Information processing device, parking evaluation system, parking evaluation method, and program

Abstract

The aim is to provide users with an appropriate driving evaluation, even when the difficulty of parking varies from one parking space to another. [Solution] The system includes an evaluation calculation unit that calculates a parking evaluation using an image of a vehicle parked in a parking space and the difficulty level of parking in the parking space, and an evaluation transmission unit that transmits the parking evaluation calculated by the evaluation calculation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a parking evaluation system, a parking evaluation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a parking support system is known that displays a parking evaluation when parking in a parking space (compartment) of a parking lot and supports parking a vehicle at an appropriate position in the compartment. Patent Document 1 discloses calculating a higher evaluation score as the position of the parked vehicle is closer to the center of the compartment, and calculating a higher evaluation score as the time until parking is shorter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the conventional technology, since the difficulty level of parking for each compartment is not considered, there is a problem that an appropriate parking evaluation cannot be provided to the user when the difficulty level of parking differs for each compartment.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an appropriate parking evaluation to the user even when the difficulty level of parking differs for each compartment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes an evaluation calculation unit that calculates the parking evaluation using an image in which a vehicle parks in a compartment that indicates the parking evaluation, and the difficulty level of parking in the compartment, and an evaluation transmission unit that transmits the parking evaluation calculated by the evaluation calculation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, even when the difficulty of parking differs for each parking space, it is possible to provide the user with an appropriate parking evaluation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the parking evaluation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal, information processing device, and vehicle room management server. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle room management server according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the layout of the train cars and the information stored in the difficulty database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for parking evaluation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure by which the vehicle room management server according to the first embodiment transmits the difficulty level of a vehicle room. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a parking evaluation screen displayed on the user terminal's display unit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows another example of a parking evaluation screen displayed on the user terminal's display unit. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the functional configuration of a vehicle room management server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the conditions of a passenger compartment and the information stored in the passenger compartment conditions database. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in which a vehicle compartment management server according to the second embodiment transmits the difficulty level of the vehicle compartment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a vehicle compartment management server according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the usage history database. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for transmitting the difficulty level calculated using the usage history of the target vehicle compartment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a vehicle compartment management server according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the parking evaluation database. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for transmitting the difficulty level calculated using the usage history and evaluation result values of the target vehicle compartment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a parking evaluation system, a parking evaluation method, and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a parking evaluation system 1 according to the first embodiment. The parking evaluation system 1 of this embodiment includes a user terminal 【 10 】, an information processing apparatus 【 20 】, and a vehicle compartment management server 【 30 】 that are connected to each other via a communication network 【 40 】 such as the Internet Here, the user terminal 【 10 】 is a terminal used by the user 【 2 】, and is, for example, a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a navigation terminal installed in the vehicle of the user 【 2 】. Further, the information processing apparatus 【 20 】 and the vehicle compartment management server 【 30 】 are, for example, computers such as a server, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or a desktop PC.

[0011] User 2 parks a vehicle at a parking lot P that has a plurality of parking spaces (vehicle compartments) managed by the vehicle compartment management server 30. The information processing device 20 calculates a parking evaluation indicating an evaluation of parking using data obtained by analyzing the process of parking (parking process) and the result of parking (parking result) of User 2's vehicle, and the difficulty level of parking in the vehicle compartment (target vehicle compartment) where User 2's vehicle parks, and provides it to User 2. User 2 can confirm the provided parking evaluation using the user terminal 10 or the like and grasp their own parking skills. Also, when User 2 is a member of an operator of the parking lot P, by logging in to the member site using the user terminal 10 or the like, the user can confirm and search the history of parking evaluations calculated so far.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10, the information processing device 20, and the vehicle compartment management server 30. Note that the hardware elements of the user terminal 10, the information processing device 20, and the vehicle compartment management server 30 are not limited to the configurations illustrated in FIG. 2, and may be in a form including other hardware elements (for example, input devices such as cameras and microphones, speakers, hard disks, etc.).

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10, the information processing device 20, and the vehicle compartment management server 30 include a MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 601, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 602, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 603, a display unit 604, a communication I / F (interface) unit 605, a storage unit 606, and a bus 610.

[0014] The MPU 601 comprehensively controls the operation of the device (any of the user terminal 10, the information processing device 20, and the vehicle compartment management server 30) on which it is mounted by executing a program, and realizes various functions of the device on which it is mounted. The various functions of each of the user terminal 10, the information processing device 20, and the vehicle compartment management server 30 will be described later.

[0015] ROM 602 is a non-volatile memory that stores various information, including programs executed by the MPU 601. RAM 603 is a volatile memory that contains the working area for the MPU 601. Display unit 604 is a device that displays various information and may be, for example, a liquid crystal type display input device with touch panel functionality.

