Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Information Processing Program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program, which allow for making appropriate notifications to a driver.SOLUTION: An information processing device disclosed herein comprises an estimation unit and notification unit. The estimation unit estimates an appropriate manner for a vehicle to pass through a given area on the basis of the vehicle situation in the given area. The notification unit makes a notification regarding traveling of the vehicle through the given area to the vehicle scheduled to pass through the given area on the basis of the estimated manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a technology for assisting the driving of a vehicle driver. In this type of technology, for example, there is a technology for detecting a pedestrian from an image of a camera provided in the vehicle and notifying the driver based on the detection result (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional technology has room for improvement in providing more appropriate notifications to the driver according to the surrounding situation.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of providing an appropriate notification to a driver.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present application includes an estimation unit and a notification unit. The estimation unit estimates an appropriate passing method when the vehicle passes through a predetermined area based on the vehicle situation in the predetermined area. The notification unit gives a notification regarding passing through the predetermined area to the vehicle scheduled to pass through the predetermined area based on the estimated passing method.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it has an effect of being able to give an appropriate notification to the driver.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Fig. 1A

Fig. 1B

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, modes (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") for implementing the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application are not limited by this embodiment. Also, in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment) First, with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the processing executed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing Process 1 executed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing Process 2 executed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. Note that FIGS. 1A and 1B show an operation example of the information processing system S including the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0011] First, with reference to FIG. 1A, Process 1 executed by the information processing system S will be described.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1A, the information processing system S according to the embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 1, a vehicle 50, and a user terminal 100. Hereinafter, the vehicle 50 that is the notification target of the information processing apparatus 1 may be referred to as the target vehicle 50.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1A, the information processing system S according to the embodiment estimates an appropriate speed when the vehicle 50 (target vehicle 50) passes through a predetermined area based on the pedestrian flow information in the predetermined area, and based on the estimated appropriate speed, notifies the target vehicle 50 scheduled to pass through the predetermined area of passing through the predetermined area.

[0014] The predetermined area mentioned here is an area where moving objects such as people exist, for example, facilities such as parks, schools, kindergartens, nurseries, and shopping malls. In other words, the predetermined area is an area where a driver needs to pay attention to driving when the vehicle passes through. Note that the predetermined area is not limited to facilities, and may be a specific place such as a crosswalk, an intersection, or a school route.

[0015] In Process 1 shown in FIG. 1A, the information processing apparatus 1 first acquires the driving information of the target vehicle 50 from the target vehicle 50 to be notified (step S1). The driving information includes, for example, the current position, the current speed, the road being traveled, the lane being traveled, and the guidance route to the destination set by the navigation device (step S1). Note that the driving information may be acquired, for example, from the navigation device mounted on the target vehicle 50, the vehicle control device, etc., or from the driving information acquired by a terminal device such as a smartphone held by the passenger of the target vehicle 50.

[0016] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 1 identifies a predetermined area corresponding to the position of the target vehicle 50 based on the acquired driving information of the target vehicle 50 (step S2). For example, the information processing apparatus 1 predicts the route to be traveled from the current position of the target vehicle 50 and obtains a predetermined area located on the predicted route as the identification result. In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 identifies the scheduled time when the target vehicle 50 will pass through the identified predetermined area.

[0017] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 1 acquires the user's position information from the user via the user terminal 100 (step S3). Such a user is a user who is not in a vehicle (other than the target vehicle 50), such as a pedestrian or a user on a bicycle. That is, such a user is a user who may temporarily pass through the road on which the vehicle 50 travels.

[0018] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 1 estimates the pedestrian flow information in the identified predetermined area based on the acquired position information (step S4). The pedestrian flow information is information indicating the future flow (position transition) of users in a predetermined area. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 estimates the pedestrian flow information of each user at the scheduled time by predicting the transition of the position information from the acquired position information history until the scheduled time.

