Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method that enables a user to easily grasp a driving assistance function that matches the user's own driving characteristics.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle device according to one mode of the embodiment includes a controller. The controller collects and accumulates driving information regarding a user's driving acquired by the on-vehicle device, estimates the user's driving characteristics based on the accumulated driving information, and suggests a driving assistance function to the user according to the estimated driving characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for acquiring the usual driving characteristics of a user (driver) who drives a vehicle, and proposing a vehicle that matches the driving characteristics as a vehicle to be shared in a car sharing service (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-190777 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, a vehicle (model) is proposed based on the driving characteristics of the user, but a function suitable for the user among various driving support functions that the vehicle can have is not proposed. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to understand which of the various driving support functions is necessary for the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method that allow a user to easily understand driving assistance functions that are suited to the user's own driving characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes a controller that collects and accumulates driving information related to a user's driving acquired by an in-vehicle device, estimates driving characteristics of the user based on the accumulated driving information, and proposes a driving assistance function to the user based on the estimated driving characteristics. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, driving assistance functions are suggested to a user in accordance with the user's driving characteristics estimated from the user's driving information, so that the user can easily understand the driving assistance functions that are suited to the user's own driving characteristics from the proposed driving assistance functions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system including an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the server device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the proposal information. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the vehicle information. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the safety information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of insurance premium information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a user terminal device. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence executed by the information processing system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0010] <Outline of information processing system> First, an overview of an information processing system including an information processing device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing system including an information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0011] The information processing system 1 according to the embodiment is a system that executes various processes, such as a process of proposing driving assistance functions required by a user (not shown) of a vehicle A. The user is the driver of the vehicle A.

[0012] 1, an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes an in-vehicle device 10, a server device 100, and a user terminal device 200. The in-vehicle device 10, the server device 100, and the user terminal device 200 each have a communication function for communicating via a communication network.

[0013] The in-vehicle device 10 is mounted on a vehicle A. The vehicle A may be a vehicle driven by an unspecified user, such as a shared car or a rental car, or may be a vehicle driven by a specific user, such as a private car. In addition, when the vehicle A is a private car, the vehicle A may be a vehicle driven by multiple users, such as the owner and the owner's family members.

[0014] The in-vehicle device 10 is a device having, for example, a camera, a storage device, a microcomputer, etc. Note that, for example, a drive recorder can be used as the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and the detailed configuration of the in-vehicle device 10 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0015] The in-vehicle device 10 acquires driving information related to the user's driving (step S1). The driving information includes, for example, vehicle A's driving data, violation information, dangerous driving information, warning information, etc., but is not limited to these. In other words, the driving information may include a part of the driving data, violation information, dangerous driving information, and warning information, or may include information other than these.

[0016] The operation data includes, for example, the route traveled by vehicle A, the travel time, the travel time, etc. Note that the operation data is not limited to the travel route, etc., and may include other types of data such as the number of sudden stops of vehicle A, the vehicle speed when backing into parking (backing vehicle speed), the time required for backing into parking, etc., which will be described later.

[0017] The violation information is information indicating that a violation has been detected during the driving of the vehicle A. Specifically, the in-vehicle device 10 includes a storage unit 30 (see FIG. 3) in which map information is stored in advance. The map information includes information on rules regarding the driving of the vehicle A on the road on which the vehicle A is traveling (for example, rules (traffic rules) such as the legal speed limit on the road, no-entry roads, and the traveling direction set on the road). For example, when the speed of the vehicle A exceeds the legal speed limit of the road on which the vehicle A is traveling, the in-vehicle device 10 determines that the driving of the vehicle A has violated the rules. When the in-vehicle device 10 determines that the driving of the vehicle A has violated the rules, it generates violation information indicating the violation of the vehicle A (here, violation information indicating that the legal speed limit has been exceeded) and acquires it as driving information. Note that the map information includes information on the type of road on which the vehicle A is traveling (general road, expressway, etc.) in addition to the above-mentioned rule information.

[0018] The dangerous driving information is information indicating that dangerous driving has been detected in the driving of vehicle A. For example, when the distance between vehicle A and the vehicle ahead is equal to or less than a preset dangerous distance, the in-vehicle device 10 determines that the driving of vehicle A is dangerous. The dangerous distance is set to a value indicating that vehicle A is excessively close to the vehicle ahead, but is not limited thereto and can be set to any value. Hereinafter, driving that results in a distance equal to or less than the dangerous distance may be referred to as "dangerous distance driving". When the in-vehicle device 10 determines that the driving of vehicle A is dangerous, it generates dangerous driving information indicating dangerous driving (here, dangerous driving information indicating dangerous distance driving) and acquires it as driving information.

[0019] The warning information is information indicating that a warning has been issued to the user of vehicle A. When the vehicle-mounted device 10 detects the above-mentioned violation or dangerous driving of vehicle A, it issues a warning to the user of vehicle A. When the vehicle-mounted device 10 detects dangerous following distance driving, for example, it notifies the user by audio, video, or the like that the driving of vehicle A is dangerous, and warns them. In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 10 generates warning information indicating that a warning has been issued (here, warning information indicating that a warning about dangerous following distance driving has been issued) and acquires it as driving information.

[0020] The in-vehicle device 10 stores the acquired driving information in the storage unit 30 (see FIG. 3) for each driving user. Specifically, information for identifying the user, such as facial information of the driving user, is registered in advance in the storage unit 30 of the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 captures an image of the face of the driving user with a camera, analyzes the captured image data to extract the user's facial image, and identifies the user by performing facial authentication using the facial image and facial information. The in-vehicle device 10 stores the acquired driving information in the storage unit 30 in association with the identified user (to be precise, a user ID).

[0021] As a result, whether vehicle A is a vehicle driven by an unspecified user, such as a shared car, or a vehicle driven by multiple users, such as a private car, the in-vehicle device 10 can obtain driving information regarding the driving of the user who is actually driving.

[0022] The server device 100 communicates with the in-vehicle device 10 via a communication network, and collects and stores the user's driving information acquired by the in-vehicle device 10 (step S2). Next, the server device 100 estimates the user's driving characteristics based on the accumulated driving information (step S3). In detail, the server device 100 estimates the user's driving characteristics related to safe driving based on the accumulated driving information. The driving characteristics include, for example, a characteristic of frequently using expressways, a characteristic of frequently detecting dangerous vehicle distance driving, and the like. The driving characteristics will be described in detail later.