[0016] The communication interface unit 605 is an interface for connecting to the communication network 40. The storage unit 606 is a storage device such as flash memory or a hard disk. The MPU 601, ROM 602, RAM 603, display unit 604, communication interface unit 605, and storage unit 606 are all connected to each other via the bus 610 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0017] Next, the functions of the information processing device 20 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20. Note that Figure 3 only illustrates the functions necessary for explaining the main parts of this embodiment, but the functions of the information processing device 20 are not limited to these.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 20 includes an image acquisition unit 200, a difficulty level acquisition unit 210, an evaluation calculation unit 220, and an evaluation transmission unit 230. The evaluation calculation unit 220 also includes a parking process analysis unit 221 and a parking result analysis unit 222. The functions of these functional units are realized by executing a program on the MPU 601. Note that the functions of these functional units may also be configured to be executed by computing devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0019] The image acquisition unit 200 acquires images of user 2's vehicle parking in the parking space. The image acquisition unit 200 can acquire such images using cameras installed at the rear of each parking space, etc. The image acquisition unit 200 may acquire multiple images, for example, from the start to the completion of parking. Note that the camera installation position is not limited to the rear, but is also possible at the diagonal rear or front upper part of the parking space.

[0020] The difficulty level acquisition unit 210 acquires the difficulty level of parking in the target parking space. The difficulty level of each parking space is managed by the parking space management server 30, as will be described later. The difficulty level acquisition unit 210 queries the parking space management server 30 for the difficulty level of the target parking space and acquires the difficulty level of the target parking space transmitted from the parking space management server 30.

[0021] The evaluation calculation unit 220 calculates a parking evaluation, which indicates the evaluation of parking, using the images acquired by the image acquisition unit 200 and the difficulty level acquired by the difficulty level acquisition unit 210. As described below, the evaluation calculation unit 220 calculates the parking evaluation using the analysis results from the parking process analysis unit 221 and the parking result analysis unit 222, and the difficulty level of the target parking space.

[0022] The parking process analysis unit 221 of the evaluation calculation unit 220 analyzes the parking process from images of the parking process acquired by the image acquisition unit 200. The parking process analysis unit 221 outputs analysis results such as the number of times user 2's vehicle approached the parking space lines of surrounding spaces during the parking process, and the number of times the vehicle made reversals from the start to the completion of parking. The analysis results may also include the degree of approach to the parking space lines of surrounding spaces and the time required for reversals.

[0023] Furthermore, the analysis results may include information such as the starting position of the parking maneuver (whether the vehicle is parked close enough, etc.) and whether it is a front-parking or rear-parking maneuver. The analysis results may also include information on whether the center of the vehicle (center of the rear of the vehicle, etc.) passed through the position where the center of the vehicle should pass if it were parked correctly.

[0024] The parking result analysis unit 222 of the evaluation calculation unit 220 analyzes the parking result from the image of the parking result acquired by the image acquisition unit 200. The parking result analysis unit 222 outputs analysis results such as whether the vehicle of user 2, which has completed parking, is located in the center of the target parking space, and whether the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the target parking space. The analysis results may also include the amount of deviation from the center position of the target parking space and the amount of inclination of the target parking space with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] The parking evaluation E is calculated, for example, using the parking process evaluation E1, the parking result evaluation E2, the difficulty level D, coefficients α1, α2, and β, and an offset γ (each coefficient and offset are constants) as shown in equation (1) below.

[0026] E=(α1×E1+α2×E2)×(β×D)+γ...(1)

[0027] The parking process evaluation E1 is an evaluation based on the analysis results by the parking process analysis unit 221 and is expressed as a score from 0 to 100 points. For example, the parking process evaluation E1 is calculated to be higher the fewer times the vehicle approaches the parking space lines and the fewer times it has to maneuver, and the shorter the time required for parking.

[0028] The parking result evaluation E2 is an evaluation based on the analysis results by the parking result analysis unit 222 and is expressed as a score from 0 to 100 points. For example, the parking result evaluation E2 is calculated to be higher the smaller the amount of deviation of the vehicle from the center position of the target parking space, and the smaller the amount of inclination of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the target parking space.

[0029] Difficulty level D is the difficulty level acquired by the difficulty level acquisition unit 210, and is expressed as a value between 0 and 100. For example, if coefficients α1 and α2 are 0.5, coefficient β is 0.01, and offset γ is 0, then equation (1) becomes equation (2) below.

[0030] E=(0.5×E1+0.5×E2)×(0.01×D) ···(2)

[0031] In this case, the parking evaluation E is calculated on a scale from 0 to 100 points. For example, in a parking space with D=100 (maximum difficulty), if E1=E2=100 (highest scores for both the parking process and the parking result), then E=100 (highest score). In a parking space with D=50, if E1=E2=100, then E=50. In a parking space with D=100, if E1=10 and E2=100, then E=55.

