Defensive driving evaluation device and defensive driving evaluation system

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of defensive driving evaluation device (200), with: detection part (12), which detects the behavior of vehicle (100);Identification part (16), which identifies the surroundings of vehicle (100);Acquisition unit (161), which obtains information related to the driving behavior of the driver of vehicle (100) according to the behavior of vehicle (100) detected by detection part (12) and the condition of the surroundings of vehicle (100) identified by identification part (16);Determination unit (162), which determines whether the driving behavior of the driver belongs to defensive driving using the information obtained by acquisition unit (161);And providing unit (164), in the case of being determined by determination unit (162) as belonging to defensive driving, defensive driving is classified according to the behavior of vehicle (100) and the condition of the surroundings of vehicle (100), and rewards are provided to the driver according to the classification result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a defensive driving evaluation device and a defensive driving evaluation system for evaluating a driver's defensive driving. Background Technology

[0002] As such a technology, there is a known technique for evaluating driving based on information obtained from an onboard device including various sensors (Patent Document 1), in which the longer the duration of excellent driving without violations, the more favorable the driver's score is.

[0003] In previous technologies, for example, driving without violating traffic rules was considered model driving, and drivers who performed model driving were rated as excellent drivers. However, there has been insufficient encouragement for drivers to drive in a way that avoids situations that could easily lead to accidents, i.e., so-called defensive driving. Encouraging defensive driving could also significantly improve traffic safety.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-161387 (JP2023-161387A). Summary of the Invention

[0005] A defensive driving evaluation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a detection unit that detects the actions of a vehicle; an identification unit that identifies the surroundings of the vehicle; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle based on the actions of the vehicle detected by the detection unit and the conditions of the surroundings of the vehicle identified by the identification unit; a determination unit that uses the information acquired by the acquisition unit to determine whether the driver's driving behavior constitutes defensive driving; and a providing unit that, when the determination unit determines that the driving behavior constitutes defensive driving, classifies the defensive driving behavior based on the actions of the vehicle and the conditions of the surroundings of the vehicle, and provides a reward to the driver based on the classification result.

[0006] Another technical solution of the present invention provides a defensive driving evaluation system comprising: an on-board unit mounted on multiple vehicles, including a detection unit for detecting the actions of each vehicle, an identification unit for identifying the surroundings of each vehicle, an acquisition unit for acquiring information related to the driving behavior of the driver of each vehicle based on the actions of each vehicle detected by the detection unit and the surrounding conditions of each vehicle identified by the identification unit, and a first communication unit communicating with an information management device described later; and an information management device including a second communication unit communicating with the first communication unit of each vehicle, a determination unit for determining whether the driving behavior of the driver of each vehicle belongs to defensive driving based on the driving behavior-related information from each vehicle input via the second communication unit, and a provision unit for classifying defensive driving based on the actions of each vehicle and the surrounding conditions of each vehicle input via the second communication unit when the determination unit determines that it belongs to defensive driving, and providing a reward to the driver of each vehicle based on the classification result. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention are further illustrated by the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a defensive driving evaluation system; Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle equipped with an IVI system; Figure 2A This is a block diagram illustrating the main structural components of an onboard device; Figure 2B This is a block diagram illustrating the main structural components of a vehicle sensor array and an in-vehicle camera. Figure 2C This is a block diagram illustrating the main structural components of the input and output devices; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of defensive driving evaluation handling during program execution; Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the main structural components of an information processing device. Detailed Implementation

[0009] <Outline> The invention relates to a defensive driving evaluation device that evaluates the defensive driving behavior of a driver of a vehicle. In the embodiments, defensive driving refers to driving behavior taken to avoid dangers that may lead to an accident, as illustrated below. It should be noted that, in order to distinguish the vehicle from other vehicles, it is sometimes referred to as "this vehicle" in the description.

[0010] (1) Before passing through intersections with poor visibility, release the accelerator pedal of the vehicle to prepare for operating the brake pedal.

[0011] (2) When stuck in traffic, choose the lane for your vehicle based on the size of other vehicles around you.

[0012] (3) Give way to other vehicles behind you that forcibly overtake your vehicle.

[0013] (4) In severe weather, reduce the speed of the vehicle.

[0014] (5) When the vehicle may slow down, warn other vehicles to pay attention.

