Information processing apparatus, method, and system

Abstract

To quickly detect a possibility of the theft of a vehicle provided to another party for a car-sharing or the like.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes: a communication part for obtaining a present location of a vehicle from the vehicle; and a control part for determining a degree of possibility of a theft of the vehicle on the basis of the present location. The control part transmits, via the communication part, a notification to a user terminal correlated with the vehicle on the basis of the determined degree of possibility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been a change in the consumer consumption trend from ownership to usage. Also in the field of automobiles, opportunities for vehicle owners to lend their vehicles to others, such as in car sharing, are increasing. On the other hand, since there have been cases where vehicles provided for others' use in car sharing have been stolen and resold to third parties, how to prevent vehicle theft has become an issue.

[0003] For this reason, various devices and systems for preventing vehicle theft have been proposed. For example, a vehicle theft detection device that detects the current location of a vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle may have been stolen has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, for example, a system that can restrict the operation or driving of a vehicle when the vehicle is in a stolen state has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there is room for improvement in methods for early detection of theft of vehicles provided by vehicle owners for others' use, and methods for preventing theft.

[0006] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is for the owner or administrator of a vehicle to early detect the possibility that a vehicle provided to others for carsharing or the like is stolen.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that acquires the current location of the vehicle from the vehicle, and a control unit that determines the likelihood that the vehicle is stolen based on the current location. The control unit transmits a notification to a user terminal associated with the vehicle via the communication unit based on the determined likelihood.

[0008] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method executed by an information processing apparatus that determines the likelihood of vehicle theft. This method acquires the current location of the vehicle from the vehicle, determines the likelihood that the vehicle is stolen based on the current location, and transmits a notification to a user terminal associated with the vehicle based on the determined likelihood.

[0009] A system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the information processing apparatus and the vehicle.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to early detect the possibility that a vehicle is stolen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (Overall Configuration of the System) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system 1 for early detection of the possibility that a vehicle 20 provided for car-sharing is stolen, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the possibility that the vehicle 20 is stolen may be referred to as "theft possibility". The system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an information processing device 10, a vehicle 20, and a user terminal 30. These are connected by an arbitrary communication network 40 capable of mediating the transmission and reception of information. In FIG. 1, one vehicle 20 and one user terminal 30 are shown, but a plurality of each of these can be connected to the communication network 40.

[0014] The system 1 is used by a user who is a lender providing the vehicle 20 for car-sharing. The user is the owner or administrator of the vehicle 20. To explain the outline of the present disclosure, the user registers the vehicle 20 provided for car-sharing with the information processing device 10. The driver who is the borrower of the vehicle 20 registers the destination with the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 monitors the current location of the vehicle 20 during travel and determines the possibility that the vehicle 20 is stolen. When there is a possibility that the vehicle 20 is stolen, the information processing device 10 notifies the user terminal 30 owned by the user and can take necessary measures. Thereby, the system 1 can detect the possibility that the vehicle 20 is stolen at an early stage and prevent the vehicle 20 from being sold to a third party or the like.

[0015] The information processing device 10 is a computer. The computer may be any of various computers including general-purpose computers, workstations, and PC (Personal Computer) servers. The information processing device 10 acquires destination information and, if necessary, waypoint information from a plurality of registered vehicles 20, and calculates a planned route for the vehicle 20 to travel. The information processing device 10 may acquire the planned route calculated by the vehicle 20. While the vehicle 20 is traveling, the information processing device 10 acquires the current location of the vehicle 20 and monitors whether the vehicle 20 is traveling on the planned route.

[0016] Based on the current location and the planned route of the vehicle 20, the information processing device 10 determines the likelihood of theft of the vehicle 20. Depending on the determined likelihood of theft, the information processing device 10 sends different notifications to the user terminal 30. For example, when it is determined that the likelihood of theft is low, the information processing device 10 only sends a notification to the user terminal 30. When it is determined that the likelihood of theft is high, the information processing device 10 sends a notification to the user terminal 30 that includes a notification of the likelihood of theft and a notification presenting countermeasures to prevent theft.

