Information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing an information processing device capable of appropriately evaluating a failure risk level in a vehicle. The information processing device is mounted on a vehicle. An information processing device includes a processing circuit and a storage device. The processing circuit acquires the number of times of operation of the wiper, which is data related to the amount of immersion in the vehicle, from the vehicle at a predetermined cycle. The processing circuit obtains the water immersion amount of the vehicle based on the working times of the windscreen wiper. The processing circuit acquires vehicle parking period data, which is data indicating a vehicle parking period. The processing circuit acquires position information, which is information indicating the position of the vehicle, at a predetermined cycle. The storage device stores information related to an external environment of the vehicle. The processing circuit evaluates a failure risk level, which is a degree to which a failure may occur in the vehicle, on the basis of the water immersion amount, the data during parking of the vehicle, the position information, and the information relating to the external environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device mounted on a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] If salt adheres to a vehicle, it can cause salt damage such as rust or corrosion. Patent Document 1 discloses a salt damage assessment system that evaluates the salt damage risk to a vehicle based on the vehicle's location information and a salt damage risk map representing the degree of salt damage risk at various locations.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-141010 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accelerated corrosion within a vehicle can be a cause of vehicle malfunction. That is, the degree of corrosion accumulation within a vehicle can be considered a failure risk. To properly assess the extent to which a malfunction may occur within a vehicle, i.e., the failure risk level, in addition to the vehicle's location information and external environment-related information such as salt damage risk maps, more appropriate data reflecting the vehicle's condition is needed.

[0005] The information processing device for solving the above-mentioned problems is an information processing device mounted on a vehicle, comprising a processing circuit and a storage device. The processing circuit acquires data related to the vehicle's water immersion volume from the vehicle at predetermined intervals. The processing circuit acquires the water immersion volume of the vehicle based on the data related to the water immersion volume. The processing circuit acquires data representing the period during which the vehicle was parked, i.e., vehicle parking period data. The processing circuit acquires information representing the vehicle's location at predetermined intervals, i.e., location information. The storage device stores information related to the vehicle's external environment. Based on the water immersion volume, the vehicle parking period data, the location information, and the information related to the external environment, the processing circuit evaluates the degree to which a malfunction may occur in the vehicle, i.e., the malfunction risk level.

[0006] Invention Effects

[0007] The aforementioned information processing device is capable of appropriately evaluating the fault risk level in a vehicle equipped with the information processing device. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a vehicle equipped with an information processing device according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example of the relationship between the number of wiper cycles stored in the storage device and the amount of water the vehicle was submerged in.

[0010] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates a series of processes performed by the processing circuit to evaluate the amount of water immersion in the vehicle.

[0011] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates a series of processes performed by the processing circuit to evaluate the vehicle's parking period and the period during which the vehicle remains in a high-risk area.

[0012] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates a series of processes performed by the processing circuit to determine whether to notify the system of recommended maintenance based on the vehicle's fault risk level.

[0013] Figure 6 It means by Figure 1 The table shows an example of a fault risk level assessment performed by the processing circuit shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 6 An embodiment of an information processing device mounted on a vehicle will be described.

[0015] <Structure of Information Processing Device 10 and Vehicle 100>

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing device 10 includes a processing circuit 11 that executes programs to perform various processes and a storage device 12 that stores programs. The processing circuit 11 includes a processor. The information processing device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 100.

[0017] In addition to the information processing device 10, the vehicle 100 also includes a communication device 13, a display 14, an ignition switch 15, a location information acquisition system 16, a windshield wiper control system 17, windshield wipers 18, and a water immersion sensor 19. The information processing device 10, communication device 13, display 14, ignition switch 15, location information acquisition system 16, windshield wiper control system 17, and water immersion sensor 19 are interconnected via an in-vehicle network 20.

[0018] The communication device 13 is installed as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof. The display 14 functions as a display unit for showing information to the user of the vehicle 100.

[0019] The ignition switch 15 is used to switch between the start and stop states of the vehicle 100. The ignition switch 15 is turned on or off by the user of the vehicle 100. If the ignition switch 15 is turned on, the vehicle 100 is in the start state. If the ignition switch 15 is turned off, the vehicle 100 is in the stop state. The information processing device 10 stores the times when the ignition switch 15 is turned on and off in the storage device 12.

