Information processor, management device, terminal device, and information processing method

Abstract

To easily find out travel record information desired by a user from travel record information utilizing the impression information of the user in past travel records.SOLUTION: When input is made to an input unit by a user designating the display of a list of travel records, a processing control unit 770 accesses a storage unit 710A and generates display information consisting of a list of record information in history information. Then, the processing control unit 770 generates display data on the basis of the display information, and sends it to a display unit 960. When, after the list of record information is displayed on the display unit 960 this way, input is made to the input unit by the user designating specific impression event information, the processing control unit 770 generates display information consisting of record information extracted from the list of record information that corresponds to impression event information designated by the user. Then, the processing control unit 770 generates display data on the basis of the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a management device, a terminal device, an information processing method, an information processing program, and a recording medium on which the information processing program is recorded. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, navigation devices installed in moving objects such as vehicles have been widely used. In addition to a navigation function, such navigation devices are provided with many functions for improving user convenience. One of the functions for improving convenience is to search for a destination or the like desired by a user from driving history information, and various techniques for performing such searches have been proposed.

[0003] One such proposed technology is one that makes it possible to shorten the time it takes for a user to find history information desired when the amount of history information, such as previously set destinations and searched facilities, increases (see Patent Document 1: hereinafter referred to as the "conventional example"). In this conventional example technology, information about facilities previously searched for and the time when the search was performed, as well as information about facilities previously set as destinations and the time when the setting was performed, are stored as history information in a storage means. The history information is then classified according to the time when the search and setting were performed and the genre of the facility, and is displayed in a matrix with date information as rows and each facility as a column. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4394426 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the history information is classified and displayed according to the time when the search and setting were performed and the genre of the facility, so that even if the number of history information registered in the storage means is large, the user can easily find the desired destination or the searched facility. However, if the user cannot remember the name of the destination set in the past or the facility searched, it may be difficult to find the desired destination or the searched facility from among the many pieces of history information, even if the conventional technology is used. In such a case, if the driving history can be searched using the impression information of the user during the past driving history period as a key, the user can find the driving history of the desired destination set in the past or the facility searched, and the convenience of the user can be greatly improved.

[0006] For this reason, there is a demand for a technology that can easily find driving performance information desired by a user from the driving performance information by utilizing the impression information of the user during the past driving performance period. Meeting such a demand is one of the problems that the present invention is to solve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing device characterized by comprising: a memory control unit that stores in a memory unit information that corresponds actual information related to past drives with impression event information for the user that is related to the drives; and a display control unit that extracts actual information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user from the memory unit and displays the extracted actual information on a display unit.

[0008] The present invention also provides a management device comprising: a memory control unit that stores in a memory unit information that associates performance information related to past drives with impression event information for a user that is related to the drives; an extraction unit that extracts performance information that corresponds to the impression event information designated by the user from the memory unit; and a transmission unit that transmits the extracted performance information.

[0009] The present invention also provides a terminal device comprising: a receiving unit that receives performance information transmitted from the management device of the present invention; and a terminal display control unit that controls the display of the performance information on a display unit.

[0010] The present invention is also an information processing method used in an information processing device having a memory control unit and a display control unit, characterized in comprising: a memory control step in which the memory control unit stores in the memory unit information that corresponds performance information related to a past drive with impression event information for the user that is related to the drive; and a display control step in which the display control unit extracts from the memory unit performance information that corresponds to the impression event information specified by the user, and displays the extracted performance information on a display unit.

[0011] The present invention also provides an information processing program for causing a computer included in an information processing device to execute the information processing method of the present invention.

[0012] The present invention also provides a recording medium having the information processing program of the present invention recorded thereon so as to be readable by a computer included in an information processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing configurations of a terminal device and a management device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram for explaining the contents of history information stored in the storage unit of FIG. 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a search information generating process performed by the information processing device in FIG. 3. [Figure 6]6 is a flowchart for explaining the process of associating the performance information with the impression information in FIG. 5; [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of performance information using search information by the information processing device of FIG. 3; [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a display example of performance information displayed on a display unit. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a route search process using search information by the information processing device of FIG. 3; [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a notification process using search information by the information processing device of FIG. 3; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the positioning of a terminal device and a guide device in an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the terminal device of FIG. [Figure 13] 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management device of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] 14 is a diagram for explaining the contents of vehicle-specific history information stored in the storage unit of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] 14 is a flowchart for explaining a process of generating search information by the management device of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] 14 is a flowchart for explaining a display control process of the performance information using search information by the management device of FIG. 13; [Figure 17] 14 is a flowchart for explaining a route search process using search information by the management device of FIG. 13. [Figure 18] 14 is a flowchart for explaining a notification process using search information by the management device of FIG. 13. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining the positioning of a terminal device and a guide device in an information processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management device in FIG. 19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0015] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] <Configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 700 according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 700 is disposed in a moving object MV. In the first embodiment, in addition to the information processing device 700, a position detection unit 910, a running motion detection unit 920, a sound output unit 950, and a display unit 960 are disposed in the moving object MV.

[0017] The position detection unit 910 is configured to include a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, etc. The position detection unit 910 detects the current position and current time of the moving body MV based on the reception results of radio waves transmitted from multiple GPS satellites. The position detection unit 910 then transmits information on the detected current position and current time of the moving body MV to the information processing device 700.

[0018] The running motion detection unit 920 detects the current running motion of the moving object MV. The running motion detection unit 920 includes an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the moving object MV, a camera device that captures an image in front of the moving object MV, and a memory element, and is configured as a drive recorder.

[0019] The drive recorder sequentially stores forward images captured by a camera device in a buffer storage element configured as a ring buffer. When the absolute value of the acceleration of the moving object MV detected by the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the drive recorder determines that the moving object MV is at risk of suddenly decelerating, and saves the images stored in the buffer storage element before and after the upper limit is exceeded in a non-volatile storage element.

[0020] The running motion detection unit 920 sends information on the acceleration of the moving object MV to the information processing device 700 when a forward image of the moving object MV is stored in a non-volatile storage element, that is, when a risk is encountered.

[0021] The sound output unit 950 includes a speaker. The sound output unit 950 receives output sound data sent from the information processing device 700. The sound output unit 950 then reproduces and outputs an output sound corresponding to the output sound data.

[0022] The display unit 960 is configured to include a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel. The display unit 960 receives display data sent from the information processing device 700. Then, the display unit 960 displays an image corresponding to the display data.

[0023] Configuration of information processing device 700 The configuration of the information processing device 700 will be described.

[0024] 1, the information processing device 700 includes a storage unit 710A, a driving information acquisition unit 720, and a situation information acquisition unit 730. The information processing device 700 also includes a storage control unit 750A and a processing control unit 770.

[0025] The storage unit 710A is configured to include a non-volatile storage element. Map information and history information are stored in the storage unit 710A. The storage control unit 750A and the processing control unit 770 can access the storage unit 710A.

[0026] The map information includes road shape data that represents the shape of roads using links and nodes (intersections, etc.), background data that represents buildings, rivers, the ground surface (features), etc., and POI (Point Of Interest) data.

[0027] The history information includes search information related to a plurality of past driving histories. The search information is information that associates performance information (driving date and time + driving performance information) related to past driving of the moving body MV with impression event information for the user related to the driving. Here, examples of performance information related to past driving include routes traveled in the past and destinations of the routes.

[0028] Furthermore, examples of impression event information for a user related to driving include weather information at the time of arrival at a destination. Here, the weather information includes weather information, temperature information, and the like. Examples of the impression event information include risk information encountered while driving. The risk information includes, for example, information on the driving behavior of the moving body MV, which indicates that the moving body MV suddenly decelerated without stopping or suddenly stopped, derived from acceleration information of the moving body MV, and information on the location where the sudden deceleration or sudden stop occurred (hereinafter also referred to as "risk encounter location").

[0029] This history information is generated by memory control unit 750A and stored in memory unit 710A.

[0030] The travel information acquisition unit 720 acquires the current position and current time of the moving object MV sent from the position detection unit 910. Then, the travel information acquisition unit 720 sends the information on the current position and current time of the moving object MV to the memory control unit 750A. In addition, the travel information acquisition unit 720 sends the information on the current position of the moving object MV to the processing control unit 770.

[0031] Furthermore, the running information acquisition unit 720 acquires the acceleration of the moving object MV at the time of encountering the risk, which is sent from the running motion detection unit 920. Then, the running information acquisition unit 720 sends the acceleration information to the memory control unit 750A.

[0032] The situation information acquisition unit 730 periodically receives and acquires the current traveling environment situation from an information server (not shown) via the network 500. Then, the situation information acquisition unit 730 transmits the information on the traveling environment situation to the storage control unit 750A. In the first embodiment, the current traveling environment situation is the current weather information around the current position of the moving body MV.

[0033] The storage control unit 750A receives the current position and current time of the moving object MV sent from the travel information acquisition unit 720. Upon receiving the current position and current time of the moving object MV in this manner, the storage control unit 750A periodically stores the current time (date and time) and the current position of the moving object MV in the storage unit 710A, and generates performance information related to travel. During the generation of such performance information, the storage control unit 750A periodically receives current weather information sent from the situation information acquisition unit 730. Then, the storage control unit 750A generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores it in the storage unit 710A. Here, if there is a change in the content of the weather information received periodically, the storage control unit 750A updates the content of the weather information associated with the performance information being generated.

[0034] Furthermore, when the memory control unit 750A receives the acceleration of the moving body MV at the time of encountering a risk sent from the traveling information acquisition unit 720 while generating performance information, the memory control unit 750A derives the traveling behavior of the moving body MV (such as sudden deceleration without stopping, or sudden stopping) from the time change in the acceleration of the moving body MV. The memory control unit 750A then generates risk information including information on the derived traveling behavior of the moving body MV and the position where the risk was encountered (risk encounter position). The memory control unit 750A then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the content of the search information.

[0035] When a user operates an input unit (not shown) and inputs a command to display a list of the performance information into the input unit, the processing control unit 770 receives a list display command. Upon receiving the list display command, the processing control unit 770 accesses the storage unit 710A and generates display information that lists the destinations in the performance information. Upon generating the display information, the processing control unit 770 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0036] When the user further operates the input unit and inputs specific impression event information into the input unit, the processing control unit 770 receives an extraction display command. Upon receiving the extraction display command, the processing control unit 770 generates display information in which performance information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user is extracted from the storage unit 710A. Upon generating such display information, the processing control unit 770 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. The processing control unit 770 is configured to generate display information in which the extracted performance information is arranged in order of most recent driving date and time.

[0037] Furthermore, when the process control unit 770 receives a route search command specifying a starting point (current position if the starting point is the current position) and a destination, etc., it refers to the risk information in the search information included in the map information and history information stored in the storage unit 710A and searches for a route from the starting point to the destination according to the specified contents that avoids risk encounter positions. Next, the process control unit 770 generates display information for displaying the searched route on a map. Then, the process control unit 770 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0038] Here, if there are multiple searched routes, the process control unit 770 displays the multiple routes on a map. Then, when the user inputs a route extraction specification specifying specific impression event information to the input unit, the process control unit 770 accesses the storage unit 710A and judges whether or not there is a route associated with the impression event information specified by the user among the multiple searched routes. If the result of the judgment is positive, display information is generated that displays only the route associated with the impression event information specified by the user from among the multiple searched routes. Then, the process control unit 770 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0039] The processing control unit 770 also receives the current position of the moving object MV sent from the traveling information acquisition unit 720. The processing control unit 770 then refers to the risk information of the search information included in the history information stored in the storage unit 710A, and generates notification information based on the current position of the moving object MV to notify the moving behavior at the time of risk encounter when the moving object MV travels through the risk encounter position. Upon generating such notification information, the processing control unit 770 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 960, and also generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 950.

