INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND NON-VOID COMPUTER-READY MEDIUM

Abstract

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device capable of reducing the possibility of a vehicle being damaged. An information processing device (100) according to this disclosure comprises: a sensing unit (101) that acquires sensor information relating to a vehicle while it is parked, wherein the sensor information is acquired by a sensor; an estimating unit (102) that estimates a parking status based on the sensor information, which includes a compliance status of the vehicle; a computation unit (103) that calculates the degree of risk of the vehicle being damaged based on the parking status; and a notification control unit (104) that notifies a user terminal device regarding the risk to the vehicle based on the degree of risk.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method and a non-volatile, computer-readable medium. State of the art

[0002] In recent years, techniques have become known that involve a recording device (dashboard camera) which records video of a vehicle's surroundings using a vehicle-mounted camera. Using such a recording device makes it possible to capture video of an accident or similar event occurring in or around the vehicle, whether the vehicle is stopped or moving.

[0003] As a related technique, PTL 1 discloses an image recording device comprising a recording unit, a determination unit and an operating control unit.

[0004] In the image recording device, the recording unit captures images taken by a vehicle-mounted camera. The determination unit defines a risk level at which the vehicle could be damaged while parked, based on the conditions surrounding the parking space. The operating control unit controls the operation of the recording unit during parking according to the risk level determined by the determination unit. For example, the operating control unit stops the image recording process by the recording unit if the risk level is lower than a predetermined risk level. With this arrangement, the image recording device stops unnecessary image capture and recording while parked, thereby reducing battery power consumption.As a result, the image recording device is enabled to extend the recording time of the images captured by the camera, which takes pictures in a direction that requires caution, as much as possible. List of printed materials and patent literature

[0005] PTL 1: JP 2019-022063 A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0006] In a case where there is a risk that the vehicle will be damaged by theft from another vehicle or the like, such damage should ideally be avoided in advance. The technique disclosed in PTL 1 does not adequately address the prevention of damage to the vehicle.

[0007] In view of the problem described above, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a non-volatile, computer-readable medium capable of reducing the possibility of damage being caused to a vehicle. Solution to the problem

[0008] An information processing device according to the present disclosure comprises sensing means for acquiring sensor information relating to a parked vehicle, which has been acquired by a sensor; estimating means for estimating a parking condition which includes a compliance status of the vehicle, based on the sensor information; calculating means for calculating a risk level at which damage may be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking condition; and notification control means for notifying a user terminal device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level.

[0009] An information processing system according to the present disclosure comprises a sensor that detects sensor information relating to a parked vehicle, and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device comprises sensing means for acquiring the sensor information acquired by the sensor, estimating means for estimating a parking condition that includes a compliance status of the vehicle based on the sensor information, a computational means for calculating a risk level at which damage may be caused to the vehicle based on the parking condition, and notification control means for notifying a user terminal device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level.

[0010] An information processing method according to the present disclosure comprises acquiring sensor information relating to a parked vehicle, which was acquired by a sensor, estimating a parking condition which includes a compliance status of the vehicle based on the sensor information, calculating a risk level at which damage may be caused to the vehicle based on the parking condition, and notifying a user terminal device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level.

[0011] A non-volatile, computer-readable medium according to the present disclosure stores a program to cause a computer to perform a process comprising acquisition processing for acquiring sensor information relating to a parked vehicle, acquired by a sensor; estimation processing for estimating a parking condition, which includes a regulatory compliance status of the vehicle, based on the sensor information; computation processing for calculating a risk level at which damage may be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking condition; and notification control processing for notifying a user terminal device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0012] The information processing device, information processing system, information processing method and non-volatile computer-readable medium according to the present disclosure can reduce the possibility of damage being caused to the vehicle. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process carried out by the information processing device according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing device according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating definition information as an example of a definition of a risk level according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating risk level information as a specific example of parking conditions and an example of the risk level according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of determination condition information for determining whether a user terminal device should be notified, according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process carried out by the information processing device according to the present disclosure. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating by way of example a hardware configuration of a computer implementing the information processing device and the like according to the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiment

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or related elements are designated by the same reference numerals. For clarity, redundant descriptions are omitted where necessary. In the present disclosure, the drawings are associated with one or more exemplary embodiments. <Erste beispielhafte Ausführungsform>

[0014] An information processing device 100 according to the present disclosure is described with reference to Fig. 1 described. Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 100 comprises a sensing unit 101, an estimating unit 102, a computation unit 103, and a notification control unit 104.

[0015] The sensing unit 101 acquires sensor information regarding a parked vehicle. The estimating unit 102 estimates parking conditions, including the vehicle's compliance status, based on this sensor information. The calculation unit 103 calculates a risk level at which damage to the vehicle may occur, also based on the parking conditions. The notification control unit 104 notifies a user device of the risk to the vehicle based on this risk level.

[0016] Although a diagram is omitted, the information processing device 100 comprises a processor, a memory, and a storage device. The storage device stores a computer program in which the processing is implemented according to the present exemplary embodiment. The processor can cause the computer program to be read from the storage device into memory and can execute the computer program. As a result, the processor implements functions of the sensing unit 101, the estimating unit 102, the arithmetic unit 103, and the notification control unit 104.

[0017] Alternatively, each of the acquisition unit 101, the estimation unit 102, the calculation unit 103, and the notification control unit 104 can be implemented by dedicated hardware. Some or all of the components of each device can be implemented by a general-purpose or dedicated circuit, a processor, or a combination thereof. These components can be configured by a single chip or by a multitude of chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device can be implemented by a combination of a program and the circuitry described above, or the like.

[0018] Next, a process to be carried out by the information processing device 100 is described with reference to Fig. 2 described. Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the process to be carried out by the information processing device 100.

[0019] First, the sensing unit 101 collects sensor information about a parked vehicle, as detected by a sensor (S1). Next, the estimating unit 102 estimates parking conditions, including the vehicle's compliance status, based on the sensor information collected by the sensing unit 101 (S2). Subsequently, the calculation unit 103 calculates a risk level at which damage to the vehicle may occur, based on the parking conditions estimated by the estimating unit 102 (S3). Then, the notification control unit 104 notifies the user device of the risk to the vehicle, based on the risk level calculated by the calculation unit 103 (S4).

[0020] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the information processing device 100 notifies the user terminal of the risk, enabling the user to recognize that the vehicle is in a condition where damage can occur. Accordingly, the user is enabled to take action, such as moving to a parking space, sounding the vehicle's horn, or the like. Thus, according to the information processing device 100, the possibility of damage to the vehicle can be reduced. <Zweite beispielhafte Ausführungsform>

[0021] A second exemplary embodiment is a specific example of the first exemplary embodiment described above. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 comprises an information processing device 10, a vehicle 2, and a user terminal 8.