[0019] Next, the information processing device 1 estimates an appropriate speed at which the target vehicle 50 passes through a predetermined area based on the estimated crowd flow information (step S5). For example, the information processing device 1 estimates the appropriate speed based on feature information extracted from crowd flow information such as the number of users present in a predetermined area at a scheduled time, the number of users moving within a predetermined area, the number of users passing through a road existing in a predetermined area, the number of users walking or riding a bicycle within a predetermined area, and attribute information (age, etc.) of each user present in a predetermined area. Specifically, the information processing device 1 estimates a risk level indicating the possibility that a user approaches the target vehicle 50 when the target vehicle 50 passes through a predetermined area based on the feature information, and estimates an appropriate speed according to the risk level. More specifically, the information processing device 1 determines, according to the risk level, how much slower than the legal speed in a predetermined area the appropriate speed should be. That is, the information processing device 1 estimates an appropriate speed with a larger decrease amount from the legal speed as the risk level is higher (the higher the risk). Note that the estimation of the appropriate speed (or risk level) may be performed using a model generated by machine learning. Specifically, the information processing device 1 uses the above-described feature information extracted from the crowd flow information as an explanatory variable, and performs learning with the appropriate speed (or risk level) as an objective variable to generate and use a model.

[0020] Next, the information processing device 1 compares the current speed of the target vehicle 50 with the estimated appropriate speed (step S6). Specifically, the information processing device 1 obtains the speed difference between the current speed and the appropriate speed as a comparison result. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may obtain as a comparison result whether the current speed is higher than the appropriate speed.

[0021] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 determines the content of the notification to the target vehicle 50 based on the comparison result (step S7). For example, when the current speed is higher than the appropriate speed and the speed difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the information processing device 1 determines the content of the notification indicating an instruction to slow down the speed to the appropriate speed. Also, when the current speed is higher than the appropriate speed and the speed difference is less than the predetermined value, the information processing device 1 determines the content of the notification informing that a user existing in a predetermined area is likely to approach the target vehicle 50, or the content of the notification informing the position of a user who may pass through the road based on the pedestrian flow information. That is, when the speed difference is less than the predetermined value, the information processing device 1 determines the content of the notification for notifying information about a user existing in a predetermined area.

[0022] Further, when the current speed is lower than the appropriate speed, the information processing device 1 determines the content of the notification informing that a user existing in a predetermined area is likely to approach the target vehicle 50, or the content of the notification informing the position of a user who may pass through the road based on the pedestrian flow information.

[0023] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 notifies the target vehicle 50 scheduled to pass through a predetermined area of the passage of the predetermined area with the determined notification content (step S8). Specifically, the information processing device 1 performs the notification of the content of the notification indicating an instruction to slow down the speed to the appropriate speed, the notification of the content of the notification informing that a user existing in a predetermined area is likely to approach the target vehicle 50, and the notification of the content of the notification informing the position of a user who may pass through the road based on the pedestrian flow information.

[0024] Thus, according to the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment, by notifying the driver based on the appropriate speed estimated based on the pedestrian flow information, the driver can pass through a predetermined area more safely. That is, according to the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment, it is possible to perform a more appropriate notification for the driver in accordance with the surrounding situation (pedestrian flow information).

[0025] In addition, when the information processing apparatus 1 is not notifying the target vehicle 50, for example, it may notify information regarding an appropriate speed to a system that distributes traffic information such as VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System: registered trademark). Additionally, the information processing apparatus 1 may notify information regarding an appropriate speed to an external organization such as the police, for example. Alternatively, when the target vehicle 50 is an autonomous vehicle, the information processing apparatus 1 may remotely control the target vehicle 50 at an appropriate speed.

[0026] Next, with reference to FIG. 1B, a second process executed by the information processing system S will be described. Note that the second process shown in FIG. 1B may be performed in parallel with the first process shown in FIG. 1A.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1B, the information processing system S according to the embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 1, a vehicle 50, and a user terminal 100. Hereinafter, the vehicle 50 that is the notification target of the information processing apparatus 1 may be referred to as the target vehicle 50.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1B, the information processing system S according to the embodiment estimates an appropriate passing method when the target vehicle 50 passes through a predetermined area based on the vehicle situation in the predetermined area, and based on the estimated passing method, notifies the vehicle 50 (target vehicle 50) scheduled to pass through the predetermined area of the passing of the predetermined area.

[0029] In the second process shown in FIG. 1B, the information processing apparatus 1 first acquires driving information of the target vehicle 50 from the target vehicle 50 that is the notification target (step S1). The driving information is, for example, the current position, the current speed, the road being traveled, the lane being traveled, and the guidance route to the destination set by the navigation device (step S1). Note that the driving information may be acquired from, for example, the navigation device mounted on the target vehicle 50 or the driving information acquired by a vehicle control device or the like, or may be acquired from the driving information acquired by a terminal device such as a smartphone held by the occupant of the target vehicle 50.