[0040] That is, the process control unit 770 functions as a display control unit, a search unit, and a notification control unit. The process performed by the process control unit 770 will be described in detail later.

[0041] <Operation> The operation of the information processing device 700 configured as above will be described, focusing mainly on the processing by the storage control unit 750A and the processing control unit 770.

[0042] <<Search information generation process>> First, the process of generating search information will be described.

[0043] In the process of generating search information, the memory control unit 750A performs a movement start determination process to determine whether or not the moving body MV has started moving, based on the change over time in the current position of the moving body MV sent from the travel information acquisition unit 720. If the result of the movement start determination process is positive, the memory control unit 750A stores the current position of the moving body MV as the departure position together with the current time (date and time) in the memory unit 710A. Then, the memory control unit 750A periodically stores the current position (date and time) sent from the position detection unit 910 and the current position of the moving body MV in the memory unit 710A, and generates performance information related to travel.

[0044] While such performance information is being generated, the memory control unit 750A receives current weather information sent from the situation information acquisition unit 730. Then, the memory control unit 750A generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores it in the memory unit 710A. Here, the memory control unit 750A periodically receives the weather information, and updates the contents of the weather information in the search information if there is a change in the contents of the weather information.

[0045] Furthermore, when the memory control unit 750A receives information on the acceleration of the moving body MV at the time of encountering a risk sent from the traveling information acquisition unit 720 while generating the performance information, the memory control unit 750A derives the traveling motion of the moving body MV from the time change in the acceleration of the moving body MV. The memory control unit 750A then generates risk information including information on the traveling motion and the risk encounter position. The memory control unit 750A then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the contents of the search information.

[0046] In parallel with the generation of such search information, the storage control unit 750A performs a stop determination process to determine whether or not the moving object MV has entered a predetermined stopped state based on the current position of the moving object MV. If the result of the stop determination process is negative, the storage control unit 750A continues the generation process of the search information.

[0047] If the result of the stop determination process becomes positive, the storage control section 750A sets the current position of the moving body MV as the destination position, and ends the current search information generation process.

[0048] <<Display control process of performance information using search information>> Next, a display control process for performance information using search information will be described.

[0049] The display control process for record information using search information is started when a user operates the input unit and inputs a command to display a list of record information into the input unit. When such a command is made, a list display command is sent to the process control unit 770. When the list display command is received, the process control unit 770 accesses the storage unit 710A, reads the record information in the history information, and generates display information that lists the destinations in the record information. The process control unit 770 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. As a result, a list of record information is displayed on the display unit 960.

[0050] After the list of performance information is thus displayed on the display unit 960, when the user operates the input unit to input designation of specific impression event information, an extract display command is sent to the processing control unit 770. Upon receiving the extract display command, the processing control unit 770 generates display information in which performance information corresponding to the impression event information designated by the user is extracted from the list of performance information. The processing control unit 770 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. As a result, the performance information corresponding to the impression event information designated by the user is displayed on the display unit 960 in order of most recent driving date and time.

[0051] For example, if the impression event information designated by the user is "sunny," then the performance information for the weather at the destination being "sunny" is displayed on the display unit 960. Also, for example, if the impression event information designated by the user is "temperature 10 to 15 degrees," then the performance information for the temperature at the destination being "temperature 10 to 15 degrees" is displayed on the display unit 960. Also, for example, if the impression event information designated by the user is "sudden stop," then the performance information for making a "sudden stop" is displayed on the display unit 960.

[0052] "Route search processing using search information" Next, the route search process using the search information will be described.

[0053] The route search process using the search information is started by the user operating the input unit and inputting a route search specification that specifies a starting point, a destination, etc., into the input unit. When such specification is made, a route search command is sent to the processing control unit 770. When the route search command is received, the processing control unit 770 accesses the storage unit 710A and searches for a route from the starting point to the destination according to the specification, avoiding risk encounter positions, by referring to risk information in the search information included in the map information and history information stored in the storage unit 710A. When the route is searched in this way, the processing control unit 770 generates display information that displays the searched route on a map. Then, the processing control unit 770 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. As a result, the searched route is displayed on the display unit 960.

[0054] After the searched route is displayed on the display unit 960, when the user operates the input unit and inputs specific impression information into the input unit, the process control unit 770 accesses the storage unit 710A and judges whether or not a route associated with the impression event information specified by the user exists among the searched routes. If the result of the judgment is positive, display information is generated that displays only the routes associated with the impression event information specified by the user from among the searched routes. Then, the process control unit 770 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. As a result, the searched route corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user is displayed on the display unit 960.

[0055] Notification processing using search information Next, the notification process using the search information will be described.

[0056] In the notification process using the search information, the process control unit 770 refers to the risk information of the search information included in the history information stored in the storage unit 710A, and performs approach determination process to determine whether or not the moving body MV is approaching a risk encounter position based on the current position of the moving body MV sent from the travel information acquisition unit 720. If the result of the approach determination process is negative, the process control unit 770 repeats the determination process.

[0057] On the other hand, when the result of the approach determination process becomes positive, the processing control unit 770 generates notification information for notifying the running behavior when the risk is encountered. Then, the processing control unit 770 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 960, and generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 950. As a result, when the moving body MV runs through the risk encounter position, the running behavior when the risk is encountered is notified using the display unit 960 and the sound output unit 950.

[0058] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the memory control unit 750A receives the current position and current time of the moving body MV sent from the traveling information acquisition unit 720, the memory control unit 750A periodically stores the current time (date and time) and the current position of the moving body MV in the memory unit 710A, and generates performance information related to traveling. While generating such performance information, the memory control unit 750A periodically receives current weather information sent from the situation information acquisition unit 730. The memory control unit 750A then generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores the search information in the memory unit 710A.

[0059] Furthermore, when the memory control unit 750A receives the acceleration of the moving body MV at the time of risk encounter sent from the travel information acquisition unit 720 while generating performance information, the memory control unit 750A derives the travel motion of the moving body MV from the time change in the acceleration of the moving body MV. The memory control unit 750A then generates risk information including the derived information on the travel motion of the moving body MV and the risk encounter position. The memory control unit 750A then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the contents of the search information.

[0060] In the first embodiment, when the user inputs a command to display a list of driving records into the input unit, the processing control unit 770 receives a list display command. Upon receiving the list display command, the processing control unit 770 accesses the storage unit 710A and generates display information that lists the record information in the history information. The processing control unit 770 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0061] After the list of performance information is thus displayed on the display unit 960, when the user inputs into the input unit specifying specific impression event information, the process control unit 770 receives an extract display command. Upon receiving the extract display command, the process control unit 770 generates display information in which performance information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user is extracted from the list of performance information. The process control unit 770 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0062] Therefore, even if the user cannot remember the desired record information (destination), the user can find the desired record information (destination) by using the impression event information as a key.

[0063] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to easily find driving performance information desired by the user from among the driving performance information by utilizing the impression information of the user during the past driving performance period.

[0064] In the first embodiment, when a route search command specifying a starting point and a destination is received, the processing control unit 770 refers to the risk information in the search information included in the map information and history information stored in the storage unit 710A, and searches for a route from the starting point to the destination that avoids risk encounter positions. Therefore, it is possible to search for a route that does not encounter risks.

[0065] Furthermore, after the searched route is displayed on the display unit 960, when the user inputs into the input unit specifying specific impression event information, the process control unit 770 judges whether or not the searched route includes a route associated with the impression event information specified by the user. If the result of the judgment is positive, the process control unit 770 generates display information that displays only the route associated with the impression event information specified by the user from among the searched routes. The process control unit 770 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0066] Therefore, even if the user cannot remember a desired route from among the routes found, the user can find the desired route by using the impression event information as a key.

[0067] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the processing control unit 770 refers to the risk information of the search information included in the history information stored in the storage unit 710A, and performs an approach determination process to determine whether or not the moving body MV is approaching a risk encounter position based on the current position of the moving body MV sent from the travel information acquisition unit 720. If the result of the approach determination process is positive, the processing control unit 770 generates notification information that notifies the traveling operation at the time of risk encounter. Then, the processing control unit 770 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 960, and generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 950.

[0068] For this reason, it can be expected that the user will drive more carefully when the moving body MV is traveling in a location where a risk is encountered.

[0069] <Modification of the first embodiment> Various modifications can be made to the above first embodiment.

[0070] For example, in the above-described first embodiment, the information processing device 700 is configured to acquire the current position and current time of the moving object MV sent from a position detection unit 910 external to the information processing device 700. On the other hand, when there is no external resource that can be used as the position detection unit 910, the information processing device 700 may be provided with a resource that performs the function of the position detection unit 910.

[0071] In the above-described first embodiment, the information processing device 700 is configured to acquire information on the running motion transmitted from the running motion detection unit 920 external to the information processing device 700. In contrast, when there are no external resources available for use as the running motion detection unit 920, the information processing device 700 may be configured to include resources that perform the functions of the running motion detection unit 920.

[0072] In the above-described first embodiment, the output sound data generated by the information processing device 700 is displayed using a sound output unit 950 external to the information processing device 700. In contrast, when there is no external resource that can be used as the sound output unit 950, the information processing device 700 may be provided with a resource that performs the function of the sound output unit 950.

[0073] In the above-described first embodiment, the display data generated by the information processing device 700 is displayed using a display unit 960 external to the information processing device 700. In contrast, when there is no external resource that can be used as the display unit 960, the information processing device 700 may be provided with a resource that performs the function of the display unit 960.

[0074] In the above first embodiment, the destination in the record information is displayed by the display control process of the record information using the search information, but the route in the record information may be displayed.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the storage control unit periodically receives current weather information sent from the situation information acquisition unit, and when there is a change in the content of the periodically received weather information, updates the content of the weather information associated with the performance information being generated. In contrast, the storage control unit may store the weather information at the start of travel in the storage unit in association with the performance information, and when the weather information at the start of travel differs from the weather information at the time of arrival at the travel destination, store the weather information at the time of arrival at the travel destination in association with the performance information in the storage unit.

[0076] In addition, in the above first embodiment, after the performance information is displayed in a list, the performance information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user is extracted and displayed, but the display of the list of performance information may be omitted and the performance information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user may be extracted and displayed.

[0077] In addition, a part or all of the traveling information acquisition unit 720, the situation information acquisition unit 730, the storage control unit 750A, and the processing control unit 770 of the information processing device 700 in the first embodiment may be configured as a computer as a calculation unit equipped with a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) or the like, and a part or all of the functions of these elements may be performed by executing a program prepared in advance on the computer. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, or DVD, and is loaded from the recording medium and executed by the computer. In addition, this program may be acquired in a form recorded on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or may be acquired in a form of distribution via a network such as the Internet.

