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

Abstract

To obtain an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method and an information processing program capable of proposing at least one of a route which can avoid a specific other vehicle and a route which can encounter with a specific other vehicle in accordance with user's preference.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a preference reception part of receiving preference information from an input device provided in a cabin of an own vehicle, a satellite image acquisition part of acquiring a satellite information around a traveling road of the own vehicle, a detection part of detecting an other vehicle corresponding to a specific section among other vehicles captured in the satellite image on the basis of the preference information, and an information output part of outputting route information about at least either route of a route having low probability of encountering with an other vehicle corresponding to a specific section with encounter avoidance desired or a route having high probability of encountering with an other vehicle corresponding to a specific section with an encounter desired to a display area provided in the cabin of the own vehicle on the basis of the preference information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle guidance system that guides a general vehicle so as to avoid encountering a dangerous vehicle performing dangerous driving such as meandering, interruption, popping out, and speed exceeding. The vehicle guidance system has a function of identifying a dangerous vehicle based on vehicle information including a driving history such as an accident history, and identifying a general vehicle in which an encounter with the dangerous vehicle is predicted. Further, the vehicle guidance system has a function of setting a planned driving route of the general vehicle to a route that does not encounter the dangerous vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in addition to dangerous vehicles, depending on the user's preference, there may be other vehicles that the user wants to avoid encountering. As an example, although a bus does not fall under the above dangerous vehicles, depending on the user, when driving behind the bus, it is troublesome to have to stop at each bus stop, and there may be a case where the user wants to avoid driving behind the bus. On the other hand, depending on the user's preference, there may also be other vehicles that the user deliberately wants to encounter, such as vehicles of rare vehicle types.

[0005] In the above prior art, since a dangerous vehicle is identified using vehicle information acquired from each vehicle, it is not possible to identify a vehicle in a fine classification. Therefore, it is not possible to propose a route that can avoid a specific other vehicle or a route that can encounter a specific other vehicle according to the user's preference.

[0006] In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can propose at least one of a route that can avoid a specific other vehicle and a route that can encounter a specific other vehicle according to a user's preference.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] First aspect The information processing apparatus according to [relevant content] includes, from an input device provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle , encounter other vehicles that the user wishes to encounter characteristics a preference reception unit that receives information regarding a specific category as preference information, a satellite image acquisition unit that acquires a satellite image around the traveling route of the host vehicle, a detection unit that detects other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, and based on the preference information , encounter a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired to an information output unit that outputs route information regarding to a display area provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle.

[0008] According to the first aspect, the preference reception unit receives, as preference information, information regarding a specific category of other vehicles that the user wishes to encounter from an input device provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle. That is, when the user of the host vehicle wishes to encounter other vehicles belonging to a specific category and inputs such a wish to the input device, information indicating that it is a wish to encounter and information regarding which other vehicles the user wishes to encounter are received as preference information. In addition, the satellite image acquisition unit acquires a satellite image of the area around the travel route of the host vehicle. Then, the detection unit detects, based on the preference information, other vehicles shown in the satellite image that belong to a specific category. That is, when the user of the host vehicle wishes to encounter other vehicles belonging to a specific category and inputs such a wish to the input device, among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles belonging to the specific category that are welcomed are detected. Thus, according to the first aspect, since other vehicles belonging to a specific category are detected from the satellite image, vehicles can be specified in a finer category compared to the method of specifying other vehicles from the vehicle information acquired from each vehicle. Note that the detection of other vehicles belonging to a specific category may be performed using, for example, machine learning. Furthermore, the information output unit outputs, based on the preference information, route information regarding a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles belonging to a specific category that the user wishes to encounter to a display area provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle. Thereby, it is possible to propose a route that enables the user to encounter specific other vehicles according to the user's preference.

[0009] The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect includes: a preference reception unit that receives, as preference information, information regarding at least one specific category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and other vehicles for which encounter is desired from an input device provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle; a satellite image acquisition unit that acquires a satellite image around the traveling route of the host vehicle; a detection unit that detects, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information; and an information output unit that outputs route information regarding at least one of a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which encounter avoidance is desired and a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which encounter is desired to a display area provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle. The specific category is a category related to the display of signs for other vehicles.

