Driver monitoring device, driver monitoring system, driver monitoring method, and program

Abstract

The present application relates to a driver monitoring apparatus, a driver monitoring system, a driver monitoring method, and a program. The driver monitoring apparatus includes a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about a vehicle based on information acquired from the vehicle being driven by a person being monitored, a transmission unit that is capable of transmitting the vehicle information to a terminal apparatus available to a person other than the person being monitored, and an information control unit that prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting prescribed information included in the vehicle information to the terminal apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a driver monitoring device, a driver monitoring system, a driver monitoring method, and a program. Background Technology

[0002] Imagine a system in which, when a person being monitored is driving a vehicle, their driving history and driving diagnostic results are transmitted to a terminal device available to the monitor. In this case, the person being monitored is, for example, an elderly person or a newly licensed driver, and the monitor is a family member of the person being monitored. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When the aforementioned system is operated, the person being monitored may feel uncomfortable because, regardless of his / her intentions, the person being monitored's driving history and driving diagnostic results are transmitted to the terminal device.

[0004] In view of the above facts, the object of the present invention is to provide a driver monitoring device, a driver monitoring system, a driver monitoring method, and a program that can transmit vehicle information related to the vehicle being monitored and driven by the person being monitored to a terminal device used by a third party, while suppressing the discomfort of the person being monitored.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a driver monitoring device includes: a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about a vehicle based on information obtained from a vehicle driven by a person being monitored; a transmission unit that can transmit the vehicle information to a terminal device available to a person different from the person being monitored; and an information control unit that prevents the transmission unit from transmitting specified information contained in the vehicle information to the terminal device.

[0006] In the driver monitoring device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the vehicle information acquisition unit acquires vehicle information about the vehicle based on information obtained from the vehicle being driven by the person being monitored. Furthermore, the transmission unit is capable of transmitting the vehicle information to a terminal device accessible to a person different from the person being monitored. However, the information control unit prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting specified information to the terminal device.

[0007] As stated above, the specified information is not transmitted to the terminal device. Therefore, the driver monitoring device according to the first aspect of the present invention can transmit vehicle information about the vehicle being monitored to a terminal device used by a third party while suppressing the discomfort of the person being monitored.

[0008] In the driver monitoring device of the present invention as described in the second aspect of the present invention, and in the present invention as described in the first aspect of the present invention, the information control unit prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting specified information to the terminal device when the privacy mode is set to the vehicle's usage mode, and allows the transmission unit to transmit specified information to the terminal device when the privacy mode is canceled.

[0009] According to the invention as described in the second aspect of the invention, specified information can be prevented from being transmitted to the terminal device only when a privacy mode is set.

[0010] In the driver monitoring device of the present invention as described in the third aspect of the present invention, and in the present invention as described in the second aspect of the present invention, when a privacy mode is set and danger information indicating that the person being monitored is in a dangerous situation is received, the information control unit cancels the privacy mode.

[0011] According to the invention as described in the third aspect, when a privacy mode is set and danger information indicating that the person being monitored is in a dangerous situation is received, the information control unit cancels the privacy mode. Therefore, in this situation, a person different from the person being monitored can identify vehicle information about the vehicle being monitored is driving by using a terminal device.

[0012] In the driver monitoring device of the present invention as described in the fourth aspect of the present invention, and in the present invention as described in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the vehicle information includes the driving diagnostic results of the person being monitored; and the information control unit allows the transmission unit to transmit at least a portion of the driving diagnostic results to the terminal device when a privacy mode is set.

[0013] In the invention as described in the fourth aspect, the information control unit allows the transmission unit to transmit at least a portion of the driving diagnostic results to the terminal device when a privacy mode is set. Therefore, even with the privacy mode set, a person different from the person being monitored can identify at least a portion of the driving diagnostic results using the terminal device.

[0014] In the driver monitoring device of the present invention as described in the fifth aspect, and in the present invention as described in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the information control unit prohibits setting a privacy mode when the vehicle is traveling in a predetermined first area.

[0015] In the invention as described in the fifth aspect, the privacy mode is disabled when the vehicle is traveling in a predetermined first area. Therefore, a person different from the person being monitored can identify the prescribed information of the vehicle traveling in the first area using a terminal device.

[0016] In the present invention as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the driver monitoring device of the present invention as described in the sixth aspect further includes a specified information determining unit for determining specified information.