[0020] The location information acquisition system 16 acquires the location information of the vehicle 100 at predetermined intervals. The location information acquisition system 16 outputs the acquired location information of the vehicle 100 to the vehicle network 20. The information processing device 10 acquires the location information of the vehicle 100 output by the location information acquisition system 16 via the vehicle network 20. The location information acquisition system 16 is not limited to a specific system. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology, etc., can be used as the location information acquisition system 16.

[0021] The windshield wiper control system 17 controls the windshield wipers 18 used to wipe raindrops adhering to the windows of the vehicle 100. The windshield wiper control system 17 includes a drive unit that drives the windshield wipers 18. The drive unit includes a motor and a linkage mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor into the reciprocating motion of the windshield wipers 18. The windshield wipers 18 reciprocate between a stop position and a return position by being driven by the drive unit. The windshield wiper control system 17 counts the number of times the windshield wipers 18 operate. If the windshield wipers 18 reciprocate once between the stop position and the return position, the windshield wiper control system 17 increments the count of the number of times the windshield wipers 18 operate by 1. When the ignition switch 15 is turned off, the windshield wiper control system 17 resets the count of the number of times the windshield wipers 18 operate to 0.

[0022] The wiper control system 17 outputs the counted number of wiper operations 18 to the vehicle network 20. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 obtains the number of wiper operations 18 output by the wiper control system 17 via the vehicle network 20.

[0023] The water immersion sensor 19 is a sensor installed on the vehicle 100. The water immersion sensor 19 is installed on the underside of the vehicle 100. The water immersion sensor 19 can also be installed at a location other than the underside of the vehicle 100. If the water immersion sensor 19 detects water immersion, it outputs a detection signal indicating that the vehicle is submerged to the vehicle network 20. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires the detection signal output by the water immersion sensor 19 via the vehicle network 20.

[0024] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10, which acquires the detection signal output by the water immersion sensor 19, changes the water immersion flag SUB from "0" to "1". The water immersion flag SUB indicates whether the vehicle 100 has been submerged. A water immersion flag SUB of "0" indicates that the vehicle 100 has never been submerged. A water immersion flag SUB of "1" indicates that the vehicle 100 has been submerged. The water immersion flag SUB set to "1" remains at "1" until it is reset. When the vehicle 100 undergoes maintenance, the water immersion flag SUB is reset to "0".

[0025] The immersion sensor 19 is a conductive sensor having a circuit with a pair of electrodes that are insulated from each other. When the pair of electrodes are submerged and the circuit is open, the immersion sensor 19 outputs a detection signal to the vehicle network 20 indicating that the vehicle 100 is submerged.

[0026] The immersion sensor 19 is not limited to a conductive sensor. The immersion sensor 19 can be a pressure sensor that detects water pressure. The immersion sensor 19 can be an optical sensor that detects water around the sensor by using the reflection or refraction of light.

[0027] The information processing device 10 acquires information related to the external environment of the vehicle 100 via the communication device 13 and a wireless communication line (not shown). The storage device 12 of the information processing device 10 stores the information related to the external environment. This information includes the distance of the vehicle 100 from the coastline, meteorological information such as precipitation in the area where the vehicle 100 is traveling, and the status of de-icing agent usage in the area where the vehicle 100 is traveling.

[0028] <Setting the FLF (Fluorescence Scale) for Immersion>

[0029] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires data related to the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100 at predetermined intervals. The processing circuit 11 also acquires the number of times the windshield wipers 18 operate as data related to the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100. The greater the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100 caused by rainfall, the more times the windshield wipers 18 operate. Therefore, the number of times the windshield wipers 18 operate can be considered as data related to the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 The relationship between the number of wiper 18 operations, which is data related to the water immersion amount FL, and the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100 is explained. Figure 2 This is a graph where the number of wiper cycles 18, which is data related to the water immersion amount FL, is set as the horizontal axis, and the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100 is set as the vertical axis. Storage device 12 stores... Figure 2 The diagram shown.