[0023] Next, the server device 100 determines a driving assistance function according to the estimated driving characteristics (step S4). More specifically, the server device 100 determines a driving assistance function required by the user according to the estimated driving characteristics. The driving assistance function is various functions that the vehicle A can have (be equipped with). The driving assistance function is a function for improving the safety, comfort, etc. of the vehicle A, and specifically, various functions for assisting the user's driving, such as a function for automatically controlling the vehicle A and a function for issuing warnings and instructions to the user. The driving assistance function includes an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) function. Examples of the driving assistance function include an "adaptive cruise control" that automatically follows a vehicle ahead, and a "forward collision warning" that issues a warning when the vehicle is close to the vehicle ahead. Note that the warning by the driving assistance function is different from the warning by the in-vehicle device 10 described above. This driving assistance function will be described in detail later.

[0024] For example, when a user has a characteristic of frequently using expressways, the server device 100 determines "adaptive cruise control" as a driving assistance function to be proposed to the user, in other words, as a driving assistance function required by the user. In other words, by automatically following a vehicle ahead on expressways, the burden on the user is reduced and the safety, comfort, etc. of vehicle A are improved. Therefore, the server device 100 determines "adaptive cruise control" as a driving assistance function required for a user who has a characteristic of frequently using expressways.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, when a user has a characteristic of frequently detecting dangerous following distance driving, the server device 100 determines "forward collision warning" as a driving assistance function required for the user. That is, by issuing a warning when driving with a dangerous following distance, the user is prompted to pay attention to the road ahead, and the safety of the vehicle A is improved. Therefore, the server device 100 determines "forward collision warning" as a driving assistance function required for a user who has a characteristic of frequently detecting dangerous following distance driving.

[0026] Next, the server device 100 proposes the determined driving support function to the user (step S5). Specifically, the server device 100 transmits function information indicating the determined driving support function, in other words, function information indicating the driving support function required by the user, to the user terminal device 200 via the communication network. The user terminal device 200 notifies the user of the function information transmitted from the server device 100. Note that the user terminal device 200 is a terminal device used by a user, more specifically, a terminal device used by a user whose driving characteristics have been estimated.

[0027] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the driving assistance function is proposed to the user according to the driving characteristics of the user estimated from the driving information of the user, so that the user can easily grasp the driving assistance function suited to the driving characteristics of the user from the proposed driving assistance function.

[0028] In addition to the function information, the server device 100 provides the user with driving characteristic information indicating the estimated driving characteristics, vehicle information regarding a vehicle having the proposed driving assistance function, and the like, which will be described later.

[0029] <Overall configuration of information processing system> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. Note that in the block diagram of Fig. 2 and the like, only components necessary for explaining the features of the embodiment are shown, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

[0030] In other words, each component shown in a block diagram such as Figure 2 is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each block is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0031] In addition, in the explanation of FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, explanations of components that have already been explained may be simplified or omitted.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes the above-mentioned in-vehicle device 10, server device 100, and user terminal device 200, and each device is communicatively connected to each other via a communication network N. The communication network N is, for example, a network such as the Internet or a mobile phone network. Note that, although Fig. 2 shows one in-vehicle device 10 and one user terminal device 200, there may be a plurality of them.

[0033] <In-vehicle equipment> The configuration of the in-vehicle device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the in-vehicle device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a camera 12, a GPS sensor 13, an acceleration sensor 14, an output unit 15, a controller (control unit) 20, and a storage unit 30.

[0034] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface that is connected to the communication network N so as to be capable of two-way communication, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 and the like.

[0035] Camera 12 captures images of the outside and inside of vehicle A. Camera 12 may include an out-camera that captures images of the outside of the vehicle and an in-camera that captures images of the inside of the vehicle, or may be a camera that captures images of both the outside and inside of the vehicle, such as a 360-degree camera. Camera 12 captures images of the periphery of the vehicle (for example, the front, rear, left and right directions, etc.) and outputs the captured outside image (image data) to controller 20. Camera 12 also captures images of the inside of the vehicle so that at least the face of the user (driver) is included in the capture range, and outputs the captured inside image (image data) to controller 20. Note that the image data captured by camera 12 is video data, but is not limited to this and may be still image data, etc.

[0036] The GPS sensor 13 detects the position of vehicle A, and outputs position information indicating the detected position of vehicle A to the controller 20. The acceleration sensor 14 detects acceleration acting on vehicle A, and outputs acceleration information indicating the detected acceleration to the controller 20.

[0037] The output unit 15 outputs various types of information, such as a warning to the user of the vehicle A. For example, the output unit 15 includes at least one of a display unit such as a display and an audio output unit such as a speaker, and outputs various types of information, such as a warning, to the user of the vehicle A.

[0038] The storage unit 30 is a storage unit configured with a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, a data flash, a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 30 stores user information 31, map information 32, various programs, etc.

[0039] The user information 31 is information about the user (driver) of the vehicle A. Here, the user information 31 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information 31. As shown in Fig. 4, the user information 31 includes items such as "user ID", "face information", "address and age", "recipient information", and "driving information", and the data of each item is associated (linked) with each other.

[0040] "User ID" is identification information for identifying a user. "Facial information" is information on a facial image of the user. "Facial information" is used for processes such as identifying the user who drives vehicle A. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 4, for convenience, "facial information" is described abstractly as "B1", but specific information is stored in "B1". Below, other information may also be described abstractly.

[0041] "Address and age" is information indicating the address and age of the user. "Destination information" is information indicating the destination of functional information indicating driving assistance functions required by the user. "Destination information" includes, for example, an address of an e-mail that can be received by the user terminal device 200. The above-mentioned "face information", "address and age" and "destination information" are registered in advance.

[0042] The "driving information" is driving information related to the user's driving. As described above, the "driving information" includes the operation data of the vehicle A, violation information, dangerous driving information, warning information, and the like.

