Driving skills improvement system

Abstract

This technology aims to improve drivers' driving skills by providing feedback on their driving ability based on music that takes their preferences into account. [Solution] The driving skill improvement system is a driving skill improvement system that aims to improve the driving skills of a driver of a vehicle, and one or more processors perform the following: determine the driver's driving skills; determine music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements from the type of music to be output, the method of outputting the music, or the method of switching the music, based on the result of the driving skill determination, and provide feedback to the driver on the result of the driving skill determination by outputting music; and collect information on the result of the evaluation of the driver's preference for the music output based on the music playback conditions, and update the method for determining the music playback conditions based on the information on the result of the evaluation of the driver's preference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a driving skill improvement system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for notifying a driver of an evaluation result of a driving operation of a vehicle using an output sound that does not include text information by voice or display.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a driving support device that outputs a sound according to the behavior of a vehicle. Specifically, the driving support device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes one or more processors and one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors. The processor sets a control mode for outputting a sound to a first output control mode in which a sound is continuously output while changing an output sound according to the magnitude of the behavior of the vehicle during running of the vehicle according to a predetermined determination condition, or a second output control mode in which a reward sound according to the stability of the behavior of the vehicle in a predetermined section traveled is output every time the vehicle travels a predetermined section, and executes a process of outputting a sound according to the set first output control mode or second output control mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the driver's own driving skills are evaluated and fed back to the driver through auditory stimuli. However, if the output sound delivered to the driver deviates from the driver's preferences, even if the driver receives feedback on their driving skills, it may not be possible to improve their driving skills, or the driver may find the output sound unpleasant.

[0006] In light of these circumstances, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a technology that improves drivers' driving skills by providing feedback to drivers on the results of their driving skill assessment based on music that takes their preferences into account. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a view of this disclosure, a driving skill improvement system is provided for improving a driver's vehicle driving skills, comprising one or more processors and one or more memories connected to the one or more processors in a communicative manner, wherein the one or more processors perform the following: determine the driver's driving skills; determine music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements from the type of music to be output, the method of outputting the music, or the method of switching the music, based on the result of the determination of the driving skills; and provide feedback to the driver by outputting the music based on the result of the determination of the driving skills; and collect information on the result of the evaluation of the driver's preference for the music output based on the music playback conditions, and update the method for determining the music playback conditions based on the information on the result of the evaluation of the driver's preference. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, by providing drivers with feedback on the assessment of their driving skills based on music that takes their preferences into account, it is possible to improve the drivers' driving skills. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving skills improvement system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the vehicle configuration of the driving skills improvement system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device included in a driving skills improvement system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device included in a driving skills improvement system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example of preference data used in a driving skills improvement system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device included in the driving skills improvement system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates an example of preference data used in a driving skills improvement system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device included in the driving skills improvement system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] <1. First Embodiment> (1-1. Driving Skill Improvement System) Referring to Figure 1, the driving skills improvement system 1000 according to the first embodiment is a system for improving the driving skills of a driver of a vehicle 10. The driving skills improvement system 1000 comprises a vehicle 10, a terminal device 20, and an information processing device 30 mounted on the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10, the information processing device 30, and the terminal device 20 can communicate with each other via a publicly known or arbitrary network 40 such as the Internet.

[0012] Vehicle 10 is, for example, an automobile equipped with an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine. However, vehicle 10 is not limited to this, and may also be, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with a drive motor. Examples of electric vehicles include BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). In Figure 1, only one vehicle 10 is shown, but the number of vehicles 10 equipped in the driving skill improvement system 1000 can be any value.

[0013] The terminal device 20 is a mobile device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or wearable device. An application for improving the driver's driving skills (hereinafter abbreviated as "driving skills improvement app") runs on the terminal device 20. As will be described in detail later, the driver can input the evaluation results of their preference for music used for feedback on their driving skills to the driving skills improvement system 1000 via the driving skills improvement app. In this disclosure, the terminal device 20 may be configured as an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0014] The information processing device 30 is a computer configured as a device mounted on the vehicle 10. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the information processing device 30 may be a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0015] (1-2. Vehicle) Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 is configured as a four-wheel vehicle that transmits the driving torque output from the driving power source 1 to the wheels. The combination of drive wheels and the driving method are not particularly limited, and the vehicle 10 may be a front-wheel drive vehicle, a rear-wheel drive vehicle, or a four-wheel drive vehicle. Further, when the vehicle 10 is configured as an electric vehicle, it may be an electric vehicle provided with drive motors corresponding to each wheel.

[0016] As devices used for driving control, the vehicle 10 includes at least a driving power source 1, an electric steering device 2, brake devices 3LF, 3RF, 3LR, 3RR (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "brake device 3" when not particularly distinguished), and a vehicle control device 4.

[0017] The driving power source 1 outputs a driving torque that is transmitted to the front-wheel drive shaft 6F via a transmission (not shown) and a differential mechanism 5. The driving of the driving power source 1 and the transmission is controlled by the vehicle control device 4.

[0018] The electric steering device 2 is provided on the front-wheel drive shaft 6F. The electric steering device 2 includes an electric motor (not shown) and a gear mechanism (not shown), and adjusts the steering angle of the front wheels by being controlled by the vehicle control device 4. The vehicle control device 4 controls the electric steering device 2 based on the steering angle of the steering wheel 7 by the driver. When the vehicle 10 is configured to be capable of executing automatic driving control, the vehicle control device 4 controls the electric steering device 2 based on the steering angle of the steering wheel 7 by the driver during manual driving. On the other hand, during automatic driving, the vehicle control device 4 controls the electric steering device 2 based on a steering angle or a steering angular velocity appropriately set using known or arbitrary automatic driving technologies.

[0019] Brake units 3LF, 3RF, 3LR, and 3RR apply braking force to their respective wheels. Brake unit 3 may be, for example, a hydraulic brake system. In this case, the hydraulic pressure supplied to each brake unit 3 is adjusted by controlling the drive of the hydraulic unit 8 by the vehicle control device 4. When the vehicle 10 is configured as an electric vehicle, brake unit 3 is used in conjunction with regenerative braking by the drive motor.

[0020] The vehicle control device 4 includes at least one or more electronic control units (ECUs) that control the driving of the power source 1, the electric steering device 2, and the brake device 3, respectively. The vehicle control device 4 may be provided separately for each function to be controlled.