[0030] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 specifies a predetermined area corresponding to the position of the target vehicle 50 based on the acquired driving information of the target vehicle 50 (step S2). For example, the information processing device 1 predicts the route to be traveled from the current position of the target vehicle 50 and obtains, as a specification result, a predetermined area located on the route to be traveled. Further, the information processing device 1 specifies the scheduled time when the target vehicle 50 will pass through the specified predetermined area.

[0031] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 acquires the position information of the user (other vehicle) from the user via the user terminal 100, where the user is a passenger of another vehicle other than the target vehicle 50 (step S3). Note that the position information of the other vehicle is not limited to being acquired from the user terminal 100, and the position information acquired by a navigation device or a vehicle control device mounted on the other vehicle may also be acquired.

[0032] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 estimates the vehicle situation of the other vehicles in the specified predetermined area based on the acquired position information of the other vehicles (step S4). The vehicle situation is information indicating the future flow (change in position) of the other vehicles in the predetermined area. For example, the information processing device 1 estimates the vehicle situation of each other vehicle at the scheduled time by predicting the change in the position information from the acquired position information history up to the scheduled time.

[0033] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 estimates an appropriate passing method for the target vehicle 50 in a predetermined area based on the estimated vehicle situation (step S5). For example, when the predetermined area is an intersection, the information processing device 1 determines whether it is possible to go straight through the intersection, turn right, or turn left based on the position (lane in which the vehicle is traveling), speed, position of other vehicles, and speed of the target vehicle 50, and estimates an appropriate passing method accordingly. When the information processing device 1 determines that it is possible to pass through the intersection and turn right at the intersection, it estimates going straight and turning right as appropriate passing methods. When the predetermined area is a road with multiple lanes provided, the information processing device 1 determines whether it is possible to change lanes to each lane, and when it determines that lane change is possible, it estimates lane change and no lane change as appropriate passing methods. When the predetermined area is the entrance / exit of a predetermined facility, the information processing device 1 determines whether it is possible to enter the predetermined facility, and when it determines that entry is possible, it estimates entering the predetermined facility and passing through the entrance / exit (without entering) as appropriate passing methods.

[0034] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 compares the estimated appropriate passing method with the guidance route in the predetermined area set for the target vehicle 50 (step S6). Specifically, the information processing device 1 determines whether the guidance route in the predetermined area is included in the appropriate passing method. For example, when the guidance route at the intersection is a right turn, the information processing device 1 determines whether a right turn is included in the appropriate passing method.

[0035] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 determines the content of the notification to the target vehicle 50 based on the comparison result (step S7). For example, when the guidance route in a predetermined area is included in the appropriate passing methods, the information processing device 1 determines the notification content to notify the passing method guided by the guidance route. Also, when the guidance route in a predetermined area is not included in the appropriate passing methods, that is, when it is not appropriate to perform the passing method guided by the guidance route, the information processing device 1 determines the notification content to notify that the passing method guided by the guidance route should not be performed. In this case, the information processing device 1 may determine the notification content to notify a passing method other than the guidance route (appropriate passing method). Note that when there are a plurality of passing methods other than the guidance route, the information processing device 1 may specify the driving level indicating the ease of driving for each passing method and determine the notification content to notify the passing method with the highest driving level (the highest ease of driving). Alternatively, when there are a plurality of passing methods other than the guidance route, the information processing device 1 may determine the notification content to notify the passing method with the shortest arrival time to the destination.

[0036] Subsequently, the information processing device 1 notifies the target vehicle 50 scheduled to pass through a predetermined area of the passing of the predetermined area with the determined notification content (step S8). For example, when the notification content is to notify the passing method guided by the guidance route, the information processing device 1 notifies the passing method guided by the guidance route. For example, when the guidance route is a right turn, the information processing device 1 issues a notification to guide the route of making a right turn in a predetermined area.

[0037] In addition, when the information processing device 1 notifies that the passing method guided by the guidance route should not be performed, it notifies that the passing method guided by the guidance route should not be performed. For example, when the guidance route is a right turn, the information processing device 1 issues a notification recommending not to follow the guidance route, such as "A right turn is not recommended due to the situation of other vehicles." At this time, when the information processing device 1 notifies the passing method other than the guidance route (appropriate passing method), it notifies the passing method other than the guidance route (appropriate passing method). For example, when the appropriate passing method at an intersection where the guidance route is a right turn is to go straight, the information processing device 1 issues a notification recommending to perform the appropriate passing method, such as "It is difficult to make a right turn at the next intersection, so it is recommended to go straight." At this time, when the information processing device 1 notifies the passing method with the highest driving level among multiple passing methods, it issues a notification regarding the driving level, such as "It is difficult to make a right turn at the next intersection, so it is recommended to go straight, which is easier to drive." In addition, when the information processing device 1 notifies the passing method with the shortest arrival time to the destination among multiple passing methods, it issues a notification regarding the arrival time to the destination, such as "It is difficult to make a right turn at the next intersection, so the arrival time to the destination will be X minutes longer, but it is recommended to go straight." Note that when the information processing device 1 notifies a passing method other than the guidance route, it may search in advance for a new guidance route when passing by the passing method other than the guidance route, and when the driver passes by the passing method other than the guidance route, immediately notify the new guidance route.