[0043] The operation data may include operation data other than the above-mentioned driving route, driving time, and driving time of vehicle A. For example, the operation data may include other types of data such as the number of sudden stops of vehicle A, the number of cut-ins when changing lanes, the vehicle speed when backing into parking space (backing vehicle speed), and the time required for backing into parking space.

[0044] The violation information may include other types of violation information than the information indicating that a violation exceeding the legal speed limit has been detected. For example, the violation information may include other types of violation information, such as a violation of vehicle A entering a no-entry road, or a violation of vehicle A traveling in the opposite direction to the designated traveling direction.

[0045] The dangerous driving information may include dangerous driving information other than the above-mentioned information indicating dangerous following distance driving. For example, the dangerous driving information may include dangerous driving information indicating tailgating. Tailgating is, for example, driving in which dangerous following distance driving is detected consecutively a predetermined number of times or continuously for a predetermined period of time.

[0046] The warning information may include warning information other than information indicating that a violation or dangerous driving of the vehicle A has been detected and a warning has been issued. For example, the warning information may include a warning when the vehicle departs from its lane and a warning regarding the user's driving state. The warning regarding the user's driving state is a warning when drowsy driving, inattentive driving, driving without checking left and right, careless driving, etc. are detected, and these will be described later.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 4, the user information of a user identified by user ID "A01" indicates that face information is "B1", address / age is "C1", destination information is "D1", and driving information is "E1".

[0048] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 3, the map information 32 is information showing a map of the road along which the vehicle A travels. The map information 32 includes the above-mentioned rules for driving the vehicle A and the type of road, as well as other types of information such as the number of lanes on the road, information on the vehicle width (road width), and information on the presence or absence of pedestrian crossings and traffic lights on the road. The map information 32 is stored in advance in the storage unit 30, but is not limited to this and may be information transmitted from an external server device (not shown).

[0049] The controller 20 corresponds to a so-called processor. The controller 20 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), etc. The controller 20 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 30 using the RAM as a working area. The controller 20 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0050] The controller 20 executes a process of identifying the user who drives the vehicle A. For example, the controller 20 analyzes an in-vehicle image (image data) captured by the camera 12 to extract a facial image of the user. The controller 20 performs face authentication using the extracted facial image and a facial image in the user information 31, and identifies the user who drives the vehicle A.

[0051] The process of identifying the user is not limited to the one using face information. In other words, other methods may be used, such as the user reading user identification information such as a password, a barcode, or a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code (registered trademark), into the input device of the in-vehicle device 10 to identify the user.

[0052] The controller 20 acquires driving information of the user (operation data, violation information, dangerous driving information, warning information, etc.) The controller 20 stores the acquired driving information in the storage unit 30 in association with the identified user.

[0053] Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the driving route, driving time, and driving time of vehicle A based on the position information of vehicle A detected by the GPS sensor 13 while driving, the time (clock) when the position information was detected, and the like, and acquires them as operation data.

[0054] Furthermore, the controller 20 acquires the number of times that a sudden stop of the vehicle A is detected as the operation data. Specifically, the controller 20 detects that the vehicle A has suddenly stopped when the acceleration of the vehicle A detected by the acceleration sensor 14 is equal to or greater than a threshold value indicating a sudden stop. The controller 20 counts the number of times that a sudden stop of the vehicle A is detected and acquires it as the operation data.

[0055] The controller 20 also acquires the number of times the vehicle cuts in when changing lanes as operational data. Specifically, the controller 20 estimates that a lane change has been made when the outside image includes an image of the vehicle A crossing lanes and traveling on an adjacent road. The controller 20 analyzes the outside image captured by the camera 12 after the lane change to calculate the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle ahead and the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle behind. If the calculated distance between the vehicles is a predetermined distance or less and is relatively short, the controller 20 determines that the cutting in when changing lanes is an unreasonable cutting in. The controller 20 counts the number of times the unreasonable cutting in has been made and acquires it as operational data. The predetermined distance is set to a value indicating an unreasonable cutting in, but is not limited to this and can be set to any value.

[0056] Furthermore, the controller 20 acquires the vehicle speed (backing vehicle speed) when backing into parking space and the time required for backing into parking space as operation data. Specifically, the controller 20 calculates the travel distance of the vehicle A by analyzing the vehicle exterior image captured by the camera 12. The controller 20 calculates the vehicle speed by dividing the calculated travel distance by the time required for travel. The controller 20 may calculate the travel distance of the vehicle A based on the position information of the vehicle A detected by the GPS sensor 13, and calculate the vehicle speed from the calculated travel distance. For example, when the vehicle A moves backward and a parking space is included in the vehicle exterior image, the controller 20 estimates that backing into parking space is being performed, and acquires the backing vehicle speed during backing into parking space and the time required for backing into parking space as operation data.

[0057] Furthermore, when the speed of vehicle A exceeds the legal speed limit, the controller 20 generates and acquires violation information indicating a legal speed limit violation for exceeding the legal speed limit. Furthermore, when the controller 20 detects that vehicle A has entered a no-entry road from the position information or the like, the controller 20 generates and acquires violation information indicating an entry violation. Furthermore, when the controller 20 detects that vehicle A is traveling the wrong way from the position information or the like, the controller 20 generates and acquires violation information indicating a wrong-way traveling violation.

[0058] Furthermore, when dangerous following distance driving is detected, the controller 20 generates and acquires dangerous driving information indicating dangerous following distance driving. Specifically, when the following distance between the vehicle A and the vehicle ahead is equal to or less than the dangerous following distance, the controller 20 determines that the driving of the vehicle A is dangerous driving, and generates and acquires dangerous driving information indicating dangerous driving.

[0059] In addition, if dangerous vehicle-to-vehicle distance driving is detected consecutively a predetermined number of times or continuously for a predetermined period of time, the controller 20 determines that the driving of vehicle A is tailgating, and generates and acquires dangerous driving information indicating tailgating.

[0060] Furthermore, the controller 20 acquires warning information indicating that a warning has been issued to the user of the vehicle A. Specifically, when dangerous following distance driving is detected, the controller 20 warns the user by notifying the user that the driving of the vehicle A is dangerous following distance driving by voice, video, or the like via the output unit 15. The controller 20 generates and acquires warning information indicating that a warning of dangerous following distance driving has been issued.

