Information processing device and information processing system

Abstract

We will promote the use of environmentally friendly tires. [Solution] The information processing device includes a communication unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The communication unit is configured to acquire user information, which is information about the user, and tire condition information, which is information indicating the condition of the tires mounted on the vehicle driven by the user. The storage unit stores the tire condition information in association with the user information. Based on the tire condition information, the storage unit calculates an eco-driving score, which is a score representing the user's level of environmental consideration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0007] (2) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (1) above, wherein the communication unit is further configured to acquire operation information including information on the vehicle's mileage, the storage unit stores the operation information in association with the tire condition information and the user information, and the control unit calculates the user's eco-driving score based on the tire condition information and the mileage. An information processing device having such a configuration can calculate a score according to the vehicle's mileage and assign it to the user. This makes it possible to assign an eco-driving score to the user that matches the actual driving conditions of the vehicle.

[0008] (3) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the tire condition information includes information on the air pressure measured by an air pressure sensor attached to the tire. With an information processing device having such a configuration, it becomes possible to calculate an eco-driving score by taking into account the air pressure of the tires, which is a factor that affects fuel efficiency.

[0009] (4) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (3) above, wherein the control unit calculates the eco-driving score such that when the tire pressure is within a predetermined range, the score is higher than when the tire pressure is outside a predetermined range. An information processing device having such a configuration can encourage the user to use the tires within an appropriate tire pressure range.

[0010] (5) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (3) or (4) above, wherein the storage unit stores information on the air pressure of the tire in a time series, and the control unit recognizes the time when air was added to the tire from the time series change of the air pressure, and when a predetermined period of time or more has elapsed since the last time air was added to the tire, it generates an alarm for the user. With an information processing device having such a configuration, it is possible to prompt the user to add air to the tire at an appropriate time.

[0011] (6) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the tire condition information includes information on the internal temperature of the tire during driving, measured by a temperature sensor mounted on the tire, and the control unit calculates the eco-driving score such that when the rise in the internal temperature is above a predetermined value, the score is lower than when the rise in the internal temperature is below a predetermined value. An information processing device having such a configuration can provide the user with an incentive to suppress environmentally burdensome driving that causes an increase in the temperature of the air inside the tire.

[0012] (7) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the tire condition information includes image information of the tire captured by the user, the control unit acquires the image information from the user's user terminal via the communication unit, recognizes the degree of tire wear based on the image information, and calculates the eco-driving score such that when the degree of wear is determined to be greater than a predetermined value, the score is lower than when the degree of wear is determined to be less than the predetermined value. An information processing device having such a configuration can provide the user with an incentive to replace tires whose fuel efficiency has deteriorated due to wear.

[0013] (8) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire maintenance history information indicating a record of tire maintenance via the communication unit and to add or subtract from the eco-driving score based on the maintenance history information. An information processing device having such a configuration can provide a user with an incentive to use tire maintenance services.

[0014] (9) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the control unit stores the cumulative value of the eco-driving score in the storage unit, and when it receives an inquiry from a user terminal used by the user via the communication unit, it transmits information on the benefits that can be provided according to the cumulative value of the eco-driving score to the user terminal via the communication unit and displays it. With an information processing device having such a configuration, it is possible to motivate the user to drive in a more environmentally conscious manner in order to obtain a higher eco-driving score.

[0015] (10) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the control unit stores the cumulative value of the eco-driving score in the storage unit, and when it receives an inquiry from a user terminal used by the user via the communication unit, it transmits and displays information ranking the user according to the cumulative value of the eco-driving score to the user terminal via the communication unit. With an information processing device having such a configuration, it is possible to stimulate the user's desire to obtain a higher ranking and thereby motivate them to drive in a more environmentally conscious manner.