[0022] The information processing device 10, an in-vehicle device 4 of the vehicle 2, and the user terminal device 8 are interconnected via a network N. The network N is a wired or wireless communication link. The network N can be, for example, the internet, a leased line, a telephone line, a mobile communication network, or any other communication link, and the type of communication is not limited. The network N can be a combination thereof.

[0023] While an exemplary case in which an in-vehicle device 4 and a user terminal 8 are connected to an information processing device 10 is illustrated in the drawing, the number of in-vehicle devices 4 and the number of user terminals 8 are not limited to those illustrated. That is, the number of in-vehicle devices 4 can be any number of one or more.

[0024] The number of user devices (8) can also be any number of one or more.

[0025] This section describes an overview of Information Processing System 1. Information Processing System 1 is a system that performs predetermined processing using sensor information acquired by a sensor that detects information regarding Vehicle 2, in order to notify the user terminal 8 when there is a possibility that Vehicle 2 may be damaged.

[0026] Vehicle 2 comprises a sensor unit 3, a notification unit 5, and the vehicle's internal device 4. The sensor unit 3 detects sensor information relating to vehicle 2 and outputs a detection result to the vehicle's internal device 4. Examples of sensor information to be detected by the sensor unit 3 include a captured image taken by mapping the vehicle's surroundings, position information indicating the vehicle's location, information indicating the brightness around vehicle 2, and sound information indicating a sound generated around vehicle 2. While the position of a front camera mapping an area in front of vehicle 2 is recorded in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates sensor unit 3 as an example; sensor unit 3 can comprise a variety of sensors. Details of sensor unit 3 and the sensor information are described later.

[0027] The vehicle's internal device 4 transmits the sensor information acquired by the sensor unit 3 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 receives the sensor information from the vehicle's internal device 4 and performs the predetermined processing based on the sensor information, thereby estimating the parking conditions of the vehicle 2. Here, the parking conditions indicate the type of location where the vehicle 2 is parked. The parking conditions provide information that can influence the risk level at which damage can occur to the vehicle 2. For example, the parking conditions include information regarding regulatory compliance status, visibility from the surroundings, parking duration, ambient noise, or the like.

[0028] The information processing device 10 calculates the risk level at which damage can be caused to vehicle 2, based on the estimated parking conditions. The risk level represents the degree of probability that damage will be caused to vehicle 2. The risk level increases with the probability of damage to vehicle 2. For example, if vehicle 2 is parked in a no-parking zone or in a location with poor visibility, surrounded by a fence or similar structure, the probability of damage to vehicle 2 by a suspicious person or similar is higher. Thus, the information processing device 10 calculates a higher risk level if the vehicle is parked in such a location.

[0029] The information processing device 10 then notifies the user terminal 8 of the risk posed by the vehicle 2 based on the calculated risk level. The user terminal 8 is an end device used by a user. Examples of the user terminal 8 include a smartphone and a tablet. Examples of the user include the owner of the vehicle 2. The user may be a family member of the owner of the vehicle 2, or the like.

[0030] In a case where vehicle 2 is a rental car, the user may be an operator of the rental car or a user of the rental car.

[0031] In a case where vehicle 2 is a shared car, the user can be either an owner or a user of the shared car. By notifying the user terminal 8 of the risk, the user can recognize the possibility that vehicle 2 may be damaged in the parking lot.

[0032] The information processing device 10 can cause the notification unit 5 to issue a warning to the area surrounding the vehicle 2 in accordance with an instruction from the user terminal 8. The instruction from the user terminal 8 can be issued in response to the notification of the risk to the user terminal 8. For example, if the information processing device 10 notifies the user terminal 8 of the risk, the user terminal 8 can display details of the risk on a screen and prompt the user to select whether to issue a warning to the area surrounding the vehicle 2. If the user selects to issue a warning, the user terminal 8 can transmit an instruction to issue a warning to the area surrounding the vehicle 2 to the information processing device 10.

[0033] The notification unit 5 issues the warning, for example, using a lamp or a horn.

[0034] This arrangement enables notification unit 5 to warn a suspicious person who has approached vehicle 2. It also enables notification unit 5 to notify people in the vicinity of the possibility that vehicle 2 is at risk of being damaged. (Vehicle 2)

[0035] Next, a configuration of vehicle 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 described in detail. Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle 2 according to the present disclosure. The vehicle 2 comprises the sensor unit 3, the in-vehicle device 4, and the notification unit 5.

[0036] Sensor unit 3 detects information relating to the parked vehicle 2. For example, sensor unit 3 detects sensor information regarding conditions around the parked vehicle 2. Sensor unit 3 outputs the detected sensor information to the vehicle's internal device 4. Sensor unit 3 can detect information relating to vehicle 2 in a stopped or moving state instead of being parked.

[0037] The sensor unit 3 can comprise a single sensor or a plurality of sensors. In the present exemplary embodiment, an exemplary case is described in which the sensor unit 3 comprises a plurality of sensors. For example, the sensor unit 3 comprises a front camera 31, a rear camera 32, a position sensor 33, an illuminance sensor 34, and a microphone 35.

[0038] The front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 are imaging devices that image the area around the vehicle 2 and capture a recorded image of this area. The front camera 31 images an area in front of the vehicle 2 and outputs the captured image to the vehicle's internal device 4. The front camera 31 is positioned where the area in front of the vehicle 2 can be captured. For example, the front camera 31 is located on an upper section of the front part of the driver's seat, an upper section of the front part of the passenger's seat, or the like on the vehicle 2. The rear camera 32 images an area behind the vehicle 2 and outputs the captured image to the vehicle's internal device 4. The rear camera 32 is positioned where the area behind the vehicle 2 can be captured.

[0039] The rear camera 32, for example, is located in a rear section of the vehicle interior.

[0040] While the front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 are used here, it is not limited to this. The sensor unit 3 can include a camera that images an area on the right side or on the left side of the vehicle 2. Hereinafter, the front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 can be referred to collectively simply as a 'camera'.

[0041] While this is an exemplary case where the camera is located in vehicle 2, the camera can be located elsewhere. For example, the camera can be located in infrastructure such as equipment deployed near a road. For instance, a camera located at a traffic light can be used. The camera located in the infrastructure is connected to network N via a predetermined server and transmits the captured image to information processing device 10. The camera located in the infrastructure can transmit the captured image to information processing device 10 via road-to-vehicle communication using a roadside unit. The camera can also be a surveillance camera or similar device located in a parking lot or similar location where the user has a contract.Various sensors, such as the microphone 35, which will be described later, can be provided in the infrastructure in a similar manner.

[0042] The position sensor 33 detects the position information indicating the position of vehicle 2. The position sensor 33 detects the position of the parked vehicle 2, thereby detecting the position information indicating the parking location of vehicle 2. The position sensor 33 outputs the detected position information to the vehicle's internal device 4. The position sensor 33 performs the position determination using, for example, a technique such as a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The position sensor 33 may, for example, include a receiver for a global positioning system (GPS) or the like.

