Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing apparatus and an information processing method. The communicator receives a plurality of pieces of image data from a plurality of vehicles traveling on a plurality of roads. The execution circuit acquires an image data piece reflecting an existing vehicle among a plurality of image data pieces. An execution circuit discriminates whether the vehicle in the image now represented by the image data piece is a local vehicle or a sightseeing vehicle. The execution circuit calculates a first ratio for each of the plurality of roads based on the discrimination result. The first proportion is the proportion occupied by one or more sightseeing vehicles in one or more vehicles running on the corresponding road. The execution circuit suggests (Fig. 4) the road whose first ratio is equal to or greater than a first threshold value as a recommended road.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-332997 includes a GPS device and a data processing device. The data processing device stores road information and tourist information for each tourist spot in advance as a database. The data processing device detects the current position of the vehicle through the GPS device.

[0003] The data processing device acquires road information and sightseeing information around the current position from a database based on the current position of the vehicle, and guides the driver of the vehicle with the acquired road information and sightseeing information. Summary of the invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] Means for solving problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device can be provided. The information processing device includes a memory, a communicator, and an execution circuit. The memory is configured to store road information related to a plurality of roads set in a specific area. The specific area is predefined in a manner of having a tourist attraction and a surrounding area of ​​the tourist attraction. The communicator is configured to receive a plurality of image data slices from a plurality of vehicles. Each of the plurality of image data slices is a data slice of an image obtained by a camera mounted on each of the plurality of vehicles located in the specific area taking a picture of the surroundings of the vehicle. The plurality of image data slices are image data slices that the communicator has received from the plurality of vehicles traveling on the plurality of roads. The execution circuit obtains the image data slice in which the vehicle is reflected from the plurality of image data slices. The execution circuit analyzes the image represented by the obtained image data slice, thereby distinguishing whether the vehicle reflected in the image is a local vehicle driven by a local resident or a tourist vehicle driven by a tourist. The execution circuit calculates a first ratio for each of the plurality of roads based on the identification result of the vehicle shown on the image. The first ratio is a ratio of one or more of the sightseeing vehicles among the one or more of the vehicles traveling on the corresponding road. The execution circuit is configured to perform the following processing, namely, recommending the road whose first ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold value as a recommended road recommended for use by the tourist among the plurality of roads.

[0007] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method for executing the same processing in each process of an information processing device may be provided.

[0008] Effects of the Invention

[0009] Generally, the higher the first ratio is, the more likely the road corresponding to the first ratio is to be easily used by tourists. Therefore, according to the above configuration, roads with a first ratio greater than or equal to the first threshold, i.e., roads easily used by tourists, can be suggested as recommended roads for tourists to use.

[0010] Generally, in the surrounding area of ​​a tourist spot, there are a mixture of facilities such as roads that are easy to use for tourists visiting the tourist spot and facilities such as roads that are easy to use for local residents of the tourist spot. Therefore, for example, an autonomous group that has jurisdiction over a tourist spot has a desire to appropriately guide tourists who visit the tourist spot by car from areas outside the autonomous group to the facilities such as roads that are easy for tourists to use. The above structure helps to achieve this desire. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the information processing system.

[0012] Figure 2 For Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of a specific area in which an information processing system collects information.

[0013] Figure 3 To express Figure 1 A timing diagram of collection control in an information processing system.

[0014] Figure 4 To express Figure 1 Flowchart of update control in an information processing system.

[0015] Figure 5 To express Figure 1 A timing diagram of release control in an information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the present specification, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A”, “only B” or “both A and B”.

[0017] <General structure of information processing system>

[0018] The following, based on Figures 1 to 5 An information processing system and an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a schematic configuration of an information processing system 100 will be described.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 100 includes one or more vehicles 10, a server 50, and one or more personal terminals 70. The vehicle 10 is, for example, a car driven by a user. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , only one vehicle 10 is shown representatively.

[0020] The vehicle 10 includes a drive recorder 10A. The drive recorder 10A is a device for recording images of the surroundings of the vehicle 10 and the like. The drive recorder 10A includes a GNSS receiver 31 and a camera 32. That is, the camera 32 is mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0021] The GNSS receiver 31 detects position coordinates PC, which are coordinates of a location of the vehicle 10, by communicating with a GNSS satellite (not shown). "GNSS" is an abbreviation of Global Navigation Satellite System.

[0022] The camera 32 detects an image data piece DP, which is a data piece of an image obtained by photographing a subject. In the present embodiment, the camera 32 detects a data piece of an image of an area in front of the vehicle 10 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 as the image data piece DP. That is, the camera 32 can detect and obtain a data piece of an image of another vehicle 10 in the area in front of the vehicle 10 having the camera 32 as the image data piece DP.

[0023] The drive recorder 10A includes a vehicle control device 20 . The vehicle control device 20 acquires a signal indicating position coordinates PC indicating the position of the vehicle 10 from a GNSS receiver 31 . The vehicle control device 20 also acquires an image data piece DP from a camera 32 .

