Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and information processing method that can appropriately suppress the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers. [Solution] The system includes: an image capture information acquisition unit 21 that acquires surrounding image information, which is an image of the area around the vehicle, and interior image information, which is an image of the inside of the vehicle, as image capture information; a driving risk evaluation unit 27 that evaluates the driving risk level of the vehicle driver based on the image capture information; and an alternative transportation information notification unit 28 that, if the driver is above a predetermined age and the driving risk level is evaluated to be above a predetermined level, notifies the driver of alternative transportation information, including alternative means of transportation to the desired destination instead of driving themselves.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers have been increasing. As one of the causes of this type of traffic accident, a decline in the physical ability and judgment of drivers due to aging is assumed. For this reason, conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a driving characteristic of a driver is estimated based on a driving norm model corresponding to the surrounding environment and a driving operation history, and driving advice reflecting the above estimation result is output for a driving operation that does not conform to the driving norm (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional technology is not targeted at elderly drivers. Furthermore, since it is assumed that giving driving advice during driving may rather confuse elderly drivers, there is room for improvement in appropriately suppressing traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of appropriately suppressing the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the information processing device according to the present invention comprises: an image acquisition unit that acquires surrounding image information, which is an image of the area around the vehicle, and in-vehicle image information, which is an image of the inside of the vehicle, as image information; a driving risk evaluation unit that evaluates the driving risk of the vehicle driver based on the image information; and an alternative travel information notification unit that, if the driver is of a predetermined age or older and the driving risk is evaluated to be at or above a predetermined level, notifies the driver of alternative travel information, which includes alternative means of transportation to travel to a desired destination instead of driving.

[0007] Furthermore, the information processing method according to the present invention involves causing a computer to perform the following steps: acquiring surrounding video information, which is video of the area around the vehicle, and in-vehicle video information, which is video of the inside of the vehicle, as imaging information; evaluating the degree of driving risk of the vehicle driver based on the imaging information; and, if the driver's age is above a predetermined age and the degree of driving risk is evaluated to be above a predetermined level, notifying the driver of alternative transportation information, which includes alternative means of transportation to travel to the desired destination in place of driving. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention has the effect of effectively suppressing the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for evaluating a driver's risk level. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for notifying alternative transportation information according to the assessed driving risk level. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the information processing apparatus and information processing method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 according to this embodiment evaluates the driver's driving risk level based on the driver's driving situation while the vehicle is in motion, and if it evaluates the driving as dangerous and likely to lead to a traffic accident, it prompts the driver to refrain from driving. Specifically, if the evaluation of the driving risk level is above a predetermined level, the information processing device 10 provides the driver with information on alternative means of transportation to get to the desired destination instead of driving themselves. In this embodiment, the target drivers are elderly drivers (so-called senior drivers) of a predetermined age (e.g., 70 years or older). As elderly drivers age, their physical abilities and judgment tend to decline. Therefore, if an elderly driver is evaluated as having engaged in dangerous driving that could lead to a traffic accident, providing the driver with information on alternative means of transportation to the destination allows the driver to refrain from driving themselves, and consequently, the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers can be appropriately suppressed.

[0012] The information processing device 10 may be a portable device usable in a vehicle, in addition to one mounted on the vehicle. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be implemented by including the functions or configurations of devices or navigation devices that are pre-installed in the vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 includes a first camera (surround view camera) 11, a second camera (in-vehicle view camera) 12, a recording unit 13, an operation unit 14, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 15, a CAN (Controller Area Network) interface unit (hereinafter referred to as "CANIF unit") 16, a display unit 17, and a control unit (information processing control device) 20.