[0038] In this way, according to the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment, by notifying the driver based on the appropriate passing method estimated based on the vehicle situation of other vehicles, the driver can pass through a predetermined area more safely. That is, according to the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment, it is possible to give a more appropriate notification to the driver according to the surrounding situation (vehicle situation).

[0039] In addition, when the information processing apparatus 1 is not notifying the target vehicle 50, for example, it may notify a system that distributes traffic information such as VICS (registered trademark) of information regarding an appropriate passing method. Additionally, the information processing apparatus 1 may notify, for example, an external organization such as the police of information regarding an appropriate passing method. Alternatively, when the target vehicle 50 is an autonomous vehicle, the information processing apparatus 1 may remotely control the target vehicle 50 to pass in an appropriate passing method.

[0040] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a configuration example of the information processing system S according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system S according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in the information processing system S according to the embodiment, an information processing apparatus 1, a plurality of vehicles 50, and a plurality of user terminals 100 are connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly. The network N is a network such as the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a LAN (Local Area Network), for example.

[0041] The information processing apparatus 1 is a server apparatus that executes the information processing method according to the embodiment.

[0042] In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 is an information processing apparatus that cooperates with a plurality of vehicles 50 and a plurality of user terminals 100 and provides API (Application Programming Interface) services and various data for various applications (hereinafter referred to as apps) and the like to the plurality of vehicles 50 and the plurality of user terminals 100, and is realized by a server apparatus, a cloud system, or the like.

[0043] Further, the information processing apparatus 1 may be an information processing apparatus that provides some kind of Web service online to a plurality of vehicles 50 and a plurality of user terminals 100. For example, as a Web service, the information processing apparatus 1 may provide services such as Internet connection, search service, SNS (Social Networking Service), electronic commerce (EC: Electronic Commerce), electronic payment, online game, online banking, online trading, accommodation and ticket reservation, video and music distribution, news, map, route search, route guidance, route information, operation information, weather forecast, etc. Actually, the information processing apparatus 1 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above Web services and mediate the Web services, or may be in charge of the processing of the Web services.

[0044] The vehicle 50 is a vehicle traveling on a road and is configured to enable two-way communication with the information processing apparatus 1 via the network N. Note that the connection to the information processing apparatus 1 may be an in-vehicle device provided in the vehicle 50. The in-vehicle device is, for example, a navigation device, a vehicle control device, or the like.

[0045] The user terminal 100 is a terminal device possessed by a user. The user terminal 100 can use any type of terminal device such as a smartphone, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC. The user terminal 100 transmits various information to the information processing apparatus 1 and the like, and receives information provided from the information processing apparatus 1 and the like.

[0046] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 2, a control unit 3, and a storage unit 4. The control unit 3 includes an acquisition unit 31, a specification unit 32, an estimation unit 33, a comparison unit 34, a determination unit 35, and a notification unit 36. The storage unit 4 stores user information 41 and area information 42.

[0048] The communication unit 2 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 2 is connected to a network via wired or wireless means.

[0049] The control unit 3 is a controller and is realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in a storage device inside the information processing apparatus 1 with a RAM or the like as a working area. Also, the control unit 3 may be a controller and may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a GPGPU (General Purpose Graphic Processing Unit).

[0050] The storage unit 4 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0051] The user information 41 is information about the user. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the user information 41 includes items such as a "user ID", "attribute information", and "location history".

[0052] The "user ID" is identification information for identifying the user. The "attribute information" is information regarding the attributes of the user and includes, for example, psychographic attributes and demographic attributes. The "location history" is information indicating the history of the user's location information.

[0053] The area information 42 is information regarding a predetermined area. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the area information 42. As shown in FIG. 5, the area information 42 includes items such as "area ID" and "facility type".