[0016] (11) An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an in-vehicle device configured to acquire and transmit tire condition information, which is information indicating the condition of tires mounted on a vehicle driven by a user; a communication unit configured to acquire user information, which is information of the user, and the tire condition information; a storage unit that stores the tire condition information in association with the user information; and an information processing device including a control unit that calculates an eco-driving score, which scores the user's level of environmental consideration based on the tire condition information. According to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, by scoring the environmental impact of the tire usage condition, it is possible to promote environmentally conscious tire use by users. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this disclosure, by scoring the environmental impact of tire usage, it is possible to promote environmentally conscious tire use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows an example of the schematic configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed by the information processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for calculating the eco-driving score. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the change of the tire pressure over time. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the score addition / subtraction process of FIG. 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (Information Processing System) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 10, a user terminal 20, a store terminal 30, and a vehicle 40. The information processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 20, the store terminal 30, and the vehicle 40 can transmit and receive information via a communication network 50 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0021] In FIG. 1, for simplicity of explanation, one each of the information processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 20, the store terminal 30, and the vehicle 40 included in the information processing system 1 is illustrated. However, the number of the information processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 20, the store terminal 30, and the vehicle 40 is not limited thereto. The information processing system 1 may include two or more information processing apparatuses 10. The functions of the information processing apparatus 10 may be distributed and arranged in two or more information processing apparatuses 10. The numbers of the user terminal 20, the store terminal 30, and the vehicle 40 may each be two or more and may be arbitrarily determined.

[0022] The information processing apparatus 10 is, for example, a server owned by an operator who operates a membership service for automobile users. The operator who operates the information processing apparatus 10 is hereinafter referred to as the "operator". The operator provides, for example, maintenance services for vehicles driven by users, as well as subscription services for vehicles and / or tires to users. Hereinafter, the services provided by the operator may simply be referred to as "services".

[0023] The service provider allows users of the service to use the information processing system 1 via their user terminal 20, thereby encouraging users to use the tires 41 of their vehicle 40 in a more environmentally conscious manner. Specifically, the information processing system 1 assigns an eco-driving score to the user based on the tire condition during vehicle 40 driving. The eco-driving score is a score that quantifies the user's environmental color level. The information processing system 1 can also grant benefits such as discounts on membership fees based on the user's accumulated eco-driving score.

[0024] The air pressure of the tires 41 is a factor that affects the fuel efficiency of the vehicle 40. The appropriate air pressure for tires 41 varies depending on the vehicle model. The optimal air pressure for each vehicle model is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and is called the "vehicle-specified air pressure." The vehicle-specified air pressure is indicated on a sticker or similar document located on the inside of the driver's side door and / or on the underside of the fuel filler cap. If the air pressure of the tires 41 falls below the appropriate pressure, the rolling resistance of the tires 41 increases, worsening fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is preferable that the air pressure of the tires 41 be filled to the appropriate pressure. However, the air pressure of tires 41 decreases over time, even when the tires 41 are in normal condition.

[0025] Furthermore, in addition to fuel efficiency, if the tire pressure of 41 is lower than the proper pressure, problems such as uneven wear and increased heat generation of 41 can occur, potentially leading to damage to the tire. Conversely, if the tire pressure of 41 is higher than the proper pressure, problems such as uneven wear in the center of the tire and reduced vibration absorption can occur, resulting in a less comfortable ride can occur.

[0026] Furthermore, the temperature of the tires 41 during driving will rise compared to the temperature of the tires before driving began. If the driver of the vehicle 40 performs driving maneuvers such as sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering, the temperature of the tires 41 may rise significantly beyond the level of temperature rise due to normal driving. Sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering are factors that reduce the fuel efficiency of the vehicle 40.

[0027] The business operator may have a store where users can have their vehicle 40 maintained. Users can receive maintenance at the store, including refilling the air in their tires 41. Users can also have fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly tires 41 fitted to their vehicle 40 at the store. For example, in Japan, tires that comply with the standards set by the Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association are called "eco-tires." The store does not have to be owned by the business operator; it may be a store that provides services to users under a contract with the business operator. The store terminal 30 is a terminal placed in the store where store employees can input information related to the maintenance of the vehicle 40. The maintenance records of the vehicle 40 entered by store employees into the store terminal 30 are transmitted to the information processing device 10 as maintenance history information.

[0028] Next, we will describe the various parts of the information processing system 1.

[0029] (Configuration of information processing device) The information processing device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a server device. The information processing device 10 may be any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or it may be another electronic device dedicated to the information processing system 1. The information processing device 10 may be a computer located in the cloud. The information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0030] The communication unit 11 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The external communication interface may be either a wired or wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface and / or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface may be, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation). The communication unit 11 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10 to the outside.