[0015] In this embodiment, a defensive driving evaluation device is exemplified as one of the functions of the IVI system (In-Vehicle Infotainment system) installed in the vehicle. Based on detection information from sensors and the like installed in the vehicle, the defensive driving evaluation device predicts future hazards to the vehicle while it is in motion, and evaluates the driver's driving behavior as defensive driving when the driver takes actions to avoid the predicted hazards.

[0016] Information obtained from the defensive driving evaluation device can be transmitted as defensive driving information to external devices via a public communication network, and managed by the external devices. A more detailed description of such a defensive driving evaluation system, which includes a defensive driving evaluation device, a public communication network, and external devices, is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] <Example of the structure of a defensive driving evaluation system> Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a defensive driving evaluation system 500. In this embodiment, a system comprising a vehicle 100A driven by driver P1A, a vehicle 100B driven by driver P1B, a public communication network 300, and a server device 400 is illustrated as the defensive driving evaluation system 500. In each vehicle 100A and 100B, defensive driving is evaluated by its respective defensive driving evaluation device.

[0018] <Structure inside the vehicle> Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle 100A equipped with an IVI system, including a defensive driving evaluation function as one of its features. Vehicles 100A and 100B have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, vehicles 100A and 100B will be referred to as vehicle 100, drivers P1A and P1B will be referred to as driver P1, and passengers P2A and P2B will be referred to as passenger P2.

[0019] The IVI system includes an in-vehicle device 14, a vehicle sensor group 12, a display unit 51, a projection unit 52 and a sound playback unit 53A-53D constituting an output device 50, operation detection units 11A and 11B constituting an input device 11 and microphones 111A and 111B, a front seat camera 131 and a rear seat camera 132 constituting an in-vehicle camera 13, a terminal 2A for use by the driver P1 in the front seat of the vehicle, and a terminal 2B for use by the passenger P2 in the rear seat of the vehicle. Figure 1B This example illustrates the situation where the driver P1 and passenger P2 are seated inside the vehicle.

[0020] The vehicle-mounted device 14 and terminals 2A and 2B are configured, for example, to perform UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) wireless communication. UWB wireless communication is a communication method that can achieve high-precision positioning by utilizing ultra-wideband frequency bandwidth. In this embodiment, the position of terminals 2A and 2B inside the vehicle can be detected with high precision.

[0021] The vehicle-mounted device 14, output device 50, input device 11, vehicle sensor group 12, and in-vehicle camera 13 are configured to enable wired communication via CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0022] As an example, terminals 2A and 2B consist of smartphones used by the driver P1 and passenger P2, respectively. Terminals 2A and 2B can also be held in place by brackets (not shown) installed in their respective seats.

[0023] The diagram shows two terminals, 2A and 2B, used by the driver P1 and passenger P2, but the actual number of terminals varies depending on the number of passengers. If there are four passengers, there can be four terminals. In addition, the number of cameras constituting the in-vehicle camera 13, the number of operation detection units and microphones constituting the input device 11, and the number of display units, projection units, and sound playback units constituting the output device 50 can also be appropriately varied according to the number of passengers.

[0024] When the IVI system projects or displays an operation menu screen (not shown) on the output device 50 (projection unit 52, display unit 51), and the vehicle-mounted device 14 starts operating as the defensive driving evaluation device 200 when the button corresponding to the defensive driving evaluation is touched from one of the multiple menu buttons (also called icons) displayed on the output device 50, or when the sound corresponding to the defensive driving evaluation is input from the microphones 111A and 111B constituting the input device 11.

[0025] The following explanation will focus on the function of the vehicle-mounted device 14 as a defensive driving evaluation device 200. Figures 2A to 2C This is an explanation Figure 1BThe diagram shows the structural examples of each part.

[0026] <Vehicle-mounted device> Figure 2A This is a block diagram illustrating the main structural components of the vehicle-mounted device 14. The vehicle-mounted device 14 includes a control unit 16 that essentially functions as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) of an IVI system. By reading and executing a predefined program stored in a storage unit (not shown) within the control unit 16, the vehicle-mounted device 14 performs various information processing and control processing required by itself.

[0027] exist Figure 2A In this device, the vehicle-mounted unit 14 includes a control unit 16, a reward information storage unit 170, and a first communication unit 180. When the control unit 16 begins to operate as the defensive driving evaluation device 200, it reads and executes the application program for the defensive driving evaluation device 200 stored in the storage unit within the control unit 16, thereby performing various information processing and control processing required for the defensive driving evaluation device 200.