[0021] In addition, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle state sensor 11, an ambient environment sensor 12, a position detection sensor 13, a communication device 14, an input device 15, sound output devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "sound output device 16"), and a display device 17.

[0022] The vehicle state sensor 11 includes at least one sensor that detects the behavior of the vehicle 10. The vehicle state sensor 11 includes, for example, at least one of a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The vehicle speed sensor detects, for example, the rotational speed of the front wheel drive axle 6F of the vehicle 10. The angular velocity sensor detects, for example, the acceleration of the vehicle 10 in the longitudinal direction, the vehicle width direction, and the vehicle height direction. The angular velocity sensor detects, for example, the rate of change of the roll angle, which is the rotation angle around the axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10, the pitch angle, which is the rotation angle around the axis in the vehicle width direction, and the yaw angle, which is the rotation angle around the axis in the vehicle height direction. The vehicle state sensor 11 transmits the detection results to the information processing device 30.

[0023] The ambient environment sensor 12 includes at least one sensor that detects the environment around the vehicle 10. The ambient environment sensor 12 may also include a front-facing camera (not shown) and a rear-facing camera (not shown). The front-facing camera captures the area in front of the vehicle 10 and generates image data. The rear-facing camera captures the area behind the vehicle 10 and generates image data. The front-facing camera and the rear-facing camera are equipped with image sensors such as CCD (Charged Coupled Devices) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and transmit the generated image data to the information processing device 30. The ambient environment sensor 12 may also include one or more distance measuring sensors, such as a radar sensor like LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) or millimeter-wave radar, and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0024] The position detection sensor 13 may include a GNSS sensor that receives satellite signals from positioning satellites such as GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The position detection sensor 13 transmits the vehicle's position information contained in the received satellite signals to the information processing device 30. In addition to the GPS sensor, the position detection sensor 13 may also be equipped with an antenna that receives satellite signals from other satellite systems that determine the vehicle's position.

[0025] The communication device 14 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface may include, for example, an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation) standards, or LAN (Local Area Network) standards. The communication device 14 transmits various information obtained on the vehicle 10 side to various external devices via the network 40. The communication device 14 also receives various information required on the vehicle 10 side from various external devices via the network 40.

[0026] The input device 15 includes at least one input interface. The input interface may include, for example, a touch panel display, a switch, or a dial. The switch may be provided on the steering spoke or the like, and can be operated by the driver while holding the steering wheel 7. The input interface may also include a microphone or a voice input device such as a voice recognition module. When the input device 15 receives an input operation from the driver, it transmits information corresponding to the input operation to the information processing device 30.

[0027] The sound output device 16 outputs music that the driver can recognize. The sound output device 16 includes one or more speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d connected to the audio system provided in the vehicle 10. Although four speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are shown in Figure 2, this disclosure is not limited to these. The sound output device 16 may be able to communicate with the terminal device 20 via wired or wireless connection. The sound output device 16 outputs music and the like to the driver based on music playback conditions obtained by the operation of the information processing device 30.

[0028] The display device 17 displays information that the driver can see. The display device 17 may be integrated with, for example, the input device 15 and configured as a touch panel display. The display device 17 displays information obtained from the operation of the information processing device 30 to the driver.

[0029] (1-3. Terminal devices) Referring to Figure 3, the terminal device 20 comprises a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25.

[0030] The processing unit 21 comprises one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and various peripheral components. Part or all of the processing unit 21 may consist of updatable components such as firmware, or it may be a program module that is executed by instructions from the CPU, etc.

[0031] The storage unit 22 is composed of one or more memory elements such as RAM or ROM that are connected to the processing unit 21 in a communicative manner. However, the type and number of storage units 22 are not particularly limited. The storage unit 22 stores information such as computer programs executed by the processing unit 21, various parameters used in arithmetic processing, detection data, and calculation results.

[0032] The communication unit 23 is composed of one or more communication interfaces that are connected to the processing unit 21 in a communicative manner. The communication interfaces may include, for example, interfaces that are compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G or 5G standards, short-range wireless communication standards, or LAN standards. The communication unit 23 receives various types of information used in the operation of the terminal device 20 and transmits various types of information obtained through the operation of the terminal device 20. Specifically, the communication unit 23 receives information used in a driving skills improvement application running on the terminal device 20 from an external device and transmits information obtained via the driving skills improvement application to the external device.

[0033] The input unit 24 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interfaces may include, for example, physical keys, capacitive keys, pointing devices, or touchscreens integrated with a display. The input unit 24 accepts operations from the driver to input information used for the operation of the terminal device 20.

[0034] The output unit 25 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interfaces may include, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The output unit 25 outputs information obtained from the operation of the terminal device 20 to the driver.

[0035] (1-4. Information Processing Devices) Referring to Figure 4, the information processing device 30 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The information processing device 30 is connected to the vehicle control device 4, vehicle status sensor 11, surrounding environment sensor 12, position detection sensor 13, communication device 14, input device 15, sound output device 16, and display device 17 via a dedicated line or communication means such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Internet).

[0036] (1-4-1. Example Configuration) The information processing device 30 functions as a device for improving the driver's driving skills of the vehicle 10 by having one or more processors such as CPUs execute a computer program. The computer program is a computer program that causes the processor to execute the operations that the information processing device 30 should perform, as described later. The computer program executed by the processor may be recorded on a recording medium that functions as a storage unit 32, as described later, or on a recording medium built into the information processing device 30 or on any external recording medium that can be attached to the information processing device 30.

[0037] The recording medium for storing computer programs may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu-ray®; magneto-optical media such as floppy disks; memory elements such as RAM and ROM; flash memory such as USB memory and SSDs; and other media capable of storing programs.

[0038] The information processing device 30 comprises at least a processing unit 31 and a storage unit 32. If the information processing device 30 is configured as a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system, the information processing device 30 further comprises at least one communication interface that enables the exchange of information with the vehicle 10 and terminal device 20 via the network 40.

[0039] The processing unit 31 comprises one or more processors such as a CPU and various peripheral components. Part or all of the processing unit 31 may consist of updatable components such as firmware, or it may be a program module that is executed by instructions from the CPU or the like.

[0040] The memory unit 32 is composed of one or more memory elements such as RAM or ROM that are connected to the processing unit 31 in a communicative manner. However, the type and number of memory units 32 are not particularly limited. The memory unit 32 stores information such as computer programs executed by the processing unit 31, various parameters used in arithmetic processing, detection data, and calculation results.

