Driving assistance device, driving assistance method, driving assistance program, and driving assistance system

Abstract

When the driving risk level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, a notification indicating that the traveling position has approached a dangerous area set on the map is output.SOLUTION: The smartphone 1 includes the biological information acquirer 111 that acquires the biological information BJ of the driver DV, the driving action acquirer 113 that acquires the driving action information QJ indicating the driving action of the driver DV, the risk level evaluator 114 that evaluates the risk level of driving DR indicating the degree of risk during driving of the driver DV based on the biological information BJ and the driving action information QJ, the area setter 115 that sets the dangerous area DA with respect to the map information MP, the position acquirer 116 that acquires the traveling position PS on the map, and the notifier 117 that outputs the first notice NT1 indicating that the traveling position PS has approached the dangerous area DA when the traveling position PS has approached the dangerous area DA.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a device has been proposed that acquires biometric information of a driver and driving information related to the driver's driving operation, and determines the driver's driving suitability based on the acquired information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-145468 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, efforts to provide access to sustainable transport systems that take into consideration vulnerable transport participants have become more active. To achieve this, we are focusing on research and development into driver assistance systems that support the safety and health of drivers, thereby further improving road safety and convenience.

[0005] Meanwhile, driver assistance systems face the challenge of further improving traffic safety and convenience by providing users with appropriate notifications about dangerous areas set on a map according to the driving risk level.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present application aims to output a notification indicating that the driving position is approaching a danger area set on a map when the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable transportation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect for achieving the above object is a driving assistance device comprising: a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user; a driving behavior acquisition unit that acquires driving behavior information indicating the driving behavior of the user; a risk assessment unit that evaluates a driving risk level that indicates the degree of risk while the driver is driving a vehicle based on the biometric information and the driving behavior information; a map information storage unit that stores map information; an area setting unit that sets a risk area in the map information when the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition unit that acquires the driving position of the vehicle on a map based on position information of the vehicle; and a notification unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the driving position has approached the risk area when the driving position approaches the risk area.

[0008] A second aspect for achieving the above object is a driving assistance method including: a biometric information acquisition step for acquiring biometric information of a user; a driving behavior acquisition step for acquiring driving behavior information indicating the driving behavior of the user; a risk assessment step for evaluating a driving risk level indicating the degree of danger while the driver is driving a vehicle based on the biometric information and the driving behavior information; an area setting step for setting a danger area in pre-stored map information if the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition step for acquiring the driving position of the vehicle on the map based on position information of the vehicle; and a notification step for outputting a first notification indicating that the driving position has approached the danger area when the driving position approaches the danger area.

[0009] A third aspect for achieving the above object is a driving assistance program that causes a processor provided in a driving assistance device to function as a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user, a driving behavior acquisition unit that acquires driving behavior information indicating the driving behavior of the user, a risk assessment unit that evaluates a driving risk level that indicates the degree of danger while the driver is driving a vehicle based on the biometric information and the driving behavior information, a map information storage unit that stores map information, an area setting unit that sets a danger area in the map information when the driving risk level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, a position acquisition unit that acquires the driving position of the vehicle on a map based on position information of the vehicle, and a notification unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the driving position has approached the danger area when the driving position approaches the danger area.

[0010] A fourth aspect for achieving the above object is a driving assistance system including a biometric detection device that detects a user's biometric information, a driving detection device that detects the user's driving behavior, and a driving assistance device that communicates with the biometric detection device and the driving detection device, wherein the driving assistance device includes a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires the user's biometric information from the biometric detection device, a driving behavior acquisition unit that acquires driving behavior information indicating the user's driving behavior from the driving detection device, a risk evaluation unit that evaluates a driving risk level that indicates the degree of risk while the driver is driving a vehicle based on the biometric information and the driving behavior information, a map information storage unit that stores map information, an area setting unit that sets a risk area for the map information if the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a position acquisition unit that acquires the vehicle's driving position on a map based on position information of the vehicle, and a notification unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the driving position has approached the risk area when the driving position approaches the risk area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above-mentioned driving assistance device, driving assistance method, driving assistance program, and driving assistance system, when the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a notification can be given indicating that the driving position is approaching a danger area set on a map. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a driving assistance system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a smartwatch. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a smartphone. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correlation between biometric information, health scores, and advice information. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a screen diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on a smartphone. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the smartphone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of a driving assistance device, a driving assistance method, a driving assistance program, and a driving assistance system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [1. Notification control system configuration] First, the configuration of the driving assistance system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the driving assistance system 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the driving assistance system 100 includes a smartphone 1, a smartwatch 2, and an in-vehicle device 3. The dashed two-dot lines in Fig. 1 indicate that the smartphone 1, the smartwatch 2, and the vehicle VC are owned by a driver DV. The driver DV is the driver who drives the vehicle VC. The driver DV corresponds to an example of a "user."

[0015] The smartphone 1 wirelessly communicates with the smartwatch 2 and the in-car device 3 in accordance with a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In addition, the smartphone 1 may wirelessly communicate with the smartwatch 2 and the in-car device 3 using a communication method compatible with communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Zigbee (registered trademark).

[0016] The smartphone 1 acquires biometric information BJ of the driver DV from the smartwatch 2. The smartphone 1 also acquires driving behavior information QJ from the in-vehicle device 3. Furthermore, the smartphone 1 calculates a driving risk level DR indicating the degree of risk when the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC based on the biometric information BJ and the driving behavior information QJ. Furthermore, when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the smartphone 1 sets a danger area DA in the map information MP. Furthermore, when the driving position PS of the vehicle VC approaches the danger area DA, the smartphone 1 outputs a first notification NT1 indicating that the driving position PS has approached the danger area DA. The smartphone 1 corresponds to an example of a "driving assistance device." The smartphone 1 will be further described with reference to Figures 5-8.

[0017] The smart watch 2 is worn on the wrist of the driver DV. The smart watch 2 generates biometric information BJ. The biometric information BJ includes, for example, the heart rate of the driver DV. The smartwatch 2 is further described with reference to FIG. The smart watch 2 corresponds to an example of a "biological detection device."

[0018] The in-vehicle device 3 is mounted on the vehicle VC. The in-vehicle device 3 generates driving behavior information QJ. The driving behavior information QJ includes operation information when the driver DV drives the vehicle VC. The in-vehicle device 3 will be further described with reference to FIGS. The in-vehicle device 3 corresponds to an example of a "driving detection device."

[0019] [2. Smartwatch configuration] Next, the configuration of the smartwatch 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the smartwatch 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the smartwatch 2 includes a second control unit 21, a second clock unit 22, a second wireless communication interface 23, a second touch panel 24, a biometric information generation unit 25, and a second position detection unit 26.

[0020] The second control unit 21 controls each unit of the smartwatch 2. The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 211 and a second memory 212.

[0021] The second memory 212 is configured, for example, by a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a combination of volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memories. The second processor 211 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The second processor 211 may be configured by a single processor or by multiple processors. The second processor 211 controls each part of the smartwatch 2 by executing a second control program stored in the second memory 212.

[0022] The second clock unit 22 has a clocking function that measures the date and time. The second clock unit 22 also acquires date and time information from a server device (not shown). The second clock unit 22 adjusts the clocking function using the acquired date and time information. The second clock unit 22 displays the date and time information on the second touch panel 24.

[0023] The second wireless communication interface 23 includes an antenna for receiving wireless signals and an interface circuit for processing the wireless signals received by the antenna, and performs wireless communication with external devices including a server device (not shown) and the smartphone 1.

[0024] The second touch panel 24 includes a display panel and a touch sensor. The display panel is configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, etc. The touch sensor detects a touch operation on the display panel by the driver DV. The second touch panel 24 displays an image on the display panel in accordance with an instruction from the second control unit 21. The second touch panel 24 also detects a touch operation on the display panel by the driver DV.

[0025] The biometric information generating unit 25 generates biometric information BJ. The biometric information generating unit 25 measures biometric information BJ, which is biometric information of the driver DV wearing the smart watch 2, at predetermined intervals. The biological information BJ includes first biological information BJ1 and second biological information BJ2. The first biological information BJ1 is biological information of the driver DV while the driver DV is driving. The second biological information BJ2 is biological information of the driver DV during a first period before the driver DV starts driving. The first period is, for example, three months. The first period may also be, for example, six months. The first period is set according to the degree of stability of the health state of the driver DV. For example, it is preferable to set the first period longer as the health state of the driver DV becomes more stable.