[0028] The control unit 16 includes an acquisition unit 161, a determination unit 162, a classification unit 163, a provision unit 164, a prediction unit 165, a rear light control unit 166, an output unit 168, and an input unit 169, serving as a functional structure for defensive driving evaluation.

[0029] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 161 acquires information related to the driving behavior of the driver P1 of the vehicle 100 based on the movement of the vehicle 100 detected by the vehicle sensor group 12, which is the detection unit, and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 100 identified by the control unit 16, which is the identification unit, based on the detection data of the vehicle sensor group 12.

[0030] It should be noted that, in the implementation, as an example, when the driver P1 and passenger P2 board the vehicle 100, the vehicle-mounted device 14 greets the driver P1 and passenger P2 via the sound playback unit 53A-53D constituting the output device 50, the microphones 111A and 111B constituting the input device 11 pick up the voices of the driver P1 and passenger P2 (e.g., announcing their names), and the front seat camera 131 and rear seat camera 132 constituting the in-vehicle camera 13 take pictures of the driver P1 and passenger P2.

[0031] The vehicle-mounted device 14 can identify the faces, names, and voices of all occupants in the vehicle by associating (or establishing associations) the faces of the driver P1 and passenger P2, the names of the driver P1 and passenger P2, and the frequency components of the voices emitted by the driver P1 and passenger P2.

[0032] The vehicle-mounted device 14 manages the driving behavior-related information obtained by the defensive driving evaluation device 200 as the driving information of the driver P1 sitting in the driver's seat.

[0033] (Judgment Department) The determination unit 162 uses the information related to driving behavior obtained by the acquisition unit 161 to determine whether the driving behavior of driver P1 constitutes defensive driving. As exemplified above, defensive driving refers to driving behavior taken to avoid dangers that may cause an accident.

[0034] (Classification Department) The classification unit 163 classifies defensive driving. More specifically, regarding driving behaviors determined by the determination unit 162 to be defensive driving, classification is performed based on the actions of vehicle 100 and the surrounding conditions of vehicle 100. For example, the combination of vehicle 100's actions and the surrounding conditions of vehicle 100 is divided into a predetermined number of patterns representing the relationship between vehicle 100's actions and the surrounding conditions of vehicle 100, and classification is performed based on the driving behavior performed in each pattern and the result of that driving behavior (whether there is sudden deceleration, whether there is sudden steering, the magnitude of acceleration, etc.).

[0035] (Provided by the Department) The provision unit 164 provides a reward as an incentive to the driver P1 who has performed defensive driving. The reward is something used to recognize defensive driving behavior. The information indicating the reward can also be called reward information.

[0036] The providing unit 164 selects content from a plurality of pre-prepared contents that corresponds to the classification result of the classification unit 163 at a certain level, and provides it to the driver P1. The driver P1 can view or listen to the content provided to the driver P1 inside the vehicle.

[0037] (Case 1) As a specific example, consider the following scenario: A vehicle 100 is approaching a blind spot such as an intersection. To deal with a sudden pedestrian rushing out, the driver P1 releases the accelerator pedal, allowing the vehicle 100 to move forward. Then, due to a pedestrian rushing out from the blind spot, the driver performs a smooth braking operation to avoid danger.

[0038] The Department of Information 164 awarded driver P1 of Case 1 a score of +3 points because he was able to anticipate the danger and take appropriate driving action in response to the sudden outward movement.

[0039] (Case 2) As another example, consider the following scenario: a vehicle 100 is approaching a blind spot such as an intersection. The driver, P1, releases the accelerator pedal to move the vehicle 100 in order to deal with a sudden rushing out, but there are no pedestrians or other people rushing out from the blind spot.

[0040] The Department of Information 164 awarded driver P1 in Case 2 a score of +1 because he was able to anticipate the danger and take appropriate driving action.

[0041] (Case 3) As another example, consider the following scenario: a vehicle 100 is approaching a blind spot such as an intersection. The driver, P1, does not release the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle 100 continues to move. An emergency braking operation is then performed to avoid danger when a pedestrian rushes out from the blind spot.