[0031] The solid line L1 represents the relationship between the number of wiper strokes 18 and the amount of water immersed in the vehicle 100 (FL) when the water immersion indicator SUB is "0". The dashed line L2 represents the relationship between the number of wiper strokes 18 and the amount of water immersed in the vehicle 100 (FL) when the water immersion indicator SUB is "1". When the water immersion indicator SUB is "0" and the number of wiper strokes 18 is "X", the processing circuit 11 determines the amount of water immersed in the vehicle 100 (FL) as "Y1" by referring to the solid line L1. When the water immersion indicator SUB is "1" and the number of wiper strokes 18 is "X", the processing circuit 11 determines the amount of water immersed in the vehicle 100 (FL) as "Y2" by referring to the dashed line L2. "Y2" is a value larger than "Y1". When the water immersion indicator SUB is "1", the processing circuit 11 will determine that the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100 is greater than that when the water immersion indicator SUB is "0", even if the number of wiper 18 operations is the same.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the process by which processing circuit 11 acquires the water immersion amount FL of vehicle 100 based on data correlated with the water immersion amount FL of vehicle 100. Processing circuit 11 repeatedly executes this process during the period when wiper control system 17 drives wiper 18. Figure 3 The series of processes shown.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, if this series of processes begins, the processing circuit 11 determines whether the immersion flag SUB is "1" in step S11. If the immersion flag SUB is "1" (step S11: yes), the processing circuit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S12.

[0034] In step S12, processing circuit 11 performs an increase in the water immersion amount FL of vehicle 100. Specifically, increasing the water immersion amount FL of vehicle 100 means that in step S13, processing circuit 11 changes the setting to a reference value. Figure 2 The processing of the single-dotted line L2 in the diagram shown. Therefore, in cases where the vehicle 100 has been submerged, compared to cases where the vehicle 100 has never been submerged, even if the number of wiper 18 operations is the same, the processing circuit 11 will determine that the amount of water submerged in the vehicle 100 FL is greater. Then, the processing circuit 11 proceeds to step S13.

[0035] If the immersion flag SUB is "0" (step S11: No), the processing circuit 11 does not execute the processing in step S12, but proceeds to step S13. In this case, during the processing in step S13, the processing circuit 11 refers to... Figure 2 The solid line L1 in the diagram shown.

[0036] In the processing of step S13, the processing circuit 11 uses Figure 2 The diagram shown is used to determine whether the water immersion level FL of vehicle 100 is above a predetermined value LIM. The predetermined value LIM can be set as any water immersion level FL that may increase the risk of vehicle 100 failure due to corrosion.

[0037] When the water immersion indicator SUB is "1" (step S11: Yes), the processing circuit 11 refers to the dashed line L2 and determines that the water immersion amount FL is at least the predetermined value LIM if the number of wiper 18 operations is "X2" times or more. When the water immersion indicator SUB is "0" (step S11: No), the processing circuit 11 refers to the solid line L1 and determines that the water immersion amount FL is at least the predetermined value LIM if the number of wiper 18 operations is "X1" times or more. "X2" refers to fewer wiper 18 operations than "X1".

[0038] If the water immersion level FL of vehicle 100 is determined to be above the predetermined value LIM (step S13: Yes), the processing circuit 11 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the processing circuit 11 changes the water immersion level flag FLF from "0" to "1". Then, the processing circuit 11 terminates. Figure 3 The series of processes shown.

[0039] The immersion level indicator FLF indicates whether the immersion level FL of vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value LIM. A FLF value of "0" indicates that the immersion level FL of vehicle 100 is less than the predetermined value LIM. A FLF value of "1" indicates that the immersion level FL of vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value LIM. A FLF value set to "1" remains at "1" until it is reset. When vehicle 100 undergoes maintenance, the FLF value is reset to "0".

[0040] In step S13, if the processing circuit 11 determines that the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100 is less than the predetermined value LIM (step S13: No), it will not execute the processing shown in step S14, and will end the process. Figure 3 The series of processes shown. In this case, the immersion level flag FLF is set to "0".

[0041] Setting of Parking Period Signs (PAF) and High-Risk Area Signs (HLF)

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processing circuit 11 in setting the Parking Period Flag (PAF) based on the parking period data of the vehicle 100, and the processing flow in setting the High Risk Area Flag (HLF) based on the location information of the vehicle 100 and information related to the external environment. Figure 4 The series of processes shown are performed when the ignition switch 15 is turned on.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, if this series of processes begins, the processing circuit 11 acquires vehicle parking period data in step S21. The processing circuit 11 acquires vehicle parking period data representing the vehicle parking period of the vehicle 100, which is the period from the moment the ignition switch 15 was last turned off to the moment the ignition switch 15 was last turned on. Then, the processing circuit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S22.

[0044] In step S22, the processing circuit 11 refers to vehicle parking period data to determine whether the vehicle 100 has been parked for more than a predetermined period. The predetermined period can be set to any period during which the risk of vehicle 100 failure may increase due to increased corrosion. For example, the predetermined period can be set to 2 days. If the vehicle 100 has been parked for more than the predetermined period (step S22: Yes), the processing circuit 11 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the processing circuit 11 changes the vehicle parking period flag PAF from "0" to "1". Then, the processing circuit 11 proceeds to step S24.