[0010] According to the second aspect, the preference reception unit receives, as preference information, information regarding at least one specific category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and other vehicles for which encounter is desired from an input device provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle. That is, when the user of the host vehicle desires to avoid encountering other vehicles corresponding to a specific category and inputs such a desire using the input device, information indicating the desire to avoid and information regarding which other vehicles the user desires to avoid encountering are received as preference information. Also, when the user of the host vehicle desires to encounter other vehicles corresponding to a specific category and inputs such a desire using the input device, information indicating the desire to encounter and information regarding which other vehicles the user desires to encounter are received as preference information. Further, when the user of the host vehicle inputs both the category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and the category of other vehicles for which encounter is desired, both pieces of information are received as preference information. In addition, a satellite image acquisition unit acquires a satellite image of the periphery of the traveling route of the host vehicle. Then, a detection unit detects other vehicles corresponding to a specific category among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image based on the preference information. That is, when the user of the host vehicle wishes to avoid encountering other vehicles corresponding to a specific category and inputs this wish into the input device, among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, the other vehicles corresponding to the specific category to be avoided are detected. Also, when the user of the host vehicle wishes to encounter other vehicles corresponding to a specific category and inputs this wish into the input device, among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, the other vehicles corresponding to the specific category to be welcomed are detected. Thus, according to the present invention, since other vehicles corresponding to a specific category are detected from the satellite image, vehicles are specified in a finer category compared to the method of specifying other vehicles from the vehicle information acquired from each vehicle. Note that the detection of other vehicles corresponding to a specific category may be performed using, for example, machine learning. Furthermore, an information output unit outputs, based on the preference information, route information regarding a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to a specific category that the user wishes to avoid encountering and a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to a specific category that the user wishes to encounter to a display area provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle. Thereby, a preference route that matches the user's preference is proposed to the user. Also, in the second aspect, the specific category is a category regarding the display of signs on other vehicles. Thereby, as at least one of the category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and the category of other vehicles for which encounter is desired, information regarding other vehicles with a specific sign displayed is received as preference information, and other vehicles with the specific sign displayed are detected. Then, route information regarding at least one of a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles with the specific sign displayed and a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles with the specific sign displayed is displayed in the display area. Thereby, according to the user's preference, at least one of a route that can avoid other vehicles with a specific sign displayed and a route that can encounter other vehicles with a specific sign displayed can be proposed.

[0011] Third Aspect The information processing apparatus according to [relevant content] is First Aspect or Second Aspect In this case, before starting to drive to the destination, there is further provided a route request reception unit that receives from the input device route request information regarding which route, either at least one normal route or a favorite route matching the favorite information, the user wishes to drive on, and a guidance unit that provides route guidance based on the route request information.

[0012] Third Aspect According to this, before starting to drive to the destination, the route request reception unit receives route request information regarding which route, either at least one normal route or a favorite route matching the favorite information, the user wishes to drive on. Then, when the user wishes to drive on one normal route and inputs this wish to the input device, the guidance unit provides route guidance on the normal route. On the other hand, when the user wishes to drive on a favorite route and inputs this wish to the input device, the guidance unit provides route guidance on a favorite route matching the user's preference. Here, the "normal route" as used herein is a broad concept that includes routes guided by a normal navigation system, such as the shortest distance route, the route that can reach the destination in the shortest time, and the route that does not pass through toll roads. Therefore, when the user is in a hurry or wishes to reduce tolls, the user can drive on the normal route, and when the user wishes to drive comfortably, the user can drive on a favorite route matching the preference.

[0013] Fourth Aspect The information processing system according to this includes a vehicle equipped with the input device and the display area in the vehicle interior, and an information processing device that receives the favorite information from the input device and outputs the route information to the display area. Any one of the First Aspect to the Third Aspect and has.

[0014] Fourth Aspect According to this, the user A preference route that matches the user's preference is proposed.