[0024] The vehicle control device 20 includes a vehicle execution device 21, a vehicle storage device 22, and a vehicle communicator 23. The vehicle communicator 23 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with external devices of the vehicle 10 via a communication network NW. The vehicle storage device 22 includes a readable ROM (Read Only Memory), a volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be read and written, and a non-volatile storage that can be read and written. The vehicle storage device 22 is a memory in which the vehicle control device 20 stores information obtained, etc. In addition, the vehicle storage device 22 stores various programs in advance. An example of the vehicle execution device 21 is a CPU. The vehicle execution device 21 is an execution circuit that executes various processes by reading the programs of the vehicle storage device 22.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 100 includes a server 50. In the present embodiment, the server 50 is managed by an autonomous group that has jurisdiction over the tourist attraction AT described later. The server 50 includes a server execution device 51, a server storage device 52, and a server communicator 53. The server communicator 53 is configured to be able to communicate with an external device of the server 50 via a communication network NW. The server storage device 52 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a storage. The server storage device 52 is a memory that stores information obtained by the server 50. In addition, the server storage device 52 stores various programs and various data in advance. The server storage device 52 stores an information processing program 52A in advance as one of the various programs. In addition, the server storage device 52 stores map data 52B and web page data 52C in advance as various data. The web page data 52C is related to the web page of the autonomous group that has jurisdiction over the tourist attraction AT. The map data 52B will be described later. An example of the server execution device 51 is a CPU. The server execution device 51 is an execution circuit that executes various processes related to the information processing device by reading the information processing program 52A of the server storage device 52. That is, the server 50 is an example of an information processing device.

[0026] like Figure 2As shown, the map data 52B is data of a map related to a specific area AS. The specific area AS is a region that is predetermined in a manner that includes a tourist attraction AT and the surrounding area of ​​the tourist attraction AT. For example, the specific area AS includes a tourist attraction AT, two roads W, and two parking lots P. In this specification, when the two roads W are collectively described, they are simply referred to as roads W. When the two roads W are described in a manner that is distinguished from each other, they are referred to as first roads WA and second roads WB. In addition, when the two parking lots P are collectively described, they are simply referred to as parking lots P. When the two parking lots P are described in a manner that is distinguished from each other, they are referred to as first parking lots PA and second parking lots PB. In this embodiment, one end of the road W is connected to the tourist attraction AT. In addition, each road W includes a first route L1 and a second route L2 as two routes L. In this embodiment, the first route L1 is a route L that is oriented in a direction close to the tourist attraction AT. In addition, the second route L2 is a route L that is oriented in a direction away from the tourist attraction AT. In other words, the first route L1 is a route L in the road W that is oriented in a first direction. In addition, the second route L2 is a route L in the road W that faces the second direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. That is, the first direction is the direction approaching the tourist attraction AT, and the second direction is the direction away from the tourist attraction AT. Figure 2 , the vehicle 10 is depicted traveling in the left lane. The first parking lot PA is adjacent to the first road WA. In addition, the second parking lot PB is adjacent to the second road WB. That is, the server storage device 52 stores road information related to the plurality of roads W (WA, WB) set in the specific area AS. Similarly, the server storage device 52 stores parking lot information related to the plurality of parking lots P (PA, PB) set in the specific area AS.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 100 includes one or more personal terminals 70. An example of the personal terminal 70 is a smartphone owned by a user of the vehicle 10. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , only one personal terminal 70 is representatively illustrated.

[0028] The personal terminal 70 includes a terminal execution device 71, a terminal storage device 72, a terminal communicator 73, and a terminal display 74. The terminal communicator 73 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with external devices of the personal terminal 70 via a communication network NW. The terminal storage device 72 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a storage. The terminal storage device 72 is a memory for storing information obtained by the personal terminal 70. In addition, the terminal storage device 72 stores various programs in advance. An example of the terminal execution device 71 is a CPU. The terminal execution device 71 is an execution circuit that executes various processes by reading the program of the terminal storage device 72. The terminal display 74 is configured to be able to display various information. In addition, the terminal display 74 is a so-called touch panel display. Therefore, the user is configured to be able to input various information via the terminal display 74.

[0029] <Collection Control>

[0030] Next, refer to Figure 3 The collection control performed by the vehicle control device 20 and the server 50 is described. The collection control is performed between one server 50 and a plurality of vehicle control devices 20. According to the collection control, the server 50 collects the collection data DC described later. In the present embodiment, the vehicle control device 20 starts the collection control according to a predetermined control cycle. An example of the control cycle of the collection control is about several milliseconds to several seconds.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle execution device 21 executes the processing of step S11 when starting the collection control. In step S11, the vehicle execution device 21 generates the latest position coordinates PC and image data slice DP acquired by the vehicle control device 20 at the processing time point of step S11 as the collection data DC. That is, the vehicle execution device 21 associates the position coordinates PC and image data slice DP acquired at the same timing with each other as the collection data DC. After step S11, the vehicle execution device 21 advances the processing to step S12.

[0032] In step S12 , the vehicle communicator 23 transmits the collected data DC to the server 50 .

