Information processing apparatus, vehicle, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To enable an appropriate evaluation of a driving characteristic without using an image identification device.SOLUTION: A brake ECU executes processes which include steps of: if an IG is turned on (YES in S100), acquiring data (S102); if a predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S104) and a temporary stop is implemented (YES in S106), setting a first feature amount (S108); if a slow-speed forward movement is performed (YES in S110), setting a second feature amount (S112); setting a third feature amount (S114); if a predetermined speed is reached (YES in S116), setting a fourth feature amount (S118); if the IG is turned off (YES in S120), executing a pre-transmission process (S122); and executing a transmission process (S124).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for evaluating a driver's driving characteristics using information obtained from a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-245120 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for detecting a sight distance between a host vehicle and an intersection object when the vehicle enters an intersection, and diagnosing whether the driver of the vehicle has taken a correct action based on the detected sight distance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle as described above, in order to detect the sight distance, it is obtained using a sensor or an image recognition device, so the processing and configuration may become complicated. Furthermore, in a vehicle not equipped with those devices, it may not be possible to diagnose whether the driving of the vehicle has taken a correct action.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing device, a vehicle, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can appropriately evaluate driving characteristics without using an image recognition device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that calculates a feature amount related to the driving of a vehicle. The information processing apparatus includes a first processing unit that receives input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle, and a second processing unit that calculates a feature amount using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied among the period of receiving the input information. The predetermined condition includes a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle makes a temporary stop.

[0007] In this way, when the vehicle makes a temporary stop, it is possible to calculate a feature amount related to the driving of the vehicle using information related to the speed of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the feature amount without using devices such as sensors and image recognition devices.

[0008] In one embodiment, the condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle makes a temporary stop includes a condition that the speed of the vehicle is higher than a first threshold value, a condition that an accelerator-off operation is performed, and a condition that the vehicle is in a decelerating state.

[0009] In this way, when the vehicle makes a temporary stop, it is possible to calculate a feature amount related to the driving of the vehicle using information related to the speed of the vehicle.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle makes a temporary stop includes a condition that it is within a predetermined time after a start operation is performed on the vehicle, and a condition that the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to a threshold value during the period from when the start operation is performed until immediately before.

[0011] In this way, when the vehicle makes a temporary stop, it is possible to calculate a feature amount related to the driving of the vehicle using information related to the speed of the vehicle.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the second processing unit calculates a first feature amount related to the stop of the vehicle.

[0013] By doing so, the driving characteristics of the vehicle can be appropriately evaluated using the feature amount related to the stop of the vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the second processing unit calculates, as the first feature amount, information indicating whether or not a temporary stop has been performed.

[0015] By doing so, the driving characteristics of the vehicle can be appropriately evaluated using the information indicating whether or not a temporary stop of the vehicle has been performed.

[0016] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the information processing device further includes a third processing unit that calculates the ratio of the number of times of performing a temporary stop to the reference number of times using the first feature amount.

[0017] By doing so, it is possible to evaluate whether a temporary stop is being performed at an appropriate ratio, and thus the driving characteristics of the vehicle can be appropriately evaluated.

[0018] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the second processing unit calculates a second feature amount related to the safety confirmation of the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0019] By doing so, the driving characteristics of the vehicle can be appropriately evaluated using the second feature amount related to the safety confirmation in front of the vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the second processing unit calculates, as the second feature amount, information indicating whether or not a very slow forward movement has been performed after a temporary stop.

[0021] By doing so, the driving characteristics of the vehicle can be appropriately evaluated using the information indicating whether or not a very slow forward movement of the vehicle has been performed.

[0022] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the information processing device further includes a third processing unit that calculates the ratio of the number of times of performing a very slow forward movement to the reference number of times using the second feature amount.

[0023] By doing so, it is possible to evaluate whether the creep is being performed at an appropriate rate, and thus it is possible to appropriately evaluate the driving characteristics of the vehicle.

[0024] A vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle including an information processing device that calculates a feature quantity related to driving. The information processing device includes a first processing unit that receives input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle, and a second processing unit that calculates a feature quantity using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied within the period of receiving the input information. The predetermined condition includes a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle comes to a temporary stop.

[0025] An information processing system according to still another aspect of the present disclosure includes an information processing device that calculates a feature quantity related to driving of a vehicle, and a server that manages information transmitted from the information processing device. The information processing device includes a first processing unit that receives input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle, and a second processing unit that calculates a feature quantity using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied within the period of receiving the input information. The predetermined condition includes a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle comes to a temporary stop.

[0026] An information processing method according to still another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method for calculating a feature quantity related to driving of a vehicle. This information processing method includes a step of receiving input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle, and a step of calculating a feature quantity using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied within the period of receiving the input information. The predetermined condition includes a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle comes to a temporary stop.

[0027] A program according to still another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a step of receiving input information including information regarding the speed of a vehicle, and a step of calculating a feature amount related to the driving of the vehicle using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition including a condition that a driving operation was performed before a temporary stop of the vehicle is satisfied, during a period in which the input information is received.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, a vehicle, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can appropriately evaluate driving characteristics without using an image recognition device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the information management system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the information management system 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 2 and 3, a communication network 6, a base station 7, and a data center 100.