[0017] According to the invention as described in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the specified information determining unit can determine specified information. Therefore, the content of the specified information can be appropriately set.

[0018] The driver monitoring system of the present invention, as described in the seventh aspect of the present invention, includes a vehicle, an external server, and a terminal device.

[0019] The external server includes: a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle based on information obtained from the vehicle being monitored; a transmission unit that can transmit the vehicle information to a terminal device available to a person different from the person being monitored; and an information control unit that prevents the transmission unit from transmitting specified information contained in the vehicle information to the terminal device.

[0020] The driver monitoring method of the present invention as described in the eighth aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: obtaining vehicle information about the vehicle based on information obtained from the vehicle being monitored; and prohibiting the transmission of prescribed information contained in the vehicle information to a terminal device available to a person different from the person being monitored, and allowing vehicle information other than the prescribed information to be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0021] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the program of the present invention causes a computer to perform: a process of acquiring vehicle information about a vehicle based on information obtained from a vehicle driven by a person being monitored; and a process of prohibiting the transmission of prescribed information contained in the vehicle information to a terminal device available to a person different from the person being monitored and allowing vehicle information other than the prescribed information to be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0022] As described above, the driver monitoring device, driver monitoring system, driver monitoring method and procedure according to the present invention have the advantage of enabling the transmission of vehicle information about the vehicle driven by the person being monitored to a terminal device used by a third party while suppressing the discomfort of the person being monitored. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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 reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is an overall view of a driver monitoring system according to one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the control block diagram of the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) and external server.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the ECU;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of an external server;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a chart showing the first list;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a chart showing the second list;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The functional block diagram of the mobile terminal shown in the figure;

[0031] Figure 8 It is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the vehicle's ECU;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by an external server;

[0033] Figure 10 It is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by an external server; and

[0034] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the mobile terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the driver monitoring device, driver monitoring system (hereinafter referred to as the system), driver monitoring method and procedure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the system 10 according to this embodiment includes a vehicle 20, an external server (driver monitoring device) (computer) 30, a mobile terminal (terminal device) (computer) 40, and a mobile terminal 50.

[0037] The vehicle 20, capable of communicating data with external servers 30 and mobile terminals 40 and 50 via a network, includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 21, wheel speed sensors 22, accelerometer operation sensors 23, brake downforce sensors 24, steering angle sensors 25, a camera 26, and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 27, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, wheel speed sensor 22, accelerator operation sensor 23, brake downforce sensor 24, steering angle sensor 25, camera 26, and GPS receiver 27 are connected to ECU 21.

[0038] Vehicle 20 is equipped with four wheel speed sensors 22. Each wheel speed sensor 22 detects the wheel speed of the corresponding one of the four wheels. Accelerator operation sensor 23 detects the accelerator operation amount. Brake downforce sensor 24 detects the brake downforce input by the driver Dr, who is being monitored, to the brake pedal (not shown). Steering angle sensor 25 detects the steering angle of the steering wheel (not shown). GPS receiver 27 obtains information about the location of vehicle 20 (hereinafter referred to as "location information") by receiving GPS signals transmitted from GPS satellites. The detection values ​​detected by wheel speed sensors 22, accelerator operation sensor 23, brake downforce sensor 24, steering angle sensor 25, and GPS receiver 27 are transmitted to ECU 21 via Controller Area Network (CAN) provided in vehicle 20 every predetermined time interval and stored in storage device 21D of ECU 21, which will be described below, in association with the time information. In addition, camera 26 repeatedly captures an image of the face of driver Dr, who is sitting in the driver's seat (not shown) of vehicle 20, every predetermined time interval. Image data acquired by camera 26 is transmitted to ECU 21 via a network located in vehicle 20 and stored in storage device 21D in association with location and time information.

[0039] Figure 2 The ECU (computer) 21 shown is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU: processor) 21A, a read-only memory (ROM) 21B, a random access memory (RAM) 21C, a storage device 21D, a wireless communication interface (I / F) 21E, and an input-output I / F 21F. The CPU 21A, ROM 21B, RAM 21C, storage device 21D, wireless communication I / F 21E, and input-output I / F 21F are connected to communicate with each other via a bus 21Z. The CPU 21A can obtain date and time related information from a timer (not shown).