[0026] The first biological information BJ1 includes, for example, first sleep information BJ11, first exercise information BJ12, and first stress information BJ13. The second biological information BJ2 includes, for example, second sleep information BJ21, second exercise information BJ22, and second stress information BJ23. The first sleep information BJ11, the first exercise information BJ12, the first stress information BJ13, the second sleep information BJ21, the second exercise information BJ22, and the second stress information BJ23 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] The biological information generation unit 25 outputs the measured biological information BJ to the second control unit 21. The second control unit 21 transmits the biological information BJ to the smartphone 1 via the second wireless communication interface .

[0028] The second position detection unit 26 includes a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor, and receives positioning signals transmitted from GNSS satellites to determine the position of the smartwatch 2, i.e., latitude, longitude, altitude, etc. The second position detection unit 26 outputs position information indicating the determined position to the second control unit 21.

[0029] [3. Configuration of in-vehicle device] Next, the configuration of the in-vehicle device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the in-vehicle device 3 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 31, a third timing unit 32, a third wireless communication interface 33, a third touch panel , a driving information generating unit 35, and a third position detecting unit .

[0030] The ECU 31 controls each part of the in-vehicle device 3. The ECU 31 includes a third processor 311 and a third memory 312.

[0031] The third memory 312 is configured, for example, by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memories, etc. The third processor 311 is configured by a CPU, an MPU, etc. The third processor 311 may be configured by a single processor, or may be configured by multiple processors. The third processor 311 controls each part of the in-vehicle device 3 by executing a third control program stored in the third memory 312 .

[0032] The third clock unit 32 has a clocking function that measures the date and time. The third clock unit 32 also acquires date and time information from a server device (not shown). The third clock unit 32 adjusts the clocking function using the acquired date and time information. The third clock unit 32 displays the date and time information on the third touch panel 34.

[0033] The third wireless communication interface 33 includes an antenna for receiving wireless signals and an interface circuit for processing the wireless signals received by the antenna, and performs wireless communication with external devices including a server device (not shown) and the smartphone 1.

[0034] The third touch panel 34 includes a display panel and a touch sensor. The display panel is configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, etc. The touch sensor detects a touch operation on the display panel by the driver DV. The third touch panel 34 displays an image on the display panel in accordance with an instruction from the ECU 31. The third touch panel 34 also detects a touch operation on the display panel by the driver DV.

[0035] The driving information generating unit 35 generates the driving behavior information QJ. The driving behavior information QJ includes first driving behavior information QJ1 and second driving behavior information QJ2. The first driving behavior information QJ1 indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV while driving the vehicle VC. The second driving behavior information QJ2 indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV during a second period before the driver DV starts driving the vehicle VC. The second period is, for example, three months. The second period may also be, for example, six months. The second period is set, for example, according to how frequently the driver DV drives the vehicle VC. It is preferable to set the second period shorter as the driver DV drives the vehicle VC more frequently.

[0036] The driving information generator 35 acquires driving behavior information QJ from various sensors arranged in the vehicle VC. The driving behavior information QJ includes, for example, vehicle speed information, acceleration information, accelerator operation information, brake operation information, and steering operation information. The driving behavior information QJ may include road information on which the vehicle VC is traveling. The road information includes, for example, construction information, traffic congestion information, and the like.

[0037] The vehicle speed information indicates the traveling speed of the vehicle VC. The acceleration information indicates the acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor detects, for example, the vertical acceleration, the longitudinal acceleration, and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle VC. The accelerator operation information indicates the state of operation of the accelerator pedal 341 by the driver DV. The accelerator operation information includes, for example, the depression amount and depression speed of the accelerator pedal 341. The brake operation information indicates the state of operation of the brake pedal 342 by the driver DV. The brake operation information includes, for example, the depression amount and depression speed of the brake pedal 342. The steering operation information indicates the state of operation of the steering wheel 340 by the driver DV. The steering operation information includes, for example, the steering angle of the steering wheel 340 and the rate of change of the steering angle. The accelerator pedal 341, brake pedal 342, and steering wheel 340 are further described with reference to FIG.

[0038] The driving information generating unit 35 outputs the driving behavior information QJ acquired from various sensors to the ECU 31. The ECU 31 transmits the driving behavior information QJ to the smartphone 1 via the third wireless communication interface 33.

[0039] The third position detection unit 36 ​​includes a GNSS sensor and receives positioning signals transmitted from GNSS satellites to determine the position of the vehicle VC, i.e., latitude, longitude, altitude, etc. The third position detection unit 36 ​​outputs position information indicating the determined position to the ECU 31.

[0040] Next, the configuration of the in-vehicle device 3 will be further described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 3. Fig. 4 is a diagram of the vehicle VC viewed from above the driver's seat toward the front. As shown in Fig. 4, the steering wheel 340 described with reference to Fig. 3 is disposed, for example, in front of the driver DV. The accelerator pedal 341 and the brake pedal 342 described with reference to Fig. 3 are disposed, for example, at the feet of the driver DV. The third touch panel 34 described with reference to Fig. 3 is disposed, for example, on the left side of the steering wheel 340, approximately in the center of the dashboard. The ECU 31 described with reference to Fig. 3 is disposed, for example, in the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. The third wireless communication interface 33 described with reference to Fig. 3 is disposed, for example, in the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. It should be noted that the third timing unit 32, the driving information generating unit 35, and the third position detecting unit 36 ​​described with reference to FIG. 3 are omitted in FIG.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the in-vehicle device 3 further includes a navigation device 321, a front camera 330, a driver's camera 331, a microphone 332, a left speaker 333a, a right speaker 333b, an acceleration sensor 334, and a holder 350.

[0042] The navigation device 321 includes the third position detection unit 36 ​​described with reference to Fig. 3, and displays, for example, the position of the vehicle VC on a map on the third touch panel 34. The navigation device 321 is placed inside the dashboard in front of the passenger seat.

[0043] The front camera 330 captures an image in front of the vehicle VC. The front camera 330 includes an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). The front camera 330 is disposed inside the upper part of the windshield.

[0044] The driver camera 331 captures an image of the driver DV and generates a captured image. The driver camera 331 includes an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. The driver image includes, for example, at least the head of the driver. The driver camera 331 outputs the generated driver image to the ECU 31.

[0045] The microphone 332 detects sounds emitted by the driver DV and generates a detection signal. The sounds include the voice emitted by the driver DV. The microphone 332 outputs the generated detection signal to the ECU 31.

[0046] The left speaker 333a is disposed inside the left door of the vehicle VC. The right speaker 333b is disposed inside the right door of the vehicle VC. The left speaker 333a and the right speaker 333b output audio. For example, the left speaker 333a and the right speaker 333b may output audio indicating advice information AD.

[0047] The acceleration sensor 334 detects, for example, the acceleration of the vehicle VC in the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions. The acceleration sensor 334 is disposed, for example, inside the dashboard.

[0048] The holder 350 supports the smartphone 1 so that it can be fixed to the dashboard. When the driver DV drives the vehicle VC, the driver DV attaches the smartphone 1 to the holder 350. The holder 350 is, for example, arranged on the dashboard on the left front side of the driver's seat.

[0049] [4. Smartphone configuration] Next, the configuration of the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the smartphone 1. The smartphone 1 includes a first control unit 11, a first clock unit 12, a first wireless communication interface 13, a first touch panel 14, a first position detection unit 15, a speaker 16, a microphone 17, and a camera 18.

[0050] The first control unit 11 controls each unit of the smartphone 1. The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 11A and a first memory 11B.

[0051] The first memory 11B is configured, for example, by a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a combination of volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memories. The first processor 11A is configured by a CPU, an MPU, etc. The first processor 11A may be configured by a single processor, or may be configured by multiple processors. The first processor 11A controls each part of the smartphone 1 by executing a first control program PG1 stored in the first memory 11B.

[0052] The first clock unit 12 has a clocking function that measures the date and time. The first clock unit 12 also acquires date and time information from a server device (not shown). The first clock unit 12 adjusts the clocking function using the acquired date and time information. The first clock unit 12 displays the date and time information on the first touch panel 14.

[0053] The first wireless communication interface 13 includes an antenna for receiving wireless signals and an interface circuit for processing the wireless signals received by the antenna, and performs wireless communication with external devices including a server device, a smart watch 2, and an in-vehicle device 3 (not shown).

[0054] The first touch panel 14 includes a display panel and a touch sensor. The display panel is configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, etc. The touch sensor detects a touch operation on the display panel by the driver DV. First touch panel 14 displays an image on the display panel in accordance with an instruction from first control unit 11. First touch panel 14 displays, for example, an image showing advice information AD on the display panel in accordance with an instruction from first control unit 11. The first touch panel 14 also detects touch operations made by the driver DV on the display panel.