[0054] The "area ID" is identification information for identifying an area. The "area type" is information indicating the type of a predetermined area. The "area type" is, for example, the type of facilities existing in areas such as schools, kindergartens, nursing homes, hospitals, etc., or the type of roads existing in predetermined areas such as intersections and roads with multiple lanes. The type may be the type of people who use the facility, or the type of services provided by facilities such as hospitals and kindergartens.

[0055] Next, each function (acquisition unit 31, specification unit 32, estimation unit 33, comparison unit 34, determination unit 35, and notification unit 36) of the control unit 3 of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described.

[0056] The acquisition unit 31 acquires various information. For example, the acquisition unit 31 acquires the driving information of the target vehicle 50. Further, the acquisition unit 31 acquires the position information of the users riding in other vehicles other than the target vehicle 50, and the position information of the users not riding in the target vehicle 50 and other vehicles.

[0057] The specification unit 32 specifies a predetermined area corresponding to the position of the target vehicle 50 based on the acquired driving information of the target vehicle 50. For example, the specification unit 32 predicts the route to be traveled from the current position of the target vehicle 50, and obtains, as a specification result, a predetermined area located on the route to be traveled. Further, the specification unit 32 specifies the scheduled time when the target vehicle 50 will pass through the specified predetermined area.

[0058] The estimation unit 33 estimates the pedestrian flow information in the specified predetermined area based on the acquired position information. The pedestrian flow information is information indicating the future flow (change in position) of users in a predetermined area. For example, the estimation unit 33 estimates the pedestrian flow information of each user at the above scheduled time by predicting the change in the position information from the history of the acquired position information until the above scheduled time.

[0059] Subsequently, based on the estimated pedestrian flow information, the estimation unit 33 estimates an appropriate speed when the target vehicle 50 passes through a predetermined area. For example, the estimation unit 33 may estimate the appropriate speed based on the number of users present in the predetermined area at the scheduled time, the number of users moving within the predetermined area, the number of users passing through the roads present in the predetermined area, the number of users walking or riding bicycles within the predetermined area, the attribute information (such as age) of each user present in the predetermined area, and other characteristic information extracted from the pedestrian flow information. Specifically, the estimation unit 33 estimates a danger level indicating the possibility of a user approaching the target vehicle 50 when the target vehicle 50 passes through the predetermined area based on the characteristic information, and estimates an appropriate speed according to the danger level. More specifically, the estimation unit 33 determines, according to the danger level, how much slower than the legal speed the appropriate speed should be. That is, the higher the danger level (the higher the risk), the more the estimation unit 33 estimates an appropriate speed with a greater reduction amount from the legal speed. Note that the estimation of the appropriate speed (or the danger level) may use a model generated by machine learning. Specifically, the information processing device 1 uses the above characteristic information extracted from the pedestrian flow information as an explanatory variable and the appropriate speed (or the danger level) as an objective variable to perform learning and generate and use a model.

[0060] In addition, based on the acquired position information of other vehicles, the estimation unit 33 estimates the vehicle situation of other vehicles in the specified predetermined area. The vehicle situation is information indicating the future flow (position transition) of other vehicles in the predetermined area. For example, the estimation unit 33 estimates the vehicle situation of each other vehicle at the scheduled time by predicting the transition of the position information from the acquired position information history up to the scheduled time.

[0061] Subsequently, based on the estimated vehicle situation, the estimation unit 33 estimates an appropriate passing method for the target vehicle 50 in a predetermined area. For example, when the predetermined area is an intersection, the estimation unit 33 determines whether it is possible to go straight through the intersection, turn right, or turn left based on the position (lane in which the vehicle is traveling), speed, position of other vehicles, and speed of the target vehicle 50, and estimates an appropriate passing method accordingly. When the estimation unit 33 determines that it is possible to pass through the intersection and turn right, it estimates going straight and turning right as appropriate passing methods. When the predetermined area is a road with multiple lanes, the estimation unit 33 determines whether it is possible to change lanes to each lane. If it is determined that lane change is possible, it estimates lane change and no lane change as appropriate passing methods. When the predetermined area is the entrance / exit of a predetermined facility, the estimation unit 33 determines whether it is possible to enter the predetermined facility. If it is determined that entry is possible, it estimates entry into the predetermined facility and passing through the entrance / exit (without entering) as appropriate passing methods.

[0062] The comparison unit 34 compares the current speed of the target vehicle 50 with the estimated appropriate speed. Specifically, the comparison unit 34 obtains the speed difference between the current speed and the appropriate speed as the comparison result. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may obtain whether the current speed is higher than the appropriate speed as the comparison result.