[0017] The information processing device 10 may be a computer that provides a car-sharing service. The information processing device 10 may have a function of matching a plurality of owners of the vehicles 20 with a plurality of borrowers who wish to use the vehicles 20.

[0018] Vehicle 20 is equipped with a dedicated application to execute the services of System 1. Further, Vehicle 20 may be provided with a dedicated mechanism to execute the services of System 1. For example, when the dedicated application of Vehicle 20 operates, it requests a driver who has borrowed Vehicle 20 through a car-sharing service to input a destination before starting driving. Vehicle 20 may present a route to the destination to the driver. Also, for example, Vehicle 20 periodically transmits the current location of the vehicle to Information Processing Device 10. The function of transmitting the current location of Vehicle 20 to Information Processing Device 10 is configured so that it cannot be easily disabled by the driver who has borrowed Vehicle 20. Further, Vehicle 20 may be configured to receive operations such as stopping driving or suppressing functions related to a part of driving from Information Processing Device 10 or User Terminal 30.

[0019] User Terminal 30 is an information device used by a user who is the owner or administrator of Vehicle 20. A specific User Terminal 30 among a plurality of User Terminals 30 is associated with a specific Vehicle 20 owned or managed by the user among the plurality of Vehicles 20. User Terminal 30 includes, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, and a portable information terminal. An application corresponding to System 1 may be installed on User Terminal 30. User Terminal 30 can acquire the current location information of Vehicle 20 from Information Processing Device 10. User Terminal 30 can receive a notification informing that Vehicle 20 may be stolen from Information Processing Device 10. The user can activate countermeasures for preventing the theft of Vehicle 20 using User Terminal 30. Countermeasures for preventing theft include reporting to the police, stopping Vehicle 20 or suppressing the driving of Vehicle 20, and acquiring an image around Vehicle 20.

[0020] The communication network 40 is an arbitrary communication network through which the information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, and the user terminal 30 can communicate with each other. The communication network 40 may be a wireless or wired transmission path and may also be a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the communication network 40 in the present embodiment includes an ad hoc network, a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), a cellular network, a WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), a terrestrial wireless network, an optical network, or other networks, or any combination thereof. The components of the wireless network include, for example, an access point (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point), a femtocell, etc. Further, the wireless communication device can be connected to a wireless network using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), cellular communication technology, or other wireless technologies and technical standards.

[0021] (Configuration of Information Processing Device) Next, the configuration and operation of the information processing device 10 will be described.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0023] The communication unit 11 includes a communication module connected to the communication network 40. The communication module may support, for example, mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation), wired LAN (Local Area Network) standards, or wireless LAN standards, but is not limited thereto and may support any communication standard. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 is connected to the communication network 40 via the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 can transmit and receive information to and from the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30. The communication unit 11 may further be able to transmit and receive information with other devices or systems other than the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30. For example, the communication unit 11 may be configured to be able to acquire map information, traffic information, etc. from an external system.

[0024] The control unit 12 includes one or more processors. In the present embodiment, the "processor" includes a general-purpose processor that executes programmed functions by loading a specific program, and a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The control unit 12 executes processing based on system programs, application programs, etc. stored in the storage unit 13. The control unit 12 performs various arithmetic processes and controls the operation of the entire information processing apparatus 10. The control unit 12 can transmit and receive information to and from the outside using the communication unit 11. In the following description, the transmission of information to the outside and the reception of information from the outside that the control unit 12 performs using the communication unit 11 may be described as being performed by the control unit 12.

[0025] The storage unit 13 includes a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 13 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 13 stores any information used for the operation of the information processing apparatus 10. For example, the storage unit 13 may store system programs, application programs, management databases, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 13 may be updated, for example, with information acquired from the communication network 40 via the communication unit 11.