[0032] The vehicles 2 and 3 only need to be able to communicate with the data center 100. For example, they may be vehicles with an engine as a drive source, or electric vehicles with an electric motor as a drive source, or hybrid vehicles equipped with both an engine and an electric motor and using at least one of them as a drive source. In FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience of explanation, only two vehicles 2 and 3 are shown, but the number of vehicles is not particularly limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0033] The information management system 1 is configured to acquire predetermined information from the vehicles 2 and 3 that are configured to be able to communicate with the data center 100 and manage the acquired information.

[0034] The data center 100 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The control device 11, the storage device 12, and the communication device 13 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a communication bus 14.

[0035] The control device 11, although not shown in detail, includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory (such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory)), and input / output ports for inputting and outputting various signals. Various controls executed by the control device 11 are software processes, that is, they are executed by the CPU reading a program stored in the memory. Various controls by the control device 11 can also be realized by a general-purpose server (not shown) executing a program stored in a storage medium. However, various controls by the control device 11 are not limited to software processes, and may be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0036] The memory device 12 stores predetermined information regarding a plurality of vehicles 2 and 3 configured to be communicable with the data center 100. The predetermined information includes, for example, information regarding the respective feature amounts of the vehicles 2 and 3 described later, and information for identifying the vehicles 2 and 3 (hereinafter referred to as vehicle ID). The vehicle ID is unique information set for each vehicle. The data center 100 can identify the transmitting vehicle by the vehicle ID.

[0037] The communication device 13 realizes two-way communication between the control device 11 and the communication network 6. The data center 100 can communicate with a plurality of vehicles including the vehicles 2 and 3 via a base station 7 provided on the communication network 6 using the communication device 13.

[0038] Next, the specific configurations of the vehicles 2 and 3 will be described. Since the vehicles 2 and 3 basically have a common configuration, the configuration of the vehicle 2 will be typically described below.

[0039] The vehicle 2 includes a driving wheel 50 and a driven wheel 52. By rotating the driving wheel 50 by the operation of the driving source, a driving force acts on the vehicle 2 and the vehicle 2 travels.

[0040] The vehicle 2 further includes an ADAS-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10, a brake ECU 20, a DCM (Data Communication Module) 30, and a central ECU 40.

[0041] The ADAS-ECU 10, the brake ECU 20, and the central ECU 40 are all computers having a processor that executes a program such as a CPU, a memory, and an input / output interface.

[0042] The ADAS-ECU 10 includes a driving assistance system having functions related to the driving assistance of the vehicle 2. The driving assistance system is configured to realize various functions for assisting the driving of the vehicle 2, including at least any one of the steering control, drive control, and braking control of the vehicle 2, by executing the applications to be implemented. Examples of the applications implemented in the driving assistance system include applications that realize the functions of an Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS).

[0043] Each application of this driving assistance system outputs a request for an action plan that ensures the marketability (function) of the application alone to the brake ECU 20 based on information on the surrounding situation of the vehicle obtained (input) from a plurality of sensors (not shown) and the driver's assistance request, etc. The plurality of sensors include, for example, vision sensors such as forward cameras, radars, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), or position detection devices, etc.

[0044] Each application acquires information on the surrounding situation of the vehicle, which integrates the detection results of one or more sensors, as recognition sensor information, and also acquires the driver's assistance request via a user interface (not shown) such as a switch. Each application can recognize other vehicles, obstacles, or people around the vehicle, for example, by using artificial intelligence (AI) or image processing using an image processing processor for images and videos around the vehicle acquired by a plurality of sensors.

[0045] In addition, the action plan includes, for example, requests regarding the forward and backward acceleration / deceleration to be generated in the vehicle 2, requests regarding the steering angle of the vehicle 2, requests regarding the stop hold of the vehicle 2, etc.

[0046] The brake ECU 20 controls a brake actuator that generates a braking force for the vehicle 2 using the detection results from the sensors. Further, the brake ECU 20 sets a motion requirement for the vehicle 2 to realize the action plan request from the ADAS-ECU 10. The motion requirement for the vehicle 2 set in the brake ECU 20 is realized by an actuator system (not shown) provided in the vehicle 2. The actuator system includes, for example, a plurality of types of actuator systems such as a powertrain system, a brake system, and a steering system.

[0047] Connected to the brake ECU 20 are, for example, a steering angle sensor 60, an accelerator pedal depression amount sensor 62, a stop lamp switch 64, a first wheel speed sensor 54, and a second wheel speed sensor 56.

[0048] The steering angle sensor 60 detects the steering angle. The steering angle sensor 60 transmits a signal indicating the detected steering angle to the brake ECU 20.

[0049] The accelerator pedal depression amount sensor 62 detects the depression amount of the accelerator pedal (not shown). The accelerator pedal depression amount sensor 62 transmits a signal indicating the detected depression amount of the accelerator pedal to the brake ECU 20.

[0050] The stop lamp switch 64 detects whether the brake pedal (not shown) is depressed. The stop lamp switch 64 is configured to, for example, turn on when the depression amount of the brake pedal exceeds a threshold value and turn off when the depression amount of the brake pedal is below the threshold value. The stop lamp switch 64 transmits information indicating whether the brake pedal is depressed to the brake ECU 20.