[0078] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0079] <Configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of a terminal device 810 and a management device 820 included in the information processing system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 810 is disposed inside a moving body MV. The terminal device 810 is connected to a position detection unit 910, a running motion detection unit 920, a sound output unit 950, and a display unit 960 that are disposed in the moving body MV. The management device 820 is disposed outside the moving body MV. The terminal device 810 and the management device 820 are capable of communicating with each other via a network 500.

[0080] Although the management device 820 is capable of communicating with other terminal devices configured similarly to the terminal device 810, only the terminal device 810 is representatively shown in FIG.

[0081] <<Configuration of Terminal Device 810>> 2, the terminal device 810 includes a transmission information acquisition unit 811 and a transmission unit 812. The terminal device 810 also includes a reception unit 813 and a terminal processing control unit 814.

[0082] The transmission information acquisition unit 811 described above receives the current position and current time of the moving object MV sent from the position detection unit 910. Then, the transmission information acquisition unit 811 sends information on the current position and current time of the moving object MV to the transmission unit 812. The transmission information acquisition unit 811 also receives the acceleration of the moving object MV at the time of encountering a risk sent from the running motion detection unit 920. Then, the transmission information acquisition unit 811 sends information on the acceleration of the moving object MV to the transmission unit 812.

[0083] The transmission information acquisition unit 811 also receives commands corresponding to various specifications input by the user by operating an input unit (not shown).Then, the transmission information acquisition unit 811 transmits the information of the command to the transmission unit 812.These commands include a list display command for displaying a list of achievement information, an extraction display command for extracting achievement information corresponding to impression event information specified by the user from the list of achievement information displayed, a route search command for specifying a departure point and a destination, or a route extraction command for extracting a route associated with impression event information specified by the user from the searched routes.

[0084] The above-mentioned transmission unit 812 receives the current position and current time of the moving body MV sent from the transmission information acquisition unit 811. Then, the transmission unit 812 transmits the information of the current position and current time of the moving body MV to the management device 820 via the network 500. The transmission unit 812 also receives information of the acceleration of the moving body MV at the time of encountering a risk sent from the transmission information acquisition unit 811. Then, the transmission unit 812 transmits the acceleration information to the management device 820 via the network 500.

[0085] Furthermore, the transmission unit 812 receives commands corresponding to various specifications designated by the user. Then, the transmission unit 812 transmits information of the commands to the management device 820 via the network 500. Note that the information transmitted from the transmission unit 812 is configured to specify an identifier of the terminal device 810 (hereinafter, also referred to as "device ID").

[0086] The receiving unit 813 receives display information for displaying a list of performance information, display information for displaying performance information corresponding to impression event information specified by the user from the displayed list of performance information, or display information for displaying a searched route, sent from the management device 820 via the network 500. Then, the receiving unit 813 sends the display information to the terminal processing control unit 814.

[0087] Furthermore, the receiving unit 813 receives notification information sent from the management device 820 via the network 500. Then, the receiving unit 813 sends the notification information to the terminal processing control unit 814.

[0088] The terminal processing control unit 814 described above receives display information sent from the receiving unit 813. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. The terminal processing control unit 814 also receives notification information sent from the receiving unit 813. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 960, and also generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 950.

[0089] That is, the terminal processing control unit 814 functions as a terminal display control unit.

[0090] Configuration of management device 820 2, management device 820 includes a memory unit 710B and a memory control unit 750B. Management device 820 also includes a receiving unit 821, a management processing control unit 822, and a transmitting unit 823.

[0091] The storage unit 710B is configured to include a non-volatile storage element. The storage unit 710B is different from the storage unit 710A of the first embodiment in that the storage unit 710B stores moving object-specific history information instead of history information. The storage unit 710B is accessible by the storage control unit 750B and the management processing control unit 822.

[0092] The moving object history information includes history information for each moving object associated with the device ID.

[0093] The receiving unit 821 described above receives the current position and current time of the moving object MV sent from the terminal device 810 via the network 500. Then, the receiving unit 821 sends information on the current position and current time of the moving object MV to the storage control unit 750B. The receiving unit 821 also sends information on the current position of the moving object MV to the management processing control unit 822.

[0094] Furthermore, the receiving unit 821 receives information on the acceleration of the moving body MV when a risk is encountered, transmitted from the terminal device 810 via the network 500. Then, the receiving unit 821 transmits the information on the acceleration of the moving body MV to the memory control unit 750B.

[0095] Furthermore, the receiving unit 821 periodically receives and acquires the current driving environment condition from an information server (not shown) via the network 500. Then, the receiving unit 821 transmits the information on the driving environment condition to the storage control unit 750B. In the second embodiment, the current driving environment condition is the current weather information around the current position of the moving body MV.

[0096] The receiving unit 821 also receives commands corresponding to various specifications designated by the user, sent from the terminal device 810 via the network 500. The receiving unit 821 then sends the commands to the management processing control unit 822.

[0097] The storage control unit 750B receives the current position and current time of the moving object MV sent from the receiving unit 821. When the storage control unit 750B receives the current position and current time of the moving object MV in this manner, the storage control unit 750B periodically stores the current time (date and time) and the current position of the moving object MV in the storage unit 710B in association with the device ID, and generates performance information related to traveling. While generating such performance information, the storage control unit 750B periodically receives current weather information sent from the receiving unit 821. Then, the storage control unit 750B generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores it in the storage unit 710B. Here, if there is a change in the content of the weather information received periodically, the storage control unit 750B updates the content of the weather information associated with the performance information being generated.

[0098] Furthermore, when the memory control unit 750B receives information on the acceleration of the moving body MV at the time of encountering a risk sent from the receiving unit 821 while generating performance information, it derives the running behavior of the moving body MV (running behavior such as sudden deceleration without stopping, or sudden stopping) from the time change in the acceleration of the moving body MV. The memory control unit 750B then generates risk information including the derived information on the running behavior of the moving body MV and the position where the risk was encountered (risk encounter position). The memory control unit 750B then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the contents of the search information.

[0099] When the management processing control unit 822 receives a list display command sent from the receiving unit 821, it accesses the storage unit 710B and generates display information that lists the performance information of the device ID. Then, the management processing control unit 822 sends the display information to the transmitting unit 823.

[0100] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 822 receives an extraction display command sent from the receiving unit 821, it generates display information by extracting from the storage unit 710B performance information of the device ID corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user. Then, the management processing control unit 822 sends the display information to the transmitting unit 823. The management processing control unit 822 generates display information in which the extracted performance information is arranged in order of most recent travel date and time.

[0101] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 822 receives a route search command sent from the receiving unit 821, it refers to the map information stored in the storage unit 710B and the risk information in the search information included in the history information of the device ID, and searches for a route from the departure point to the destination according to the specified content that avoids risk encounter positions. Next, the management processing control unit 822 generates display information that displays the searched route on a map. Then, the management processing control unit 822 sends the display information to the transmitting unit 823.

[0102] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 822 receives a route extraction command sent from the receiving unit 821, it accesses the storage unit 710B and judges whether or not the searched routes include a route associated with the impression event information specified by the user. If the result of the judgment is positive, display information is generated that displays only the routes associated with the impression event information specified by the user from among the multiple searched routes. Then, the management processing control unit 822 sends the display information to the transmitting unit 823.

[0103] That is, the management processing control unit 822 functions as an extraction unit.

[0104] The management processing control unit 822 also receives the current position of the moving object MV sent from the receiving unit 821. Then, the management processing control unit 822 references the risk information in the search information included in the history information of the device ID stored in the memory unit 710B, and generates notification information that notifies the moving behavior of the moving object MV when it encounters a risk based on the current position of the moving object MV when it travels through the risk encounter position. The management processing control unit 822 then sends the notification information to the transmitting unit 823.

[0105] The processing by the management processing control unit 822 will be described in detail later.

[0106] The transmission unit 823 described above receives the display information sent from the management processing control unit 822. Then, the transmission unit 823 transmits the display information to the terminal device 810 via the network 500.

[0107] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 823 receives the notification information sent from the management processing control unit 822. Then, the transmitting unit 823 transmits the notification information to the terminal device 810 via the network 500.

[0108] <Operation> The operation of the information processing system including the terminal device 810 and management device 820 configured as above will be described, focusing mainly on the processing by the terminal device 810 and management device 820.

[0109] <<Search information generation process>> First, the process of generating search information will be described.

[0110] In the process of generating search information, the memory control unit 750B of the management device 820 performs a movement start determination process to determine whether or not the moving body MV has started moving, based on the change over time in the current position of the moving body MV transmitted from the terminal device 810. If the result of the movement start determination process is positive, the memory control unit 750B stores the current position of the moving body MV as the starting position together with the current time (date and time) in the memory unit 710B. The memory control unit 750B then periodically stores the current position (date and time) transmitted from the position detection unit 910 and the current position of the moving body MV in the memory unit 710B, and generates performance information related to the running associated with the device ID.

[0111] While such performance information is being generated, the memory control unit 750B receives current weather information sent from the receiving unit 821. Then, the memory control unit 750B generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores it in the memory unit 710B. Here, the memory control unit 750B periodically receives the weather information, and updates the weather information in the search information when there is a change in the contents of the weather information.

[0112] Furthermore, while generating the performance information, when the memory control unit 750B receives information on the acceleration of the moving body MV at the time of encountering a risk transmitted from the terminal device 810, it derives the running motion of the moving body MV from the change over time in the acceleration of the moving body MV. The memory control unit 750B then generates risk information including information on the running motion and the risk encounter position. The memory control unit 750B then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the contents of the search information.

[0113] In parallel with the generation of such search information, the storage control unit 750B performs a stop determination process to determine whether or not the moving object MV has entered a predetermined stopped state, based on the current position of the moving object MV transmitted from the terminal device 810. If the result of the stop determination process is negative, the storage control unit 750B continues the generation process of the search information.

[0114] If the result of the stop determination process becomes positive, the storage control section 750B sets the current position of the moving body MV as the destination position, and ends the current search information generation process.

[0115] <<Display control process of performance information using search information>> Next, a display control process for performance information using search information will be described.

[0116] The display control process of the achievement information using the search information is started when the user operates the input unit and inputs a command to display a list of achievement information into the input unit. When such a command is made, a list display command is transmitted from the terminal device 810 to the management device 820 via the network 500, and the list display command is transmitted to the management processing control unit 822. When the list display command is received, the management processing control unit 822 accesses the storage unit 710B, reads the achievement information associated with the device ID in the history information, and generates display information that lists the destinations in the achievement information. Then, the management processing control unit 822 transmits the display information to the transmission unit 823. Subsequently, the transmission unit 823 transmits the display information to the reception unit 813 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500.

[0117] The receiving unit 813 that has received the display information sends the display information to the terminal processing control unit 814. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. As a result, a list of performance information is displayed on the display unit 960.

[0118] After the list of performance information is thus displayed on the display unit 960, when the user operates the input unit to input specifying specific impression event information, an extraction display command is transmitted from the terminal device 810 to the management device 820 via the network 500, and the extraction display command is transmitted to the management processing control unit 822. Upon receiving the extraction display command, the management processing control unit 822 generates display information in which performance information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user is extracted from the performance information in the list. The management processing control unit 822 then transmits the display information to the transmission unit 823. The transmission unit 823 then transmits the display information to the reception unit 813 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500.