[0033] The server communicator 53 receives the collected data DC transmitted from the vehicle control device 20. The server execution device 51 stores the collected data DC in the server storage device 52. After step S12, the server execution device 51 ends the current collection control.

[0034] <Update Control>

[0035] Next, refer to Figure 4Next, the update control executed by the server 50 will be described. This update control updates the web page data 52C. In the present embodiment, the server execution device 51 starts the update control according to a predetermined control cycle. An example of the control cycle of the update control is about several minutes to ten minutes.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, when the server execution device 51 starts the update control, it executes the processing of step S31. In step S31, the server execution device 51 obtains the image data piece DP showing the vehicle 10 from the plurality of image data pieces DP received by the server communicator 53 from the vehicle 10 traveling on the road W. Specifically, the server execution device 51 obtains the image data piece DP, for example, as follows. First, the server execution device 51 compares the position coordinates PC associated with the image data piece DP with the map data 52B. As a result, the server execution device 51 extracts the plurality of image data pieces DP received by the server communicator 53 from the vehicle 10 traveling on the road W from the plurality of image data pieces DP stored in the server storage device 52. Next, the server execution device 51 analyzes the image represented by the image data piece DP for each of the extracted plurality of image data pieces DP, thereby determining whether the vehicle 10 is shown in the image. For example, the server execution device 51 can determine whether the vehicle 10 is shown in the image by performing a known image analysis process. When the server execution device 51 determines that the vehicle 10 is shown in the image, after step S31 in which the server execution device 51 acquires the image data piece DP corresponding to the image showing the vehicle 10 , the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S32 .

[0037] In step S32, the server execution device 51 determines whether the vehicle 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP obtained in step S31 is a local vehicle driven by a local resident or a sightseeing vehicle driven by a tourist. Specifically, the server execution device 51 analyzes the image represented by the image data piece DP, and determines that the vehicle 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP is a sightseeing vehicle driven by a tourist when at least one of the following sightseeing requirements (1) and (2) is satisfied. On the other hand, the server execution device 51 analyzes the image represented by the image data piece DP, and determines that the vehicle 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP is a local vehicle driven by a local resident when neither one of the following sightseeing requirements (1) nor (2) is satisfied. When there are a plurality of vehicles 10 appearing in the image represented by the image data piece DP acquired in step S31 , in step S32 , the server execution device 51 performs the above-mentioned identification for each vehicle 10 appearing in the image represented by the image data piece DP.

[0038] Sightseeing requirement (1): The area name displayed on the license plate of the vehicle 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP is different from the area name corresponding to the specific area AS.

[0039] Sightseeing requirement (2): The characters indicating the purpose of use displayed on the license plate of the vehicle 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP are characters indicating that the vehicle 10 is for private car rental.

[0040] For example, assume that the specific area AS is a part of Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. In this case, the area name corresponding to the specific area AS is "Toyota". In addition, the text indicating the vehicle 10 used for private car rental is "わ" (Japanese Hiragana) or "れ" (Japanese Hiragana). When the area name displayed on the license plate of the vehicle 10 reflected in the image represented by the image data piece DP is not "Toyota", the server execution device 51 determines that the sightseeing requirement (1) is satisfied. In addition, when the text indicating the purpose displayed on the license plate of the vehicle 10 reflected in the image represented by the image data piece DP is "わ" (Japanese Hiragana) or "れ" (Japanese Hiragana), the server execution device 51 determines that the sightseeing requirement (2) is satisfied. After step S32, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S33.

[0041] In step S33, the server execution device 51 calculates the first ratio R1 based on the identification result of step S32, that is, the identification result of the vehicle 10 projected on the image represented by the image data piece DP. Here, the first ratio R1 is the ratio of sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the multiple vehicles 10 traveling on the road W from the processing time point of step S33 to a predetermined period of time. An example of the predetermined period of step S33 is about ten to several dozen days. In addition, the server execution device 51 calculates the first ratio R1 for each of the multiple roads W set in the specific area AS. Therefore, the first ratio R1 of each road W is expressed by the following formula (1).

[0042] Formula (1): First ratio R1 = (the total number of vehicles 10 identified as sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists in step S32 for the target road W) / (the total number of vehicles 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP in step S31 for the target road W) × 100.

[0043] After step S33, the server execution device 51 advances the process to step S34.

[0044] In step S34, the server execution device 51 determines whether the first ratio R1 is greater than a predetermined first threshold RT1 for each of the plurality of roads W provided in the specific area AS. Here, the first threshold RT1 is a threshold for determining whether there are many sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists for the target road W. The first threshold RT1 is predetermined for each target road W through experiments and simulations. An example of the first threshold RT1 is several tens of percent. After step S34, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S41.

