Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of appropriately transmitting information relating to a route set on the basis of a driver's driving skill to the driver.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment comprises: a driving skill evaluation unit 28 that evaluates a driver's driving skill for each predetermined item on the basis of the driver's daily driving operations; a character generation unit 32 that generates a character having an expression or body shape in which a face or body part corresponding to each item is varied, on the basis of the evaluation results of the driving skill; a route setting unit 29 that selects and sets one route from among a plurality of routes to a destination on the basis of the evaluation results; and a display control unit 26 that superimposes the generated character on map information of the set route to display them.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a technology has been disclosed in which the handling of a vehicle by a driver (user) is expressed by virtual emotions that are assumed to be personalities of the vehicle, and the virtual emotions are displayed by the facial expressions of a predetermined character (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of technology can be used to assist the driving of a passenger car, for example, and can appropriately convey the vehicle's status to the driver. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-72488 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while conventional technology can communicate the vehicle's status using the facial expressions of a specified character, it does not communicate information about, for example, a route set based on the driver's driving technique, and there is room for improvement in this regard.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that can appropriately convey information to a driver regarding a route set based on the driver's driving technique. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the information processing device of the present invention comprises a driving skill evaluation unit that evaluates the driving skill of a driver for each specified item based on the driver's daily driving operations; a character generation unit that generates a character with an expression or body shape that changes each part of the face or body that corresponds to the item based on the evaluation result of the driving skill; a route setting unit that selects and sets one route from multiple routes to the destination based on the evaluation result; and a display control unit that superimposes and displays the generated character on map information of the set route.

[0007] In addition, the information processing method of the present invention has a computer execute the following steps: evaluating a driver's driving technique for each specified item based on the driver's daily driving operations; generating a character with an expression or body shape that changes each part of the face or body corresponding to the item based on the evaluation result of the driving technique; selecting and setting one route from multiple routes to the destination based on the evaluation result; and displaying the generated character superimposed on map information of the set route. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately convey to a driver information about a route set based on the driving technique of the driver. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure for evaluating a driver's driving technique. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure when setting a route to a destination. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the evaluation of driving skill and the appearance of facial features. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen in which the generated character is superimposed on a map showing the set route. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a character that is displayed when the host vehicle deviates from the route. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure when searching for a facility. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a character displayed when a special search is possible. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure when searching for a nearby parking lot. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a map screen in which characters corresponding to the distance to a parking lot and the size of the parking space in the parking lot are superimposed on a parking lot near a predetermined facility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, and performs processing to appropriately convey to the driver information about a route to a destination set based on the driving skill, and information about facilities and parking lots searched for within a search range based on the driving skill, using a character generated based on the driver's driving skill.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 has an operation unit 11, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 12, a memory unit 13, a CAN (Controller Area Network) interface unit (hereinafter referred to as the “CANIF unit”) 14, a display unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a control unit 20.

[0013] The operation unit 11 executes various operations on the control unit 20. The operation unit 11 is configured, for example, by physical operation switches for the control unit 20 or a touch panel arranged on the display unit 15. The operation unit 11 may also be configured, for example, by a voice input means for collecting sound through a microphone. The operation unit 11 executes operations such as inputting information about a destination, facility name, or parking lot, searching for a route to the destination, and instructing a search for a facility or parking lot. The operation unit 11 outputs operation information to the operation reception control unit 21 of the control unit 20.

[0014] The GPS receiving unit 12 is configured with a GPS receiver that receives GPS signals from GPS satellites (not shown), etc. The GPS receiving unit 12 outputs the received GPS signals to a position information acquiring unit 22 of the control unit 20.

[0015] The storage unit 13 stores various data in the information processing device 10. The storage unit 13 may be a storage device such as an external server. In this embodiment, the storage unit 13 includes a map information storage unit 13A that stores map information, and a parts information storage unit 13B that stores information on parts (sites) that make up a character. The map information includes road information such as road width, gradient, intersections, the number of curves, and the radius of curvature of the curves. The map information also includes information about the surrounding environment of the road (such as information about facilities such as various stores and schools located around the road). The map information storage unit 13A outputs the stored map information to the map information acquisition unit 23 of the control unit 20.