[0032] Note that the values ​​of α1, α2, β, and γ may be other than those listed above. For example, if you want to avoid setting the minimum value of E to 0, you may set γ to a small value such as 5 or 10. Also, if you want to calculate an evaluation that emphasizes the parking process, you may set α1 to a value greater than α2. Furthermore, the parking evaluation E should be calculated such that the higher E1, E2, and D are, the higher E will be, and it may be calculated using a formula other than formula (1).

[0033] The evaluation transmission unit 230 transmits the parking evaluation calculated by the evaluation calculation unit 220. The evaluation transmission unit 230 transmits the parking evaluation to, for example, user terminal 10 of user 2. This allows user 2 to be provided with information about the parking evaluation. In this case, the information processing device 20 identifies user 2 by recognizing the vehicle number from the image of user 2's vehicle acquired by the image acquisition unit 200 and comparing it with the vehicle number registered on the parking lot P's member site. Furthermore, if the operator of parking lot P also operates a car-sharing service T, the information processing device 20 identifies user 2 by recognizing the vehicle number from the image of user 2's vehicle acquired by the image acquisition unit 200 and comparing it with the vehicle number in the reservation information of the car-sharing service T.

[0034] The information processing device 20 sends a parking evaluation to the email address of user 2, which is registered in the reservation information of the member site or car-sharing service T, linked to the verified vehicle number. However, the method of sending the parking evaluation is not limited to email. For example, the parking evaluation may be sent via SMS (Short Message Service) using the phone number linked to the verified vehicle number. Alternatively, the parking evaluation may be sent via push notification or the like by a parking evaluation application installed on the user terminal 10.

[0035] The evaluation transmission unit 230 may also transmit the parking evaluation to a server such as the parking lot P's member site. User 2 can check the parking evaluation by, for example, accessing the member site. In this case, the information processing device 20 verifies the vehicle number in the same manner as above and transmits the parking evaluation along with the member ID (Identification) associated with the verified vehicle number. The server that receives this information stores the parking evaluation data in a data storage location accessible to User 2.

[0036] Alternatively, the user terminal 10 may read a 2D code displayed in the target parking space, allowing the evaluation transmission unit 230 to access the server from which the parking evaluation was sent. In this case, the 2D code displayed in the target parking space may indicate, for example, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the data storage location of the server from which the evaluation transmission unit 230 sends the parking evaluation, or a command to launch an application for accessing the server where the parking evaluation information is stored. Alternatively, the user terminal 10 may send the identification number of the target parking space via email, and the user terminal 10 may receive the parking evaluation via a reply email. In this case, the 2D code displayed in the target parking space may indicate, for example, a command to launch an application for sending the identification number of the target parking space via email.

[0037] Next, the functions of the vehicle room management server 30 will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle room management server 30 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 4 only illustrates the functions necessary for explaining the main parts of this embodiment, but the functions of the vehicle room management server 30 are not limited to these.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle room management server 30 includes a difficulty database 300 and a difficulty transmission unit 330. Of these, the function of the difficulty transmission unit 330 is realized by executing a program on the MPU 601. This function may also be configured to be executed by an arithmetic device such as an ASIC, DSP, or FPGA.

[0039] The difficulty database 300 is implemented using the storage unit 606. The difficulty database 300 stores information on the difficulty level of each parking space. Figure 5 shows an example of the arrangement of parking spaces and the information stored in the difficulty database 300. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the arrangement of parking spaces S in parking lot P. The numbers assigned to the parking spaces are parking space IDs for identifying each parking space. Note that each parking space may also be identified by information combining a parking lot ID for identifying each parking lot and the parking space ID.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5(b), the difficulty database 300 stores the vehicle ID and difficulty level in association. In this example, the difficulty levels of vehicle IDs 001 and 004 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle 001" and "vehicle 004") are set to a high value (90), while the difficulty levels of vehicle IDs 005 and 006 are set to a low value (10).

[0041] The difficulty level transmission unit 330 transmits the difficulty level of the target vehicle compartment stored in the difficulty level database 300 to the information processing device 20. For example, if the information processing device 20 requests the difficulty level of vehicle compartment 003, the difficulty level transmission unit 330 transmits the difficulty level associated with vehicle compartment 003, which is 60, to the information processing device 20.

[0042] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the parking evaluation process according to this embodiment. First, the image acquisition unit 200 starts acquiring an image of user 2's vehicle parking in the target parking space (step S10), and the difficulty level acquisition unit 210 acquires the difficulty level of the target parking space from the parking space management server 30 (step S11).

[0043] Next, the parking process analysis unit 221 analyzes the parking process from the images of the parking process acquired by the image acquisition unit 200 and calculates a parking process evaluation (step S12). The parking result analysis unit 222 analyzes the parking result from the images of the parking result acquired by the image acquisition unit 200 and calculates a parking result evaluation (step S13). Then, the evaluation calculation unit 220 calculates a parking evaluation using the calculated parking process evaluation and parking result evaluation, and the difficulty level acquired by the difficulty level acquisition unit 210 (step S14).