[0045] In step S41, the server execution device 51 obtains the image data piece DP showing the vehicle 10 from among the plurality of image data pieces DP that the server communicator 53 has received from the parked vehicles located in the parking lot P. Specifically, the server execution device 51 obtains the image data piece DP, for example, as follows. The server execution device 51 compares the position coordinates PC associated with the image data piece DP with the map data 52B, thereby extracting the plurality of image data pieces DP that the server communicator 53 has received from the parked vehicles located in the parking lot P from among the plurality of image data pieces DP stored in the server storage device 52. Next, the server execution device 51 analyzes the image represented by the image data piece DP for each of the extracted plurality of image data pieces DP, thereby determining whether the vehicle 10 is shown in the image. When the server execution device 51 has determined that the vehicle 10 is shown in the image, the server execution device 51 obtains the image data piece DP corresponding to the image. After step S41, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S42.

[0046] In step S42, the server execution device 51 determines whether the vehicle 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP obtained in step S41 is a local vehicle driven by a local resident or a sightseeing vehicle driven by a tourist. The processing of step S42 is the same as the processing of step S32 described above. After step S42, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S43.

[0047] In step S43, the server execution device 51 calculates the second ratio R2 based on the identification result of step S42, that is, the identification result of the vehicle 10 projected on the image represented by the image data piece DP. Here, the second ratio R2 is the ratio of sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the multiple parked vehicles located in the parking lot P during the period from the processing time point of step S43 to a predetermined period of time. An example of the predetermined period of step S43 is about ten days to several dozen days. In addition, the server execution device 51 calculates the second ratio R2 for each of the multiple parking lots P set in the specific area AS. Therefore, the second ratio R2 of each parking lot P is expressed by the following formula (2).

[0048] Formula (2): Second ratio R2 = (the total number of vehicles 10 identified as sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists in step S42 for the target parking lot P) / (the total number of vehicles 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP in step S41 for the target parking lot P) × 100.

[0049] After step S43, the server execution device 51 advances the process to step S44.

[0050] In step S44, the server execution device 51 determines whether the second ratio R2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold RT2 for each of the plurality of parking lots P provided in the specific area AS. Here, the second threshold RT2 is a threshold for determining whether there are many sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists for the parking lot P set as the target. The second threshold RT2 is predetermined for each parking lot P set as the target through experiments and simulations, etc. An example of the second threshold RT2 is several tens of percent. After step S44, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S51.

[0051] In step S51, the server execution device 51 determines whether congestion has occurred on each of the multiple roads W set in the specific area AS. For example, the server execution device 51 determines whether congestion has occurred on the road W based on the shift of the multiple position coordinates PC received by the server communicator 53 from the multiple vehicles 10 traveling on the road W. As a specific example, the server execution device 51 determines that congestion has occurred on the road W when the average value of the movement amount of the multiple position coordinates PC from the processing time point of step S51 to a predetermined fixed period is less than a predetermined predetermined movement amount. An example of a fixed period is about several minutes to several tens of minutes. In step S51, when the server execution device 51 has determined that congestion has not occurred on the multiple roads W set in the specific area AS (S51: No), the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S71 described later. On the other hand, in step S51 , when the server execution device 51 determines that congestion has occurred on one or more roads W among the plurality of roads W provided in the specific area AS ( S51 : Yes), the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S61 .

[0052] In step S61, when a traffic jam occurs on the road W, the server execution device 51 obtains an image data piece DP showing the existing vehicle 10 from among the plurality of image data pieces DP received by the server communicator 53 from the vehicle 10 involved in the traffic jam. Specifically, the server execution device 51 obtains the image data piece DP, for example, as follows. First, the server execution device 51 compares the position coordinates PC associated with the image data piece DP with the road W determined to have been trafficked in step S51, thereby obtaining the plurality of image data pieces DP received by the server communicator 53 from the vehicle 10 involved in the traffic jam from among the plurality of image data pieces DP stored in the server storage device 52. Next, the server execution device 51 analyzes the image represented by the image data piece DP for each of the plurality of extracted image data pieces DP, thereby determining whether the vehicle 10 is shown in the image. When the server execution device 51 determines that the existing vehicle 10 is shown in the image, the server execution device 51 obtains the image data piece DP corresponding to the image. After step S61, the server execution device 51 advances the process to step S62.

[0053] In step S62, the server execution device 51 determines whether the vehicle 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP obtained in step S61 is a local vehicle driven by a local resident or a sightseeing vehicle driven by a tourist. The processing of step S62 is the same as the processing of step S32 described above. After step S62, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S63.

[0054] In step S63, the server execution device 51 calculates the third ratio R3 based on the identification result of step S62, that is, the identification result of the vehicle 10 projected on the image represented by the image data piece DP. Here, the third ratio R3 is the ratio of sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the multiple vehicles 10 involved in the congestion from the processing time point of step S63 to before the predetermined standard period. An example of the standard period of step S63 is about several minutes to more than ten minutes. Therefore, the standard period of step S63 is shorter than the prescribed period of step S33. That is, compared with the case where the standard period of step S63 and the prescribed period of step S33 are the same, the third ratio R3 reflects the situation of the period close to the processing time of step S63. In addition, the server execution device 51 calculates the third ratio R3 for each road W where congestion occurs. Therefore, the third ratio R3 of each road W is expressed by the following formula (3).

[0055] Formula (3): Third ratio R3 = (the total number of vehicles 10 identified as sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists for the target road W in step S62) / (the total number of vehicles 10 shown in the image represented by the image data piece DP for the target road W in step S61)×100.

