Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

The present invention provides 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 imaging information acquisition unit 21 that acquires imaging information such as surrounding image information, which is images of the area around the vehicle, and interior image information, which is images of the inside of the vehicle; a driving risk evaluation unit 27 that evaluates the driving risk level of the vehicle driver based on the imaging information; and a license surrender proposal unit 30 that proposes to the driver or the driver's family that the driver surrender their driver's license if the driver is above a predetermined age and the driving risk level is above a predetermined level an evaluation is made a predetermined number of times or more.

Description

Technical Field

[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 intended for elderly drivers. Furthermore, since it is assumed that elderly drivers will be confused if driving advice is given during driving, 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 a license surrender proposal unit that proposes to the driver or the driver's family that the driver surrender the driver's license if the driver's age is above a predetermined age and the driving risk level is above a predetermined level an evaluation is made a predetermined number of times or more.

[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 captured information; evaluating the degree of driving risk of the vehicle's driver based on the captured information; and, if the driver's age is above a predetermined age and the degree of driving risk is above a predetermined level, the computer to propose to the driver or the driver's family that the driver surrender their driver's license. [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 a procedure for suggesting the surrender of a driver's license based on the number of times a driver's driving risk level has been assessed as being above a predetermined 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 driver as engaging in dangerous driving that could lead to a traffic accident more than a predetermined number of times, it encourages the driver to refrain from driving. Specifically, if the information processing device 10 evaluates the driving risk level to be above a predetermined level more than a predetermined number of times, it proposes to the driver or the driver's family that the driver surrender their driver's license. In this embodiment, the target drivers are elderly drivers (so-called senior drivers) of a predetermined age (e.g., 70 years old) or older. As elderly drivers age, their physical abilities and judgment tend to decline. Therefore, if an elderly driver is evaluated as engaging in dangerous driving that could lead to a traffic accident more than a predetermined number of times, proposing that the driver surrender their driver's license can encourage the driver to refrain from driving, thereby appropriately suppressing the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers.

[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 and narrowing of the field of vision", for example, cases where the driver drives without noticing pedestrians waiting at a crosswalk without signals or cases where the driver 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 and reflex nerves", for example, cases where the reaction to a signal change is delayed or cases where 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 road with high usage frequency 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 for registering the above-described driver information in the driver information recording unit 13A. Also, for example, the operation unit 14 can receive an operation for reproducing 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 signal 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 disposed 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 images (peripheral video information and in-vehicle video information) recorded in the dangerous driving recording unit 13B. Further, when the evaluation that the driving risk level is above a predetermined level has been made a predetermined number of times or more, the display unit 17 displays information proposing the return of the driver's driving license.

[0025] The control unit 20 is, for example, an arithmetic processing device (control device) composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The control unit 20 loads the stored program into the memory and executes the instructions included in the program. The control unit 20 includes an internal memory (not shown), and the internal memory is used for temporarily storing 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, a display control unit 29, and a driver's license surrender proposal unit 30.

[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 (for example, 10 points), the driving risk evaluation unit 27 evaluates the driving risk as being at or above the caution level (a predetermined level). The driving risk evaluation unit 27 also accumulates the number of times the driving risk was evaluated as being at or above the caution level during one trip (from departure to return), and outputs information regarding the evaluated driving risk and the accumulated number of times 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 (for example, dangerous driving due to "deterioration of the driver's dynamic visual acuity or reflexes"). Furthermore, evaluation may be based not only on the points accumulated during a single drive (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). Additionally, the evaluation of the number of times the driving risk level exceeds the caution level may be based on a simple cumulative calculation without setting a time limit, or it may be based on a cumulative calculation of the number of times per predetermined unit period (e.g., one month).

[0036] The Driver's License Surrender Proposal Unit 30 proposes that the driver or their family surrender their driver's license if the driver is of a predetermined age (e.g., 70 years old) or older and has been evaluated as having a driving risk level above a predetermined level a predetermined number of times (e.g., 5 times) or more. Specifically, if the number of times an elderly driver's driving risk level has been evaluated as being above the above-mentioned caution level exceeds a predetermined number of times, the Driver's License Surrender Proposal Unit 30 proposes that the driver or their family surrender their license, on the grounds that continuing to drive would increase the likelihood of an accident. Generally, it is thought that many elderly people would refuse to surrender their driver's license even if this proposal is made to them. Therefore, the Driver's License Surrender Proposal Unit 30 contacts the driver's family, for example, via a communication unit (not shown), and proposes to the family that the driver surrender their driver's license. This increases the likelihood that the driver will surrender their license after being persuaded by their family, and can appropriately suppress the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers.

