleration of the vehicle 30 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value based on all the detection values detected by the wheel speed sensor 32 and the steering angle sensor 35 and included in the detection value data group stored in the memory. Here, the specific acceleration is at least one of a fore-aft acceleration of the vehicle 30 and a steering angle acceleration of the steering wheel 30D.

[0045] The front-rear acceleration includes a front-rear maximum acceleration and a front-rear minimum acceleration. The front-rear maximum acceleration is the maximum front-rear acceleration detected during the period in which the event recognition unit 142 determines that the duration of the turn signal switch 36 is less than the first threshold. The front-rear minimum acceleration is the minimum front-rear acceleration detected during the period in which the event recognition unit 142 determines that the duration of the turn signal switch 36 is less than the first threshold. In other words, the front-rear minimum acceleration is the maximum front-rear deceleration detected during the period in which the event recognition unit 142 determines that the duration of the turn signal switch 36 is less than the first threshold. That is, the front-rear minimum acceleration is a negative (-) value. Note that the front-rear acceleration is a differential value of the vehicle speed of the vehicle 30, and is calculated by the event recognition unit 142. Further, the event recognition unit 142 calculates the vehicle speed of the vehicle 30 based on the wheel speeds detected by the respective wheel speed sensors 32 and included in the detection value data group stored in the memory of the second server 14.

[0046] The steering angle acceleration is a second-order differential value of the steering angle of the steering wheel 30D detected by the steering angle sensor 35, and is calculated by the event recognition unit 142.

[0047] Figure 9 A one-dimensional map 26 indicating the magnitude of the second threshold is shown. From this one-dimensional map 26, it is clear that the magnitude of the second threshold according to the present embodiment differs depending on the kind of the specific acceleration. Note that the second threshold related to the steering angle acceleration differs depending on the magnitude of the average value of the vehicle speed during the period determined to be less than the first threshold described above. The event recognition unit 142 calculates the average value of the vehicle speed. The event recognition unit 142 determines whether at least one of the absolute values of the front-rear maximum acceleration, the front-rear minimum acceleration, and the steering angle acceleration is equal to or greater than the corresponding second threshold.

[0048] As described above, the event recognition unit 142 determines whether the duration of the turn signal lever 30C is less than the first threshold and whether the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold. Further, the event recognition unit 142 identifies the date and time when the event recognition unit 142 determines that the duration of the turn signal lever 30C is less than the first threshold and that the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold, and the position information when such a state occurs, as an event.

[0049] When the event recognition unit 142 completes the above-described processing for one detection value data group, the transmission-reception unit 141 transmits data related to the recognized event together with information on the vehicle ID to the third server 16. The data related to the event includes information on the date and time at which each recognized event occurred, position information, and image data acquired by the camera 39 within a predetermined time including the time at which the recognized event occurred.

[0050] Further, when the event recognition unit 142 completes the above-described processing for one detection value data group, the deletion unit 143 deletes the detection value data group from the memory of the second server 14.

[0051] The third server 16 receives the data related to the recognized event transmitted from the second server 14. As shown in FIG. 8, the third server 16 includes a transmission-reception unit 161 as a functional configuration. The transmission-reception unit 161 is implemented when the CPU of the third server 16 reads and executes a program stored in the ROM. The data received by the transmission-reception unit 161 is recorded in the memory of the third server 16. The data related to the recognized event is sequentially transmitted from the second server 14 to the third server 16, and the third server 16 records all the received data in the memory. Figure 5

[0052] The fourth server 18 functions at least as a Web server and a Web application (Web App) server. As shown in FIG. 9, the fourth server 18 includes a transmission-reception control unit 181 and a data generation unit 182 as a functional configuration. The transmission-reception control unit 181 and the data generation unit 182 are implemented when the CPU of the fourth server 18 reads and executes a program stored in the ROM. The transmission-reception control unit 181 controls the transmission-reception unit 19 of the fourth server 18. Figure 6

[0053] Figure 2 The mobile terminal 50 shown in FIG. 10 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a memory, a communication I / F, and an input-output I / F. The mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The CPU, the ROM, the RAM, the memory, the communication I / F, and the input-output I / F of the mobile terminal 50 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other through a bus. The mobile terminal 50 is able to acquire information on the date and time from a timer (not shown). The mobile terminal 50 is provided with a display unit 51 including a touch panel. The display unit 51 is connected to the input-output I / F of the mobile terminal 50. Further, map data is recorded in the memory of the mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 includes a transmission-reception unit 52.