[0040] CPU 21A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various units. That is, CPU 21A reads programs from ROM 21B or storage device 21D and uses RAM 21C as its working area to execute programs. CPU 21A controls each configuration and performs various arithmetic operations (information processing) according to the programs recorded in ROM 21B or storage device 21D.

[0041] ROM 21B stores various programs and data. RAM 21C serves as a working area to temporarily store programs or data. Storage device 21D consists of a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), and stores various programs and data.

[0042] Wireless Communication I / F 21E is an interface for wireless communication with various devices. For example, Wireless Communication I / F 21E can wirelessly communicate with external server 30 and mobile terminal 40 via a network (e.g., the Internet).

[0043] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of ECU 21. ECU 21 includes an alert level estimation unit 201, a pre-collision safety system (PCS) control unit 202, and a communication control unit 203 as part of the functional configuration. These functions are implemented by CPU 21A reading and executing a program stored in ROM 21B.

[0044] The alertness level estimation unit 201 determines the driver Dr's alertness level based on the state of the driver Dr's eyes, etc., included in the image data captured by the camera 26. The term "alertness level" in this specification includes alertness levels when a person is awake and sleep levels (sleep depth) when a person is asleep. Sleep levels (sleep depth) are defined in five stages. The numbers for sleep levels (sleep depth) increase as the driver Dr's sleep level increases. Sleep level 1 corresponds to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Sleep levels 2 to 5 correspond to non-rapid eye movement (Non-REM) sleep. When the sleep level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the alertness level estimation unit 201 determines that the driver Dr is drowsy while driving and records drowsy detection information indicating the determination result in the storage device 21D, in association with location and time information. An example of a predetermined level is sleep level 1.

[0045] The PCS control unit 202 has the function of controlling the pre-collision safety system (PCS) installed on the vehicle 20. That is, when predetermined conditions are met, braking force is generated in the braking device (not shown) of the vehicle 20 by controlling the brake actuator of the braking device. When the PCS is activated, the PCS control unit 202 records the PCS activation information indicating the activation of the PCS in association with position information and time information in the storage device 21D.

[0046] The communication control unit 203 controls the wireless communication I / F 21E. The wireless communication I / F 21E, controlled by the communication control unit 203, wirelessly transmits information about each detection value, image data, drowsiness detection information, and PCS activation information recorded in the storage device 21D to the external server 30 at predetermined time intervals. In the following text, the information about each detection value, image data, drowsiness detection information, and PCS activation information can be collectively referred to as vehicle-related information (vehicle information).

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the external server 30 is configured to include a CPU 31A, ROM 31B, RAM 31C, storage device 31D, wireless communication I / F (vehicle information acquisition unit) (transmission unit) 31E, and input-output I / F 31F. The CPU 31A, ROM 31B, RAM 31C, storage device 31D, wireless communication I / F 31E, and input-output I / F 31F are connected to communicate with each other via bus 31Z. The CPU 31A, ROM 31B, RAM 31C, storage device 31D, wireless communication I / F 31E, and input-output I / F 31F have functions corresponding to CPU 21A, ROM 21B, RAM 21C, storage device 21D, wireless communication I / F 21E, and input-output I / F 21F, respectively. Map data is recorded in storage device 31D. This map data includes information indicating at least one danger zone (first zone). Areas other than the danger zones are safe zones.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an external server 30. The external server 30 includes a diagnostic unit 301, a special condition determination unit 302, a mode determination unit 303, a mode control unit 304, and a communication control unit (information control unit) 305 as part of the functional configuration. These functions are implemented by the CPU 31A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 31B.

[0049] The diagnostic unit 301 performs driving diagnostics based on vehicle-related information received from the vehicle 20 via the wireless communication I / F 31E. For example, driving diagnostic methods based on the aforementioned vehicle-related information are well-known, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-12481 (JP 2019-12481A) and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-95403 (JP 2020-95403A). The driving diagnostic method in this invention can be any method. For example, the diagnostic unit 301 performs driving diagnostics for accelerator operation based on the detection values ​​of the accelerator operation quantity sensor 23 and the wheel speed sensor 22, performs driving diagnostics for brake operation based on the detection values ​​of the brake downforce sensor 24 and the wheel speed sensor 22, and performs driving diagnostics for steering operation based on the detection values ​​of the steering angle sensor 25. Furthermore, the diagnostic unit 301 enforces speed limits based on information regarding the speed limits for each road included in the map data recorded in the storage device 31D, the vehicle 20's position information, and the detection values ​​from the wheel speed sensors 22. Additionally, the diagnostic unit 301 calculates the points for accelerator operation, brake operation, and steering operation based on these driving diagnostic results. Furthermore, the diagnostic unit 301 records these diagnostic results (vehicle information) in the storage device 31D. At this time, the diagnostic unit 301 records each diagnostic result in association with the vehicle 20's position information and time information in the storage device 31D.

