Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

The system can output notifications based on the size of the obstacle the vehicle has driven over. [Solution] The information processing device 10 includes an acquisition unit that acquires tire information relating to the tires of a moving vehicle 50, an estimation unit that estimates the size of an obstacle that the tire has driven over from the tire information, and a notification unit that outputs a notification according to the estimation result by the estimation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Damage to a tire is affected by the state of the road surface on which a vehicle having the tire is traveling. In view of this, a technology for acquiring the state of the road surface during vehicle travel is known (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] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can determine the presence or absence of an obstacle on the road surface and give a notification. However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the size of the obstacle is not taken into consideration, and there is room for improvement in the notification content.

[0005] In view of the above points, the present disclosure has been made, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of outputting a notification according to the size of an obstacle that a vehicle has run over.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus including: an acquisition unit that acquires tire information regarding a tire of a vehicle in motion; an estimation unit that estimates the size of an obstacle that the tire has run over from the tire information; and a notification unit that outputs a notification according to an estimation result by the estimation unit.

[0007] According to the information processing device of the first embodiment, it is possible to output a notification corresponding to the size of the obstacle that the vehicle has driven over.

[0008] A second aspect of this disclosure is an information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the tire information includes the internal pressure value of the tire, and the estimation unit estimates the size of the obstacle based on the magnitude of the fluctuation in the internal pressure value of the tire.

[0009] According to the information processing device of the second embodiment, the size of the obstacle can be estimated in accordance with the actual situation.

[0010] A third aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device of any one of the first to second aspects, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information on the tire that has driven over the obstacle and stores it in a tire inspection list of candidates for tire inspection.

[0011] According to the information processing device of the third embodiment, a tire inspection list can be created.

[0012] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to the third aspect, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the vehicle's position information together with the tire information and records the vehicle's position information when the tire that has driven over the obstacle has driven over the obstacle.

[0013] According to the information processing device of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the position information of the vehicle when it runs over an obstacle.

[0014] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the notification unit outputs the position indicated by the vehicle's position information when the tire on the obstacle drives over the obstacle as the position of the obstacle.

[0015] According to the information processing device of the fifth embodiment, the location of an obstacle can be determined.

[0016] A sixth aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the notification unit outputs a priority order for road surface maintenance based on the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit.

[0017] According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, the priority order related to road surface maintenance can be grasped.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method, which acquires tire information regarding a tire of a vehicle in motion, estimates the size of an obstacle that the tire has climbed over from the tire information, and outputs a notification according to the estimation result.

[0019] According to the information processing method of the seventh aspect, a notification according to the size of an obstacle that the vehicle has climbed over can be output.

[0020] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing program, which acquires tire information regarding a tire of a vehicle in motion, estimates the size of an obstacle that the tire has climbed over from the tire information, and outputs a notification according to the estimation result.

[0021] According to the information processing program of the eighth aspect, a notification according to the size of an obstacle that the vehicle has climbed over can be output.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the disclosed technology, a notification according to the size of an obstacle that the vehicle has climbed over can be output.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [[ID=3,1]] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment and peripheral devices. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the inspection instruction process of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the road surface maintenance instruction process of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the alert processing of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the report processing of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] An example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.

[0025] The information processing device 10 according to this embodiment detects when a vehicle's tire has driven over an obstacle based on acquired tire-related information, estimates the size of the obstacle, and outputs notifications for each alert level based on the size of the obstacle. First, the overall configuration of the information processing device 10 and peripheral devices will be described.