[0056] After step S63, the server execution device 51 advances the process to step S64.

[0057] In step S64, the server execution device 51 determines whether the calculated third ratio R3 is greater than a predetermined third threshold RT3 for each road W where congestion occurs. Here, the third threshold RT3 is a threshold for determining whether there are many sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists for the target road W. The third threshold RT3 is predetermined for each target road W through experiments and simulations. An example of the third threshold RT3 is several tens of percent. After step S64, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S71.

[0058] In step S71, the server execution device 51 calculates the first route ratio LR1 based on the identification result of step S32, that is, the identification result of the vehicle 10 shown on the image represented by the image data piece DP. Here, the first route ratio LR1 is the ratio of the sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the plurality of vehicles 10 traveling on the first route L1 in the road W from the processing time point of step S71 to the predetermined standard period. In addition, the server execution device 51 calculates the second route ratio LR2 based on the identification result of step S32, that is, the identification result of the vehicle 10 shown on the image represented by the image data piece DP. Here, the second route ratio LR2 is the ratio of the sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the plurality of vehicles 10 traveling on the second route L2 in the road W from the processing time point of step S71 to the predetermined standard period. In the present embodiment, an example of the standard period of step S71 is about several minutes to more than ten minutes. Therefore, the standard period of step S71 is shorter than the prescribed period of step S33. That is, compared with the case where the standard period of step S71 is the same as the prescribed period of step S33, the first route ratio LR1 and the second route ratio LR2 reflect the situation of the period close to the processing time point of step S71. The server execution device 51 calculates the first route ratio LR1 and the second route ratio LR2 for each of the plurality of roads W set in the specific area AS. After step S71, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S76.

[0059] In step S76, the server execution device 51 analyzes the image represented by the image data piece DP, thereby identifying whether a predetermined specific mark is attached to the vehicle 10 among the vehicles 10 that have been identified as sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists in step S32. Here, the specific mark is a predetermined mark that can be attached to the vehicle 10 and is used to identify the occupants of the vehicle 10. An example of the specific mark is a novice driver mark, that is, a so-called beginner mark. After step S76, the server execution device 51 advances the processing to step S77.

[0060] In step S77, the server execution device 51 calculates the specific ratio SR based on the identification result of step S76, that is, the identification result of the vehicle 10 projected on the image represented by the image data piece DP. Here, the specific ratio SR is the ratio of vehicles 10 with specific logos affixed among the multiple vehicles 10 that have been identified as sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists in step S32 during the period from the processing time point of step S76 to a predetermined period of time. An example of the prescribed period of step S77 is about ten days to several dozen days. In addition, the server execution device 51 calculates the specific ratio SR for each of the multiple roads W set in the specific area AS. Therefore, the specific ratio SR of each road W is expressed by the following formula (4).

[0061] Formula (4): Specific ratio SR = (the total number of vehicles 10 identified as having specific signs affixed to the target road W in step S76) / (the total number of vehicles 10 identified as sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists in step S32 for the target road W)×100.

[0062] After step S77, the server execution device 51 advances the process to step S81.

[0063] In step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C based on the judgment result of step S34, the judgment result of step S44, the judgment result of step S64 and the calculation result of step S71. Figure 2As shown, the web page data 52C includes a web page on which a map showing a specific area AS is posted. For example, it is assumed that in step S34, the server execution device 51 has determined that the first ratio R1 of the first road WA is greater than or equal to the first threshold RT1. In this case, in step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding a message such as "Recommended for tourists to use" to the first road WA on the map showing the specific area AS on the web page. In other words, the server execution device 51 recommends the road W whose first ratio R1 is greater than or equal to the first threshold RT1 among the plurality of roads W as a recommended road recommended for tourists to use. In addition, it is assumed that, for example, the server execution device 51 has determined that the second ratio R2 of the first parking lot PA is greater than or equal to the second threshold RT2 in step S44. In this case, in step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding a message such as "Recommended for tourists to use" to the first parking lot PA on the map showing the specific area AS. In other words, the server execution device 51 recommends the parking lot P of the plurality of parking lots P whose second ratio R2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold RT2 as a recommended parking lot recommended for use by the tourist. For example, it is assumed that the server execution device 51 has determined in step S64 that the third ratio R3 of the first road WA is greater than or equal to the third threshold RT3. In this case, in step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding a message such as "congestion is occurring due to a large number of tourists visiting the tourist spot AT" to the first road WA on the map showing the specific area AS on the web page. In other words, when the third ratio R3 of the road W is greater than or equal to the third threshold RT3, the server execution device 51 notifies the tourist of information indicating that congestion is occurring due to the tourists visiting the tourist spot AT. In step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding the first route ratio LR1 in step S71 to the first route L1 of the first road WA on the map showing the specific area AS on the web page. Furthermore, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding the second route ratio LR2 in step S71 to the second route L2 of the first road WA on the map representing the specific area AS on the web page. In other words, the server execution device 51 notifies the first route ratio LR1 and the second route ratio LR2 to the tourist. After step S81, the server execution device 51 ends the update control of this time.