[0043] The illuminance sensor 34 detects illuminance information indicating the brightness around the vehicle 2. The illuminance sensor 34 outputs the illuminance information to the vehicle's internal device 4. For example, an infrared sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, or the like can be used as the illuminance sensor 34.

[0044] The microphone 35 captures the sound information indicating the sound generated around the vehicle 2. For example, the microphone 35 detects ambient noise, including sound emitted by the vehicle 2 and sound emitted from the vehicle 2's surroundings. The microphone 35 can detect the sound information indicating the voices of people around the vehicle 2. The microphone 35 outputs the captured sound information to the vehicle's internal device 4.

[0045] The configuration of sensor unit 3 described above is an example. Sensor unit 3 can include some of the many sensors described above. Sensor unit 3 can also include a different sensor than those described above. For example, sensor unit 3 can include a distance sensor. The distance sensor is a sensor for measuring the distance to an object located near the vehicle 2. The distance sensor can be, for example, light detection and distance measurement / laser imaging detection and distance measurement (LIDAR) or the like. The distance sensor can be a stereo camera, a time-of-flight camera (ToF camera), millimeter-wave radar, or the like. The distance sensor can also have the functions of the front camera 31 and rear camera 32 described above.

[0046] The sensor unit 3 can include an impact detection sensor for detecting an impact and a person detection sensor for detecting a person approaching the vehicle 2. As described above, since the sensor unit 3 includes a variety of sensor types, many types of sensor information can be acquired by the information processing device 10. As a result, the information processing device 10 is able to accurately estimate the parking conditions.

[0047] The notification unit 5 sends a notification to the area surrounding the vehicle 2. The notification unit 5 comprises a lamp 51 and a horn (klaxon) 52. The lamp 51 sends the notification by illuminating itself. The horn 52 sends the notification by emitting a warning tone.

[0048] The vehicle-integrated device 4 comprises a detection unit 41, a communication unit 42, and a vehicle control unit 43. The detection unit 41 acquires the sensor information from the sensor unit 3. The detection unit 41 transmits the acquired sensor information via the communication unit 42 to the information processing device 10. The detection unit 41 can transmit the sensor information at predetermined time intervals. The vehicle-integrated device 4 can be implemented by means of a dashboard camera.

[0049] The communication unit 42 communicates with the information processing device 10 and the user terminal 8. The communication unit 42 may include a communication interface for wireless communication. The vehicle control unit 43 controls the operation of the vehicle 2. The vehicle control unit 43 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or the like for controlling the operation of the vehicle 2. The vehicle control unit 43 controls the notification unit 5 according to an instruction from the information processing device 10. For example, the information processing device 10 performs a control action such as switching on the lamp 51, sounding the horn 52, and the like. (Information processing device 10)

[0050] Next, the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 described in detail. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 10 is an example of the information processing device 100 described above. The information processing device 10 comprises a sensing unit 11, an estimating unit 12, a computation unit 13, a notification control unit 14, a communication unit 17, and a storage unit 19.

[0051] The acquisition unit 11 is an example of the acquisition unit 101 described above. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the sensor information regarding the parked vehicle 2 that was acquired by the sensor unit 3. The acquisition unit 11 can acquire the sensor information at predetermined time intervals. For example, the sensor information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 includes information regarding the parking space of vehicle 2, the captured image obtained by imaging the surroundings of vehicle 2, information indicating the brightness around vehicle 2, audio information indicating the sound generated around vehicle 2, and the like. The parking space information includes images captured by the front camera 31 and the rear camera 32, and the position information of vehicle 2. The acquisition unit 11 can acquire some of these parts of the sensor information.The acquisition unit 11 can acquire a different part of the information than the sensor information.

[0052] Estimation Unit 12 is an example of Estimation Unit 102 described above. Estimation Unit 12 estimates the parking conditions, including the compliance status of Vehicle 2, based on sensor information. Compliance status is information indicating whether a parking condition of Vehicle 2 complies with parking regulations. Compliance status can include information indicating the degree of compliance with the applicable regulations. For example, Estimation Unit 12 can calculate a ratio of compliance among a variety of applicable regulations and estimate the compliance status using this ratio.

[0053] Parking regulations are defined by laws and ordinances, such as traffic codes. These regulations include rules for parking areas. For example, traffic codes define areas where parking / stopping is prohibited and areas where parking is prohibited. In areas where parking / stopping is prohibited, both parking and stopping are forbidden. In areas where parking is prohibited, parking is prohibited, while stopping is permitted.

[0054] Examples of places where parking / stopping is prohibited include the following locations. (A1) Place where parking / stopping is prohibited by a traffic sign or road marking prohibiting parking / stopping (A2) Intersection, pedestrian crossing, bicycle crossing, level crossing, track bed, near the top of an incline, steep descent or tunnel (A3) Within 5 m of the edge of a junction or bend in a road (A4) Within 5 m in front of and behind the front and rear edges of a pedestrian or bicycle crossing (A5) Part on the left side of a safety zone of a road which is equipped with the safety zone, and within 10 m in front of and behind the front and rear edges of the part (A6) Within 10 m of a position where a signpost or other signage is provided to indicate a bus stop, trolleybus stop, tram stop or the like (only during the operating hours of buses, trolleybuses and trams in the transit system relating to the stop, etc.) (A7) Within 10 m in front of and behind the front and rear edges of a level crossing

[0055] Examples of places where parking is prohibited include the following locations. (B1) Place where parking is prohibited by a traffic sign or road marking prohibiting parking (B2) Within a radius of 3 m from a motor vehicle entrance such as a parking lot or garage (B3) Within 5 m of the edge of a road construction site (B4) Within 5 m of the edge of a fire equipment yard, fire cistern or an entrance connecting one of these to a road (B5) Within 5 m of a location where a fire hydrant, a sign indicating a designated fire service water source or the like is provided, or a water intake opening or suction pipe inlet of a fire service cistern (B6) Within 1 m of a fire alarm (B7) Place with less than 3.5 m of space on a road on the right-hand side of a vehicle

[0056] For descriptive purposes, both the location where parking is prohibited and the location where parking / stopping is prohibited are collectively referred to simply as a "no-parking zone." The no-parking zone is not limited to an area defined by laws and regulations as described above. The no-parking zone may include a location where parking of vehicle 2 results in inconvenient parking that causes annoyance to a manager, user, or the like of the parking area. The no-parking zone includes, for example, a location where only one vehicle belonging to a specific person may be parked. The no-parking zone may optionally be established using conditions such as whether there is one or more lanes of traffic on each side of the street. The estimation unit 12 estimates the parking conditions, including whether the parking area is located within the no-parking zone.