[0044] Finally, the evaluation transmission unit 230 transmits the parking evaluation calculated by the evaluation calculation unit 220 (step S15).

[0045] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure by which the vehicle room management server 30 according to this embodiment transmits the difficulty level of a vehicle room. First, the difficulty level transmission unit 330 obtains the difficulty level stored in the difficulty level database 300 in response to an inquiry from the information processing device 20 (step S100). Then, the difficulty level transmission unit 330 transmits the obtained difficulty level to the information processing device 20 (step S101).

[0046] Next, the parking evaluation provided to user 2 will be explained using Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the parking evaluation screen displayed on the display unit 604 of the user terminal 10.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 8(a), the parking evaluation screen 400 has a results display area 401 and a detailed display area 402. The results display area 401 is the area for displaying the parking evaluation, and the detailed display area 402 is the area for displaying the parking process evaluation, parking result evaluation, and difficulty level. These areas display values ​​such as the parking evaluation (from 0 to 100 points) using five alphabetical levels. The five alphabetical levels are, for example, S for 90 points or more, A for 70 points or more and less than 90 points, B for 50 points or more and less than 70 points, C for 30 points or more and less than 50 points, and D for less than 30 points. Note that the displayed parking evaluation may not be on a five-level scale, and the score may be displayed as is. In addition, symbols other than alphabetical levels (such as ○ or ×) or words (such as "Good" or "Acceptable") may be displayed as parking evaluations.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 8(b), the parking evaluation screen 400 has a result display area 401 and a detail display area 402, as well as a history display area 403. The history display area 403 is an area that displays the history of parking evaluations and other information calculated when user 2 parks in the same parking space.

[0049] Figure 9 shows another example of the parking evaluation screen displayed on the display unit 604 of the user terminal 10.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 9(a), the parking evaluation screen 500 has a list display area 501 and a search criteria area 502. The list display area 501 is an area that displays a list of parking evaluations, etc., provided to user 2. By operating the scroll bar 501A located at the right end of the list display area 501, user 2 can scroll the screen and refer to the history of parking evaluations, etc., calculated in the past.

[0051] The search criteria area 502 is an area for setting conditions for the data to be displayed in the list display area 501. User 2 can narrow down the data displayed in the list display area 501 by setting conditions such as parking lot, parking space ID, parking date and time, and parking rating in the search criteria area 502.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 9(b), the parking evaluation screen 510 has a summary display area 511 and a summary conditions area 512. The summary display area 511 is an area that displays summaries of parking evaluations and the like provided to user 2. In this example, the average value of the parking evaluation for 30 parking attempts is shown, and the average values ​​of the parking process evaluation, parking result evaluation, and difficulty level are shown in a radar chart.

[0053] The aggregation conditions area 512 is an area for setting the aggregation conditions for the data to be displayed in the aggregation display area 511. User 2 can change the aggregation conditions for the data to be displayed in the aggregation display area 511 by setting conditions such as parking lot, parking space ID, parking date and time, and parking rating in the aggregation conditions area 512.

[0054] Thus, according to this embodiment, even if the difficulty of parking differs for each parking space, it is possible to provide the user with an appropriate parking evaluation. In the above description, the information processing device 20 has an image acquisition unit 200, a difficulty acquisition unit 210, an evaluation calculation unit 220, and an evaluation transmission unit 230, and the parking space management server 30 has a difficulty database 300 and a difficulty transmission unit 330, but the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 20 may have all of these functional units and realize the functions of this embodiment, or the parking space management server 30 may have all of these functional units and realize the functions of this embodiment.

[0055] (Second Embodiment) This embodiment calculates the difficulty level used in the parking evaluation according to the condition of the surrounding parking spaces (neighboring parking spaces) of the target parking space. For example, if there are parked vehicles in the parking spaces to the left and right of the target parking space, the difficulty level of the target parking space will be calculated as high, and if all the surrounding parking spaces are empty, the difficulty level of the target parking space will be calculated as low. In the following description of the second embodiment, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be explained.

[0056] Figure 10 shows an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle room management server 30 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 10 only illustrates the functions necessary for explaining the main parts of this embodiment, but the functions of the vehicle room management server 30 are not limited to these. The difference from the first embodiment is that the vehicle room management server 30 further includes a vehicle room status database 301 and a difficulty calculation unit 320, and the difficulty transmission unit 330 transmits the difficulty calculated by the difficulty calculation unit 320. The function of the difficulty calculation unit 320 is realized by executing a program on the MPU 601. Note that this function may be configured to be executed by an arithmetic device such as an ASIC, DSP, or FPGA.

[0057] The parking space status database 301 stores information indicating the status of each parking space (parking space status). This information includes, for example, whether or not a vehicle is parked in each parking space, the license plate number of the parked vehicle, and the time of entry.