[0063] The comparison unit 34 also compares the estimated appropriate passing method with the guidance route in the predetermined area set for the target vehicle 50. Specifically, the comparison unit 34 determines whether the guidance route in the predetermined area is included in the appropriate passing method. For example, when the guidance route at an intersection is a right turn, the comparison unit 34 determines whether a right turn is included in the appropriate passing method.

[0064] The determination unit 35 determines the content of the notification to the target vehicle based on the comparison result. For example, when the current speed is higher than the appropriate speed and the speed difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the determination unit 35 determines the content of the notification indicating an instruction to slow down the speed to the appropriate speed. Also, when the current speed is higher than the appropriate speed and the speed difference is less than the predetermined value, the determination unit 35 determines the content of the notification informing that a user existing in a predetermined area is likely to approach the target vehicle 50, or the content of the notification informing the position of a user who may pass through the road based on the pedestrian flow information.

[0065] Also, when the current speed is lower than the appropriate speed, the determination unit 35 determines the content of the notification informing that a user existing in a predetermined area is likely to approach the target vehicle 50, or the content of the notification informing the position of a user who may pass through the road based on the pedestrian flow information.

[0066] Also, when the appropriate passing method includes a guiding route in a predetermined area, the determination unit 35 determines the content of the notification to notify the passing method guided by the guiding route. Also, when the appropriate passing method does not include a guiding route in a predetermined area, that is, when it is not appropriate to perform the passing method guided by the guiding route, the determination unit 35 determines the content of the notification to notify that the passing method guided by the guiding route should not be performed. In this case, the determination unit 35 may determine the content of the notification to notify a passing method other than the guiding route (appropriate passing method). When there are a plurality of passing methods other than the guiding route, the determination unit 35 may specify the driving level indicating the ease of driving for each passing method, and determine the content of the notification to notify the passing method with the highest driving level (the highest ease of driving). Alternatively, when there are a plurality of passing methods other than the guiding route, the determination unit 35 may determine the content of the notification to notify the passing method with the shortest arrival time to the destination.

[0067] The notification unit 36 notifies the target vehicle 50 scheduled to pass through a predetermined area of the passing of the predetermined area with the determined notification content. Specifically, the notification unit 36 issues a notification with a notification content indicating an instruction to slow down to an appropriate speed, a notification with a notification content informing that a user present in the predetermined area is likely to approach the target vehicle 50, and a notification with a notification content informing the position of a user who may pass through the road from the pedestrian flow information.

[0068] In addition, when the notification content is to notify the passing method guided by the guidance route, the notification unit 36 notifies the passing method guided by the guidance route. For example, when the guidance route is a right turn, the notification unit 36 issues a notification guiding a route for making a right turn in the predetermined area.

[0069] Further, when the notification unit 36 is in a case of notification content for notifying that the passing method guided by the guidance route should not be performed, the notification unit 36 notifies that the passing method guided by the guidance route should not be performed. For example, when the guidance route is a right turn, the notification unit 36 issues a notification recommending not to follow the guidance route, such as "A right turn is not recommended depending on the situation of other vehicles." Also, at this time, when the notification unit 36 is in a case of notification content for notifying a passing method other than the guidance route (appropriate passing method), the notification unit 36 notifies a passing method other than the guidance route (appropriate passing method). For example, when the appropriate passing method is a straight-ahead at an intersection where the guidance route is a right turn, the notification unit 36 issues a notification recommending to perform the appropriate passing method, such as "It is difficult to make a right turn at the next intersection, so it is recommended to go straight." Also, at this time, when the notification unit 36 notifies the passing method with the highest driving level among a plurality of passing methods, the notification unit 36 issues a notification regarding the driving level, such as "It is difficult to make a right turn at the next intersection, so it is recommended to go straight as it is easier to drive." Further, when the notification unit 36 notifies the passing method with the shortest arrival time to the destination among a plurality of passing methods, the notification unit 36 issues a notification regarding the arrival time to the destination, such as "It is difficult to make a right turn at the next intersection, so the arrival time to the destination will be X minutes longer, but it is recommended to go straight." Note that when the notification unit 36 notifies a passing method other than the guidance route, the notification unit 36 may search in advance for a new guidance route when passing by a passing method other than the guidance route, and immediately notify a new guidance route when the driver passes by a passing method other than the guidance route.