[0013] The first camera 11 is a camera that photographs the area around the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first camera 11 is positioned, for example, at the front and rear of the vehicle's interior, so as to be able to photograph the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively. The first camera 11 may also be positioned so as to be able to photograph the sides of the vehicle. The first camera 11 is equipped with a microphone that picks up audio information of the surrounding area along with video footage of the area around the vehicle (outside the vehicle). This microphone may be installed outside the vehicle separately from the first camera 11. The first camera 11 is described as a group of multiple cameras, but it may also be a single camera capable of photographing a 360° surrounding area, for example. In this embodiment, the first camera 11 continuously photographs video while the vehicle's accessory power supply (ACC power supply) is on. The second camera 12, which will be described later, operates similarly. The first camera 11 outputs the captured surrounding video information to the shooting information acquisition unit 21 of the control unit 20. The video data is, for example, a moving image composed of 30 frames per second.

[0014] The second camera 12 is positioned inside the vehicle, facing the rear, and captures images of the interior, particularly the driver. The second camera 12 outputs the captured interior video information to the capture information acquisition unit 21 of the control unit 20. This interior video information may include driver information that allows the driver to be identified, for example, by image recognition. It is also preferable that the second camera 12 is equipped with a microphone that captures audio information of the interior along with the interior video. This microphone may be installed inside the vehicle separately from the second camera 12. Furthermore, when there is no particular need to distinguish between surrounding video information and interior video information, it will be described as captured information.

[0015] The recording unit 13 is used for temporary storage of data in the information processing device 10. The recording unit 13 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a memory card. The recording unit 13 may also be an external recording unit wirelessly connected via a communication device (not shown). The recording unit 13 comprises a driver information recording unit 13A and a dangerous driving recording unit 13B. Based on the control signal output from the recording control unit 22 of the control unit 20, the recording unit 13 records the input driver information in the driver information recording unit 13A. The recording unit 13 also records a portion of the photographic information in the dangerous driving recording unit 13B based on the control signal output from the recording control unit 22 of the control unit 20.

[0016] The driver information recording unit 13A records the driver information of the driver operating the vehicle. Driver information is information used to identify the driver and includes driver image information, driver age information (e.g., date of birth), driver address information, and contact information of the driver's family. This driver information is registered by the driver or a family member via the operation unit 14 before driving the vehicle. During this registration, the driver image information may be pre-prepared image information, or image information (in-vehicle video information) captured by the second camera 12 may be used. Information registered on the driver's license may also be retrieved.

[0017] The dangerous driving recording unit 13B records surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information when the driver performs a predetermined dangerous driving action while driving the vehicle. Dangerous driving refers to driving that could lead to a traffic accident, and includes, for example, sudden acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle exceeding a threshold, swerving to the left or right exceeding a threshold, and a mismatch in timing between using the turn signal when merging and changing lanes.

[0018] In addition, in this embodiment, emphasis is placed on dangerous driving caused by the physical characteristics of elderly people. For this reason, as dangerous driving due to "deterioration of the driver's vision or narrowing of the field of vision", for example, cases where a driver drives without noticing a pedestrian waiting at a crosswalk without signals or does not notice a vehicle attempting to enter from a crosswalk at an intersection without signals are applicable. Also, as dangerous driving due to "deterioration of the driver's dynamic vision or reflex nerves", for example, cases where the reaction to a signal change is delayed or the response to a pedestrian or vehicle that has suddenly emerged onto the road on which the vehicle is traveling is delayed are applicable. Also, as dangerous driving due to "deterioration of the driver's hearing", for example, cases where the driver does not notice the siren of a level crossing or the sirens of emergency vehicles are applicable. Also, as dangerous driving due to "the driver's preconception", for example, cases of carelessness or excessive speeding due to the preconception that the traffic volume is low on a frequently used road are applicable.

[0019] When the above-described dangerous driving occurs, the dangerous driving recording unit 13B records the location information of the place where the dangerous driving occurred, together with the surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information for a predetermined period of about 30 seconds before and after the occurrence time of the dangerous driving.

[0020] In addition, the dangerous driving recording unit 13B records reference driving information for determining whether the driver's driving is dangerous driving. This reference driving information is obtained by recording the surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information in a state where an ordinary driver is driving safely, and serves as teacher data when determining whether the driver's driving is dangerous driving.