[0042] The Department of Information 164 gave driver P1 in Case 3 a score of 0 (0) because he did not anticipate the danger or pay attention to the blind spot area before approaching it, and was rushed out and had to take emergency measures in a panic.

[0043] The providing unit 164 performs statistics on the scores as shown in the example, selects content suitable for the scoring results (in other words, suitable for the classification results of the classification unit 163) from multiple contents prepared in advance for each scoring level, and provides it.

[0044] It should be noted that the content provided can include, for example, praise for the driver, and can be visual content (animation, still images, text display, icon display, graphic display, etc.) or audio content. Audio content includes voice content and music content.

[0045] (Forecasting Department) The prediction unit 165 predicts future dangers to the vehicle 100 based on the vehicle 100's actions and the surrounding conditions. This prediction differs from the danger assessment performed by the driver P1; it is performed on the vehicle-mounted device 14 side. The prediction by the prediction unit 165 can be used by the determination unit 162 to determine defensive driving behavior.

[0046] (Rear light control unit) When the driver P1 performs a driving action such as releasing the accelerator pedal to avoid danger, and the regenerative braking control unit (not shown) of the vehicle 100 generates regenerative braking (or engine braking in the case of an engine vehicle), and the vehicle sensor group 12 detects that deceleration has been carried out at a predetermined deceleration, the rear light control unit 166 controls at least one rear light (hazard warning light, brake light) of the vehicle 100 to flash.

[0047] (Output Department) When the output unit 168 plays video content as reward information according to the instruction from the driver P1, it outputs a video signal to the output device 50. As a result, a video display based on the video signal output from the output unit 168 is displayed on the display unit constituting the output device 50.

[0048] Furthermore, when the output unit 168 plays audio content as reward information according to the instruction from the driver P1, it outputs a playback signal to the output device 50. Thus, the audio based on the playback signal output from the output unit 168 is played by speakers or the like constituting the output device 50.

[0049] (Input Section) The input unit 169 inputs the voices emitted by the driver P1 and the passenger P2. More specifically, it inputs the voice signal of the driver P1 picked up by the microphone 111A. In addition, it inputs the voice signal of the passenger P2 picked up by the microphone 111B.

[0050] (Rewards Information Storage Department) The reward information, which is the content to be given to driver P1, is stored in the reward information storage unit 170. Multiple reward information items are prepared according to the aforementioned rating levels. It should be noted that multiple different items can be prepared for the same rating level. This is to avoid giving the same content repeatedly when driver P1 receives a commendation of the same level as a past commendation. When driver P1 receives a commendation, he / she can only view or listen to the content being given from the content stored in the reward information storage unit 170.

[0051] The providing unit 164 typically selects content to provide to the driver P1 from the content stored in the reward information storage unit 170. However, for example, to enrich the variety of content, it may provide not only the content stored in the reward information storage unit 170, but also content obtained from external devices such as the server device 400 via the public communication network 300.

[0052] It should be noted that the reward information storage unit 170 may also store information about dangerous scenarios that the vehicle 100 may encounter while in motion, instead of reward information. Specifically, it stores information illustrating future dangers predicted by the prediction unit 165, such as information about dangerous scenarios like pedestrians rushing out from shadows like utility poles or pedestrians crossing the road from congested oncoming lanes.

[0053] For example, driver P1 can be provided with information about the dangerous scenarios that correspond to when driver P1 receives 0 (zero) points in the above rating.

[0054] (First Department of Communications) The first communication unit 180 includes a short-range wireless communication module (not shown) for wireless communication with terminals 2A and 2B, and a wired communication module (not shown) for wired communication via CAN or the like. The short-range wireless communication module may also employ the aforementioned UWB wireless communication method.

[0055] Figure 2BThis is a block diagram illustrating the main structural components of the vehicle sensor group 12 and the in-vehicle camera 13 of the vehicle 100.

[0056] <Vehicle Sensor Group> The vehicle sensor group 12 includes a vehicle speed sensor 121, a positioning sensor 122, a camera 123, a lidar sensor 124, and an acceleration sensor 125. It should be noted that operation detection sensors (not shown) for detecting the operation of various driving control components may also be included in the vehicle sensor group 12.

[0057] (Vehicle speed sensor) The vehicle speed sensor 121 detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 and outputs the vehicle speed information to the on-board device 14.