[0041] The memory unit 32 stores preference data that associates music playback conditions with the driver's preference for the music output based on those conditions. The preference data may also associate music playback conditions with the driver's preference for the music output based on those conditions, and the effect of improving driving skills when the driver receives feedback on their driving skills by outputting that music. Furthermore, the preference data may be associated with arbitrary identification information for identifying the driver that can be obtained via the input device 15 of the vehicle 10. If the vehicle 10 is equipped with an in-vehicle imaging camera (not shown), the preference data may be associated with arbitrary identification information for identifying the driver that can be obtained based on the driver's facial image captured by the in-vehicle imaging camera.

[0042] Here, the music playback conditions in this embodiment consist of one or more elements of the music output method or switching method. Examples of music include, but are not limited to, music provided by a known or any music streaming service playable in the audio system of the vehicle 10, music recorded on a known or any removable media, or music pre-stored in the storage unit 32. Examples of output methods include, but are not limited to, music volume, playback speed, or pitch. Examples of switching methods include, but are not limited to, cut-in, crossfader, fade-out, fade-in, scratch, echo, mix, reverse, beat juggling, or synchronization.

[0043] **Cut-in** is a technique that abruptly switches from the current song to the next song. **Crossfader** is a technique that gradually switches between two songs played on top of each other. **Fade-out** is a technique that gradually fades out the current song and switches to the next song. **Fade-in** is a technique that gradually introduces the next song and fades out the current song. **Scratch** is a technique that switches songs by manually spinning a record. **Echo** is a technique that makes the sound of the current song reverberate before introducing the next song. **Mix** is a technique that plays two songs on top of each other simultaneously. **Reverse** is a technique that plays the current song in reverse and switches to the next song. **Beat juggling** is a technique that chops up the drum beat and switches to the next song. **Sync** is a technique that matches the tempo of two songs and switches between them.

[0044] In the preference data shown in Figure 5, information on music playback conditions A to F, information on the driver's preference for each of music playback conditions A to F, and information on the effect of music playback conditions A to F on improving the driver's driving skills are all related. Music playback condition A is, for example, the original BPM (Beats Per Minute) of the song and a cut-in is performed when switching between songs. Music playback condition B is, for example, a BPM faster than the original BPM of the song and a cut-in is performed when switching between songs. Music playback condition C is, for example, a BPM slower than the original BPM of the song and a cut-in is performed when switching between songs. Music playback condition D is, for example, the original BPM of the song and a crossfade is performed when switching between songs. Music playback condition E is, for example, a BPM faster than the original BPM of the song and a crossfade is performed when switching between songs. Music playback condition F is, for example, a BPM slower than the original BPM of the song and a crossfade is performed when switching between songs. Driver preferences are evaluated using a binary rating system indicating whether or not there is a match, and are initially set to a null value, for example. The effect on improving the driver's driving skills is evaluated using a multi-level rating system such as "high," "medium," or "low," and is initially set to a null value, for example.

[0045] However, the preference data in this embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Figure 5, and any number and conditions can be adopted as long as they consist of one or more elements of the music output method or switching method described above. Furthermore, the improvement effect on driver preference and driving skills does not have to be an evaluation result by binary evaluation, but may be an evaluation result by multi-stage evaluation, or an evaluation result using continuous values.

[0046] (1-4-2. Functional configuration of the processing unit) The functional configuration of the processing unit 31 of the information processing device 30 will now be described. The processing unit 31 comprises an acquisition unit 311, a determination unit 312, a decision unit 313, a playback processing unit 314, and an update unit 315. Each of these units is a function realized by the execution of a computer program by one or more processors such as a CPU. However, some or all of these units may be configured using analog circuits.

[0047] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 311 acquires information indicating the behavior of the vehicle 10 from the vehicle state sensor 11 of the vehicle 10. In addition, the acquisition unit 311 may acquire information indicating the environment around the vehicle 10 from the surrounding environment sensor 12 of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 311 may acquire information indicating the position of the vehicle 10 from the position detection sensor 13 of the vehicle 10. The acquisition unit 311 acquires information indicating the behavior of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined calculation cycle and stores the acquired information indicating the behavior of the vehicle 10 in the storage unit 32.

[0048] The acquisition unit 311 acquires information on the driver's preference evaluation result for music output by the playback processing unit 314 based on the music playback conditions determined by the determination unit 313. Here, the evaluation result information may be acquired while the driver is driving the vehicle 10, or it may be acquired after the driving is finished. The acquisition unit 311 stores the acquired evaluation result information in the storage unit 32 so that it can be referenced by the determination unit 313 and the update unit 315.

[0049] When evaluation results are acquired during driving, the evaluation results reflect the driver's preference for music output based on music playback conditions, and it is preferable to use a binary evaluation such as "like" or "dislike" so as not to interfere with the driver's driving operations. In this case, the evaluation results may be acquired through the driver's input operation using a switch provided on the steering spoke, etc., corresponding to the input device 15 of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the evaluation results may be acquired based on the driver's answer, such as "like" or "dislike," to a question asking about the driver's preferences. The question can be notified to the driver, for example, by audio output or image / text display from the sound output device 16 or display device 17 of the vehicle 10. The answer can be acquired, for example, using a microphone corresponding to the input device 15 of the vehicle 10.

[0050] On the other hand, if the evaluation results are acquired after the operation is completed, it is preferable that the evaluation results reflect the driver's preferences for each of the one or more elements of the music output method or switching method that constitute the music playback conditions. In this case, the evaluation results are acquired via the network 40 by the driver's input operation using the input unit 24 of the terminal device 20.

[0051] (Judgment Department) The determination unit 312 determines the driver's driving skills. Specifically, the determination unit 312 determines the driver's driving skills by applying a known or arbitrary method for determining driving skills to information indicating the behavior of the vehicle 10 stored in the memory unit 32. For example, the determination unit 312 may determine the driver's driving skills based on the number or frequency of times an index value related to the behavioral stability of the vehicle 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold in one trip. In this case, the determination unit 312 may determine that the driver's driving skills are higher the fewer times or the less frequently the index value related to the behavioral stability of the vehicle 10 exceeds the predetermined threshold in one trip. On the other hand, the determination unit 312 may determine that the driver's driving skills are lower the more times or the more frequently the index value related to the behavioral stability of the vehicle 10 exceeds the predetermined threshold in one trip. The period for determining driving skills is not necessarily limited to within one trip and can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, the threshold used for determining driving skills may be set according to the level of driving skills of each individual driver.