[0021] The operation unit 14 can receive various operations on the information processing device 10. For example, the operation unit 14 can receive an input operation when registering the above-described driver information in the driver information recording unit 13A. Also, for example, the operation unit 14 can receive an operation to reproduce the surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information regarding the dangerous driving recorded in the dangerous driving recording unit 13B. The operation unit 14 outputs operation information to the operation control unit 24 of the control unit 20.

[0022] The GPS receiver unit 15 receives radio waves from GPS satellites (not shown). The GPS receiver unit 15 outputs the signals of the received radio waves to the position information acquisition unit 25 of the control unit 20.

[0023] The CANIF unit 16 is an interface for acquiring various vehicle information via CAN. The vehicle information includes at least one of driving operation information indicating the driving operation of the vehicle and state information indicating the state of the vehicle. The vehicle information (driving operation information) is, for example, information indicating the behavior of the vehicle that may result in dangerous driving such as sudden steering or sudden braking. The driving operation information includes, for example, operation information such as steering operation, brake operation, and accelerator operation. The state information includes, for example, state information such as the vehicle speed and the vehicle acceleration.

[0024] The display unit 17 is, as an example, a display device unique to the information processing device 10 or a display device shared with another system including a navigation system. The display unit 17 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display. In the present embodiment, the display unit 17 is arranged on the dashboard, instrument panel, center console, etc. in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle. The display unit 17 displays an image based on the video signal output from the display control unit 29 of the control unit 20. The display unit 17 displays the image captured by the first camera 11 or the second camera 12, and the image (peripheral video information and in-vehicle video information) recorded in the dangerous driving recording unit 13B. Further, when the evaluation of the driving risk level is above a predetermined level, the display unit 17 displays alternative means of movement (for example, public means of movement such as trains, buses, taxis, etc.) that replace the driver's own driving to the desired destination and alternative movement information regarding the route and transportation cost to the destination when using the alternative means of movement. Furthermore, the display unit 17 displays event information, etc. held on the way of the route for moving to the destination using the above-mentioned alternative means of movement.

[0025] The control unit 20 is a processing unit (control device) composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 20 loads the stored program into memory and executes the instructions contained in the program. The control unit 20 includes internal memory (not shown), which is used for temporary storage of data in the control unit 20.

[0026] The control unit 20, connected to the bus BS, includes a shooting information acquisition unit 21, a recording control unit 22, a driver information acquisition unit 23, an operation control unit 24, a location information acquisition unit 25, a vehicle information acquisition unit 26, a driving risk assessment unit 27, an alternative movement information notification unit 28, and a display control unit 29.

[0027] The camera information acquisition unit 21 acquires surrounding video information from the first camera 11, which films the area around the vehicle, and interior video information from the second camera 12, which films the interior of the vehicle, as camera information. This camera information includes at least outside audio information along with the surrounding video information. The camera information acquisition unit 21 outputs the acquired camera information to the driving risk assessment unit 27.

[0028] The recording control unit 22 controls the driver information input via the operation unit 14 to be recorded in the driver information recording unit 13A. When new driver information is input, the recording control unit 22 overwrites the old driver information with the new driver information and records it.

[0029] Furthermore, if the driving risk evaluation unit 27 determines that the driver has engaged in a predetermined dangerous driving behavior while the vehicle is in operation, the recording control unit 22 records surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information at the time the dangerous driving occurred in the dangerous driving record unit 13B. Specifically, the recording control unit 22 records surrounding video information showing the vehicle's driving status and in-vehicle video information showing the driver's condition (such as whether or not the driver was distracted) together in the dangerous driving record unit 13B. In this case, it is preferable that the recording control unit 22 records surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information for a predetermined period of about 30 seconds before and after the time of the dangerous driving in the dangerous driving record unit 13B when a dangerous driving incident occurs.

[0030] The driver information acquisition unit 23 acquires the relevant driver information from the driver information recording unit 13A. In this embodiment, the driver is identified based on the in-vehicle video information captured by the second camera 12, and the driver information corresponding to this driver is acquired.