[0051] The first wheel speed sensor 54 detects the rotational speed (wheel speed) of the drive wheel 50. The first wheel speed sensor 54 transmits a signal indicating the detected rotational speed of the drive wheel 50 to the brake ECU 20.

[0052] The second wheel speed sensor 56 detects the rotational speed of the driven wheel 52. The second wheel speed sensor 56 transmits a signal indicating the detected rotational speed of the driven wheel 52 to the brake ECU 20.

[0053] In FIG. 1, as an example, the steering angle sensor 60, the accelerator pedal depression amount sensor 62, the stop lamp switch 64, the first wheel speed sensor 54, and the second wheel speed sensor 56 are connected to the brake ECU 20 and directly transmit the detection results to the brake ECU 20. However, any of these sensors or the like may be connected to another ECU, and the detection results may be input to the brake ECU 20 via a communication bus or the central ECU 40.

[0054] Furthermore, the brake ECU 20 receives, for example, information regarding the action plan from the ADAS-ECU 10, information regarding the operating states of various applications, information regarding other driving operations such as the shift range, and information regarding the behavior of the vehicle 2.

[0055] The DCM 30 is a communication module configured to enable two-way communication with the data center 100.

[0056] The central ECU 40 is configured to be able to communicate with the brake ECU 20, for example, and is also configured to be able to communicate with the data center 100 using the DCM 30. The central ECU 40 transmits, for example, the information received from the brake ECU 20 to the data center 100 via the DCM 30.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the central ECU 40 has been described as transmitting the information received from the brake ECU 20 to the data center 100 via the DCM 30. However, for example, it may have a function (gateway function) such as relaying communication between various ECUs, or it may include a memory (not shown) that can update the stored content using the update information from the data center 100, and predetermined information including the update information stored in the memory from various ECUs may be read out when the system of the vehicle 2 is started.

[0058] For a vehicle 2 having the above configuration, for example, in a situation where the vehicle 2 enters an intersection without signals and makes a right turn, it is possible to evaluate whether the driving of the vehicle 2, such as a temporary stop and safety confirmation, is appropriately performed using the driving history and the like. In this case, if sensors or image recognition devices are used to acquire the situation of the vehicle 2 at the intersection, the processing and configuration may become complicated. On the other hand, in a vehicle not equipped with those devices, it may not be possible to accurately diagnose whether the driving of the vehicle has performed correct actions.

[0059] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the brake ECU 20 includes a first processing unit that receives input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle 2, and a second processing unit that calculates a feature amount related to the driving of the vehicle 2 using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied during the period of receiving the input information. Here, the predetermined condition includes the condition that a driving operation was performed before the vehicle came to a temporary stop.

[0060] In this way, when the vehicle 2 comes to a temporary stop, it is possible to calculate a feature amount related to the driving of the vehicle using the information related to the speed of the vehicle 2. Therefore, the feature amount can be calculated without using devices such as sensors or image recognition devices.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized by the brake ECU 20.

[0062] The brake ECU 20 includes a first processing unit 22, a second processing unit 24, and a third processing unit 26. The first processing unit 22 receives, as information related to the driving operation for the vehicle 2, information indicating the depression amount of the accelerator pedal and information indicating whether or not the brake pedal has been depressed. Further, the first processing unit 22 receives, as information related to the operation state of the driving support of the vehicle 2, a request for an action plan from the ADAS-ECU 10 and information indicating the operation state of the driving support system. Further, the first processing unit 22 receives, as information related to the behavior of the vehicle 2, information indicating the detection results from various sensors and the like. The first processing unit 22 outputs the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied among the periods for receiving the input information to the second processing unit 24.

[0063] The predefined conditions include the condition that the driving situation of the vehicle 2 is a predefined driving situation corresponding to the feature quantity. In the present embodiment, the predefined conditions include the condition that a driving operation has been performed before the vehicle comes to a temporary stop. The predefined conditions include a first condition that the speed of the vehicle 2 is higher than a threshold value, a second condition that the accelerator is off, and a third condition that the acceleration of the vehicle 2 is less than zero. The threshold value is a threshold value for determining a non-traffic-jammed speed range. The predefined conditions only need to be such that it can be determined that the vehicle 2 decelerates from a non-traffic-jammed speed range and a driving operation has been performed before the vehicle comes to a temporary stop, and is not particularly limited to the above-described conditions. The first processing unit 22 calculates, for example, the speed and acceleration of the vehicle 2 using the rotational speed of the drive wheels 50 and the rotational speed of the driven wheels 52. The first processing unit 22 determines that the predefined conditions are satisfied when, for example, all of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition are satisfied. Note that the first processing unit 22 determines that the predefined conditions are not satisfied when, for example, after the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition are satisfied, the condition that the accelerator is on and the speed of the vehicle 2 is higher than a threshold value indicating a crawling speed (for example, a speed of a dozen kilometers per hour). When it is determined that the predefined conditions are satisfied, the first processing unit 22 turns on a satisfaction flag. The first processing unit 22 outputs the input information to the second processing unit 24 when the satisfaction flag is on.