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration including the information processing device 10 and vehicles 50 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment is composed of the information processing device 10 and a plurality of vehicles 50. Each vehicle 50 is equipped with a communication device 25 and various sensors for acquiring tire information. The various sensors may include a plurality of TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) 20 (details will be described later) and GPS sensors, etc. The information processing device 10 according to this embodiment is wirelessly connected to the communication device 25 of each vehicle 50. In addition, the communication device 25 of the vehicles 50 is wirelessly connected to various sensors mounted on the vehicles 50. In this way, the information processing device 10 receives tire information regarding the tires of the vehicles 50 while they are in motion.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, storage 14, input / output I / F (Interface) 15, and communication I / F 16. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 17 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0028] The CPU 11 is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls each component. Specifically, the CPU 11 reads programs from the ROM 12 and executes them using the RAM 13 as its working area. The CPU 11 controls each of the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the ROM 12. The CPU 11 is also responsible for processing each of the functional units shown in Figure 3.

[0029] The storage device, comprised of ROM12, stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. ROM12 also stores processing programs for executing inspection instruction processing, road surface maintenance instruction processing, warning processing, and report processing, which will be described later.

[0030] The memory configured by RAM13 temporarily stores programs and data as a working area.

[0031] The storage device 14 is composed of HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives), and stores various types of data. The storage device 14 also functions as the data storage unit 105 shown in Figure 3, and stores various types of information, such as tire-related information. The storage device 14 does not necessarily have to be built into the information processing device 10; for example, it may be a portable storage device that can be attached to or detached from the information processing device 10, or an external cloud server may be used as the storage device.

[0032] The input / output interface 15 is an interface for communicating with input and output devices located outside the information processing device 10. The input devices include pointing devices such as a mouse and a keyboard, and are used for various types of input. The output devices include, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and are devices for outputting various types of information. The output devices may also function as input devices by employing a touch panel system. The output devices may also be equipped with speakers or other means of audio output. For example, if the information processing device 10 is installed in a vehicle 50, the output devices are used as monitors inside the vehicle. Also, if the information processing device 10 is installed in a train operation control room, the output devices are used as monitors inside the train operation control room.

[0033] The communication interface 16 is an interface for communicating with other devices outside the information processing device 10. For this communication, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet® or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi® may be used. For example, if the information processing device 10 is installed in the operation control room, the information processing device 10 communicates data with each vehicle 50 via a wireless line, which is an example of a communication line connected to the communication interface 16. Alternatively, if the information processing device 10 is installed in a vehicle 50, the information processing device 10 may communicate data with a server (not shown) installed in the operation control room via a wireless line connected to the communication interface 16, and display the internal pressure and temperature status of each tire on a monitor installed in the operation control room.

[0034] The communication interface 16 also communicates wirelessly with the communication device 25 of the vehicle 50. The communication device 25 is installed in the vehicle 50 and communicates with the TPMS 20 of each tire of the vehicle 50. Note that the communication device 25 installed in each vehicle 50 may include a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 26. The GPS sensor 26 acquires the location information of the vehicle 50 and transmits it from the communication device 25 to the communication interface 16 of the information processing device 10. In addition, the TPMS 20 installed in each tire of the vehicle 50 includes at least a transmitter 23, a temperature sensor 21, and a pressure sensor 22. The transmitter 23 communicates with the communication device 25 of the vehicle 50. Specifically, the transmitter 23 transmits at least information on the temperature and pressure of the tires of the vehicle 50. In addition, the measurements by the temperature sensor 21 and the pressure sensor 22 are performed continuously or at a preset sampling interval.

[0035] Referring to Figure 3, the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101, an estimation unit 102, and a notification unit 103. A data storage unit 105 is also provided in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage 14. The CPU 11 executes a processing program stored in the ROM 12 to function as the acquisition unit 101, estimation unit 102, and notification unit 103. The data storage unit 105 stores the settings for the obstacle size threshold and the obstacle size classification, which will be described later. The data storage unit 105 also stores various information acquired by the acquisition unit 101. In this embodiment, the collection of various information expressed as a "list" includes referring to a table on a so-called database. This database is stored, for example, in the data storage unit 105.