[0070] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the processing procedure of the processing executed by the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of processing part 1 executed by the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of processing part 2 executed by the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0071] First, with reference to FIG. 6, the processing procedure of processing part 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, first, the control unit 3 acquires the position information of the user via the user terminal 100 (step S101).

[0072] Subsequently, the control unit 3 acquires the position and current speed of the target vehicle (step S102).

[0073] Subsequently, the control unit 3 specifies a predetermined area corresponding to the acquired position of the target vehicle (step S103).

[0074] Subsequently, the control unit 3 estimates the pedestrian flow information in the specified predetermined area (step S104).

[0075] Subsequently, the control unit 3 estimates an appropriate speed for the target vehicle 50 based on the estimated pedestrian flow information (step S105).

[0076] Subsequently, the control unit 3 compares the current speed of the target vehicle 50 with the estimated appropriate speed (step S106).

[0077] Subsequently, the control unit 3 determines the content of the notification to the target vehicle 50 based on the comparison result (step S107).

[0078] Subsequently, the control unit 3 notifies the target vehicle 50 according to the determined notification content (step S108), and ends the process.

[0079] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the processing procedure of the second process will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 3 first acquires the position information of the users who have boarded the surrounding vehicles existing around the target vehicle 50 via the user terminal 100 (step S201).

[0080] Subsequently, the control unit 3 acquires the position and current speed of the target vehicle (step S202).

[0081] Subsequently, the control unit 3 specifies a predetermined area corresponding to the acquired position of the target vehicle (step S203).

[0082] Subsequently, the control unit 3 estimates the vehicle situation in the specified predetermined area (step S204).

[0083] Subsequently, the control unit 3 estimates an appropriate passing method based on the estimated vehicle situation (step S205).

[0084] Subsequently, the control unit 3 compares the estimated passing method with the guidance route (step S206).

[0085] Subsequently, the control unit 3 determines the content to be notified to the target vehicle 50 based on the comparison result (step S207).

[0086] Subsequently, the control unit 3 notifies the target vehicle 50 according to the determined notification content (step S108), and ends the process.

[0087] [Others] Also, among the processes described in the above embodiment, a part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed. Alternatively, all or part of the processes described as being manually performed can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0088] Also, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and it is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage situations, etc.

[0089] For example, part or all of the storage unit 4 shown in FIG. 3 may be held not by each device but by a storage server or the like. In this case, each device acquires various information by accessing the storage server.

[0090] [Hardware Configuration] In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 configured as shown in FIG. 8, for example. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0091] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 or the secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, etc., and executes various processes. The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device such as a RAM that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various operations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various operations and various databases are registered, and is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, etc.

[0092] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information such as a monitor and a printer, and is realized by a connector of a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). The input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020 such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a scanner, and is realized by, for example, USB or the like.

[0093] Note that the input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Further, the input device 1020 may be an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0094] The network IF 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also sends the data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 via the network N to other devices.

[0095] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0096] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 1, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the function of the control unit 3 by executing the program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040.

[0097] [Effect] As described above, the information processing device according to the embodiment includes an estimation unit 33 and a notification unit 36. The estimation unit 33 estimates an appropriate speed when a vehicle (target vehicle 50) passes through a predetermined area based on the pedestrian flow information in the predetermined area. The notification unit 36 gives a notification regarding the passage of the predetermined area to the vehicle scheduled to pass through the predetermined area based on the estimated appropriate speed.

[0098] In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment includes an estimation unit 33 and a notification unit 36. The estimation unit 33 estimates an appropriate passing method when the vehicle passes through a predetermined area based on the vehicle situation in the predetermined area. The notification unit 36 notifies a vehicle scheduled to pass through a predetermined area of the passage of the predetermined area based on the estimated passing method.

[0099] According to the information processing apparatus 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to appropriately notify the driver.

[0100] As described above, some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms in which various modifications and improvements are made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the column of the disclosure of the invention.

[0101] 〔Others〕 In addition, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or all or part of the processes described as being manually performed can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0102] In addition, each component of each illustrated device is a functional concept, and it is not necessarily physically configured as illustrated. That is, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage situations.

[0103] In addition, the processes described in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents do not conflict with each other.