[0058] (Positioning sensor) The positioning sensor 122 detects the current position of the vehicle 100 based on positioning signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, quasi-zenith satellites, etc. The positioning sensor 122 outputs a signal indicating the current position as position information to the on-board unit 14.

[0059] (camera) Camera 123 captures images of the area around vehicle 100. Camera 123 outputs the data from the captured image to vehicle-mounted device 14 as image information. Camera 123 is capable of capturing both still images and video.

[0060] (LiDAR) The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 124 changes the illumination angle of the laser and scans, detecting objects and measuring the distance to objects based on the position information of each detection point. The measurement data is then output to the vehicle-mounted device 14.

[0061] (Acceleration sensor) Accelerometer 125 detects the acceleration of vehicle 100 and outputs the acceleration information to onboard device 14.

[0062] <In-vehicle camera> The in-vehicle camera 13 includes a front seat camera 131 and a rear seat camera 132. The front seat camera 131 captures the upper body of the driver P1 sitting in the front seat and outputs the data of the captured image as image information to the in-vehicle device 14. The rear seat camera 132 captures the upper body of the passenger P2 sitting in the rear seat and outputs the data of the captured image as image information to the in-vehicle device 14.

[0063] Figure 2CThis is a block diagram illustrating the main structure of the input device 11 and output device 50 of the vehicle-mounted device 14 of the vehicle 100.

[0064] <Input Device> The input device 11 includes operation detection units 11A and 11B and microphones 111A and 111B.

[0065] (Operation and Inspection Department) The operation detection unit 11A is operated by the driver P1 in the front seat, outputting an operation signal to the vehicle-mounted device 14. The operation detection unit 11A can also be configured as a pointing device linked to the projected image projected by the projection unit 52 (described later). The operation detection unit 11B is provided on the display surface of the display unit 51. The operation detection unit 11B is operated by the passenger P2 in the rear seat, outputting an operation signal indicating the touch position to the vehicle-mounted device 14.

[0066] (microphone) Microphone 111A picks up the sound emitted by the driver P1 in the front seat and outputs the sound signal to the vehicle-mounted device 14. Microphone 111B picks up the sound emitted by the passenger P2 in the back seat and outputs the sound signal to the vehicle-mounted device 14.

[0067] <Output Device> The output device 50 includes a display unit 51, a projection unit 52, and a sound playback unit 53. The output device 50 is used for, for example, displaying an operation menu screen or playing content.

[0068] (Display Department) The display unit 51 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays image information based on the display signal output from the vehicle-mounted device 14. The image information includes operation menu screens, images of video content, etc.

[0069] (Projection section) The projection unit 52 is, for example, a head-up display (HUD) that projects onto the windshield, etc., and projects image information based on the projection signal output from the vehicle-mounted device 14. The image information includes operation menu screens, images of video content, etc.

[0070] (Audio Playback Department) The sound playback units 53A to 53D are configured as speakers for playing output sound, etc., and play sound content based on the playback signal output from the vehicle-mounted device 14. It should be noted that a sound output unit may also be included to output content playback signals to headphones or the like (not shown).

[0071] <Explanation of the flowchart> Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating an example of defensive driving evaluation processing performed by the program executed in the MPU (control unit 16) of the vehicle-mounted device 14. When the control unit 16 of the vehicle-mounted device 14 operates the "Defensive Driving Evaluation" button, for example, on the operation menu screen (illustration omitted), it executes a program that enables the IVI system to function as a defensive driving evaluation device 200.

[0072] exist Figure 3 In S10 (S: processing step), the control unit 16 uses the vehicle sensor group 12 to detect the movement of the vehicle 100 and proceeds to S20.

[0073] In S20, the control unit 16 identifies the area around the vehicle 100 based on the detection data from the vehicle sensor group 12 and proceeds to S30.

[0074] In S30, the control unit 16 obtains information related to the driving behavior of the driver P1 of the vehicle 100 based on the actions of the vehicle 100 and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 100 by the acquisition unit 161, and then proceeds to S40.

[0075] In S40, the control unit 16 determines, through the determination unit 162, whether the driver P1's driving behavior constitutes defensive driving. If it constitutes defensive driving, the control unit 16 determines S40 to be affirmative (S40: Yes) and proceeds to S50; if it does not constitute defensive driving, the control unit 16 determines S40 to be negative (S40: No) and proceeds to S80.