[0057] The estimation unit 12 determines, based on the sensor information, whether vehicle 2 is parked in the no-parking zone.

[0058] For example, the estimation unit 12 performs the determination using the image captured by the front camera 31 or the rear camera 32. Using generally known image recognition, the estimation unit extracts a traffic sign or road marking prohibiting parking / stopping from the captured image and determines whether the parking space of vehicle 2 is located in the no-parking zone.

[0059] The estimation unit 12 can carry out the determination using an image taken from the parking space of vehicle 2 or can carry out the determination using an image taken from a movement route to the parking space.

[0060] As a result, the estimation unit 12 can correctly determine whether the parking space is located in a no-parking zone, even in a case where the traffic sign or the like is not included in a camera recording area at the parking lot.

[0061] Assessing Unit 12 can make the determination using the position information of Vehicle 2. In a case where the position information of the parked Vehicle 2 indicates the interior of the no-parking zone, Assessing Unit 12 determines that Vehicle 2 is parked in the no-parking zone. Assessing Unit 12 can make the determination taking into account the operating hours of a bus or tram. For example, in a case where Vehicle 2 is parked in a location where parking is prohibited only during predetermined operating hours, Assessing Unit 12 makes the determination taking into account whether the parking time falls within those predetermined operating hours. If it is determined that Vehicle 2 is parked in the no-parking zone, Assessing Unit 12 estimates that Vehicle 2 is not complying with the regulations.

[0062] Estimation Unit 12 can further estimate parking conditions, including conditions relating to the visibility of Vehicle 2 from its surroundings, based on sensor information. For example, Estimation Unit 12 extracts objects present around Vehicle 2 from the captured images and estimates the degree of visibility of Vehicle 2 from its surroundings based on these objects. Estimation Unit 12 extracts the objects present around Vehicle 2 from the captured images using a generally known image recognition technique. Estimation Unit 12 determines whether an object that reduces visibility from its surroundings is included among the extracted objects.

[0063] The object that reduces visibility from the surroundings specifies, for example, an object whose height from the ground is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Examples of objects that reduce visibility from the surroundings include a gate and a fence. If such an object is present, visibility from the surroundings is poor, making vehicle 2 less likely to be visually detected. A suspicious person or the like, intending to harm vehicle 2, can easily be concealed by the object. This increases the risk of damage being caused to vehicle 2. In the case where the object whose height is equal to or greater than the predetermined value is present in the surroundings, Estimation Unit 12 determines that vehicle 2's visibility from the surroundings is low. Estimation Unit 12 can make this determination taking into account the width of the object.

[0064] Estimation Unit 12 can estimate the degree of visibility of Vehicle 2 from its surroundings based on the ambient light level. For example, if Vehicle 2 is parked in a dark location during the day, it and any suspicious person approaching it are less likely to be visually detected. This increases the risk of damage to Vehicle 2. Examples of this scenario include a parking garage. Estimation Unit 12 estimates the degree of visibility based on illuminance information captured by illuminance sensor 34. If the illuminance is lower than a predetermined value, Estimation Unit 12 determines that Vehicle 2 has low visibility from its surroundings. Estimation Unit 12 can perform this determination taking a time period into account.

[0065] The estimation unit 12 can determine whether a large number of unspecified individuals can enter and exit the parking lot and can determine the degree of visibility based on the outcome of this determination. For example, it is assumed that vehicle 2 is parked in a parking lot accessible to the general public where no gate or fence is installed. In this case, while vehicle 2 can be easily identified visually from its surroundings, it is difficult to determine from the surroundings whether a person approaching vehicle 2 is a legitimate user or a suspicious individual. Thus, in such a case, the risk of damage to vehicle 2 increases.

[0066] The assessment unit 12 uses the positional information to determine whether the parking area is accessible to the general public and determines that the visibility of vehicle 2 from the surroundings is low if it is determined that the parking area is accessible. The assessment unit 12 can determine whether the parking area is accessible to the general public by using the images captured by the camera to determine whether the parking area is a location without a gate or similar barrier.

[0067] Estimation Unit 12 can estimate the level of pedestrian traffic around Vehicle 2 based on the parking period and can estimate the parking conditions according to the result of the estimate. For example, Estimation Unit 12 acquires the current time using a timer (not shown) and identifies the period relevant to that time. Examples of the period include, but are not limited to, morning, daytime, and nighttime. The period can be set using a specific time. The period can be delimited at any time, depending on the level of risk at which damage can occur to Vehicle 2.

[0068] In many cases, pedestrian traffic is lower in the morning and at night than during the day. Therefore, in the morning and at night, it is less likely that vehicle 2 or a suspicious person will be visually detected by people in the vicinity, and the risk of damage to vehicle 2 increases. Estimation Unit 12 determines whether the parking period is daytime and estimates the level of pedestrian traffic around vehicle 2 based on the result of this determination. If it is determined that the parking period is daytime, Estimation Unit 12 estimates that pedestrian traffic around vehicle 2 is high. If it is determined that the parking period is other than daytime, Estimation Unit 12 estimates that pedestrian traffic around vehicle 2 is low. The period during which the risk of damage is high can be appropriately adjusted depending on the parking location.

[0069] Furthermore, the estimation unit 12 can estimate the level of pedestrian traffic around vehicle 2 based on the sound information and can estimate the parking conditions according to the result of the estimation. For example, the risk of damage to vehicle 2 is higher in a quiet location where pedestrian traffic is low at all times.

[0070] On the other hand, the risk of damage to vehicle 2 is lower in a location where constant noise is generated, such as in a factory. Estimation unit 12 analyzes the sound information provided by the ambient noise detected by microphone 35 using a generally known tone recognition technique and estimates the level of pedestrian traffic. For example, estimation unit 12 detects a person's voice, the sound of a vehicle running, and the like from the ambient noise, thereby estimating the level of pedestrian traffic in the area.

[0071] Calculation Unit 13 is an example of Calculation Unit 103 described above. Calculation Unit 13 calculates the risk level at which damage 2 can be inflicted on the vehicle, based on the parking conditions estimated by Estimation Unit 12. For example, Calculation Unit 13 calculates the risk level according to the parking conditions, referencing definition information that defines the risk level.

[0072] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating definition information 191 as an example of the definition of risk level.

[0073] The definition information 191 is information in which the degree of possibility that damage will be caused to the vehicle 2 is associated with the risk level. In the present exemplary embodiment, the definition information 191 is stored in advance in the storage unit 19.

[0074] In this example, the risk level is set on a four-point scale from "0" to "3". The risk level is set so that it is lower when the probability of the vehicle sustaining damage is lower, and higher when the probability of the vehicle sustaining damage is higher.

[0075] For example, if the probability of damage to vehicle 2 is very low, the parking conditions for vehicle 2 are not considered risky. In this case, the lowest possible risk level of "0" is set. If the risk level is "0", the user does not need to be particularly concerned about the parking conditions.