[0061] Furthermore, when tailgating is detected, the controller 20 issues a warning to the user by audio, video, or the like via the output unit 15 that the driving of the vehicle A is tailgating. The controller 20 generates and acquires warning information indicating that a warning against tailgating has been issued.

[0062] The controller 20 also acquires warning information indicating that a lane departure warning has been issued. Specifically, the controller 20 detects that the vehicle A is running outside the lane when an image of the vehicle outside includes an image of the vehicle A continuously running across lanes. When lane departure is detected, the controller 20 notifies the user by audio, video, or the like via the output unit 15 that the vehicle A is running outside the lane, and warns the user. The controller 20 generates and acquires warning information indicating that a lane departure warning has been issued.

[0063] Furthermore, the controller 20 acquires warning information indicating that a warning regarding the user's driving state has been issued. Specifically, the controller 20 detects the user's eyes from the user's face image included in the vehicle interior image. If the detected user's eyes are closed and the closed state is continuously detected, the controller 20 determines that there is a possibility of drowsy driving. If it is determined that there is a possibility of drowsy driving, the controller 20 notifies the user of the possibility of drowsy driving by audio, video, or the like via the output unit 15 to warn the user. The controller 20 generates and acquires warning information indicating that a warning against drowsy driving has been issued.

[0064] Furthermore, the controller 20 detects the direction of the user's face from the user's face image included in the in-vehicle image. If the detected direction of the user's face deviates from a reference direction (e.g., front) and the deviated state is continuously detected, the controller 20 determines that there is a possibility of inattentive driving. If it is determined that there is a possibility of inattentive driving, the controller 20 notifies and warns the user of the possibility of inattentive driving by voice, video, or the like via the output unit 15. The controller 20 generates and acquires warning information indicating that a warning against inattentive driving has been issued.

[0065] Furthermore, when vehicle A is traveling at a location where checking left and right is required, such as an intersection, the controller 20 detects the direction of the user's face from the user's face image included in the in-vehicle image. When the detected direction of the user's face is not a direction to check left and right, the controller 20 determines that there is a possibility of driving without checking left and right. When it is determined that there is a possibility of driving without checking left and right, the controller 20 warns the user by notifying the user of the possibility of driving without checking left and right by audio, video, or the like via the output unit 15. The controller 20 generates and acquires warning information indicating that a warning for driving without checking left and right has been issued.

[0066] Furthermore, the controller 20 detects the direction of the user's face from the user's face image included in the vehicle interior image. If the detected direction of the user's face continues to face the same direction, the controller 20 determines that there is a possibility of mindless driving with reduced concentration and attention. If it is determined that there is a possibility of mindless driving, the controller 20 warns the user of the possibility of mindless driving by using audio, video, or the like via the output unit 15. The controller 20 generates and acquires warning information indicating that a warning against mindless driving has been issued.

[0067] The controller 20 transmits user information including the driving information acquired as described above to the server device 100 (see FIG. 2) periodically or irregularly.

[0068] <Server device> The server device 100 may be realized as a cloud server that provides a cloud service via a communication network N such as the Internet or a mobile phone network, or may be configured to perform distributed processing using multiple servers. The server device 100 is an example of an information processing device.

[0069] Here, the configuration of the server device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100. As shown in Fig. 5, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a controller (control unit) 110, and a storage unit 120.

[0070] The communication unit 101 is a communication interface that is connected to the communication network N so as to be capable of two-way communication, and transmits and receives information to and from the in-vehicle device 10, the user terminal device 200, and the like.

[0071] The storage unit 120 is configured with a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, a data flash, a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 120 stores user information 121, proposal information 122, vehicle information 123, safety information 124, insurance premium information 125, various programs, etc.

[0072] The user information 121 includes the user information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10. Moreover, the user information 121 includes information on accumulated driving information, information indicating the driving characteristics of the user, and the like, added to the user information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10. Here, the user information 121 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the user information 121.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, the user information 121 includes items such as "user ID," "face information," "address and age," "recipient information," "driving information," "accumulated information," and "driving characteristics," and the data of each item is associated (linked) with each other.

[0074] The "user ID", "face information", "address and age", "destination information", and "driving information" are the same as those in the user information 31, and therefore will not be described here. Note that the user information 121 may not include some information such as the "face information".

[0075] The "accumulated information" is information that accumulates driving information. Therefore, the "accumulated information" can also be said to be historical information of driving information. By accumulating driving information in this way, the controller 110 can estimate the current driving tendency of the user based on the accumulated driving information, which will be described later.

[0076] "Driving characteristics" is information that indicates the driving characteristics of a user. In detail, "driving characteristics" includes information that indicates driving characteristics (e.g., driving characteristics related to safe driving) that are used in the process of determining the driving assistance function to be proposed to the user. Specifically, "driving characteristics" may include characteristics of frequently using expressways, characteristics of driving for long periods of time, characteristics of frequently detecting dangerous driving distances and tailgating, characteristics of repeating the same driving in a short period of time after a warning of dangerous driving distances and tailgating is issued, etc. "Driving characteristics" may include characteristics of frequently driving at night, characteristics of frequently driving on narrow roads, characteristics of frequently driving on roads with few crosswalks and traffic lights, characteristics of frequently detecting speed violations, entry violations, and wrong-way driving violations, etc. "Driving characteristics" may include characteristics of frequently receiving warnings for lane departure, characteristics of frequently driving on multi-lane roads where lane departures are likely to occur, characteristics of frequently cutting in when changing lanes, etc. "Driving characteristics" may include characteristics of taking a long time to reverse into a parking space, characteristics of reverse driving at an excessively fast speed, etc. "Driving characteristics" may include characteristics that generate many warnings about the user's driving state, such as drowsy driving, inattentive driving, failure to look left and right, and distracted driving, as well as characteristics that detect a large number of sudden stops.

[0077] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the user information of a user identified by a user ID "A01" is shown to be "B1", face information is "B1", address and age is "C1", destination information is "D1", driving information is "E1", accumulated information is "F1", and driving characteristics are "G1".