[0050] The special condition determination unit 302 determines whether a predetermined special condition is met. The special condition is met when at least one of the following conditions 1 to 3 is met.

[0051] Condition 1: Driver Dr's family member Fm (a different person from driver Dr) uses mobile terminal 40 to transmit an emergency notification request to external server 30.

[0052] Condition 2: The vehicle-related information received from vehicle 20 via external server 30 includes at least one of drowsiness detection information and PCS activation information.

[0053] Condition 3: Based on the location information transmitted from vehicle 20, it is determined that vehicle 20 is driving within a pre-defined danger zone in the map data.

[0054] The mode determination unit (specified information determination unit) 303 sets the usage mode of the vehicle 20 and determines whether the usage mode is a privacy mode. In this embodiment, based on information input using an input device (not shown) located on an external server 30, the mode determination unit 303 determines the usage mode and the contents of the first list 33 and the second list 35, which will be described below. According to this embodiment, the usage mode of the vehicle 20 is set to a privacy mode. The storage device 31D records data indicating that the usage mode of the vehicle 20 is a privacy mode.

[0055] The mode control unit 304 disables the privacy mode in the vehicle 20's usage modes when specific conditions are met. In other words, the mode control unit 304 cancels the privacy mode of the vehicle 20 while meeting the specific conditions for the vehicle 20. Furthermore, when the specific conditions for the vehicle 20 are no longer met, the mode control unit 304 resets the vehicle 20's usage mode to privacy mode.

[0056] Figure 5 The first list 33 and shown Figure 6 The second list 35 shown is recorded in the storage device 31D. The first list 33 defines the relationship between the content of vehicle-related information of vehicle 20 and the attributes of each vehicle-related information. For example... Figure 5 As shown, location information is specified information, while drowsiness detection information, PCS activation information, and vehicle speed information are general information. In the second list 35, the relationship between each driving diagnostic item generated by the diagnostic unit 301 and the attributes of each item is defined. For example... Figure 6 As shown, items related to speed violations are prescribed information, while items related to accelerator operation, brake operation, and steering operation are general information.

[0057] The communication control unit 305 controls the wireless communication I / F 31E. Data received from the vehicle 20 via the wireless communication I / F 31E is recorded in the storage device 31D. Furthermore, the wireless communication I / F 31E, controlled by the communication control unit 305, transmits various data recorded in the storage device 31D to the mobile terminal 40 based on the first list 33 and the second list 35. When the vehicle 20's usage mode is set to privacy mode, the wireless communication I / F 31E generally does not transmit the specified information defined in the first list 33 and the second list 35 to the mobile terminal 40. On the other hand, the wireless communication I / F 31E transmits general information defined in the first list 33 and the second list 35 to the mobile terminal 40, regardless of whether the vehicle 20's usage mode is set to privacy mode. Therefore, the type of data transmitted from the wireless communication I / F 31E to the mobile terminal 40 changes depending on whether the usage mode is set to privacy mode.

[0058] Figure 1 The mobile terminal 40 shown is configured to include a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage device, wireless communication I / F, and input-output I / F. The mobile terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet computer. The CPU, ROM, RAM, storage device, wireless communication I / F, and input-output I / F of the mobile terminal 40 are interconnected to enable communication with each other via a bus. The mobile terminal 40 can obtain date and time related information from a timer (not shown). The mobile terminal 40 is provided with a display unit 41 including a touch panel. Figure 1 As shown, mobile terminal 40 is owned by Fm, a family member of the driver Dr. A pre-installed driving information display application is installed on mobile terminal 40. Furthermore, map data is recorded in the storage device of mobile terminal 40.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 includes a communication control unit 401 and a display unit control unit 402 as part of the functional configuration. The communication control unit 401 and the display unit control unit 402 are implemented by the CPU reading and executing programs stored in ROM.