[0031] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The control unit 12 controls each part of the information processing device 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0032] The storage unit 13 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or at least two combinations thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (random access memory) or ROM (read-only memory). The RAM is, for example, SRAM (static random access memory) or DRAM (dynamic random access memory). The ROM is, for example, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory). The storage unit 13 functions, for example, as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 13 stores programs and data used for the operation of the information processing device 10, and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10. The information stored in the storage unit 13 may be updateable with information obtained from the network 50 via the communication unit 11, for example.

[0033] The information processing device 10 may further include an input unit for inputting information to the information processing device 10, and an output unit for outputting information from the information processing device 10.

[0034] (Configuration of user terminals and store terminals) The user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 are information devices that are commonly used, including PCs, tablet PCs, and smartphones. The user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 each include a communication unit 21, 31, a control unit 22, 32, a storage unit 23, 33, an input / output unit 24, 34, and an imaging unit 25, 35, respectively.

[0035] Since the communication units 21 and 31, the control units 22 and 32, and the storage units 23 and 33 are similar to the communication unit 11, control unit 12, and storage unit 13 of the information processing device 10, respectively, their explanation will be omitted.

[0036] The input / output units 24 and 34 include an input unit for inputting information to the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30, and an output unit for outputting information from the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30. The input unit may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. The output unit may include, for example, a display and a speaker. The display may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, or an inorganic EL display. The input / output units 24 and 34 may include a touch panel that detects input by contacting the surface of the display.

[0037] The imaging units 25 and 35 capture images of the subject and convert them into digital information. The imaging units 25 and 35 include image sensors. The image sensors include CCD image sensors (Charge-Coupled Device Image Sensors) and CMOS image sensors (Complementary MOS Image Sensors). The user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 may be stationary or portable. In the case of stationary terminals, the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 may acquire images captured by an external camera instead of the imaging unit 25 via a wired or wireless line, or via a storage medium.

[0038] Users can log in to the services of the service provider provided by the information processing device 10 using the user terminal 20. Users can register information about themselves and the vehicle 40 they use using the user terminal 20. Users can log in to the services provided by the information processing device 10 to view their eco-driving score and the benefits offered by the service provider, and select the displayed benefits.

[0039] (System configuration within the vehicle) Vehicle 40 includes passenger cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks, construction vehicles, and other special vehicles. Vehicle 40 may be a manned vehicle or any autonomous vehicle that operates without a driver. Vehicle 40 may be, for example, a gasoline-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle (BEV; Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV; Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a vehicle that uses a power source other than gasoline and electricity.

[0040] Vehicle 40 is fitted with one or more tires 41. For example, vehicle 40 is fitted with four tires 41. In the following description, vehicle 40 will be described as being fitted with multiple tires 41. The tires 41 are pneumatic tires. Each tire 41 is equipped with a sensor unit 42 inside. Here, "inside" means the inner cavity of the tire 41. The sensor unit 42 may be provided, for example, inside the wheel of the tire 41 or on the inner wall of the tire 41. The sensor unit 42 includes an air pressure sensor 43 and a temperature sensor 44.

[0041] The air pressure sensor 43 is a sensor that measures the internal pressure of the tire 41. The internal pressure is the air pressure inside the cavity of the tire 41. The air pressure sensor 43 can be any pressure sensor, including piezoresistive sensors and capacitive sensors. The air pressure sensor 43 may start detecting the air pressure of the tire 41 in a time series at predetermined time intervals (for example, once per minute) after the vehicle 40 is started up and before driving begins.

[0042] The temperature sensor 44 is a sensor that measures the internal temperature of the tire 41. The internal temperature of the tire 41 is the temperature of the gas inside the lumen of the tire 41. The temperature sensor 44 can be any temperature sensor, including a thermocouple sensor and a resistance thermometer sensor. The temperature sensor 44 may detect the internal temperature of the tire 41 in a time series at predetermined time intervals (for example, once per minute), similar to the air pressure sensor 43.

[0043] The sensor unit 42 may further include a battery to supply power to the air pressure sensor 43 and the temperature sensor 44, a communication device for communicating with the in-vehicle equipment 45 in the vehicle 40, and a processor to control the entire sensor unit 42.

[0044] The vehicle 40 further includes an on-board device 45, a mileage sensor 46, and a position detection unit 47.