[0031] The operation control unit 24 acquires operation information for operations received by the operation unit 14. For example, the operation control unit 24 acquires save operation information indicating manual saving of surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information, playback operation information indicating playback operation, or erase operation information indicating erase operation, and outputs a control signal. The operation control unit 24 also acquires recording operation information indicating recording operation of driver information that has been input, and outputs a control signal.

[0032] The location information acquisition unit 25 acquires location information indicating the vehicle's current location. Based on the radio waves received by the GPS receiver 15, the location information acquisition unit 25 calculates the vehicle's current location information using a known method. The location information acquisition unit 25 may also use other positioning systems, including quasi-zenith satellites, to calculate the vehicle's current location information.

[0033] The vehicle information acquisition unit 26 acquires vehicle information acquired by the CANIF unit 16. More specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 26 acquires vehicle information that indicates the behavior of the vehicle, which includes at least one of the following: driving operation information indicating driving operations on the vehicle and status information indicating the state of the vehicle.

[0034] The driving risk evaluation unit 27 evaluates the driving risk of the vehicle's driver based on the captured information. More specifically, the driving risk evaluation unit 27 determines whether the driver's driving is dangerous by comparing the captured information, which includes surrounding video information (including external audio information) and in-vehicle video information, with the surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information of the reference driving information recorded in the dangerous driving record unit 13B. In addition, the driving risk evaluation unit 27 may also use vehicle information (driving operation information) in addition to the captured information to evaluate the driving risk of the vehicle's driver. If the driving risk evaluation unit 27 determines that the driving is dangerous, it outputs information such as the time of determination and the vehicle's position to the recording control unit 22.

[0035] The driving risk evaluation unit 27 monitors the driver's driving from the time they leave home until they return, and adds points (1 point) each time it determines that the driving is dangerous. The driving risk evaluation unit 27 then evaluates the level of danger based on the points added during one trip (from departure to return). If the added points are equal to or greater than a baseline (e.g., 10 points), the driving risk evaluation unit 27 evaluates the driving risk as being at or above a caution level (a predetermined level). The driving risk evaluation unit 27 outputs information regarding the evaluated driving risk to the recording control unit 22. In this embodiment, the points added when dangerous driving is determined are uniform (1 point), but weighting may be applied to give higher points to important items (e.g., dangerous driving due to "deterioration of the driver's dynamic visual acuity or reflexes"). Furthermore, evaluation may be based not only on the points added during one trip (from departure to return), but also on points per unit of driving time (e.g., 10 minutes) or points per unit of driving distance (e.g., 1 km).

[0036] The Alternative Transportation Information Notification Unit 28 notifies the driver of alternative transportation information, including alternative means of transportation to the desired destination, if the driver's age is above a predetermined age (e.g., 70 years old) and the driving risk level is evaluated as being above a predetermined level. Specifically, if the Alternative Transportation Information Notification Unit 28 evaluates the driving risk level of an elderly driver to be above the above-mentioned caution level, it does not allow the driver to drive to the desired destination themselves. Instead, it notifies the driver of alternative transportation information, including alternative means of transportation (e.g., public transportation such as trains and buses), as well as the route and transportation costs to the destination when using these alternative means of transportation. The Alternative Transportation Information Notification Unit 28 obtains route guidance information from an information server connected to the Internet via a communication unit (not shown) that provides a route to the destination using trains and buses, and notifies the driver of this route guidance information (alternative transportation information). This route guidance information includes information on transfers and transportation costs when using alternative means of transportation from home to the destination. Furthermore, the alternative transportation information notification unit 28 may also notify users of alternative transportation information, such as contact information for taxis (including shared taxis) and estimated costs, in areas or times when trains or buses are not operating. By obtaining this alternative transportation information, users (elderly drivers) can refrain from driving their vehicles and reach their destinations using alternative means of transportation, thereby effectively reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents.

[0037] Furthermore, the alternative travel information notification unit 28 may, via a communication unit (not shown), obtain information on events that can be visited using the alternative travel means and are taking place along the route to the destination from an information server connected to the Internet, and include this event information in the alternative travel information notification. In this configuration, it is possible to participate in events and other activities that are taking place along the way to the destination using the alternative travel means, thereby adding value to travel using the alternative travel means.