[0037] Furthermore, the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 stores the dangerous driving record unit 13B and displays the captured information (surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information) of the driver's dangerous driving on the display unit 17, while proposing to the driver that they surrender their driver's license. In this configuration, by displaying the actual video of the driver's own dangerous driving, the driver can understand that it is dangerous to continue driving, thus enabling them to surrender their license. In addition, the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 transmits the captured information (surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information) stored in the dangerous driving record unit 13B and of the driver's dangerous driving to the driver's family's device (e.g., smartphone or computer). In this configuration, a higher percentage of drivers will surrender their licenses in response to persuasion from their family.

[0038] Furthermore, if the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 has been proposed to the driver to surrender their driver's license more than a predetermined number of times, it will prohibit the vehicle's drive unit (engine or motor) from starting, even if the driver is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle. The driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 is communicatively connected to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 50 installed in the vehicle, and if the proposal to surrender the driver's license has been made more than a predetermined number of times, and the elderly driver who is the target of the surrender is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle, it outputs a signal to the ECU 50 to prohibit the start of the drive unit. Thus, in this embodiment, if the driver's license surrender proposal is not accepted despite repeated proposals, the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 will forcibly prohibit the start of the vehicle's drive unit via the ECU 50, even if the driver is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle. As a result, the driver will not be able to drive the vehicle, which will prompt the driver (user) to seriously consider surrendering their driver's license and may lead to the realization of future license surrender. In this embodiment, the ECU 50 is described as controlling the startup of the vehicle's drive unit, but the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 may directly control the startup of the vehicle's drive unit.

[0039] 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. In addition, the display control unit 29 displays information regarding the surrender of a driver's license proposed by the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 on the display unit 17.

[0040] 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 a procedure for evaluating the driver's driving risk level. It is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for suggesting the surrender of the driver's license according to the number of times the driving risk level has been evaluated as being above a predetermined level.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 20, using the driving risk evaluation unit 27, adds points (1 point) each time dangerous driving is detected during a single drive (from leaving home until returning home), and evaluates the driving risk level based on the points added during this period. Here, the driving risk evaluation unit 27 evaluates the driving risk level as being above a caution level (a predetermined level) if the points added during a single drive are equal to or greater than a baseline (for example, 10 points), and stores the number of times this has happened. The control unit 20 stores (stores) the driving risk level evaluated by the driving risk evaluation unit 27 and the number of times the driving risk level has been above a caution level (a predetermined level) in association with driver information, but it may also be configured to record this information in the driver information recording unit 13A.

[0047] Next, Figure 3 describes the procedure for suggesting the surrender of the driver's license based on the number of times the driving risk level has been evaluated as being above a predetermined level. This procedure can be performed after the driving risk evaluation process 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, for example, when the driver's desired destination is set by a navigation device (not shown) installed in the vehicle, the control unit 20 acquires the location information of this destination and sets the destination.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the driver is of a predetermined age or older and whether the number of times the driving risk level has exceeded a predetermined level is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (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 an elderly driver, and the driving risk evaluation unit 27 determines whether the number of times the read-out driving risk level has exceeded the caution level (predetermined level) is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. In this embodiment, the driving risk evaluation unit 27 evaluates the driving risk level to be at the caution level (predetermined level) or higher if the added score shown in step S6 of Figure 2 above is greater than or equal to the reference score (e.g., 10 points), and evaluates the driving risk level to be at the surrender level if the number of times this driving risk level has exceeded the caution level is greater than or equal to the reference number (e.g., 5 times).

[0051] In this determination, if the driver is above a predetermined age and the number of times the driving risk level has exceeded a predetermined level is also determined (Step S14; Yes), the control unit 20 proposes to the driver or the driver's family that they surrender their driver's license (Step S15) and terminates the process. More specifically, the control unit 20, via the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30, proposes to the driver or the driver's family that they surrender their driver's license if the number of times the driving risk level of an elderly driver has been evaluated as being above the above-mentioned caution level exceeds a predetermined number, because continuing to drive would likely result in an accident. Here, the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 contacts the driver's family, for example, via a communication unit (not shown), and proposes to this family that the driver surrender their driver's license. This increases the number of situations in which drivers surrender their licenses in response to persuasion from their families, thereby appropriately suppressing the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers.