[0064] <Release Control>

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 5The publishing control performed by the server 50 and the personal terminal 70 will be described. The publishing control is performed between one server 50 and a plurality of personal terminals 70. The publishing control is a control for sending the web page data 52C from the server 50 to the personal terminal 70. In the present embodiment, the personal terminal 70 starts the publishing control every time the user requests the publishing of the web page data 52C via the terminal display 74. An example of the operation of the user requesting the publishing of the web page data 52C is the operation of accessing the web page of the autonomous group that has jurisdiction over the tourist attraction AT in a web browser.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, when the terminal execution device 71 starts the distribution control, it executes the process of step S91. In step S91, the terminal communicator 73 transmits a signal to the server 50 requesting the transmission of the web page data 52C.

[0067] The server communicator 53 receives the web page data transmission request signal transmitted from the personal terminal 70. After step S91, the server execution device 51 advances the process to step S92.

[0068] In step S92 , the server communicator 53 transmits the web page data 52C to the personal terminal 50 .

[0069] The terminal communicator 73 receives the web page data 52C transmitted from the server 50. The terminal execution device 71 displays the web page on which the map showing the specific area AS is posted based on the web page data 52C on the terminal display 74. After step S92, the terminal execution device 71 ends the current distribution control.

[0070] <Function of this embodiment>

[0071] like Figure 4As shown, in steps S31 to S33, the server execution device 51 calculates the ratio of sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the plurality of vehicles 10 traveling on the road W, that is, the first ratio R1. Next, in step S34, the server execution device 51 determines whether the first ratio R1 is greater than or equal to the first threshold RT1 that is predetermined for each of the plurality of roads W set in the specific area AS. Here, it can be inferred that the road W for which the first ratio R1 is greater than or equal to the first threshold RT1 is a road W that is easy for tourists to drive the vehicle 10 when traveling to and from the sightseeing area AT. For example, it is assumed that the server execution device 51 has determined in step S34 that the first ratio R1 of the first road WA is greater than or equal to the first threshold RT1. In this case, in step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C in a manner such that a message "recommended for tourists to use" is added to the first road WA on the map showing the specific area AS on the web page. In other words, the server execution device 51 recommends the road W for which the first ratio R1 is equal to or greater than the first threshold RT1 among the plurality of roads W as a recommended road recommended for use by the tourist.

[0072] <Effects of the present embodiment>

[0073] (1) Generally, the higher the first ratio R1 is, the more likely the road W corresponding to the first ratio R1 is to be used by tourists. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the road W having the first ratio R1 being greater than the first threshold RT1 can be suggested as a recommended road for tourists to use.

[0074] (2) In steps S41 to S43, the server execution device 51 calculates the ratio of sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the plurality of vehicles 10 located in the parking lot P, that is, the second ratio R2. Next, in step S44, the server execution device 51 determines whether the second ratio R2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined second threshold RT2 for each of the plurality of parking lots P provided in the specific area AS. Here, it can be inferred that the parking lot P whose second ratio R2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold RT2 is a parking lot P that is convenient for tourists to park their vehicles 10. For example, it is assumed that the server execution device 51 has determined in step S44 that the second ratio R2 of the first parking lot PA is greater than or equal to the second threshold RT2. In this case, in step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding a message "recommended for tourists to use" to the first parking lot PA on the map representing the specific area AS. In other words, the server execution device 51 recommends the parking lot P for which the second ratio R2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold RT2 among the plurality of parking lots P as a recommended parking lot recommended for use by the tourist.

[0075] Generally, the higher the second ratio R2 is, the more likely the parking lot P corresponding to the second ratio R2 is to be used by tourists. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the parking lot P having the second ratio R2 being greater than the second threshold RT2 can be suggested as a recommended parking lot for tourists to use.

[0076] (3) In steps S51 to S63, the server execution device 51 calculates the third ratio R3, which is the ratio of tourist vehicles driven by tourists among the plurality of vehicles 10 involved in the traffic jam. Next, in step S64, the server execution device 51 determines whether the third ratio R3 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value RT3 that is predetermined in advance for each road W where the traffic jam occurs. For example, it is assumed that the server execution device 51 has determined in step S64 that the third ratio R3 of the first road WA is equal to or greater than the third threshold value RT3. In this case, in step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding a message such as "a large number of tourists are visiting the tourist spot AT, so a traffic jam is occurring." to the first road WA on the map showing the specific area AS on the web page. In other words, when the third ratio R3 of the road W is equal to or greater than the third threshold value RT3, the server execution device 51 notifies the tourist of information indicating that a traffic jam is occurring due to the tourists visiting the tourist spot AT.

[0077] For example, when congestion occurs due to sightseeing vehicles of tourists using the road W, the possibility of temporary congestion is higher than when congestion occurs only due to local vehicles of local residents. According to this embodiment, tourists can grasp information indicating that congestion has occurred on the road W due to the arrival of a large number of tourists. As a result, tourists can decide their sightseeing schedule in consideration of the congestion caused by tourists that is likely to occur temporarily. Specifically, tourists can decide their sightseeing schedule in such a way as to delay the time of passing through the congested road W by, for example, extending the stay period at the sightseeing spot AT.