[0058] Figure 11 shows an example of the status of parking spaces and the information stored in the parking space status database 301. Figure 11(a) shows that two vehicles are parked in parking space P shown in Figure 5(a). When vehicles are parked in parking spaces 002 and 005, the parking space status database 301 stores the parking space status as shown in Figure 11(b). In Figure 11(b), the parking space ID of each space, the license plate information of the parked vehicle, and the time of entry are linked and stored. A hyphen (-) indicates that the parking space is vacant.

[0059] The difficulty calculation unit 320 calculates the difficulty level of the target parking space using the difficulty level stored in the difficulty database 300 (hereinafter referred to as the standard difficulty level) and information indicating the condition of surrounding parking spaces when parking in the target parking space (surrounding information). The surrounding information is obtained from the parking space conditions stored in the parking space condition database 301.

[0060] For example, when the passenger compartment 004 in FIG. 11 is the target passenger compartment, since the passenger compartment 003 which is a surrounding passenger compartment is empty, the difficulty calculation unit 320 calculates a value lower than the standard difficulty (60) of the passenger compartment 004 as the difficulty of the passenger compartment 004. Further, when the passenger compartment 001 in FIG. 11 is the target passenger compartment, since vehicles are parked in the passenger compartments 002 and 005 which are surrounding passenger compartments, the difficulty calculation unit 320 calculates a value higher than the standard difficulty (90) of the passenger compartment 001 as the difficulty of the passenger compartment 001.

[0061] The difficulty D of the target passenger compartment is calculated as shown in the following formula (3) using, for example, the standard difficulty D0, the surrounding difficulty Dn, the coefficients w0 and wn (each coefficient is a constant).

[0062] D = w0 × D0 + wn × Dn ···(3)

[0063] The surrounding difficulty Dn is represented by a value from 0 to 100 according to the surrounding information. The surrounding difficulty Dn is set to 0, for example, when all the surrounding passenger compartments are empty, and is set to 100 when all the surrounding passenger compartments are parked. Also, the coefficients w0 and wn are set so that their sum is 1, such as w0 = 0.8 and wn = 0.2). Therefore, the difficulty D is calculated to be in the range from 0 to 100 points according to formula (3). Note that the settings of Dn, w0, and wn are not limited to the above. For example, Dn = A (A > 0) when all the surrounding passenger compartments are empty, and Dn = B (A < B < 100) when all the surrounding passenger compartments are parked may be set.

[0064] Further, instead of the passenger compartment status stored in the passenger compartment status database 301, the difficulty calculation unit 320 can also acquire the surrounding information using an image (image including the surrounding passenger compartments) acquired by a camera installed behind the target passenger compartment or the surrounding passenger compartments. Note that the installation position of the camera is not limited to the rear, such as the diagonal rear or the upper front of the passenger compartment.

[0065] The difficulty level calculation unit 320 recognizes the parking status of vehicles in surrounding parking spaces by image recognition, acquires surrounding information, and calculates the surrounding difficulty level Dn using the acquired surrounding information. For example, the surrounding difficulty level Dn is calculated to be higher the closer the position of the vehicles parked in the surrounding parking spaces is to the target parking space. The images used for image recognition may be acquired directly from the camera by the parking space management server 30, or images acquired by the image acquisition unit 200 of the information processing device 20 may be acquired from the information processing device 20.

[0066] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure by which the vehicle room management server 30 according to this embodiment transmits the difficulty level of a vehicle room. The difference from the first embodiment is the addition of step S201, which acquires surrounding information, and step S202, which calculates the difficulty level of the target vehicle room. The processing of step S200 in Figure 12 is the same as the processing of step S100 in Figure 7, so the explanation is omitted.

[0067] The difficulty calculation unit 320 acquires surrounding information (step S201). As described above, the difficulty calculation unit 320 can acquire surrounding information by referring to the vehicle conditions stored in the vehicle conditions database 301, performing image recognition from images including surrounding vehicle conditions, etc.

[0068] The difficulty level calculation unit 320 calculates the difficulty level of the target vehicle compartment (step S202). As described above, the difficulty level calculation unit 320 calculates the difficulty level of the target vehicle compartment using surrounding information and standard difficulty levels obtained from the difficulty level database 300. Then, the difficulty level transmission unit 330 transmits the calculated difficulty level to the information processing device 20 (step S203).

[0069] Thus, according to this embodiment, even if the difficulty of parking differs for each parking space, it is possible to provide the user with an appropriate parking evaluation. Furthermore, since the difficulty is calculated using the conditions of surrounding parking spaces when parking in the target parking space, a more appropriate difficulty level can be used to calculate the parking evaluation. In the above description, the parking space management server 30 is assumed to calculate the difficulty, but the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 20 may calculate the difficulty by acquiring surrounding information using images acquired by the image acquisition unit 200.