[0016] The parts information storage unit 13B stores information on each part (site) forming, for example, a humanoid character. The parts information includes parts that constitute parts of the character's face (e.g., eyes, nose, lips, etc.) and parts that constitute parts of the character's body shape (e.g., torso, legs, etc.). By combining this information on each part, the character's facial expression and body shape are generated. In addition, this part information is set in association with pre-classified driving skill items (described below) and the level (superiority or inferiority) of driving skill for each item. The facial expression and body shape of the generated character express the driver's driving skill level for each item. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the eyes, nose, and lips are exemplified as parts of the character's face, and the torso and legs are exemplified as parts of the character's body shape. However, this is not limited to these, and other parts (contour, hairstyle, ears, arms, etc.) may also be included. The parts information storage unit 13B outputs the stored parts information to the parts information acquisition unit 24 of the control unit 20.

[0017] The CANIF unit 14 is an interface for acquiring various vehicle information via the CAN. The vehicle information includes driving operation information indicating the driving operation of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the driving operation information includes, for example, operation information such as the driver's steering operation, braking operation, and accelerator operation, as well as status information such as the driving lane and parking space during driving, the positional relationship of the vehicle relative to other vehicles, vehicle speed, and fuel efficiency.

[0018] The display unit 15 is, for example, a display device specific to the information processing device 10, but may also be a display device shared with other systems. The display unit 15 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. In this embodiment, the display unit 15 is disposed in front of the driver of the vehicle on a dashboard, an instrument panel, a center console, or the like. The display unit 15 displays, together with characters, a map screen showing the route to the destination, a search screen for desired facilities or parking lots, etc., based on a video signal output from the display control unit 26 of the control unit 20.

[0019] The communication unit 16 performs communication using a communication method such as short-range wireless communication, the Internet, a mobile phone line, etc. The communication unit 16 is controlled by a communication control unit 27 of the control unit 20, and may communicate with, for example, an external management server (not shown) to obtain the latest information (including information broadcast on television) about the target facility.

[0020] The control unit 20 is an arithmetic processing unit (computer) configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 20 executes instructions included in a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The control unit 20 has an operation reception control unit 21, a location information acquisition unit 22, a map information acquisition unit 23, a parts information acquisition unit 24, a vehicle information acquisition unit 25, a display control unit 26, a communication control unit 27, a driving skill evaluation unit 28, a route setting unit 29, a facility search unit 30, a parking lot search unit 31, and a character generation unit 32, each of which is connected to the bus BS.

[0021] The operation reception control unit 21 acquires operation information input to the operation unit 11. The operation reception control unit 21 receives various types of operation information, such as input operations for information about a destination, a facility name, or a parking lot, searching for a route to a destination, searching for a facility or a parking lot, and outputs a control signal.

[0022] The position information acquisition unit 22 acquires position information indicating the current location of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 22 acquires the position information of the vehicle based on the radio wave signal acquired by the GPS receiving unit 12.

[0023] The map information acquisition unit 23 acquires map information from the map information storage unit 13A. More specifically, the map information acquisition unit 23 acquires map information including the current position of the vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition unit 22 and the input destination, facility, or parking lot position from the map information storage unit 13A.

[0024] The parts information acquisition unit 24 acquires parts information from the parts information storage unit 13B. More specifically, based on the evaluation results of the driving skill evaluation unit 28, the parts information acquisition unit 24 acquires parts information associated with the evaluation results from the parts information storage unit 13B.

[0025] The vehicle information acquisition unit 25 acquires various types of vehicle information through the CANIF unit 14. The vehicle information acquisition unit 25 acquires, as vehicle information (driving operation information), operation information such as the driver's steering operation, braking operation, accelerator operation, etc., and status information such as the driving lane and parking space during driving, the positional relationship of the vehicle relative to other vehicles, vehicle speed, and fuel economy.

[0026] The display control unit 26 displays the route set by the route setting unit 29 and the parking lots searched for by the parking lot search unit 31 on the display unit 15. At this time, the display control unit 26 displays the character generated by the character generation unit 32 superimposed on the map screen showing the route and parking lots. The display control unit 26 also displays the character generated by the character generation unit 32 superimposed on the search screen when, for example, a facility name is entered in the facility search unit 30.