[0036] The acquisition unit 101 acquires tire information regarding the tires of the vehicle 50 while it is in motion. The acquisition of tire information is performed via the communication I / F 16 of the information processing device 10. The tire information includes at least the internal pressure value of the vehicle 50's tires. The acquisition unit 101 acquires tire information from the TPMS 20 installed in the vehicle 50. The reason why the acquisition unit 101 acquires tire information is that, for example, if the internal pressure of the tire acquired by the acquisition unit 101 becomes higher than the normal value, it can be inferred that the tire has run over an obstacle or the like. In other words, the acquisition unit 101 can acquire information on the tire that has run over an obstacle. The acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired information in the tire central inspection list, which is a list of candidates for tire inspection.

[0037] The acquisition unit 101 also acquires the location information of the vehicle 50 along with the tire information mentioned above. The acquisition unit 101 acquires the location information acquired by the GPS sensor 26 installed in each vehicle 50. The location information is acquired when the data is transmitted from the communication device 25 to the communication interface 16 of the information processing device 10. The acquisition unit 101 records the location information of the vehicle 50 when the tire drives over an obstacle in a road surface maintenance list, which is a list of candidate locations for maintaining the road surface on which the vehicle 50 is traveling.

[0038] The estimation unit 102 estimates the size of the obstacle the tire has driven over from the tire information. The estimation unit 102 estimates the size of the obstacle based on the magnitude of the fluctuation in the tire's internal pressure. For example, if the tire's internal pressure increases and the fluctuation from the steady state becomes large, the estimation unit 102 estimates the size of the obstacle to be large in direct proportion to the magnitude of that fluctuation.

[0039] In this embodiment, the estimation method for the size of an obstacle in the estimation unit 102 is illustrated by calculating the size of the obstacle in direct proportion to the magnitude of fluctuations in the tire's internal pressure value, but the model is not limited to this. For example, machine learning can be used to train the model to recognize the correlation between past fluctuations in tire internal pressure values ​​and the actual size of obstacles as training data. Using this trained model, the current magnitude of fluctuations in each value can be input, and the size of the obstacle can be presented as output.

[0040] The notification unit 103 outputs a notification according to the estimation result by the estimation unit 102. For example, if the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit 102 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the notification unit 103 outputs an alert to the output device via the input / output I / F of the information processing device 10. Furthermore, when the notification unit 103 outputs an alert, it may differentiate the output content by leveling up according to the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit 102. Specifically, if the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit 102 falls under the predetermined classification of "small," which is smaller than a second threshold, the notification unit 103 outputs an alert indicating that it is level 1. Here, the second threshold is a value greater than the first threshold. Similarly, if the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit 102 falls under the predetermined classification of "medium," which is greater than or equal to the second threshold and smaller than a third threshold, the notification unit 103 outputs an alert indicating that it is level 2. Here, the third threshold is a value greater than the second threshold. Similarly, the notification unit 103 outputs an alert indicating that the level is 3 if the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit 102 falls under the predetermined classification of "large," which is equal to or greater than the third threshold. The output method and the content of the alert may be changed depending on the level.

[0041] The acquisition unit 101 also stores information about tires that have driven over obstacles (over-exposed tires) in a concentrated tire inspection list, which is a list of tires that are candidates for inspection. The concentrated tire inspection list is stored in the data storage unit 105. The concentrated tire inspection list contains information about over-exposed tires that should be inspected intensively in addition to the normal inspection during periodic tire inspections. If the notification unit 103 contains information about over-exposed tires in the concentrated tire inspection list, it outputs an instruction to inspect the tires in the list in addition to the normal inspection during periodic inspections. After the person in charge has performed the inspection, the inspection results are input to the notification unit 103 by the person in charge via the input / output I / F 15 of the information processing device 10. Based on the input inspection results, the notification unit 103 outputs the next course of action. The notification unit 103 updates the concentrated tire inspection list to add these series of inspection results and action results to the list.