[0078] (4) In step S71, the server execution device 51 calculates the first route ratio LR1, which is the ratio of sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the plurality of vehicles 10 traveling on the first route L1 in the road W. In addition, the server execution device 51 calculates the second route ratio LR2, which is the ratio of sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists among the plurality of vehicles 10 traveling on the second route L2 in the road W. In step S81, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding the first route ratio LR1 in step S71 to the first route L1 of the first road WA on the map representing the specific area AS on the web page. In addition, the server execution device 51 updates the web page data 52C by adding the second route ratio LR2 in step S71 to the second route L2 of the first road WA on the map representing the specific area AS on the web page. In other words, the server execution device 51 notifies the tourists of the first route ratio LR1 and the second route ratio LR2.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the first route L1 is the route L to the tourist attraction AT. In addition, the second route L2 is the route L leaving the tourist attraction AT. Therefore, the larger the first route ratio LR1 is relative to the second route ratio LR2, the more likely the number of tourists at the tourist attraction AT will increase. According to the present embodiment, tourists can grasp the increase or decrease in the number of tourists at the tourist attraction AT by considering the first route ratio LR1 and the second route ratio LR2.

[0080] (5) In step S76 and step S77, the server execution device 51 calculates the specific ratio SR, which is the ratio of vehicles 10 with specific signs affixed to the plurality of vehicles 10 identified as sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists. Therefore, for example, the autonomous body that manages the server 50 can grasp the ratio of occupants of vehicles 10 with specific signs affixed to the plurality of sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists, that is, the ratio of tourists who are not accustomed to driving the vehicle 10 as indicated by the beginner driver sign. By grasping the ratio of tourists with specific signs affixed to the vehicles 10 in the above manner, the autonomous body that manages the server 50 can enrich the facilities that match the tourists.

[0081] <Change example>

[0082] This embodiment can be implemented by being modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0083] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the update control may be changed.

[0084] For example, in step S32, the elements used for identification may also be changed. As a specific example, in step S32, a total of two elements, namely, sightseeing element (1) and sightseeing element (2), may not be used. For example, only sightseeing element (1) may be used. Similarly, in step S42, the elements used for identification may also be changed. In addition, the elements used for identification in step S42 may be different from the elements used for identification in step S32. In addition, the above aspects are also the same for the elements used for identification in step S62.

[0085] For example, the processing of step S41 to step S44 may be omitted. As a specific example, if the necessity of recommending a recommended parking lot for tourists to use is low, the processing of step S41 to step S44 may be omitted.

[0086] For example, in step S51 , the structure for determining whether congestion has occurred on the road W may be changed. As a specific example, the server execution device 51 may determine whether congestion has occurred on the road W by acquiring information from a road traffic information communication system outside the server 50 .

[0087] For example, the processing of steps S61 to S64 may be omitted. As a specific example, if there is little need to notify tourists that congestion has occurred due to their visit to the tourist site AT, the processing of steps S61 to S64 may be omitted.

[0088] For example, the process of step S71 may be omitted. As a specific example, if the necessity of notifying the first route ratio LR1 and the second route ratio LR2 to tourists is low, the process of step S71 may be omitted.

[0089] For example, the specific flag to be used in step S76 and step S77 may be changed. As a specific example, the specific flag is not limited to the novice driver flag, and may be an elderly driver flag, a flag indicating that the occupants of the vehicle 10 include children, and the like.

[0090] For example, the processing of step S76 and step S77 may be changed. The server execution device 51 may calculate, as the specific ratio SR, the ratio of vehicles 10 having specific signs affixed thereto among the plurality of vehicles 10 identified as sightseeing vehicles driven by tourists in step S42.

[0091] For example, the processing of step S76 and step S77 may be omitted. As a specific example, if the need to grasp the proportion of tourists in the vehicle 10 having the specific sign affixed thereto is low, the processing of step S76 and step S77 may be omitted.

[0092] The vehicle execution device 21, the server execution device 51, and the terminal execution device 71 may also be structures that respectively include a CPU and a ROM and execute software processing. These execution devices are not limited to this structure. In other words, the various execution devices only need to be any one of the following structures (a), (b), and (c).

[0093] (a) The execution device has one or more processors that execute various processes according to the computer program. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores program codes or instructions configured so that the CPU executes a process, such as an information provision process. The memory, i.e., a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium, includes all available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0094] (b) The execution device has one or more dedicated hardware circuits for executing various processes. As dedicated hardware circuits, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit, i.e., ASIC or FPGA, can be cited. In addition, ASIC is the abbreviation of "Application Specific Integrated Circuit", and FPGA is the abbreviation of "Field Programmable Gate Array".

[0095] (c) The execution device includes a processor that executes a part of various processes according to the computer program, and a dedicated hardware circuit that executes the remaining processes of the various processes.