[0076] If the probability of damage to vehicle 2 is higher than in the case where the risk level is "0", the parking conditions for vehicle 2 are slightly risky. In this case, the risk level is set to "1".

[0077] If the risk level is “1”, the user is preferably alerted to the parking conditions of vehicle 2 by, for example, considering moving vehicle 2 to another location.

[0078] If the probability of damage to vehicle 2 is even higher than in the case where risk level "1", then the parking conditions for vehicle 2 are quite risky. In this case, "2" is set as the risk level. When risk level "2", the user is preferably more vigilant about the parking conditions. For example, the user might move vehicle 2 to a different location.

[0079] If the probability of damage to vehicle 2 is even higher than in the case where risk level "2" is set, the parking conditions for vehicle 2 are very risky. In this case, the highest risk level, "3", is set. If the risk level is "3", the user should preferably be further alerted to the parking conditions. For example, the user should preferably move vehicle 2 to another location immediately.

[0080] While the exemplary case described here uses a four-point scale for the risk level, the number of risk levels can be set to any number. The risk level is not limited to being expressed as levels and can, for example, be expressed as numerical values.

[0081] Depending on the parking conditions, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the risk level each time, or it can calculate the risk level by referring to a predetermined data table and recording the risk level according to the parking conditions. Descriptions are given here using risk level information 192, which is contained in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the data table as an example.

[0082] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the risk level information 192 as a specific example of the parking conditions and an example of the risk level. In the present exemplary embodiment, the risk level information 192 is pre-stored in the storage unit 19.

[0083] The Risk Level Information 192 is information in which the specific example of parking conditions is associated with the risk level. The diagram illustrates the Risk Level Information 192 for each category of parking conditions. Examples of the parking conditions include, but are not limited to, regulatory compliance status, visibility from the surroundings, parking duration, and ambient noise.

[0084] For example, it is assumed that the estimation unit 12 estimates that vehicle 2 is parked in the no-parking zone. The calculation unit 13 refers to the risk level information 192 and calculates the risk level as "3". While Fig. 7 only illustrates examples where the risk levels are 1 to 3, the risk level information 192 may include an example where the risk level is 0.

[0085] In Risk Level Information 192, the risk level higher than that for parking conditions where regulations are followed is set for parking conditions where regulations are not followed. In Risk Level Information 192, the risk level higher than that for parking conditions with higher visibility is set for parking conditions with lower visibility from the vehicle's surroundings. In Risk Level Information 192, the risk level higher than that for parking conditions with higher pedestrian traffic is set for parking conditions with lower pedestrian traffic.

[0086] In a case where the parking conditions include a multitude of information, the calculation unit 13 calculates the risk levels according to this multitude of individual pieces of information. The calculation unit 13 can calculate an overall risk level value based on these individual risk levels. For example, let's assume the parking space is located in a no-parking zone and has poor visibility. In this case, the calculation unit 13 calculates the individual risk levels of 3 and 2. The calculation unit 13 can then calculate 5, which is the sum of the risk levels, as the overall value.

[0087] The overall value is not limited to a simple total sum. For example, the overall value can be a value obtained by adding predetermined weightings to the risk levels according to the multitude of individual pieces of information.

[0088] Returning to Fig. The description continues in section 5. The notification control unit 14 is an example of the notification control unit 104 described above. The notification control unit 14 notifies the user terminal 8 of the risk of the vehicle 2 based on the risk level calculated by the computation unit 13. For example, the notification control unit 14 determines, using a predetermined determination condition, whether the user terminal 8 should be notified. The predetermined determination condition can be set in advance by the user or the like. It is assumed here that determination condition information 193, which specifies a preset determination condition, is stored in the memory unit 19.

[0089] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the Determination Condition Information 193 for determining whether the user terminal 8 should be notified. The Determination Condition Information 193 includes information regarding an overall risk level of "high," "medium," "low," and "not applicable." The overall risk level is determined by comprehensively assessing the risk level of the parking conditions of the vehicle 2. The overall risk level is associated with the risk level for each category.

[0090] For example, if the risk levels for all categories, including regulatory compliance status, visibility from the surroundings, parking duration, and ambient noise level, are equal to or greater than 2, then the overall risk level is "high".

[0091] If the overall risk level is not below "high" and there is at least one category with a risk level of 2 or higher, the overall risk level is "medium". If the overall risk level is not below either "high" or "medium" and all categories have a risk level of 1 or higher, the overall risk level is "low". If none of the "high", "medium", and "low" conditions described above apply, the overall risk level is "not applicable". This indicates that the risk is so low that no notification is required.

[0092] The notification control unit 14 calculates the overall risk level according to the parking conditions of the vehicle 2, with reference to the determining condition information 193, and determines, based on the overall risk level, whether the user terminal 8 should be notified. Specifically, the notification control unit 14 determines to notify the user terminal 8 if the overall risk level is any of "high," "medium," and "low," and determines not to notify the user terminal 8 if the overall risk level is "not applicable." It is not limited to this; for example, the notification control unit 14 may determine to issue the notification only in the case where the overall risk level is "high."

[0093] When it is determined that the user terminal 8 should be notified, the notification control unit 14 generates notification information for issuing a notification regarding the risk. The notification control unit 14 transmits the generated notification information to the user terminal 8 via the communication unit 17. The notification information can include text information, image information, and the like. The text information can, for example, be information specifying details of the risk or the risk level. The image information can be the image captured by the front camera 31 or the rear camera 32. With this arrangement, the notification control unit 14 causes the notification information to be output by an output unit (not shown) of the user terminal 8.Examples of output units include a display unit, such as a gauge, and an audio output unit, such as a speaker. As a result, the user recognizes the risk that damage may be caused to the vehicle.

[0094] The determination condition information 193 described above is an example, and the notification control unit 14 can use other conditions to determine whether to issue a notification. For example, the notification control unit 14 can make the determination using the total value of the risk levels. The notification control unit 14 determines to notify the user terminal 8 if the total value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and determines not to issue a notification if it is less than the predetermined value.

[0095] The notification control unit 14 issues a warning to the vehicle 2's surroundings according to an instruction from the user terminal 8. For example, the notification control unit 14 receives an instruction to issue a warning to the vehicle 2's surroundings from the user terminal 8. For example, the user terminal 8 transmits the instruction to the information processing device 10 via an input unit (not shown). Examples of the input unit (not shown) could include a touch panel.

[0096] The notification control unit 14 generates warning information to cause the vehicle 2's notification unit 5 to issue the warning and transmits this information to the vehicle's internal device 4. The vehicle's internal device 4 receives the warning information via the communication unit 42. The vehicle control unit 43 controls the notification unit 5 according to the warning information. As a result, for example, the lamp 51 is switched on. Alternatively, the horn 52 sounds a warning tone. Both the lamp 51 and the horn 52 can issue the warning.