[0038] The display control unit 29 controls the content displayed on the display unit 17. The display control unit 29 outputs a video signal that displays the video captured by the first camera 11 or the second camera 12, surrounding video information for approximately 30 seconds before and after the time of the dangerous driving incident recorded in the dangerous driving record unit 13B, and in-vehicle video information. The display control unit 29 may also output a video signal that displays a portion of the standard driving information recorded in the dangerous driving record unit 13B. The display control unit 29 also causes the display unit 17 to display the alternative movement information notified by the alternative movement information notification unit 28.

[0039] Next, the processing flow in the control unit 20 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for evaluating the driver's driving risk level. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for notifying alternative transportation information according to the evaluated driving risk level.

[0040] First, the procedure for evaluating the driver's risk level will be explained. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 20 identifies the driver of the vehicle while the vehicle is in operation (step S1) (step S2). More specifically, the control unit 20 uses the driver information acquisition unit 23 to acquire driver information previously recorded in the driver information recording unit 13A, and identifies the driver based on this driver information. In this case, the in-vehicle video information captured by the second camera 12 is used to acquire driver information (especially age information) that is identical to the driver shown in the in-vehicle video information.

[0041] Next, the control unit 20 acquires shooting information including surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information (step S3). More specifically, the control unit 20 acquires surrounding video information from the first camera 11 and in-vehicle video information from the second camera 12 using the shooting information acquisition unit 21. Here, it is preferable that the surrounding video information includes external audio information (for example, the siren of an emergency vehicle or the horn of a railroad crossing).

[0042] Next, the control unit 20 acquires the vehicle's location information along the route it has traveled (step S4). More specifically, the control unit 20 periodically acquires location information indicating the vehicle's current location using the location information acquisition unit 25, and from this location information acquisition history, it can acquire the vehicle's location information indicating the route it has traveled.

[0043] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the vehicle has arrived home and ended its journey (step S5). More specifically, the control unit 20 uses the location information acquisition unit 25 to determine whether the vehicle's current location matches the driver's address information included in the driver information. The control unit 20 may also determine whether the vehicle's accessory (ACC) power has been turned off. If, in this determination, it is determined that the vehicle has not arrived home and ended its journey (step S5; No), the control unit 20 returns to step S3 and repeatedly executes steps S3 to S5.

[0044] On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle has arrived home and the journey has ended (Step S5; Yes), the control unit 20 evaluates the driver's driving risk level based on the captured information (Step S6) and terminates the process. More specifically, the control unit 20 determines whether the driver's driving is dangerous by comparing the captured information, which is the surrounding video information (including external audio information) and in-vehicle video information, with the surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information of the standard driving information recorded in the dangerous driving record unit 13B. For example, if the surrounding video information of the standard driving information includes footage of the driver noticing a pedestrian waiting at an unmarked crosswalk and stopping before the crosswalk, while the captured surrounding video information includes footage of the driver driving without noticing the pedestrian waiting at an unmarked crosswalk, the driving risk evaluation unit 27 will determine that the driving is dangerous due to "decreased vision or narrowed field of view of the driver." The control unit 20 then outputs the time at which the driving risk evaluation unit 27 determined that the driving was dangerous, as well as the location information of the vehicle in which the dangerous driving occurred, to the recording control unit 22. The control unit 20 then records surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information for a predetermined period of approximately 30 seconds before and after the time the dangerous driving occurred, along with the location information, in the dangerous driving record unit 13B.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 20, using the driving risk evaluation unit 27, adds points (1 point) each time dangerous driving is detected from the time the driver leaves home until they return home, and evaluates the driving risk level based on the points added during this period. The control unit 20 stores (stores) the evaluated driving risk level in association with driver information using the driving risk evaluation unit 27, but it may also be configured to record this information in the driver information recording unit 13A.