[0078] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 5, the proposal information 122 is information related to driving support functions proposed to the user. As will be described later, the controller 110 according to this embodiment reads out the proposal information 122, and determines and proposes driving support functions required by the user based on the driving characteristics of the user. Here, the proposal information 122 will be explained using FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the proposal information 122.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, the proposal information 122 includes items such as "estimated driving characteristics" and "proposed driving assistance functions," and data for each item is associated (linked) with each other.

[0080] The "estimated driving characteristics" are information indicating driving characteristics estimated from the user's driving information and accumulated driving information (i.e., accumulated information). The number of driving characteristics included in the "estimated driving characteristics" "H1", "H2", etc. may be one or more.

[0081] The "proposed driving support function" is information indicating the driving support function proposed to the user. There are multiple types of driving support functions. The multiple types of driving support functions will be described below.

[0082] <Driving assistance function (1): Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)> Adaptive cruise control (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ACC") is a function that causes vehicle A to follow a vehicle ahead. Specifically, a vehicle control device (ECU (Electronic Control Unit)) that controls vehicle A automatically controls the accelerator, brakes, etc. according to the output of various sensors mounted on vehicle A, such as a radar that detects vehicles ahead, a vehicle speed sensor, etc., to follow the vehicle ahead. In more detail, ACC is a function that causes vehicle A to follow the vehicle ahead while maintaining a target inter-vehicle distance when there is a vehicle ahead. Also, ACC is a function that causes vehicle A to travel at a speed preset by a user, etc., when there is no vehicle ahead.

[0083] ACC is proposed to a user who has a characteristic of frequently using expressways, driving for long periods of time, etc. That is, "H1" of the "estimated driving characteristics" of the proposal information 122 includes information indicating a characteristic of frequently using expressways, driving for long periods of time, etc. For ease of understanding, the contents of "H1" and "H2" to "H11" will be specifically explained, but this is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0084] <Driving assistance function (2): Forward Collision Warning (FCW)> The forward collision warning is a function that warns the user when the possibility of a collision with a vehicle ahead increases. Specifically, when the vehicle distance detected by a radar or the like that detects the vehicle ahead becomes short, the vehicle control device warns the user by sound or the like.

[0085] Forward collision warning is proposed for users who have characteristics such as a high incidence of dangerous driving distances and aggressive driving (see "H2").

[0086] <Driving assistance function (3): Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS)> The Autonomous Emergency Braking System (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "AEBS") is a function that automatically applies the brakes when the user fails to take any avoidance action despite being warned of a forward collision. Specifically, when the vehicle control device determines that the user will not take any avoidance action, it forcibly applies the brakes to brake vehicle A.

[0087] AEBS is proposed for users who have characteristics such as repeating the same driving behavior in a short period of time after being warned about dangerous driving or tailgating, and detecting a large number of sudden stops (see "H3"). Note that repeating the same driving behavior in a short period of time after being warned about dangerous driving or tailgating is an example of a characteristic of dangerous driving related to the distance between vehicles.

[0088] <Driving assistance function (4): Night vision / pedestrian detection (NV / PD)> Night vision / pedestrian detection is a function that detects and notifies the user of pedestrians when visibility of the user's surroundings is reduced, such as at night or in thick fog. Specifically, the vehicle control device detects pedestrians using an infrared camera mounted on vehicle A and notifies the user of information about the detected pedestrians.

[0089] Night vision / pedestrian detection is recommended for users who often drive at night, on roads with narrow widths, or on roads with few crosswalks and traffic lights (see "H4").

[0090] <Driving Assistance Function (5): Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)> Traffic sign recognition is a function that detects and notifies the user of traffic signs such as the legal speed limit, no entry roads, and travel directions on the road on which vehicle A is traveling. Specifically, the vehicle control device detects traffic signs from images captured by a camera mounted on vehicle A and notifies the user of the information on the detected traffic signs.

[0091] Traffic sign recognition is proposed for users who have characteristics such as a high frequency of detection of speed violations, entry violations, and wrong-way driving violations (see "H5").

[0092] <Driving Assistance Function (6): Lane Departure Warning (LDW)> The lane departure warning is a function that warns the user of lane departure by vehicle A. Specifically, the vehicle control device detects the lane from an image (exterior image) captured by a camera mounted on vehicle A, and if lane departure is detected without the blinker being activated, the vehicle control device warns the user by sound or other means.

[0093] The lane departure warning is proposed to users who have characteristics such as frequent lane departure warnings (see "H6").

[0094] <Driving assistance function (7): Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)> The lane departure prevention support system is a function that warns the driver of a lane departure and then automatically returns vehicle A to the original lane. Specifically, after warning the driver of a lane departure, the vehicle control device forcibly operates the steering wheel of vehicle A to automatically return vehicle A to the original lane.

[0095] The lane departure prevention support system is proposed to users who have a tendency to repeatedly deviate from the same lane in a short period of time even after a lane departure warning has been issued, or who often drive on multiple lane roads where lane departure is likely to occur (see "H7"). Note that the tendency to repeatedly deviate from the same lane in a short period of time even after a lane departure warning has been issued is an example of a tendency to engage in dangerous driving related to lane departure.

[0096] <Driving assistance function (8): Blind spot monitoring (BSM)> Blind spot monitoring is a function that detects and notifies the user (driver) of vehicles approaching from the side and rear that are in the blind spot of the user (driver) and obstacles on the side and rear that may be an obstacle when parking. Specifically, the vehicle control device uses a camera mounted on vehicle A to detect vehicles approaching from the side and rear and obstacles on the side and rear, and notifies the user of information about the detected vehicles and obstacles.

[0097] Blind spot monitoring is recommended for users who tend to cut in when changing lanes frequently, who tend to drive on narrow roads, and who take a long time to back into parking spaces (see "H8").

[0098] <Driving assistance function (9): Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)> The rear cross traffic alert is a function that detects and notifies the user (driver) of pedestrians and bicycles passing through the areas on the left and right rear sides of the vehicle, which are often blind spots for the user when parking. Specifically, the vehicle control device uses ultrasonic sensors mounted on vehicle A to detect pedestrians and other objects passing through the areas on the left and right rear sides of the vehicle, and notifies the user of information about the detected pedestrians and other objects.

