Driving action evaluation system, driving action evaluation method, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to travel in an area suitable for evaluation and perform driving evaluation.SOLUTION: A driving action evaluation system includes an outside world information acquisition unit that acquires outside world information which is information concerning an ambient environment of a vehicle, a travel information acquisition unit that acquires travel information which is information concerning travel of the vehicle, and a driving evaluation unit that evaluates a driving action of a driver of the vehicle on the basis of the acquired outside world information and travel information. The driving evaluation unit includes a request receiving section that receives a request for a driving evaluation item which is an item of evaluation of the driving action, a setting section that sets training object area candidates which are candidates for a training object travel area on the basis of the driving evaluation item and a movement history of the driver of the vehicle, and an identification section that identifies a training object area, in which training is requested, from among the set training object area candidates on the basis of the received driving evaluation item.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving behavior evaluation system, a driving behavior evaluation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, research and development has been conducted to acquire data on a user's driving behavior and provide support. A safe driving evaluation system has been used as a system for evaluating a driver's safe driving regarding the user's driving behavior (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the conventional safe driving evaluation system, for example, the safe driving of a driver is evaluated by comparing driving data related to the vehicle's braking operation with a threshold value set for the driving data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-107385 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology related to training or assisting human movements, the above-mentioned conventional safe driving evaluation system evaluates safe driving when the vehicle travels within a preset range. Therefore, even if a user wants to be evaluated for a specific item, the area in which the vehicle travels may not be within a range suitable for evaluation, making it difficult to perform an appropriate evaluation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and one of its objects is to enable driving evaluation by traveling in an area suitable for evaluation, which in turn contributes to the optimization of driving behavior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The driving behavior evaluation system, the driving behavior evaluation method, and the program according to the present invention employ the following configuration. (1): A driving behavior evaluation system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an external environment information acquisition unit that acquires external environment information, which is information about the environment surrounding a vehicle; a driving information acquisition unit that acquires driving information, which is information about the driving of the vehicle; and a driving evaluation unit that evaluates the driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle based on the acquired external environment information and driving information. The driving evaluation unit includes a request receiving unit that receives a request for driving evaluation items, which are items for evaluating the driving behavior; a setting unit that sets training target area candidates, which are candidates for driving areas to be trained, based on the driving evaluation items and the movement history of the driver of the vehicle; and an identification unit that identifies a training target area for which training is requested from the set training target area candidates, based on the received driving evaluation items.

[0007] (2): In the above aspect (1), the driving evaluation unit further includes a notification unit that notifies the driver of a defect in a driving evaluation item that has been received for the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling in the training area, and does not notify the driver of a defect in an item other than the driving evaluation item that has been received.

[0008] (3): In the above aspect (1), a display unit is further provided that displays a map including the surrounding environment of the vehicle, and the display unit displays the identified training area and the driving evaluation items for which a request has been accepted.

[0009] (4): In the above aspect (1), the identification unit identifies the driving evaluation items based on the received driving evaluation items and external environment information acquired within the set candidate training area.

[0010] (5): In the above aspect (3), the display unit includes at least one of an on-board device mounted on the vehicle and an information terminal device carried by a passenger of the vehicle.

[0011] (6) In the aspect (1) above, the driving evaluation unit is provided in an external server installed outside the vehicle.

[0012] (7): In the above aspect (6), the external server communicates with the vehicle as well as with at least one of other vehicles other than the vehicle or a transportation infrastructure organization related to the transportation infrastructure, and updates the external information based on at least one of the driving information of the other vehicles or information related to the transportation infrastructure provided by the other vehicles or the transportation infrastructure organization.

[0013] (8): In the above aspect (1), the vehicle further includes a surrounding information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding information, which is information from other traffic participants around the vehicle, and the driving evaluation unit evaluates the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle based further on the surrounding information.

[0014] (9): In the above aspect (1), the system further includes an update program acquisition unit that acquires an update program that updates the program of the driving evaluation unit, and an update unit that updates the program with the acquired update program, and the update unit updates the program with the approval of an authorized person related to the vehicle.

[0015] (10): In the above aspect (1), a proposal unit is further provided that proposes the provision of a predetermined service to the driver based on the results of the evaluation of the driving behavior by the driving evaluation unit and the usage history of the driving evaluation unit.

[0016] (11): In the above aspect (6), the external server further includes a management unit that manages registered user information related to registered users who are registered to use the vehicle, and an authentication unit that authenticates whether the driver riding in the vehicle is the registered user, and the driving evaluation unit evaluates the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle when the driver is authenticated as the registered user.

[0017] (12): A driving behavior evaluation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a driving behavior evaluation method in which a computer acquires external environment information, which is information about the environment surrounding a vehicle, acquires driving information, which is information about the driving of the vehicle, evaluates the driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle based on the acquired external environment information and driving information, accepts a request for driving evaluation items, which are items for evaluating the driving behavior, sets candidate training target areas, which are candidates for driving areas for training, based on the driving evaluation items and the movement history of the driver of the vehicle, and identifies a training target area for which training is requested from the set candidate training target areas based on the accepted driving evaluation items.