[0055] The first position detection unit 15 includes a GNSS sensor and receives positioning signals transmitted from GNSS satellites to determine the position of the smartphone 1, i.e., the latitude, longitude, altitude, etc. The first position detection unit 15 outputs position information indicating the determined position to the first control unit 11.

[0056] The speaker 16 outputs various sounds in accordance with instructions from the first control unit 11. For example, the speaker 16 outputs sounds indicating advice information AD in accordance with instructions from the first control unit 11.

[0057] The microphone 17 receives various types of audio input in accordance with instructions from the first control unit 11. The microphone 17 outputs the received audio to the first control unit 11. Furthermore, the microphone 17 may receive, for example, audio from the driver's DV.

[0058] Camera 18 captures various images in accordance with instructions from first control unit 11. Camera 18 includes an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. Camera 18 outputs the generated images to first control unit 11.

[0059] The first control unit 11 includes a biometric information acquisition unit 111, a health condition evaluation unit 112, a driving behavior acquisition unit 113, a risk assessment unit 114, an area setting unit 115, a position acquisition unit 116, a notification unit 117, a vehicle speed acquisition unit 118, a map information storage unit 110, and a driving history storage unit 120. Specifically, the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 stored in the first memory 11B to function as a biometric information acquisition unit 111, a health state evaluation unit 112, a driving behavior acquisition unit 113, a risk assessment unit 114, an area setting unit 115, a position acquisition unit 116, a notification unit 117, and a vehicle speed acquisition unit 118. Furthermore, the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 stored in the first memory 11B to cause the first memory 11B to function as a map information storage unit 110 and a driving history storage unit 120. The first control program PG1 corresponds to an example of a "driving assistance program."

[0060] The map information storage unit 110 stores map information MP in advance. The map information MP is obtained, for example, by the first control unit 11 from a server device (not shown), and the first control unit 11 stores the obtained map information in the map information storage unit 110. The map information MP includes information about the danger area DA. The information about the danger area DA includes, for example, information indicating the position of the map information of the danger area DA, danger level information DA1 indicating the degree of danger in the danger area DA, and danger content information DA2 indicating the content of the danger in the danger area DA.

[0061] The driving history storage unit 120 stores the driving history HD of the vehicle VC of the driver DV. The driving history HD includes, for example, route information indicating the route traveled by the vehicle VC. The driving history HD also includes, for example, information indicating whether the driver DV performed appropriate driving behavior in a dangerous area DA included in the route. An appropriate driving behavior is, in other words, a safe driving behavior.

[0062] The first memory 11B stores biological information BJ and driving behavior information QJ. The biological information BJ includes first biological information BJ1 and second biological information BJ2. The driving behavior information QJ includes first driving behavior information QJ1 and second driving behavior information QJ2. The first biological information BJ1 and the second biological information BJ2 are each acquired from the smart watch 2 by the biological information acquisition unit 111, and stored by the biological information acquisition unit 111 in the first memory 11B, for example. The driving behavior information QJ, that is, the first driving behavior information QJ1 and the second driving behavior information QJ2, are each acquired from the in-vehicle device 3 by the driving behavior acquisition unit 113, and are stored by the driving behavior acquisition unit 113 in the first memory 11B.

[0063] The biometric information acquisition unit 111 acquires biometric information BJ indicating biometric information of the driver DV. The biometric information BJ includes first biometric information BJ1 and second biometric information BJ2. The first biological information BJ1 is biological information of the driver DV while driving the vehicle VC. "While driving the vehicle VC" refers to the period from when the driver DV starts driving the vehicle VC to when the driver DV finishes driving the vehicle VC. The biological information acquisition unit 111 acquires the first biological information BJ1 from, for example, the smart watch 2. The first biological information BJ1 includes, for example, first sleep information BJ11, first exercise information BJ12, and first stress information BJ13.

[0064] The first sleep information BJ11 indicates, for example, the level of drowsiness estimated from the second sleep information BJ21 described below. The first exercise information BJ12 indicates, for example, the level of athletic ability estimated from the second exercise information BJ22 described below. The first stress information BJ13 indicates the level of stress felt by the driver DV. The first stress information BJ13 includes heart rate information and heart rate variability information. The heart rate information indicates, for example, the number of heart rates per minute. The heart rate variability information indicates the state of change in heart rate.

[0065] The second biological information BJ2 is biological information of the driver DV during a first period before the driver starts driving the vehicle VC. The first period is, for example, three months. The first period may be, for example, six months. The biological information acquisition unit 111 acquires the second biological information BJ2 from, for example, the smartwatch 2. The second biological information BJ2 includes second sleep information BJ21, second exercise information BJ22, and second stress information BJ23.

[0066] The second sleep information BJ21 includes, for example, sleep time information and information indicating sleep quality. The sleep time information indicates, for example, the driver DV's sleep time per day. The information indicating sleep quality includes, for example, the driver DV's REM sleep time information and non-REM sleep time information per day.

[0067] The second exercise information BJ22 includes, for example, step count information and exercise time information. The step count information indicates, for example, the cumulative number of steps taken by the driver DV per day. The exercise time information indicates, for example, the cumulative amount of exercise time taken by the driver DV per day.

[0068] The second stress information BJ23 includes heart rate information and heart rate variability information. The heart rate information indicates, for example, the number of heart rates per minute. The heart rate variability information indicates the state of changes in the heart rate.

[0069] The health condition evaluation unit 112 evaluates the health condition of the driver DV based on the first biological information BJ1 and the second biological information BJ2, and generates a health rating RS that indicates the level of the driver DV's health condition. The health rating RS is a health rating corresponding to each of the five abilities that indicate the driver DV's driving ability AB. The driving ability AB is composed of, for example, planning ability AB1, perception ability AB2, attention ability AB3, judgment ability AB4, and operation ability AB5. The health rating RS is composed of a planning ability rating RS1, a perceptual ability rating RS2, an attention ability rating RS3, a judgment ability rating RS4, and an operational ability rating RS5.

[0070] The planning ability score RS1 indicates the health score RS for the planning ability AB1. The planning ability AB1 is, for example, the ability of the driver DV to plan a driving plan. The driving plan is, for example, a plan to drive the vehicle VC from a parking position to a destination.

[0071] The perceptual ability score RS2 indicates the health score RS for the perceptual ability AB2. The perceptual ability AB2 is, for example, the ability of the driver DV to perceive the surrounding situation while driving. The attention ability score RS3 indicates the health score RS for the attention ability AB3. The attention ability AB3 is, for example, the ability of the driver DV to pay attention to the surrounding situation in order to foresee danger while driving.

[0072] The judgment ability score RS4 indicates the health score RS for the judgment ability AB4. The judgment ability AB4 is the driver DV's ability to determine what operation to perform depending on the surrounding situation while driving. The driving ability score RS5 indicates the health score RS for the driving ability AB5. The driving ability AB5 is the ability of the driver DV to perform appropriate driving operations in accordance with the surrounding situation while driving.

[0073] The health condition evaluation unit 112 evaluates each of the planning ability score RS1, the perception ability score RS2, the attention ability score RS3, the judgment ability score RS4, and the operation ability score RS5 on a scale of 10, for example. The health state evaluation unit 112 evaluates the health rating RS as, for example, the average value of the planning ability rating RS1, the perceptual ability rating RS2, the attention ability rating RS3, the judgment ability rating RS4, and the operation ability rating RS5, using a scale of 10. The health state evaluation unit 112 evaluates the health rating RS as, for example, the weighted average value of the planning ability rating RS1, the perceptual ability rating RS2, the attention ability rating RS3, the judgment ability rating RS4, and the operation ability rating RS5, using a scale of 10.

[0074] The driving behavior acquisition unit 113 acquires driving behavior information QJ that indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV. The driving behavior information QJ includes first driving behavior information QJ1 and second driving behavior information QJ2. The first driving behavior information QJ1 indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV while driving the vehicle VC. The driving behavior acquisition unit 113 acquires the first driving behavior information QJ1, for example, from the in-vehicle device 3. The first driving behavior information QJ1 includes, for example, vehicle speed information, acceleration information, accelerator operation information, brake operation information, and steering operation information.

[0075] The second driving behavior information QJ2 indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV during a second period before the driver DV starts driving the vehicle VC. The second period is, for example, three months. The second period may also be, for example, six months. The driving behavior acquisition unit 113 acquires, for example, the second driving behavior information QJ2 from the in-vehicle device 3. The second driving behavior information QJ2 includes, for example, vehicle speed information, acceleration information, accelerator operation information, brake operation information, and steering operation information.