[0015] The information processing method according to the fifth aspect is to receive, as preference information, information regarding a specific category of other vehicles that the user wishes to encounter, from an input device provided inside the vehicle cabin of the host vehicle, acquire a satellite image around the travel route of the host vehicle, and among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, detect other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information, and output, to a display area provided inside the vehicle cabin of the host vehicle, route information regarding a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired, based on the preference information. The computer executes this process.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect, similar to the first aspect, it is possible to propose a route for encountering a specific other vehicle according to the user's preference.

[0017] The information processing method according to the sixth aspect is to receive, as preference information, information regarding at least one specific category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and other vehicles for which encounter is desired, from an input device provided inside the vehicle cabin of the host vehicle, acquire a satellite image around the travel route of the host vehicle, and among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, detect other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information, and output, to a display area provided inside the vehicle cabin of the host vehicle, route information regarding at least one of a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which encounter avoidance is desired and a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired, based on the preference information. The specific category is a category related to the display of markings on other vehicles. The computer executes this process.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect, similar to the second aspect, it is possible to propose at least one of a route for avoiding other vehicles with a specific marking displayed and a route for encountering other vehicles with a specific marking displayed, according to the user's preference.

[0019] The seventh aspect The information processing program according to the present invention receives, as preference information, information regarding a specific category from an input device provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle, obtains a satellite image around the traveling route of the host vehicle, and among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, detects other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information, and based on the preference information , en Another vehicle that desires to meet of the fe executes a process of outputting route information regarding a route with a high probability of encountering another vehicle corresponding to the specific category desired to meet to a display area provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle on a computer. , en Route counter t According to the seventh aspect, similar to the first aspect, it is possible to propose a route for encountering a specific other vehicle according to the user's preference.

[0020] The information processing program according to the eighth aspect causes a computer to execute a process of receiving, as preference information, information regarding at least one specific category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and other vehicles for which encounter is desired from an input device provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle, acquiring a satellite image around the traveling route of the host vehicle, detecting, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information, and outputting, to a display area provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle, route information regarding at least one of a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which encounter avoidance is desired and a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which encounter is desired based on the preference information, wherein the specific category is a category related to the display of signs on other vehicles . According to the eighth aspect, similar to the second aspect, it is possible to propose at least one of a route that can avoid other vehicles with a specific sign displayed thereon and a route that can encounter other vehicles with a specific sign displayed thereon according to the user's preference

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] As described above, The first aspect, the fifth aspect, and the seventh aspect has It is possible to propose a route that can encounter a specific other vehicle according to the user's preference excellent effects such as

[0022] The second aspect, the sixth aspect, and the eighth aspect have an excellent effect that it is possible to propose at least one of a route that can avoid other vehicles with a specific sign displayed thereon and a route that can encounter other vehicles with a specific sign displayed thereon according to the user's preference

[0023] The third aspect has excellent effects of being able to improve the comfort of the user.

[0024] The fourth aspect has A preference route that matches the user's preference is proposed excellent effects such as

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system S according to the present embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 10, a vehicle 11, and a server 12. The information processing apparatus 10, the vehicle 11, and the server 12 are connected via a network N and are capable of communicating with each other.

[0029] The information processing apparatus 10 is installed outside the vehicle 11 as an example and is configured to be able to transmit information requested in response to an instruction from the vehicle 11. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 is configured to be able to acquire various information from the server 12 via the network N. Note that the information processing apparatus may be provided inside the vehicle.

[0030] The server 12 is installed outside the vehicle 11 as an example and is configured to be able to receive data from the artificial satellite 13. For this reason, satellite images taken by the artificial satellite 13 are stored in the server 12. Note that the server may be provided inside the vehicle.

[0031] The information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment acquires a satellite image captured by the artificial satellite 13 via the server 12, detects other vehicles corresponding to a specific category from the satellite image, and outputs route information regarding at least one of a route with a low probability of encountering the detected other vehicles and a route with a high probability of encountering the detected other vehicles to the vehicle 11. Hereinafter, the vehicle 11 is referred to as the "own vehicle 11".