[0027] The communication control unit 27 controls communication in the communication unit 16. The communication control unit 27 performs wireless communication with an external information server (not shown) via the communication unit 16. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 27 may, in response to an instruction from the facility search unit 30, search for and receive the latest information about a target facility featured in a television broadcast from the external information server.

[0028] The driving skill evaluation unit 28 evaluates the driving skill of the driver for each predetermined item based on the driver's daily driving operations. The driving skill evaluation unit 28 acquires vehicle information (driving operation information) through the CANIF unit 14, and evaluates the driving skill of the driver for each predetermined item based on the driver's daily driving operations determined from this vehicle information. In this embodiment, the driving skill evaluation unit 28 scores each of four items: lane keeping rate, frequency of sudden acceleration, frequency of sudden steering, and parking accuracy, and evaluates the driving skill by comparing these scores with a predetermined threshold. This threshold indicates a predetermined boundary for determining whether the driver's driving skill is immature or not.

[0029] The lane keeping rate is a value indicating the percentage of time during which the difference between the left and right widths of the vehicle in the lane exceeds a predetermined threshold value when the vehicle is being driven with the turn signals (directional indicators) not being operated. The driving skill evaluation unit 28 converts the lane keeping rate into a score, and if the score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the lane keeping rate is evaluated as high. If the score is less than the threshold value, the lane keeping rate is evaluated as low. The sudden acceleration frequency is a value indicating the number of times per unit time that acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value is measured during driving. In this embodiment, the driving skill evaluation unit 28 converts the sudden acceleration frequency into a score, and if the score is less than the predetermined threshold value, the sudden acceleration frequency is evaluated as low. If the score is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the sudden acceleration frequency is evaluated as high. The sudden steering frequency is a value indicating the number of times per unit time that steering operations of a predetermined angle or greater are measured during driving. In this embodiment, the driving skill evaluation unit 28 scores the frequency of sudden steering, and if this score is below a predetermined threshold, it evaluates the frequency of sudden steering as low, and if this score is equal to or greater than the threshold, it evaluates the frequency of sudden steering as high. Parking accuracy is a value that indicates the skill of accurately maneuvering the vehicle into a predetermined parking space when parking. In this embodiment, the driving skill evaluation unit 28 scores, for example, the time from the start to completion of parking, the number of times the steering wheel is turned, the width of the vehicle from side to side within the parking space when parking is complete, etc., and if this score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it evaluates the parking accuracy as high, and if it is less than the threshold, it evaluates the parking accuracy as low. Note that in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the driving skill for each item is evaluated in two stages, but it goes without saying that it may be evaluated with higher accuracy in multiple stages.

[0030] The route setting unit 29 selects and sets one route from among multiple routes to the destination based on the above-mentioned driving skill evaluation results. More specifically, for example, if the driver's lane-keeping rate is low, the route setting unit 29 selects and sets a route that includes roads with relatively wide road widths. Also, for example, if the frequency of sudden acceleration is high, the route setting unit 29 selects and sets a route that includes roads with relatively few people. Also, for example, if the frequency of sudden steering is high, the route setting unit 29 selects and sets a route that includes roads with a relatively small number of curves.

[0031] The facility search unit 30 searches for facilities (shops, theme parks, etc.) desired by the driver. In this embodiment, the facility search unit 30 is configured to be able to change the search range for facilities depending on the evaluation results of the driving skill. Specifically, if the total score of each item scored by the driving skill evaluation unit 28 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the facility search unit 30 can execute a special search in addition to the normal search range. The special search allows for searching for facilities that cannot be reached without driving skills, such as road shape and road width. For example, it is possible to search for a mountain hut restaurant that can be reached on a single lane with continuous curves and a narrow road that is too narrow to allow passing, or a hidden restaurant in a residential area that can be reached by making multiple right and left turns on narrow streets. In addition, the special search allows for searches using more detailed conditions than normal searches. For example, it is possible to search for recommended shops and recommended menus based on information introduced on a television program.

[0032] The parking lot search unit 31 searches for parking lots near the vehicle. In this embodiment, it is possible to search for parking lots based on the evaluation results of the driving skill. For example, if the parking accuracy is high, the parking lot search unit 31 searches for nearby parking lots regardless of the size of the parking space, but if the parking accuracy is low, it prioritizes searching for parking lots with relatively large parking spaces.