[0064] The second processing unit 24 calculates a feature quantity related to the operation of the vehicle 2 using the input information received during a period in which the predefined conditions are satisfied within the period for receiving the input information.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing executed in the second processing unit 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotational speed of the drive wheels 50, the rotational speed of the driven wheels 52, the on / off state of the stop lamp switch 64, the vehicle acceleration, and the state of the satisfaction flag are input as input information from the first processing unit 22 to the second processing unit 24. The second processing unit 24 sets various feature quantities using this input information.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the feature amount includes a first feature amount which is information indicating whether or not the driver has temporarily stopped the vehicle 2, a second feature amount which is information indicating whether or not the driver has performed a very slow forward movement after temporarily stopping the vehicle 2, a third feature amount which indicates the moving distance due to the performance of the very slow forward movement after the temporary stop, and a fourth feature amount which indicates the moving distance until reaching a predetermined vehicle speed after passing through the very slow forward movement after the temporary stop.

[0067] The second processing unit 24 sets the above-described first feature amount, second feature amount, third feature amount, and fourth feature amount using the input information.

[0068] <Regarding the setting process of the first feature amount> When the establishment flag is in the ON state, the second processing unit 24 determines whether or not the vehicle 2 has performed a temporary stop. For example, when no detection result is output from either the first wheel speed sensor 54 or the second wheel speed sensor 56 (or a detection result indicating that the rotational speed is zero is output), and the stop lamp switch 64 is in the ON state, and this state continues for a predetermined time (for example, about several hundred milliseconds) or more, the second processing unit 24 determines that the vehicle 2 has performed a temporary stop. In this case, the second processing unit 24 sets, as the first feature amount, a value (for example, 1) indicating that the vehicle 2 has performed a temporary stop. When the second processing unit 24 determines that the vehicle 2 has not performed a temporary stop, the second processing unit 24 sets a value (for example, 0) indicating that the vehicle 2 has not performed a temporary stop.

[0069] <Regarding the setting process of the second feature amount> After a value indicating that the vehicle 2 has performed a temporary stop is set as the first feature amount, the second processing unit 24 determines whether the vehicle 2 has performed a very slow forward movement. For example, when both the rotational speed of the drive wheel 50 and the rotational speed of the driven wheel 52 are greater than zero and the magnitude of the change in the speed of the vehicle 2 is equal to or less than a threshold value dVx, and this state continues for a predetermined period (for example, about several hundred milliseconds) or more, the second processing unit 24 determines that the vehicle 2 has performed a very slow forward movement. In this case, the second processing unit 24 sets a value (for example, 1) indicating that the vehicle 2 has performed a very slow forward movement as the second feature amount. When the second processing unit 24 determines that the vehicle 2 has not performed a very slow forward movement, the second processing unit 24 sets a value (for example, 0) indicating that the vehicle 2 has not performed a very slow forward movement.

[0070] <Regarding the setting process of the third feature amount> The second processing unit 24 sets the moving distance of the vehicle 2 from the time when the vehicle 2 stops to the time when the very slow forward movement is completed as the third feature amount.

[0071] For example, when the vehicle 2 enters an acceleration state where the magnitude of the change in its speed exceeds the threshold value dVx, the second processing unit 24 calculates the moving distance during the period from the time when the temporary stop is performed to the time when the acceleration state is entered. For example, the second processing unit 24 calculates the moving distance by time-integrating the change history of the vehicle speed from the time when the vehicle speed is zero to the time when the acceleration state is entered. The second processing unit 24 sets the calculated moving distance as the third feature amount.

[0072] Note that the second processing unit 24 may, for example, integrate the rotational speed of the drive wheel 50 or the rotational speed of the driven wheel 52 during the period from the time when the temporary stop is performed to the time when the acceleration state is entered, and calculate the moving distance of the vehicle 2 using the tire diameter.

[0073] <Regarding the setting process of the fourth feature amount> When the speed of the vehicle 2 reaches a predetermined speed after the very slow forward movement, the second processing unit 24 sets the moving distance of the vehicle 2 from the time when the vehicle 2 stops to the time when the predetermined speed is reached as the fourth feature amount.

[0074] The second processing unit 24 calculates the moving distance, for example, by time-integrating the change history of the vehicle speed from the time when the vehicle speed is zero until the time when a predetermined speed is reached. The second processing unit 24 sets the calculated moving distance as the fourth feature amount.

[0075] Note that the second processing unit 24 may calculate the moving distance of the vehicle 2 using the tire diameter by integrating the number of rotations of the drive wheels 50 or the number of rotations of the driven wheels 52 during the period from the time when a temporary stop is performed until the time when a predetermined speed is reached.

[0076] In addition to the first feature amount, the second feature amount, the third feature amount, and the fourth feature amount, the second processing unit 24 outputs a signal indicating the state of the establishment flag to the third processing unit 26 as a scene discrimination signal. When the establishment flag is in the off state, the second processing unit 24 stops the calculation or output to the second processing unit 24 of the first feature amount, the second feature amount, the third feature amount, and the fourth feature amount.