[0052] Furthermore, the index value relating to the behavioral stability of the vehicle 10 may mean a value indicating the magnitude of the vehicle 10's behavior, calculated by applying at least one of the known or arbitrary smoothing processes, absolute value conversion processes, or differential processes to the vehicle speed, acceleration, or angular velocity. Also, one trip may mean, for example, the period from when the ignition switch or power switch is turned on until it is turned off.

[0053] The determination unit 312 may determine the effect of improving the driver's driving skills when the driver receives feedback on the driving skill assessment results by outputting music via the playback processing unit 314. For example, the determination unit 312 may determine the effect of improving the driver's driving skills based on a comparison of the number or frequency of times the index value related to the vehicle 10's behavioral stability exceeds a predetermined threshold during one trip after the feedback, and the number or frequency of times the index value exceeds a predetermined threshold during one trip before the feedback. In this case, the determination unit 312 may determine that the effect of improving the driver's driving skills is high if the number or frequency during one trip after the feedback is reduced by a predetermined number or frequency or more than the number or frequency during one trip before the feedback. On the other hand, the determination unit 312 may determine that the effect of improving the driver's driving skills is low if the number or frequency during one trip after the feedback is not reduced by a predetermined number or frequency or more than the number or frequency during one trip before the feedback.

[0054] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the effect of improving driving skills may be determined based on the degree to which a change occurs in the behavioral stability of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the determination result in this disclosure is not limited to a binary determination such as "high" or "low," but may be a determination using discrete values ​​of multiple levels, or a determination using continuous values. Furthermore, the driving skill evaluation method in this disclosure is not limited to the method described above, and for example, one or more pieces of information from the information of the environment surrounding the vehicle 10 and the information of the position of the vehicle 10 stored in the storage unit 32 may be used. The determination result information is stored in the storage unit 32 so that it can be accessed by the determination unit 313 and the update unit 315, and is specifically written to the preference data.

[0055] (Decision section) The determination unit 313 determines music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of the music output method or switching method, based on the driving skill determination result by the judgment unit 312. Specifically, if the driving skill is determined to be high, the determination unit 313 refers to the preference data stored in the memory unit 32 to determine music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of the output method or switching method that are evaluated as matching the preference. On the other hand, if the driving skill is determined to be low, the determination unit 313 refers to the preference data stored in the memory unit 32 to determine music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of the output method or switching method that are evaluated as not matching the preference.

[0056] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and if further information on the effect of improving driving skills is collected, the determination unit 313 may determine the music playback conditions as follows. That is, if it is determined that the effect of improving driving skills is high, the determination unit 313 may refer to the preference data stored in the storage unit 32 to determine the music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of the output method or switching method that are evaluated to match the preference. On the other hand, if it is determined that the effect of improving driving skills is low, the determination unit 313 may refer to the preference data stored in the storage unit 32 to determine the music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of the output method or switching method that are evaluated to not match the preference.

[0057] In any case, the determination unit 313 can set one or more of the following as the output method for the music to be output based on the determined music playback conditions: volume, playback speed, or pitch. The determination unit 313 can also select one of the following as the switching method for the music to be output based on the determined music playback conditions: cut-in, crossfader, fade-out, fade-in, scratch, echo, mix, reverse, beat juggling, or sync.

[0058] (Regeneration processing unit) The playback processing unit 314 provides feedback to the driver regarding the judgment of their driving skills by outputting music based on the music playback conditions determined by the determination unit 313. Specifically, the playback processing unit 314 outputs music from the speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d included in the sound output device 16 of the vehicle 10, based on music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of the music output method or switching method determined by the determination unit 313. As mentioned above, examples of music to be output include music provided by a publicly known or arbitrary music streaming service, music recorded on a publicly known or arbitrary removable media, or music pre-stored in the storage unit 32.

[0059] Specifically, if the driver's driving skills are determined to be high, the playback processing unit 314 generates an output signal for outputting music under music playback conditions evaluated as matching the driver's preferences determined by the determination unit 313, and transmits it to speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Upon receiving the output signal from the information processing device 30, speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d output music into the vehicle 10 under music playback conditions evaluated as matching the driver's preferences. On the other hand, if the driver's driving skills are determined to be low, the playback processing unit 314 generates an output signal for outputting music under music playback conditions evaluated as not matching the driver's preferences determined by the determination unit 313, and transmits it to speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Upon receiving the output signal from the information processing device 30, speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d output music into the vehicle 10 under music playback conditions evaluated as not matching the driver's preferences.

[0060] Therefore, when music that matches the driver's preferences is played in the vehicle 10, the driver can recognize that their driving skills are high, while when music that does not match their preferences is played in the vehicle 10, the driver can recognize that their driving skills are low. In this way, the results of the driving skill assessment are fed back to the driver in real time and intuitively through auditory stimuli while driving. Therefore, compared to when the results of the driving skill assessment are fed back to the driver through voice or text information displayed on the screen, the burden of brain processing required for the driver to understand the content of the feedback is reduced, and driving skills can be improved.

[0061] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and if further information on the effect of improving driving skills is collected, the playback processing unit 314 may output music as follows. That is, if it is determined that the effect of improving driving skills is high, the playback processing unit 314 may generate an output signal for outputting music under music playback conditions evaluated as matching the driver's preferences determined by the determination unit 313, and transmit it to the speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. On the other hand, if it is determined that the effect of improving driving skills is low, the playback processing unit 314 may generate an output signal for outputting music under music playback conditions evaluated as not matching the driver's preferences determined by the determination unit 313, and transmit it to the speakers 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Therefore, the driver can realize that the effect of improving their driving skills is high when music that matches their preferences is played in the vehicle 10, and can realize that the effect of improving their driving skills is low when music that does not match their preferences is played in the vehicle 10. As a result, even if the driver's driving skills are low, if the music has a high effect on improving driving skills, music that does not cause discomfort to the driver will be played inside the vehicle 10, thereby making the driver more aware of driving operations that enhance the effect on improving driving skills, and thus improving the driver's driving skills.