[0054] Figure 7 ​​is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 has a transmission-reception control unit 501 and a display unit control unit 502 as a functional configuration. The transmission-reception control unit 501 and the display unit control unit 502 are realized when a CPU reads and executes a program stored in a ROM. The mobile terminal 50 is possessed by, for example, the driver of the vehicle 30 to which the vehicle ID is assigned. A predetermined drive diagnosis display application program is installed on the mobile terminal 50.

[0055] The transmission-reception unit 52 controlled by the transmission-reception control unit 501 transmits data to and receives data from the transmission-reception unit 19 of the fourth server 18.

[0056] The display unit control unit 502 controls the display unit 51. That is, the display unit control unit 502 causes the display unit 51 to display, for example, information received by the transmission-reception unit 52 from the transmission-reception unit 19 and information input via the touch panel. The transmission-reception unit 52 can transmit information input via the touch panel of the display unit 51 to the transmission-reception unit 19.

[0057] Operation and Effects

[0058] Next, the operation and effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0059] Next, the flow of the process performed by the second server 14 will be described using the flowchart shown in Figure 10 Figure 10 The second server 14 repeatedly performs the process of the flowchart shown in

[0060] First, in step S10, the transmission-reception unit 141 of the second server 14 determines whether or not a detection value data group has been received from the first server 12. In other words, the transmission-reception unit 141 determines whether or not the detection value data group is recorded in the memory of the second server 14.

[0061] The second server 14 for which it is determined that "Yes" in step S10 proceeds to step S11, and the event recognition unit 142 determines whether or not an event has occurred on the basis of the detection value data group stored in the second server 14 and the one-dimensional map 26.

[0062] The second server 14 for which it is determined that "Yes" in step S11 proceeds to step S12, and the transmission-reception unit 141 transmits data related to the recognized event to the third server 16 together with information about the vehicle ID.

[0063] ​When the processing in step S12 is completed or when the determination in step Sll is "NO", the second server 14 proceeds to step S13, and the deletion unit 143 deletes the detection value data group from the memory of the second server 14.

[0064] When the determination in step S10 is "NO" or when the processing in step S13 is completed, the second server 14 temporarily ends Figure 10 the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0065] Next, the flow of the processing performed by the fourth server 18 will be described with reference to Figure 11 the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9. The fourth server 18 repeatedly performs the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 every predetermined time. Figure 11 the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0066] First, in step S20, the transmission-reception control unit 181 of the fourth server 18 determines whether a display request is transmitted from the transmission-reception control unit 501 (the transmission-reception unit 52) of the mobile terminal 50 on which the driving diagnosis display application is running to the transmission-reception unit 19. That is, the transmission-reception control unit 181 determines whether an access operation from the mobile terminal 50 is performed. The display request includes information on the vehicle ID associated with the mobile terminal 50.

[0067] When the determination in step S20 is "YES", the fourth server 18 proceeds to step S21, and the transmission-reception control unit 181 (the transmission-reception unit 19) communicates with the third server 16. The transmission-reception control unit 181 (the transmission-reception unit 19) receives data related to the recognized event corresponding to the vehicle ID associated with the mobile terminal 50 that transmitted the display request from the transmission-reception unit 161 of the third server 16.

[0068] The fourth server 18 that completed the processing in step S21 proceeds to step S22, and the data generation unit 182 generates data representing the driving diagnosis result image 55 (see FIG. 5) using the data received in step S21. The driving diagnosis result image 55 can be displayed on the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50 on which the driving diagnosis display application is running. Figure 13

[0069] The fourth server 18 that completed the processing in step S22 proceeds to step S23, and the transmission-reception unit 19 transmits the data generated by the data generation unit 182 in step S22 to the transmission-reception control unit 501 (the transmission-reception unit 52) of the mobile terminal 50.

[0070] ​When the determination in step S20 is "no", or when the processing in step S23 is completed, the fourth server 18 temporarily terminates. Figure 11 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

[0071] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 The flowchart shown describes the processing flow performed by the mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 repeats the process each time a predetermined time has elapsed. Figure 12 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

[0072] In step S30, the display unit control unit 502 of the mobile terminal 50 determines whether the driving diagnostic display application is running.

[0073] When the determination in step S30 is "yes", the mobile terminal 50 proceeds to step S31 and determines whether the transmit-receive control unit 501 (transmit-receive unit 52) ​​has received data representing the driving diagnostic result image 55 from the transmit-receive unit 19 of the fourth server 18.

[0074] When the determination in step S31 is "yes", the mobile terminal 50 proceeds to step S32, and the display unit control unit 502 causes the display unit 51 to display the driving diagnostic result image 55.