[0076] In S50, the control unit 16 classifies defensive driving through the classification unit 163 and proceeds to S60.

[0077] In S60, the control unit 16 selects a reward of a level corresponding to the classification result of the classification unit 163 from multiple reward information (contents) stored in the reward information storage unit 170 via the providing unit 164, and proceeds to S70.

[0078] In S70, the providing unit 164 provides the selected reward to the driver P1, and proceeds to S80. In this embodiment, setting the selected reward to a state that can be seen and heard by the driver P1 is called providing.

[0079] In S80, the control unit 16 updates the driving information related to driver P1 and proceeds to S90. The control unit 16 records driving information for each driver, such as when and where driver P1 of vehicle 100 was driving, what driving behavior was employed, the score for defensive driving, whether they were commended, and what the reward (content) was. In S80, the records are updated, that is, the latest driving information is added to the driving information of each driver.

[0080] In S90, the control unit 16 determines whether driving has ended. If the prescribed end operation has been performed, the control unit 16 determines S90 to be affirmative (S90: Yes) and ends the operation. Figure 3 The control unit 16 determines that S90 is negative (S90: No) and returns to S10 if no termination operation is performed. If S10 is returned, the control unit 16 repeats the above process.

[0081] The implementation method described above achieves the following effects.

[0082] (1) The defensive driving evaluation device 200 includes: a vehicle sensor group 12, which acts as a detection unit to detect the actions of the vehicle 100; a control unit 16, which acts as an identification unit to identify the surroundings of the vehicle 100; an acquisition unit 161, which acquires information related to the driving behavior of the driver P1 of the vehicle 100 based on the actions of the vehicle 100 detected by the vehicle sensor group 12 and the conditions of the surroundings of the vehicle 100 identified by the control unit 16; a determination unit 162, which uses the information acquired by the acquisition unit 161 to determine whether the driving behavior of the driver P1 belongs to defensive driving; and a providing unit 164, which, when the determination unit 162 determines that it belongs to defensive driving, classifies defensive driving based on the actions of the vehicle 100 and the conditions of the surroundings of the vehicle 100, and provides a reward to the driver P1 based on the classification result.

[0083] For example, by providing driver P1 with graded rewards based on the driving behavior predicted by driver P1 and the corresponding classification results of the results (the behavior of vehicle 100 and the surrounding conditions), driver P1 can be inspired to drive defensively.

[0084] Specifically, by providing rewards, the acceptability and persistence of defensive driving evaluations by driver P1 can be improved. Furthermore, by rewarding drivers based on their defensive driving scores, driver P1 can actually perceive an improvement in their defensive driving level.

[0085] (2) In the defensive driving evaluation device 200 described in (1) above, a prediction unit 165 is also provided. The prediction unit 165 predicts future dangers based on the actions of the vehicle 100 and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 100. The determination unit 162 determines the driving behavior taken to avoid the danger predicted by the prediction unit 165 as defensive driving.

[0086] By rewarding drivers P1 who take driving behaviors that avoid the dangers predicted by the prediction unit 165, the acceptance and sustainability of defensive driving evaluations can be improved.

[0087] (3) In the defensive driving evaluation device 200 described in (2) above, there is also an output unit 168, which outputs a display of the predicted dangerous event to the projection unit 52, which is a display unit, when the driver P1 does not take a driving behavior that is defensive driving in order to avoid the danger predicted by the prediction unit 165.

[0088] For example, for driver P1 who scores 0 (zero) in the above rating, content can be provided to introduce the corresponding dangerous scenarios. By outputting content showing the specific events that may occur if defensive driving is not practiced, driver P1 can be given a sense of crisis, drawn attention, and further improved to enhance their awareness of defensive driving.

[0089] (4) In the defensive driving evaluation device 200 described in (2) above, a rear light control unit 166 is also provided, which controls the flashing of at least one rear light (hazard warning light, brake light) of the vehicle 100 when regenerative braking (which may be engine braking) is generated by the regenerative braking control unit of the vehicle 100 and the vehicle is decelerated at a predetermined deceleration.

[0090] Because of this configuration, for example, when driver P1 perceives a danger and engages in defensive driving by releasing the accelerator pedal, after decelerating at a predetermined rate using regenerative braking, at least one of the hazard warning lights and brake lights at the rear of vehicle 100 is flashed. This alerts road users behind vehicle 100 to the danger ahead. In particular, by alerting other vehicles behind in advance, it helps prevent rear-end collisions, thus potentially leading to secondary effects such as improved safety and smoother traffic flow due to driver P1's defensive driving behavior.