[0060] The communication control unit 401 controls wireless communication I / F.

[0061] The display unit control unit 402 controls the display unit 41. That is, the display unit control unit 402 causes the display unit 41 to display, for example, information received by the mobile terminal 40 from the vehicle 20 or the external server 30, and information input via the touch panel. The information input via the touch panel of the display unit 41 can be transmitted to the vehicle 20, the external server 30, and the mobile terminal 50 via wireless communication I / F.

[0062] In addition, driver Dr possesses such Figure 1 The mobile terminal (specified information determination unit) 50 shown is identical in specifications to the mobile terminal 40 and includes a display unit 51 corresponding to the display unit 41. The aforementioned driving information display application is installed on the mobile terminal 50.

[0063] Operation and Effect

[0064] The operation and effects of this embodiment will then be described.

[0065] First, refer to Figure 8 The flowchart describes the process executed by the CPU 21A of vehicle 20. The CPU 21A repeats this process every predetermined time interval. Figure 8 The process is illustrated in the flowchart below. Figures 8 to 11Each of the flowcharts shown is executed by a processor (CPU), but Figures 8 to 11 The process shown in each flowchart can be executed by multiple devices (CPUs).

[0066] First, in step S10, CPU 21A determines whether the driver Dr's sleep level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. When the determination result is "yes", CPU 21A proceeds to step S11 and generates drowsiness detection information. The drowsiness detection information is a danger message.

[0067] Subsequently, CPU 21A proceeds to step S12 and determines whether the PCS has been activated. If the determination result is "yes", CPU 21A proceeds to step S13 and generates PCS activation information. The PCS activation information is a dangerous message.

[0068] Subsequently, CPU 21A proceeds to step S14 and records vehicle-related information in storage device 21D.

[0069] Subsequently, CPU 21A proceeds to step S15 and controls wireless communication I / F 21E, so that wireless communication I / F 21E transmits the vehicle-related information recorded in storage device 21D in step S14 to external server 30.

[0070] When the determination result in steps S10 and S12 is "No" or when the process in step S15 terminates, CPU 21A temporarily terminates. Figure 8 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0071] Then, refer to Figure 9 The flowchart shown describes the process executed by CPU 31A of external server 30. CPU 31A repeats the process every predetermined time interval. Figure 9 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0072] First, in step S20, CPU 31A determines whether a special condition has been met. If the determination result is "yes", CPU 31A proceeds to step S21 and disables the privacy mode in the mode.

[0073] When the process in step S21 terminates or when the determination result in step S20 is "no", the CPU 31A proceeds to step S22 and determines whether vehicle-related information has been received from vehicle 20.

[0074] When the determination result in step S22 is "yes", the CPU 31A proceeds to step S23 and records the vehicle-related information in the storage device 31D.

[0075] When the process in step S23 terminates or when the determination result in step S22 is "no", CPU 31A proceeds to step S24 and determines whether the usage mode is privacy mode.

[0076] When the determination result in step S24 is "yes", the CPU 31A proceeds to step S25, refers to the first list 33, and controls the wireless communication I / F 31E so that only the general information included in the vehicle-related information recorded in the storage device 31D is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40.

[0077] When the determination result in step S24 is "no", the CPU 31A proceeds to step S26 and controls the wireless communication I / F 31E, so that all vehicle-related information recorded in the storage device 31D is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40.

[0078] When the process in step S25 or S26 terminates, CPU 31A temporarily stops. Figure 9 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0079] Then, refer to Figure 10 The flowchart shown describes the process executed by CPU 31A of external server 30. CPU 31A repeats the process every predetermined time interval. Figure 10 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0080] The processes of steps S30, S31 and S32 are the same as those of steps S20, S21 and S22 described above.

[0081] When the determination result in step S32 is "yes", CPU 31A proceeds to step S33 and performs driving diagnosis.

[0082] Subsequently, CPU 31A proceeds to step S34 and determines whether the driving diagnostic process has been completed.

[0083] When the determination result in step S34 is "yes", the CPU 31A proceeds to step S35 and records the driving diagnosis result in the storage device 31D.

[0084] When the process in step S35 terminates or when the determination result in step S32 is "no", CPU 31A proceeds to step S36 and determines whether the usage mode is privacy mode.