[0045] The Vehicle Parking Period Flag (PAF) indicates whether the parking period of vehicle 100 is longer than the predetermined period. A PAF of "0" indicates that the parking period of vehicle 100 is shorter than the predetermined period. A PAF of "1" indicates that the parking period of vehicle 100 is longer than the predetermined period. The PAF set to "1" remains at "1" until it is reset. When vehicle 100 undergoes maintenance, the PAF is reset to "0".

[0046] If the parking period of vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined period (step S22: No), the processing circuit 11 does not perform the processing shown in step S23, but proceeds to step S24. In this case, the vehicle parking period flag PAF is set to "0".

[0047] In step S24, the processing circuit 11 begins acquiring location information from the location information acquisition system 16. The processing circuit 11 associates the location information of the vehicle 100 with time. Then, the processing circuit 11 proceeds to step S25.

[0048] In step S25, the processing circuit 11 determines whether the ignition switch 15 has been turned off. If the ignition switch 15 has been turned off (step S25: yes), the processing circuit 11 proceeds to step S26.

[0049] In step S26, the processing circuit 11 terminates the acquisition of position information. Then, the processing circuit 11 proceeds to step S27. If the ignition switch 15 is not turned off (step S25: No), the processing circuit 11 continues to acquire position information. That is, the processing circuit 11 continues to acquire position information until the ignition switch 15 is turned off.

[0050] In step S27, the processing circuit 11 determines, based on the vehicle 100's location information obtained in step S24 and the external environment-related information stored in the storage device 12, whether the vehicle 100 has remained in a high-risk area for more than a predetermined period. High-risk areas include areas closer to the coastline than a predetermined distance. High-risk areas include areas with rainfall exceeding a predetermined amount. High-risk areas include areas where de-icing agents are used. The predetermined period can be set to any period during which the risk of vehicle 100 failure may increase due to corrosion or increased corrosion.

[0051] If vehicle 100 remains in a high-risk area for a predetermined period of time (step S27: Yes), the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, processing circuit 11 changes the high-risk area flag HLF from "0" to "1". Then, processing circuit 11 terminates. Figure 4 The series of processes shown.

[0052] The High Risk Area Flag (HLF) indicates whether the period during which vehicle 100 remains in a high-risk area exceeds a predetermined period. A HLF value of "0" indicates that the period during which vehicle 100 remains in a high-risk area is less than the predetermined period. A HLF value of "1" indicates that the period during which vehicle 100 remains in a high-risk area is more than the predetermined period. A HLF value set to "1" remains at "1" until it is reset. When vehicle 100 undergoes maintenance, the HLF value is reset to "0".

[0053] If the period during which vehicle 100 remains in the high-risk area is less than the predetermined period (step S27: No), the processing circuit 11 does not perform the processing shown in step S28, and ends the process. Figure 4 The following series of processes are shown. In this case, the High Risk Area (HLF) flag is set to "0".

[0054] <Evaluation of Fault Risk Level>

[0055] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 evaluates the degree of possible failure in the vehicle 100, i.e., the failure risk level, based on the immersion water volume FL, data during vehicle parking, location information, and information related to the external environment. Furthermore, if the failure risk level is above a predetermined level, the information processing device 10 notifies the user of information suggesting maintenance for the vehicle 100.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process by which the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 determines whether to notify the system of recommended maintenance based on the level of fault risk. The processing circuit 11 executes at predetermined intervals. Figure 5 The series of processes shown. If this series of processes is started, the processing circuit 11 determines in step S31 whether the fault risk level is above a predetermined level.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a table representing an example of an evaluation of the fault risk level based on the processing circuit 11. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 evaluates the fault risk level by summing the values ​​of the immersion level indicator (FLF), the vehicle parking period indicator (PAF), and the high-risk area indicator (HLF).

[0058] For example, when the water immersion level indicator FLF is "0", the vehicle parking period indicator PAF is "0", and the high-risk area indicator HLF is "0", the processing circuit 11 evaluates the fault risk level as "0". For example, when the water immersion level indicator FLF is "0", the vehicle parking period indicator PAF is "1", and the high-risk area indicator HLF is "0", the processing circuit 11 evaluates the fault risk level as "1". For example, when the water immersion level indicator FLF is "1", the vehicle parking period indicator PAF is "1", and the high-risk area indicator HLF is "0", the processing circuit 11 evaluates the fault risk level as "2". For example, when the water immersion level indicator FLF is "1", the vehicle parking period indicator PAF is "1", and the high-risk area indicator HLF is "1", the processing circuit 11 evaluates the fault risk level as "3".