[0119] The receiving unit 813 that has received the display information sends the display information to the terminal processing control unit 814. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. As a result, the performance information corresponding to the impression event information designated by the user is displayed on the display unit 960 in order of most recent driving date and time.

[0120] "Route search processing using search information" Next, the route search process using the search information will be described.

[0121] The route search process using the search information is started by the user operating the input unit and inputting a route search specification that specifies a starting point, a destination, etc., into the input unit. When such specification is made, a route search command is transmitted from the terminal device 810 to the management device 820 via the network 500, and the route search command is transmitted to the management processing control unit 822. When the route search command is received, the management processing control unit 822 accesses the storage unit 710B and searches for a route that avoids risk encounter positions from the starting point to the destination according to the specified contents, by referring to the risk information of the search information associated with the device ID included in the map information and history information stored in the storage unit 710B. When the route is searched in this way, the management processing control unit 822 generates display information that displays the searched route on a map. Then, the management processing control unit 822 sends the display information to the transmission unit 823. Subsequently, the transmission unit 823 transmits the display information to the reception unit 813 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500.

[0122] The receiving unit 813 that has received the display information sends the display information to the terminal processing control unit 814. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. As a result, the searched route is displayed on the display unit 960.

[0123] After the searched route is displayed on the display unit 960, when the user operates the input unit and inputs a route extraction designation specifying specific impression event information to the input unit, a route extraction command is transmitted from the terminal device 810 to the management device 820 via the network 500, and the route extraction command is transmitted to the management processing control unit 822. Upon receiving the route extraction command, the management processing control unit 822 accesses the storage unit 710B and determines whether or not a route associated with the impression event information specified by the user exists among the searched routes. If the result of the determination is positive, display information is generated that displays only the route associated with the impression event information specified by the user from among the searched routes. Then, the management processing control unit 822 transmits the display information to the transmission unit 823. Subsequently, the transmission unit 823 transmits the display information to the reception unit 813 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500.

[0124] The receiving unit 813 that has received the display information sends the display information to the terminal processing control unit 814. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960. As a result, the searched route corresponding to the impression event information designated by the user is displayed on the display unit 960.

[0125] Notification processing using search information Next, the notification process using the search information will be described.

[0126] In the notification process using the search information, the management process control unit 822 of the management device 820 performs an approach determination process to determine whether or not the moving object MV is approaching a risk encounter position, by referring to the risk information in the search information associated with the device ID included in the history information stored in the storage unit 710B, based on the current position of the moving object MV transmitted from the terminal device 810. If the result of the approach determination process is negative, the management process control unit 822 repeats the determination process.

[0127] On the other hand, if the result of the approach determination process becomes positive, the management process control unit 822 generates notification information that notifies the driving behavior when the risk is encountered. Then, the management process control unit 822 sends the notification information to the transmission unit 823. Subsequently, the transmission unit 823 transmits the notification information to the reception unit 813 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500.

[0128] The receiving unit 813 that has received the notification information sends the notification information to the terminal processing control unit 814. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 960, and generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 950. As a result, when the moving body MV travels through a risk encounter position, the display unit 960 and the sound output unit 950 are used to notify the traveling behavior at the time of risk encounter.

[0129] As described above, in the second embodiment, when the storage control unit 750B of the management device 820 receives the current position and current time of the moving body MV transmitted from the terminal device 810, it periodically stores the current time (date and time) and the current position of the moving body MV in the storage unit 710B and generates performance information related to the traveling associated with the device ID. While generating such performance information, the storage control unit 750B periodically receives current weather information transmitted from the receiving unit 821. The storage control unit 750B then generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores it in the storage unit 710B.

[0130] Furthermore, when the memory control unit 750B receives the acceleration of the moving body MV at the time of encountering a risk transmitted from the terminal device 810 while generating performance information, the memory control unit 750B derives the running motion of the moving body MV from the time change in the acceleration of the moving body MV. The memory control unit 750B then generates risk information including information on the derived running motion of the moving body MV and the risk encounter position. The memory control unit 750B then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the contents of the search information.

[0131] In the second embodiment, when a user inputs a command to display a list of driving records into the input unit, a list display command is transmitted from the transmitting unit 812 of the terminal device 810 to the receiving unit 821 of the management device 820, and the list display command is sent to the management processing control unit 822. Upon receiving the list display command, the management processing control unit 822 accesses the storage unit 710B and generates display information that lists the record information associated with the device ID in the history information. The display information generated in this manner is sent to the terminal processing control unit 814 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500. The terminal processing control unit 814 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0132] After the list of performance information is thus displayed on the display unit 960, when the user inputs into the input unit specifying specific impression event information, an extraction display command is transmitted from the transmission unit 812 of the terminal device 810 to the reception unit 821 of the management device 820, and the extraction display command is sent to the management processing control unit 822. Upon receiving the extraction display command, the management processing control unit 822 generates display information in which performance information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user is extracted from the list of performance information. The display information generated in this manner is sent to the terminal processing control unit 814 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500. The terminal processing control unit 814 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0133] Therefore, even if the user cannot remember the desired record information (route, destination), the user can find the desired record information by using the impression event information as a key.

[0134] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, the driving performance information desired by the user can be easily found from the driving performance information by utilizing the user's impression information from the past driving performance period.

[0135] In the second embodiment, when a route search command specifying a departure point and a destination is transmitted from the terminal device 810 to the management device 820, the management processing control unit 822 of the management device 820 refers to the risk information in the search information associated with the device ID included in the map information and history information stored in the storage unit 710B, and searches for a route from the departure point to the destination that avoids risk encounter positions. Therefore, it is possible to search for a route that does not encounter risks.

[0136] In addition, after the searched route is displayed on the display unit 960, when the user inputs a route extraction designation specifying specific impression event information to the input unit, a route extraction command is sent from the terminal device 810 to the management processing control unit 822 of the management device 820. Upon receiving the route extraction command, the management processing control unit 822 judges whether or not a route associated with the impression event information specified by the user exists among the routes searched for. As a result of the judgment, display information is generated that displays only the routes associated with the impression event information specified by the user from among the searched routes. The display information generated in this manner is sent to the terminal processing control unit 814 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 960.

[0137] Therefore, even if the user cannot remember a desired route from among the routes found, the user can find the desired route by using the impression event information as a key.

[0138] In the second embodiment, the management processing control unit 822 of the management device 820 performs an approach determination process to determine whether or not the moving object MV is approaching a risk encounter position, based on the current position of the moving object MV transmitted from the terminal device 810, by referring to risk information in search information associated with the device ID included in the history information stored in the storage unit 710B. When the result of the approach determination process becomes positive, the management processing control unit 822 generates notification information that notifies the traveling operation at the time of risk encounter. The notification information thus generated is sent to the terminal processing control unit 814 of the terminal device 810 via the network 500. Then, the terminal processing control unit 814 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 960, and generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 950.

[0139] For this reason, it can be expected that the user will drive more carefully when the moving body MV is traveling in a location where a risk is encountered.

[0140] <Modification of the second embodiment> Various modifications can be made to the above second embodiment.

[0141] For example, in the above-described second embodiment, the terminal device 810 is configured to acquire the current position and current time of the moving object MV sent from a position detection unit 910 external to the terminal device 810. On the other hand, when there is no external resource available for the position detection unit 910, the terminal device 810 may be provided with a resource that performs the function of the position detection unit 910.

[0142] In the second embodiment described above, the terminal device 810 is configured to acquire information on the running motion transmitted from the running motion detection unit 920 outside the terminal device 810. In contrast, when there are no external resources available for the running motion detection unit 920, the terminal device 810 may be configured to include resources that perform the functions of the running motion detection unit 920.

[0143] In the second embodiment described above, the output sound data generated by the terminal device 810 is displayed using the sound output unit 950 external to the terminal device 810. In contrast, if there is no external resource that can be used as the sound output unit 950, the terminal device 810 may be provided with a resource that performs the function of the sound output unit 950.

[0144] In the second embodiment described above, the display data generated by the terminal device 810 is displayed using a display unit 960 external to the terminal device 810. In contrast to this, if there is no external resource that can be used as the display unit 960, the terminal device 810 may be provided with a resource that performs the function of the display unit 960.

[0145] In the second embodiment, the destination in the record information is displayed by the display control process of the record information using the search information, but the route in the record information may be displayed.

[0146] In the second embodiment, the storage control unit periodically receives current weather information sent from the situation information acquisition unit, and when there is a change in the content of the periodically received weather information, updates the weather information associated with the performance information being generated. In contrast, the storage control unit may store the weather information at the start of travel in the storage unit in association with the performance information, and when the weather information at the start of travel differs from the weather information at the time of arrival at the travel destination, store the weather information at the time of arrival at the travel destination in association with the performance information in the storage unit.

[0147] In addition, in the above second embodiment, after the performance information is displayed in a list, the performance information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user is extracted and displayed, but the display of the list of performance information may be omitted and the performance information corresponding to the impression event information specified by the user may be extracted and displayed.

[0148] In addition, a part or all of the transmission information acquisition unit 811 and the terminal processing control unit 814 of the terminal device 810 in the second embodiment may be configured as a computer as an arithmetic unit having a central processing unit (CPU) or the like, and a prepared program may be executed by the computer to realize a part or all of the functions of these elements. In addition, a part or all of the storage control unit 750B and the management processing control unit 822 of the management device 820 may be configured as a computer as an arithmetic unit having a central processing unit (CPU) or the like, and a prepared program may be executed by the computer to realize a part or all of the functions of these elements. These programs are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, or DVD, and are loaded from the recording medium and executed by the computer. In addition, the programs may be acquired in a form recorded on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or may be acquired in a form of distribution via a network such as the Internet. EXAMPLES

[0149] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0150] [First Example] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0151] <Configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device 100 according to a first embodiment. The information processing device 100 is disposed in a vehicle CR as a moving body. In the first embodiment, a sound output unit 240, a display unit 250, an input unit 260, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 270, a sensor unit 280, and a photographing unit 290 are disposed in the vehicle CR, and these are connected to the information processing device 100.

[0152] The sound output unit 240 includes a speaker. The sound output unit 240 receives output sound data sent from the information processing device 100. Then, the sound output unit 240 outputs an output sound corresponding to the output sound data.

[0153] The display unit 250 is configured to include a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel. The display unit 250 receives display data sent from the information processing device 100. Then, the display unit 250 displays an image corresponding to the display data.

[0154] The input unit 260 is configured by a key section provided on the main body of the information processing device 100, or a remote input device having a key section. Here, the key section provided on the main body can be a touch panel provided on the display unit 250. Also, instead of a configuration having a key section, a configuration for voice input can be adopted.

[0155] The user operates the input unit 260 to set operation details of the information processing device 100 and input operation commands. For example, the user inputs, such as a designation to display driving records, a designation to capture a front image, and a designation to search for a route, using the input unit 260. The contents input to the input unit 260 are sent to the information processing device 100 as input data.