[0062] (Update section) The update unit 315 updates the method for determining music playback conditions, which is determined by the determination unit 313, based on the information obtained by the acquisition unit 311 regarding the evaluation results of the driver's preferences. Specifically, if the update unit 315 evaluates that a certain music playback condition matches the driver's preferences, it updates the method for determining music playback conditions by classifying that music playback condition as a music playback condition that matches the driver's preferences. More specifically, the update unit 315 updates the driver's preference information associated with the music playback condition evaluated as matching the driver's preferences, among the preference data stored in the storage unit 32, to information that means "match". On the other hand, if the update unit 315 evaluates that a certain music playback condition does not match the driver's preferences, it updates the method for determining music playback conditions by classifying that music playback condition as a music playback condition that does not match the driver's preferences. More specifically, the update unit 315 updates the driver preference information associated with music playback conditions that are evaluated as not matching the driver's preferences among the preference data stored in the storage unit 32 to information that means "does not match". In this way, the preference data stored in the storage unit 32 is updated by the update unit 315.

[0063] Therefore, as the update unit 315 repeatedly updates, the music playback conditions, consisting of one or more elements of the music output method or switching method, are learned and classified into a group of candidate music playback conditions that match the driver's preferences and a group of candidate music playback conditions that do not match the driver's preferences. As a result, if it is determined that the driving skills or the effect of improving driving skills is high, music is output using the music playback conditions selected from the group of candidate music playback conditions that match the driver's preferences. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling discomfort with the feedback of the driving skills assessment result itself. On the other hand, if it is determined that the driving skills or the effect of improving driving skills is low, music is output using the music playback conditions selected from the group of candidate music playback conditions that do not match the driver's preferences. Therefore, the driver may temporarily feel a slight discomfort with the music playing in the vehicle 10, but this can stimulate the desire to improve driving skills in order to listen to music that matches their preferences, and as a result, driving skills can be improved.

[0064] Here, if the update unit 315 has further collected information on the music playback conditions of the music output to the driver and at least one of the other drivers, and information on the effect on improving driving skills, it may update the method for determining the music playback conditions as follows. That is, when learning the driver's preferences, for example, the update unit 315 may give a higher priority to selecting music playback conditions that have a driving skill improvement effect higher than a predetermined standard than the priority to selecting music playback conditions that have a driving skill improvement effect lower than a predetermined standard. In this case, the update unit 315 can identify music playback conditions that have a driving skill improvement effect higher than a predetermined standard and music playback conditions that have a driving skill improvement effect lower than a predetermined standard by referring to the driver's preference data stored in the storage unit 32. In addition, the update unit 315 can identify music playback conditions that have a driving skill improvement effect higher than a predetermined standard and music playback conditions that have a driving skill improvement effect lower than a predetermined standard by referring to the preference data of other drivers obtained from an external server (not shown) etc. via the communication device 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0065] (1-4-3. Examples of information processing device operation) Referring to Figure 6, an example of the operation of the information processing device 30 according to this embodiment will be explained in accordance with the flowchart.

[0066] In this example, the driver is informed that, for example, by the time of the first use of the driving skill improvement system 1000, music will be output with music playback conditions that reflect the results of their own driving skill assessment, thereby providing feedback on the results of their driving skill assessment.

[0067] Furthermore, in this example of operation, the preference data stored in the memory unit 32 includes multiple music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of music output methods or switching methods. The music output methods or switching methods that constitute each music playback condition have arbitrary default values ​​set in advance and are updated each time the series of processes in steps S11 to S16 (hereinafter referred to as the "update process") described later are repeated. In addition, the information of the driver preference evaluation results associated with each music playback condition is also updated each time the series of update processes are repeated.

[0068] In step S11, the determination unit 312 of the processing unit 31 determines the driving skills of the vehicle 10 driver. In this example, the determination unit 312 determines whether the driver's driving skills are high or low by applying a known or arbitrary driving skill determination method to the information indicating the behavior of the vehicle 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 311. Additionally or alternatively, the determination unit 312 may determine whether the effect of improving driving skills is high or low.

[0069] Next, in step S12, the determination unit 313 of the processing unit 31 determines music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of music output methods or switching methods, based on the results of the driving skill determination in step S11.

[0070] In this example, if the number of iterations of the update process exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 313 executes the following process. That is, if it is determined in step S11 that the driver's driving skills are high, the determination unit 313 refers to the preference data shown in Figure 5 and determines a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F that matches the driver's preferences. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the driver's driving skills are low, the determination unit 313 refers to the preference data shown in Figure 5 and determines a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F that does not match the driver's preferences. Note that if driving skills and preferences are evaluated using multiple levels or continuous values, the determination unit 313 may select a music playback condition that matches preferences more highly as driving skills are higher, and a music playback condition that matches preferences less highly as driving skills are lower.

[0071] Furthermore, in this example of operation, if the number of repetitions of the update process is less than a predetermined reference number, the determination unit 313 randomly determines a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F, regardless of the result of the driving skill judgment in step S11. Preferably, the predetermined reference number is a number that can comprehensively reflect the driver's preferences for each of the multiple music playback conditions. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and if the number of repetitions of the update process is less than a predetermined reference number, the determination unit 313 may select a preset music playback condition according to the result of the driving skill judgment in step S11.

[0072] Here, if the improvement in driving skills is determined in step S11, the decision unit 313 may perform the following processing in step S12. That is, if it is determined that the improvement in driving skills is high, the decision unit 313 may refer to the preference data shown in Figure 5 to determine a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F that matches the driver's preference. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the improvement in driving skills is low, the decision unit 313 may refer to the preference data shown in Figure 5 to determine a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F that does not match the driver's preference. If the improvement in driving skills and preference are evaluated in multiple stages or as continuous values, the decision unit 313 may select a music playback condition with a higher degree of preference matching the higher the improvement in driving skills, and select a music playback condition with a lower degree of preference matching the lower the improvement in driving skills. Furthermore, if there are multiple music playback conditions that match the driver's preference, the decision unit 313 may preferentially select a music playback condition in which the improvement in driving skills is higher than a predetermined standard. For example, in the preference data shown in Figure 5, the decision unit 313 may preferentially select music playback condition D, which has a higher effect on improving driving skills, from among music playback conditions B, D, and E that match the driver's preferences.

[0073] Next, in step S13, the playback processing unit 314 of the processing unit 31 outputs music based on the music playback conditions determined in step S11, thereby providing feedback to the driver of the vehicle 10 regarding the judgment of driving skills.