[0026] In this embodiment, the storage unit 13 stores by associating a specific vehicle 20 and a specific user terminal 30. The storage unit 13 may store map information and information on a plurality of predetermined positions. The plurality of predetermined positions indicate the positions of places where the vehicle 20 may be used for theft. For example, the predetermined positions may include the positions of stores that purchase automobiles. Since it is unlikely that the vehicle 20 provided for car-sharing will stop at such a store, there is suspicion that the vehicle 20 may be sold. Also, the predetermined positions may include the position information of places that have been used for vehicle theft and trading in the past. Further, the storage unit 13 can store the planned travel route of the currently traveling vehicle 20.

[0027] Based on the information acquired via the communication unit 11, the control unit 12 determines the likelihood that the vehicle 20 has been stolen. For example, when the vehicle 20 deviates from the planned travel route, the control unit 12 may presume that there is a possibility of theft. When the vehicle 20 deviates from the planned travel route by a predetermined distance or more and / or deviates from the planned travel route by a predetermined time or more, the control unit 12 may determine that the likelihood of theft is high. When the vehicle 20 is located at any of the plurality of predetermined positions, the control unit 12 may determine that the likelihood of theft is high. Further, by repeatedly acquiring the current location of the vehicle 20, the control unit 12 can determine whether the vehicle 20 has stopped. When the control unit 12 determines that the vehicle 20 has stopped at any of the plurality of predetermined positions, the control unit 12 may determine that the likelihood of the vehicle 20 being stolen is even higher.

[0028] Based on the determined high likelihood of the vehicle 20 being stolen, the control unit 12 can send a notification to the user terminal 30 associated with the vehicle 20. The control unit 12 may have multiple types of notification methods according to the high likelihood of theft. For example, when it is determined that the likelihood of theft is low, the control unit 12 simply sends a notification indicating the likelihood of theft to the user terminal 30. On the other hand, when the control unit 12 determines that the likelihood of the vehicle 20 being stolen is higher than a predetermined standard, in addition to the notification indicating the likelihood of theft, it may send a notification prompting the user to take action. The user terminal 30 that receives the notification prompting the user to take action may display a button for the user to initiate an action. The user can send an instruction for action to the information processing device 10 by operating the displayed button.

[0029] The control unit 12 may initiate a response to prevent the vehicle 20 from being stolen according to a predetermined rule or an instruction from the user terminal 30. For example, the control unit 12 may notify the police or a security company of the likelihood of the vehicle 20 being stolen, the vehicle type of the vehicle 20, and the vehicle registration number. Also, the control unit 12 may send a signal for controlling the vehicle 20 to the vehicle 20. The signal for controlling the vehicle 20 includes a signal for displaying a warning to the driver of the vehicle 20, a signal for imaging an image around the vehicle 20, and a signal for suppressing the vehicle 20 from stopping or running. Suppressing the running of the vehicle 20 includes, for example, restricting the running speed of the vehicle 20 to 20 km / h or less.

[0030] (Configuration of the vehicle) The vehicle 20 is a passenger car for people to ride in. The vehicle 20 includes various vehicles such as gasoline vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles. The vehicle 20 of this embodiment is configured to include a vehicle communication unit 21, a vehicle control unit 22, a vehicle storage unit 23, a position detection unit 24, an imaging unit 25, an input unit 26, and a display unit 27.

[0031] Similar to the communication unit 11 of the information processing device 10, the vehicle communication unit 21 includes a communication module connected to the communication network 40. The vehicle 20 is connected to the communication network 40 via the vehicle communication unit 21. Thereby, the vehicle 20 can transmit and receive information with the information processing device 10.

[0032] Similar to the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10, the vehicle control unit 22 includes one or more processors. The vehicle control unit 22 executes processing based on system programs, application programs, etc. stored in the vehicle storage unit 23. The vehicle control unit 22 controls the overall operation of the vehicle 20 in cooperation with each component constituting the vehicle 20. The vehicle control unit 22 is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) in the vehicle 20 via an in-vehicle network such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or a dedicated line.