[0091] The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways. The following describes some of these modifications.

[0092] (Variation Example 1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the defensive driving evaluation device 200 of each vehicle 100 evaluates the defensive driving of driver P1 and awards driver P1, but it could also be performed by a device associated with vehicle 100 via a public communication network 300. Figure 1A The server device 400 is responsible for a portion of the defensive driving evaluation processing performed by each vehicle 100.

[0093] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the main structural components of a server device 400, which is an information processing apparatus, as exemplified in Modified Example 1.

[0094] Server device 400 includes a control unit 410, a database (hereinafter referred to as DB) 420, a storage unit 430, and a second communication unit 440. The control unit 410 includes arithmetic processing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and performs various information processing and control processing required by server device 400 by reading and executing the program P stored in the storage unit 430.

[0095] The control unit 410 includes a determination unit 411, a classification unit 412, and a provision unit 413, serving as a functional structure for defensive driving evaluation.

[0096] The determination unit 411 obtains information related to driving behavior obtained by the acquisition unit 161 of each vehicle 100 via the second communication unit 440 described later, and performs the same processing on the driving behavior of the driver P1 of each vehicle 100 as described above by the determination unit 162.

[0097] The classification section 412 performs the same processing as the classification section 163 described above for the defensive driving of the driver P1 of each vehicle 100.

[0098] The supply unit 413 performs the same processing as the supply unit 164 described above on the drivers P1 of each vehicle 100 who are driving defensively.

[0099] DB420 is, for example, a large-capacity storage device including a hard drive. DB420 includes user information DB421 and reward information DB422. User information DB421 stores pre-registered registration information related to the user (driver P1 of each vehicle 100). Reward information DB422 stores reward information given to each driver P1. The reward information stored in the reward information storage unit 170 of each vehicle 100 is the information originally stored in reward information DB422.

[0100] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the storage unit 430 and DB420 can be configured as a single storage device. Alternatively, DB420 can be composed of multiple storage devices. Furthermore, DB420 can also be an external storage device connected to the server device 400.

[0101] The storage unit 430 includes storage elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores the program P or data required for processing by the control unit 410. Additionally, the storage unit 430 temporarily stores data required for computational processing by the control unit 410. The storage unit 430 also includes an application storage unit 431, which stores a defensive driving evaluation program (Application Program, hereinafter referred to as the application) provided to the vehicle-mounted device 14 of the vehicle 100 to which the application is desired.

[0102] The second communication unit 440 includes processing circuitry for performing communication-related processing, and transmits and receives information with external devices such as the vehicle-mounted device 14 via the public communication network 300.

[0103] The defensive driving evaluation system 500 achieves the following effects. Specifically, the defensive driving evaluation system 500 includes an onboard unit 14 and a server unit 400. The onboard unit 14 is mounted on multiple vehicles 100 (100A, 100B) and includes a vehicle sensor group 12 as a detection unit for detecting the actions of each vehicle 100, a control unit 16 as an identification unit for identifying the surroundings of each vehicle 100, an acquisition unit 161 for acquiring information related to the driving behavior of the driver P1 (P1A, P1B) of each vehicle 100 based on the actions of each vehicle 100 detected by the vehicle sensor group 12 and the surrounding conditions of each vehicle 100 identified by the control unit 16, and a first communication unit 180 that communicates with the server unit 400 as an information management device. The server device 400 includes a second communication unit 440 that communicates with a first communication unit 180 of each vehicle 100; a determination unit 411 that uses information related to driving behavior from each vehicle 100 input via the second communication unit 440 to determine whether the driving behavior of the driver P1 (P1A, P1B) of each vehicle 100 is defensive driving; and a provisioning unit 413 that, when the determination unit 411 determines that it is defensive driving, classifies defensive driving based on the actions of each vehicle 100 and the surrounding conditions of each vehicle 100 input via the second communication unit 440, and provides rewards to the driver P1 (P1A, P1B) of each vehicle 100 based on the classification results.

[0104] Because of this configuration, it is possible to inspire driver P1 to drive defensively. Furthermore, by configuring a server device 400 as an external device from the perspective of each vehicle 100... Figure 1B The on-board unit 14 is configured to be distributed for processing, thereby enabling simplification of the on-board unit 14 of each vehicle 100.