[0099] The rear cross traffic alert is suggested to users who tend to take a long time to back into parking spaces or who tend to back up at an excessively fast speed (see "H9").

[0100] <Driving Assistance Function (10): Driver Monitoring (DM)> Driver monitoring is a function that monitors the user and warns the user when the user is in a state that affects driving. Specifically, when the vehicle control device detects drowsy driving, inattentive driving, insufficient left and right checking, absent-minded driving, etc. from the image of the user captured by the camera mounted on vehicle A, it warns the user by sound or other means.

[0101] Driver monitoring is proposed to users who have characteristics that generate many warnings about the user's driving state, such as drowsy driving, inattentive driving, driving without checking left and right, and absent-minded driving (see "H10"). Note that, for example, driving without checking left and right is a driving characteristic that older users tend to have, so driver monitoring may be proposed to users who have the characteristic of being older.

[0102] <Driving Assistance Function (11): Advanced Parking Assist (APA)> The advanced parking assist is a function that assists with steering operations when parking vehicle A. Specifically, the vehicle control device detects a parking space from an image captured by a camera mounted on vehicle A, and forcibly operates the steering wheel of vehicle A so that vehicle A is parked in the parking space.

[0103] Advanced parking assistance is recommended for users who tend to take a long time to back into parking spaces or who back into parking spaces frequently (see "H11").

[0104] The camera, warning device, and the like used when each of the above-mentioned driving support functions is performed are devices mounted on the vehicle A for the driving support functions, and are different devices from the camera 12, the output unit 15, and the like of the in-vehicle device 10, but are not limited to this. In other words, the camera 12, the output unit 15, and the like of the in-vehicle device 10 may be used when each of the above-mentioned driving support functions is performed.

[0105] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 5, the vehicle information 123 is information relating to a vehicle having a driving support function. Here, the vehicle information 123 will be explained with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the vehicle information 123.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle information 123 includes items such as "vehicle ID," "vehicle model," "driving assistance function," and "store information," and data for each item is associated (linked) with each other.

[0107] "Vehicle ID" is identification information that identifies a vehicle. "Vehicle model" is information that indicates the type of vehicle. "Driving assistance function" is information that indicates the driving assistance function installed in the vehicle. The number of driving characteristics included in the "driving assistance functions" "L1", "L2", etc. may be one or more.

[0108] "Store information" is information about the store that owns the vehicle. "Store information" includes, for example, the store's location information (place information). Furthermore, if the vehicle is a shared car, the corresponding "store information" includes information about the store that provides the shared car. If the vehicle is a rental car, the corresponding "store information" includes information about the store that provides the rental car. If the vehicle is a sales vehicle (such as a new car or a used car), the corresponding "store information" includes information about the store that provides the sales vehicle.

[0109] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle information of a vehicle identified by a vehicle ID "J01" indicates that the vehicle model is "K1", the installed driving assistance function is "L1", and the store information is "M1".

[0110] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 5, the safety information 124 is information relating to the safety of the vehicle. Here, the safety information 124 will be explained with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the safety information 124.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9, the safety information 124 includes items such as "driving support function" and "safety information," and data for each item is associated (linked) with each other.

[0112] "Driving assistance function" is information indicating the driving assistance function installed in the vehicle. The number of driving characteristics included in the "driving assistance function" "P1", "P2", etc. may be one or more.

[0113] The "safety information" is information about the safety of a vehicle when a user gets into a vehicle having a proposed driving assistance function. In more detail, the "safety information" is information that indicates how the safety of the vehicle changes when a user gets into a vehicle having a driving assistance function included in the corresponding "driving assistance function."

[0114] Specifically, the "safety information" includes information indicating the reduction rate of accidents, the reduction rate of the number of dangerous driving detections, etc., when a user switches from a vehicle that does not have the corresponding driving assistance function to a vehicle that has the driving assistance function. Each reduction rate is a value calculated in advance from the driving information of other users who have previously switched to a vehicle with the proposed driving assistance function.

[0115] In the above, examples of "safety information" include the reduction rate of accidents and the reduction rate of the number of detected dangerous driving incidents, but this is not limited to these and may be other types of information, such as the reduction in the number of accidents, the reduction in the number of detected dangerous driving incidents, and the reduction rate of the time required to back into a parking space.

[0116] The example of the safety information 124 shown in FIG. 9 indicates that the driving assistance function is "P1" and the safety information is "Q1".

[0117] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 5, the insurance premium information 125 is information relating to vehicle insurance premiums. Here, the insurance premium information 125 will be explained with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the insurance premium information 125.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 10, insurance premium information 125 includes items such as "driving support function" and "insurance premium information," and data for each item is associated (linked) with each other.

[0119] "Driving assistance function" is information indicating the driving assistance function installed in the vehicle. The number of driving characteristics included in the "driving assistance function" "T1", "T2", etc. may be one or more.

[0120] The "insurance premium information" is information regarding the insurance premium for a vehicle when a user gets into a vehicle having the proposed driving assistance function. In more detail, the "insurance premium information" is information indicating how the insurance premium for the vehicle will change (more specifically, whether it will be discounted) when a user gets into a vehicle having a driving assistance function included in the corresponding "driving assistance function."

[0121] Specifically, the "insurance premium information" includes information indicating the discount amount or discount rate of the insurance premium when the user switches from a vehicle that does not have the corresponding driving assistance function to a vehicle that has the driving assistance function. This discount amount or discount rate is a value calculated in advance from the information on the insurance premium provided by the insurance company, etc.

[0122] The example of insurance premium information 125 shown in FIG. 10 indicates that the driving assistance function is "T1" and the insurance premium information is "U1".

[0123] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 5, the controller 110 collects and accumulates user information including driving information of the user acquired by the in-vehicle device 10 via the communication unit 101. The controller 110 stores the collected user information as user information 121 in the storage unit 120.

[0124] The controller 110 estimates the driving characteristics of the user according to the accumulated driving information. In particular, the controller 110 estimates the driving characteristics related to safe driving of the user according to the accumulated driving information. For example, when the driving information includes driving data in which the vehicle A frequently drives on an expressway, the controller 110 estimates that the driving characteristics of the user of the vehicle A are "characteristics of frequently using the expressway."