[0018] (13): A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to acquire external environment information, which is information about the environment surrounding a vehicle; acquire driving information, which is information about the driving of the vehicle; evaluate the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle based on the acquired external environment information and driving information; accept a request for driving evaluation items, which are items for evaluating the driving behavior; set candidate training areas, which are candidates for driving areas for training, based on the driving evaluation items and the movement history of the driver of the vehicle; and identify a training area for which training is requested from the set candidate training areas based on the accepted driving evaluation items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to aspects (1) to (13), it is possible to perform driving evaluation by traveling in an area suitable for evaluation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a driving behavior evaluation system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in a driving evaluation unit 30 of the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a training area candidate 53 on a map. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a comparative training subject area candidate α. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in a driving evaluation unit 30 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving behavior evaluation system 2 according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of a driving behavior evaluation system, a driving behavior evaluation method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment A driving behavior evaluation system 1 of the first embodiment evaluates the driving behavior of a driver when the driver undergoes driving training. When evaluating the driver's driving behavior, the driving behavior evaluation system 1 identifies a training area where the driver will undergo driving training. Before the driver undergoes driving training, the driving behavior evaluation system 1 identifies multiple training area candidates, and the trainee undergoing driving training selects and specifies a training area from the multiple training area candidates and undergoes driving training.

[0022] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving behavior evaluation system 1 according to a first embodiment. The driving behavior evaluation system 1 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, an external environment information acquisition unit 10, a driving information acquisition unit 20, a driving evaluation unit 30, a display unit 40, and a storage unit 50. The driving behavior evaluation system 1 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle M.

[0023] The external environment information acquisition unit 10 detects and acquires external environment information, which is information relating to the surrounding environment of the vehicle M. The external environment information acquisition unit 10 includes, for example, a camera 11, a radar device 12, and a LIDAR 13. The camera 11 is, for example, a digital camera using a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The camera 11 is attached to any location of the vehicle M on which the driving behavior evaluation system 1 is mounted. When capturing an image of the front, the camera 11 is attached to the top of the front windshield, the back of the rearview mirror, or the like. The camera 11, for example, periodically and repeatedly captures images of the periphery of the vehicle M. The camera 11 may be a stereo camera.

[0024] The radar device 12 emits radio waves such as millimeter waves around the vehicle M and detects radio waves reflected by an object (reflected waves) to detect at least the position (distance and direction) of the object. The radar device 12 is attached to any location on the vehicle M. The radar device 12 may detect the position and speed of an object using an FM-CW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) method.

[0025] The LIDAR 13 irradiates the periphery of the vehicle M with light (or electromagnetic waves with a wavelength similar to that of light) and measures the scattered light. The LIDAR 13 detects the distance to an object based on the time between emitting and receiving the light. The irradiated light is, for example, pulsed laser light. The LIDAR 13 is attached to any location on the vehicle M. The image captured by the camera 11, the position of the object detected by the radar device 12, and the distance to the object detected by the LIDAR 14 are examples of external world information.

[0026] The travel information acquisition unit 20 detects and acquires travel information, which is information related to the travel of the vehicle. The travel information acquisition unit 20 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor 21, an acceleration sensor 22, a rotation speed sensor 23, an operation sensor group 24, and a positioning unit 25. The vehicle speed sensor 21 detects the speed of the vehicle M. The acceleration sensor 22 detects the acceleration of the vehicle M. The rotation speed sensor 23 detects the number of wheels provided on the vehicle M.

[0027] The operation sensor group 24 is an operation amount detection sensor that detects the total amount of an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a steering wheel. The positioning unit 25 includes, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. The GNSS receiver identifies the position of the vehicle M based on signals received from GNSS satellites. The position of the vehicle M may be complemented by an INS (Inertial Navigation System). The positioning unit 25 may be an INS. The detection results of the vehicle speed sensor 21, the acceleration sensor 22, the rotation speed sensor 23, the operation sensor group 24, and the positioning unit 25 are examples of driving information.

[0028] The driving evaluation unit 30 evaluates the driving behavior of the driver who drives the vehicle M. The driving evaluation unit 30 evaluates the driving behavior of the driver regarding driving evaluation items requested by the driver. If, as a result of the evaluation, the driving evaluation unit 30 evaluates that the driver has engaged in driving defects, for example, driving equivalent to a traffic violation, the driving evaluation unit 30 notifies the driver of the defect as necessary. The driving evaluation items are items for evaluating the driving of the vehicle, such as "failure to stop at a stop sign," "speeding," "running a traffic light," and "driving slowly." The defects may be defects related to laws and regulations, or may be defects related to driving operations (for example, braking too hard, using the engine brake infrequently, turning on the headlights too late, etc.).