[0156] The GPS receiving unit 270 calculates the current position of the vehicle CR based on the results of receiving radio waves transmitted from multiple GPS satellites. The GPS receiving unit 270 also measures the current time based on date and time information transmitted from the GPS satellites. The information relating to the current position and the current time is sent to the information processing device 100 as GPS data.

[0157] The sensor unit 280 is configured to include a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, an inclination sensor, etc. Detection results by the various sensors included in the sensor unit 280 are sent as sensor data to the information processing device 100. In addition, in the first embodiment, detection results by the acceleration sensor are sent to the photographing unit 290 as acceleration information.

[0158] The photographing unit 290 includes a camera device for photographing an image ahead of the vehicle CR, and a storage element. In the first embodiment, the photographing unit 290 and the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 280 are also configured as a drive recorder.

[0159] The drive recorder sequentially stores forward images captured by a camera device in a buffer storage element configured as a ring buffer. When the absolute value of the acceleration of the vehicle CR detected by the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the drive recorder determines that the vehicle CR has encountered a risk of sudden deceleration, and stores the images stored in the buffer storage element before and after the upper limit is exceeded in a non-volatile storage element and sends them to the information processing device 100. In addition, when the forward image of the vehicle CR is stored in the non-volatile storage element, that is, when the vehicle CR encounters a risk (hereinafter also referred to as "when the risk is encountered"), the drive recorder sends information on the acceleration of the vehicle CR to the information processing device 100.

[0160] Furthermore, when the photographing unit 290 receives a photographing command sent from the information processing device 100, it sends to the information processing device 100 the current forward image of the vehicle CR stored in the buffer storage element.

[0161] Configuration of information processing device 100 The configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described.

[0162] 3, the information processing device 100 includes a processing control unit 110 and a storage unit 120A. The information processing device 100 also includes a wireless communication unit .

[0163] The above-mentioned processing control unit 110 performs overall control of the information processing device 100 and executes various processes. The processing control unit 110 will be described later.

[0164] The storage unit 120A is configured to include a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores various information data used in the information processing device 100. Such information data includes map information MPI, history information DHA, etc. The storage unit 120A is configured to be accessible by the processing control unit 110.

[0165] The map information MPI includes road shape data that represents the shape of roads using links and nodes (intersections, etc.), background data that represents buildings, rivers, the ground surface (features), etc., and POI (Point Of Interest) data.

[0166] The history information DHA includes search information #p (p=1, ...) related to a plurality of past driving histories, as shown in Fig. 4. The search information #p includes information on the driving date and time #p, driving performance information of a route #p including a starting point #p and a destination #p, meteorological information #p of the destination #p (weather #p, temperature #p), risk information #p encountered during driving, 1 ,..., Image information taken while driving #p 1 , ... are included. Here, meteorological information #p, risk information #p 1 ,…, Image information #p 1 , ... are impression information. The history information DHA is generated by the processing control unit 110 and stored in the storage unit 120A.

[0167] Here, risk information #p k (k=1,...) includes information on the driving behavior of the vehicle CR, which indicates that the vehicle has suddenly decelerated without stopping or stopped suddenly, and information on the risk encounter position where the sudden deceleration or sudden stop occurred. k (k=1, . . . ) includes image data of still images and videos, and information on the shooting locations such as rest area parking lots and destination parking lots.

[0168] 3, the wireless communication unit 130 is configured to include an antenna (not shown) and the like. The wireless communication unit 130 periodically receives current weather information (weather information, temperature information) for the area in which the vehicle CR is traveling from an information server (not shown) that provides weather information and the like. The wireless communication unit 130 then transmits the weather information to the processing control unit 110.

[0169] Next, the processing control unit 110 will be described. The processing control unit 110 is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU) as a calculation means and its peripheral circuits. The processing control unit 110 executes various programs to realize various functions of the information processing device 100.

[0170] Based on the sensor data sent from the sensor unit 280 and the GPS data sent from the GPS receiving unit 270, the processing control unit 110 appropriately refers to map information MPI etc. in the memory unit 120A and uses a map matching technique to accurately detect the current position.

[0171] The processing control unit 110 also periodically receives current weather information for the area in which the vehicle CR is traveling, sent from the wireless communication unit 130. The processing control unit 110 also receives acceleration information and forward image capture results of the vehicle CR from the drive recorder when a risk is encountered. The processing control unit 110 also receives forward image capture results captured by the camera device in response to a capture command. The processing control unit 110 then generates search information based on this information.

[0172] Furthermore, the processing control unit 110 executes a display control process for record information using the search information when it receives a command corresponding to a list display designation or an extract display designation of driving records input by the user operating the input unit 260. Furthermore, the processing control unit 110 executes a route search process using the search information when it receives a command corresponding to a designation related to a route search input by the user operating the input unit 260. Furthermore, the processing control unit 110 executes a notification process using the search information based on the current position of the vehicle CR.

[0173] The processing performed by the processing control unit 110 will be described in detail below.

[0174] The program executed by the processing control unit 110 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc., and is loaded from the recording medium and executed. The program may be acquired in a form recorded on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or may be acquired in a form distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0175] <Operation> The operation of the information processing device 100 configured as described above will be described with a focus on the process of generating search information by the processing control unit 110, the display control process of performance information using the search information, the route search process using the search information, and the notification process using the search information.

[0176] It is assumed that the sensor unit 280C and the GPS receiving unit 270 have already started operating and have transmitted the detection results to the information processing device 100.

[0177] <<Search information generation process>> First, the process of generating search information will be described.

[0178] In the search information generation process, first, in step S11, the processing control unit 110 determines whether the vehicle CR has started traveling based on the change over time in the current position of the vehicle CR, as shown in Fig. 5. If the result of this determination is negative (step S11: N), the process of step S11 is repeated.

[0179] If the result of the determination in step S11 is positive (step S11: Y), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the processing control unit 110 sets the current position of the vehicle CR as the starting position of the current driving record. Then, the processing control unit 110 accesses the storage unit 120A and starts generating record information with the current time (date and time) as the departure time.

[0180] Subsequently, in step S13, the process control unit 110 performs a process of associating performance information with impression information. The process of step S13 will be described in detail later. Then, when the process of step S13 ends, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0181] In step S14, the processing control unit 110 determines whether or not the vehicle CR has finished traveling based on the change over time in the current position of the vehicle CR. If the result of this determination is negative (step S14: N), the processing returns to step S13.

[0182] If the result of the determination in step S14 is positive (step S14: Y), the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the processing control unit 110 sets the current position of the vehicle CR as the destination position of the current travel record. Then, the processing control unit 110 sets the current time (date and time) as the arrival time, and ends the generation of the current search information.

[0183] (Processing for associating performance information with impression information) The "processing of associating performance information with impression information" in step S13 described above will now be described.

[0184] 6, in this "process of associating performance information with impression information," first, in step S21, the processing control unit 110 determines whether or not current meteorological information (weather information, temperature information) for the area in which the vehicle CR is traveling has been acquired from the information server. If the result of this determination is negative (step S21: N), the process proceeds to step S24, which will be described later.

[0185] If the result of the determination in step S21 is positive (step S21: Y), the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the process control unit 110 determines whether the content of the currently acquired weather information is the same as the content of the weather information associated with the performance information as impression information. If the result of this determination is positive (step S22: Y), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0186] If the result of the determination in step S22 is negative (step S22: N), the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the process control unit 110 associates the currently acquired weather information with the performance information being generated. Note that, if there is no weather information associated with the performance information when generating the current search information, the result of the determination in step S22 is negative.

[0187] Subsequently, in step S24, the processing control unit 110 determines whether or not risk information sent from the drive recorder has been received. If the result of this determination is negative (step S24: Y), the processing proceeds to step S26, which will be described later.

[0188] If the result of the determination in step S24 is positive (step S24: Y), the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the process control unit 110 associates the currently acquired risk information with the performance information being generated. After this, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0189] In step S26, the processing control unit 110 judges whether or not the image information sent from the photographing unit 290 has been acquired. If the result of this judgment is negative (step S26: N), the processing of step S13 ends. Then, the processing proceeds to step S14 in FIG. 5 described above.

[0190] If the result of the determination in step S26 is positive (step S26: Y), the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the process control unit 110 associates the image information acquired this time with the performance information being generated. The image information acquired by the process control unit 110 includes image data and information on the shooting location such as a rest area parking lot and a destination parking lot.

[0191] In addition, when associating such performance information with image information, if the image information contains privacy information such as a person's face or the license plate of another vehicle, the processing control unit 110 performs processing so as not to display the image parts related to the privacy information from the perspective of privacy protection.

[0192] When the result information being generated is associated with the image information in this way, the process of step S27 ends. When the process of step S27 ends, the process of step S13 ends. Then, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG. 5 described above.

[0193] <<Display control process of performance information using search information>> Next, a display control process for performance information using search information will be described.

[0194] In the display control process of the performance information using the search information, first, in step S31, the process control unit 110 judges whether or not a list display command has been received, as shown in Fig. 7. If the result of this judgment is negative (step S31: N), the process of step S31 is repeated.

[0195] If the result of the determination in step S31 is positive (step S31: Y), the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the process control unit 110 accesses the storage unit 120A to read the history information DHA, and generates display information that displays a list of destinations in the performance information and impression information associated with the destinations.

[0196] Subsequently, in step S33, processing control unit 110 generates display data based on the display information. Then, processing control unit 110 sends the display data to display unit 250. As a result, a list of destinations is displayed on display unit 250 together with associated performance information. After this, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0197] In step S34, the processing control unit 110 judges whether or not an extract / display command has been received. If the result of this judgment is negative (step S34: N), the processing of step S34 is repeated.

[0198] If the result of the determination in step S34 is positive (step S34: Y), the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the process control unit 110 generates display information by extracting information including the impression information specified by the user from the displayed list of information.

[0199] Subsequently, in step S36, the processing control unit 110 generates display data based on the display information. Then, the processing control unit 110 sends the display data to the display unit 250. As a result, destination information including the impression information designated by the user is displayed on the display unit 250. After that, the process returns to step S31.

[0200] Fig. 8(A) shows an example of a list of destinations displayed by the process in step S33. Fig. 8(B) shows an example of extracted information displayed by the process in step S36. In this example, the impression information specified by the user is "snow."

[0201] "Route search processing using search information" Next, the route search process using the search information will be described.

[0202] In the route search process using the search information, first, in step S41, the processing control unit 110 determines whether or not a route search command has been received, as shown in Fig. 9. If the result of this determination is negative (step S41: N), the process of step S41 is repeated.

[0203] If the result of the determination in step S41 is positive (step S41: Y), the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the process control unit 110 accesses the storage unit 120A, and searches for a route from the departure point to the destination according to the specified content that avoids the risk encounter position by referring to the risk information of the search information included in the map information MPI and the history information DHA. After this, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0204] In step S43, processing control unit 110 generates display information for displaying the searched route on a map. Then, in step S44, processing control unit 110 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to display unit 250. As a result, the searched route is displayed on display unit 250. After this, the process proceeds to step S45.

[0205] In step S45, the processing control unit 110 determines whether or not a path extraction command has been received. If the result of this determination is negative (step S45: N), the processing of step S45 is repeated.