[0045] The in-vehicle device 45 is an electronic device such as a computer located inside the vehicle 40. The in-vehicle device 45 can collect information from the sensor unit 42, the mileage sensor 46, and the position detection unit 47. The in-vehicle device 45 can transmit the collected information, or information processed from the collected information, to an external device, such as the information processing device 10. The in-vehicle device 45 and the sensor unit 42 are configured to communicate with each other using any communication method, including Bluetooth®, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and NFC (Near Field Communication). The in-vehicle device 45 and the mileage sensor 46 and the position detection unit 47 may communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network such as CAN (Control Area Network). The in-vehicle device 45 is equipped with a wireless communication interface that connects to the network 50. The wireless communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation).

[0046] The odometer 46 measures the total distance traveled by the vehicle 40. The odometer 46 is also called an odometer. The onboard device 45 can calculate the distance traveled at each point in time during the journey from the total distance measured by the odometer 46.

[0047] The position detection unit 47 detects the absolute position of the vehicle 40, which is expressed by latitude, longitude, etc. The position detection unit 47 may include a receiver compatible with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which is a satellite-based positioning system. GNSS includes GPS (Global Positioning System). Other GNSS systems may be used instead of GPS, or in addition to GPS. Other GNSS systems include, for example, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.

[0048] The position detection unit 47 also detects changes in the relative position of the vehicle 40 over a certain period of time. The on-board device 45 can acquire driving information of the vehicle 40, such as sudden starts or rapid acceleration, from the changes in the relative position of the vehicle 40. The on-board device 45 can transmit the driving information to the information processing device 10.

[0049] The on-board device 45 acquires the air pressure of the tires 41 before the vehicle 40 starts running when the user starts the vehicle 40. The on-board device 45 may sequentially acquire the air pressure and internal temperature of the tires 41 while the vehicle 40 is running. The on-board device 45 may sequentially transmit the information on the air pressure and internal temperature of the tires 41 to the information processing device 10 during the operation of the vehicle, or at the end of the operation of the vehicle. The on-board device 45 can calculate the distance traveled from the start to the end of one run of the vehicle 40, or the distance traveled between each point in time while the vehicle 40 is running, from the cumulative distance of the odometer 46 and / or the position information detected by the position detection unit 47. The on-board device 45 can combine the time and distance traveled information and transmit it to the information processing device 10.

[0050] (Processing by information processing systems) The processing content of the information processing system 1 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of the processing performed by the information processing device 10 in Figure 2. The processing performed by the information processing device 10 can be rephrased as the processing performed by the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10. The processing shown in Figure 2 can be executed by the processor constituting the control unit 12 according to a program. Such a program can be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, RAM, ROM, flash memory, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, etc.

[0051] Steps S101 to S103 in Figure 2 are procedures performed by the information processing device 10 during the user registration phase for the service. Steps S104 to S109 are procedures performed by the information processing device 10 during the service operation phase.

[0052] First, in order to use the services provided by the service provider, the user accesses the information processing device 10 and registers as a user. The control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 accepts user registration from the user terminal 20 (step S101). The user registers user information with the information processing device 10, which includes personal information such as user ID, name and contact information, and information about the vehicle 40 owned by the user. The control unit 12 stores the user information obtained via the communication unit 11 in the storage unit 13. The user may also register as a user at the service provider's store. In that case, a store employee may use a store terminal 30 to access the information processing device 10 and assist the user with user registration.

[0053] The user registers contract information for services provided by the service provider with the information processing device 10. The contract information includes, for example, information on the scope of maintenance provided if the service provider provides maintenance services to the user. The scope of maintenance may include information on whether services such as periodic inspections of the vehicle 40, tire rotation, and tire replacement are provided, as well as the frequency of receiving these services. The scope of services provided is called the service level. For example, the user can select a service level from a menu screen displayed by the information processing device 10 on the input / output unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The user contract information includes the service level and cost information of the services contracted by the user. If the user receives a subscription-type service from the service provider, the contract information includes contract information for the subscription-type service. The control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 acquires the user contract information via the communication unit 11 based on user input (step S102). The control unit 12 stores the user contract information in the storage unit 13 in association with the user information. The user may contract for a new service, or associate other registered services with the services provided by the information processing device 10.