[0105] In addition, it can improve the maintainability of software such as updates and improvements to the defensive driving evaluation program.

[0106] In addition to being suitable for cloud architectures that only perform data distribution, the server device 400 can also be used in edge computers with high real-time requirements and data governance capabilities.

[0107] Furthermore, by accessing the server device 400 during defensive driving evaluation, information can be shared among the vehicles 100. Moreover, by sharing information related to defensive driving with driver P1A of vehicle 100A and driver P1B of vehicle 100B, the defensive driving performance of the two drivers P1A and P1B can be compared and applied to future defensive driving.

[0108] (Variation Example 2) In the above embodiments, five driving behaviors are exemplified as defensive driving, but the implementation is not limited to these exemplified behaviors. Any driving behavior taken to avoid a potential accident can be treated in the same way as the exemplified behaviors. For example, when the identification unit detects that other vehicles are engaging in driving behaviors that threaten the safe operation of the vehicle (such as sudden approach, emergency braking, forced lane change, serpentine driving, continuous honking or flashing high beams), the action of moving the vehicle away from the other vehicle can also be included in defensive driving.

[0109] Additionally, an example of rewarding driver P1 for each defensive driving action is presented. However, the content of the praise can also be provided when a certain number of defensive driving actions are accumulated. Nevertheless, information about dangerous scenarios should be provided to driver P1 as early as possible.

[0110] It is possible to combine one or more of the above-described embodiments and variations, and to combine the variations with each other.

[0111] Using this invention, drivers can be inspired to drive defensively.

[0112] The present invention has been described above in conjunction with preferred embodiments, but those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A defensive driving evaluation device (200), characterized in that, have: The inspection department (12) inspects the movement of the vehicle (100); The identification unit (16) identifies the area around the vehicle (100); The acquisition unit (161) acquires information related to the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle (100) based on the actions of the vehicle (100) detected by the detection unit (12) and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle (100) identified by the identification unit (16). The determination unit (162) uses the information obtained by the acquisition unit (161) to determine whether the driver's driving behavior constitutes defensive driving; and The providing unit (164) classifies the defensive driving based on the actions of the vehicle (100) and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle (100) when the determination unit (162) determines that the driving is defensive, and provides a reward to the driver based on the classification result.

2. The defensive driving evaluation device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a prediction unit (165) that predicts future dangers based on the actions of the vehicle (100) and the conditions surrounding the vehicle (100). The determination unit (162) determines the driving behavior taken to avoid the danger predicted by the prediction unit (165) as defensive driving.

3. The defensive driving evaluation device (200) according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an output unit (168) that, when the driver does not take the driving action that is defensive driving in order to avoid the danger predicted by the prediction unit (165), outputs a display showing the predicted dangerous event to the display unit.

4. The defensive driving evaluation device (200) according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a rear light control unit (166), which controls the flashing of at least one rear light of the vehicle (100) when regenerative braking is generated by the regenerative braking control unit of the vehicle (100) and the vehicle is decelerated at a predetermined deceleration.

5. A defensive driving evaluation system (500), characterized in that, Equipped with: vehicle-mounted device (14) and information management device (400); The vehicle-mounted device (14) is mounted on multiple vehicles (100) and includes: a detection unit (12) for detecting the movement of each vehicle (100), an identification unit (16) for identifying the surroundings of each vehicle (100), an acquisition unit (161) for obtaining information related to the driving behavior of the driver of each vehicle (100) based on the movement of each vehicle (100) detected by the detection unit (12) and the surrounding conditions of each vehicle (100) identified by the identification unit (16), and a first communication unit (180) for communicating with the information management device (400). The information management device (400) includes: a second communication unit (440) that communicates with the first communication unit (180) of each vehicle (100); a determination unit (411) that uses information related to the driving behavior from each vehicle (100) input via the second communication unit (440) to determine whether the driving behavior of the driver of each vehicle (100) is defensive driving; and a providing unit (413) that, if determined by the determination unit (411) to be defensive driving, classifies the defensive driving based on the actions of each vehicle (100) input via the second communication unit (440) and the surrounding conditions of each vehicle (100), and provides a reward to the driver of each vehicle (100) based on the classification result.

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