[0077] The third processing unit 26 generates information about the driving characteristics using the information output from the second processing unit 24.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing executed in the third processing unit 26. As shown in FIG. 4, information indicating the scene discrimination signal, the first feature amount, the second feature amount, the third feature amount, the fourth feature amount, and the time is input to the third processing unit 26 from the second processing unit 24.

[0079] The third processing unit 26 outputs information necessary for determining whether or not the change history of the feature amount corresponds to a predetermined state in the data center 100. Specifically, the third processing unit 26 generates information about the driving characteristics using, for example, the first feature amount, the second feature amount, the third feature amount, and the fourth feature amount, and outputs the generated information to the central ECU 40.

[0080] The third processing unit 26 calculates the number of times Na of temporary stops during one trip using the first feature amount. For example, when IG is turned on (the system of vehicle 2 is activated), the third processing unit 26 resets the number of times to the initial value (for example, zero), and increases the number of times by 1 each time a value indicating that a temporary stop has been implemented is input as the first feature amount. Next, the third processing unit 26 calculates the value indicating the number of times at the time when IG is turned off as the number of times Na of temporary stops during one trip.

[0081] The third processing unit 26 calculates the implementation rate Ra of temporary stops during one trip using the number of times Na of implementation and the reference number of times Nb. The third processing unit 26 divides the number of times Na of implementation by the reference number of times Nb and calculates the ratio shown as a percentage as the implementation rate Ra of temporary stops. The reference number of times Nb indicates the number of times the driver of vehicle 2 should have implemented a temporary stop during one trip. The reference number of times Nb may be set in advance, for example, using the number of times of temporary stops implemented while a skilled driver drives a vehicle of the same class as vehicle 2 along the route traveled by vehicle 2 during one trip. Alternatively, the third processing unit 26 may set, for example, the number of times of temporary stops that should have been implemented (the number of times of temporary stops that would have been implemented if the driver were a skilled driver) calculated using the route traveled during one trip, the number of intersections on the route, the number of right and left turns, etc. as the reference number of times Nb. As a skilled driver, for example, a driver with no accidents or violations and with a total driving time equal to or greater than a threshold value or a total driving distance equal to or greater than a threshold value is defined as an example, but is not limited to such a definition.

[0082] The third processing unit 26 calculates the number of times Nc of very slow forward movement during one trip using the second feature amount. For example, when IG is turned on, the third processing unit 26 resets the number of times to the initial value (for example, zero), and increases the number of times by 1 each time a value indicating that very slow forward movement has been implemented is input as the second feature amount. Next, the third processing unit 26 calculates the value indicating the number of times at the time when IG is turned off as the number of times Na of very slow forward movement during one trip.

[0083] The third processing unit 26 calculates the execution rate Rb of the low-speed creep during one trip using the number of executions Nc and the reference number of times Nd. The reference number of times Nd indicates the number of times the driver of the vehicle 2 should have executed the low-speed creep during one trip. The reference number of times Nb may be set in advance, for example, using the number of times the low-speed creep was executed while a skilled driver drove a vehicle of the same class as the vehicle 2 along the route traveled by the vehicle 2 during one trip. Alternatively, the third processing unit 26 may set, as the reference number of times Nd, the number of times the low-speed creep should have been executed (the number of times the low-speed creep that would have been executed if the driver were a skilled driver) calculated using, for example, the route traveled during one trip, the number of intersections on the route, and the number of right and left turns.

[0084] The third processing unit 26 calculates the average value of the third feature amount during one trip using the third feature amount. For example, after the IG is turned on, the third processing unit 26 stores the third feature amount input immediately before each time the third feature amount is input. For example, when the IG is turned off, the third processing unit 26 calculates the average value of the third feature amount during one trip by dividing the sum of the third feature amounts stored by the number of the third feature amounts stored.

[0085] Similarly, the third processing unit 26 calculates the average value of the fourth feature amount during one trip using the fourth feature amount. Since the method for calculating the average value of the fourth feature amount is the same as the method for calculating the average value of the third feature amount, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0086] The third processing unit 26 outputs various information calculated using the first feature amount, the second feature amount, the third feature amount, and the fourth feature amount to the central ECU 40. The central ECU 40 transmits the information input from the third processing unit 26 to the data center 100 via the DCM 30.

[0087] The information transmitted from the DCM 30 to the data center 100 includes, for example, the processing time, the traffic scene identification number, and feature quantities (a plurality of traffic scene identification numbers and feature quantities exist as a set). Therefore, the data center 100 stores the information input from the DCM 30 in the storage device 12 as a lump of data. As a result, the data center 100 can evaluate the driving characteristics of each driver of the vehicles 2 and 3 capable of communicating with the data center 100.

[0088] The data center 100 evaluates the driving characteristics using, for example, the output value of the third processing unit 26. The data center 100 can compare, for example, the driving operation of turning the vehicle 3 right at an intersection without a signal with that of a skilled driver using the execution rate Ra and the execution rate Rb. For example, when both the execution rate Ra and the execution rate Rb are close to 100%, it can be determined that the driving is the same as that of a skilled driver. On the other hand, when only the execution rate Ra is low, it can be determined that the driving is insufficient in stopping. Further, when the execution rate Rb is low, it can be determined that the driving is insufficient in the two-stage safety confirmation by moving forward at a very low speed. Note that such evaluation of driving characteristics may be performed in the third processing unit 26.