[0097] The notification control unit 14 can automatically send the notification using a predetermined condition. Examples of predetermined conditions include the overall risk level being any of "high", "medium", and "low".

[0098] It is not limited to this, and the predetermined condition can optionally be set by the user or the like.

[0099] The notification control unit 14 automatically issues the warning when the predetermined condition is met. As a result, the notification control unit 14 can even issue the warning automatically without a command from the user terminal 8.

[0100] Returning to Fig. The description continues in section 5. The communication unit 17 communicates with the vehicle's internal device 4 and the user terminal 8. The communication unit 17 may include a communication interface for carrying out wired or wireless communication.

[0101] The storage unit 19 includes a semiconductor memory and the like, and stores various types of data and programs.

[0102] At least part of the storage unit 19 is configured with non-volatile memory so that the data is retained even when the power supply to the information processing device 10 is switched off. In addition to the programs according to the present exemplary embodiment, the storage unit 19 stores the definition information 191, the risk level information 192, and the determination condition information 193.

[0103] The configuration of information processing system 1 was described above.

[0104] The configuration of the information processing system 1 described above is merely an example and can be changed as needed.

[0105] For example, if some or all of the components of the sensor unit 3, the in-vehicle device 4, and the information processing device 10 are implemented by a multitude of information processing devices, circuits, and the like, the multitude of information processing devices, circuits, and the like can be arranged in a centralized manner or in a distributed manner. For example, each of the information processing devices, circuits, and the like can be implemented in the form of a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, in which they are interconnected via a communication network.

[0106] For example, the functions of the information processing device 10 can be provided in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS).

[0107] For example, while the exemplary case in which the definition information 191, the risk level information 192, and the determination condition information 193 are stored in the storage unit 19 of the information processing device 10 was described above, these parts of the information may be stored in a device that is not the information processing device 10. The vehicle 2 may include the information processing device 10. The vehicle's internal device 4 may have the functions of the information processing device 10.

[0108] While the exemplary case in which the information processing device 10 performs the notification based on the overall risk level has been described above, the information processing device 10 can perform other processing besides the notification.

[0109] For example, the information processing device 10 can perform processing to detect a suspicious person depending on the overall risk level.

[0110] For example, if the overall risk level is "high," the information processing device 10 identifies a person performing a specific action or assuming a specific posture from the captured images using a generally known image recognition technique. With this arrangement, the information processing device 10 detects the suspicious person around the vehicle 2. When the suspicious person is detected, the information processing device 10 transmits information about the suspicious person to the user terminal 8. As a result, the user can recognize the existence of the suspicious person before any damage is caused to the vehicle 2. (Processing of the information processing device 10)

[0111] Next, a process to be carried out by the information processing device 10 according to the present disclosure is described with reference to Fig. 9 described. Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process to be carried out by the information processing device 10. First, the acquisition unit 11 receives the sensor information acquired by the sensor unit 3 from the vehicle's internal device 4 (S11).

[0112] Examples of sensor information include information regarding the parking location of vehicle 2, the captured image obtained by mapping the surroundings of vehicle 2, information indicating the brightness around vehicle 2, and sound information indicating the sound generated around vehicle 2. Next, estimation unit 12 estimates the parking conditions, including the compliance status, based on the sensor information (S12).

[0113] Examples of parking conditions include information regarding compliance status, visibility from the surroundings, parking period, ambient noise, and the like.

[0114] Subsequently, calculation unit 13 calculates the risk level at which damage can occur to the vehicle, based on the parking conditions (S13). For example, calculation unit 13 refers to the definition information 191 and the risk level information 192 and calculates the risk level according to the parking conditions.

[0115] Subsequently, the notification control unit 14 determines, based on the risk level, whether the user terminal 8 should be notified about the risk of the vehicle 2 (S14).

[0116] For example, the notification control unit 14 calculates the overall risk level according to the parking conditions with reference to the determining condition information 193 and determines, based on the overall risk level, whether the notification should be made.

[0117] If it is determined not to send the notification (NO in S14), the information processing device 10 returns to processing S11 and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0118] If it is determined to send the notification (YES in S14), the notification control unit 14 notifies the user terminal 8 of the risk of the vehicle 2 (S15).

[0119] Specifically, the notification control unit 14 generates the notification information, including text information, image information, and the like, and transmits the notification information to the user terminal device 8.

[0120] The notification control unit 14 then determines whether the instruction regarding the output of the warning is issued by the user terminal 8 (S16). If it is determined that the instruction is issued by the user terminal 8 (YES in S16), the notification control unit 14 issues the warning from vehicle 2 (S17). Specifically, the notification control unit 14 generates the warning information for issuing the warning and transmits the warning information to the vehicle's internal device 4. As a result, the warning is issued by the lamp 51, the horn 52, or the like in vehicle 2. If the notification control unit 14 determines that no instruction is issued by the user terminal 8 (NO in S16), the information processing device 10 terminates the process.

[0121] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the information processing device 10 acquires the sensor information regarding the parked vehicle 2, which was acquired by the sensor unit 3 of the vehicle 2. The information processing device 10 estimates the parking conditions of the vehicle 2, including its compliance status, based on the sensor information and calculates the risk level at which damage may occur to the vehicle 2. The information processing device 10 notifies the user terminal 8 of the risk to the vehicle 2 based on the risk level.

[0122] This arrangement enables information processing system 1 to notify the user of the risk of damage to vehicle 2, thereby preventing such damage in advance. Information processing system 1 can then issue the warning from vehicle 2 according to the instructions from user terminal 8, thus reducing the likelihood of damage to vehicle 2.

[0123] The information processing system 1 can utilize an existing dashboard camera as the vehicle-integrated device 4, enabling the system to be implemented through software enhancement with minimal hardware additions. Furthermore, the sensor information acquired by the sensor unit 3 contained within the vehicle 2 can be used, allowing the information processing system 1 to be implemented without relying on external equipment such as a surveillance camera. As a result, the processing according to the present disclosure can even be performed when the vehicle 2 is parked in a location other than a designated parking space or the like.

[0124] While the configuration and processing have been described with reference to the drawings in the present exemplary embodiment, the configuration and processing according to the present exemplary embodiment are not limited to the drawings referenced.

[0125] Furthermore, the configuration and processing according to the present exemplary embodiment may be related to drawings that have not been referenced. <Beispielhafte Hardwarekonfiguration>

[0126] Each functional configuration unit of the information processing device 10, the in-vehicle device 4, and the user terminal 8 (hereinafter referred to as "information processing device 10 and the like") can be achieved by hardware (e.g., hard-wired electronic circuitry, etc.) implementing each functional component, or by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program controlling the electronic circuit, etc.). A case in which each functional configuration unit of the information processing device 10 and the like is achieved by a combination of hardware and software is described below.