[0206] If the result of the determination in step S45 is positive (step S45: Y), the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the process control unit 110 refers to the storage unit 120A and determines whether or not a route associated with impression information (e.g., "weather: snow") designated by the user is present among the searched routes. If the result of this determination is negative (step S46: N), the process returns to step S41.

[0207] If the result of the determination in step S46 is positive (step S46: Y), the process proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the process control unit 110 generates display information that displays only the routes that are associated with the impression information specified by the user from among the searched routes.

[0208] Subsequently, in step S48, the processing control unit 110 generates display data based on the display information. Then, the processing control unit 110 sends the display data to the display unit 250. As a result, the searched route attached to the impression information designated by the user is displayed on the display unit 250. After this, the process returns to step S41.

[0209] Notification processing using search information Next, the notification process using the search information will be described.

[0210] In the notification process using the search information, first, in step S51, the processing control unit 110 refers to the history information DHA stored in the storage unit 120A and determines whether the vehicle CR is approaching a risk encounter position based on the current position of the vehicle CR, as shown in Fig. 10. If the result of this determination is negative (step S51: N), the process of step S51 is repeated.

[0211] If the result of the judgment in step S51 is positive (step S51: Y), the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the processing control unit 110 generates notification information that notifies the driving behavior when a risk is encountered. Subsequently, in step S53, the processing control unit 110 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 250, and also generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 240. As a result, when the vehicle CR travels through the risk encounter position, the display unit 250 and the sound output unit 240 are used to notify the driving behavior when the risk is encountered. After this, the process returns to step S51.

[0212] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the processing control unit 110 receives the current position and current time of the vehicle CR, it periodically stores the current time (date and time) and the current position of the vehicle CR in the storage unit 120A and generates performance information related to traveling. While generating such performance information, the processing control unit 110 periodically acquires current weather information transmitted from an external information server. Then, the processing control unit 110 generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores it in the storage unit 120A.

[0213] Furthermore, when the processing control unit 110 receives the acceleration of the vehicle CR at the time of risk encounter sent from the drive recorder while generating the performance information, the processing control unit 110 derives the driving behavior of the vehicle CR from the time change of the acceleration. The processing control unit 110 then generates risk information including the derived information of the driving behavior of the vehicle CR and the risk encounter position. The processing control unit 110 then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the content of the search information.

[0214] Furthermore, when the photographing result of the front image of the vehicle CR sent from the photographing unit 290 is acquired during the generation of the performance information, the processing control unit 110 associates the performance information being generated with the acquired image information and updates the contents of the search information. Here, the image information includes image data and information on the photographing location such as the rest area parking lot and the destination parking lot.

[0215] In addition, when associating such performance information with image information, if the image information contains privacy information such as a person's face or the license plate of another vehicle, the processing control unit 110 performs processing so as not to display the image parts related to the privacy information from the perspective of privacy protection.

[0216] In the first embodiment, when the user inputs to the input unit 260 specifying a list display of the driving records, the processing control unit 110 receives a list display command. Upon receiving the list display command, the processing control unit 110 accesses the storage unit 120A and generates display information that lists the search information. The processing control unit 110 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250.

[0217] After the list of search information is thus displayed on the display unit 250, when the user inputs specific impression information into the input unit 260, the processing control unit 110 receives an extract-display command. Upon receiving the extract-display command, the processing control unit 110 generates display information in which search information associated with the impression information specified by the user is extracted from the list of search information. The processing control unit 110 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250.

[0218] Therefore, even if the user cannot remember the desired record information (destination), the user can find the desired record information (destination) by using the impression information as a key.

[0219] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the impression information of the user during the past driving history period is utilized, so that the driving history information desired by the user can be easily found from the driving history information.

[0220] In the first embodiment, when a route search command is received specifying a starting point and a destination, the processing control unit 110 refers to the risk information in the search information included in the map information and history information stored in the storage unit 120A, and searches for a route from the starting point to the destination that avoids risk encounter positions. This makes it possible to search for a route that does not encounter risks.

[0221] Furthermore, after the searched route is displayed on the display unit 250, when the user inputs specific impression information to the input unit 260, the processing control unit 110 judges whether or not the searched route includes a route associated with the impression information specified by the user. If the result of the judgment is positive, the processing control unit 110 generates display information that displays only the routes associated with the impression information specified by the user from among the searched routes. Then, the processing control unit 110 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250.

[0222] Therefore, even if the user cannot remember a desired route from among the routes found, the user can find the desired route by using the impression information as a key.

[0223] In the first embodiment, the processing control unit 110 refers to the risk information of the search information included in the history information stored in the storage unit 120A and determines whether the vehicle CR is approaching a risk encounter position based on the current position of the vehicle CR. If the result of the determination is positive, the processing control unit 110 generates notification information that notifies the driver of the driving behavior when the risk is encountered. Then, the processing control unit 110 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 250, and generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 240.

[0224] For this reason, it can be expected that the user will drive more carefully when the vehicle CR is traveling through a location where a risk is encountered.

[0225] [Second Example] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0226] <Configuration> FIG. 11 shows the relative positions of a terminal device 300 and a management device 400B included in an information processing system according to the second embodiment.

[0227] 11, the terminal device 300 is arranged inside the vehicle CR. In the vehicle CR, a sound output unit 240, a display unit 250, an input unit 260, a GPS receiving unit 270, a sensor unit 280, and a photographing unit 290 are arranged and connected to the terminal device 300, as in the case of the first embodiment described above. Note that, as in the case of the first embodiment described above, the photographing unit 290 and the acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 280 also constitute a drive recorder.

[0228] The management device 400B is disposed outside the vehicle CR. The terminal device 300 and the management device 400B are capable of communicating with each other via a network 500.

[0229] Although the management device 400B is also capable of communicating with other terminal devices configured similarly to the terminal device 300, only the terminal device 300 is representatively shown in FIG.

[0230] Configuration of Terminal Device 300 Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the terminal device 300. As shown in Fig. 12, the terminal device 300 includes a terminal processing control unit 310 and a storage unit 320. The terminal device 300 also includes a wireless communication unit 330.

[0231] The terminal processing control unit 310 controls the entire terminal device 300 and executes various processes. The terminal processing control unit 310 is configured with a central processing unit (CPU) as a calculation means and its peripheral circuits. The terminal processing control unit 310 executes various programs to realize various functions of the terminal device 300.

[0232] The terminal processing control unit 310 acquires the GPS data sent from the GPS receiving unit 270, and identifies the current location and the current time based on the acquired GPS data. Then, the terminal processing control unit 310 uses the wireless communication unit 330 to transmit the identified current location and the current time as terminal transmission data to the management device 400B via the network 500.

[0233] The wireless communication unit 330 also receives information on the acceleration of the vehicle CR when the risk is encountered and the photographed image of the front from the drive recorder. The wireless communication unit 330 also receives the photographed image of the front captured by the camera device in response to a photographing command. The terminal processing control unit 310 then uses the wireless communication unit 330 to transmit the information as terminal transmission data to the management device 400B via the network 500.

[0234] Furthermore, when the terminal processing control unit 310 receives a command corresponding to a list display command or an extract display command input by the user operating the input unit 260, the terminal processing control unit 310 transmits the command information as terminal transmission data to the management device 400B via the network 500. Furthermore, when the terminal processing control unit 310 receives a command corresponding to a route search-related command input by the user operating the input unit 260, the terminal processing control unit 310 transmits the command information as terminal transmission data to the management device 400B via the network 500. Note that the terminal transmission data is configured to specify an identifier of the terminal device 300 (hereinafter also referred to as "device ID").

[0235] Furthermore, the terminal processing control unit 310 receives display information that is transmitted as server transmission data from the management device 400B and received by the wireless communication unit 330 via the network 500. Then, the terminal processing control unit 310 performs control for performing display using the display unit 250, which is performed for displaying the received display information.

[0236] Furthermore, the terminal processing control unit 310 receives notification information that is transmitted from the management device 400B as server transmission data and received by the wireless communication unit 330 via the network 500. Then, the terminal processing control unit 310 executes control for performing display using the display unit 250 in order to display the received notification information, and control for performing sound output using the sound output unit 240 in order to output the notification information as sound.

[0237] The program executed by the terminal processing control unit 310 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc., and is loaded from the recording medium and executed. The program may be acquired in a form recorded on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or may be acquired in a form distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0238] The storage unit 320 is configured to include a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores various information data used in the terminal device 300. The storage unit 320 is configured so that the terminal processing control unit 310 can access it.

[0239] The wireless communication unit 330 described above receives terminal transmission data sent from the terminal processing control unit 310. Then, the wireless communication unit 330 transmits the terminal transmission data via the network 500 to the management device 400B.

[0240] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 330 receives server transmission data transmitted from the management device 400B via the network 500. Then, the wireless communication unit 330 sends the server transmission data to the terminal processing control unit 310.

[0241] Configuration of management device 400B 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management device 400B. As shown in FIG. 13, the management device 400B includes a management processing control unit 410B, a storage unit 120B, and an external communication unit 430.

[0242] The management processing control unit 410B controls the entire management device 400B and executes various processes. The management processing control unit 410B will be described later.

[0243] The storage unit 120B is configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores various information data used in the management device 400B. The storage unit 120B is different from the storage unit 120A of the first embodiment described above in that vehicle-specific history information CDH is stored in place of the history information DHA. The storage unit 120B can be accessed by the management processing control unit 410B.

[0244] The above vehicle history information CDH is, as shown in FIG. j History information DHB associated with (j=1,…) j Here, the history information DHB j The history information DHB has the same structure as the history information DHA described above. j is generated by management processing control unit 410B and stored in storage unit 120B.

[0245] 13, the external communication unit 430 described above receives terminal transmission data transmitted from the terminal device 300 via the network 500. Then, the external communication unit 430 sends the terminal transmission data to the management processing control unit 410B.

[0246] Furthermore, the external communication unit 430 receives server transmission data sent from the management processing control unit 410B. Then, the external communication unit 430 transmits the server transmission data to the terminal device 300 via the network 500.

[0247] Furthermore, the external communication unit 430 periodically receives current weather information (weather information, temperature information) for the area in which the vehicle CR is traveling from an information server (not shown) that provides weather information, etc., via the network 500. Then, the external communication unit 430 sends the weather information to the management processing control unit 410B.

[0248] Next, the management processing control unit 410B will be described. The management processing control unit 410B is configured with a central processing unit (CPU) as a calculation means and its peripheral circuits. The management processing control unit 410B executes various programs to realize various functions as the management device 400B.

[0249] The management processing control unit 410B receives the current location and current time of the vehicle CR sent from the external communication unit 430. The management processing control unit 410B also periodically receives current weather information for the area in which the vehicle CR is traveling sent from the external communication unit 430. The management processing control unit 410B also receives information on the acceleration of the vehicle CR when it encounters a risk and the photographed results of a front image sent from the external communication unit 430. The management processing control unit 410B also receives the photographed results sent from the external communication unit 430. Then, based on this information, the management processing control unit 410B generates search information in association with the device ID.

[0250] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 410B receives a command corresponding to a list display designation or an extract display designation of the driving records sent from the external communication unit 430, it executes a display control process of the record information using the search information associated with the device ID. Then, the management processing control unit 410B uses the external communication unit 430 to transmit the display information generated by the display control process to the terminal device 300 via the network 500 as server transmission data.