[0089] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the processing executed by the brake ECU 20 of the vehicle 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the brake ECU 20. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the brake ECU 20 at every predetermined control cycle.

[0090] In step (hereinafter, step is described as S) 100, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the IG is turned on. The brake ECU 20 determines that the IG is turned on when, for example, a start operation by the user is received in the IG-off state and the vehicle 2 becomes in the start state. When it is determined that the IG is turned on (YES in S100), the processing proceeds to S102.

[0091] In S102, the brake ECU 20 acquires data corresponding to the input information. Specifically, the brake ECU 20 acquires data corresponding to the input information including, for example, information indicating the depression amount of the accelerator pedal, information about the state of the stop lamp switch 64, information about the rotational speed of the drive wheels 50, and information about the rotational speed of the driven wheels 52.

[0092] In S104, the brake ECU 20 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. Since the predetermined condition is as described above, its detailed description will not be repeated. If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S106.

[0093] In S106, the brake ECU 20 determines whether a temporary stop has been performed. Since the method for determining whether a temporary stop has been performed is as described above, its detailed description will not be repeated. If it is determined that a temporary stop has been performed (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S108.

[0094] In S108, the brake ECU 20 sets a value indicating that the vehicle 2 has performed a temporary stop as the first feature amount. Then the process proceeds to S110.

[0095] In S110, the brake ECU 20 determines whether a very slow forward movement has been performed. Since the method for determining whether a very slow forward movement has been performed is as described above, its detailed description will not be repeated. If it is determined that a very slow forward movement has been performed (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S112.

[0096] In S112, the brake ECU 20 sets a value indicating that the vehicle 2 has performed a very slow forward movement as the second feature amount. Then the process proceeds to S114.

[0097] In S114, the brake ECU 20 sets the third feature amount. Since the method for setting the third feature amount is as described above, its detailed description will not be repeated. Then the process proceeds to S116.

[0098] At S116, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 2 has reached a predetermined speed. Since the predetermined speed is as described above, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. When it is determined that the speed of the vehicle 2 has reached the predetermined speed (YES at S116), the process proceeds to S118.

[0099] At S118, the brake ECU 20 sets the fourth feature amount. Since the method for setting the fourth feature amount is as described above, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S120.

[0100] In addition, when it is determined that the IG is not on (NO at S100), when it is determined that a predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO at S104), when it is determined that a temporary stop is not being performed (NO at S106), and further, when it is determined that a very slow forward movement is not being performed (NO at S110), this process ends. Also, when it is determined that the speed of the vehicle 2 has not reached the predetermined speed (NO at S116), the process returns to S116.

[0101] At S120, the brake ECU 20 determines whether the IG has been turned off. The brake ECU 20 determines that the IG has been turned off, for example, when it receives a start / stop operation by the user in the IG - on state and the vehicle 2 enters the start / stop state. When it is determined that the IG has been turned off (YES at S120), the process proceeds to S122.

[0102] At S122, the brake ECU 20 executes pre - transmission processing. The brake ECU 20 generates information necessary to determine whether the change history of the feature amounts corresponds to a predetermined state at the data center 100. The brake ECU 20 calculates, for example, the implementation rates Ra, Rb, the average value of the third feature amount, and the average value of the fourth feature amount using the first feature amount, the second feature amount, the third feature amount, and the fourth feature amount as described above.

[0103] At S124, the brake ECU 20 executes transmission processing. The brake ECU 20 transmits the information generated by the central ECU 40. The central ECU 40 transmits the received information to the data center 100 via the DCM 30. Since the information transmitted to the data center 100 and the processing executed in the data center 100 are as described above, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0104] If it is determined that the IG is not off (NO at S120), the process returns to S102.

[0105] The operation of the brake ECU 20, which is an information processing device according to the present embodiment based on the above structure and flowchart, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a driving operation when turning right after stopping temporarily at an intersection. In FIG. 6, for example, a driving operation performed when a vehicle turns right at an intersection without a signal is assumed. FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the brake ECU 20. The two vertical axes in FIG. 7 respectively indicate the speed of vehicle 2 and the moving distance after the temporary stop of vehicle 2. The two horizontal axes in FIG. 7 both indicate time. LN1 in FIG. 7 indicates the change in the speed of vehicle 2. Also, LN2 in FIG. 7 indicates the change in the moving distance after the temporary stop of vehicle 2.

[0106] For example, when the IG is turned on (YES at S100) and vehicle 2 starts to run, data including input information is acquired (S102). Then, as shown in FIG. 6(A), assume that vehicle 2 decelerates in front of the intersection.

[0107] For example, when the speed of vehicle 2 is higher than a threshold value, an accelerator-off operation is performed, and the vehicle 2 is in a decelerating state where the acceleration is less than zero, it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied (YES at S104).