[0070] (Third embodiment) This embodiment calculates the difficulty level used in the parking evaluation based on the usage history of the target parking space. For example, it is presumed that parking spaces with a high occupancy rate are easy to park in, and parking spaces with a low occupancy rate are not easy to park in, so it is conceivable to reflect the usage history of each parking space in the calculation of the difficulty level. In the following description of the third embodiment, the explanation of parts that overlap with the second embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the second embodiment will be explained.

[0071] Figure 13 shows an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle room management server 30 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 13 only illustrates the functions necessary for explaining the main parts of this embodiment, but the functions of the vehicle room management server 30 are not limited to these. The difference from the second embodiment is that the vehicle room management server 30 further includes a usage history database 302 and a difficulty level update unit 310. The function of the difficulty level update unit 310 is realized by executing a program on the MPU 601. Note that this function may be configured to be executed by an arithmetic device such as an ASIC, DSP, or FPGA.

[0072] The usage history database 302 stores usage history information that shows the usage history of each compartment. This usage history information may include, for example, the occupancy rate of each compartment.

[0073] Figure 14 shows an example of the information stored in the usage history database 302. In this example, the usage history information includes the occupancy rate of each passenger compartment, linked to the compartment ID of each compartment.

[0074] The difficulty level update unit 310 updates the standard difficulty level of each carriage using usage history information. For example, the updated standard difficulty level is obtained by multiplying the original standard difficulty level by a coefficient U corresponding to the occupancy rate. The coefficient U is set to three levels, for example, 0.9 if the occupancy rate is 70% or more, 1.0 if the occupancy rate is less than 70% but 30% or more, and 1.1 if the occupancy rate is less than 30%. In this case, the standard difficulty level of carriage 001 in Figure 5(b) is updated to 90 × 1.1 = 99 using the occupancy rate in Figure 14. However, if the result of multiplying the standard difficulty level by the coefficient U exceeds 100, the standard difficulty level is updated to 100. Note that the coefficient U may be set to two or four or more levels depending on the occupancy rate.

[0075] The method for updating the standard difficulty level is not limited to the above. For example, it may be updated by adding or subtracting a value based on the utilization rate, or by creating a table that calculates the updated standard difficulty level from the original standard difficulty level and the utilization rate, and then updating it by referencing that table.

[0076] The difficulty level update unit 310 periodically updates the standard difficulty level of each train car compartment. The update frequency may be, for example, every month, every three months, or every year. Each update will use the standard difficulty level initially set based on the layout and area of ​​the train car compartment, as well as the latest usage history information.

[0077] The procedure by which the vehicle room management server 30 transmits the difficulty level of the target vehicle room to the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment is the same as in the second embodiment. However, the standard difficulty level obtained by the difficulty level calculation unit 320 from the difficulty level database 300 is the latest standard difficulty level updated by the difficulty level update unit 310.

[0078] Alternatively, instead of updating the standard difficulty level for each parking space, the parking space management server 30 may calculate the difficulty level using the usage history of the target parking space each time it transmits the difficulty level of the target parking space. In this case, the parking space management server 30 shall not have a difficulty level update unit 310.

[0079] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for transmitting the difficulty level calculated using the usage history of the target vehicle compartment. The difference from the second embodiment is the addition of step S302 for acquiring usage history information, and the calculation of the difficulty level using the usage history information in step S303. The processing in steps S300, S301, and S304 in Figure 15 is the same as the processing in steps S200, S201, and S203 in Figure 12, so the explanation is omitted.

[0080] The difficulty level calculation unit 320 obtains usage history information for the target vehicle from the usage history database 302 (step S302), and calculates the difficulty level of the target vehicle using the obtained usage history information (step S303). The usage history information is, for example, the occupancy rate of the target vehicle.

[0081] The difficulty level D of the target vehicle compartment is calculated using, for example, standard difficulty level D0, surrounding difficulty level Dn, usability difficulty level Du, and coefficients w0, wn, and wu (all coefficients are constants) as shown in equation (4) below.

[0082] D=w0×D0+wn×Dn+wu×Du (4)

[0083] The difference from equation (3) used in the second embodiment is the addition of the term wu × Du. The difficulty level Du is expressed as a value from 0 to 100 according to the usage history information. For example, the difficulty level Du is set to 0 when the utilization rate is 70% or higher, 50 when the utilization rate is 30% or higher but less than 70%, and 100 when the utilization rate is less than 30%. In addition, each coefficient is set so that it adds up to 1, such as w0=0.8, wn=0.1, and wu=0.1. Therefore, the difficulty level D is calculated using equation (4) to be in the range of 0 to 100. Note that the settings of Du and each coefficient are not limited to the above, and for example, Du may be set as Du = 100 - utilization rate (%).

[0084] In addition, although the above describes an example in which the method for calculating difficulty levels according to usage history information is applied to the second embodiment, this embodiment may also be realized by applying the same calculation method to the first embodiment.