[0054] Next, the information processing device 10 acquires basic tire information from the user terminal 20. The basic tire information may include information on the manufacturer, name, size, and serial number of the tire 41 fitted to the user's vehicle 40. The basic tire information may also include information on the environmental performance of the tire 41. For example, the information on whether or not it is an "eco-tire" is information on environmental performance. The control unit 12 stores the user's basic tire information acquired via the communication unit 11 in the storage unit 13 in association with user information. The information processing device 10 also registers information on tire condition, which is information indicating the state of the tire including the air pressure and internal temperature of the tire 41, and operational information, which is information related to the driving record of the vehicle 40. The operational information includes information on the distance traveled. The operational information may further include information on the vehicle's driving time and / or fuel consumption.

[0055] Next, during the operation phase, the information processing device 10 acquires tire condition information and driving information when the user moves the vehicle 40 (step S104). The information processing device 10 may acquire this information each time the user moves the vehicle 40. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may acquire this information at regular intervals, such as every day or every week. The control unit 12 stores the tire condition information and driving information in the storage unit 13 in association with user information. That is, the storage unit 13 can store information such as the condition of the tires of the user's vehicle 40 and how far it has traveled. The information processing device 10 can also acquire driving information when the user moves the vehicle 40.

[0056] Next, the information processing device 10 calculates an eco-driving score based on tire condition information, driving information, and other information (step S105). The eco-driving score is a score that represents the user's level of environmental consideration. For example, the information processing device 10 gives a positive eco-driving score for driving with low fuel consumption. The information processing device 10 gives a negative eco-driving score for driving with high fuel consumption. An example of the process for calculating the eco-driving score is shown in Figure 3. The information processing device 10 may perform the process shown in Figure 3 each time the vehicle 40 is moved, or periodically.

[0057] (Eco-driving score calculation process) The information processing device 10 acquires tire image information (step S201). The tire image information is an image taken by the user using the imaging unit 25, which includes the tread pattern of each tire 41. For example, the user periodically takes images of the tires 41, such as every week or every month, and sends them to the information processing device 10. The images of the tires 41 sent by the user may be stored in the storage unit 13. Images of the tires 41 may also be taken by the imaging unit 35 of the store terminal 30 when the user leaves the vehicle 40 at the store for maintenance.

[0058] The control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 performs image analysis on the image information of the tire 41 at an appropriate timing to determine whether the wear condition of the tire 41, such as uneven wear, is within an acceptable range (step S202). Information on the wear condition of the tire 41 is included in the tire condition information. The control unit 12 may quantify the degree of wear of the tire 41 based on the depth of the tread grooves, etc. If the degree of wear of the tire 41 is not within an acceptable range (step S202: No), the control unit 12 may notify the user that the tire 41 is worn and recommend taking action such as rotating the tire 41 (step S203). Step S203 does not need to be performed every time; it only needs to be performed the first time after obtaining an image of the tire 41 from the user. If the degree of wear of the tire 41 is within an acceptable range (step S202: Yes), the control unit 12 proceeds to step S204.

[0059] The control unit 12 acquires time-series air pressure information of the tires 41 before the vehicle 40 starts running (step S204). The storage unit 13 stores the air pressure information of the tires 41 in time series. When the vehicle 40 starts running, the air pressure increases as the internal temperature of the tires 41 rises, but the air pressure used to determine whether the tire pressure is appropriate is the information from when the tires 41 are not heated. The air pressure of the tires 41 is compared with the appropriate air pressure set for the tires 41. Upper and lower limits may be set for the appropriate range of air pressure of the tires 41. For example, the appropriate range of air pressure can be 90% (lower limit) to 110% (upper limit) of the vehicle-specified air pressure determined by the vehicle manufacturer.

[0060] When air is added to the tire 41, the air pressure of the tire 41 before driving begins gradually decreases over time, on a daily or weekly basis. For example, as shown in Figure 4, if air is not added to the tire 41 after it has been added at time t1, the air pressure of the tire 41 may fall below the lower limit of the appropriate air pressure range by time t2. From time t2 until time t3 when air is next added to the tire 41, the rolling resistance of the tire 41 increases due to the decrease in air pressure, resulting in poor fuel efficiency of the vehicle 40. Therefore, when the air pressure of the tire 41 is not within the appropriate range (step S205: No), the control unit 12 sends a notification to the user terminal 20 indicating that air should be added (step S206).