[0127] Fig.Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration of a Computer 900 implementing the Information Processing Device 10 and the like. The Computer 900 can be a dedicated computer designed to implement the Information Processing Device 10 and the like, or it can be a general-purpose computer. The Computer 900 can be a portable computer, such as a smartphone, a tablet device, or the like.

[0128] For example, by installing a predetermined application on the Computer 900, every function of the Information Processing Device 10 and the like is implemented on the Computer 900. The application mentioned above includes programs for implementing the functional configuration units of the Information Processing Device 10 and the like.

[0129] The Computer 900 comprises a bus 902, a processor 904, a memory 906, a storage device 908, an input / output interface 910, and a network interface 912. The bus 902 is a data transmission path through which the processor 904, the memory 906, the storage device 908, the input / output interface 910, and the network interface 912 exchange data.

[0130] However, a method for connecting the 904 processor and the like is not limited to the bus connection.

[0131] The processor 904 refers to various processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip). The memory 906 is a main memory device implemented using random-access memory (RAM) or the like.

[0132] The Storage Device 908 is an auxiliary storage device implemented using a hard disk, solid-state drive (SSD), memory card, read-only memory (ROM), or the like.

[0133] The 910 input / output interface is an interface for connecting the 900 computer to an input / output device. For example, an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a display device are connected to the 910 input / output interface.

[0134] The network interface 912 is an interface for connecting the computer 900 to a network. The network can be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

[0135] Memory device 908 stores the programs for implementing the functional configuration units of information processing device 10 and the like (programs for implementing the application mentioned above). Processor 904 reads the programs into memory 906 and executes them, thereby implementing the functional configuration units of information processing device 10 and the like.

[0136] Each of the processors executes one or more programs that include instructions to cause the computer to execute the algorithm described with reference to the drawings.

[0137] The program comprises instructions (or software code) to cause the computer to implement one or more of the functions described in the exemplary embodiments when it is read by the computer. The program may be stored on various types of non-volatile, computer-readable media or tangible storage media. By way of example, and not as a limitation, the non-volatile, computer-readable media or tangible storage media includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD) or any other storage technology, a compact disc read-only storage device (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc or any other optical disk storage, a magnetic cartridge, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk storage device, or any other magnetic storage device.The program can also be transmitted in various types of volatile, computer-readable media or communication media. As an example, and not as a limitation, volatile, computer-readable media or communication media includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or any other form of propagation signals.

[0138] The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above and may be appropriately modified without departing from the core.

[0139] Some or all of the exemplary embodiments described above may also be described as the following supplementary remarks, but are not limited to them. (Supplementary Note 1) An information processing device comprising: sensing means for acquiring sensor information relating to a parked vehicle, as detected by a sensor; estimating means for estimating a parking condition, which includes a compliance status of the vehicle, based on the sensor information; calculating means for calculating a risk level at which damage may be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking condition; and notification control means for notifying a user terminal device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level. (Supplementary Note 2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the sensor information includes information regarding a parking space of the vehicle, and the estimator estimates the parking condition including whether the parking space is in a no-parking zone. (Supplementary Note 3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the estimating means further estimates the parking condition including a condition relating to the visibility of the vehicle from an ambient area based on the sensor information. (Supplementary Note 4) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the sensor information includes a captured image of the vehicle's surrounding area, and the estimator extracts an object present around the vehicle from the captured image and estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the object. (Supplementary Note 5) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 3 or 4, wherein the sensor information includes information indicating the brightness around the vehicle, and the estimator estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the brightness around the vehicle. (Supplementary Note 6) The information processing device according to one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the estimator estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on a parking period and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. (Supplementary Note 7) The information processing device according to any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein the sensor information includes sound information indicating a sound generated around the vehicle, and the estimator estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on the sound information and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. (Supplementary Note 8) The information processing device according to any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein the notification control means issues a warning to an area surrounding the vehicle in accordance with an instruction from the user terminal device. (Supplementary Note 9) An information processing system comprising: a sensor that detects sensor information relating to a parked vehicle; and an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: sensing means for sensing the sensor information acquired by the sensor; estimating means for estimating a parking condition that includes a compliance status of the vehicle based on the sensor information; calculating means for calculating a risk level at which damage may be caused to the vehicle based on the parking condition; and notification control means for notifying a user terminal device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level. (Supplementary Note 10) The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the sensor information includes information regarding a parking space of the vehicle, and the estimator estimates the parking condition including whether the parking space is in a no-parking zone. (Supplementary Note 11) The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 9 or 10, wherein the estimator further estimates the parking condition including a condition relating to the visibility of the vehicle from an ambient area based on the sensor information. (Supplementary Note 12) The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the sensor information includes a captured image of the vehicle's surroundings, and the estimator extracts an object present around the vehicle from the captured image and estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surroundings based on the object. (Supplementary Note 13) The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 11 or 12, wherein the sensor information includes information indicating the brightness around the vehicle, and the estimator estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the brightness around the vehicle. (Supplementary Note 14) The information processing system according to one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 13, wherein the estimator estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on a parking period and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. (Supplementary Note 15) The information processing system according to one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 14, wherein the sensor information includes sound information indicating a sound generated around the vehicle, and the estimator estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on the sound information and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. (Supplementary Note 16) The information processing system according to one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 15, wherein the notification control means issues a warning to an area surrounding the vehicle in accordance with an instruction from the user terminal device. (Supplementary Note 17) An information processing procedure comprising: capturing sensor information relating to a parked vehicle, as detected by a sensor; estimating a parking condition, which includes a compliance status of the vehicle, based on the sensor information; calculating a risk level at which damage may be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking condition; and notifying a user terminal device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level. (Supplementary Note 18) The information processing procedure according to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the sensor information includes information relating to a parking space of the vehicle, and wherein the procedure further includes, when estimating the parking condition, estimating the parking condition including whether the parking space is in a no-parking zone. (Supplementary Note 19) The information processing procedure according to Supplementary Note 17 or 18, further comprising, in estimating the parking condition, estimating the parking condition further including a condition relating to the visibility of the vehicle from an ambient area based on the sensor information. (Supplementary Note 20) The information processing method according to Supplementary Note 19, wherein the sensor information includes a captured image of the vehicle's surroundings, and wherein the method further comprises, when estimating the parking condition, extracting an object present around the vehicle from the captured image and estimating a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surroundings based on the object. (Supplementary Note 21) The information processing method according to Supplementary Note 19 or 20, wherein the sensor information includes information indicating brightness around the vehicle, and wherein the method further includes, when estimating the parking condition, estimating a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the brightness around the vehicle. (Supplementary Note 22) The information processing procedure according to one of the supplementary notes 17 to 21, further comprising, in estimating the parking condition, estimating a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on a parking period and estimating the parking condition according to an estimation result. (Supplementary Note 23) The information processing method according to one of Supplementary Notes 17 to 22, wherein the sensor information includes sound information indicating a sound generated around the vehicle, and wherein the method further comprises, when estimating the parking condition, estimating a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on the sound information and estimating the parking condition according to an estimation result. (Supplementary Note 24) The information processing procedure according to one of the supplementary notes 17 to 23, further comprising, when notifying the user terminal device of the risk, issuing a warning to an area surrounding the vehicle in accordance with an instruction from the user terminal device. (Supplementary Note 25) A non-volatile, computer-readable medium that stores a program to cause a computer to perform a process comprising: acquisition processing for acquiring sensor information relating to a parked vehicle, acquired by a sensor; estimation processing for estimating a parking condition, which includes a regulatory compliance status of the vehicle, based on the sensor information; computation processing for calculating a risk level at which damage may be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking condition; and notification control processing for notifying a user terminal of a risk to the vehicle, based on the risk level. (Supplementary Note 26) The non-volatile, computer-readable medium according to Supplementary Note 25, wherein the sensor information includes information regarding a parking space of the vehicle, and the estimation processing estimates the parking condition, including whether the parking space is in a no-parking zone. (Supplementary Note 27) The non-volatile computer-readable medium as described in Supplementary Note 25 or 26, wherein the estimation processing further estimates the parking condition including a condition relating to the visibility of the vehicle from an ambient area based on the sensor information. (Supplementary Note 28) The non-volatile computer-readable medium according to Supplementary Note 27, wherein the sensor information includes a captured image of the vehicle's surrounding area, and the estimation processing extracts an object present around the vehicle from the captured image and estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the object. (Supplementary Note 29) The non-volatile, computer-readable medium as described in Supplementary Note 27 or 28, wherein the sensor information includes information indicating the brightness around the vehicle, and the estimation processing estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the brightness around the vehicle. (Supplementary Note 30) The non-volatile computer-readable medium according to one of Supplementary Notes 25 to 29, wherein the estimation processing estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on a parking period and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. (Supplementary Note 31) The non-volatile computer-readable medium according to one of Supplementary Notes 25 to 30, wherein the sensor information includes sound information indicating a sound generated around the vehicle, and the estimation processing estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on the sound information and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. (Supplementary Note 32) The non-volatile, computer-readable medium according to one of Supplementary Notes 25 to 31, wherein the notification control processing issues a warning to an area surrounding the vehicle in accordance with an instruction from the user terminal device. Reference symbol list 1 Information processing system 2 vehicles 3 Sensor unit 4 vehicle-internal devices 5 notification unit 8 User terminal 10 Information processing device 11 recording unit 12 Estimation Unit 13 Calculation unit 14 Notification control unit 17 Communication unit 19 storage units 31 Front camera 32 Rear camera 33 Position sensor 34 illuminance sensor 35 microphone 100 Information processing device 101 recording units 102 Estimation Unit 103 Calculation unit 104 Notification Control Unit 191 Definition information 192 Risk level information 193 Determination conditions information 41 recording units 42 Communication unit 43 Vehicle control unit 51 Lamp 52 Horn 900 computers 902 Bus 904 processor 906 memory 908 Storage device 910 Input / Output Interface 912 Network interface N network QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2019-022063 A