[0125] In addition, if the driving information contains a lot of dangerous driving information indicating dangerous driving at a distance, or warning information indicating that a warning has been issued about dangerous driving at a distance, the controller 110 estimates that the driving characteristics of the user of vehicle A are "characteristics that frequently detect dangerous driving at a distance."

[0126] Furthermore, when the driving information includes information on the time required for backing into parking, and the time required is longer than the average parking time, the controller 110 estimates that the driving characteristic of the user of the vehicle A is "a characteristic that takes a long time to back into parking." Note that other driving characteristics estimated by the controller 110 have been described in FIG. 6 and the like, and therefore will not be described here.

[0127] The controller 110 stores the estimated driving characteristics as user information 121 in the storage unit 120 .

[0128] In addition, since the driving information is accumulated, the controller 110 can accurately estimate the driving tendency of the current user based on the accumulated driving information. That is, the content of the accumulated driving information also changes due to, for example, the user's aging, changes in driving skills due to driving habit, changes in the user's life pattern, etc. The change in the content of the driving information is, for example, an increase or decrease in the number of warnings for dangerous inter-vehicle distance driving or lane departure, or a change in the driving route, driving time, or driving time. The controller 110 can estimate the driving characteristics of the user according to the driving information whose content has changed by using the accumulated driving information. That is, the controller 110 can accurately estimate the driving characteristics of the user after the driving skills or life pattern have changed, in other words, the current user.

[0129] The controller 110 reads out the proposal information 122 and determines a driving assistance function to be proposed to the user according to the estimated driving characteristics. In detail, the controller 110 determines a driving assistance function required by the user according to the estimated driving characteristics.

[0130] For example, when the user's driving characteristics are "frequent use of expressways" and "long driving times", the controller 110 determines ACC as the driving assistance function required for the user. When the user's driving characteristics are "frequent detection of dangerous distance driving and tailgating", the controller 110 determines forward collision warning as the driving assistance function required. When the user's driving characteristics are "time-consuming reverse parking", the controller 110 determines advanced parking assist as the driving assistance function required. Note that other driving assistance functions determined by the controller 110 have been described in FIG. 7 and the like, and will not be described here.

[0131] The controller 110 proposes the determined driving support function to the user. Specifically, the controller 110 transmits function information indicating the driving support function required by the user to the user terminal device 200 via the communication unit 101.

[0132] The controller 110 provides the user with driving characteristic information indicating the estimated driving characteristics. Specifically, the controller 110 transmits the driving characteristic information to the user terminal device 200 via the communication unit 101. When providing this driving characteristic information to the user, in other words, when providing the driving characteristic information to the user, the controller 110 proposes the determined driving assistance function.

[0133] Here, a display screen of the user terminal device 200 to which the driving characteristic information and the driving support function are provided will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the user terminal device 200.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 11, the driving characteristic information provided by the server device 100 is displayed in a display field 210 on a display screen 201 of the user terminal device 200. In the example of Fig. 11, "Your driving characteristic: It takes time to back into parking" is displayed on the display screen 201. This allows the user to easily understand the user's own driving characteristic.

[0135] Furthermore, the display field 211 of the display screen 201 displays the driving assistance function (function information) proposed by the server device 100. In the example of Fig. 11, the display screen 201 displays "Driving advice: Have you ever noticed that it takes longer than you thought to back into parking recently? Actually, there is a function called an advanced parking system that automatically controls the steering wheel when backing into parking." This allows the user to easily understand the driving assistance function suited to the user's own driving characteristics.

[0136] In this way, the controller 110 proposes the determined driving assistance function when providing the driving characteristic information to the user. This allows the user to check the proposed driving assistance function in conjunction with the user's own driving characteristics, and therefore allows the user to more easily grasp the driving assistance function required by the user.

[0137] 5, the controller 110 provides the user with vehicle information related to the vehicle having the driving support function proposed to the user. Specifically, the controller 110 reads the vehicle information 123, and transmits the vehicle information (such as the vehicle type) of the vehicle having the proposed driving support function to the user terminal device 200 via the communication unit 101.

[0138] The vehicle information provided to the user includes store information of a store that owns the vehicle. Specifically, the controller 110 provides the user with vehicle information including store information of a store that owns a vehicle having the proposed driving assistance function and is relatively close to the user's address included in the user information 121.

[0139] As a result, the vehicle information provided by the server device 100 is displayed in the display field 212 of the display screen 201 (see FIG. 11). In the example of FIG. 11, the display screen 201 displays "Vehicles equipped with advanced parking systems include 'Model X' and 'Model Y'." Furthermore, the display screen 201 displays "'Model X' is available for rental at your local 'Store Z.' Why not try out the functions of the advanced parking system for yourself?" This allows the user to easily check information about vehicles equipped with driving assistance functions suited to the user's own driving characteristics, and information about the store that owns the vehicle.

[0140] 5, the controller 110 provides safety information related to the safety of a vehicle when the user gets in the vehicle having the proposed driving support function. Specifically, the controller 110 reads the safety information 124 and transmits the safety information (such as an accident reduction rate) corresponding to the proposed driving support function to the user terminal device 200 via the communication unit 101.

[0141] As a result, the safety information provided by the server device 100 is displayed in the display field 213 of the display screen 201 (see FIG. 11). In the example of FIG. 11, the display screen 201 displays "The accident reduction rate when riding in a vehicle with an advanced parking system is '0%'." This allows the user to easily confirm the benefit of riding in a vehicle with the proposed driving assistance function (here, the benefit of reducing accidents).

[0142] Continuing with the explanation of Fig. 5, the controller 110 provides insurance premium information regarding the insurance premium of the vehicle when the user gets into the vehicle having the proposed driving support function. Specifically, the controller 110 reads out the insurance premium information 125, and transmits the insurance premium information (discount amount, etc.) corresponding to the proposed driving support function to the user terminal device 200 via the communication unit 101.

[0143] As a result, insurance premium information provided by server device 100 is displayed in display field 214 of display screen 201 (see FIG. 11). In the example of FIG. 11, "The discount amount of vehicle insurance when riding in a vehicle with an advanced parking system is 'XXXX yen'" is displayed on display screen 201. This allows the user to easily confirm the benefit of riding in a vehicle with the proposed driving assistance function (here, the benefit of a discount on vehicle insurance premiums).