[0042] Furthermore, if the notification unit 103 has information about the tire on the vehicle stored in the centralized tire inspection list, it will contact the tire check person at the gas station and instruct the vehicle 50 to go to the gas station. In this embodiment, the case of contacting the tire check person at the gas station will be explained as an example. However, it is not limited to this. Not only when checking tires at a gas station, but also in any scenario where tires are checked at the vehicle 50's maintenance shop, tire shop, specialized tire check department, or elsewhere, the notification unit 103 may contact the appropriate person or guide the vehicle to the appropriate location. If, after inspection at a gas station, the tire check person determines that a detailed inspection is necessary, and the determination result is input to the notification unit 103 via the input / output I / F 15 of the information processing device 10, the notification unit 103 will contact the tire manager at the tire shop and instruct the vehicle 50 to go to the tire shop. If the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit 102 corresponds to the classification "large", the vehicle 50 may be instructed to contact the tire shop directly and go to the tire shop without going through a gas station, etc. After a detailed inspection is conducted at the tire shop, if the tire manager or other relevant person determines that the tire needs to be removed, and the determination result is input to the notification unit 103 via the input / output interface 15 of the information processing device 10, the notification unit 103 outputs an instruction to replace the tire. The notification unit 103 updates the centralized tire inspection list to add these inspection results, response results, and determination results to the list.

[0043] The notification unit 103 also outputs the location indicated by the vehicle 50's position information when the tire hits the obstacle as the location of the obstacle. For example, the notification unit 103 displays the location of the obstacle on a map of a navigation system shared among multiple vehicles 50. The notification unit 103 also stores the vehicle 50's position information when the tire hits the obstacle in a road surface maintenance list, which is a list of potential locations for road surface maintenance where the vehicle 50 is traveling. Once the location information is stored in the road surface maintenance list, the notification unit 103 outputs a notification to the vehicle in charge of road surface maintenance, instructing it to perform road surface maintenance.

[0044] The road surface maintenance list stores the size and location information of obstacles estimated by the estimation unit 102, and also stores the priority order for road surface maintenance based on the size of the obstacles. The notification unit 103 outputs the priority order for road surface maintenance based on the size of the obstacles estimated by the estimation unit 102. For example, the larger the size of the obstacle, the higher the priority order for road surface maintenance is set. The notification unit 103 outputs instructions to the vehicle in charge of road surface maintenance to remove obstacles such as rocks from the road surface according to the priority order. The notification unit 103 also displays the priority order on the map of the navigation system shared among multiple vehicles 50. Specifically, as an example, the notification unit 103 displays obstacles in red on the map if they are 15 centimeters or larger, and in yellow if they are less than 15 centimeters, displaying them in different colors according to the priority order. The notification unit 103 may also display the size of the obstacle icons etc. displayed on the map in different sizes according to the priority order. The notification unit 103 updates the road surface maintenance list to add this series of location information and the results of road surface maintenance to the road surface maintenance list.

[0045] Furthermore, if the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit 102 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the notification unit 103 outputs an alert with a different level for each classification of obstacle size and outputs a message to add the location information of the obstacle to the road surface maintenance list. The notification unit 103 also monitors whether the distance between the vehicle 50 and the location information of the obstacle is decreasing. If the vehicle 50 is approaching the obstacle at or above a predetermined fourth threshold, the notification unit 103 outputs a warning to the driver of the vehicle 50. In addition, it is possible to pre-set how many alert levels for each classification of obstacle size the notification unit 103 will be required to issue a warning. Furthermore, in monitoring, for example, based on data learned of the mining route that the vehicle 50 travels, the distance may be calculated when the simple two-point distance between the vehicle 50 and the obstacle falls below a certain value, and the notification unit 103 may output a warning when the distance falls below a certain value.