[0061] If the air pressure of the tire 41 is within the appropriate range in step S205 (step S205: Yes), the control unit 12 checks from the time-series air pressure information whether or not the air pressure has increased within a predetermined period (step S207). For example, if the air pressure of the tire 41 has changed as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 12 can recognize the times t1 and t3 when air was added to the tire 41 from the time-series change in air pressure. If a predetermined period (e.g., one month or three months) or more has passed from the last time air was added to the tire 41 (t3) to the current time t4 (step S207: No), the control unit 12 generates an alarm to alert the user and transmits it to the user terminal 20. In other words, even if the air pressure of the tire 41 is within the appropriate range, the information processing device 10 can notify the user if the user has not added air for a predetermined period. In this way, the information processing device 10 can encourage the user to add air to the tires at the appropriate time.

[0062] If the air pressure has increased within a predetermined period in step S207 (step S207: Yes), the control unit 12 proceeds to step S209 after step S208 to acquire mileage information indicating the mileage traveled by the vehicle 40 (step S209). In this case, the wear condition of the user's tires 41 is within an acceptable range, and the air pressure is within an appropriate range, so the user is considered to be driving with a high level of environmental consideration. Therefore, the control unit 12 calculates a positive score corresponding to the mileage traveled in this state (step S210). The positive score is a score that is added when calculating the overall eco-driving score. For example, the positive score may be proportional to the mileage traveled. For example, if the mileage traveled is 100 km, the positive score may be calculated as 100 points.

[0063] On the other hand, after steps S203 and S206, the control unit 12 acquires mileage information in the same way as in step S209 (step S211). In this case, the wear condition of the user's tires 41 is outside the acceptable range, or the air pressure is outside the appropriate range, so the user is considered to be driving with a low level of environmental consideration. Therefore, the control unit 12 calculates a negative score corresponding to the mileage traveled in this state (step S212). The negative score is the score that is deducted when calculating the overall eco-driving score. For example, the negative score may be proportional to the mileage traveled.

[0064] Thus, in this embodiment, by acquiring the output from the tire pressure sensor 43 of the tire 41, it becomes possible to calculate an eco-driving score that takes into account the tire pressure 41, which is a factor that affects fuel efficiency.

[0065] In the above, a simple method for calculating the eco-driving score was exemplified, but various methods for calculating the eco-driving score are possible. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate a positive score by multiplying the distance traveled by a coefficient corresponding to the deviation of the tire pressure 41 from the vehicle's specified tire pressure. Furthermore, a negative score does not necessarily have to be calculated. For example, if the driving is of a low level of environmental consideration, the score may simply be calculated as 0. Also, the positive and negative scores are not limited to being determined by the distance traveled. For example, the positive and negative scores may be determined according to the driving time or the amount of fuel consumed. In any case, the control unit 12 can calculate the eco-driving score such that when the tire pressure 41 is within a predetermined range, the score is higher than when the tire pressure is outside the predetermined range. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may calculate the eco-driving score such that when it is determined that the degree of wear of the tire 41 is less than a predetermined value, the score is higher than when it is determined that the degree of wear of the tire 41 is greater than a predetermined value.

[0066] The control unit 12 calculates an eco-driving score by adding positive scores and / or from negative scores (step S213). The control unit 12 may simply define positive scores as scores with a positive sign and negative scores as scores with a negative sign. The control unit 12 may calculate the eco-driving score by summing up positive and negative scores for each period, such as one day or one week.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 12 adds or subtracts the eco-driving score, taking various information into consideration (step S214). Figure 5 shows an example of the process of adding and subtracting the eco-driving score.

[0068] (Eco-driving score addition / subtraction processing) First, the control unit 12 refers to the basic tire information stored in the memory unit 13 to confirm whether the tire the user is using is an environmentally friendly tire (step S301). If the user is using an environmentally friendly tire such as the aforementioned "eco-tire," better fuel efficiency and environmental performance can be expected, even if other conditions are the same. Therefore, if the tire 41 is an environmentally friendly tire 41 (step S301: Yes), the control unit 12 adds a predetermined percentage of the score to the eco-driving score (step S302). The predetermined percentage can be, for example, 10%, 20%, or 30%.