[0074] In this example, if the number of repetitions of the update process exceeds a predetermined threshold, the playback processing unit 314 executes the following process. Specifically, if it is determined in step S11 that the driver's driving skills are high, the playback processing unit 314 outputs music under, for example, music playback condition D, which matches the driver's preferences determined in step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the driver's driving skills are low, the playback processing unit 314 outputs music under, for example, music playback condition C, which does not match the driver's preferences determined in step S12. As a result, a driver determined to have high driving skills will listen to music in the vehicle 10 under music playback condition D, which matches their preferences, where the BPM of the songs is the original BPM of the songs and a crossfade occurs when switching between songs. On the other hand, a driver determined to have low driving skills will listen to music in the vehicle 10 under music playback condition C, which does not match their preferences, where the BPM of the songs is slower than the original BPM of the songs and a cut-in occurs when switching between songs. In this way, music based on the driver's own driving skill assessment is played inside the vehicle 10, so that the driving skill assessment results are fed back to the driver in real time and intuitively through auditory stimulation. If the number of repetitions of the update process is less than a predetermined threshold, the playback processing unit 314 will output music inside the vehicle 10 according to the music playback conditions randomly determined in step S12, regardless of the driving skill assessment results in step S11.

[0075] Here, if the improvement in driving skills is determined in step S11, the determination unit 313 may perform the following processing in step S13. That is, if it is determined that the improvement in driving skills is high, the playback processing unit 314 may output music under, for example, music playback condition D, which matches the driver's preferences determined in step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the improvement in driving skills is low, the playback processing unit 314 may output music under, for example, music playback condition C, which does not match the driver's preferences determined in step S12. As a result, a driver who is determined to have a high improvement in driving skills will listen to music in the vehicle 10 under music playback condition D, which matches their preferences, where the BPM of the songs is the original BPM of the songs and a crossfade occurs when switching between songs. On the other hand, a driver who is determined to have a low improvement in driving skills will listen to music in the vehicle 10 under music playback condition C, which does not match their preferences, where the BPM of the songs is slower than the original BPM of the songs and a cut-in occurs when switching between songs. In this way, even if the driver's driving skills are low, if the music has a high effect on improving driving skills, music that does not cause discomfort to the driver will be played inside the vehicle 10, thereby making the driver more aware of driving operations that enhance the effect of improving driving skills, and thus improving the driver's driving skills.

[0076] In this example, the process in step S13 will be executed as long as music provided by a known or arbitrary music streaming service, music recorded on a known or arbitrary removable media, or music pre-stored in the storage unit 32 is being output within the vehicle 10.

[0077] Meanwhile, in step S14, which is performed in parallel with step S13, the acquisition unit 311 of the processing unit 31 acquires information on the driver's preference evaluation result for the music output in step S13. In this example, the acquisition unit 311 acquires the evaluation result information by using a switch provided on the steering spoke or the like, which corresponds to the input device 15 of the vehicle 10, to perform a simple input operation such as "like" or "dislike" that does not interfere with driving operations. However, instead, the acquisition unit 311 may acquire the evaluation result information based on the driver's answer of "like" or "dislike" to a question asking about the driver's preference.

[0078] Here, if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the driver's preferences were evaluated, the driver's current preferences may have changed from their past preferences. Also, the driver's preferences may differ depending on the surrounding environment or location where the vehicle 10 is currently traveling. Therefore, even if the music playback conditions have been evaluated in the past to determine whether they match the driver's preferences, it is preferable to evaluate them again in step S14. When the surrounding environment or location of the vehicle 10 is taken into consideration, it is preferable that the preference data stored in the storage unit 32 be associated with information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10 that can be obtained from the surrounding environment sensor 12 of the vehicle 10, or information about the location of the vehicle 10 that can be obtained from the location detection sensor 13 of the vehicle 10. This makes it possible to output music under music playback conditions that match the driver's preferences according to the surrounding environment or location of the vehicle 10.

[0079] In this example, the process in step S14 will be executed in the same way as the process in step S13, as long as music provided by a known or arbitrary music streaming service, music recorded on a known or arbitrary removable media, or music pre-stored in the storage unit 32 is being output within the vehicle 10. Also, in this example, the processes in steps S11 to S14 will be executed, for example, while the driver is operating the vehicle 10 (for example, during one trip). On the other hand, in this example, the processes in steps S15 and S16, which will be described below, will be executed, for example, after the driver has finished operating the vehicle 10.

[0080] In step S15, the acquisition unit 311 of the processing unit 31 acquires information on the driver's preference evaluation result for the music output in step S13. In this example, the acquisition unit 311 acquires the driver's preference evaluation result, which is obtained through the driver's input operation using the input unit 24 of the terminal device 20, from the terminal device 20 via the network 40. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the driver can input their preference evaluation result via the input unit 24 of the terminal device 20 by viewing the input screen of the driving skills improvement application output via the output unit 25 of the terminal device 20.

[0081] Here, it is preferable that the preference evaluation result in step S15 be a detailed evaluation result rather than a simple evaluation result like that in step S14. That is, it is preferable that the evaluation result in step S15 be a specific individual evaluation result of the driver's preference for each of the one or more elements of the music output method or switching method that constitute the music playback conditions. In this case, the evaluation result in step S15 may include information to better match the setting values ​​of each of the one or more elements of the music output method or switching method that constitute the music playback conditions to the driver's preference. For example, in the preference data shown in Figure 5, the preference evaluation result may include setting information to raise or lower the BPM by a predetermined amount to better match the driver's preference. Also, the preference evaluation result may include setting information to increase or decrease the time required for fade-out in crossfading by a predetermined amount to better match the driver's preference. Also, the preference evaluation result may include setting information to increase or decrease the time required for fade-in in crossfading by a predetermined amount to better match the driver's preference. This allows for more detailed evaluation results than the simple evaluation results obtained in step S14 for each of the one or more elements of the music output method or switching method that constitute the music playback conditions. Therefore, as the series of update processes are repeated, for example, music playback conditions B, D, and E, which match the driver's preferences among music playback conditions A to F shown in Figure 5, will be learned as music playback conditions that better match the preferences. The reason why it is preferable to re-evaluate in step S15 even if the music playback conditions have been evaluated in the past for whether or not they match the driver's preferences is the same as in step S14.