[0075] like Figure 13 As shown, the driving diagnostic result image 55 includes an event display unit 58. Information about each identified event is displayed in the event display unit 58. The information representing each event includes the date and time when the event occurred, as well as the content of the event.

[0076] After completing the processing in step S32, the mobile terminal 50 proceeds to step S33, and the display unit control unit 502 determines whether the user of the mobile terminal 50 has touched the event display section 58 on the display unit 51 (touch panel).

[0077] When the determination in step S33 is "yes", the mobile terminal 50 proceeds to step S34, and the display unit control unit 502 causes the display unit 51 to display based on the map data mentioned above. Figure 14 The map image 60 is shown. Here, it is assumed that the driver touches "Event 1" on the event display unit 58. In this case, the map image 60 includes map information about the location where Event 1 occurred and its surrounding environment, and the location where Event 1 occurred is indicated by an asterisk. Furthermore, when the user touches the asterisk, an event image 61 is displayed, representing image data acquired by the camera 39 within a predetermined time period, including the time when Event 1 occurred. This predetermined time period is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0078] The mobile terminal 50 that has completed the processing in step S34 proceeds to step S35, and the display unit control unit 502 determines whether or not the user's hand has touched the return operation section 62 on the map image 60. The display unit control unit 502 of the mobile terminal 50 that has determined "Yes" in step S35 proceeds to step S32, and causes the display unit 51 to display the driving diagnosis result image 55.

[0079] When the determination in step S30, step S33, or step S35 is "No", the mobile terminal 50 temporarily ends the processing of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 6. Figure 12

[0080] As described above, in the driving diagnosis apparatus 10 and the driving diagnosis method according to the present embodiment, the event recognition unit 142 determines whether or not the duration of the steering signal lever 30C is less than the first threshold value and whether or not the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Then, when the event recognition unit 142 determines that the duration of the steering signal lever 30C being located at the operation position is less than the first threshold value and the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the driving diagnosis result image 55 indicating this fact is displayed on the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50. When the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value and the duration of the steering signal lever 30C is less than the first threshold value, it is highly necessary to determine that the operation of the steering signal lever 30C corresponds to "short-time steering signal lever operation" which is a negative diagnosis result. On the other hand, when the absolute value of the specific acceleration is less than the second threshold value and the duration of the steering signal lever 30C is less than the first threshold value, it is less necessary to determine that the steering signal lever 30C corresponds to "short-time steering signal lever operation". Therefore, the driving diagnosis apparatus 10 and the driving diagnosis method according to the present embodiment are able to issue a negative diagnosis result with respect to the operation of the steering signal lever 30C for which it is highly necessary to issue a negative diagnosis result, and not issue a negative diagnosis result with respect to the operation of the steering signal lever for which it is less necessary to issue a negative diagnosis result.

[0081] Further, when the event recognition unit 142 determines that the duration is less than the first threshold value and the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the mobile terminal 50 notifies the driver of the vehicle 30 of the determination result of the event recognition unit 142. That is, even when the duration is less than the first threshold value, the mobile terminal 50 does not issue a notification to the driver in the case where the absolute value of the specific acceleration is less than the second threshold value. Therefore, when the absolute value of the specific acceleration is less than the second threshold value, the mobile terminal 50 does not notify the driver of the determination result related to the operation of the steering signal lever 30C performed by the driver. Therefore, the driver who sees the mobile terminal 50 is less likely to feel annoyed.

[0082] ​Further, the image data included in the data group transmitted from the second server 14 to the third server 16 is only the image data at the time when the event occurs. Therefore, the amount of data accumulated in the memory of the third server 16 is smaller than the amount of data in the case where all the image data recorded in the memory of the second server 14 is transmitted from the second server 14 to the third server.

[0083] Further, in the driving diagnosis apparatus 10 and the driving diagnosis method according to the present embodiment, a subject B different from the subject A who manages the first server 12, the second server 14, and the third server 16 and who manufactures the vehicle is able to access the data stored in the third server 16. Therefore, a person (organization) different from the subject A is able to create an application (driving diagnosis display application) that uses the driving diagnosis result acquired by the driving diagnosis apparatus 10 and the driving diagnosis method according to the present embodiment. Therefore, development of such an application can be promoted.

[0084] Although the driving diagnosis apparatus 10 and the driving diagnosis method according to the present embodiment have been described above, the design of the driving diagnosis apparatus 10 and the driving diagnosis method can be appropriately changed within the scope of the present application.

[0085] For example, when the event recognition unit 142 determines that the duration is smaller than the first threshold value and the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or larger than the second threshold value, a sound indicating the determination result can be output from a speaker provided in the mobile terminal 50 (notification apparatus).