[0029] The driving evaluation unit 30 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 31, a request reception unit 32, a setting unit 33, an identification unit 34, an evaluation unit 35, and a notification unit 36. These components are realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (a non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed by inserting the storage medium into a drive device.

[0030] The acquisition unit 31 acquires the external world information transmitted by the external world information acquisition unit 10, the driving information transmitted by the driving information acquisition unit 20, the map information 51 and the movement history 52 stored in the storage unit 50. The acquisition unit 31 updates the movement history 52 based on the acquired external world information and driving information and stores it in the storage unit 50.

[0031] The movement history 52 includes, for example, the route (road) traveled by the vehicle M, the time, external information during travel, and travel information, all of which are associated with each other. The route traveled by the vehicle M may be a road that the driver is familiar with, or a route traveled to identify a training area. The movement history 52 includes, for example, information on road signs acquired as external information, and the driver's driving in response to road signs (for example, whether or not there were stop signs or speeding).

[0032] The request receiving unit 32 receives a request from the driver to start training and driving evaluation items for which the driver wishes to be evaluated during training (hereinafter, "desired evaluation items"). The driver transmits a request to start training to the driving evaluation unit 30, for example, by operating a terminal device carried by the driver or an input device provided in the vehicle M. The input device may be, for example, a button provided on a steering wheel or an instrument panel, or a GUI (Graphical User Interface) when the display unit 40 is a touch panel. The request to start training and the desired evaluation items may be transmitted by a person other than the driver, for example, a passenger or the owner of the vehicle M.

[0033] Based on the movement history 52 stored in the memory unit 50, the setting unit 33 sets training area candidates 53, which are candidates for driving areas to be trained, for each driving evaluation item from among the areas shown on the map included in the map information 51. Since the movement history 52 includes external environment information and driving information, the setting unit 33 sets the training area candidates 53 further based on the external environment information and driving information.

[0034] The identification unit 34 identifies a training area for which training is requested from the training area candidates 53 set by the setting unit 33, based on the desired evaluation items received by the request receiving unit 32. For example, when a request to start training is received by the request receiving unit 32, the identification unit 34 presents the training area candidates 53 corresponding to the desired evaluation items to the driver.

[0035] The identification unit 34 presents the training area candidates 53 to the driver, for example, by displaying them on the display unit 40. The driver operates an input device or the like to select a training area in which the driver wants to train (hereinafter, desired training area) from the presented training area candidates 53. The input device transmits selection information according to the driver's operation to the driving evaluation unit 30.

[0036] The identification unit 34 acquires selection information transmitted by the input device. The identification unit 34 identifies a training area based on the acquired selection information. Instead of or in addition to selecting a training area from a plurality of training area candidates 53, the identification unit 34 may change the range of the training area candidate 53 to set it as the training area. The range of the training area candidate 53 may be changed, for example, by the driver moving a line indicating the training area candidate 53 displayed on the touch panel.

[0037] The specification unit 34 specifies driving evaluation items to be evaluated based on the desired evaluation items received by the request receiving unit 32. The specification unit 34 may directly set the desired evaluation items as driving evaluation items, or may determine driving evaluation items based on the desired evaluation items and external information about the candidate training area 53. For example, if the desired evaluation item is "vehicle speed," the driving evaluation item may be set to "vehicle speed" when there is external information about vehicle speed within the candidate training area 53, such as speed limit signs or road markings.

[0038] The evaluation unit 35 evaluates the driving behavior of the driver based on external information / travel information acquired when the vehicle M travels through the identified training area. The evaluation unit 35 evaluates the driving behavior of the driver based on, for example, the behavior of the vehicle M (for example, the distance to the stop position and the vehicle speed) and whether the magnitude of the driver's operation exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0039] For example, if the driving evaluation item is "vehicle speed" and there are speed limit signs or road markings as external information related to the vehicle speed within the desired target area, the evaluation unit 35 may compare the vehicle speed indicated on the signs or road markings with the vehicle speed acquired as the driving information to perform the driving evaluation. In this case, the user's acceptability of the driving evaluation can be improved.

[0040] The notification unit 36 ​​notifies the occupant of the evaluation result of the evaluation unit 35, for example, by displaying it on the display unit 40. The notification unit 36 ​​notifies the occupant of the defect if there is a defect in a desired evaluation item for the vehicle M traveling in the training area, and does not notify the occupant of the defect if there is a defect in a driving evaluation item other than the desired evaluation item. The defect here is, for example, a violation according to the driving evaluation item, such as not stopping temporarily if the driving evaluation item is "stop," or exceeding the speed limit if the driving evaluation item is "speeding."

[0041] The display unit 40 is part of the on-board equipment mounted on the vehicle M and displays various types of information. The display unit 40 includes, for example, a CRT, a display, a touch panel, etc. The display unit 40 displays, for example, a map including the surrounding environment of the vehicle M. The display unit 40 displays, for example, the driving evaluation results notified by the notification unit 36 ​​of the driving evaluation unit 30. After the training area is identified, the display unit 40 displays the training area identified by the identification unit 34 and the driving evaluation items for which requests have been accepted by the request acceptance unit 32.