[0082] Next, in step S16, the update unit 315 of the processing unit 31 updates the method for determining music playback conditions, which consists of one or more elements of the music output method or switching method determined in step S12, based on the driver preference evaluation results obtained in steps S14 and S15. According to this example of operation, as the series of update processes, including the process in step S16, are repeated, for example, music playback conditions A to F included in the preference data shown in Figure 5 will be learned and classified into a candidate group consisting of, for example, music playback conditions B, D, and E that match the driver's preferences, and a candidate group consisting of, for example, music playback conditions A, C, and F that do not match the driver's preferences. Furthermore, as the series of update processes, including step S16, are repeated, the classification accuracy of music playback conditions that reflect the driver's preferences will improve.

[0083] (summary) As described above, the processing unit 31 of the information processing device 30 in the driving skill improvement system 1000 according to this embodiment determines the driver's driving skills. The processing unit 31 also determines music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements of the music output method or switching method to be output, based on the driving skill determination result. The processing unit 31 also feeds back the driving skill determination result to the driver by outputting music according to the determined music playback conditions. The processing unit 31 also collects information on the driver's preference evaluation result for the music output based on the music playback conditions. The processing unit 31 also updates the method for determining the music playback conditions based on the information on the driver's preference evaluation result.

[0084] With this configuration, the driver's preferences are reflected in the method for determining music playback conditions, which consists of one or more elements of the music output method or switching method. Furthermore, the driver's driving skills are evaluated based on the music output under music playback conditions that reflect the driver's preferences, and the results of the driving skills evaluation are fed back to the driver in real time and intuitively through auditory stimulation. Therefore, by feeding back the driver the results of their driving skills evaluation with music that takes their preferences into consideration, it is possible to improve the driver's driving skills.

[0085] <2. Second Embodiment> A driving skills improvement system 1000 according to a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described below. The differences between the driving skills improvement system 1000 according to this embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0086] (2-1. Example of Information Processing Device Configuration) In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the determination unit 313 of the processing unit 31 of the information processing device 30 determines the music playback conditions, which consist of the type of music, based on the driving skill determination result by the judgment unit 312. In other words, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the driver's preferences are reflected in the selection of the music itself. Accordingly, the preference data stored in the storage unit 32 also differs from the first embodiment in that it includes information on music playback conditions, which consist of the type of music, as shown in Figure 7, for example.

[0087] In the preference data shown in Figure 7, information on music playback conditions A through F, information on the driver's preference for each of music playback conditions A through F, and information on the effect of music playback conditions A through F on improving the driver's driving skills are linked. Music playback condition A consists of pop music. Music playback condition B consists of rock music. Music playback condition C consists of jazz music. Music playback condition D consists of classical music. Music playback condition E consists of Latin music. Music playback condition F consists of R&B music. The driver's preference is an evaluation result using a binary evaluation, such as whether it matches or not, and is initially set to a Null value, for example. The effect on improving the driver's driving skills is an evaluation result using a multi-stage evaluation, such as the improvement in driving skills being "high," "medium," or "low," and is initially set to a Null value, for example. However, the types of music are not limited to those classified by the genres of music as described above. They may also be classified by performer, musician, composer, or lyricist, by arrangement style or type of instrument, or by the driver's gender or age. Furthermore, the driver's preferences and the effect on improving driving skills do not need to be evaluated using a binary evaluation method. They may be evaluated using a multi-stage evaluation method or as continuous values.

[0088] (2-2. Examples of information processing device operation) Referring to Figure 8, an example of the operation of the information processing device 30 according to this embodiment will be explained in accordance with the flowchart.

[0089] In step S21, the determination unit 312 of the processing unit 31 determines the driver's driving skills in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0090] Next, in step S22, the determination unit 313 of the processing unit 31 determines the music playback conditions, which consist of the type of music, based on the result of the driving skill determination in step S21.

[0091] In this example, if the number of repetitions of the update process is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold number, the determination unit 313 executes the following process. That is, if it is determined in step S21 that the driver's driving skills are high, the determination unit 313 refers to the preference data shown in Figure 7 and determines a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F that matches the driver's preferences. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the driver's driving skills are low, the determination unit 313 refers to the preference data shown in Figure 7 and determines a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F that does not match the driver's preferences. Note that if driving skills and preferences are evaluated using multiple levels or continuous values, the determination unit 313 may select a music playback condition that matches preferences more highly as driving skills are higher, and a music playback condition that matches preferences less highly as driving skills are lower.

[0092] Furthermore, in this example of operation, if the number of repetitions of the update process is less than a predetermined reference number, the determination unit 313 randomly determines a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F for each song, for example, regardless of the result of the driving skill judgment in step S21. Preferably, the predetermined reference number is a number that can comprehensively reflect the driver's preferences for each of the multiple music playback conditions. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and if the number of repetitions of the update process is less than a predetermined reference number, the determination unit 313 may determine a preset music playback condition according to the result of the driving skill judgment in step S21.

[0093] Here, if the improvement in driving skills is determined in step S21, the decision unit 313 may perform the following processing in step S22. That is, if it is determined that the improvement in driving skills is high, the decision unit 313 may refer to the preference data shown in Figure 7 to determine a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F that matches the driver's preference. On the other hand, if it is determined that the improvement in driving skills is low, the decision unit 313 may refer to the preference data shown in Figure 7 to determine a music playback condition from among music playback conditions A to F that does not match the driver's preference. If the improvement in driving skills and preference are evaluated in multiple stages or as continuous values, the decision unit 313 may select a music playback condition with a higher degree of preference matching the higher the improvement in driving skills, and may select a music playback condition with a lower degree of preference matching the lower the improvement in driving skills. Furthermore, if there are multiple music playback conditions that match the driver's preference, the decision unit 313 may preferentially select a music playback condition in which the improvement in driving skills is higher than a predetermined standard. For example, in the preference data shown in Figure 7, the decision unit 313 may preferentially select music playback condition B, which has a higher effect on improving driving skills, from among music playback conditions B and F that match the driver's preferences.

[0094] Next, in step S23, the playback processing unit 314 of the processing unit 31 outputs music based on the music playback conditions determined in step S21, thereby providing feedback to the driver regarding the judgment result of their driving skills.

[0095] In this example, if the number of iterations of the update process exceeds a predetermined threshold, the playback processing unit 314 executes the following process. Specifically, if it is determined in step S21 that the driver's driving skills are high, the playback processing unit 314 outputs music under, for example, music playback condition B, which matches the driver's preferences determined in step S22. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the driver's driving skills are low, the playback processing unit 314 outputs music under, for example, music playback condition D, which does not match the driver's preferences determined in step S22. As a result, a driver determined to have high driving skills will listen to rock music, which matches their preferences. On the other hand, a driver determined to have low driving skills will listen to classical music, which does not match their preferences. In this way, music is output based on the driver's own driving skill assessment result, so the driving skill assessment result is fed back to the driver in real time and intuitively through auditory stimulation. If the number of repetitions of the update process is less than a predetermined threshold, the playback processing unit 314 will output music in step S22 using music playback conditions that are randomly determined for each song, regardless of the result of the driving skill judgment in step S21.