[0076] The risk assessment unit 114 assesses a driving risk DR indicating the degree of risk when the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC, based on the biological information BJ and the driving behavior information QJ. The risk assessment unit 114 assesses the driving risk DR, which indicates the degree of risk to the driver DV while driving the vehicle VC, based on, for example, the first biometric information BJ1, the second biometric information BJ2, the first driving behavior information QJ1, and the second driving behavior information QJ2.

[0077] The driving risk level DR includes, for example, a first driving risk level DR1 and a second driving risk level DR2. The first driving risk level DR1 indicates the degree of risk while driving based on the health condition of the driver DV. The second driving risk level DR2 indicates the degree of risk while driving based on the driving behavior information QJ. The risk assessment unit 114 calculates the driving risk level DR from, for example, the first driving risk level DR1 and the second driving risk level DR2.

[0078] The risk assessment unit 114 assesses the first driving risk level DR1, for example, based on the health score RS assessed by the health state assessment unit 112. The risk assessment unit 114 assesses that the higher the health score RS, the lower the first driving risk level DR1. The risk assessment unit 114 calculates the first driving risk level DR1, for example, by the following formula (1). DR1=10-RS (1)

[0079] The risk assessment unit 114 assesses the second driving risk DR2 based on, for example, the first driving behavior information QJ1 and the second driving behavior information QJ2. The risk assessment unit 114 generates reference driving characteristics indicating the characteristics of the driving behavior of the driver DV, for example, based on the second driving behavior information QJ2. The risk assessment unit 114 also evaluates the degree of variation of the driving behavior indicated by the first driving behavior information QJ1 acquired by the driving behavior acquisition unit 113 during the current drive from the reference driving characteristics. Then, based on the degree of variation, the risk assessment unit 114 evaluates a second driving risk level DR2 indicating the degree of risk of the driver DV driving the vehicle VC. The risk assessment unit 114 evaluates the second driving risk level DR2, for example, on a scale of 10 points.

[0080] For example, a case where the driving behavior is accelerator operation when starting will be described. The risk assessment unit 114 generates a reference driving characteristic that indicates the characteristics of the accelerator operation of the driver DV when starting off, based on, for example, the accelerator operation at the time of starting off in the driver DV's past driving that is included in the second driving behavior information QJ2. The reference driving characteristic is, for example, an acceleration distribution that indicates the frequency distribution of the average value of acceleration due to the accelerator operation at the time of starting off.

[0081] Next, the risk assessment unit 114 assesses the degree of variation in the acceleration distribution of the accelerator operation at the time of starting, which is indicated by the first driving behavior information QJ1 acquired by the driving behavior acquisition unit 113 during the current driving. For example, if the acceleration due to accelerator operation at the time of starting the current driving is within the range of the first threshold value with respect to the average value of the acceleration distribution, the risk assessment unit 114 calculates the second driving risk level DR2 as "0." The first threshold value is, for example, 1 time the standard deviation.

[0082] For example, if the acceleration due to accelerator operation at the time of starting in the current driving is outside the range of the first threshold value of the acceleration distribution with respect to the average value of the acceleration distribution and is included in the range of the second threshold value of the acceleration distribution, the risk assessment unit 114 calculates the second driving risk level DR2 as "5." The range of the second threshold value is, for example, three times the standard deviation. For example, if the acceleration due to accelerator operation during the current driving is outside the range of the second threshold value of the acceleration distribution with respect to the average value of the acceleration distribution, the risk assessment unit 114 calculates the second driving risk level DR2 as "10". In this way, the risk assessment unit 114 calculates the second driving risk DR2 of the accelerator operation indicated by the driving behavior information QJ acquired during the current driving.

[0083] The risk assessment unit 114 calculates the driving risk level DR from the first driving risk level DR1 and the second driving risk level DR2. For example, the risk assessment unit 114 calculates the driving risk level DR on a scale of 10 points as an average value of the first driving risk level DR1 and the second driving risk level DR2. Furthermore, for example, the risk assessment unit 114 calculates the driving risk level DR on a scale of 10 points as a weighted average value of the first driving risk level DR1 and the second driving risk level DR2.

[0084] The area setting unit 115 sets a danger area DA in the map information when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, "3 points." Furthermore, for example, the higher the driving risk level DR, the more dangerous areas DA the area setting unit 115 sets in the map information. Furthermore, each of the plurality of danger areas DA is associated with danger level information DA1 indicating the degree of danger in the danger area DA and danger content information DA2 indicating the content of the danger in the danger area DA.

[0085] For example, when the driving risk level DR is a predetermined value, the area setting unit 115 sets a predetermined number of risk areas DA for the map information. For example, the risk level indicated by the risk level information DA1 in each of the predetermined number of risk areas DA is equal to or greater than a predetermined level. The predetermined level indicates, for example, a high level of risk.

[0086] For example, when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the area setting unit 115 sets a first predetermined number of risk areas DA, which is greater than a predetermined number, for the map information. The first predetermined value is, for example, "5 points." For example, the risk level indicated by the risk level information DA1 for each of the first predetermined number of risk areas DA is equal to or greater than a first predetermined level. The first predetermined level indicates, for example, that the risk level is medium.

[0087] For example, when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value, the area setting unit 115 sets a second predetermined number of risk areas DA, which is greater than the first predetermined number, in the map information. The second predetermined value is, for example, "7 points." For example, the risk level indicated by the risk level information DA1 in each of the second predetermined number of risk areas DA is equal to or greater than a second predetermined level. The second predetermined level indicates, for example, a low level of risk. In this case, the area setting unit 115 sets all of the expected risk areas DA in the map information. The danger area DA will be further explained with reference to FIG.

[0088] The position acquisition unit 116 acquires the traveling position PS of the vehicle VC on a map based on the position information of the vehicle VC. The position acquisition unit 116 acquires the position information of the vehicle VC from the in-vehicle device 3, for example.

[0089] When the traveling position PS approaches the danger area DA, the notification unit 117 outputs a first notification NT1 indicating that the traveling position PS has approached the danger area DA. The first notification NT1 includes, for example, danger content information DA2 corresponding to the danger area DA. The first notification NT1 indicates, for example, "There is an area ahead where rear-end collisions frequently occur. Please keep a sufficient distance between vehicles." The notification unit 117, for example, outputs a sound indicating the first notification NT1 from the speaker 16. Furthermore, the notification unit 117 may display an image indicating the first notification NT1 on the first touch panel 14, for example.

[0090] The vehicle speed acquisition unit 118 acquires vehicle speed information indicating the vehicle's traveling speed VS. The vehicle speed acquisition unit 118 acquires the vehicle speed information indicating the vehicle's traveling speed VS from the in-vehicle device 3, for example.

[0091] When the traveling speed VS is higher than the reference speed VA of the road on which the vehicle VC is traveling, the notification unit 117 outputs a second notification NT2 that is stronger than the first notification NT1. The second notification NT2 may say, for example, "It's dangerous. You're driving too fast. There's a place ahead where rear-end collisions are common. Please keep a sufficient distance between vehicles." The notification unit 117, for example, outputs a sound indicating the second notification NT2 from the speaker 16. Furthermore, the notification unit 117 may display an image indicating the second notification NT2 on the first touch panel 14, for example.

[0092] Furthermore, if the driving history HD indicates that the vehicle has traveled through the danger area DA in the past and has performed appropriate driving behavior in the danger area DA, the notification unit 117 does not output the first notification NT1 regarding this danger area DA. The appropriate driving behavior is, for example, a driving behavior that ensures safety.

[0093] The notification unit 117 displays the danger area DA on the map in a manner according to the danger level of the danger area DA. The danger level corresponds to, for example, danger level information DA1. For example, the greater the degree of danger of the danger area DA, the more emphasized the danger area DA is displayed on the map by the notification unit 117. For example, the greater the degree of danger of the danger area DA, the larger the danger area DA is displayed on the map by the notification unit 117. The degree of danger corresponds to an example of the "degree of danger."

[0094] The notification unit 117 outputs, as a first notification NT1, advice information AD regarding the ability item that has been lowest evaluated by the health state evaluation unit 112. Note that the driving ability AB is composed of, for example, planning ability AB1, perception ability AB2, attention ability AB3, judgment ability AB4, and operation ability AB5. The advice information AD corresponding to each of the planning ability AB1, the perception ability AB2, the attention ability AB3, the judgment ability AB4, and the operation ability AB5 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0095] When the traveling position PS approaches the danger area DA, the notification unit 117 displays warning information about the danger area DA. When the traveling position PS approaches the danger area DA, the notification unit 117 displays warning information about the danger area DA on the first touch panel 14.