[0108] As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, since the vehicle 2 maintains its traveling state until it stops at the stop line, it is determined that no temporary stop is being implemented (NO in S106). On the other hand, as shown in LN1 of FIG. 7, when a predetermined time elapses after the vehicle 2 at the position shown in (B) of FIG. 6 stops in front of the stop line at time T(0), it is determined that a temporary stop has been implemented (YES in S106). Therefore, a value indicating that a temporary stop has been implemented is set as the first feature amount (S108).

[0109] After that, as shown in LN1 of FIG. 7, when the driver performs an accelerator-on operation at time T(1), the vehicle 2 starts to move. As shown in (C) of FIG. 6, while the vehicle 2 moves to a position where the range for seeing the presence or absence of a moving object moving in the direction intersecting the road on which the vehicle 2 is traveling becomes wide (the broken line in FIG. 6), that is, when a very slow forward movement is performed between time T(2) and time T(3) as shown in LN1 of FIG. 7 (YES in S110), the second feature amount is set (S112). At this time, the moving distance D(0) from the stop position of the vehicle 2 shown in (B) of FIG. 6 to the destination position shown in (C) of FIG. 6 due to the travel between time T(1) and time T(3) in FIG. 7 is set as the third feature amount (S114).

[0110] Thereafter, the acceleration of the vehicle 2 starts from the position shown in (C) of FIG. 6, turns right while increasing the speed as shown in (D) of FIG. 6, and is assumed to travel in the driving lane after the right turn. In this case, when the speed of the vehicle 2 at the position shown in (E) of FIG. 6 reaches a predetermined speed at time T(4) (YES in S116), the moving distance D(1) from the stop position of the vehicle 2 shown in (B) of FIG. 6 to the position where the predetermined speed shown in (E) of FIG. 6 is reached due to the travel between time T(1) and time T(4) in FIG. 7 is set as the fourth feature amount (S118).

[0111] After that, when the vehicle 2 is in a situation of turning right at a similar intersection, the first feature quantity, the second feature quantity, the third feature quantity, and the fourth feature quantity are set. Then, when the vehicle 2 is turned off (YES in S120), pre-transmission processing is executed (S122). By executing the pre-transmission processing, the execution rate Ra of a temporary stop is calculated using the first feature quantity, and the execution rate Rb of a very slow forward movement is calculated using the second feature quantity. Further, the average value of the moving distance until the very slow forward movement is completed is calculated using the third feature quantity, and the average value of the moving distance until a predetermined speed is reached is calculated using the fourth feature quantity. Then, transmission processing for transmitting the calculated various information to the data center 100 via the central ECU 40 and the DCM 30 is executed (S124). Note that the data center 100 also receives various information similar to that of the vehicle 2 from the vehicle 3.

[0112] As described above, according to the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle 2 makes a temporary stop, the first feature quantity, the second feature quantity, the third feature quantity, and the fourth feature quantity regarding the driving of the vehicle 2 can be calculated using the information regarding the speed of the vehicle 2. Therefore, the feature quantity can be calculated without using devices such as sensors and image recognition devices, and information regarding the driving characteristics can be obtained. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, a vehicle, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can appropriately evaluate the driving characteristics without using an image recognition device.

[0113] In particular, by obtaining information regarding the driving characteristics in a situation where the vehicle is in a very slow forward movement state after a temporary stop as the first feature quantity, the second feature quantity, the third feature quantity, and the fourth feature quantity, it is possible to evaluate the driving characteristics in a situation where the vehicle 2 turns right at an intersection without a signal. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish from a situation where a temporary stop during traffic congestion is repeated.

[0114] Furthermore, by calculating the execution rate Ra of a temporary stop as a feature quantity regarding driving and the execution rate Rb of a very slow forward movement as information regarding the safety confirmation of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 after the temporary stop, it becomes possible to compare with an experienced driver, and thus the driving characteristics of the vehicle can be appropriately evaluated.

[0115] In still another embodiment, in a specific driving environment such as turning right at an intersection without a signal based on the average value of the third feature amount and the average value of the fourth feature amount, etc., the driving characteristics of the driver can be appropriately evaluated.

[0116] Furthermore, when calculating each feature amount inside the vehicle, it is not necessary to transmit the information for calculating each feature amount to the outside. Therefore, in the case where the amount of information for calculating each feature amount is large, etc., unnecessary information is suppressed from being transmitted outside the vehicle, and an increase in communication load, the storage capacity in the data center, and the processing cost are suppressed.

[0117] Furthermore, by separately performing the calculation of each feature amount and the generation of information using each feature amount by the second processing unit 24 and the third processing unit 26, for example, only the method of generating information using the feature amount in the third processing unit 26 can be changed and used for the generation of information about changes in other vehicles. Note that such a change can be realized, for example, by the brake ECU 20 reading the update information received from the data center 100 and stored in the memory of the central ECU 40.