[0032] (Configuration of the own vehicle 11) FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the front part of the vehicle interior of the own vehicle 11 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. Note that the arrow UP shown in FIG. 2 indicates the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and the arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction. In the following description, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction respectively mean the vertical in the vehicle vertical direction and the horizontal in the vehicle width direction.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, an instrument panel 14 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at the front part of the vehicle interior of the own vehicle 11. A steering wheel 16 is provided on the rear side of the instrument panel 14. The steering wheel 16 of the present embodiment is provided on the right side of the vehicle as an example. That is, the own vehicle 11 is a right-hand drive vehicle, and the driver's seat is set on the right side of the vehicle. Note that the vehicle is not limited to a right-hand drive vehicle, and may be a left-hand drive vehicle with the driver's seat set on the left side.

[0034] The instrument panel 14 is disposed on the lower side of the vehicle of the windshield glass 18. The windshield glass 18 is inclined downward toward the front side of the vehicle and partitions the interior of the vehicle compartment from the exterior of the vehicle compartment.

[0035] The right end portion of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the front pillar 20 on the right side of the vehicle extending substantially in the vertical direction. Further, the front end portion of the front side glass 22 provided on the right side portion of the vehicle 11 is fixed to the outer side end portion in the vehicle width direction of the front pillar 20. Although not shown, the left end portion of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the front pillar on the left side of the vehicle.

[0036] Here, in front of the vehicle in the driver's seat and above the instrument panel 14, a meter display 24 is provided as a first display device having an image display area V1. The meter display 24 is connected to various meter devices mounted on the host vehicle 11. The meter display 24 is provided at a position that comes into the field of view in a state where an occupant (hereinafter referred to as "user") seated in the driver's seat of the host vehicle 11 looks ahead.

[0037] Also, in the instrument panel 14, a center display 25 is provided as a second display device having an image display area V2 at the center in the vehicle width direction. The center display 25 is a component of the navigation system 54 (see FIG. 4), and is configured to be able to display various information such as map information, the position information of the host vehicle 11, traffic information, and route information as images. Further, the center display 25 also has a function as an input device and is configured to be operable by a user or the like. As an example, the center display 25 is enabled for touch operation and voice operation by a user or the like. Note that the center display may have only a display function without an input function.

[0038] Furthermore, the host vehicle 11 includes a HUD 56 (see FIG. 4; hereinafter referred to as "HUD 56") as a third display device capable of projecting an image onto the display area V3. The HUD 56 is provided above the instrument panel 14 in front of the vehicle in the driver's seat. The display area V3 is a projection surface on the windshield 18 in front of the driver's seat.

[0039] Here, an in-vehicle device 28 is provided in the host vehicle 11. The in-vehicle device 28 of the present embodiment is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that performs various controls.

[0040] (Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Device 10) As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processor 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a storage 36, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 38. Each component is communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 39.

[0041] The CPU 30 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 30 reads a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and executes the program using the RAM 34 as a work area. Further, the CPU 30 performs control of the above components and various arithmetic processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0042] The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 34 temporarily stores a program or data as a work area. The storage 36 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and is a non-temporary recording medium that stores various programs and various data including an operating system. In the present embodiment, a display program or the like for performing display processing is stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0043] The communication I / F 38 is an interface for the information processing apparatus 10 to communicate with the server 12, the in-vehicle device 28, and other devices. For example, standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. are used.

[0044] (Hardware Configuration of the Host Vehicle 11) As shown in FIG. 4, the in-vehicle device 28 includes a CPU 40, a ROM 42, a RAM 44, a storage 46, a communication interface (communication I / F) 48, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 50. Each component is communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 52.

[0045] The CPU 40 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 40 reads a program from the ROM 42 or the storage 46 and executes the program using the RAM 44 as a work area. Further, the CPU 40 performs control of the above components and various arithmetic processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 42 or the storage 46.

[0046] The ROM 42 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 44 temporarily stores a program or data as a work area. The storage 46 is a non-volatile recording medium composed of an HDD or an SSD and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0047] The communication I / F 48 is an interface for the in-vehicle device 28 to communicate with the server 12 and other devices. For example, standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. are used.

[0048] Connected to the input / output I / F 50 are a navigation system 54, a meter display 24, and an HUD 56.

[0049] The navigation system 54 stores map data in advance and determines a driving route to a destination set by a user or the like. Further, the navigation system 54 provides various guidance so that the own vehicle 11 can drive along the set driving route. The navigation system 54 displays an image in the display area V2 of the center display 25.