[0251] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 410B receives a command corresponding to a specification related to a route search sent from the external communication unit 430, it executes a route search process using search information associated with the device ID. Then, the management processing control unit 410B uses the external communication unit 430 to transmit display information generated by the route search process to the terminal device 300 via the network 500 as server transmission data.

[0252] Furthermore, the management processing control unit 410B executes a notification process using search information associated with the device ID, based on the current position of the vehicle CR sent from the external communication unit 430. Then, the management processing control unit 410B uses the external communication unit 430 to transmit the notification information generated by the notification process to the terminal device 300 via the network 500 as server transmission data.

[0253] The processing by the management processing control unit 410B will be described in detail later.

[0254] The program executed by the management processing control unit 410B is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc., and is loaded from the recording medium and executed. The program may be acquired in a form recorded on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or may be acquired in a form distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0255] <Operation> The operation of the information processing system including the terminal device 300 and management device 400B configured as above will be described, focusing mainly on the processing by the terminal device 300 and management device 400B.

[0256] It is assumed that the sensor unit 280C and the GPS receiving unit 270 have already started operation and have sent the detection results to the terminal device 300. It is also assumed that the terminal device 300 has sent information on the current position and current time of the vehicle CR to the management device 400B.

[0257] <<Search information generation process>> First, the process of generating search information will be described.

[0258] 15, in the process of generating search information, first, in step S61, the management processing control unit 410B of the management device 400B determines whether or not the vehicle CR has started traveling based on the time change in the current position of the vehicle CR transmitted from the terminal device 300. If the result of this determination is negative (step S61: N), the process of step S61 is repeated.

[0259] If the result of the determination in step S61 is positive (step S61: Y), the process proceeds to step S62. In step S62, the management process control unit 410B sets the current position of the vehicle CR as the starting position of the current driving record. Then, the management process control unit 410B accesses the storage unit 120B and starts generating record information associated with the device ID, with the current time (date and time) as the starting time.

[0260] Subsequently, in step S63, the management processing control unit 410B performs processing similar to step S13 in the first embodiment to associate the performance information with the impression information.

[0261] Next, in step S64, the management processing control unit 410B determines whether or not the vehicle CR has finished traveling, based on the change over time in the current position of the vehicle CR transmitted from the terminal device 300. If the result of this determination is negative (step S64: N), the process returns to step S63.

[0262] If the result of the determination in step S64 is positive (step S64: Y), the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the process control unit 110 sets the current position of the vehicle CR as the destination position of the current travel record. Then, the management process control unit 410B sets the current time (date and time) as the arrival time, and ends the generation of the current search information.

[0263] <<Display control process of performance information using search information>> Next, a display control process for performance information using search information will be described.

[0264] 16, in the display control process of the performance information using the search information, first, in step S71, the management processing control unit 410B judges whether or not it has received a list display command transmitted from the terminal device 300. If the result of this judgment is negative (step S71: N), the process of step S71 is repeated.

[0265] If the result of the determination in step S71 is positive (step S71: Y), the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the management process control unit 410B accesses the storage unit 120B, reads the history information DHB associated with the device ID, and generates display information that displays a list of destinations in the performance information and impression information associated with the destinations.

[0266] Subsequently, in step S73, the management processing control unit 410B transmits the display information to the terminal device 300 via the network 500.

[0267] In the terminal device 300 that has received the display information, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250. As a result, a list of destinations is displayed on the display unit 250 together with the associated performance information.

[0268] When the process of step S73 ends, the process proceeds to step S74. In step S74, the management process control unit 410B judges whether or not it has received an extract display command transmitted from the terminal device 300. If the result of this judgment is negative (step S74: N), the process of step S74 is repeated.

[0269] If the result of the determination in step S74 is positive (step S74: Y), the process proceeds to step S75. In step S75, the management process control unit 410B generates display information by extracting information including the impression information specified by the user from the displayed list of information.

[0270] Subsequently, in step S76, the management processing control unit 410B transmits the display information to the terminal device 300 via the network 500.

[0271] In the terminal device 300 that has received the display information, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250. As a result, information about the destination including the impression information designated by the user is displayed on the display unit 250.

[0272] When the process of step S76 ends, the process returns to step S71.

[0273] "Route search processing using search information" Next, the route search process using the search information will be described.

[0274] 17, in the route search process using the search information, first, in step S81, the management processing control unit 410B judges whether or not it has received a route search command transmitted from the terminal device 300. If the result of this judgment is negative (step S41: N), the process of step S81 is repeated.

[0275] If the result of the judgment in step S81 is positive (step S81: Y), the process proceeds to step S82. In step S82, the management process control unit 410B accesses the storage unit 120B, refers to the risk information of the search information included in the history information DHB associated with the map information MPI and the device ID, and searches for a route from the departure point to the destination according to the specified content that avoids the risk encounter position. After this, the process proceeds to step S83.

[0276] In step S83, the management processing control unit 410B generates display information for displaying the searched route on a map. Then, in step S84, the management processing control unit 410B transmits the display information to the terminal device 300 via the network 500.

[0277] In the terminal device 300 that has received the display information, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250. As a result, the searched route is displayed on the display unit 250.

[0278] When the process of step S84 ends, the process proceeds to step S85. In step S85, the management process control unit 410B judges whether or not it has received a route extraction command transmitted from the terminal device 300. If the result of this judgment is negative (step S85: N), the process of step S85 is repeated.

[0279] If the result of the determination in step S85 is positive (step S85: Y), the process proceeds to step S86. In step S86, the management process control unit 410B refers to the storage unit 120B and determines whether or not there is a route among the searched routes that is associated with the device ID and corresponds to the impression information (e.g., "weather: snow") designated by the user. If the result of this determination is negative (step S86: N), the process returns to step S81.

[0280] If the result of the determination in step S86 is positive (step S86: Y), the process proceeds to step S87. In step S87, the management process control unit 410B generates display information that displays only the routes associated with the impression information specified by the user from among the searched routes.

[0281] Subsequently, in step S88, the management processing control unit 410B transmits the display information to the terminal device 300 via the network 500. In the terminal device 300 that has received the display information, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the display information. Then, the terminal processing control unit 310 transmits the display data to the display unit 250. As a result, the searched route attached to the impression information designated by the user is displayed on the display unit 250.

[0282] When the process of step S88 ends, the process returns to step S81.

[0283] Notification processing using search information Next, the notification process using the search information will be described.

[0284] 18, in the notification process using the search information, first, in step S91, the management process control unit 410B refers to the history information DHB associated with the device ID stored in the storage unit 120B, and determines whether or not the vehicle CR is approaching a risk encounter position based on the current position of the vehicle CR transmitted from the terminal device 300. If the result of this determination is negative (step S91: N), the process of step S91 is repeated.

[0285] If the result of the determination in step S91 is positive (step S91: Y), the process proceeds to step S92. In step S92, the management processing control unit 410B generates notification information for notifying the driving behavior when a risk is encountered. Subsequently, in step S93, the management processing control unit 410B transmits the notification information to the terminal device 300 via the network 500. In the terminal device 300 that receives the notification information, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 250, and also generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 240. As a result, when the vehicle CR travels through the risk encounter position, the display unit 250 and the sound output unit 240 are used to notify the driving behavior when the risk is encountered.

[0286] When the process of step S93 ends, the process returns to step S91.

[0287] As described above, in the second embodiment, when the management processing control unit 410B of the management device 400B receives the current location and current time of the vehicle CR transmitted from the terminal device 300, it periodically stores the current time (date and time) and the current location of the vehicle CR in the storage unit 120B and generates performance information related to the traveling associated with the device ID. While generating such performance information, the management processing control unit 410B periodically acquires current weather information transmitted from an external information server. Then, the management processing control unit 410B generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores it in the storage unit 120B.

[0288] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 410B receives the acceleration of the vehicle CR at the time of risk encounter transmitted from the terminal device 300 while generating the performance information, the management processing control unit 410B derives the driving behavior of the vehicle CR from the time change of the acceleration. The management processing control unit 410B then generates risk information including the derived information on the driving behavior of the vehicle CR and the risk encounter position. The management processing control unit 410B then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the contents of the search information.

[0289] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 410B acquires the photographed image of the front of the vehicle CR transmitted from the terminal device 300 while generating the performance information, the management processing control unit 410B associates the performance information being generated with the acquired image information and updates the contents of the search information. Here, the image information includes image data and information on the photographed location such as a rest area parking lot and a destination parking lot.

[0290] In addition, when associating such performance information with image information, if the image information contains privacy information such as a person's face or the license plate of another vehicle, the management processing control unit 410B performs processing so as not to display the image parts related to the privacy information from the perspective of privacy protection.

[0291] In the second embodiment, when a user inputs to the input unit 260 specifying a list display of driving records, a list display command is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the management device 400B, and the list display command is sent to the management processing control unit 410B. Upon receiving the list display command, the management processing control unit 410B accesses the storage unit 120B and generates display information that lists search information associated with the device ID. The display information thus generated is sent to the terminal processing control unit 310 of the terminal device 300 via the network 500. The terminal processing control unit 310 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250.

[0292] After the list of search information is thus displayed on the display unit 250, when the user inputs a specific impression information into the input unit 260, an extraction display command is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the management device 400B, which in turn transmits the extraction display command to the management processing control unit 410B. Upon receiving the extraction display command, the management processing control unit 410B generates display information in which the performance information corresponding to the impression information specified by the user is extracted from the list of search information. The display information thus generated is transmitted to the terminal processing control unit 310 of the terminal device 300 via the network 500. The terminal processing control unit 310 then generates display data based on the display information and transmits it to the display unit 250.

[0293] Therefore, even if the user cannot remember the desired record information (route, destination), the user can find the desired record information by using the impression information as a key.

[0294] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the driving performance information desired by the user can be easily found from the driving performance information by utilizing the user's impression information during the past driving performance period.

[0295] In the second embodiment, when a route search command specifying a starting point and a destination is sent from the terminal device 300 to the management device 400B, the management processing control unit 410B searches for a route from the starting point to the destination that avoids risk encounter positions by referring to risk information in search information associated with the device ID included in the map information and history information stored in the storage unit 120B. This makes it possible to search for a route that does not encounter risks.

[0296] In addition, after the searched route is displayed on the display unit 250, when the user inputs a route extraction specification specifying specific impression information to the input unit 260, a route extraction command is sent from the terminal device 300 to the management processing control unit 410B of the management device 400B. Upon receiving the route extraction command, the management processing control unit 410B judges whether or not a route corresponding to the impression information specified by the user exists among the routes searched for. As a result of the judgment, display information is generated that displays only the routes corresponding to the impression information specified by the user from among the searched routes. The display information generated in this way is sent to the terminal processing control unit 310 of the terminal device 300 via the network 500. Then, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250.

[0297] Therefore, even if the user cannot remember a desired route from among the routes found, the user can find the desired route by using the impression information as a key.