[0096] [5. Correlation between biometric information, health score, and address information] Next, the correlation between the biometric information BJ, the health rating score RS, and the advice information AD will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the biometric information BJ, the health rating score RS, and the advice information AD. The health rating score RS is a rating for each of five abilities that indicate the driving ability AB. Fig. 6 shows a correlation diagram 500. The correlation diagram 500 includes biometric information BJ, health rating score RS, and advice information AD.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 6, the biometric information BJ includes first biometric information BJ1 and second biometric information BJ2. The first biological information BJ1 is biological information of the driver DV while the driver DV is driving, and includes, for example, first sleep information BJ11, first exercise information BJ12, and first stress information BJ13. The second biological information BJ2 is biological information of the driver DV before the driver DV starts driving, and includes, for example, second sleep information BJ21, second exercise information BJ22, and second stress information BJ23. The health score RS also includes a planning ability score RS1, a perception ability score RS2, an attention ability score RS3, a judgment ability score RS4, and an operation ability score RS5.

[0098] The health condition evaluation unit 112 evaluates the health condition of the driver DV based on the second biological information BJ2 and generates a health score RS indicating the level of the health condition of the driver DV. The health score RS is composed of a planning ability score RS1, a perceptual ability score RS2, an attention ability score RS3, a judgment ability score RS4, and an operating ability score RS5. The health state evaluation unit 112 may correct the health score RS using the first biological information BJ1.

[0099] The arrow between the first biological information BJ1 and the health score RS in FIG. 6 indicates that there is a correlation. For example, the planning ability score RS1 is correlated with the second sleep information BJ21, so the health state evaluation section 112 generates the planning ability score RS1 based on the second sleep information BJ21. Furthermore, for example, the perceptual ability score RS2 is correlated with the second sleep information BJ21, so the health state evaluation section 112 generates the perceptual ability score RS2 based on the second sleep information BJ21.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, the attention ability score RS3 is correlated with the second sleep information BJ21, the second exercise information BJ22, and the second stress information BJ23. Therefore, the health state evaluation unit 112 generates the attention ability score RS3 based on the second sleep information BJ21, the second exercise information BJ22, and the second stress information BJ23. Furthermore, for example, the judgment ability score RS4 is correlated with the second sleep information BJ21 and the second exercise information BJ22. Therefore, the health state evaluation section 112 generates the judgment ability score RS4 based on the second sleep information BJ21 and the second exercise information BJ22. Furthermore, for example, the operation ability score RS5 is correlated with the second sleep information BJ21 and the second exercise information BJ22. Therefore, the health state evaluation unit 112 generates the operation ability score RS5 based on the second sleep information BJ21 and the second exercise information BJ22.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 6, the advice information AD includes, for example, first advice information AD1, second advice information AD2, third advice information AD3, fourth advice information AD4, and fifth advice information AD5. The first driving behavior information QJ1 includes first behavior information QJ11, second behavior information QJ12, third behavior information QJ13, fourth behavior information QJ14, and fifth behavior information QJ15.

[0102] The first advice information AD1 is, for example, advice information AD regarding the operation of the accelerator pedal 341 when the driver DV starts the vehicle VC. The first advice information AD1 is, for example, advice information AD urging the driver DV not to make a sudden start. The first behavior information QJ11 is the operation of the accelerator pedal 341 when the driver DV starts the vehicle VC. When the driving risk level DR increases due to the first behavior information QJ11, the notification unit 117 may, for example, output a sound indicating the first advice information AD1 from the speaker 16.

[0103] The second advice information AD2 is, for example, advice information AD regarding the operation of the brake pedal 342 when the driver DV stops the vehicle VC. The second advice information AD2 is, for example, advice information AD urging the driver DV not to make a sudden stop. The second behavior information QJ12 is the operation of the brake pedal 342 when the driver DV stops the vehicle VC. When the driving risk level DR increases due to the second behavior information QJ12, the notification unit 117 may, for example, output a sound indicating the second advice information AD2 from the speaker 16.

[0104] The third advice information AD3 is, for example, advice information AD regarding the operation of the steering wheel 340 when the driver DV makes the vehicle VC overtake another vehicle. The third advice information AD3 is, for example, advice information AD urging the driver DV not to make abrupt turns. The third behavior information QJ13 is the operation of the steering wheel 340 when the driver DV causes the vehicle VC to overtake another vehicle. When the driving risk level DR increases due to the third behavior information QJ13, the notification unit 117 may, for example, output a sound indicating the third advice information AD3 from the speaker 16.

[0105] The fourth advice information AD4 is, for example, advice information AD regarding the distance between the vehicle VC driven by the driver DV and another vehicle traveling ahead. The fourth advice information AD4 is, for example, advice information AD urging the driver DV to maintain an appropriate distance between the vehicles. The fourth behavior information QJ14 is an operation that changes the distance between the vehicle VC driven by the driver DV and another vehicle traveling ahead. The fourth behavior information QJ14 includes, for example, operation of the accelerator pedal 341 and operation of the brake pedal 342. When the driving risk level DR increases due to the fourth behavior information QJ14, the notification unit 117 may, for example, output a sound indicating the fourth advice information AD4 from the speaker 16.

[0106] The fifth advice information AD5 is advice information AD related to lateral sway of the vehicle VC driven by the driver DV. The fifth advice information AD5 is, for example, advice information AD urging the driver DV to suppress lateral sway of the vehicle VC. The fifth behavior information QJ15 is an operation that causes the vehicle VC driven by the driver DV to sway left or right. The fifth behavior information QJ15 includes, for example, a loose grip on the steering wheel 340. When the driving risk level DR increases due to the fifth behavior information QJ15, the notification unit 117 may, for example, output a sound indicating the fifth advice information AD5 from the speaker 16.

[0107] The arrow between the health score RS and the advice information AD in FIG. 6 indicates that there is a correlation. The notification unit 117 selects, for example, advice information AD corresponding to the lowest score among the planning ability score RS1, the perception ability score RS2, the attention ability score RS3, the judgment ability score RS4, and the operation ability score RS5.

[0108] 6, for example, the planning ability score RS1 is correlated with the first advice information AD1 and the second advice information AD2. Therefore, when the planning ability score RS1 is the lowest score, the notification unit 117 notifies, for example, the first advice information AD1 and the second advice information AD2 with priority.

[0109] Furthermore, the perceptual ability rating RS2 is correlated with the third advice information AD3 and the fifth advice information AD5. Therefore, when the perceptual ability rating RS2 is the lowest rating, the notification unit 117 notifies, for example, the third advice information AD3 and the fifth advice information AD5 preferentially.

[0110] Furthermore, the attention ability rating score RS3 is correlated with the first advice information AD1, the third advice information AD3, and the fourth advice information AD4. Therefore, when the attention ability rating score RS3 is the lowest rating score, the notification unit 117 notifies, for example, the first advice information AD1, the third advice information AD3, and the fourth advice information AD4 preferentially.

[0111] Furthermore, the judgment ability rating RS4 is correlated with the second advice information AD2, the third advice information AD3, and the fifth advice information AD5. Therefore, when the judgment ability rating RS4 is the lowest rating, the notification unit 117 notifies, for example, the second advice information AD2, the third advice information AD3, and the fifth advice information AD5 with priority.

[0112] Furthermore, the operation ability rating RS5 is correlated with the fifth advice information AD5. Therefore, when the operation ability rating RS5 is the lowest rating, the notification unit 117 notifies, for example, the fifth advice information AD5 with priority.

[0113] [6.Display screen] Next, a display screen PC displayed on the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a screen diagram showing an example of a display screen PC displayed on the smartphone 1. The display screen PC is displayed on the first touch panel 14 by the notification unit 117. The display screen PC includes a map image PM corresponding to the map information MP, a first area image PD1, a second area image PD2, and a third area image PD3 corresponding to the danger area DA, and a position image PP indicating the driving position PS of the vehicle VC.

[0114] The map image PM includes a first road R1, a second road R2, and a third road R3, each of which intersects with the second road R2. The first region image PD1 is positioned in front of the traveling position PS of the vehicle VC indicated in the position image PP. The second region image PD2 is positioned at a location on the third road R3 with a small radius of curvature. The third region image PD3 is positioned on the third road R3 just before the intersection with the second road R2.