[0033] In addition, the vehicle control unit 22 performs processing specific to System 1. The vehicle control unit 22 periodically transmits the position information acquired from the position detection unit 24 to the information processing device 10. The vehicle control unit 22 can control each part within the vehicle 20 based on the control signal received from the information processing device 10. For example, the vehicle control unit 22 can control the imaging unit 25 to acquire an image of the periphery of the vehicle 20, control the display unit 27 to display a warning, and control the ECU within the vehicle 20 to stop the vehicle 20 or suppress its running.

[0034] Similar to the storage unit 13 of the information processing device 10, the vehicle storage unit 23 includes a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The vehicle storage unit 23 stores any information used for the operation of the vehicle control unit 22. The vehicle storage unit 23 may store a planned driving route to the destination registered by the driver.

[0035] The position detection unit 24 detects the current location of the vehicle 20. The position detection unit 24 includes a receiver corresponding to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The Global Navigation Satellite System includes, for example, the Global Positioning System (GPS). The position detection unit 24 can obtain information on the latitude and longitude of the current location of the vehicle 20 using the signals received by the receiver of the Global Navigation Satellite System.

[0036] The imaging unit 25 is a camera that images the exterior of the vehicle 20. The imaging unit 25 may include both or either one of a camera mounted on the front part of the vehicle 20 that images the front and a camera mounted on the rear part of the vehicle 20 that images the rear. The imaging unit 25 can use a camera that has been pre-mounted on the vehicle 20 for applications such as a drive recorder and a rear monitor.

[0037] The input unit 26 receives an input to the vehicle 20 by the driver of the vehicle 20. The input unit 26 may be configured to include a microphone and / or a touch panel. The microphone can be arranged at various locations inside the vehicle cabin. For example, the microphone can be arranged at various locations such as the ceiling of the vehicle cabin, the steering column, and the dashboard. The touch panel may be configured integrally with the display unit 27 described later and receive an input in conjunction with the display content of the display unit 27.

[0038] The display unit 27 is a display device that displays information to the driver of the vehicle 20. The display unit 27 can adopt any of various displays such as, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Electro-Luminescence (EL) display, and an Inorganic EL display. Also, the display may be a Head Up Display (HUD). The display unit 27 may be configured integrally with the input unit 26 that is a touch panel.

[0039] (Configuration of the user terminal) The user terminal 30 can use a general-purpose terminal. The user can install and use the application for System 1 on the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 includes a terminal communication unit 31, a terminal control unit 32, an input unit 33, and a display unit 34.

[0040] Similar to the communication unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10, the terminal communication unit 31 includes a communication module connected to the communication network 40. The user terminal 30 is connected to the communication network 40 via the terminal communication unit 31. Thereby, the user terminal 30 can transmit and receive information with the information processing apparatus 10.

[0041] Similar to the control unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 10, the terminal control unit 32 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 32 can execute the application provided for System 1.

[0042] The input unit 33 receives the input from the user to the user terminal 30. The input unit 33 may include a microphone and / or a touch panel. The display unit 34 is a display device that displays information to the user of the user terminal 30. Similar to the input unit 26 and the display unit 27 of the vehicle 20, the input unit 33 which is a touch panel and the display unit 34 may be integrally configured.

[0043] (Information Processing Method) Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the flow of information processing executed by System 1 will be described.

[0044] First, after the driver who uses the shared car receives the vehicle 20 from the user who is the lender, before starting to drive, the driver inputs the destination and, if necessary, the waypoint using the input unit 26 of the vehicle 20. The input destination and waypoint information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 10 (step S101). The vehicle 20 may be controlled not to move unless at least the destination is registered.

[0045] The information processing device 10 receives information on the destination and waypoints from the vehicle 20 (step S102). Note that the information processing device 10 may register the information on the destination and waypoints before the vehicle 20 is lent by the user to the driver. For example, the information processing device 10 may provide a service for matching the lender and borrower of the car-sharing service. In that case, the information processing device 10 can be configured such that the driver, who is the borrower of the vehicle 20, registers the destination with the information processing device 10 at the time of applying for car-sharing.