[0046] The notification unit 103 also outputs an automatic report that includes inspection results, road surface maintenance results, image data from an on-board camera captured by a vehicle 50 that passed the location of the obstacle, and images of the scene of the falling object that constitutes the obstacle. For example, the information processing device 10 acquires image data of obstacles and other objects captured during road surface maintenance, and the road surface maintenance results, analyzes the images, and the estimation unit 102 further estimates the size of the obstacle. The information processing device 10 saves the estimated size data in addition to the image data, and the notification unit 103 automatically creates and outputs a report that includes this series of information. For example, the information processing device 10 acquires on-board camera footage from a vehicle 50 that subsequently passed the location of the obstacle stored in the road surface maintenance list, saves the image data of the obstacle, and the estimation unit 102 analyzes the images to further estimate the size of the obstacle, saving the size data in addition to the images. The notification unit 103 automatically creates and outputs a report that includes this series of information. For example, the information processing device 10 obtains onboard camera footage from a vehicle 50 that passed before the location of an obstacle stored in the road surface maintenance list, saves the image data of the obstacle, determines whether it corresponds to the vehicle 50 that dropped the obstacle, and if so, saves the scene of the fall as an image, along with the information of the vehicle 50, the time, and the location. The notification unit 103 automatically creates and outputs a report containing this series of information.

[0047] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the inspection instruction process. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the road surface maintenance instruction process. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the warning process. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the report process. The CPU 11 of the information processing device 10 executes the inspection instruction process shown in Figure 4, the road surface maintenance instruction process shown in Figure 5, the warning process shown in Figure 6, and the report process shown in Figure 7. Each process in the information processing device 10 is executed by the CPU 11 functioning as an acquisition unit 101, an estimation unit 102, and a notification unit 103. The information processing device 10 executes at least one of the inspection instruction process, the road surface maintenance instruction process, and the warning process.

[0048] The inspection instruction process in Figure 4 will now be explained. In step S100 of Figure 4, the CPU 11 acquires tire information. As mentioned above, tire information includes the internal pressure of the tires of the vehicle 50.

[0049] In step S102, the CPU 11 estimates the size of the obstacle. For example, the size of the obstacle is estimated to be directly proportional to the magnitude of the fluctuation in the tire pressure value, which is the acquired tire information.

[0050] In step S104, the CPU 11 determines whether the estimated size of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first threshold. If the CPU 11 determines that the estimated size of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S104: YES), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the estimated size of the obstacle is not greater than or equal to the first threshold, i.e., less than the first threshold (step S104: NO), the process returns to step S100.

[0051] In step S106, the CPU 11 determines whether the size of the obstacle is classified as "small". If the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is classified as "small" (step S106: YES), the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is not classified as "small" (step S106: NO), the process proceeds to step S122.

[0052] In step S108, the CPU 11 outputs a level 1 alert indicating that the size of the obstacle is classified as "small". For example, it notifies that the vehicle has run over an obstacle that is small in size.

[0053] In step S110, CPU 11 stores tire information in the concentrated tire inspection list. As mentioned above, the concentrated tire inspection list is a list that stores information on tires that should be inspected intensively in addition to the regular inspection during periodic tire inspections.

[0054] In step S112, the CPU 11 determines whether to instruct the inspection of the tire in question that is on the road during the periodic tire inspection. If the CPU 11 determines to instruct the inspection of the tire in question that is on the road (step S112: YES), the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines not to instruct the inspection of the tire in question that is on the road (step S112: NO), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0055] In step S114, CPU 11 instructs only normal inspection.

[0056] In step S116, the CPU 11 instructs the inspection of the tire on the vehicle in the list during the normal inspection.

[0057] In step S118, the CPU 11 issues instructions for action based on the inspection results. For example, if the tires are damaged due to running over an obstacle, it will instruct the system to repair them.

[0058] In step S120, CPU11 updates the tire central inspection list. Specifically, CPU11 updates the list to add inspection results and corresponding results to the tire central inspection list.

[0059] In step S122, the CPU 11 determines whether the size of the obstacle is classified as "medium". If the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is classified as "medium" (step S122: YES), the process proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is not classified as "medium" (step S122: NO), the process proceeds to step S134.