[0085] When the determination result in step S36 is "yes", the CPU 31A proceeds to step S37, refers to the second list 35, and controls the wireless communication I / F 31E so that only the general information included in the driving diagnostic items recorded in the storage device 31D is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40.

[0086] When the determination result in step S36 is "no", the CPU 31A proceeds to step S38 and controls the wireless communication I / F 31E so that all driving diagnostic items recorded in the storage device 31D are transmitted to the mobile terminal 40.

[0087] When the process in step S37 or step S38 terminates, CPU 31A temporarily stops. Figure 10 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0088] Then, refer to Figure 11 The flowchart shown describes the process executed by the CPU of the mobile terminal 40. The CPU repeatedly executes the process each time a predetermined time has elapsed. Figure 11 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0089] First, in step S40, the CPU determines whether the driving information display application is activated.

[0090] When the determination result in step S40 is "yes", the CPU proceeds to step S41 and determines whether vehicle-related information or driving diagnostic results have been received from the external server 30.

[0091] When the determination result in step S41 is "yes", the CPU proceeds to step S42. When the mobile terminal 40 receives vehicle-related information in step S41, the CPU causes the display unit 41 to display the vehicle-related information in step S42.

[0092] For example, when the usage mode is set to privacy mode, only general information from the vehicle-related information of the vehicle 20 is displayed on the display unit 41 of the mobile terminal 40. Therefore, in this case, the location information of the vehicle 20 is not displayed on the display unit 41.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, when the external server 30 receives drowsiness detection information from the vehicle 20, the CPU 31A executes... Figure 9 The process is illustrated in steps S21 and S26. In this case, information indicating that the driver Dr is dozing off and the location information of the vehicle 20 are displayed on the display unit 41 in step S42. Therefore, the family member Fm can identify that the driver Dr is dozing off and the current location of the vehicle 20 by viewing the display unit 41 of the mobile terminal 40. As a result, the family member Fm can contact the mobile terminal 50 owned by the driver Dr using, for example, the mobile terminal 40.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, when the usage mode is not set to privacy mode, all vehicle-related information of vehicle 20 is displayed on the display unit 41 of the mobile terminal 40. Therefore, in this case, the display unit 41 displays the location information of vehicle 20 and map data including that location information. As a result, family member Fm can identify the driving route and the current location of vehicle 20 by viewing the display unit 41.

[0095] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 40 receives the driving diagnosis result in step S41, the CPU causes the display unit 41 to display the driving diagnosis result in step S42.

[0096] For example, when the usage mode is set to privacy mode, the display unit 41 only displays general information from the driving diagnostic results. Therefore, even if the vehicle 20 exceeds the speed limit, the display unit 41 will not display information indicating that the vehicle 20's speed exceeds the speed limit.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, when the external server 30 receives drowsiness detection information from the vehicle 20, the CPU 31A executes... Figure 10 The process is illustrated in steps S31 and S38. Here, it is assumed that the vehicle 20's speed exceeds the speed limit. In this case, information indicating that the driver Dr is dozing off and information indicating that the vehicle 20's speed exceeds the speed limit are displayed on the display unit 41 in step S42. Therefore, family member Fm can identify that the driver Dr is dozing off and that the vehicle 20's speed exceeds the speed limit by viewing the display unit 41.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, when the user mode is not set to privacy mode, the display unit 41 displays all driving diagnostic results of the vehicle 20. Therefore, family member Fm can identify all driving diagnostic results by viewing the display unit 41.

[0099] When the process in step S42 terminates or the determination result in step S40 or step S41 is "no", CPU 31A temporarily terminates. Figure 11 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, general information is transmitted from the external server 30 to the mobile terminal 40. On the other hand, when privacy mode is set, specified information is not transmitted from the external server 30 to the mobile terminal 40. Therefore, by setting the information that the driver Dr does not want his family member Fm to know as specified information, the system 10 can transmit vehicle information (vehicle-related information, driving diagnostic results) related to the vehicle 20 to the mobile terminal 40 while suppressing the driver Dr's discomfort.

[0101] Furthermore, when privacy mode is set and the external server 30 receives danger information indicating that the driver Dr is in a dangerous situation, privacy mode is canceled. Therefore, in this case, family member Fm can identify vehicle information of vehicle 20 using mobile terminal 40.