[0042] The storage unit 50 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory. The storage unit 50 stores, for example, map information 51, a movement history 52, and a training area candidate 53. The map information 51 is information about a map of an area including the range in which the vehicle M travels. The map information 51 includes, for example, road information as well as information about traffic lights, signs, and buildings erected along the road. The road information includes, for example, information about the road width and traffic direction (one-way, two-way). The map information 51 is updated and stored, for example, when map update information is transmitted by a map provider or the like that is in the business of updating and providing maps.

[0043] The movement history 52 is updated by the acquisition unit 31, for example, every time the vehicle M travels and the external environment information acquisition unit 10 and the travel information acquisition unit 20 transmit the external environment information and travel information and the information is acquired by the acquisition unit 31. The acquisition unit 31 may update the external environment information and travel information included in the movement history 52 stored in the storage unit 50, for example, when an instruction to update the external environment information and travel information is received. The instruction to execute the update may be transmitted, for example, by an input device or a terminal device carried by the driver.

[0044] The training area candidates 53 are set by the setting unit 33. The memory unit 50 stores multiple training area candidates 53. The training area candidates 53 are sorted, for example, by driving evaluation item. Multiple training area candidates 53 are set for each driving evaluation item. There may be only one training area candidate 53. When multiple training area candidates 53 are set for each driving evaluation item, the driving evaluation items may span multiple items.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of the processing in the driving behavior evaluation system 1 of the first embodiment. In the driving behavior evaluation system 1 of the first embodiment, the external environment information acquisition unit 10 and the driving information acquisition unit 20 acquire external environment information and driving information when the vehicle M is traveling, regardless of whether training is being performed, and transmit the information to the driving evaluation unit 30. The driving evaluation unit 30 updates the movement history 52 stored in the memory unit 50 as needed, based on the transmitted external environment information and driving information.

[0046] The driving behavior evaluation system 1 sets the training area candidates 53 by the setting unit 33, for example, when the movement history 52 is updated. The driving behavior evaluation system 1 starts training of the driver, for example, when the request receiving unit 32 receives a request to start training and desired evaluation items transmitted in response to an operation by the driver. The request to start training and desired evaluation items are transmitted, for example, by a terminal device carried by the driver or an input device provided in the vehicle M. The request to start training and desired evaluation items may also be transmitted by someone other than the driver, for example, a passenger or the owner of the vehicle M.

[0047] Hereinafter, the processing of the driving evaluation unit 30 in the driving behavior evaluation system 1 when setting the training target area candidate 53 will first be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the driving evaluation unit 30 of the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the processing when setting the training target area candidate 53.

[0048] In the driving behavior evaluation system 1, the driving evaluation unit 30 first acquires external environment information transmitted by the external environment information acquisition unit 10 in the acquisition unit 31 (step S101). Subsequently, the acquisition unit 31 acquires driving information transmitted by the driving information acquisition unit 20 (step S103). The acquisition unit 31 updates the movement history 52 stored in the storage unit 50 based on the acquired external environment information and driving information (step S105). The acquisition unit 31 updates the movement history 52 to include the acquired external environment information and driving information.

[0049] Next, the setting unit 33 sets the training target area candidate 53 (step S107). For example, the setting unit 33 extracts the route traveled by the vehicle M based on the updated movement history 52, and if there is a new route traveled by the vehicle M, sets the area including the route as the training target area candidate 53. The training target area candidate 53 is associated with driving evaluation items based on signs and the like included in the route. In this way, the driving evaluation unit 30 ends the processing shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a training area candidate 53 on a map. The map shown in FIG. 3 includes information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle M. The training area candidate 53 is formed, for example, by connecting the driving route R1 that the vehicle actually traveled. In this example, "slow driving" is associated as a driving evaluation item. The training area candidate 53 can be set, for example, by connecting arbitrary points on a wide road such as a main road.

[0051] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a training area candidate (comparison training area candidate) α set by connecting arbitrary points on a wide road. Because the comparison training area candidate α is set by connecting arbitrary points P, P, ... on a wide road, even if a vehicle travels in an adjacent area, it will be subject to driving evaluation.

[0052] In contrast, the training area candidate 53 set by the setting unit 33 is set by connecting the routes that the vehicle M actually traveled. Therefore, driving evaluation can be performed in the area where the driver often travels. The training area candidate 53 may be set by modifying the route that the vehicle M actually traveled.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, information about the driving evaluation items, in this case an image showing a "slow down" sign, is displayed on the map along with the training area candidate 53. Therefore, the desired target area, which is the driving area where the driver requests training, and the driving evaluation items specified by the driver are superimposed on the map on the display unit 40, which simplifies the information displayed on the display unit 40 and improves usability.