[0085] Thus, according to this embodiment, even if the difficulty of parking differs for each parking space, it is possible to provide the user with an appropriate parking evaluation. Furthermore, since the difficulty is calculated using the usage history information of the target parking space, a more appropriate difficulty level can be used to calculate the parking evaluation. In the above description, the parking space management server 30 is assumed to calculate the difficulty, but the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 20 may obtain the usage history information of the target parking space from the usage history database 302 and calculate the difficulty.

[0086] (Fourth embodiment) This embodiment calculates the difficulty level used in calculating the parking evaluation based on the actual parking evaluation value (evaluation performance value) of the target parking space. For example, parking spaces with high evaluation performance values ​​are presumed to be easy to park in, and parking spaces with low evaluation performance values ​​are presumed to be difficult to park in. Therefore, it is conceivable to reflect the evaluation performance value of each parking space in the calculation of the difficulty level. In the following description of the fourth embodiment, the explanation of parts that overlap with the third embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the third embodiment will be explained.

[0087] Figure 16 shows an example of the functional configuration of the parking space management server 30 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 16 only illustrates the functions necessary for explaining the main parts of this embodiment, but the functions of the parking space management server 30 are not limited to these. The difference from the third embodiment is that the parking space management server 30 further has a parking evaluation database 303, and the difficulty level update unit 310 updates the standard difficulty level of each parking space using evaluation results. In addition, in this embodiment, the evaluation transmission unit 230 of the information processing device 20 also transmits the parking evaluation to the parking space management server 30.

[0088] The parking evaluation database 303 stores the evaluation performance values ​​for each parking space transmitted from the evaluation transmission unit 230. The evaluation performance value is, for example, the average value of the parking evaluation (average parking evaluation).

[0089] Figure 17 shows an example of the information stored in the parking evaluation database 303. In this example, the average parking evaluation is stored as an evaluation performance value, linked to the parking space ID of each parking space. The average parking evaluation is, for example, the average of the past 10 parking evaluations. Alternatively, the median of multiple past parking evaluations or the mode obtained from a histogram can also be used as the evaluation performance value.

[0090] The difficulty level update unit 310 updates the standard difficulty level of each parking space using the performance evaluation value. For example, the updated standard difficulty level is obtained by multiplying the original standard difficulty level by a coefficient A corresponding to the performance evaluation value. For example, coefficient A is set to 0.9 if the performance evaluation value is 70 points or more, 1.0 if the performance evaluation value is less than 70 points but 30 points or more, and 1.1 if the performance evaluation value is less than 30 points. In this case, the standard difficulty level of parking space 002 in Figure 5(b) is updated to 60 × 0.9 = 54 using the performance evaluation value (average parking evaluation) in Figure 17. However, if the result of multiplying the standard difficulty level by coefficient A exceeds 100, the standard difficulty level is updated to 100. Note that coefficient A may be set to two or four or more levels depending on the occupancy rate.

[0091] The method for updating the standard difficulty level is not limited to the above. For example, it may be updated by adding or subtracting a value according to the evaluation performance value, or by creating a table that calculates the updated standard difficulty level from the original standard difficulty level and the evaluation performance value, and then updating it by referring to that table.

[0092] The difficulty level update unit 310 periodically updates the standard difficulty level of each vehicle compartment. The update frequency may be, for example, every month, every three months, or every year. Each update will use the standard difficulty level initially set based on the layout and area of ​​the vehicle compartment, as well as the latest evaluation performance value.

[0093] The procedure by which the vehicle room management server 30 transmits the difficulty level of the target vehicle room to the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment is the same as in the third embodiment. However, the standard difficulty level obtained by the difficulty level calculation unit 320 from the difficulty level database 300 is the latest standard difficulty level updated by the difficulty level update unit 310. Furthermore, as described in the third embodiment, the difficulty level may be calculated using the standard difficulty level updated using the usage history information, or the difficulty level calculation unit 320 may calculate the difficulty level using the usage history information without updating the standard difficulty level using the usage history information.

[0094] Alternatively, instead of updating the standard difficulty level for each vehicle compartment, the vehicle compartment management server 30 may calculate the difficulty level each time it transmits the difficulty level of a target vehicle compartment, using the usage history and evaluation performance values ​​of that vehicle compartment. In this case, the vehicle compartment management server 30 shall not have a difficulty level update unit 310.

[0095] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for transmitting the difficulty level calculated using the usage history and evaluation performance values ​​of the target vehicle compartment. The difference from the third embodiment is the addition of step S403 for acquiring evaluation performance values, and the calculation of the difficulty level using the usage history information and evaluation performance values ​​in step S404. The processing in steps S400 to S402 and S405 in Figure 18 is the same as the processing in steps S300 to S302 and S304 in Figure 15, so the explanation is omitted.