[0059] The predetermined level in the fault risk level can be set to any level at which a fault may occur in vehicle 100. The following explains the case where the predetermined level is set to a fault risk level of "2" or higher. A fault risk level of "2" or higher refers to a situation where any two or more of the following signs are set to "1": Water immersion level sign (FLF), vehicle parking period sign (PAF), and high-risk area sign (HLF).

[0060] exist Figure 5In the process of step S31 shown, if the fault risk level is above a predetermined level (step S31: Yes), that is, if the fault risk level is "2" or "3", the processing circuit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S32.

[0061] In step S32, the processing circuit 11 determines that it recommends maintenance for the vehicle 100. In this case, the processing circuit 11 performs the process of displaying the recommended maintenance information for the vehicle 100 on the display 14. To notify of the recommended maintenance information for the vehicle 100, the information processing device 10 displays the recommended maintenance information for the vehicle 100 on the display 14. Then, the processing circuit 11 terminates. Figure 5 The series of processes shown.

[0062] If the fault risk level is less than the predetermined level (step S31: No), that is, if the fault risk level is "1" or "0", the processing circuit 11 does not perform the processing shown in step S32, and ends. Figure 5 The series of processes shown.

[0063] <The function of this implementation method>

[0064] Compared to a vehicle 100 that has not been submerged in water, a vehicle 100 that has been submerged in water is more prone to corrosion. The amount of water submerged in vehicle 100, FL, is data related to the occurrence of corrosion in vehicle 100. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires data related to the amount of water submerged in vehicle 100, namely the number of times the windshield wipers 18 operate, from vehicle 100 for acquiring the amount of water submerged in vehicle 100, FL. The data related to the amount of water submerged in vehicle 100 acquired from vehicle 100 is data inherent to vehicle 100.

[0065] Compared to vehicles 100 with shorter parking periods, vehicles 100 that have been submerged in water and parked for longer periods are more prone to accelerated corrosion. The parking period data for vehicle 100 is data related to the accelerated corrosion within vehicle 100. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires the parking period data from vehicle 100. This parking period data is inherent to vehicle 100. That is, in addition to the location information of vehicle 100 and information related to the external environment of vehicle 100 that is common to vehicles other than vehicle 100, the processing circuit 11 also evaluates the degree of potential failure, i.e., the failure risk level, within vehicle 100 based on multiple data inherent to vehicle 100.

[0066] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0067] (1) The information processing device 10 is capable of appropriately evaluating the fault risk level in the vehicle 100 equipped with the information processing device 10.

[0068] (2) The vehicle 100 is equipped with windshield wipers 18. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 uses the number of times the windshield wipers 18 operate as data related to the amount of water immersed FL. The processing circuit 11 uses the number of times the windshield wipers 18, which are present in many vehicles, as data related to the amount of water immersed FL of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 can acquire data related to the amount of water immersed FL of the vehicle 100 without adding new sensors to the vehicle 100 in order to acquire data related to the amount of water immersed FL.

[0069] (3) The vehicle 100 is equipped with a water immersion sensor 19. The water immersion sensor 19 is a sensor used to determine whether the vehicle 100 has been submerged. When the water immersion sensor 19 detects that the vehicle 100 has been submerged, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 performs a process of increasing the water immersion amount FL of the vehicle 100.

[0070] Depending on the type of data correlated with the water level FL, it may be impossible to determine whether vehicle 100 has been submerged. In particular, if the number of wiper strokes 18 is used as data correlated with the water level FL of vehicle 100, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 may not be able to determine whether vehicle 100 has actually been submerged. When the number of wiper strokes 18 is used as data correlated with the water level FL, the processing circuit 11 may evaluate the water level FL of vehicle 100 that has passed through a flooded underpass and the water level FL of vehicle 100 that has not passed through the flooded underpass as the same water level FL.

[0071] Among two vehicles 100 with the same value of data related to the amount of water submerged (FL), the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 evaluates the amount of water submerged (FL) of the submerged vehicle 100 as greater than the amount of water submerged (FL) of the unsubmerged vehicle 100. Therefore, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 is able to more appropriately evaluate the amount of water submerged (FL) of the vehicle 100.