[0115] The third region image PD3 is displayed larger than the first region image PD1 and the second region image PD2. By displaying it in this manner, it is shown that the degree of danger of the danger region DA corresponding to the third region image PD3 is greater than the degree of danger of the danger region DA corresponding to the first region image PD1 and the degree of danger of the danger region DA corresponding to the second region image PD2.

[0116] [7. Smartphone Processing] Next, the processing of the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the smartphone 1. First, in step S101, the biometric information acquisition unit 111 acquires the second biometric information BJ2, for example, from the smart watch 2. The second biometric information BJ2 is biometric information of the driver DV in a first period before starting to drive the vehicle VC. Next, in step S103, the health condition evaluation unit 112 evaluates the health condition of the driver DV based on the second biological information BJ2, and generates a health score RS indicating the level of the driver DV's health condition.

[0117] Next, in step S105, the first control unit 11 determines whether the driver DV has started driving the vehicle VC. For example, the first control unit 11 determines that the driver DV has started driving the vehicle VC when the smartphone 1 is attached to the holder 350. If the first control unit 11 determines that the driver DV has not started driving the vehicle VC (step S105; NO), the process returns to step S101. If the first control unit 11 determines that the driver DV has started driving the vehicle VC (step S105; YES), the process proceeds to step S107. Then, in step S107, the biometric information acquisition unit 111 acquires the first biometric information BJ1 from the smart watch 2. Next, in step S109, the health state evaluation unit 112 corrects the health score RS generated in step S103 based on the first biological information BJ1.

[0118] Next, in step S111, the driving behavior acquisition unit 113 acquires driving behavior information QJ indicating the driving behavior of the driver DV, for example, from the in-vehicle device 3. The driving behavior information QJ includes first driving behavior information QJ1 and second driving behavior information QJ2. The first driving behavior information QJ1 indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV while driving the vehicle VC. The second driving behavior information QJ2 indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV during a second period before the driver DV starts driving the vehicle VC. Next, in step S113, the risk assessment unit 114 assesses a driving risk level DR indicating the degree of risk while the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC. The risk assessment unit 114 assesses the driving risk level DR indicating the degree of risk while the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC, for example, based on the first biometric information BJ1, the second biometric information BJ2, the first driving behavior information QJ1, and the second driving behavior information QJ2. Next, in step S115, the area setting unit 115 sets a danger area DA for the map information when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In the following description, the case where the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value will be described.

[0119] Next, in step S117, the position acquisition unit 116 acquires the traveling position PS of the vehicle VC on the map from the in-vehicle device 3 based on the position information of the vehicle VC. Next, in step S119, the first control unit 11 determines whether or not the traveling position PS has approached the danger area DA. If the first control unit 11 determines that the traveling position PS is not approaching the danger area DA (step S119; NO), the process returns to step S117. If the first control unit 11 determines that the traveling position PS is approaching the danger area DA (step S119; YES), the process proceeds to step S121. Then, in step S121, the vehicle speed acquisition unit 118 acquires, from the in-vehicle device 3, vehicle speed information indicating the traveling speed VS of the vehicle.

[0120] Next, in step S123, the first control unit 11 determines whether or not the traveling speed VS is higher than the reference speed VA of the road on which the vehicle VC is traveling. If it is determined that the traveling speed VS is higher than the reference speed VA of the road on which the vehicle VC is traveling (step S123; YES), the process proceeds to step S125. Then, in step S125, the notification unit 117 outputs a second notification NT2 that is stronger than the first notification NT1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S129. If it is determined that the traveling speed VS is not higher than the reference speed VA of the road on which the vehicle VC is traveling (step S123; NO), the process proceeds to step S127. Then, in step S127, the notification unit 117 outputs a first notification NT1 indicating that the traveling position PS has approached the danger area DA.

[0121] Next, in step S129, the first control unit 11 determines whether the driver DV has finished driving the vehicle VC. For example, the first control unit 11 determines that the driver DV has finished driving the vehicle VC when the smartphone 1 is removed from the holder 350. If the first control unit 11 determines that the driver DV has not finished driving the vehicle VC (step S129; NO), the process returns to step S107. If the first control unit 11 determines that the driver DV has finished driving the vehicle VC (step S129; YES), the process then ends.

[0122] Step S107 corresponds to an example of a "biometric information acquisition step." Step S111 corresponds to an example of a "driving behavior acquisition step." Step S113 corresponds to an example of a "risk assessment step." Step S115 corresponds to an example of a "region setting step." Step S117 corresponds to an example of a "position acquisition step." Step S127 corresponds to an example of a "notification step."

[0123] [8. Composition and Effects] As described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, the smartphone 1 of this embodiment includes a biometric information acquisition unit 111 that acquires biometric information BJ of the driver DV, a driving behavior acquisition unit 113 that acquires driving behavior information QJ indicating the driving behavior of the driver DV, a risk evaluation unit 114 that evaluates a driving risk level DR that indicates the degree of risk while the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC based on the biometric information BJ and the driving behavior information QJ, a map information storage unit 110 that stores map information MP, an area setting unit 115 that sets a danger area DA for the map information MP when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a position acquisition unit 116 that acquires the driving position PS of the vehicle VC on the map based on the position information of the vehicle VC, and a notification unit 117 that outputs a first notification NT1 indicating that the driving position PS has approached the danger area DA when the driving position PS approaches the danger area DA.

[0124] Therefore, when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the danger area DA is set in the map information MP, so that the danger area DA can be set appropriately. Also, when the traveling position PS approaches the danger area DA, the first notification NT1 indicating that the traveling position PS has approached the danger area DA is output, so that the first notification NT1 can be output appropriately.

[0125] The smartphone 1 also includes a vehicle speed acquisition unit 118 that acquires vehicle speed information indicating the vehicle speed VS of the vehicle VC, and the notification unit 117 outputs a second notification NT2, which is a stronger notification than the first notification NT1, when the vehicle speed VS is higher than the reference speed VA of the road on which the vehicle VC is traveling.

[0126] Therefore, when the traveling speed VS is higher than the reference speed VA of the road on which the vehicle VC is traveling, the second notification NT2, which is a stronger notification than the first notification NT1, is output, so the second notification NT2 can be output appropriately.

[0127] In addition, in the smartphone 1, the biometric information BJ includes first biometric information BJ1, which is biometric information when the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC, and second biometric information BJ2, which is biometric information during a first period before the driver DV starts driving the vehicle VC, and the driving behavior information QJ includes first driving behavior information QJ1, which is the driving behavior of the driver DV while driving the vehicle VC, and second driving behavior information QJ2, which indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV during a second period before the driver DV starts driving the vehicle VC, and the risk assessment unit 114 evaluates the driving risk level DR based on the first biometric information BJ1, the second biometric information BJ2, the first driving behavior information QJ1, and the second driving behavior information QJ2, and the area setting unit 115 sets a risk area DA for the map information according to the driving risk level DR.

[0128] Therefore, since the driving risk level DR is evaluated based on the first biometric information BJ1, the second biometric information BJ2, the first driving behavior information QJ1, and the second driving behavior information QJ2, the driving risk level DR can be evaluated appropriately. Furthermore, since the danger area DA is set for the map information according to the driving risk level DR, the danger area DA can be set appropriately.

[0129] In addition, the smartphone 1 is provided with a driving history memory unit 120 that stores the driving history HD of the driver DV's vehicle VC, and if the driving history HD indicates that the driver DV has previously driven through a dangerous area DA and has performed appropriate driving behavior in the dangerous area DA, the notification unit 117 does not output the first notification NT1 regarding the dangerous area DA.

[0130] Therefore, if the vehicle has previously traveled through the danger area DA and has performed appropriate driving behavior in the danger area DA, the first notification NT1 regarding the danger area DA will not be output, thereby preventing the output of unnecessary notifications.

[0131] Furthermore, in the smartphone 1, the notification unit 117 displays the danger area DA on the map in a manner according to the degree of danger of the danger area DA.

[0132] Therefore, since the danger area DA is displayed on the map in a manner according to the degree of danger of the danger area DA, the driver DV can visually recognize the degree of danger of the danger area DA, thereby improving convenience for the driver DV.

[0133] The smartphone 1 also has a health condition evaluation unit 112 that evaluates the health condition of the driver DV based on the first biometric information BJ1 and the second biometric information BJ2, and the health condition evaluation unit 112 evaluates whether the health condition of the driver DV is appropriate for each of the multiple ability items that make up the driving ability AB, and the notification unit 117 outputs advice information AD regarding the ability item that has been lowest rated by the health condition evaluation unit 112 as the first notification NT1.