[0033] Based on the driving skill evaluation results, the character generation unit 32 generates a character with an expression or body shape by changing each facial or body part associated with each of these driving skill items. In this embodiment, the driving skill lane keeping rate is associated with the eye part, the frequency of sudden acceleration is associated with the nose part, and the frequency of sudden steering is associated with the lip part. Furthermore, parking accuracy is associated with the torso part. The character generation unit 32 generates various characters with different expressions and body shapes by changing the shape of each part based on the driving skill evaluation results. In other words, the character generation unit 32 generates a character with an expression based on the evaluation results using part information of the necessary parts acquired from the part information acquisition unit 24.

[0034] The character generation unit 32 also changes specific features of the character's face (e.g., the eyes) in accordance with the level of the facility search range. As described above, the facility search unit 30 can execute a special search in addition to the normal search range if the total score of each item scored by the driving skill evaluation unit 28 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the character's eyes are changed to a special appearance to notify the driver (user) that a special search is possible, allowing the driver to intuitively recognize that a special search is possible. The character generation unit 32 also generates a character with a predetermined facial expression when the vehicle's position deviates from the set route. Specifically, the character generation unit 32 generates a character with a disappointed or depressed expression because the vehicle has deviated from the route. For example, the character may kneel and look depressed. The character generation unit 32 may also change the character's body shape in accordance with the distance to the searched parking lot and the size of the parking space in the parking lot.

[0035] Next, the operation of the information processing device will be described. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure for evaluating the driving technique of a driver. The control unit 20 of the information processing device 10 acquires each vehicle information during driving (step S11). More specifically, the control unit 20 acquires various vehicle information based on the driver's daily driving operations through the CANIF unit 14 by the vehicle information acquisition unit 25. The vehicle information acquisition unit 25 acquires, as vehicle information (driving operation information), operation information such as the driver's steering operation, braking operation, accelerator operation, etc., and status information such as the positional relationship of the vehicle with respect to the driving lane and parking space while driving.

[0036] Next, the control unit 20 evaluates the driving skill by assigning a score to each vehicle information item for a predetermined period (step S12). The control unit 20 acquires vehicle information for the last 10 days, for example, as the predetermined period, and assigns a score to each predetermined item to evaluate the driving skill. In this embodiment, the control unit 20 evaluates the driver's driving skill using the acquired vehicle information for predetermined items (four items: lane-keeping rate, frequency of sudden acceleration, frequency of sudden steering, and parking accuracy) using the driving skill evaluation unit 28. The control unit 20 assigns a score to the lane-keeping rate using the driving skill evaluation unit 28. If the score is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the lane-keeping rate is evaluated as high. If the score is less than the threshold, the lane-keeping rate is evaluated as low. The control unit 20 also assigns a score to the sudden acceleration frequency using the driving skill evaluation unit 28. If the score is less than a predetermined threshold, the sudden acceleration frequency is evaluated as low. If the score is equal to or greater than the threshold, the sudden acceleration frequency is evaluated as high. The control unit 20 also uses the driving skill evaluation unit 28 to score the frequency of sudden steering, and if this score is below a predetermined threshold, it evaluates the frequency of sudden steering as low, and if it is above the threshold, it evaluates the frequency of sudden steering as high. The control unit 20 also uses the driving skill evaluation unit 28 to score, for example, the time from the start to completion of parking, the number of times the steering wheel is turned, and the width of the vehicle from side to side within the parking space when parking is complete, and if this score is above a predetermined threshold, it evaluates the parking accuracy as high, and if it is below the threshold, it evaluates the parking accuracy as low. The control unit 20 ends processing when it has completed evaluation of all items.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure when setting a route to a destination. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the evaluation of driving skill and the appearance of facial features. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a screen in which a generated character is superimposed on a map showing the set route. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a character displayed when the vehicle deviates from the route.

[0038] When a route search operation to a destination is performed via the operation unit 11 (step S21), the control unit 20 acquires the evaluation result of the driving skill (step S22). More specifically, the route setting unit 29 and the character generation unit 32 of the control unit 20 each acquire the evaluation result of the driving skill from the driving skill evaluation unit 28.