[0054] Next, the processing of the driving evaluation unit 30 in the driving behavior evaluation system 1 when training a driver will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the driving evaluation unit 30 of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the processing of the driving evaluation unit 30 when training a driver. The driving behavior evaluation system 1 starts the processing shown in Fig. 5 when the request receiving unit 32 of the driving evaluation unit 30 receives a request to start training by operating a terminal device carried by the driver or an input device provided in the vehicle M.

[0055] In the driving behavior evaluation system 1, first, the request receiving unit 32 receives the desired evaluation items transmitted together with the request to start training (step S201). Next, the specifying unit 34 extracts one or more training area candidates according to the desired evaluation items from the training area candidates 53 set by the setting unit 33 (step S203). Next, the specifying unit 34 presents the extracted training area candidates to the driver by, for example, displaying them on the display unit 40 (step S205).

[0056] The driver, who has received the training area candidates 53, operates, for example, an input device to select a desired area from among the plurality of training area candidates 53. The input device generates selection information according to the driver's operation and transmits it to the driving evaluation unit 30. The driving evaluation unit 30 acquires the transmitted selection information in the identification unit 34 (step S207). The identification unit 34 identifies the desired area based on the acquired selection information (step S209).

[0057] When specifying the desired target area, the specification unit 34 may present the provisionally specified training target area to the driver and specify the desired target area after obtaining the driver's consent.The specification unit 34 may present the provisionally specified training target area to the driver and specify the desired target area after allowing the driver to change the range of the training target area.

[0058] After the identification unit 34 identifies the training area, the driver starts training by driving the vehicle M. In the driving behavior evaluation system 1, while the vehicle M is driving, the external environment information acquisition unit 10 acquires external environment information and the driving information acquisition unit 20 acquires driving information, and transmits them to the driving evaluation unit 30. The driving evaluation unit 30 evaluates the driving behavior of the driver in the evaluation unit 35 based on the transmitted external environment information and driving information (step S211).

[0059] The evaluation unit 35 evaluates driving according to the driving evaluation item. For example, if the driving evaluation item is "stop," the evaluation unit 35 identifies a location (hereinafter, evaluation location) where the vehicle M is required to stop, such as a location where there is a "stop" sign or an exit of a narrow road that intersects with a wide road, from the map information 51. The evaluation unit 35 determines the behavior of the vehicle at the identified evaluation location, in this case, whether or not the driver made a temporary stop. If the driver made a temporary stop, the evaluation unit 35 gives the driver a high evaluation, and if the driver did not make a temporary stop, the evaluation unit 35 gives the driver a low evaluation.

[0060] Next, the evaluation unit 35 determines whether the evaluation location is within the training area (step S213). If the evaluation unit 35 determines that the evaluation location is within the training area, the notification unit 36 ​​notifies the driver of the presence or absence of a violation related to the evaluation item desired, in this case, a stop sign violation (step S215). In this way, the driving evaluation unit 30 ends the processing shown in FIG. 5.

[0061] If the evaluation unit 35 determines that the evaluation location is not within the training area, the notification unit 36 ​​does not notify the driver of whether or not there is a violation related to the desired evaluation item (non-notification) (step S217). When non-notification of whether or not there is a violation is to be made, the notification unit 36 ​​may notify that non-notification has been made, or may notify that the vehicle M is traveling outside the training area. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 35 may evaluate the driver without taking the position of the vehicle M in step S211, but may evaluate the driver only if the evaluation location is within the training area. In this way, the driving evaluation unit 30 ends the processing shown in FIG. 5.

[0062] The driving behavior evaluation system 1 of the first embodiment sets candidate training areas, which are candidates for driving areas for training, based on the driving evaluation items and the movement history of the driver of the vehicle. Furthermore, the driving behavior evaluation system 1 of the first embodiment accepts a request for driving evaluation items from the driver and identifies a training area for which training is requested from the candidate training areas based on the accepted driving evaluation items. Therefore, the user can arbitrarily set the evaluation items and driving area requested, so that driving evaluation can be performed by driving in an area suitable for evaluation. Furthermore, safe driving coaching that is more focused on the user's needs can be realized.

[0063] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that it includes an external server, for example, a driving evaluation server 100, provided outside the vehicle. The driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a user terminal device 200 carried by a user such as a driver, and a V2X server 300 that manages V2X (Vehicle to X). The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the following description, elements common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0064] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving behavior evaluation system 2 according to the second embodiment. The driving behavior evaluation system 2 according to the second embodiment includes, for example, a vehicle M, a driving evaluation server 100, a user terminal device 200, and a V2X server 300. The vehicle M includes an external environment information acquisition unit 10 and a driving information acquisition unit 20 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the vehicle M further includes a vehicle transmitter / receiver 60. The vehicle transmitter / receiver 60 is a device for performing bidirectional communication via a network NW with external devices seen from the vehicle M, such as the driving evaluation server 100, the user terminal device 200, and the V2X server 300. The vehicle transmitter / receiver 60 is configured to include, for example, a network card, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), etc. The network NW is configured to include, for example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, etc.