[0069] Next, the control unit 12 monitors the internal temperature information of the tire 41 (step S303). If the internal temperature of the tire 41 rises above a predetermined value while the vehicle is in motion (step S303: Yes), the control unit 12 estimates that the user's driving of the vehicle 40 may include sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering, resulting in unnecessary fuel consumption. Whether or not the driving includes sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering can be compared with the driving information detected by the position detection unit 47. Therefore, the control unit 12 calculates an eco-driving score such that when the rise in the internal temperature of the tire 41 is above a predetermined value, the score is lower than when the rise in internal temperature is below a predetermined value. For example, the control unit 12 subtracts a predetermined percentage of the score from the eco-driving score (step S304). The predetermined percentage can be, for example, 10%, 20%, or 30%. In this way, the information processing device 10 can motivate the user to suppress environmentally harmful driving that causes an increase in the temperature of the air inside the tire 41. The predetermined value may vary depending on the vehicle and / or tire. Furthermore, the predetermined value may vary depending on the season, weather, or outside temperature.

[0070] Next, the control unit 12 checks the memory unit 13 to see if there is a record of maintenance performed at a specific store (step S305). Information about maintenance received by the user's vehicle 40 at a specific store where the service provider offers services is called maintenance history information. The control unit 12 checks the maintenance history information stored in the memory unit 13. If the user has had maintenance performed on the vehicle 40 at a specific store (step S305: Yes), the control unit 12 adds a predetermined score to the score (step S306) because the adjustment of tire pressure 41 and engine adjustments have a positive impact on the environment. This allows the information processing device 10 to motivate the user to use the tire maintenance service.

[0071] As described above, the eco-driving score is adjusted by considering multiple conditions.

[0072] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 2, the control unit 12 accumulates the eco-driving score calculated for each run of the vehicle 40 and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S106). The control unit 12 can store the cumulative value of the eco-driving score for each user and / or each vehicle 40 in the storage unit 13.

[0073] The control unit 12 may repeat steps S104 to S106 each time the vehicle 40 travels, accumulating an eco-driving score, unless a predetermined period has elapsed (step S107: No). The predetermined period may be, for example, one month, three months, six months, or one year. The predetermined period may be, for example, related to the contract renewal period for the service provided by the service provider.

[0074] After a predetermined period has elapsed, the control unit 12 can grant the user a reward based on the eco-driving score (step S108). The reward may also be called an incentive. The reward may be, for example, a discount on the membership fee for the next period of use of a membership service provided by the business operator. In addition to a discount on the membership fee, the reward may be a specific product or service. When the control unit 12 receives an inquiry from the user terminal 20 used by the user via the communication unit 11, it can display information on the available rewards according to the cumulative value of the eco-driving score on the input / output unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The user may select a reward from among several options displayed on the input / output unit 24. By granting the user a reward according to the cumulative value of the eco-driving score, the information processing system 1 can motivate the user to drive in a more environmentally friendly manner in order to obtain a higher eco-driving score.

[0075] The information processing device 10 may display information on the user terminal 20 that ranks users of the membership service based on their eco-driving score. The information processing device 10 may further grant rewards to users with higher eco-driving scores based on their ranking. This can stimulate users' desire to achieve a higher ranking and motivate them to drive in a more environmentally conscious manner.

[0076] After step S108, the information processing device 10 returns to step S104 and repeats the processing in steps S104 to S108 unless it receives a termination instruction (step S109: No). When the information processing device 10 receives a termination instruction (step S109: Yes), it terminates the processing.

[0077] As described above, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, by scoring the environmental impact of the usage state of the tire 41, it is possible to promote environmentally conscious tire use by users. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an eco-driving score is calculated and awarded to the user according to the mileage traveled by the vehicle 40. This makes it possible to award the user an eco-driving score that matches the actual driving conditions of the vehicle 40. Moreover, in the above embodiments, the user is given a higher eco-driving score when the wear state of the tire 41 is within an acceptable range than when the wear state of the tire 41 is outside an acceptable range, thus providing the user with an incentive to replace the tire 41 whose fuel efficiency has deteriorated due to wear. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the user is given a higher eco-driving score when the air pressure of the tire 41 is within a predetermined range than when the air pressure of the tire 41 is outside a predetermined range, thus encouraging the user to use the tire 41 within an appropriate air pressure range. In this way, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment has the effect of promoting the use of the tire 41 in an appropriate state. A tire 41 used in an appropriate state has a low risk of damage, which is advantageous in terms of safety and cost for both the user and the business operator.