[0144] <User terminal device> As described above, the user terminal device 200 (see FIG. 2) is a terminal device used by a user. The user terminal device 200 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer), but is not limited to these.

[0145] <Control processing of information processing systems> Next, a process procedure executed by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a process sequence executed by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0146] 12, first, the in-vehicle device 10 executes a process of identifying a user who drives the vehicle A (step S10). Next, the in-vehicle device 10 acquires driving information of the user (operation data, violation information, dangerous driving information, warning information, etc.) (step S11). At this time, the in-vehicle device 10 associates the acquired driving information with the identified user and stores it in the storage unit 30.

[0147] Next, the server device 100 collects the driving information of the user acquired by the in-vehicle device 10 (step S12). The server device 100 stores and accumulates the collected driving information of the user in the storage unit 120 (step S13).

[0148] The server device 100 estimates the driving characteristics of the user according to the accumulated driving information (step S14). For example, when the driving information includes driving data showing that the vehicle A frequently drives on an expressway, the server device 100 estimates that the driving characteristics of the user of the vehicle A are "characteristics of frequently using an expressway."

[0149] The server device 100 determines the driving support function to be proposed to the user according to the estimated driving characteristics (step S15). In detail, the server device 100 determines the driving support function required for the user according to the estimated driving characteristics. For example, when the user's driving characteristics are "frequent use of expressways", the server device 100 determines ACC as the driving support function required for the user.

[0150] Next, the server device 100 generates vehicle information, safety information, and insurance premium information according to the estimated driving characteristics (step S16). Next, the server device 100 transmits driving characteristic information indicating the estimated driving characteristics, function information indicating driving support functions required by the user, vehicle information, safety information, and insurance premium information (step S17).

[0151] The user terminal device 200 notifies the user of various information, such as the driving characteristic information, function information, vehicle information, safety information, and insurance premium information, transmitted from the server device 100, by displaying the information (step S18).

[0152] As described above, the server device 100 (an example of an information processing device) according to the embodiment includes the controller 110. The controller 110 collects and accumulates driving information related to the user's driving acquired by the in-vehicle device 10. The controller 110 estimates the user's driving characteristics according to the accumulated driving information. The controller 110 proposes a driving assistance function to the user according to the estimated driving characteristics. In this way, the driving assistance function is proposed to the user according to the user's driving characteristics estimated from the user's driving information, so that the user can easily grasp the driving assistance function that matches the user's own driving characteristics from the proposed driving assistance function.

[0153] Furthermore, when the estimated driving characteristics of the user include a characteristic of dangerous driving related to the following distance, the controller 110 proposes a function capable of forcibly applying the brakes of the vehicle as a driving support function (necessary for the user). Specifically, when the driving characteristics of the user include a characteristic of repeating the same driving behavior in a short period of time after a warning is issued for dangerous following distance driving / tailgating, the controller 110 proposes an Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) as a driving support function necessary for the user.

[0154] This makes it possible to propose driving assistance functions (functions to reduce damage in the event of a collision, such as AEBS) that are more suited to users' driving characteristics, such as repeated dangerous driving or tailgating.

[0155] Furthermore, when the estimated driving characteristics of the user include a characteristic of dangerous driving related to lane departure, the controller 110 proposes a function capable of forcibly operating the steering wheel of the vehicle as a driving assistance function (necessary for the user). Specifically, when the driving characteristics of the user include a characteristic of repeating the same lane departure in a short period of time even after a lane departure warning is issued, the controller 110 proposes a lane departure prevention assist system (LKAS) as a driving assistance function necessary for the user.

[0156] This makes it possible to suggest to users with driving characteristics that lead to dangerous driving involving lane departure, such as repeated lane departure, driving assistance functions that are more suited to their driving characteristics (such as a function that automatically returns the vehicle to the original lane (LKAS)).

[0157] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which driving characteristic information, function information, etc. are provided to the user terminal device 200, but this is not limited to this, and the information may be provided, for example, to an in-vehicle device 10 of the vehicle in which the user is riding.

[0158] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Onboard equipment 100 Server device 110 Controller 200 User terminal device

Claims

1. An information processing device including a controller, The controller: Collecting and storing driving information regarding the user's driving obtained by an in-vehicle device; Estimating a driving characteristic of the user according to the accumulated driving information; suggesting a driving assistance function to the user in accordance with the estimated driving characteristics; Information processing device.

2. The controller: providing the user with vehicle information regarding the vehicle having the driving assistance function proposed to the user; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The vehicle information includes: Including store information of a store that owns the vehicle, The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The controller: Providing safety information regarding the safety of a vehicle having the proposed driving assistance function when the user gets in the vehicle; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The controller: Providing insurance premium information regarding insurance premiums for a vehicle having the proposed driving assistance function when the user rides in the vehicle; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The controller: suggesting the driving assistance function when providing driving characteristic information indicating the estimated driving characteristic to the user; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The controller: When the estimated driving characteristics of the user include a characteristic of dangerous driving regarding a vehicle distance, a function capable of forcibly applying a brake of the vehicle is proposed as the driving assistance function. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The controller: When the estimated driving characteristics of the user include a characteristic of dangerous driving related to lane departure, a function capable of forcibly operating a steering wheel of a vehicle is proposed as the driving assistance function. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The vehicle-mounted device includes an information processing device and a user terminal device. The in-vehicle device includes: Acquire driving information related to the user's driving and transmit it to the information processing device; The information processing device includes: Collecting and storing the driving information transmitted from the in-vehicle device; Estimating a driving characteristic of the user according to the accumulated driving information; transmitting function information indicating a driving assistance function to the user according to the estimated driving characteristic to the user terminal device; The user terminal device notifying the user of the functional information transmitted from the information processing device; Information processing system.

10. An information processing method executed by a controller, comprising: Collecting and storing driving information regarding the user's driving obtained by an in-vehicle device; Estimating a driving characteristic of the user according to the accumulated driving information; suggesting a driving assistance function to the user in accordance with the estimated driving characteristics; Information processing methods.

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