Claims

1. An information processing device, wherein: The information processing device includes a memory, a communicator, and an execution circuit. The memory is configured to store road information related to a plurality of roads provided in a specific area, the specific area being predetermined to include a tourist spot and a surrounding area of ​​the tourist spot. The communicator is configured to receive a plurality of image data pieces from a plurality of vehicles, the plurality of image data pieces being data pieces of images obtained by photographing the surroundings of each of the plurality of vehicles located in the specific area using a camera mounted on each of the plurality of vehicles, the plurality of image data pieces being image data pieces that the communicator has received from the plurality of vehicles traveling on the plurality of roads, The execution circuit is configured to execute the following processing, namely: obtaining the image data slice in which the vehicle is shown from among the plurality of image data slices; By analyzing the image represented by the acquired image data piece, it is possible to distinguish whether the vehicle shown in the image is a local vehicle driven by a local resident or a sightseeing vehicle driven by a tourist; Based on the identification result of the vehicle shown on the image, a first ratio is calculated for each of the plurality of roads, the first ratio being the ratio of one or more sightseeing vehicles among the one or more vehicles traveling on the corresponding road; Among the plurality of roads, the road for which the first ratio is equal to or greater than a first threshold value is suggested as a recommended road recommended for use by the tourist.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The memory stores parking lot information related to a plurality of parking lots provided in the specific area. The execution circuit is configured to execute the following processing, namely: From among the plurality of image data pieces received by the communicator from the vehicles located in the plurality of parking lots, obtaining the image data piece in which the vehicle is shown; By analyzing the image represented by the acquired image data piece, it is determined whether the vehicle shown in the image is the local vehicle or the sightseeing vehicle; Based on the identification result of the vehicle shown on the image, a second ratio is calculated for each of the plurality of parking lots, the second ratio being the ratio of one or more of the sightseeing vehicles among the plurality of vehicles located in the corresponding parking lot, Among the plurality of parking lots, the parking lot corresponding to which the second ratio is equal to or greater than a second threshold value is suggested as a recommended parking lot recommended for use by the tourist.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The execution circuit is configured to execute the following processing, namely: When congestion occurs on the road, the communication device obtains the image data slice showing the existing vehicle from among the plurality of image data slices received from the plurality of vehicles involved in the congestion; By analyzing the image represented by the acquired image data piece, it is determined whether the vehicle shown in the image is the local vehicle or the sightseeing vehicle; calculating a third ratio based on the identification result of the vehicle shown on the image, the third ratio being the ratio of one or more sightseeing vehicles among the plurality of vehicles involved in the traffic jam; When the calculated third ratio is equal to or greater than a third threshold value, information indicating that the congestion has occurred on the road because a plurality of tourists are visiting the tourist spot is notified to the plurality of tourists.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The execution circuit is configured to execute the following processing, namely: Calculating a first route ratio based on the identification result of the vehicle shown on the image, wherein the first route ratio is a ratio of one or more sightseeing vehicles among a plurality of vehicles traveling on a first route in a first direction on the road; Calculating a second route ratio based on the identification result of the vehicle shown on the image, the second route ratio being a ratio of one or more sightseeing vehicles among a plurality of vehicles traveling on a second route in a second direction on the road, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; The first route ratio and the second route ratio are notified to one or more tourists.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The specific mark can be attached to the vehicle and is predetermined for the purpose of identifying the occupants of the vehicle. The execution circuit is configured to further execute the following processing, namely: From among the plurality of image data pieces received by the communicator from one or more vehicles located in the specific area, obtaining the image data piece showing the vehicle; By analyzing the image represented by the acquired image data piece, it is possible to distinguish whether the vehicle shown in the image is the local vehicle or the sightseeing vehicle; A specific ratio is calculated, wherein the specific ratio is the ratio of vehicles having the specific logo affixed thereto among the plurality of vehicles identified as the sightseeing vehicles.

6. An information processing method, wherein: The following processing is available, namely: storing, in a memory of the information processing device, road information related to a plurality of roads provided in a specific area, the specific area being predetermined in a manner including a tourist spot and a surrounding area of ​​the tourist spot; receiving a plurality of image data pieces from a plurality of vehicles through a communicator of the information processing device, the plurality of image data pieces being data pieces of images obtained by a camera mounted on each of the plurality of vehicles located in the specific area photographing the surroundings of the vehicle, the plurality of image data pieces being image data pieces received by the communicator from the plurality of vehicles traveling on the plurality of roads, acquiring, by the execution circuit of the information processing device, the image data slice in which the vehicle is shown from among the plurality of image data slices; By analyzing the image represented by the acquired image data slice using the execution circuit, it is possible to distinguish whether the vehicle shown in the image is a local vehicle driven by a local resident or a sightseeing vehicle driven by a tourist; Calculating a first ratio for each of the plurality of roads by the execution circuit based on the identification result of the vehicle projected on the image, the first ratio being the ratio of one or more sightseeing vehicles among the one or more vehicles traveling on the corresponding road; The execution circuit recommends, among the plurality of roads, the road for which the first ratio is equal to or greater than a first threshold value as a recommended road recommended for use by the tourist.

Images