[0072] (4) When the fault risk level is above a predetermined level, the information processing device 10 notifies the user of information suggesting maintenance of the vehicle 100. The information processing device 10 suggests maintenance of the vehicle 100 based on the fault risk level in the vehicle 100 equipped with the information processing device 10. As a result, the information processing device 10 can prevent faults caused by the aggravation of corrosion in the vehicle 100.

[0073] (5) The vehicle 100 is equipped with a display 14. The information processing device 10 displays information recommending maintenance on the display 14. When the failure risk level of the vehicle 100 is above a predetermined level, the information processing device 10 can recommend maintenance to the user of the vehicle 100 by displaying information recommending maintenance on the display 14 of the vehicle 100.

[0074] <Example of Change>

[0075] This embodiment can be modified to be implemented in the following ways. This embodiment and the following modifications to this embodiment can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0076] The data relating to the amount of water submerged in the vehicle 100 (FL) is not limited to the number of times the windshield wipers 18 operate. For example, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 10 can use the operating time of the windshield wipers 18 as data relating to the amount of water submerged in the vehicle 100 (FL). Even in this case, the processing circuit 11 can acquire data relating to the amount of water submerged in the vehicle 100 (FL) without adding new sensors to the vehicle 100.

[0077] • Processing circuit 11 may not collect information for determining whether vehicle 100 is submerged. Vehicle 100 may not have a water immersion sensor 19. In this case, processing circuit 11 starts from step S13. Figure 3 The series of processes shown, and in the process of step S13, refer to Figure 2 The solid line L1 in the diagram shown.

[0078] • The information processing device 10 may not notify the user of a recommendation to maintain the vehicle 100 even if the fault risk level is above a predetermined level. For example, the information processing device 10 may be configured to store the fault risk level in the storage device 12. In this case, when performing maintenance on the vehicle 100, the information processing device 10 can provide the fault risk level stored in the storage device 12 as data for determining the maintenance content.

[0079] The information processing device 10 can be configured to notify the dealer of a recommendation to perform maintenance on the vehicle 100 via the communication device 13 and a wireless communication line (not shown). Upon receiving the notification of the recommendation to perform maintenance on the vehicle 100, the dealer can prepare the necessary parts for maintenance before the vehicle 100 is put into storage for maintenance. This reduces the downtime of the vehicle 100 related to malfunctions and maintenance.

[0080] The information processing device 10 can notify the user of vehicle 100 of maintenance recommendations via communication device 13 and a wireless communication line (not shown). The information processing terminal may be, for example, a smartphone. Other information processing terminals include personal computers, wearable terminals, and tablet terminals. Examples of wearable terminals include wristband terminals or necklace-style terminals worn around the neck. Therefore, even when the user of vehicle 100 is not using the vehicle, the information processing device 10 can still notify the user of maintenance recommendations for vehicle 100.

[0081] • The information processing device 10 can notify the user of the vehicle 100 of maintenance recommendations via a speaker (not shown).

[0082] The information processing apparatus 10 can be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program (software). Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 10 can be configured as a circuit including one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or combinations thereof that perform at least a portion of the various processes. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM. The memories store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0083] Symbol Explanation

[0084] 10-Information processing device, 11-Processing circuit, 12-Storage device, 14-Display, 17-Windshield wiper control system, 18-Windshield wiper, 19-Immersion sensor, 100-Vehicle, FL-Immersion volume.

Claims

1. An information processing device mounted on a vehicle, characterized in that, The information processing device includes processing circuitry and a storage device. The processing circuit performs the following processing: Data correlated with the water immersion amount of the vehicle is acquired from the vehicle at predetermined intervals; the water immersion amount of the vehicle is acquired based on the data correlated with the water immersion amount; data representing the parking period of the vehicle, i.e., vehicle parking period data, is acquired; and information representing the location of the vehicle, i.e., location information, is acquired at predetermined intervals. The storage device stores information related to the vehicle's external environment. The processing circuit evaluates the degree of malfunction that may occur in the vehicle, i.e., the malfunction risk level, based on the immersion volume, the data during the vehicle's parking period, the location information, and information related to the external environment.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with windshield wipers. The processing circuit uses the number of wiper cycles as data correlated with the amount of water immersed.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with a water immersion sensor to determine whether the vehicle has been submerged. If the immersion sensor detects that the vehicle has been submerged, the processing circuit performs a process to increase the amount of water submerged in the vehicle.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the fault risk level is above a predetermined level, information recommending maintenance for the vehicle will be provided.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with a display. The display shows information recommending the maintenance.

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