[0046] Next, the procedure for notifying alternative travel information according to the evaluated driving risk level will be explained. This process can be performed after the process of evaluating the driving risk level shown in Figure 2, and can be performed on the same day or on the next driving opportunity on the following day or later. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 20 sets the desired destination (step S11). More specifically, when the driver's desired destination is set by a navigation device (not shown) installed in the vehicle, for example, the control unit 20 acquires the location information of this destination and sets the destination.

[0047] Next, the control unit 20 identifies the driver of the vehicle (step S12). More specifically, the control unit 20 uses the driver information acquisition unit 23 to acquire driver information previously recorded in the driver information recording unit 13A, and identifies the driver based on this driver information. In this case, the control unit 20 uses the in-vehicle video information captured by the second camera 12 to acquire driver information (especially age information) that is identical to that of the driver shown in the in-vehicle video information.

[0048] Next, the control unit 20 reads the most recently assessed driving risk level of the identified driver (step S13). More specifically, the control unit 20 reads the most recently assessed driving risk level of the driver, which is stored in association with the driver information by the driving risk level assessment unit 27. In this embodiment, the driving risk level is represented by a total score added each time a dangerous driving situation is determined during the aforementioned drive, from the time the driver leaves home until they return home.

[0049] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the driver is of a predetermined age or older and whether the driving risk level is above a predetermined level (step S14). More specifically, based on the acquired driver information, the control unit 20 determines whether the driver seated in the driver's seat is of a predetermined age or older, i.e., whether the driver is elderly, and the driving risk evaluation unit 27 determines whether the read-out driving risk level is above a caution level (predetermined level). In this embodiment, the driving risk evaluation unit 27 evaluates the driving risk level as above a caution level (predetermined level) if the added score shown in step S6 of Figure 2 above is above the reference score (for example, 10 points).

[0050] In this determination, if the driver is above a certain age and the driving risk level is above a certain level (step S14; Yes), the control unit 20 notifies the driver of alternative travel information, including alternative means of transportation to the destination (step S15), and terminates the process. More specifically, the control unit 20, via the alternative travel information notification unit 28, notifies the driver of alternative travel information, including alternative means of transportation to the desired destination instead of driving themselves. Specifically, if the driving risk level of an elderly driver is evaluated as being above a caution level, the alternative travel information notification unit 28 does not allow the driver to drive themselves to the desired destination. Instead, the alternative travel information notification unit 28 notifies the driver of alternative travel information, including alternative means of transportation (e.g., public transportation such as trains or buses), as well as the route and transportation costs to the destination when using these alternative means of transportation. In this case, the alternative transportation information notification unit 28 obtains route guidance information from an information server connected to the Internet via a communication unit (not shown) that provides directions to the destination using trains or buses, and notifies the driver of this route guidance information (alternative transportation information). By obtaining this alternative transportation information, the user (elderly driver) can refrain from driving the vehicle and reach their destination using alternative means of transportation, thereby effectively reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents.

[0051] Furthermore, the alternative transportation information notification unit 28, via a communication unit (not shown), obtains information on events that can be visited using the alternative transportation method and are taking place along the route to the destination from an information server connected to the Internet, and includes this event information in the alternative transportation information notification. In this configuration, it is possible to participate in events and other activities that are taking place along the way to the destination using the alternative transportation method, thereby adding value to travel using the alternative transportation method.

[0052] On the other hand, if the driver is above a certain age and the driving risk level is above a certain level (step S14; No), the control unit 20 permits the driver to start driving the vehicle toward the destination (step S16) and terminates the process. In other words, the control unit 20 determines that there is no need to urge the driver to refrain from driving and permits the driver to operate the vehicle toward the destination. In this case, if the driver's driving skill level is above a certain level, the control unit 20 may issue and provide the driver with a coupon (reward) that can be used at affiliated stores, for example. With this configuration, since rewards are given according to the driver's driving skill, drivers can improve their driving skills, thereby appropriately reducing traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers.