[0134] Therefore, the advice information AD relating to the ability item with the lowest evaluation is output, so that the advice information AD can be output appropriately.

[0135] Furthermore, in the smartphone 1, when the traveling position PS approaches the danger area DA, the notification unit 117 displays warning information regarding the danger area DA.

[0136] Therefore, when the traveling position PS approaches the danger area DA, the warning information regarding the danger area DA is displayed, so that the driver DV can visually recognize the warning information regarding the danger area DA. Therefore, convenience for the driver DV can be improved.

[0137] In addition, the driving assistance method of this embodiment includes a biometric information acquisition step of acquiring biometric information BJ of the driver DV, a driving behavior acquisition step of acquiring driving behavior information QJ indicating the driving behavior of the driver DV, a risk evaluation step of evaluating a driving risk level DR indicating the degree of risk while the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC based on the biometric information BJ and the driving behavior information QJ, an area setting step of setting a danger area DA in pre-stored map information MP if the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a position acquisition step of acquiring the driving position PS of the vehicle VC on the map based on the position information of the vehicle VC, and a notification step of outputting a first notification NT1 indicating that the driving position PS has approached the danger area DA when the driving position PS approaches the danger area DA.

[0138] Therefore, the driving assistance method according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the smartphone 1 according to this embodiment, and therefore has the same effects as the smartphone 1 according to this embodiment.

[0139] In addition, the first control program PG1 of this embodiment causes the first processor 11A provided in the driving assistance device to function as: a biometric information acquisition unit 111 that acquires biometric information BJ of the driver DV; a driving behavior acquisition unit 113 that acquires driving behavior information QJ that indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV; a risk evaluation unit 114 that evaluates a driving risk level DR that indicates the degree of risk while the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC based on the biometric information BJ and the driving behavior information QJ; a map information storage unit 110 that stores map information MP; an area setting unit 115 that sets a danger area DA for the map information MP when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition unit 116 that acquires the driving position PS of the vehicle VC on the map based on the position information of the vehicle VC; and a notification unit 117 that outputs a first notification NT1 that indicates that the driving position PS has approached the danger area DA when the driving position PS approaches the danger area DA.

[0140] Therefore, the first control program PG1 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the smartphone 1 according to this embodiment, and therefore provides the same effects as the smartphone 1 according to this embodiment.

[0141] In addition, the driving assistance system of this embodiment includes a smart watch 2 that detects the biometric information BJ of the driver DV, an in-vehicle device 3 that detects the driving behavior of the driver DV, and a smartphone 1 that communicates with the smart watch 2 and the in-vehicle device 3. The smartphone 1 includes a biometric information acquisition unit 111 that acquires the biometric information BJ of the driver DV, a driving behavior acquisition unit 113 that acquires driving behavior information QJ that indicates the driving behavior of the driver DV, a risk evaluation unit 114 that evaluates a driving risk level DR that indicates the degree of risk while the driver DV is driving the vehicle VC based on the biometric information BJ and the driving behavior information QJ, a map information storage unit 110 that stores map information MP, an area setting unit 115 that sets a danger area DA for the map information MP when the driving risk level DR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a position acquisition unit 116 that acquires the driving position PS of the vehicle VC on the map based on the position information of the vehicle VC, and a notification unit 117 that outputs a first notification NT1 indicating that the driving position PS has approached the danger area DA when the driving position PS approaches the danger area DA.

[0142] Therefore, the driving assistance system 100 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the smartphone 1 according to this embodiment, and therefore has the same effects as the smartphone 1 according to this embodiment.

[0143] 9. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the case where the "driving assistance device" is configured by the smartphone 1 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "driving assistance device" may be configured by, for example, a personal computer, a tablet device, a server device, etc. Furthermore, at least a part of the "driving assistance device" may be configured by the ECU 31 of the in-vehicle device 3.

[0145] In this embodiment, the smart watch 2 generates biometric information of the driver DV, but the embodiment is not limited to this. A "device" that generates biometric information of the driver DV may be attached to the driver DV and generate the biometric information BJ. For example, a "device" that generates biometric information of the driver DV may be attached to the driver DV's arm, head, foot, etc. Also, for example, the "device" may be a smart innerwear that is attached to the innerwear worn by the driver DV. Also, for example, the "device" may be a sensing device that is attached to the skin or inside the driver DV.

[0146] In the present embodiment, the notifying unit 117 outputs the sound indicating the first notification NT1 from the speaker 16, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The notifying unit 117 may output the sound indicating the first notification NT1 from at least one of the left speaker 333a and the right speaker 333b of the vehicle VC. In addition, in the present embodiment, the notifying unit 117 displays an image indicating the first notification NT1 on the first touch panel 14, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The notifying unit 117 may also display an image indicating the first notification NT1 on the fourth touch panel 44 provided in the in-vehicle device 3.

[0147] For example, the configurations of the smartwatch 2 shown in Fig. 2, the in-car device 3 shown in Fig. 3, and the smartphone 1 shown in Fig. 5 each show functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0148] 8 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the processing of the smartphone 1, and the present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8. Furthermore, the processing of the smartphone 1 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content, or one processing unit can be divided so as to include more processes. Furthermore, the processing order of the above flowchart is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0149] [10. Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment is a specific example of the following configuration.

[0150] (Configuration 1) a risk assessment unit that assesses a driving risk level that indicates a degree of risk while the user is driving a vehicle based on the biometric information and the driving behavior information; a map information storage unit that stores map information; an area setting unit that sets a risk area in the map information when the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition unit that acquires a driving position of the vehicle on a map based on position information of the vehicle; and a notification unit that, when the driving position approaches the risk area, outputs a first notification indicating that the driving position has approached the risk area.

[0151] The driving assistance device of configuration 1 sets a danger area in map information when the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so that the danger area can be set appropriately. Also, when the driving position approaches the danger area, the driving assistance device outputs a first notification indicating that the driving position is approaching the danger area, so that the first notification can be output appropriately.

[0152] (Configuration 2) The driving assistance device according to configuration 1 further includes a vehicle speed acquisition unit that acquires vehicle speed information indicating a traveling speed of the vehicle, and the notification unit outputs a second notification that is stronger than the first notification when the traveling speed is higher than a reference speed of a road on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0153] The driving assistance device of configuration 2 outputs the second notification, which is stronger than the first notification, when the traveling speed of the vehicle is higher than the reference speed of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and therefore can output the second notification appropriately.

[0154] (Configuration 3) the driving assistance device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the biometric information includes first biometric information that is biometric information of the user while he / she is driving the vehicle and second biometric information that is biometric information in a first period before the user starts driving the vehicle; the driving behavior information includes first driving behavior information that is driving behavior of the user while he / she is driving the vehicle and second driving behavior information that indicates driving behavior of the user in a second period before the user starts driving the vehicle; the risk assessment unit evaluates the driving risk level based on the first biometric information, the second biometric information, the first driving behavior information, and the second driving behavior information; and the area setting unit sets a risk area in the map information according to the driving risk level.

[0155] The driving assistance device of configuration 3 can appropriately evaluate the driving risk level because it evaluates the driving risk level based on the first biological information, the second biological information, the first driving behavior information, and the second driving behavior information. Furthermore, it can appropriately set the risk area because it sets the risk area in the map information according to the driving risk level.

[0156] (Configuration 4) 4. The driving assistance device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising: a driving history storage unit configured to store a driving history of the user's vehicle; and when the driving history indicates that the user has driven through the danger area in the past and has performed appropriate driving behavior in the danger area, the notification unit does not output the first notification regarding the danger area.

[0157] The driving assistance device of configuration 4 does not output the first notification regarding the dangerous area if it indicates that the vehicle has previously driven through the dangerous area and has performed appropriate driving behavior in the dangerous area, thereby suppressing the output of unnecessary notifications.

[0158] (Configuration 5) 5. The driving assistance device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the notification unit displays the danger area on the map in a manner according to a degree of danger of the danger area.

[0159] The driving assistance device of configuration 5 displays the danger area on the map in a manner according to the danger level of the danger area, so that the driver can visually recognize the danger level of the danger area, thereby improving convenience for the driver.

[0160] (Configuration 6) The driving assistance device according to configuration 3 further comprises a health condition evaluation unit that evaluates the health condition of the user based on the first biological information and the second biological information, wherein the health condition evaluation unit evaluates whether the health condition of the user is appropriate for each of a plurality of ability items that constitute driving ability, and the notification unit outputs, as the first notification, advice information regarding the ability item that has been lowest evaluated by the health condition evaluation unit.