[0086] For example, the event recognition unit 142 can determine "the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or larger than the second threshold value" when the absolute values of any two or more of the front-rear maximum acceleration, the front-rear minimum acceleration, and the steering angle acceleration are equal to or larger than the corresponding second threshold values.

[0087] Further, the event recognition unit 142 can determine "the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or larger than the second threshold value" when the absolute value of any one of the front-rear maximum acceleration, the front-rear minimum acceleration, and the steering angle acceleration is equal to or larger than the corresponding second threshold value.

[0088] The ECU 31 of the vehicle 30 can have the function of the event recognition unit. In this case, the detection value data and the image data acquired by the camera 39 are stored in the memory (data acquisition unit) of the vehicle 30. Further, the ECU 31 (event recognition unit) determines whether or not the duration is less than the first threshold value and whether or not the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value on the basis of the detection value data stored in the memory. In this case, the determination result of the ECU 31 can be displayed on the display (notification device) provided in the vehicle 30. Further, the speaker (notification device) provided in the vehicle 30 can output a sound indicating the determination result of the ECU 31 (event recognition unit).

[0089] The driving diagnosis apparatus 10 can be implemented with a configuration different from the above. For example, the first server 12, the second server 14, the third server 16, and the fourth server 18 can be implemented by one server. In this case, the inside of the server can be virtually divided into areas corresponding to the first server 12, the second server 14, the third server 16, and the fourth server 18 using, for example, a hypervisor.

[0090] The driving diagnosis apparatus 10 does not necessarily have to be connected to the Internet. In this case, for example, the detection value data group acquired from the vehicle is recorded on a portable recording medium (for example, a universal serial bus (USB)), and the detection value data group in the recording medium is copied to the first server 12 (data acquisition unit).

[0091] The third server 16 can have a function of confirming the access right when the third server 16 receives the access from the fourth server 18. In this case, the fourth server 18 can receive the data related to the recognized event from the third server 16 only when the third server 16 confirms that the fourth server 18 has the access right.

[0092] The access of the subject B (the fourth server 18) to the part of the data recorded in the memory of the third server 16 can be applied with a certain restriction. For example, information indicating that the data is restricted data is added to a part of the data group recorded in the memory of the third server 16. The access of the subject B (the fourth server 18) to the data to which the information indicating that the data is restricted data is added is prohibited (even when the user has the above-described access right). The data to which the information indicating that the data is restricted data is added is, for example, the position information.

[0093] Instead of the GPS receiver 37, the vehicle 30 can include a receiver capable of receiving information from a satellite of a global navigation satellite system other than GPS (for example, Galileo).

[0094] The mobile terminal 50 can read map data from a Web server and display a map image on the display unit 51.

Claims

1. A driving diagnosis apparatus comprising: a data acquisition unit capable of acquiring, from a vehicle, a detection value indicating movement of a turn signal lever provided in the vehicle from a neutral position to an operation position and a specific acceleration, the specific acceleration being at least one of a fore-aft acceleration of the vehicle and a steering angle acceleration of a steering wheel provided in the vehicle; an event recognition unit that determines whether a duration, which is a time during which the turn signal lever is continuously positioned at the operation position, is less than a first threshold value and an absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, based on the detection value and the specific acceleration acquired by the data acquisition unit; and a notification apparatus that notifies a driver of the vehicle of a determination result of the event recognition unit, the determination result indicating that operation of the turn signal lever corresponds to a short-time turn signal lever operation as a negative diagnosis result, when the event recognition unit determines that the duration is less than the first threshold value and the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. The data acquisition unit is a transmission-reception unit capable of receiving the detection value and the specific acceleration from the vehicle through the Internet and capable of transmitting the acquired detection value and specific acceleration to the event recognition unit.

2. The drive diagnosing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. The driving diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a database unit that stores information on whether the duration determined by the event recognition unit is less than the first threshold value and whether the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and that is connected to the Internet.

4. A driving diagnosis method comprising: a step of acquiring, from a vehicle, a detection value indicating movement of a turn signal lever provided in the vehicle from a neutral position to an operation position and a specific acceleration, the specific acceleration being at least one of a fore-aft acceleration of the vehicle and a steering angle acceleration of a steering wheel provided in the vehicle; a step of determining whether a duration, which is a time during which the turn signal lever is continuously positioned at the operation position, is less than a first threshold value and an absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, based on the detection value and the specific acceleration; and a step of notifying a driver of the vehicle of a determination result when it is determined that the duration is less than the first threshold value and the absolute value of the specific acceleration is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the determination result indicating that operation of the turn signal lever corresponds to a short-time turn signal lever operation as a negative diagnosis result. ​

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