[0053] Next, a modified version will be described. In the embodiment described above, if the driver is above a certain age and the level of driving risk in the most recent drive is above a certain level, the system is configured to notify the driver of alternative travel information, including alternative means of transportation to the destination, without exception. However, it is not limited to this. For elderly drivers, there may be routes (destinations) that they are familiar with, and it is conceivable that the level of driving risk is low on such familiar routes. For this reason, even if the driver is above a certain age and the level of driving risk in the most recent drive is above a certain level, if the level of driving risk in the most recent drive to the desired destination is lower than the predetermined level, the alternative travel information notification unit 28 may be configured to allow the driver to drive without notifying the driver of alternative travel information. This configuration makes it possible to maintain relatively safe driving while ensuring the convenience of the driver.

[0054] As described above, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment includes an image information acquisition unit 21 that acquires surrounding image information, which is an image of the area around the vehicle, and interior image information, which is an image of the inside of the vehicle, as image information; a driving risk evaluation unit 27 that evaluates the driving risk level of the vehicle driver based on the image information; and an alternative transportation information notification unit 28 that, if the driver's age is above a predetermined age and the driving risk level is evaluated to be above a predetermined level, notifies the driver of alternative transportation information, including alternative means of transportation to the desired destination instead of driving themselves. With this configuration, by providing the driver with information on alternative means of transportation to the destination, the driver can refrain from driving themselves, and in turn, the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers can be appropriately suppressed.

[0055] In the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the driving risk evaluation unit 27 compares the captured information with the reference driving information and evaluates whether the driving risk level is above a predetermined level according to the points added when it is determined that the driver's driving is dangerous, thereby appropriately evaluating the level of the driver's driving risk.

[0056] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the alternative transportation information notification unit 28 notifies route guidance information that guides the user to a destination using the alternative transportation means, and event information held along the route that can be visited by using the alternative transportation means. As a result, users can participate in events being held on the way to their destination using the alternative transportation means, thus adding value to travel using the alternative transportation means.

[0057] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, if the driver's risk level during the immediate drive to the destination is lower than a predetermined level, the alternative travel information notification unit 28 will allow the driver to continue driving without notifying the driver of alternative travel information, at least for the drive to the destination. This ensures driver convenience while maintaining relatively safe driving.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to those described herein. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments described above.

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

[0060] 10 Information Processing Devices 11 First Camera 12 Second Camera 13 Records Section 13A Driver Information Recording Unit 13B Dangerous Driving Records Department 14 Control section 15 GPS receiver 16 CANIF Department 17 Display section 20 Control Unit 21. Shooting Information Acquisition Unit 22 Recording Control Unit 23 Driver Information Acquisition Unit 24 Operation Control Unit 25 Location information acquisition section 26 Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 27. Driving Risk Assessment Department 28 Alternative movement information notification section 29 Display Control Unit

Claims

1. A shooting information acquisition unit acquires surrounding video information, which is video of the area around the vehicle, and in-vehicle video information, which is video of the inside of the vehicle, as shooting information. A driving risk evaluation unit evaluates the degree of driving risk of the vehicle's driver based on the aforementioned photographic information, An information processing device comprising: an alternative transportation information notification unit that, when the driver's age is above a predetermined age and the driving risk level is evaluated to be above a predetermined level, notifies the driver of alternative transportation information, including alternative means of transportation to the desired destination instead of driving himself.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the driving risk evaluation unit compares the photographed information with the reference driving information and evaluates whether the driving risk is above a predetermined level according to the points added when it is determined that the driver's driving is dangerous.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alternative transportation information notification unit notifies route guidance information that provides a route to the destination using the alternative transportation means, and event information that can be visited along the route using the alternative transportation means.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the degree of driving risk in the driver's most recent drive to the destination is lower than the predetermined level, the alternative travel information notification unit allows the driver to drive to the destination without notifying the driver of the alternative travel information.

5. The steps include acquiring surrounding video information, which is video of the area around the vehicle, and interior video information, which is video of the inside of the vehicle, as imaging information, A step of evaluating the degree of driving risk of the vehicle driver based on the aforementioned imaging information, An information processing method that causes a computer to perform the following steps: when the driver's age is above a predetermined age and the driving risk is evaluated to be above a predetermined level, the computer notifies the driver of alternative transportation information, including alternative means of transportation to the desired destination instead of driving himself.

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