[0078] Furthermore, Information Processing System 1 can add value to the tire service by offering rewards to users for environmentally conscious driving. Therefore, the existence of Information Processing System 1 can motivate users to subscribe to a service when a business provides tires to users as a subscription service.

[0079] Although the embodiments described above are representative examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications and substitutions are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments and examples described above, and various modifications and / or changes are possible without departing from the claims. For example, it is possible to combine multiple component blocks described in the embodiments and examples into one, or to divide a single component block.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, tire condition information includes tire pressure information, tire internal temperature information, and tread wear information. Tire condition information is not limited to these three pieces of information. Furthermore, the information processing device does not need to use all three pieces of information as tire condition information. The information processing device may calculate the eco-driving score using one or two of these three pieces of information. In addition, conditions such as the use of environmentally friendly tires and the performance of maintenance at specific stores may be optionally incorporated into the calculation of the eco-driving score, or not. The method for calculating the eco-driving score shown in the flowchart of this disclosure is just one example. The information processing device can calculate the eco-driving score by combining user information, tire condition information, operation information, and other information in various ways.

[0081] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] The SDGs have been proposed to realize a sustainable society. One embodiment of the present invention is considered to be a technology that can contribute to "No. 7: Affordable and Clean Energy" and "No. 13: Climate Action," among others. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 10 Information Processing Devices 11 Communications Department 12 Control Unit 13 Storage section 20 User Terminals 21 Communications Department 22 Control Unit 23 Memory section 24 Input / output section 25 Imaging Department 30 store terminals 31 Communications Department 32 Control Unit 33 Storage section 34 Input / output section 35 Imaging Unit 40 vehicles 41 tires 42 Center Unit 43. Pneumatic sensor 44 Temperature Sensors 45 On-vehicle equipment 46. ​​Mileage sensor 47 Position detection unit 50 Networks

Claims

1. A communication unit configured to acquire user information, which is information about the user, and tire condition information, which is information indicating the condition of the tires installed on the vehicle driven by the user, A storage unit that stores the tire condition information in association with the user information, A control unit that calculates an eco-driving score, which scores the user's level of environmental consideration, based on the tire condition information, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned communication unit is further configured to acquire operational information, including information on the vehicle's mileage. The storage unit stores the tire status information and user information in association with the operation information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the user's eco-driving score based on the tire condition information and the mileage.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tire condition information includes information on the air pressure measured by an air pressure sensor mounted on the tire.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit calculates the eco-driving score such that when the tire pressure is within a predetermined range, the score is higher than when the tire pressure is outside a predetermined range.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit stores information on the air pressure of the tire in a time series, the control unit recognizes the time when air was added to the tire from the time series change of the air pressure, and when a predetermined period of time or more has elapsed since the last time air was added to the tire, it generates an alarm for the user.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tire condition information includes information on the internal temperature of the tire during driving, measured by a temperature sensor mounted on the tire, and the control unit calculates the eco-driving score such that when the rise in the internal temperature is above a predetermined value, the score is lower than when the rise in the internal temperature is below a predetermined value.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tire condition information includes image information of the tire captured by the user, the control unit acquires the image information from the user's user terminal via the communication unit, recognizes the degree of tire wear based on the image information, and calculates the eco-driving score such that when the degree of wear is determined to be greater than a predetermined value, the score is lower than when the degree of wear is determined to be less than a predetermined value.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire maintenance history information indicating a record of tire maintenance via the communication unit, and to add or subtract from the eco-driving score based on the maintenance history information.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the cumulative value of the eco-driving score in the storage unit, and when it receives an inquiry from a user terminal used by the user via the communication unit, it transmits and displays information about benefits that can be provided according to the cumulative value of the eco-driving score to the user terminal via the communication unit.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the cumulative value of the eco-driving score in the storage unit, and when it receives an inquiry from a user terminal used by the user via the communication unit, it transmits and displays information ranking the user according to the cumulative value of the eco-driving score to the user terminal via the communication unit.

11. An in-vehicle device configured to acquire and transmit tire condition information, which is information indicating the condition of the tires installed on a vehicle driven by a user, An information processing device including a communication unit configured to acquire user information, which is information about the user, and tire condition information; a storage unit that stores the tire condition information in association with the user information; and a control unit that calculates an eco-driving score, which is a score representing the user's level of environmental consideration, based on the tire condition information. An information processing system equipped with the following features.

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