[0102] Furthermore, privacy mode is disabled when vehicle 20 is driving in a designated danger zone (first zone). Therefore, family member Fm can identify vehicle information when vehicle 20 is driving in a danger zone using mobile terminal 40.

[0103] Furthermore, when setting the privacy mode, restrictions can be imposed on information received only by the mobile terminal 40 from the external server 30, while such restrictions can be left unimposed on information received by the mobile terminal 50. Therefore, for example, the driver Dr can identify all diagnostic items of the driving diagnostic results and all vehicle-related information received from the external server 30 by viewing the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50 (wherein the driving information display application is activated after exiting the vehicle 20).

[0104] Although the driver monitoring device, driver monitoring system, driver monitoring method, and procedure according to embodiments have been described above, the design of the driver monitoring device, driver monitoring system, driver monitoring method, and procedure may be appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0105] For example, at least one of the mobile terminal (specified information determination unit) 40 and the mobile terminal (specified information determination unit) 50 may have the function of setting a usage mode. Furthermore, the contents of the first list 33 and the second list 35 can be changed by the driver (Dr) operating the display unit 51 (touch panel) of the mobile terminal 50. For example, the vehicle speed information in the first list 33 can be set as specified information, and the driving diagnostic items related to brake operation in the second list 35 can be set as specified information.

[0106] Furthermore, the specified information may include multiple specified information items with different degrees of freedom for viewing by family member Fm. For example, suppose the specified information includes first specified information and second specified information. The degree of freedom for viewing the first specified information is lower than the degree of freedom for viewing the second specified information. In this case, for example, when the above-mentioned special conditions are met, the external server 30 may transmit the second specified information to the mobile terminal 40, and even if the special conditions are met, the external server 30 may not transmit the first specified information to the mobile terminal 40.

[0107] For example, system 10 can be configured such that a usage mode cannot be set, and information transmitted to mobile terminal 40 can be restricted according to predetermined rules of external server 30. That is, in this variant, the usage mode of vehicle 20 is not set to privacy mode. For example, external server 30 can transmit only general information to mobile terminal 40, without transmitting the specified information defined in the first list 33 and the second list 35. In this case, external server 30 can also transmit specified information to mobile terminal 40 when special conditions are met. Furthermore, in this case, system 10 can be configured such that display unit 41 of mobile terminal 40 displays information on danger zones included in the map data.

[0108] The terminal device used by family members Fm can be a personal computer and a monitor connected to the personal computer.

[0109] appendix

[0110] The driver monitoring device according to the invention can be any combination of the following configurations 1 to 6.

[0111] <Configuration 1> A driver monitoring device includes: a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about a vehicle based on information obtained from a vehicle driven by a person being monitored; a transmission unit that can transmit the vehicle information to a terminal device available to a person different from the person being monitored; and an information control unit that prevents the transmission unit from transmitting specified information contained in the vehicle information to the terminal device.

[0112] <Configuration 2> When the privacy mode is set to the vehicle's usage mode, the information control unit prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting the specified information to the terminal device, and when the privacy mode is canceled, it allows the transmission unit to transmit the specified information to the terminal device.

[0113] <Configuration 3> When the privacy mode is set and a danger message indicating that the person being monitored is in a dangerous situation is received, the information control unit cancels the privacy mode.

[0114] <Configuration 4> The vehicle information includes the driving diagnostic results of the person being monitored, and the information control unit allows the transmission unit to transmit at least a portion of the driving diagnostic results to the terminal device when the privacy mode is set.

[0115] <Configuration 5> When the vehicle is traveling in a predetermined first area, the information control unit prohibits the setting of the privacy mode.

[0116] <Configuration 6> The driver monitoring device further includes a specified information determination unit for determining the specified information.

[0117] Furthermore, the driver monitoring system according to the present invention can be a combination of at least one of the following configurations 7 and 1 to 6.

[0118] <Configuration 7> A driver monitoring system includes: a vehicle; an external server; and a terminal device, wherein the external server includes: a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information about the vehicle based on information obtained from the vehicle being driven by the person being monitored; a transmission unit capable of transmitting the vehicle information to the terminal device available to a person different from the person being monitored; and an information control unit that prevents the transmission unit from transmitting specified information contained in the vehicle information to the terminal device.

[0119] Furthermore, the driver monitoring method according to the present invention can be a combination of at least one of the following configurations 8 and 1 to 6.