[0096] Here, if the effect of improving driving skills is evaluated in step S21, the determination unit 313 may perform the following processing in step S23. That is, if it is determined that the effect of improving driving skills is high, the playback processing unit 314 may output music under, for example, music playback condition B, which matches the driver's preferences determined in step S22. On the other hand, if it is determined that the effect of improving driving skills is low, the playback processing unit 314 may output music under, for example, music playback condition D, which does not match the driver's preferences determined in step S22. As a result, a driver who is determined to have a high effect of improving driving skills will listen to rock music that matches their preferences in the vehicle 10. On the other hand, a driver who is determined to have a low effect of improving driving skills will listen to classical music that does not match their preferences in the vehicle 10. In this way, even if the driver's driving skills are low, if the effect of improving driving skills is high, music that does not cause discomfort to the driver will be played in the vehicle 10, so that the driver can be made aware of driving operations that enhance the effect of improving driving skills, thereby improving the driver's driving skills.

[0097] Next, in step S24, the acquisition unit 311 of the processing unit 31 acquires information on the driver's preference evaluation result for the music output in step S23, in the same manner as in step S14 or S15. Note that the processing in step S24 may be performed while the driver is operating the vehicle 10, after the operation is completed, or both during and after operation.

[0098] Next, in step S25, the update unit 315 of the processing unit 31 updates the method for determining the music playback conditions, which consist of the types of music determined in step S22, based on the driver preference evaluation results obtained in step S24. According to this example of operation, as the series of update processes, including the process in step S25, are repeated, the music playback conditions A to F included in the preference data shown in Figure 7 will be learned and classified into a candidate group consisting of, for example, music playback conditions A, B, and F that match the driver's preferences, and a candidate group consisting of, for example, music playback conditions C, D, and E that do not match the driver's preferences. Furthermore, as the series of update processes, including the process in step S25, are repeated, the classification accuracy of the music playback conditions that reflect the driver's preferences will improve.

[0099] (summary) As described above, the processing unit 31 of the information processing device 30 in the driving skill improvement system 1000 according to this embodiment determines the driver's driving skills. The processing unit 31 also determines music playback conditions, consisting of the type of music to be output, based on the driving skill determination result. The processing unit 31 then provides feedback to the driver on the driving skill determination result by outputting music according to the determined music playback conditions. The processing unit 31 also collects information on the driver's preference evaluation result for the music output based on the music playback conditions. The processing unit 31 also updates the method for determining the music playback conditions based on the information on the driver's preference evaluation result.

[0100] With this configuration, the music output method and switching method remain the same as the original music, while the driver's preferences are reflected in the method for determining the music playback conditions, which consist of the type of music. Furthermore, the music output with music playback conditions that reflect the driver's preferences, based on the driver's driving skill assessment results, provides real-time and intuitive feedback to the driver through auditory stimulation. Therefore, by providing feedback to the driver on the assessment results of their driving skills through music that takes their preferences into account, it is possible to improve the driver's driving skills. In particular, for drivers who want to listen to music using the original music output method and switching method, the second embodiment is convenient and useful because it requires less time and effort to evaluate their musical preferences.

[0101] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these will naturally also be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each component or step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components or steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided into two.

[0102] For example, an embodiment combining the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above is also within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. For example, the update unit 315 of the processing unit 31 of the information processing device 30 may update the method for determining the music playback conditions based on the evaluation result of the driver's preference for music output based on a combination of music playback conditions including the type of music determined in the same manner as in the second embodiment and music playback conditions including one or more elements of the music output method or switching method determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0103] Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can also be realized as a vehicle 10 equipped with some or all of the functions of the information processing device 30 described in the above-described embodiment, a method for improving driving skills executed by the information processing device 30, a computer program that causes a computer to function as the above-described information processing device 30, and a non-temporary tangible recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1000: Driving skills improvement system, 10: Vehicle, 20: Terminal device, 21: Processing unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Input unit, 25: Output unit, 30: Information processing unit, 31: Processing unit, 32: Memory unit, 311: Acquisition unit, 312: Judgment unit, 313: Decision unit, 314: Regeneration processing unit, 315: Update unit

Claims

1. A driving skills improvement system that aims to improve the driving skills of drivers of vehicles, It comprises one or more processors and one or more memories connected to the one or more processors in a communicative manner, The aforementioned one or more processors To determine the driving skills of the aforementioned driver, Based on the results of the driving skill assessment, the system determines music playback conditions consisting of one or more elements from the type of music to be output, the method of outputting the music, or the method of switching the music, and then outputs the music to provide feedback to the driver regarding the results of the driving skill assessment. The method for determining the music playback conditions is updated based on the information obtained from the evaluation results of the driver's preference for the music output based on the aforementioned music playback conditions, and the method for determining the music playback conditions is updated based on the information obtained from the driver's preference evaluation results. A driving skills improvement system that performs the following actions.

2. The aforementioned one or more processors The driving skill improvement system according to claim 1, further collecting information on the effect of improving the driving skills when the result of the driving skill evaluation is fed back to the driver by outputting the aforementioned music, and updating the method for determining the music playback conditions based on the information on the evaluation result of the driver's preferences and the information on the effect of improving the driving skills.

3. The aforementioned one or more processors The information on the music playback conditions of the music output to at least one of the aforementioned driver and other drivers, and the information on the effect of improving driving skills are collected, The driving skill improvement system according to claim 2, wherein the priority of selecting the music playback conditions in which the effect of improving driving skills is higher than a predetermined standard is set higher than the priority of selecting the music playback conditions in which the effect of improving driving skills is lower than a predetermined standard.

4. The aforementioned one or more processors The driving skill improvement system according to claim 1, wherein the method for outputting the music is to set one or more of the volume, playback speed, or pitch of the music.

5. The aforementioned one or more processors The driving skill improvement system according to claim 1, wherein one of the following is selected as the method for switching the music: cut-in, crossfader, fade-out, fade-in, scratch, echo, mix, reverse, beat juggling, or synchronization.

Images