[0066] The driving evaluation server 100 includes, for example, a driving evaluation unit 110, a storage unit 120, a server transmission / reception unit 130, a surrounding information acquisition unit 140, and an update program acquisition unit 150. The driving evaluation unit 110 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 111, a request reception unit 112, a setting unit 113, an identification unit 114, an evaluation unit 115, a notification unit 116, an update unit 117, and a proposal unit 118.

[0067] The server transceiver 130 is a device for performing bidirectional communication via the network NW with external devices seen from the driving evaluation server 100, such as the vehicle M, the user terminal device 200, and the V2X server 300. Like the vehicle transceiver 60, the server transceiver 130 is configured to include, for example, a network card, a NIC, etc.

[0068] The surrounding information acquisition unit 140 acquires surrounding information, which is information from other traffic participants around the vehicle M. The V2X server 300 acquires surrounding information of the vehicle M provided, for example, by other vehicles traveling around the vehicle M or by transportation other than the vehicle, and transmits the information to the driving evaluation server 100. The surrounding information acquisition unit 140 acquires the surrounding information transmitted by the V2X server 300.

[0069] The update program acquisition unit 150 acquires, for example, program update information transmitted by the V2X server 300. The update program acquisition unit 150 transmits the acquired program update information to the update unit 117 of the driving evaluation unit 110. The program update information includes, for example, information on new signs and traffic lights, new roads, and the like.

[0070] The acquisition unit 111, request reception unit 112, setting unit 113, identification unit 114, evaluation unit 115, and notification unit 116 in the driving evaluation unit 110 have functions similar to those of the acquisition unit 31, request reception unit 32, setting unit 33, identification unit 34, evaluation unit 35, and notification unit 36 ​​in the first embodiment. The external environment information and driving information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is information transmitted from the vehicle M. In addition, in the first embodiment, the information displayed on the display unit 40 is transmitted to the vehicle M and displayed on the display unit 40 of the vehicle M.

[0071] The update unit 117 acquires the program update information transmitted by the update program acquisition unit 150. When the update unit 117 acquires the program update information, it inquires of an authority related to the vehicle M as to whether approval for the program update is to be given. The authority may be, for example, the driver of the vehicle M, the owner of the vehicle M, or a passenger in the vehicle M, for example, a person teaching the driver how to drive. When approval is obtained from the authority, the update unit 117 updates a driving evaluation program for evaluating the driver's driving behavior based on the acquired program update information.

[0072] The update unit 117 may update the map information 121 and the like along with the driving evaluation program. The update unit 117 updates the map information 121 based on the surrounding information acquired by the surrounding information acquisition unit 140. The update unit 117 may be configured to update the driving evaluation program based on program update information without going through the approval of an authorized person. In this case, updates to information outside the vehicle M that changes over time and to the software of the computer device that runs the system can be performed as needed. This can promote the high added value of flexible services.

[0073] The suggestion unit 118 suggests providing a predetermined service to the driver based on the result of the evaluation of the driving behavior by the evaluation unit 115 and the usage history of the driving evaluation unit 110. For example, if the evaluation unit 115 gives a high evaluation, the suggestion unit 118 suggests providing an incentive to the driver. For example, the suggestion unit 118 suggests the incentive via the display unit 40 of the vehicle M or the user terminal device 200 by transmitting grant information regarding the grant of the incentive to the display unit 40 of the vehicle M or the user terminal device 200. If the driver accepts the suggestion, the suggestion unit 118 grants the proposed incentive to the driver. By granting an incentive to a driver who has received a high evaluation, it is possible to improve the driver's mindset toward safe driving.

[0074] The storage unit 120 stores, for example, map information 121, a movement history 122, and a target area candidate 123. The map information 121, the movement history 122, and the target area candidate 123 are similar to the map information 51, the movement history 52, and the training target area candidate 53 of the first embodiment. The movement history 52 is updated based on, for example, external environment information and driving information transmitted by the vehicle M.

[0075] The user terminal device 200 is a terminal device carried by a user, for example, a driver. The user terminal device 200 may also be a terminal device carried by a passenger other than the driver of the vehicle M. The terminal device is an example of an information terminal device. The user terminal device 200 is formed, for example, by a smartphone or a tablet. The user terminal device 200 includes, for example, a terminal transmitter / receiver 210, an information processor 220, and a touch panel 230. The terminal transmitter / receiver 210 is a device for performing bidirectional communication via a network NW with external devices seen from the user terminal device 200, for example, the vehicle M, the driving evaluation server 100, and the V2X server 300. Like the vehicle transmitter / receiver 60, the terminal transmitter / receiver 210 is configured to include, for example, a network card, a NIC, etc.