[0161] The driving assistance device of configuration 6 outputs advice information relating to the ability item with the lowest evaluation, and therefore can output advice information appropriately.

[0162] (Configuration 7) 7. The driving assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit displays, when the traveling position approaches the danger area, warning information regarding the danger area.

[0163] The driving assistance device of configuration 7 displays warning information about the dangerous area when the driving position approaches the dangerous area, so that the driver can visually recognize the warning information about the dangerous area, thereby improving convenience for the driver.

[0164] (Configuration 8) a risk assessment step of evaluating a driving risk level indicating a degree of risk while the user is driving a vehicle based on the biometric information and the driving behavior information; an area setting step of setting a risk area in pre-stored map information if the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition step of acquiring a driving position of the vehicle on a map based on position information of the vehicle; and a notification step of outputting a first notification indicating that the driving position has approached the risk area when the driving position approaches the risk area.

[0165] The driving assistance method of the eighth aspect has the same configuration as the driving assistance device of the first aspect, and therefore has the same effects as the driving assistance device of the first aspect.

[0166] (Configuration 9) A driving assistance program that causes a processor included in a driving assistance device to function as a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user, a driving behavior acquisition unit that acquires driving behavior information that indicates the driving behavior of the user, a risk assessment unit that evaluates a driving risk level that indicates the degree of risk while the user is driving a vehicle based on the biometric information and the driving behavior information, a map information storage unit that stores map information, an area setting unit that sets a risk area in the map information when the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a position acquisition unit that acquires the driving position of the vehicle on a map based on position information of the vehicle, and a notification unit that outputs a first notification that the driving position has approached the risk area when the driving position approaches the risk area.

[0167] The driving assistance program of the ninth aspect has the same configuration as the driving assistance device of the first aspect, and therefore has the same effects as the driving assistance device of the first aspect.

[0168] (Configuration 10) a driving assistance system comprising: a biometric detection device that detects biometric information of a user; a driving detection device that detects the driving behavior of the user; and a driving assistance device that communicates with the biometric detection device and the driving detection device, wherein the driving assistance system comprises: a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires the biometric information of the user from the biometric detection device; a driving behavior acquisition unit that acquires driving behavior information indicating the driving behavior of the user from the driving detection device; a risk assessment unit that evaluates a driving risk level that indicates the degree of risk while the user is driving a vehicle based on the biometric information and the driving behavior information; a map information storage unit that stores map information; an area setting unit that sets a risk area in the map information if the driving risk level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition unit that acquires the driving position of the vehicle on a map based on position information of the vehicle; and a notification unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the driving position is approaching the risk area when the driving position approaches the risk area.

[0169] The driving assistance system of configuration 10 has the same configuration as the driving assistance device of configuration 1, and therefore has the same effects as the driving assistance device of configuration 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 100...driving assistance system, 1...smartphone (driving assistance device), 11...first control unit, 11A...first processor, 11B...first memory, 110...map information storage unit, 111...biometric information acquisition unit, 112...health condition evaluation unit, 113...driving behavior acquisition unit, 114...risk assessment unit, 115...area setting unit, 116...position acquisition unit, 117...notification unit, 118...vehicle speed acquisition unit, 120...driving history storage unit, 16...speaker, 17...microphone, 14...first touch panel, 2...smartwatch (biometric detection device), 25...biometric information generation unit, 3...in-vehicle device (driving detection device), 31...ECU, 35...driving information generation unit, AB...driving ability, AB1...planning ability, AB2...perception ability, AB3...attention ability, AB4...judgment ability, AB5...operation ability, AD...advice information, BJ...generation Body information, BJ1...first biological information, BJ11...first sleep information, BJ12...first movement information, BJ13...first stress information, BJ2...second biological information, BJ21...second sleep information, BJ22...second movement information, BJ23...second stress information, DR...driving risk level, DR1...first driving risk level, DR2...second driving risk level, DV...driver (user), HD...driving history, MP...map information, NT1...first notification, NT2...second notification, PG1...first control program (driving assistance program), PS...driving position, QJ...driving information, QJ1...first driving information, QJ2...second driving information, RS...health rating, RS1...planning ability rating, RS2...perceptual ability rating, RS3...attention ability rating, RS4...judgment ability rating, RS5...operation ability rating, VA...reference speed, VC...vehicle, VS...driving speed.

Claims

1. a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user; a driving behavior acquisition unit that acquires driving behavior information indicating the driving behavior of the user; a risk assessment unit that assesses a driving risk level indicating a degree of risk that the user may pose while driving a vehicle based on the biological information and the driving behavior information; a map information storage unit that stores map information; an area setting unit that sets a danger area in the map information when the driving danger level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition unit that acquires a traveling position of the vehicle on a map based on the position information of the vehicle; a notification unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the traveling position has approached the dangerous area when the traveling position approaches the dangerous area; A driving assistance device comprising:

2. a vehicle speed acquisition unit that acquires vehicle speed information indicating a traveling speed of the vehicle; the notification unit outputs a second notification that is stronger than the first notification when the traveling speed is higher than a reference speed of a road on which the vehicle is traveling. The driving assistance device according to claim 1 .

3. the biometric information includes first biometric information that is biometric information obtained while the user is driving the vehicle, and second biometric information that is biometric information obtained during a first period before the user starts driving the vehicle; the driving behavior information includes first driving behavior information that is driving behavior of the user while the user is driving the vehicle, and second driving behavior information that indicates driving behavior of the user in a second period before the user starts driving the vehicle; the risk assessment unit assesses the driving risk based on the first biological information, the second biological information, the first driving behavior information, and the second driving behavior information; the area setting unit sets a danger area for the map information in accordance with the driving danger level; The driving assistance device according to claim 1 .

4. a driving history storage unit that stores a driving history of the user's vehicle; When the driving history indicates that the vehicle has previously driven through the dangerous area and has performed appropriate driving behavior in the dangerous area, the notification unit does not output the first notification regarding the dangerous area. The driving assistance device according to claim 1 .

5. the notification unit displays the danger area on the map in a manner according to the degree of danger of the danger area. The driving assistance device according to claim 1 .

6. a health condition evaluation unit that evaluates a health condition of the user based on the first biological information and the second biological information; the health state evaluation unit evaluates whether the user's health state is appropriate for each of a plurality of ability items constituting driving ability; the notification unit outputs, as the first notification, advice information regarding the ability item for which the health state evaluation unit has the lowest evaluation. The driving assistance device according to claim 3 .

7. the notification unit displays warning information regarding the dangerous area when the traveling position approaches the dangerous area. The driving assistance device according to claim 1 .

8. a biometric information acquisition step of acquiring biometric information of a user; a driving behavior acquisition step of acquiring driving behavior information indicating the driving behavior of the user; a risk assessment step of assessing a driving risk level indicating a degree of risk when the user is driving a vehicle based on the biological information and the driving behavior information; an area setting step of setting a danger area in pre-stored map information when the driving danger level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition step of acquiring a traveling position of the vehicle on a map based on the position information of the vehicle; a notification step of outputting a first notification indicating that the traveling position has approached the dangerous area when the traveling position has approached the dangerous area; A driving assistance method comprising:

9. A processor included in the driving assistance device, a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user; a driving behavior acquisition unit that acquires driving behavior information indicating the driving behavior of the user; a risk assessment unit that assesses a driving risk level indicating a degree of risk that the user may pose while driving a vehicle based on the biological information and the driving behavior information; a map information storage unit that stores map information; an area setting unit that sets a danger area in the map information when the driving danger level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition unit that acquires a traveling position of the vehicle on a map based on the position information of the vehicle; and a notification unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the traveling position has approached the dangerous area when the traveling position has approached the dangerous area; A driving assistance program that functions as a

10. a biometric detection device that detects biometric information of a user; a driving detection device that detects the driving behavior of the user; a driving assistance device that communicates with the living body detection device and the driving detection device; The driving assistance device a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of the user from the biometric detection device; a driving behavior acquisition unit that acquires driving behavior information indicating the driving behavior of the user from the driving detection device; a risk assessment unit that assesses a driving risk level indicating a degree of risk that the user may pose while driving a vehicle based on the biological information and the driving behavior information; a map information storage unit that stores map information; an area setting unit that sets a danger area in the map information when the driving danger level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a position acquisition unit that acquires a traveling position of the vehicle on a map based on the position information of the vehicle; a notification unit that outputs a first notification indicating that the traveling position has approached the dangerous area when the traveling position approaches the dangerous area; A driving assistance system equipped with:

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