[0118] Hereinafter, modification examples will be described. In the above-described embodiment, as an example, the case where the input information input to the brake ECU 20 calculates each feature amount and generates information about driving characteristics using each feature amount by executing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 inside the brake ECU 20 has been described, but the processing may be executed in the data center 100.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the data center 100 may receive information about changes in vehicles from a plurality of vehicles without specifying the vehicle of the transmission source by the processing time and the traffic scene identification signal.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the conditions for the driving operation before the vehicle 2 stops temporarily were described as including the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. In addition to or instead of these conditions, a condition that the elapsed time since the ignition is on is within a threshold value (for example, about several minutes) and a condition that the vehicle speed history of the vehicle 2 until immediately before has a speed history within a range not exceeding a threshold value (for example, about twenty kilometers per hour) may be included. In the period of about several minutes since the ignition is on, it is a situation immediately after the vehicle 2 departs from the parking lot, and at an intersection without a signal, it is possible to determine whether a driving operation before the vehicle 2 stops temporarily has been performed.

[0121] Note that the above-described modifications may be implemented by appropriately combining all or part of them. The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0122] 1 Information management system, 2, 3 Vehicles, 6 Communication network, 7 Base station, 11 Control device, 12 Storage device, 13 Communication device, 14 Communication bus, 20 Brake ECU, 22 First processing unit, 24 Second processing unit, 26 Third processing unit, 30 DCM, 40 Central ECU, 50 Driving wheels, 52 Driven wheels, 54 First wheel speed sensor, 56 Second wheel speed sensor, 60 Steering angle sensor, 62 Accelerator pedal depression amount sensor, 64 Stop lamp switch, 100 Data center.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus for calculating a feature quantity related to the operation of a vehicle, a first processing unit that receives input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle, a second processing unit that calculates the feature quantity using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied within the period of receiving the input information, the predetermined condition includes a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle temporarily stops, the second processing unit calculates a first feature quantity related to the stop of the vehicle, the second processing unit calculates, as the first feature quantity, information indicating whether or not the temporary stop has been performed, the information processing apparatus further includes a third processing unit that calculates a ratio of the number of times the temporary stop is performed to a first reference number of times using the first feature quantity, the first reference number of times is the number of times of temporary stop that is predicted to have been performed if the driver of the vehicle is a skilled driver. Information processing apparatus.

2. The condition that a driving operation is performed before the temporary stop is performed includes a condition that the speed of the vehicle is higher than a first threshold value, a condition that an accelerator-off operation is performed, and a condition that the vehicle is in a decelerated state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The second processing unit calculates a second feature quantity related to safety confirmation of the traveling direction of the vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The second processing unit calculates, as the second feature quantity, information indicating whether or not a very slow forward movement is performed after the temporary stop. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The third processing unit calculates a ratio of the number of times the very slow forward movement is performed to a second reference number of times using the second feature quantity, the second reference number of times is the number of times of very slow forward movement that is predicted to have been performed if the driver is a skilled driver. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A vehicle equipped with an information processing device that calculates a feature quantity related to driving, The information processing device includes, a first processing unit that receives input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle, a second processing unit that calculates the feature quantity using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied within the period of receiving the input information, The predetermined condition includes a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle makes a temporary stop, The second processing unit calculates a first feature quantity related to the stop of the vehicle, The second processing unit calculates information indicating whether or not the temporary stop has been performed as the first feature quantity, The information processing device further includes a third processing unit that calculates a ratio of the number of times the temporary stop is performed to a first reference number of times using the first feature quantity, The first reference number of times is the number of times of temporary stop that would be performed if the driver of the vehicle were a skilled driver. Vehicle.

7. An information processing device that calculates a feature quantity related to the operation of a vehicle, and a server that manages information transmitted from the information processing device, The information processing device includes, a first processing unit that receives input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle, a second processing unit that calculates the feature quantity using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied within the period of receiving the input information, The predetermined condition includes a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle makes a temporary stop, The second processing unit calculates a first feature quantity related to the stop of the vehicle, The second processing unit calculates information indicating whether or not the temporary stop has been performed as the first feature quantity, The information processing apparatus further includes a third processing unit that calculates a ratio of the number of times of the temporary stop to the first reference number of times using the first feature amount. The first reference number of times is the number of times of temporary stop that is predicted to have been performed if the driver of the vehicle is a skilled driver. An information processing system.

8. An information processing method for calculating a feature amount related to driving of a vehicle using a computer, a step in which the computer receives input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle; a step in which the computer calculates the feature amount using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied within the period of receiving the input information, the predetermined condition includes a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle makes a temporary stop, the information processing method, a step in which the computer calculates a first feature amount related to the stop of the vehicle; a step in which the computer calculates, as the first feature amount, information indicating whether or not the temporary stop has been performed; the computer further includes a step of calculating a ratio of the number of times of the temporary stop to the first reference number of times using the first feature amount, the first reference number of times is the number of times of temporary stop that is predicted to have been performed if the driver of the vehicle is a skilled driver. An information processing method.

9. In the computer, a step of receiving input information including information related to the speed of the vehicle; a step of calculating a feature amount related to driving of the vehicle using the input information received during a period in which a predetermined condition including a condition that a driving operation is performed before the vehicle makes a temporary stop is satisfied within the period of receiving the input information; a step of calculating a first feature amount related to the stop of the vehicle; A step of calculating, as the first feature amount, information indicating whether or not the temporary stop has been performed; A program that causes execution of a step of calculating a ratio of the number of times of performing the temporary stop to a first reference number of times of the temporary stop, which is predicted to have been performed if the driver of the vehicle is a skilled driver, using the first feature amount.

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