[0052] Furthermore, the driver's license surrender suggestion unit 30 may store the dangerous driving record unit 13B and display the captured information (surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information) of the driver's dangerous driving on the display unit 17, while suggesting to the driver that they surrender their driver's license. In this configuration, by displaying the actual video of the driver's own dangerous driving, the driver can understand that it is dangerous to continue driving, thus enabling them to surrender their license. Alternatively, the camera footage (surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information) stored in the dangerous driving record unit 13B of the driver's dangerous driving may be transmitted to the driver's family's device (e.g., smartphone or computer). In this configuration, a higher percentage of drivers will surrender their licenses in response to persuasion from their family.

[0053] Furthermore, if the driver has been asked to surrender their driver's license more than a predetermined number of times, the driver license surrender proposal unit 30 may, for example, via the ECU 50 installed in the vehicle, prohibit the vehicle's drive unit (engine or motor) from starting even if the driver is seated in the driver's seat. In other words, if the driver does not accept the surrender of their driver's license despite repeated proposals, the ECU 50 will forcibly prohibit the vehicle's drive unit from starting even if the driver is seated in the driver's seat. As a result, the driver will be unable to drive the vehicle, which will prompt the driver (user) to seriously consider surrendering their driver's license and may lead to the realization of future license surrender.

[0054] On the other hand, if the driver is above a predetermined age and the number of times the driving risk level has exceeded a predetermined level is not met (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 predetermined 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.

[0055] 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 a license surrender proposal unit 30 that proposes to the driver or the driver's family that the driver surrender their driver's license if the driver's age is above a predetermined age and the driving risk level is above a predetermined level an evaluation is made a predetermined number of times or more. With this configuration, for example, the number of situations in which a driver surrenders their license in response to persuasion from their family will increase, thereby reducing the opportunities for elderly drivers to drive. As a result, the occurrence of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers can be appropriately suppressed.

[0056] In the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the driver's license surrender proposal unit 30 proposes surrendering the driver's license using captured information (surrounding video information and in-vehicle video information) of the driver engaging in high-risk driving. By displaying actual footage of the driver's own dangerous driving, the driver can understand that it is dangerous to continue driving, thus enabling them to surrender their license. Furthermore, by transmitting the captured information to the driver's family's devices (e.g., smartphones or personal computers), a higher percentage of drivers are persuaded by their families to surrender their licenses.

[0057] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, if a proposal to surrender a driver's license is made a predetermined number of times or more, the license surrender proposal unit 30 will prohibit the start of the vehicle's drive unit even if the driver is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle. As a result, the driver will be unable to drive the vehicle, which will prompt the driver (user) to seriously consider surrendering their driver's license, thereby facilitating the realization of future license surrender.

[0058] Furthermore, 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 enabling an appropriate evaluation of the driver's driving risk level.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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]

[0061] 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 29 Display Control Unit 30. Driver's License Surrender Proposal Department

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, If the driver's age is above a predetermined age, and the driver's risk level is assessed at a predetermined level or higher a predetermined number of times, An information processing device comprising: a license surrender proposal unit that proposes to the driver or the driver's family that the driver surrender the driver's license held by the driver.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the license surrender proposal unit proposes the surrender of the driver's license using video footage of the vehicle's surroundings when the driver has engaged in high-risk driving.

3. If the aforementioned proposal to surrender the driver's license is made more than the prescribed number of times, The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the driver's license surrender proposal unit prohibits the activation of the vehicle's drive unit even when the driver is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, 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.

5. The steps include acquiring surrounding video information, which is video footage of the area around the vehicle, and interior video information, which is video footage of the inside of the vehicle, as shooting information, A step of evaluating the degree of driving risk of the vehicle driver based on the aforementioned photographic information, If the driver's age is above a predetermined age, and the driver's risk level is assessed at a predetermined level or higher a predetermined number of times, An information processing method that causes a computer to perform the steps of proposing to the driver or the driver's family that the driver surrender the driver's license held by the driver.

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