[0298] In the second embodiment, the management processing control unit 410B performs an approach determination process to determine whether or not the vehicle CR is approaching a risk encounter position, based on the current position of the vehicle CR transmitted from the terminal device 300, by referring to risk information in search information associated with the device ID included in the history information stored in the storage unit 120B. When the result of the approach determination process becomes positive, the management processing control unit 410B generates notification information that notifies the driving operation at the time of risk encounter. The notification information thus generated is sent to the terminal processing control unit 310 of the terminal device 300 via the network 500. Then, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 250, and generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 240.

[0299] For this reason, it can be expected that the user will drive more carefully when the vehicle CR is traveling through a location where a risk is encountered.

[0300] [Third Example] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0301] <Configuration> FIG. 19 shows the relative positions of a terminal device 300 and a management device 400C included in an information processing system according to a third embodiment.

[0302] 19, the information processing system of the third embodiment differs from the information processing system of the second embodiment described above in that it includes a management device 400C instead of management device 400B. The following description will focus mainly on this difference.

[0303] Although the management device 400C is also capable of communicating with other terminal devices configured similarly to the terminal device 300, only the terminal device 300 is representatively shown in FIG.

[0304] Configuration of management device 400C A schematic configuration of the management device 400C is shown in a block diagram in Fig. 20. As shown in Fig. 20, the management device 400C is different from the management device 400B of the second embodiment described above in that it includes a management processing control unit 410C instead of the management processing control unit 410B, and in that it includes a storage unit 120C instead of the storage unit 120B.

[0305] The management processing control unit 410C controls the entire management device 400C and executes various processes. The management processing control unit 410C will be described later.

[0306] The storage unit 120C is configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores various information data used in the management device 400C. The storage unit 120C is different from the storage unit 120B of the second embodiment described above in that the history information DHC is stored in place of the vehicle history information CDH. The storage unit 120C is accessible by the management processing control unit 410C.

[0307] The above history information DHC is the above history information DHB j The history information DHC has a similar structure to that of the terminal device 300, but the contents of the history information DHC are information related to driving (driving date and time, driving position) transmitted from various terminal devices including the terminal device 300, information on the acceleration of the vehicle when a risk was encountered, the photographed image of the front, and search information related to a plurality of past driving histories generated from the photographed image information. The history information DHC is generated by the management processing control unit 410C and stored in the storage unit 120C.

[0308] Next, the management processing control unit 410C will be described. The management processing control unit 410C is configured with a central processing unit (CPU) as a calculation means and its peripheral circuits. The management processing control unit 410C executes various programs to realize various functions as the management device 400C.

[0309] The management processing control unit 410C receives the current location and current time of the vehicle CR sent from the external communication unit 430. The management processing control unit 410C also periodically receives current weather information for the area in which the vehicle CR is traveling sent from the external communication unit 430. The management processing control unit 410C also receives information on the acceleration of the vehicle CR when it encounters a risk and the photographed results of a front image sent from the external communication unit 430. The management processing control unit 410C also receives the photographed results sent from the external communication unit 430. The management processing control unit 410C then generates search information based on these pieces of information.

[0310] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 410C receives a command corresponding to a list display designation or an extract display designation of the driving records sent from the external communication unit 430, it executes a display control process of the record information using the search information. Then, the management processing control unit 410C uses the external communication unit 430 to transmit the display information generated by the display control process to the terminal device 300 via the network 500 as server transmission data.

[0311] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 410C receives a command corresponding to a specification related to a route search sent from the external communication unit 430, it executes a route search process using the search information. Then, the management processing control unit 410C uses the external communication unit 430 to transmit display information generated by the route search process as server transmission data to the terminal device 300 via the network 500.

[0312] Furthermore, the management processing control unit 410C executes a notification process using the search information based on the current position of the vehicle CR sent from the external communication unit 430. Then, the management processing control unit 410C uses the external communication unit 430 to transmit the notification information generated by the notification process to the terminal device 300 via the network 500 as server transmission data.

[0313] The program executed by the management processing control unit 410C is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc., and is loaded from the recording medium and executed. The program may be acquired in a form recorded on a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or may be acquired in a form distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0314] <Operation> The operation of the information processing system including the terminal device 300 and the management device 400C configured as above will be described, focusing mainly on the processing by the management device 400C.

[0315] <<Search information generation process>> The process of generating search information by the management processing control unit 410C of the management device 400C is performed in the same manner as the process of generating search information by the management processing control unit 410B described above, except that the search information is generated from information transmitted from various terminal devices, including the terminal device 300, without associating it with a device ID.

[0316] <<Display control process of performance information using search information>> The display control process of performance information using search information by the management processing control unit 410C of the management device 400C is performed in the same manner as the display control process of performance information by the management processing control unit 410B described above, except that search information generated from information transmitted from various terminal devices including the terminal device 300 is used.

[0317] "Route search processing using search information" The route search process using search information by the management processing control unit 410C of the management device 400C is performed in the same manner as the route search process by the management processing control unit 410B described above, except that search information generated from information transmitted from various terminal devices including the terminal device 300 is used.

[0318] Notification processing using search information The notification process using search information by the management processing control unit 410C of the management device 400C is performed in the same manner as the notification process by the management processing control unit 410B described above, except that the search information used is generated from information transmitted from various terminal devices including the terminal device 300.

[0319] As described above, in the third embodiment, when the management processing control unit 410C of the management device 400C receives the current position and current time of the vehicle transmitted from various terminal devices including the terminal device 300, the management processing control unit 410C periodically stores the current time (date and time) and the current position of the vehicle in the storage unit 120C and generates performance information related to traveling. While generating such performance information, the management processing control unit 410C periodically acquires current weather information transmitted from an external information server. Then, the management processing control unit 410C generates search information that associates the performance information being generated with the weather information, and stores it in the storage unit 120C.

[0320] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 410C receives the acceleration of the vehicle at the time of risk encounter transmitted from various terminal devices including the terminal device 300 while generating the performance information, the management processing control unit 410C derives the vehicle's driving behavior from the time change of the acceleration. The management processing control unit 410C then generates risk information including the derived information on the vehicle's driving behavior and the risk encounter position. The management processing control unit 410C then associates the performance information being generated with the risk information, and updates the content of the search information.

[0321] Furthermore, when the management processing control unit 410C acquires the photographed image of the front of the vehicle transmitted from various terminal devices including the terminal device 300 while generating the performance information, the management processing control unit 410C associates the performance information being generated with the acquired image information and updates the contents of the search information. Here, the image information includes image data and information on the photographed location such as a rest area parking lot and a destination parking lot.

[0322] In addition, when associating such performance information with image information, if the image information contains privacy information such as a person's face or the license plate of another vehicle, the management processing control unit 410C performs processing so as not to display the image portions related to the privacy information from the perspective of privacy protection.

[0323] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when a user inputs to the input unit 260 specifying a list display of driving records, a list display command is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the management device 400C, and the list display command is sent to the management processing control unit 410C. Upon receiving the list display command, the management processing control unit 410C accesses the storage unit 120C and generates display information that lists the search information. The display information thus generated is sent to the terminal processing control unit 310 of the terminal device 300 via the network 500. The terminal processing control unit 310 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250.

[0324] After the list of search information is thus displayed on the display unit 250, when the user inputs a specific impression information into the input unit 260, an extraction display command is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the management device 400C, and the extraction display command is sent to the management processing control unit 410C. Upon receiving the extraction display command, the management processing control unit 410C generates display information in which the performance information corresponding to the impression information specified by the user is extracted from the list of search information. The display information thus generated is sent to the terminal processing control unit 310 of the terminal device 300 via the network 500. The terminal processing control unit 310 then generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250.

[0325] Therefore, the user can find the desired performance information by using various user impression information as a key. For example, if the user specifies "snow" as impression information, the user can find routes that could be driven when the weather was snowy.

[0326] Therefore, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to easily find driving performance information desired by a user from among the driving performance information by utilizing impression information of various users during a past driving performance period.

[0327] In the third embodiment, when a route search command specifying a starting point and a destination is sent from the terminal device 300 to the management device 400C, the management processing control unit 410C refers to the risk information in the search information included in the map information and history information stored in the storage unit 120C and searches for a route from the starting point to the destination that avoids the risk encounter position. Therefore, it is possible to search for a route that does not encounter risks.

[0328] In addition, after the searched route is displayed on the display unit 250, when the user inputs a route extraction specification specifying specific impression information to the input unit 260, a route extraction command is sent from the terminal device 300 to the management processing control unit 410C of the management device 400C. Upon receiving the route extraction command, the management processing control unit 410C judges whether or not a route corresponding to the impression information specified by the user exists among the routes searched for. As a result of the judgment, display information is generated that displays only the routes corresponding to the impression information specified by the user from among the searched routes. The display information generated in this way is sent to the terminal processing control unit 310 of the terminal device 300 via the network 500. Then, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the display information and sends it to the display unit 250.

[0329] Therefore, the user can find a desired route from among the searched routes by using various user impression information as a key.

[0330] In the third embodiment, the management processing control unit 410C performs an approach determination process to determine whether or not the vehicle CR is approaching a risk encounter position, based on the current position of the vehicle CR transmitted from the terminal device 300, by referring to the risk information in the search information included in the history information stored in the storage unit 120C. When the result of the approach determination process becomes positive, the management processing control unit 410C generates notification information that notifies the driving operation at the time of risk encounter. The notification information thus generated is sent to the terminal processing control unit 310 of the terminal device 300 via the network 500. Then, the terminal processing control unit 310 generates display data based on the notification information and sends it to the display unit 250, and generates output sound data and sends it to the sound output unit 240.

[0331] For this reason, when the vehicle CR travels through a location where various vehicles have encountered risks, it can be expected that the user will drive more carefully.

[0332] [Modification of the embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0333] For example, in the above first to third embodiments, the impression information associated with the performance information is weather information, risk information, and image information, but further information such as "traveling to XX" or "visiting home to △△" may be associated with the performance information.

[0334] In the third embodiment, the terminal device provides search information to the management device and receives from the management device information extracted from the search information using history information, route information, and notification information. In contrast, the information processing system may include a terminal device that only provides search information to the management device and a terminal device that only receives from the management device information extracted from the search information using history information, route information, and notification information.

[0335] Moreover, the above first to third examples can be appropriately modified in the same manner as the above-mentioned first and second embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0336] 100 ... Information processing device 110 ... Processing control unit (memory control unit, display control unit, search unit, notification unit) Control Unit) 120A, 120B ... memory unit (memory section) 250 … Display unit (display section) 300 … Terminal device 310 ... Terminal processing control unit (terminal display control unit) 330 ... Wireless communication unit (receiver) 400B … Management device 410B ... Management processing control unit (storage control unit, extraction unit) 430 … External communication unit (transmitter) 710A,710B … Storage section 750A, 750B ... Memory control unit 770 ... Processing control unit (display control unit, search unit, notification control unit) 810 … Terminal equipment 813 ... Receiving section 814 ... Terminal processing control unit (terminal display control unit) 820 … Management device 822 ... Management processing control unit (extraction unit) 823 ... Transmitter 960…Display section

Claims

[Claim 1] a memory control unit that stores in a memory unit information that associates performance information related to past travel with impression event information for a user related to the travel; a display control unit that extracts from the storage unit performance information corresponding to the impression event information designated by the user, and displays the extracted performance information on a display unit; An information processing device comprising:

Images