[0046] Based on the information on the destination and waypoints of the vehicle 20 and the map information stored in the storage unit 13, the information processing device 10 searches for the planned route of the vehicle 20 and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S103). The information processing device 10 may transmit the searched planned route to the vehicle 20 and share it with the vehicle 20. Also, unlike FIG. 2, the planned route may be searched on the vehicle 20 side. The vehicle 20 may be configured to transmit the searched planned route to the information processing device 10. It is not essential for the information processing device 10 to share the planned route with the vehicle 20. The information processing device 10 may search for the shortest route passing through the waypoint and arriving at the destination, and compare this shortest route with the current location of the vehicle 20 in the following steps.

[0047] The driver of the vehicle 20 starts the driving of the vehicle 20 (step S104).

[0048] After starting the driving, the vehicle 20 periodically transmits the position information of the current location of the vehicle 20 detected by the position detection unit 24 to the information processing device 10 (step S105). For example, the vehicle 20 may transmit the position information of the current location to the information processing device 10 at an arbitrary time interval such as every 30 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 3 seconds, or every 1 second.

[0049] The information processing device 10 receives the current location information of the vehicle 20 (step S106). The information processing device 10 can monitor the reception status of the current location information from the vehicle 20. When the information processing device 10 does not receive the current location information from the vehicle 20 at a predetermined timing, it can recognize that there may be an abnormality.

[0050] Based on the received current location information, the information processing device 10 determines the possibility that the vehicle 20 has been stolen (step S107). The determination of the theft possibility in step S107 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0051] First, the information processing device 10 sets the theft possibility to the lowest first value (step S201). The theft possibility can be evaluated at a plurality of levels, for example, from level 1 to level N (N is 4 for example), or can be evaluated numerically. As an example, in the present embodiment, the theft possibility is evaluated in four levels from the first value to the fourth value as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the notification content to the user terminal 30 corresponding to each theft possibility, and the content when corresponding measures can be taken. When the theft possibility is the first value, it means that the possibility of theft is very low. In this case, the information processing device 10 does not notify the user terminal 30.

[0052] Next, the information processing device 10 determines whether the acquired current location is located on the planned route (step S202). For example, the solid line in FIG. 5 indicates the planned route 51 from the departure place to the destination. When the vehicle 20 deviates from the planned route 51 and travels on the unplanned route 52 indicated by the broken line, the information processing device 10 detects this.

[0053] When the current location is located on the planned route 51 (step S202: Yes), since the vehicle 20 is traveling on the planned route, it is considered that the possibility of the vehicle 20 being stolen is low. In this case, the process of the information processing device 10 returns to FIG. 2 and proceeds to step S108. The theft possibility remains the lowest first value.

[0054] When the current location is not located on the planned travel route 51 (step S202: No), the process of the information processing apparatus 10 proceeds to the next step S203. In step S203, the information processing apparatus 10 sets the theft possibility of the vehicle 20 to a second value higher than the first value. In this case, the vehicle 20 is traveling off the planned travel route 51. However, it is generally quite possible to deviate from the planned travel route 51 during travel and stop by a neighboring store, restaurant, or tourist spot. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, only this condition does not determine that the possibility of theft is low.

[0055] Next, the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the vehicle 20 is separated from the planned travel route 51 by a predetermined distance or more (step S204). The distance between the current location of the vehicle 20 and the planned travel route 51 can be, for example, the distance obtained by connecting the current location and the nearest point on the planned travel route 51 by a straight line. Alternatively, the distance between the current location of the vehicle 20 and the planned travel route can be the shortest distance that the vehicle 20 must travel to return from the current location to the planned travel route 51.