[0104] In addition, the "section (section, module, unit)" described above can be read as "means", "circuit", etc. For example, the control section 3 can be read as a control means or a control circuit.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 1 Information processing apparatus 2 Communication section 3 Control section 4 Storage section 31 Acquisition section 32 Identification section 33 Estimation section 34 Comparison section 35 Decision section 36 Notification section 41 User information 42 Area information 50 Vehicle 100 User terminal S Information processing system

Claims

1. An estimation unit that estimates an appropriate passing method when the target vehicle passes through the predetermined area based on the vehicle situation indicating the situation of other vehicles other than the target vehicle in the predetermined area; A comparison unit that compares the estimated appropriate passing method with the guidance route of the target vehicle; A notification unit that notifies the target vehicle scheduled to pass through the predetermined area of the passing through the predetermined area based on the estimated passing method, and notifies the notification content determined based on the comparison result of the comparison unit; Comprising: The predetermined area is an intersection; The vehicle situation includes the position and speed of the target vehicle and the position and speed of the other vehicle; The estimation unit: Determines whether the intersection can be traveled straight, and whether right and left turns at the intersection are possible, and estimates the passing direction determined to be possible among going straight, turning right, and turning left as the appropriate passing method; The notification unit: When the guidance route is not included in the appropriate passing methods, a new guidance route in the case of passing by the passing method other than the guidance route is searched in advance, and when passing by the passing method other than the guidance route, the new guidance route is notified. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. An acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the vehicle; An identification unit that identifies the predetermined area corresponding to the acquired position information; Further comprising: The estimation unit: Estimates the appropriate passing method based on the vehicle situation in the identified predetermined area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The estimation unit: Estimates the appropriate passing method based on the vehicle situation at the scheduled time when the vehicle passes through the predetermined area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The estimation unit: Estimates the appropriate passing method based on the speed and position information of the vehicle and the speed and position information of other vehicles. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The comparison unit: Determines whether the guidance route is included in the appropriate passing methods; The notification unit: When the guidance route is included in the appropriate passing methods, notifies the passing method guided by the guidance route. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The comparison unit: Determines whether the guidance route is included in the appropriate passing methods; The notification unit: When the guidance route is not included in the appropriate passing methods, notifies that the passing method guided by the guidance route should not be performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The notification unit When the guidance route is not included in the appropriate passing methods, notifies the appropriate passing methods The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The notification unit When there are a plurality of appropriate passing methods, specifies an operation level indicating ease of driving for each passing method, and notifies the passing method with the highest operation level The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The notification unit When there are a plurality of appropriate passing methods, notifies the passing method with the shortest arrival time to the destination among the plurality of appropriate passing methods The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

10. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: An estimation step of estimating an appropriate passing method when the target vehicle passes through a predetermined area based on a vehicle situation indicating the situation of other vehicles other than the target vehicle in the predetermined area; A comparison step of comparing the estimated appropriate passing method with the guidance route of the target vehicle; A notification step of notifying the target vehicle scheduled to pass through the predetermined area about passing through the predetermined area based on the estimated passing method, and notifying the notification content determined based on the comparison result of the comparison step; Including The predetermined area is an intersection, The vehicle situation includes the position and speed of the target vehicle and the position and speed of the other vehicles, The estimation step Determines whether the intersection can be traveled straight, and whether right and left turns are possible at the intersection, and estimates the passing direction determined to be possible among going straight, right turn, and left turn as the appropriate passing method; The notification step When the guidance route is not included in the appropriate passing methods, pre-searches for a new guidance route when passing through the passing method other than the guidance route, and notifies the new guidance route when passing through the passing method other than the guidance route Information processing method.

11. An estimation procedure for estimating an appropriate passing method when the target vehicle passes through a predetermined area based on a vehicle situation indicating the situation of other vehicles other than the target vehicle in the predetermined area; A comparison procedure for comparing the estimated appropriate passing method with the guidance route of the target vehicle; Based on the presumed passing method, a notification procedure is performed to notify the target vehicle scheduled to pass through the predetermined area about passing through the predetermined area, and a notification of the notification content determined based on the comparison result of the comparison procedure is performed. Cause the computer to execute The predetermined area is an intersection. The vehicle situation includes the position and speed of the target vehicle and the position and speed of the other vehicle. The estimation procedure is Determine whether it is possible to go straight through the intersection and whether it is possible to turn right and left at the intersection, and estimate the passing direction determined to be possible among going straight, turning right, and turning left as the appropriate passing method. The notification procedure is If the guidance route is not included in the appropriate passing method, search in advance for a new guidance route when passing through the intersection by a passing method other than the guidance route, and notify the new guidance route when passing through the intersection by a passing method other than the guidance route. Information processing program.

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