[0039] Next, the control unit 20 causes the character generation unit 32 to generate a character whose facial expression and body shape are changed based on the evaluation result (step S23). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the evaluation of driving skill is associated with the appearance of facial features. Specifically, the lane-keeping rate of the driving skill is associated with the eye feature, and if the lane-keeping rate is high, centered eyes are selected, and if the lane-keeping rate is low, eyes that spread out to the left and right are selected. Similarly, the frequency of sudden acceleration of the driving skill is associated with the nose feature, and if the frequency of sudden acceleration is low, a tall and slim nose is selected, and if the frequency of sudden acceleration is high, a short and bulbous nose is selected. Furthermore, the frequency of sudden steering is associated with the lip feature, and if the frequency of sudden steering is low, thin lips are selected, and if the frequency of sudden steering is high, thick lips are selected. The character generation unit 32 generates a character with an expression based on the evaluation result using the feature information of the necessary parts acquired from the feature information acquisition unit 24.

[0040] Next, the control unit 20 causes the route setting unit 29 to set a route to the destination based on the evaluation result of the driving skill (step S24). More specifically, the route setting unit 29 selects and sets one route from multiple routes to the destination based on the evaluation result of the driving skill. In this embodiment, if the evaluation result of the driving skill indicates, for example, that the driver has a high rate of staying in the lane, a low frequency of sudden acceleration, and a high frequency of sudden steering, the control unit 20 selects and sets a route that may be narrow, have schools, and be heavily traveled, but includes roads with relatively few curves. Because the route to the destination is selected and set based on the evaluation result of the driver's driving skill, an appropriate route is set, and safe driving can be achieved, even for a driver with inexperienced driving skills.

[0041] Next, the control unit 20, through the display control unit 26, displays a character with a changed facial expression superimposed on a map screen showing the route to the destination (step S25). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a character indicating that the set route (route (1) in FIG. 5) has been set is superimposed on the map screen. In this case, the character has centered eyes, a high and slender nose, and thick lips. This allows the driver to discern the characteristics of the set route (narrow road, school and busy roads, relatively few curves) from the character, and appropriately conveys to the driver that route (1) has been selected due to the high frequency of sudden turns. In this way, a configuration in which a character based on the assessment result of driving skill is superimposed on the map screen is more acceptable to the driver than a configuration in which this type of assessment result is displayed as text or a chart, and the driver can improve their driving skill while enjoying the changes in the character's facial expression in a game-like manner.

[0042] Next, the control unit 20 provides route guidance (step S26) and determines whether the vehicle has deviated from the route (step S27). Specifically, the control unit 20 determines whether the vehicle's position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 22 has deviated from the route using existing technology. If the determination indicates that the vehicle has deviated from the route (step S27; Yes), the control unit 20 displays a character with a predetermined facial expression (step S28). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the character is displayed with a disappointed or depressed expression by adding a shadow to its face or shedding tears. In the example of FIG. 6, the character's body is also displayed, but only the facial expression may be displayed. Furthermore, instead of adding a shadow to the face, for example, a shadow may be added to the background around the face, or the character may kneel to show a depressed appearance. The character with the changed facial expression may be displayed for a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) after the vehicle deviates from the route, or may be displayed until the vehicle returns to the route.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above determination, if the host vehicle has not deviated from the route (including the case where the host vehicle has returned to the route) (step S27; No), the control unit 20 determines whether the host vehicle has arrived at the destination (step S29). In this determination, if the host vehicle has not arrived at the destination (step S29; No), the control unit 20 returns the process to step S26 and repeatedly executes steps S26 to S29. On the other hand, if the host vehicle has arrived at the destination (step S29; Yes), the control unit 20 ends the process.

[0044] Next, the operation when searching for a facility will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure when searching for a facility. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a character displayed when a special search is possible. When a facility search operation is performed via the operation unit 11 (step S31), the control unit 20 acquires the evaluation result of the driving skill (step S32). More specifically, the facility search unit 30 and the character generation unit 32 of the control unit 20 each acquire the evaluation result of the driving skill from the driving skill evaluation unit 28.

[0045] Next, the control unit 20 causes the facility search unit 30 to change the facility search scope and method based on the evaluation results (step S33). Specifically, the facility search unit 30 calculates the total score for each item scored by the driving skill evaluation unit 28, and if this total score is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it enables a special search in addition to the normal search scope. That is, for skilled drivers with high driving skills, a special search is enabled as a reward for improving their driving skills. This special search enables the search for facilities that cannot be reached without driving skills, such as road shape and road width, and enables the search to be performed under more detailed conditions than a normal search. This allows the driver to experience facilities (stores) and menus that cannot be found in a normal search, and improve their driving skills while enjoying the changes in the characters in a game-like manner. Note that if the total score for each item is less than a predetermined value, the facility search unit 30 may execute a search using the normal search scope and method.