[0056] When the vehicle 20 is separated from the planned travel route 51 by a predetermined distance or more (step S204: Yes), the information processing apparatus 10 proceeds to the process of step S205. When the vehicle 20 is not separated from the planned travel route 51 by a predetermined distance or more (step S204: No), the information processing apparatus 10 proceeds to the process of step S207.

[0057] In step S205, the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the vehicle 20 has been separated from the planned travel route 51 for a predetermined time or more. For this purpose, the information processing apparatus 10 measures the elapsed time since the vehicle 20 deviated from the planned travel route 51. When the vehicle 20 has been separated from the planned travel route 51 for a predetermined time or more (step S205: Yes), the information processing apparatus 10 proceeds to the process of step S206. When the vehicle 20 has not been separated from the planned travel route 51 by a time distance or more (step S205: No), the information processing apparatus 10 proceeds to the process of step S207.

[0058] In step S206, the information processing apparatus 10 sets the theft possibility to a third value higher than the second value (step S206). That is, when the vehicle 20 is separated from the planned travel route 51 by a predetermined distance or more and the time elapsed since leaving the planned travel route 51 is a predetermined time or more, the information processing apparatus 10 sets the theft possibility to the third value.

[0059] Note that, unlike the process of FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 10 may set the theft possibility to the third value when at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: the vehicle 20 is separated from the planned travel route 51 by a predetermined distance or more, or the time elapsed since leaving the planned travel route 51 is a predetermined time or more.

[0060] Next, in step S207, the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the current location of the vehicle 20 matches a predetermined location registered in advance. As described above, the predetermined location is the location of a place where the vehicle 20 may be used for theft. In FIG. 5, the predetermined location is illustrated with reference numeral 53. If the current location of the vehicle 20 does not match the predetermined location 53 registered in advance (step S207: No), the process of the information processing apparatus 10 returns to FIG. 2 and proceeds to step S108.

[0061] If the current location of the vehicle 20 matches the predetermined location 53 registered in advance in step S207 (step S207: Yes), the information processing apparatus 10 sets the theft possibility to a fourth value higher than the third value (step S208). For example, when the predetermined location 53 indicates the location of an automobile dealership or a vehicle repair shop, a driver using car-sharing usually has no high necessity to go to such a place. Therefore, there is a possibility that the vehicle 20 will be sold or the vehicle 20 will be modified. Therefore, in such a case, the theft possibility is set high. After step S208, the information processing apparatus 10 proceeds to the process of step S108 in FIG. 2.

[0062] Note that even when the information processing apparatus 10 fails to acquire the current location information in step S106, it may set the theft possibility to a predetermined value, for example, the third value or the fourth value, in step S107 and proceed to step S108.

[0063] In step S108, the information processing apparatus 10 determines the presence or absence of the theft possibility based on the theft possibility determined in step S107. For example, when the theft possibility is the first value, the information processing apparatus 10 may determine that there is no theft possibility (step S108: No). In this case, the information processing apparatus 10 does not perform any special processing. For example, when the theft possibility is the second to fourth values, the information processing apparatus 10 may determine that there is a theft possibility (step S108: Yes). In this case, the information processing apparatus 10 proceeds to the processing of step S109.

[0064] In step S109, the information processing apparatus 10 may transmit a warning to the vehicle 20 indicating that it has deviated from the planned route (step S109).

[0065] When the vehicle 20 receives the warning transmitted from the information processing apparatus 10 (step S110), it may display the warning content on the display unit 27 in the vehicle 20 (step S111). The system 1 thereby suppresses the vehicle 20 from being stolen. Note that the system 1 may not execute steps S109 to S111 and may proceed to the next step S112. Also, whether to issue a warning such as steps S109 to S111 may be selectable by the user from the user terminal 30 in the following steps.

[0066] In step S112, the information processing apparatus 10 transmits a notification indicating the theft possibility to the user terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus 10 may have two or more types of notification contents corresponding to the degree of theft possibility. For example, the notification transmitted by the information processing apparatus 10 includes a notification that simply notifies the theft possibility and a notification that prompts the selection of corresponding measures together with the theft possibility.