[0060] In step S124, the CPU 11 outputs a level 2 alert indicating that the size of the obstacle is classified as "medium". For example, it notifies that the obstacle is of medium size and has been driven over.

[0061] In step S126, the CPU 11 stores the tire information in the centralized tire inspection list.

[0062] In step S128, CPU11 contacts the initial tire check officer.

[0063] In step S130, as a process running in parallel with step S128, the CPU 11 instructs the vehicle 50 to go to the person in charge of the initial tire check.

[0064] In step S132, the CPU 11 determines whether a detailed inspection is necessary. Specifically, if a tire checker or the like determines that a detailed inspection is necessary, and the determination result is input from the input device via the input / output I / F 15 of the information processing device 10, the CPU 11 determines that a detailed inspection is necessary. If the CPU 11 determines that a detailed inspection is necessary (step S132: YES), the process proceeds to steps S140 and S142. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that a detailed inspection is not necessary (step S132: NO), the process proceeds to step S120.

[0065] In step S134, the CPU 11 outputs a level 3 alert indicating that the size of the obstacle is classified as "large". For example, it notifies that the obstacle is large and has been driven over.

[0066] In step S136, the CPU 11 stores the tire information in the centralized tire inspection list.

[0067] In step S138, CPU11 contacts the tire manager at the tire shop.

[0068] In step S140, as a process running in parallel with step S138, the CPU 11 instructs vehicle 50 to go to the tire shop.

[0069] In step S142, the CPU 11 determines whether or not tire removal is necessary after the detailed inspection. Specifically, the CPU 11 determines that tire removal is necessary when the tire manager or other relevant party determines that the tire needs to be removed and this determination is input from the input device via the input / output I / F 15 of the information processing device 10. If the CPU 11 determines that tire removal is necessary (step S142: YES), the process proceeds to step S144. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that tire removal is not necessary (step S142: NO), the process proceeds to step S120.

[0070] In step S144, CPU 11 instructs the system to change the tires.

[0071] The road surface maintenance instruction process shown in Figure 5 will now be explained. In step S200 of Figure 5, the CPU 11 acquires tire information.

[0072] In step S202, the CPU 11 estimates the size of the obstacle.

[0073] In step S204, the CPU 11 determines whether the estimated size of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first threshold. If the CPU 11 determines that the estimated size of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S204: YES), the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the estimated size of the obstacle is not greater than or equal to the first threshold, i.e., less than the first threshold (step S204: NO), the process returns to step S200.

[0074] In step S206, the CPU 11 determines whether the size of the obstacle is classified as "small". If the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is classified as "small" (step S206: YES), the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is not classified as "small" (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0075] In step S208, CPU11 outputs a level 1 alert.

[0076] In step S210, the CPU 11 determines whether the size of the obstacle is classified as "medium". If the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is classified as "medium" (step S210: YES), the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is not classified as "medium" (step S210: NO), the process proceeds to step S214.

[0077] In step S212, CPU11 outputs a level 2 alert.

[0078] In step S214, CPU11 outputs a level 3 alert.

[0079] In step S216, the CPU 11 saves GPS information to the road surface maintenance list. Specifically, the CPU 11 stores the position information of the vehicle 50 when the tire that was driving over an obstacle into the road surface maintenance list, which is a list of candidate locations for road surface maintenance where the vehicle 50 is driving.

[0080] In step S218, CPU11 contacts the vehicle responsible for road surface maintenance.

[0081] In step S220, CPU 11 instructs the assigned vehicle to remove obstacles such as rocks from the road surface according to priority.

[0082] In step S222, the CPU 11 updates the list. Specifically, the CPU 11 updates the list to add the location information of the vehicle 50 when it ran over the road and the results of the road surface maintenance to the road surface maintenance list.

[0083] The warning process shown in Figure 6 will now be explained. In step S300 of Figure 6, the CPU 11 acquires tire information.