[0120] <Configuration 8> A driver monitoring method includes: the step of obtaining vehicle information about the vehicle based on information obtained from a vehicle driven by a person being monitored; and the step of prohibiting the transmission of predetermined information contained in the vehicle information to a terminal device available to a person different from the person being monitored and allowing the transmission of the vehicle information other than the predetermined information to the terminal device.

[0121] Furthermore, the procedure according to the invention can be a combination of at least one of the following configurations 9 and 1 to 6.

[0122] <Configuration 9> A program that causes a computer to perform: a process of acquiring vehicle information about a vehicle based on information obtained from a vehicle driven by a person being monitored; and a process of prohibiting the transmission of predetermined information contained in the vehicle information to a terminal device available to a person different from the person being monitored and allowing the transmission of the vehicle information other than the predetermined information to the terminal device.

Claims

1. A driver monitoring device, characterized in that... include: A vehicle information acquisition unit acquires vehicle information about a vehicle based on information obtained from a vehicle driven by a person being monitored. A transmission unit capable of transmitting the vehicle information to a terminal device usable by a person different from the person being monitored. as well as The information control unit prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting specified information included in the vehicle information to the terminal device. Specifically, when the privacy mode is set to the vehicle's usage mode, the information control unit prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting the specified information to the terminal device, and when the privacy mode is canceled, it allows the transmission unit to transmit the specified information to the terminal device. Specifically, when the privacy mode is set and a danger message indicating that the person being monitored is in a dangerous situation is received, the information control unit cancels the privacy mode. The danger information includes at least one of the following: drowsy detection information and pre-collision safety system activation information.

2. The driver monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle information includes the driving diagnosis results of the person being monitored; and When the privacy mode is set, the information control unit allows the transmission unit to transmit at least a portion of the driving diagnostic results to the terminal device.

3. The driver monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the vehicle is traveling in a predetermined first area, the information control unit prohibits the setting of the privacy mode.

4. The driver monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... It further includes a specified information determination unit for determining the specified information.

5. A driver monitoring system, characterized in that... It includes a vehicle, an external server, and a terminal device, wherein the external server includes: A vehicle information acquisition unit acquires vehicle information about the vehicle based on information obtained from the vehicle being driven by the person being monitored. A transmission unit capable of transmitting the vehicle information to a terminal device usable by a person different from the person being monitored; and The information control unit prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting specified information included in the vehicle information to the terminal device. Specifically, when the privacy mode is set to the vehicle's usage mode, the information control unit prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting the specified information to the terminal device, and when the privacy mode is canceled, it allows the transmission unit to transmit the specified information to the terminal device. Specifically, when the privacy mode is set and a danger message indicating that the person being monitored is in a dangerous situation is received, the information control unit cancels the privacy mode. The danger information includes at least one of the following: drowsy detection information and pre-collision safety system activation information.

6. A driver monitoring method, characterized in that... include: The step of obtaining vehicle information about the vehicle based on information obtained from the vehicle being driven by the person being monitored; as well as The steps include prohibiting the transmission of specified information contained in the vehicle information to a terminal device usable by a person different from the person being monitored, and allowing the transmission of vehicle information other than the specified information to the terminal device. Specifically, when the privacy mode is set as the vehicle's usage mode, the transmission of the specified information to the terminal device is prohibited, and when the privacy mode is canceled, the transmission of the specified information to the terminal device is permitted. Specifically, when the privacy mode is set and a danger message indicating that the person being monitored is in a dangerous situation is received, the privacy mode is canceled. The danger information includes at least one of the following: drowsy detection information and pre-collision safety system activation information.

7. A program that causes a computer to perform: The process of obtaining vehicle information about a vehicle based on information obtained from a vehicle driven by a person being monitored; and The process of prohibiting the transmission of specified information contained in the vehicle information to a terminal device usable by a person other than the person being monitored, and allowing the transmission of vehicle information other than the specified information to the terminal device. in, When the privacy mode is set as the vehicle's usage mode, the transmission of the specified information to the terminal device is prohibited, and when the privacy mode is canceled, the transmission of the specified information to the terminal device is permitted. Specifically, when the privacy mode is set and a danger message indicating that the person being monitored is in a dangerous situation is received, the privacy mode is canceled. The danger information includes at least one of the following: drowsy detection information and pre-collision safety system activation information.

Images