[0096] The difficulty calculation unit 320 obtains the evaluation performance value of the target parking space from the parking evaluation database 303 (step S403), and calculates the difficulty level of the target parking space using the usage history information and the evaluation performance value (step S404). The usage history information and evaluation performance value are, for example, the occupancy rate and average parking evaluation of the target parking space.

[0097] The difficulty level D of the target vehicle compartment is calculated using, for example, standard difficulty level D0, surrounding difficulty level Dn, usage difficulty level Du, actual difficulty level De, and coefficients w0, wn, wu, and we (all coefficients are constants) as shown in equation (5) below.

[0098] D=w0×D0+wn×Dn+wu×Du+we×De...(5)

[0099] The difference from equation (4) used in the third embodiment is the addition of the term we × De. The performance difficulty De is expressed as a value from 0 to 100 depending on the performance evaluation value. For example, the performance difficulty De is set to 0 when the average parking evaluation is 70 points or more, to 50 when the average parking evaluation is 30 points or more but less than 70 points, and to 100 when the average parking evaluation is less than 30 points. In addition, each coefficient is set so that it adds up to 1, such as w0=0.7, wn=0.1, wu=0.1, and we=0.1. Therefore, the difficulty D is calculated using equation (5) to be in the range of 0 to 100. Note that the setting of De and each coefficient is not limited to the above, and for example, De = 100 - average parking evaluation may also be set.

[0100] In addition, although the above describes an example in which the method for calculating difficulty level according to evaluation performance values ​​is applied to the third embodiment, this embodiment may also be realized by applying the calculation method to the first or second embodiment.

[0101] Thus, according to this embodiment, even if the difficulty of parking differs for each parking space, it is possible to provide the user with an appropriate parking evaluation. Furthermore, since the difficulty is calculated using the actual parking evaluation value for the target parking space, it is possible to calculate the parking evaluation using a more appropriate difficulty level. In the above description, the parking space management server 30 is assumed to calculate the difficulty, but the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 20 may obtain the actual evaluation value for the target parking space from the parking evaluation database 303 and calculate the difficulty.

[0102] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, components from different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0103] The apparatus described in each embodiment represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 include multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network or shared memory, and perform the processing disclosed herein.

[0104] In each embodiment, the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 are not limited to servers, notebook PCs, desktop PCs, etc., as long as they are devices equipped with communication functions. The information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 may be, for example, smartphones or tablet terminals.

[0105] The program executed by the MPU601 in this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0106] Furthermore, the program executed on the MPU601 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed on the MPU601 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0107] Alternatively, the program to be executed by the MPU601 in this embodiment may be pre-installed and provided in ROM or the like.

[0108] The program executed by the MPU601 in this embodiment has a modular configuration that includes the above-mentioned functional units (image acquisition unit 200, difficulty acquisition unit 210, evaluation calculation unit 220, evaluation transmission unit 230, difficulty update unit 310, difficulty calculation unit 320, difficulty transmission unit 330, etc.). In actual hardware, the MPU601 (processor) reads the program from the recording medium and executes it, thereby loading and generating the above-mentioned functional units on the main memory. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1. Parking Evaluation System 2 users 10 User terminals 20 Information Processing Devices 30. Parking space management server 40 Communication Networks 200 Image acquisition unit 210 Difficulty level acquisition part 220 Evaluation Calculation Unit 230 Evaluation transmission unit 300 Difficulty Database 301 Parking Space Status Database 302 Usage History Database 303 Parking Evaluation Database 310 Difficulty level update part 320 Difficulty Calculation Unit 330 Difficulty level transmission unit

Claims

1. An evaluation calculation unit calculates a parking evaluation using an image of a vehicle parked in a parking space and the difficulty level of parking in the said parking space. An evaluation transmission unit that transmits the parking evaluation calculated by the evaluation calculation unit, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the difficulty level is calculated using surrounding information indicating the conditions of surrounding parking spaces when parking in the parking space.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the surrounding information is acquired using an image including the surrounding vehicle compartment.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the difficulty level is calculated using usage history information indicating the usage history of the vehicle compartment.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the difficulty level is calculated using the actual value of the parking evaluation of the vehicle compartment.

6. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A user terminal that receives the parking evaluation from the information processing device, A vehicle management server that manages the aforementioned difficulty level, A parking evaluation system equipped with the following features.

7. A parking evaluation method performed in a parking evaluation system, An evaluation calculation process for calculating a parking evaluation using an image of a vehicle parked in a parking space and the difficulty level of parking in the said parking space, The evaluation transmission process includes transmitting the parking evaluation calculated by the evaluation calculation process, A parking evaluation method characterized by including the following.

8. Computers, An evaluation calculation means for calculating a parking evaluation using an image of a vehicle parked in a parking space and the difficulty level of parking in the said parking space, An evaluation transmission means for transmitting the parking evaluation calculated by the evaluation calculation means, A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

Images