[0076] The information processing unit 220 generates information in response to operation of the touch panel 230, transmits the generated information to an external device such as the driving evaluation server 100, and uses it to control the user terminal device 200. The touch panel 230 can display a GUI, transmits information in response to user operation of the GUI to the information processing unit 220, and displays information transmitted by the driving evaluation server 100. The touch panel 230 is an example of a display unit provided in the user terminal device. By expanding the use of the display unit 40 to include the user terminal device 200 owned by the user in addition to in-vehicle devices, review learning after driving can be performed at any time and place, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, by using the user terminal device 200, learning results can be shared with others and the information can be utilized.

[0077] The V2X server 300 communicates with vehicle M, other vehicles other than vehicle M, and transportation infrastructure organizations related to the transportation infrastructure. The V2X server 300 includes, for example, a transceiver device similar to the vehicle transceiver unit 60, and controls and collects information related to V2X, including vehicle M, other vehicles, and various infrastructure facilities. The V2X server 300 transmits, for example, information generated or acquired in association with V2X to an external device, for example, the driving evaluation server 100.

[0078] The driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment achieves the same effects as the driving behavior evaluation system 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the device for evaluating the driving behavior of the driver may be installed on an external server or the like outside the vehicle M. Furthermore, the driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment includes a surrounding information acquisition unit 140 that acquires surrounding information of the vehicle M transmitted by the V2X server 300, and the evaluation unit 115 evaluates the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle M further based on the surrounding information. This allows the driver's driving behavior to be evaluated more accurately.

[0079] Furthermore, the driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment acquires an update program that updates the program of the driving evaluation unit 110, and updates the driving evaluation program using the update unit 117. This allows for more accurate evaluation of the driver's driving behavior. Furthermore, in the driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment, the driving evaluation unit 110 is provided in a driving evaluation server 100 outside the vehicle M. This not only simplifies on-board resources but also improves software maintainability, such as program updates and improvements. The server may be a cloud-based server that simply distributes data, or an edge computer with high real-time performance and data governance. The driving evaluation server 100 can be accessed by multiple registered users, allowing for the sharing and secondary use of information regarding settings and evaluation results (violations and exemplary behavior) among users.

[0080] Furthermore, the driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment updates external environment information based on information provided by a V2X server 300 that communicates with the vehicle M, other vehicles, or transportation infrastructure organizations. Therefore, the V2X server 300 sequentially records traffic law information, vehicle behavior information, traffic light information, road marking information, and the like acquired by other vehicles. In the driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment, this information is provided to the driving evaluation server 100, so that the latest information can be updated without imposing a burden on the user even if road conditions or traffic laws change. Furthermore, because data from other vehicles can be used, legal violations that drivers of other vehicles are likely to commit can be identified in advance, thereby fostering a sense of safe driving among users.

[0081] As an example of a mode based on information about other vehicles, if there is a location where other vehicles often stop, that location may be set as a stop point. Alternatively, the driving behavior of other vehicles may be recorded and used as driving norm data. Alternatively, the V2X server 300 may collect the positions and behaviors of other vehicles, and obtain information about stop lines, stop signs, and speed limits to use in place of signs.

[0082] Furthermore, the driving behavior evaluation system 2 of the second embodiment evaluates the driving behavior of the driver based on the surrounding information acquired by the surrounding information acquisition unit 140. Therefore, rather than uniformly deducting points for sudden maneuvers and violations of laws and regulations and determining that the driving behavior is dangerous, the driving behavior is evaluated taking into account objective information from other traffic participants. Therefore, for example, if it is determined that the behavior was unavoidable to avoid danger, the deducted points can be invalidated, allowing the user to understand the behavior without feeling uncomfortable. As a result, the acceptability of safe driving education can be improved.

[0083] In each of the above embodiments, no particular conditions are set for the drivers whose driving behaviors are to be evaluated. However, the evaluation of driving behaviors may be limited to registered users. In this case, the driving evaluation server 100 may include, for example, a management unit that manages registered user information related to registered users who are registered to use the vehicle. The driving evaluation unit may also include an authentication unit that authenticates whether the driver of the vehicle is the registered user. Furthermore, the driving evaluation unit may evaluate the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle when the driver is authenticated as a registered user. In this case, it is possible to provide pre-registered, highly convenient services such as paid content.

[0084] The above-described embodiment can be expressed as follows. a storage medium for storing computer-readable instructions; a processor connected to the storage medium; The processor executes the computer-readable instructions to: Acquire external information, which is information about the vehicle's surrounding environment; Acquire driving information that is information related to the driving of the vehicle; Evaluating a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle based on the acquired external environment information and the acquired driving information; The processor: receiving a request for driving evaluation items that are items for evaluating the driving behavior; setting a training target area candidate that is a candidate driving area for a training target based on the driving evaluation items and the movement history of the driver of the vehicle; Identifying a training area for which training is requested from the set training area candidates based on the received driving evaluation items. Driving behavior assessment device.