[0084] In step S302, the CPU 11 estimates the size of the obstacle.

[0085] In step S304, the CPU 11 determines whether the estimated size of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first threshold. If the CPU 11 determines that the estimated size of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S304: YES), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the estimated size of the obstacle is not greater than or equal to the first threshold, i.e., less than the first threshold (step S304: NO), the process returns to step S300.

[0086] In step S306, the CPU 11 determines whether the size of the obstacle is classified as "small". If the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is classified as "small" (step S306: YES), the process proceeds to step S308. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is not classified as "small" (step S306: NO), the process proceeds to step S310.

[0087] In step S308, CPU11 outputs a level 1 alert.

[0088] In step S310, the CPU 11 determines whether the size of the obstacle is classified as "medium". If the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is classified as "medium" (step S310: YES), the process proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the size of the obstacle is not classified as "medium" (step S310: NO), the process proceeds to step S314.

[0089] In step S312, CPU11 outputs a level 2 alert.

[0090] In step S314, CPU11 outputs a level 3 alert.

[0091] In step S316, the CPU 11 automatically adds the location information of obstacles such as fallen objects to the monitoring list. Specifically, the CPU 11 adds the location information of the vehicle 50 when the tire drives over the obstacle to the monitoring list as the location information of the obstacle.

[0092] In step S318, the CPU 11 monitors whether the distance between the vehicle 50 and the positional information of obstacles such as fallen objects is decreasing.

[0093] In step S320, the CPU 11 determines whether the vehicle 50 has approached an obstacle such as a falling object beyond a threshold. If the CPU 11 determines that the vehicle 50 has approached the falling object beyond a threshold (step S320: YES), the process proceeds to step S322. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the vehicle 50 has not approached the falling object beyond a threshold (step S320: NO), the process proceeds to step S300.

[0094] In step S322, the CPU 11 outputs a warning to the driver of the vehicle 50. Specifically, the CPU 11 notifies the driver that the vehicle 50 is close to an obstacle and urges them to pay attention. If the vehicle 50 is an autonomous vehicle, the CPU 11 may notify the vehicle 50 that it is close to an obstacle and also control the direction and speed of the vehicle 50.

[0095] The report processing shown in Figure 7 will now be explained. In step S400 of Figure 7, the CPU 11 acquires tire information.

[0096] In step S402, the CPU 11 estimates the size of the obstacle.

[0097] In step S404, the CPU 11 determines whether the estimated size of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first threshold. If the CPU 11 determines that the estimated size of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S404: YES), the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the estimated size of the obstacle is not greater than or equal to the first threshold, i.e., less than the first threshold (step S404: NO), the process returns to step S400.

[0098] In step S406, the CPU 11 outputs an alert. As mentioned above, the alert may be categorized into levels according to the size of the obstacle, and the content of the alert may be changed for each level.

[0099] In step S408, the CPU 11 stores the tire information in the centralized tire inspection list.

[0100] In step S410, CPU11 obtains the inspection results.

[0101] In step S412, as a process running in parallel with step S408, the CPU 11 contacts the vehicle responsible for road surface maintenance.

[0102] In step S414, the CPU 11 acquires image data of obstacles and other objects captured during road surface maintenance.

[0103] In step S416, CPU 11 obtains the road surface maintenance results.

[0104] In step S418, as a process running in parallel with step S412, the CPU 11 automatically adds location information of obstacles such as falling objects to the list.

[0105] In step S420, the CPU 11 acquires onboard camera footage of a vehicle that subsequently passed the location in question.

[0106] In step S422, the CPU 11 saves the image data of the in-vehicle camera.

[0107] In step S424, the CPU 11 estimates the size of the obstacle by analyzing the image.

[0108] In step S426, CPU 11 saves the image along with size data.

[0109] In step S428, as a process in parallel with step S420, the CPU 11 acquires the onboard camera image of the vehicle 50 that passed the location in front of it.