[0067] When the user terminal 30 receives a notification from the information processing apparatus 10 (step S113), it performs a display based on the notification content on the display unit 34 and accepts corresponding measures as necessary (step S114). For example, when the likelihood of theft is the second value, since the likelihood of theft is low, only a notification as shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed on the user terminal 30. Further, for example, when the likelihood of theft is a third value or a fourth value higher than the second value, a notification as shown in FIG. 7 and a button for activating a predetermined corresponding measure may be displayed on the user terminal 30. The predetermined corresponding measures include continuously monitoring the movement of the vehicle 20 ("monitor the situation" in FIG. 7), reporting to the police, stopping or suppressing the running of the vehicle 20, and imaging an image around the vehicle 20. The predetermined corresponding measures may vary according to the level of the likelihood of theft. For example, reporting to the police may be selectively displayed only when the likelihood of theft is the fourth value and is very high.

[0068] When the user operates the input unit 33 (touch panel) of the user terminal 30 to select a corresponding measure, for example, by touching the image of the button displayed on the display unit 34, the identifier of the selected corresponding measure is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 10 (step S115).

[0069] When the information processing apparatus 10 receives the identifier of the corresponding measure (step S116), it executes the selected corresponding measure (step S117). For example, when the corresponding measure is reporting to the police, the information processing apparatus 10 transmits information such as the vehicle type, vehicle identification number, and current location of the vehicle 20 to the police.

[0070] Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may transmit a control signal to the vehicle 20 to execute the corresponding measure (step S118). The vehicle 20 drives the imaging unit 25 to image an image around the vehicle 20 according to the control signal from the information processing apparatus 10 and transmits it to the information processing apparatus 10. The information processing apparatus 10 may transmit the received image to the user terminal 30. Thereby, the user can grasp the situation of the vehicle 20. Further, for example, the vehicle 20 stops or suppresses running according to the control signal from the information processing apparatus 10. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the vehicle 20 from being stolen.

[0071] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to early detect the possibility that the vehicle 20 provided to others for car-sharing or the like is stolen, and prevent the occurrence of theft. As a result, the user who is the lender can safely provide the vehicle 20 for car-sharing or the like. Further, according to the present embodiment, since the information processing device 10 determines the possibility that the vehicle 20 is stolen by dividing it into a plurality of levels, it is possible to take corresponding measures according to the degree of theft possibility. In addition, since the user can acquire the current location of the vehicle 20 and the surrounding image of the vehicle 20, it is possible to take corresponding measures according to these pieces of information.

[0072] Note that the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, and many modifications or alterations are possible. For example, the functions and the like included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of means or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the theft possibility was divided into levels from the first value to the fourth value according to the flowchart of FIG. 3. However, this classification of the theft possibility is merely an example. The information processing device 10 can evaluate the theft possibility according to various conditions regarding the current location of the vehicle 20.

[0074] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the information processing device 10 sets one planned travel route. However, the information processing device 10 may set a plurality of planned travel routes according to the destination input by the driver of the vehicle 20. Generally, since a plurality of routes can be selected for one destination. The information processing device 10 may determine that the vehicle 20 is traveling on the planned travel route as long as the current location of the vehicle 20 is on any of the plurality of planned travel routes.

[0075] In the above embodiment, when the vehicle 20 deviates from the planned route and is located at a predetermined position 53 where it may be used for theft, the information processing device 10 sets the theft possibility to a fourth value (very high). However, the information processing device 10 may set the theft possibility high when the vehicle 20 is stopped at a predetermined position regardless of whether it is on the driving route.