[0005]

Claims

[1] An information processing device comprising: Acquisition device for capturing sensor information relating to a parked vehicle, as detected by a sensor; Estimating tool for estimating a parking condition, which includes a vehicle's compliance status, based on sensor information; Calculation tools for determining the risk level at which damage can be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking conditions; and Notification control device for notifying a user terminal about a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level. [2] The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor information includes information regarding a parking space of the vehicle, and the estimating means estimates the parking condition including whether the parking space is in a no-parking zone. [3] The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the estimating means further estimates the parking condition including a condition relating to the visibility of the vehicle from an ambient area based on the sensor information. [4] The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the sensor information includes a captured image of the vehicle's surrounding area, and the estimating means extracts an object present around the vehicle from the captured image and estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the object. [5] The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the sensor information includes information indicating the brightness around the vehicle, and the estimator estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the brightness around the vehicle. [6] The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the estimating means estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on a parking period and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. [7] The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor information includes sound information indicating a sound generated around the vehicle, and the estimator estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on the sound information and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. [8] The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification control means issues a warning to an area surrounding the vehicle in accordance with an instruction from the user terminal device. [9] An information processing system comprising: a sensor that detects sensor information relating to a parked vehicle; and an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: Acquisition device for capturing the sensor information acquired by the sensor; Estimating tool for estimating a parking condition, which includes a vehicle's compliance status, based on sensor information; Calculation tools for determining the risk level at which damage can be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking conditions; and Notification control device for notifying a user terminal about a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level. [10] The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein the sensor information includes information regarding a parking space of the vehicle, and the estimating means estimates the parking condition including whether the parking space is in a no-parking zone. [11] The information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the estimating means further estimates the parking condition including a condition relating to the visibility of the vehicle from an ambient area based on the sensor information. [12] The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein The sensor information includes a captured image of the vehicle's surroundings, and The estimator extracts an object that is present around the vehicle from the captured image and estimates a degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the object. [13] The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein The sensor information includes information indicating the brightness around the vehicle, and The estimator estimates the degree of visibility of the vehicle from the surrounding area based on the brightness around the vehicle. [14] The information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the estimating means estimates a level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on a parking period and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. [15] The information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the sensor information includes sound information indicating a sound generated around the vehicle, and The estimator estimates the level of pedestrian traffic around the vehicle based on the sound information and estimates the parking condition according to an estimation result. [16] The information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the notification control means issues a warning to an area surrounding the vehicle in accordance with an instruction from the user terminal device. [17] Information processing techniques, comprehensive: Capturing sensor information regarding a parked vehicle, as recorded by a sensor; Estimating a parking condition that includes a vehicle's compliance status based on sensor information; Calculating a risk level at which damage can be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking conditions; and Notifying a user device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level. [18] The information processing method according to claim 17, wherein the sensor information includes information relating to a parking space of the vehicle, wherein the method further includes, when estimating the parking condition, estimating the parking condition including whether the parking space is located in a no-parking zone. [19] The information processing method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising, when estimating the parking condition, estimating the parking condition further including a condition relating to the visibility of the vehicle from an ambient area based on the sensor information. [20] A non-volatile, computer-readable medium that stores a program to cause a computer to carry out a process, comprising: Data acquisition processing for capturing sensor information regarding a parked vehicle, as recorded by a sensor; Estimation processing to estimate a parking condition, which includes a vehicle's regulatory compliance status, based on sensor information; Computational processing to calculate a risk level at which damage can be caused to the vehicle, based on the parking conditions; and Notification control processing to notify a user device of a risk to the vehicle based on the risk level.

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