[0085] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Driving behavior evaluation system 2. Driving behavior evaluation system 10 External world information acquisition department 11 Camera 12 Radar equipment 20 Driving information acquisition unit 21 Vehicle speed sensor 22 Acceleration sensor 23 Rotational speed sensor 24 Operation sensors 25 Positioning Unit 30 Driving Evaluation Department 31 Acquisition Department 32 Request Reception Unit 33 Setting section 34 Specific part 35 Evaluation Department 36 Notification Department 40 Display section 50 Storage section 51 Map Information 52 Movement History 53 Potential training areas 60 Vehicle transmitter / receiver 100 Driving Evaluation Server 110 Driving Evaluation Department 111 Acquisition Department 112 Request Reception Unit 113 Settings 114 Specific section 115 Evaluation Department 116 Notification Department 117 Update Department 118 Proposal Department 120 Storage section 121 Map Information 122 Movement History 123 Target Area Candidates 130 Server Transmitter / Receiver 140 Peripheral information acquisition unit 150 Update Program Acquisition Department 200 User terminal device 210 Terminal transmitter / receiver 220 Information Processing Department 230 Touch Panel 300 V2X Servers M vehicle NW Network

Claims

1. an external environment information acquisition unit that acquires external environment information that is information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle; a travel information acquisition unit that acquires travel information that is information related to the travel of the vehicle; a driving evaluation unit that evaluates the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle based on the acquired external environment information and the acquired driving information, The driving evaluation unit a request receiving unit that receives a request for a driving evaluation item that is an item for evaluating the driving behavior; A setting unit that sets a training target area candidate that is a candidate for a driving area of ​​a training target based on the driving evaluation items and the movement history of the driver of the vehicle; and an identification unit that identifies a training area for which training is requested from the set training area candidates based on the received driving evaluation items. Driving behavior evaluation system.

2. The driving evaluation unit A notification unit is further provided which, when there is a defect in the received driving evaluation item for the vehicle traveling in the training area, notifies the driver of the defect, and when there is a defect in an item other than the received driving evaluation item, does not notify the driver of the defect. The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 1 .

3. a display unit that displays a map including the surrounding environment of the vehicle; The display unit displays the identified training area and the driving evaluation item for which a request has been accepted. The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 1 .

4. The identification unit identifies the driving evaluation items based on the received driving evaluation items and external environment information acquired within the set training target area candidate. The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 1 .

5. the display unit includes at least one of an in-vehicle device mounted in the vehicle and an information terminal device carried by a passenger of the vehicle; The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 3 .

6. The driving evaluation unit is provided in an external server installed outside the vehicle. The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 1 .

7. the external server communicates with at least one of the vehicle, other vehicles other than the vehicle, and a transportation infrastructure organization related to a transportation infrastructure, in addition to the vehicle; updating the external environment information based on at least one of the driving information of the other vehicle and the information on the traffic infrastructure provided by the other vehicle or the traffic infrastructure organization; The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 6 .

8. a surrounding information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding information, which is information from other traffic participants around the vehicle; The driving evaluation unit evaluates the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle further based on the surrounding information. The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 1 .

9. an update program acquisition unit that acquires an update program that updates the program of the driving evaluation unit; an update unit that updates the program with the acquired update program, The update unit updates the program after receiving approval from an authority related to the vehicle. The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 1 .

10. a proposal unit that proposes provision of a predetermined service to the driver based on a result of the evaluation of the driving behavior by the driving evaluation unit and a usage history of the driving evaluation unit; The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 1 .

11. the external server further includes a management unit that manages registered user information related to registered users who are registered as being able to use the vehicle; An authentication unit that authenticates whether a driver who gets into the vehicle is the registered user, the driving evaluation unit evaluates the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle when the driver is authenticated as the registered user. The driving behavior evaluation system according to claim 6 .

12. The computer Acquire external information, which is information about the vehicle's surrounding environment; Acquire driving information that is information related to the driving of the vehicle; Evaluating a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle based on the acquired external environment information and the acquired driving information; The computer receiving a request for driving evaluation items that are items for evaluating the driving behavior; setting a training target area candidate that is a candidate driving area for a training target based on the driving evaluation items and the movement history of the driver of the vehicle; Identifying a training area for which training is requested from the set training area candidates based on the received driving evaluation items. Driving behavior assessment methods.

13. On the computer, Acquire external information, which is information about the vehicle's surrounding environment; Acquire driving information that is information related to the driving of the vehicle; Evaluating a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle based on the acquired external environment information and the acquired driving information; The computer, receiving a request for driving evaluation items that are items for evaluating the driving behavior; setting a training target area candidate that is a candidate driving area for a training target based on the driving evaluation items and the movement history of the driver of the vehicle; and identifying a training area for which training is requested from the set training area candidates based on the received driving evaluation items. program.

Images