[0046] Next, the control unit 20 causes the character generation unit 32 to change the specific part of the character depending on the level of the facility search range (step S34). Specifically, when the search level is a special search, the character generation unit 32 changes the character's eyes (specific part) to a special state by making them glow, as shown in FIG. 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to make one eye or both eyes glow. Furthermore, it is possible to set the special search in two stages depending on the evaluation result (total score for each item), and to change the number of eyes that glow depending on the level of the special search. In this configuration, in the case of a higher level special search, both eyes glow, making it easy for the driver (user) to know the level.

[0047] Next, the control unit 20 causes the display control unit 26 to display a character superimposed on the search screen (step S35). In this configuration, by changing the character's eyes to a special appearance, the driver (user) can be informed that a special search is possible, and the driver can intuitively recognize that a special search is possible. In the case of a normal search, a normal character (the character shown in FIG. 5) may be superimposed on the search screen, or a configuration may be adopted in which no character is displayed on the search screen.

[0048] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the search has ended (step S36). Specifically, it determines whether an operation to end the facility search or an operation to close the search screen has been performed via the operation unit 11. If it is determined that the search has not ended (step S36; No), the process returns to step S31, and steps S31 to S36 are repeatedly executed. If it is determined that the search has ended (step S36; Yes), the process ends.

[0049] Next, the operation when searching for nearby parking lots will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure when searching for nearby parking lots. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a map screen in which characters corresponding to the distance to the parking lot and the size of the parking space in the parking lot are superimposed on parking lots near a specified facility. When a parking lot search operation is performed via the operation unit 11 (step S41), the control unit 20 acquires the evaluation result of the driving skill (step S42). More specifically, the parking lot search unit 31 of the control unit 20 acquires the evaluation result of the driving skill from the driving skill evaluation unit 28.

[0050] Next, the parking lot search unit 31 searches for parking lots near the specified facility based on the garage parking evaluation result (step S43). If the garage parking evaluation result indicates, for example, high parking accuracy, the parking lot search unit 31 can search for nearby parking lots regardless of the size of the parking space. On the other hand, if the garage parking evaluation result indicates, for example, low parking accuracy, the parking lot search unit 31 prioritizes searching for parking lots with relatively large parking spaces. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the parking accuracy is high and the parking lot search unit 31 can search for nearby parking lots regardless of the size of the parking space.

[0051] Next, the character generation unit 32 changes the character's body shape based on the distance to the searched parking lot and the size of the parking space (step S44). That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the character generation unit 32 changes the length of the character's legs based on the distance to the searched parking lot and changes the thickness of the body based on the size of the parking space. Specifically, because parking lot A in FIG. 10 has a narrow parking area and is far from the facility, the character generation unit 32 thickens the character's body and lengthens the character's legs. Furthermore, parking lot B in FIG. 10 has a wide parking area and is close to the facility, so the character generation unit 32 thins the character's body and shortens the character's legs. Furthermore, parking lot C in FIG. 10 has a narrow parking area and is close to the facility, so the character generation unit 32 thickens the character's body and shortens the character's legs. Furthermore, parking lot D in FIG. 10 has a wide parking area and is therefore easy to park in, but since the facility is far away, the character generation unit 32 makes the character's body thinner and the character's legs longer.

[0052] Next, the control unit 20 causes the display control unit 26 to display characters superimposed on a map screen including the searched parking lots (step S45). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, the generated characters are displayed superimposed on each of the searched parking lots A to D. With this configuration, the superimposed characters allow the driver to intuitively recognize the distance from the facility to the parking lot and the size of the parking space, making it easy to search for an appropriate parking lot that matches the driver's driving skills.

[0053] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the search has ended (step S46). Specifically, it determines whether an operation to end the parking lot search or an operation to close the search screen has been performed via the operation unit 11. If it is determined that the search has not ended (step S46; No), the process returns to step S41, and steps S41 to S46 are repeatedly executed. If it is determined that the search has ended (step S46; Yes), the process ends.