[0110] In step S430, the CPU 11 saves the image data of the in-vehicle camera.

[0111] In step S432, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the vehicle 50 that dropped the object is the vehicle 50 that dropped the object. If the CPU 11 determines that the vehicle 50 is the vehicle that dropped the object (step S432: YES), the process proceeds to step S434. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the vehicle is not the vehicle that dropped the object (step S432: NO), the process returns to step S428.

[0112] In step S434, the CPU 11 saves the fall scene as an image, and also saves vehicle information, time, and location.

[0113] In step S436, the CPU 11 outputs an automated report. Specifically, the CPU 11 outputs an automated report that includes inspection results, road surface maintenance results, image data from the vehicle's onboard camera captured by the vehicle 50 as it passed the location of the obstacle, and images of the scene where the falling object that constitutes the obstacle was dropped.

[0114] (summary) As described above, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101 that acquires tire information relating to the tires of a moving vehicle 50, an estimation unit 102 that estimates the size of an obstacle that the tire has driven over from the tire information, and a notification unit 103 that outputs a notification according to the estimation result by the estimation unit 102. The information processing device 10 can output a notification according to the size of the obstacle that the vehicle 50 has driven over. To elaborate, since the output content from the information processing device 10 changes based on the size of the obstacle that the vehicle 50 has driven over, tire damage can be checked according to the output instructions, simplifying the steps to determine tire damage. In addition, since the position information of the tire that has driven over is also acquired, the location of the obstacle can be identified, enabling efficient road surface maintenance. Furthermore, since the system instructs the tire to be inspected, damage to the tire can be prevented. Therefore, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the overall man-hours required for tire management.

[0115] (remarks) Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the processor referred to as CPU11 refers to a broad type of processor, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0116] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiment may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in the above embodiment, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0117] Furthermore, although the information processing system 1 in this embodiment is described as being composed of multiple devices as an example, it may be composed of a single device that has some of the functions of multiple devices.

[0118] Furthermore, the processing performed by the information processing device 10 according to the above embodiment may be performed by software, by hardware, or by a combination of both. Also, the processing performed by the information processing device 10 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0119] The information processing program of this application can be provided as a program product. A program product includes all forms of products for providing a program. For example, a program product includes a program provided via a network such as the Internet, and non-temporary computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs on which the program is stored. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 Storage 15 Input / Output Interfaces 16 Communication I / F 20 TPMS 21 Temperature sensor 22 Pressure Sensor 23 Transmitter 25 Communication devices 26 GPS sensors 101 Acquisition Department 102 Estimation part 103 Notification Department 105 Data Storage Unit

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires tire information about the tires of a vehicle in motion, An estimation unit that estimates the size of the obstacle the tire has driven over from the tire information, A notification unit that outputs a notification according to the estimation result by the estimation unit, Information processing device including

2. The tire information includes the internal pressure value of the tire, The estimation unit estimates the size of the obstacle based on the magnitude of the fluctuation in the internal pressure of the tire. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires information on the tire that has driven over the obstacle and stores it in a tire inspection list of candidates for tire inspection. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the vehicle's position information along with the tire information and records the vehicle's position information when the tire that has driven over the obstacle has driven over the obstacle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The notification unit outputs the position indicated by the vehicle's position information when the tire that has driven onto the obstacle as the position of the obstacle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The notification unit outputs a priority order for road surface maintenance based on the size of the obstacle estimated by the estimation unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

7. Obtain tire information about the tires of a vehicle in motion. From the aforementioned tire information, the size of the obstacle that the tire ran over is estimated. Output a notification based on the estimation result. An information processing method in which a computer performs the processing.

8. Obtain tire information about the tires of a vehicle in motion. From the aforementioned tire information, the size of the obstacle that the tire ran over is estimated. Output a notification based on the estimation result. An information processing program that instructs a computer to perform a task.

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