[0076] Also, in the above embodiment, the possibility that the vehicle 20 is stolen is determined according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. However, the information processing device 10 may determine the theft of the vehicle 20 by machine learning. In that case, the information processing device 10 may collect the time-series position information of the vehicle when the vehicle was stolen in the past, and mount a learned model generated by performing machine learning using them as learning data. In this case, the information processing device 10 may output the theft possibility as a numerical value such as a percentage.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 10 sends a notification to the user terminal 30 based on the possibility that the vehicle 20 is stolen, and activates the corresponding means based on an instruction from the user terminal 30. However, the information processing device 10 may be configured to automatically activate the corresponding means in a predetermined case according to a predetermined condition. For example, when the vehicle 20 is stopped at a specific location where there is a possibility of being used for theft, the information processing device 10 may automatically activate the imaging unit 25 of the vehicle 20 to collect images.

[0078] The method disclosed in this specification can be executed by a processor included in the information processing device 10 according to a program. Such a program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, RAM, ROM, flash memories, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, etc.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1 System 10 Information Processing Device 11 Communication Unit 12 Control Unit 13 Memory Unit 20 Vehicle 21 Vehicle Communication Unit 22 Vehicle Control Unit 23 Vehicle Memory Unit 24 Position Detection Unit 25 Imaging Unit 26 Input Unit 27 Display Unit 30 User Terminal 31 Terminal Communication Unit 32 Terminal Control Unit 33 Input Unit 34 Display Unit 40 Communication Network 51 Planned Route 52 Unplanned Route 53 Predetermined Position

Claims

1. A communication unit that acquires the current location of the vehicle from the vehicle, A control unit that determines the likelihood that the vehicle is stolen by a borrower who has borrowed the vehicle from a user who owns the vehicle based on the current location, and comprising: The control unit is an information processing device that transmits a notification to a user terminal associated with the vehicle via the communication unit based on the determined likelihood.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has at least two or more types of notifications to be transmitted to the user terminal corresponding to the likelihood.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the likelihood is higher than a predetermined standard, the control unit transmits the notification to the user terminal and is configured to receive an instruction of a response means from the user terminal.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines that the likelihood that the vehicle is stolen is high when the current location deviates from the planned travel route of the vehicle by a predetermined distance or more.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines that the likelihood that the vehicle is stolen is high when the current location deviates from the planned travel route of the vehicle by a predetermined time or more.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit determines that the likelihood that the vehicle is stolen is high when the current location coincides with any of a plurality of predetermined positions.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit repeatedly acquires the current location of the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle is stopped, and when it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at any of a plurality of predetermined positions, the control unit determines that the likelihood that the vehicle is stolen is high.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the control unit determines that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen, the control unit is configured to be able to transmit a warning to the vehicle.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the control unit determines that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen, the control unit is configured to be able to transmit a signal to the vehicle to stop or suppress the running of the vehicle.

10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the control unit determines that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen, the control unit is configured to be able to acquire an image of the periphery of the vehicle captured by an imaging unit provided in the vehicle.

11. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the control unit determines that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen, the control unit is configured to be able to report to the police.

12. A method executed by an information processing apparatus for determining the possibility of vehicle theft, comprising: acquiring the current location of the vehicle from the vehicle; determining, based on the current location, the likelihood that the vehicle has been stolen by a borrower to whom the vehicle has been lent by the user who owns the vehicle; transmitting a notification to a user terminal associated with the vehicle based on the determined likelihood.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein there are at least two or more types of notifications to be transmitted to the user terminal corresponding to the likelihood.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein when the likelihood is higher than a predetermined standard, the notification is transmitted to the user terminal and an instruction of a corresponding means can be received from the user terminal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein when the current location is outside a predetermined distance from the planned driving route of the vehicle, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein when the current location is outside the planned driving route of the vehicle for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein when the current location coincides with any of a plurality of predetermined positions, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein by repeatedly acquiring the current location of the vehicle, it is determined whether the vehicle is stopped, and when it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at any of a plurality of predetermined positions, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein when it is determined that there is a high possibility that the vehicle has been stolen, a warning is transmitted to the vehicle.

20. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, and the vehicle A system comprising.

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