[0054] As described above, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment includes a driving skill evaluation unit 28 that evaluates a driver's driving skill for each predetermined item based on the driver's daily driving operations; a character generation unit 32 that generates a character with an expression or body shape that changes each facial or body part associated with each item based on the driving skill evaluation results; a route setting unit 29 that selects and sets one route from multiple routes to a destination based on the evaluation results; and a display control unit 26 that superimposes and displays the generated character on map information for the set route. This configuration allows information about the characteristics of the route set based on the evaluation results of the driver's driving skill to be appropriately communicated to the driver by displaying the character with an expression that changes based on the evaluation results. Furthermore, because the character based on the driving skill evaluation results is superimposed on the map screen, the driver is more likely to accept the evaluation results than if they were displayed as text or a chart. This allows the driver to improve their driving skill while enjoying the changes in the character's expression in a game-like manner.

[0055] In addition, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a facility search unit 30 that searches for desired facilities, and the facility search unit 30 is configured to be able to change the search range of facilities depending on the evaluation results of driving skills, and the character generation unit 32 changes the eyes (specific part) on the character's face according to the level of the search range of facilities, so by changing the character's eyes to a special form, it is possible to inform the driver (user) that a special search with an expanded search range of facilities is possible, and the driver can intuitively recognize that a special search is possible.

[0056] In addition, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a position information acquisition unit 22 that acquires position information of the vehicle, and if the position of the vehicle deviates from the set route, the character generation unit 32 changes the character's expression to a predetermined expression, making it easy to recognize that the vehicle has deviated from the set route.

[0057] In addition, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a location information acquisition unit 22 that acquires location information of the vehicle, and a parking lot search unit 31 that searches for parking lots near the vehicle based on the evaluation results, and the character generation unit 32 changes the character's body shape according to the distance to the searched parking lot and the size of the parking space in that parking lot.The superimposed character allows the driver to intuitively recognize the distance from the facility to the parking lot and the size of the parking space, and the driver can easily search for an appropriate parking lot that matches the driver's driving skills.

[0058] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalents. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0059] Furthermore, each component of the control unit 20 according to this embodiment is merely a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of each device may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on the processing load and usage status of each device. The configuration of the control unit 20 is realized, for example, as software by a program loaded into memory. In the above embodiment, these functional blocks have been described as being realized by the cooperation of these hardware and software. That is, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms using only hardware, only software, or a combination thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10. Information processing equipment 13A Map information storage unit 13B Parts information storage section 15 Display 20 Control Unit 22 Location information acquisition section 23 Map information acquisition unit 24 Parts information acquisition unit 25 Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 26 Display control unit 27 Communication control section 28 Driving Skills Evaluation Department 29 Route setting section 30 Facility Search Department 31 Parking Lot Search Section 32 Character Generation Unit Parking lots A, B, C, D

Claims

1. a driving skill evaluation unit that evaluates the driving skill of the driver for each predetermined item based on the driver's daily driving operations; a character generation unit that generates a character having an expression or a body shape by changing each part of the face or body associated with the item based on the evaluation result of the driving skill; a route setting unit that selects and sets one route from a plurality of routes to the destination based on the evaluation result; and a display control unit that displays the generated character superimposed on map information of the set route.

2. a facility search unit for searching for a desired facility; The facility search unit is configured to be able to change a search range for the facility depending on the evaluation result of the driving skill, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the character generation unit changes a specific part of the face of the character in accordance with the level of the search range of the facility.

3. a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the vehicle; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the character generation unit changes the character's facial expression to a predetermined expression when the position of the host vehicle deviates from the set route.

4. a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the vehicle; and a parking lot search unit that searches for parking lots near the vehicle based on the evaluation result, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the character generation unit changes the body shape of the character in accordance with the distance to the searched parking lot and the size of the parking space in the parking lot.

5. A step of evaluating the driving technique of the driver for each predetermined item based on the driver's daily driving operations; generating a character having an expression or a body shape in which each part of the face or body corresponding to the item is changed based on the evaluation result of the driving skill; selecting and setting one route from a plurality of routes to the destination based on the evaluation result; a step of displaying the generated character superimposed on map information of the set route; An information processing method that causes a computer to execute the above.

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