[0050] (Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 10) Using the above hardware resources, the information processing apparatus 10 realizes various functions. As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing apparatus 10 includes, as functional components, a preference reception unit 60, a storage unit 62, a satellite image acquisition unit 64, a detection unit 66, a route calculation unit 68, an information output unit 70, a route request reception unit 72, and a guidance unit 74. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 30 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0051] The preference reception unit 60 has a function of receiving, as preference information, information regarding at least one specific category of other vehicles that the user wishes to avoid encountering and other vehicles that the user wishes to encounter, from the center display 25 provided in the passenger compartment of the own vehicle 11. As an example, the preference reception unit 60 receives preference information when the user operates the center display 25 to change vehicle settings.

[0052] For example, a display such as "Please select the category of other vehicles you want to avoid encountering." is shown on the center display 25, along with the categories of a plurality of vehicles. When the user selects a specific category on the center display 25, the preference reception unit 60 receives, as preference information, information indicating that the user wishes to avoid encountering and information regarding which other vehicles the user wishes to avoid encountering.

[0053] In addition, on the center display 25, a plurality of vehicle classifications are displayed together with a message "Please select the classification of other vehicles you wish to encounter.", and when the user selects a specific classification on the center display 25, the preference reception unit 60 receives, as preference information, information indicating the desire to encounter and information regarding what other vehicles the user wishes to encounter. Although the preference reception unit 60 has been described as receiving both the desire to avoid encounter and the desire to encounter as preference information, it is not limited to this, and only one of the desires may be received. Also, the specific classification selected by the user may be one or a plurality. Furthermore, the above display on the center display 25 is an example and is not limited thereto. Additionally, the input device is not limited to the center display 25. For example, the user's preference information may be received via a steering switch provided on the steering wheel. Also, preference information may be input by voice operation.

[0054] Here, the specific classification shall be, for example, a classification related to vehicle type, model, signage, and vehicle size, etc. Note that the "vehicle type" as used herein refers to the classification of vehicles such as passenger cars, buses, trucks, taxis, emergency vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Note that passenger cars may be further classified in detail into sedans, SUVs, sports cars, etc. That is, the "vehicle type" is classified by use and body type. Also, the "signage" as used herein widely includes displays for other vehicles such as a learner's permit practice sign, a novice driver sign, a senior driver sign, and stickers such as "BABY IN CAR".

[0055] For example, as an example of the desire to avoid, when an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or a fire truck is traveling nearby, the user may wish to avoid encountering the emergency vehicle for reasons such as the host vehicle 11 must stop. In this case, the user selects the emergency vehicle as the specific classification of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired, and the preference reception unit 60 receives the said preference information.

[0056] Also, as an example of wanting an encounter, for example, a user may want to encounter a sports car of a desired model. In this case, the user selects the model of the sports car as a specific other vehicle category for which an encounter is desired, and the preference reception unit 60 receives the preference information.

[0057] The preference reception unit 60 receives preference information regarding at least one specific category selected in the center display 25 in this way.

[0058] The storage unit 62 has a function of storing the preference information received by the preference reception unit 60 in the storage 36 or an external server (not shown).

[0059] The satellite image acquisition unit 64 has a function of acquiring a satellite image of the periphery of the traveling route of the own vehicle 11 taken by an artificial satellite. Specifically, the satellite image acquisition unit 64 accesses the server 12 and acquires a satellite image corresponding to the location from the current position of the own vehicle 11 to the destination among the satellite images stored in the server 12. The satellite image acquired by the satellite image acquisition unit 64 is, for example, at least one satellite image of a visible image, an infrared image, a water vapor image, a cloud top enhanced image, a true color reproduction image, and an RGB composite image.

[0060] The detection unit 66 has a function of detecting, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to a specific category based on the preference information. When the preference information relates to a desire to avoid an encounter, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to the specific category to be avoided are detected. On the other hand, when the preference information relates to a desire for an encounter, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to the specific category to be welcomed are detected. And when the preference information relates to both a desire to avoid an encounter and a desire for an encounter, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to the specific category to be avoided and other vehicles corresponding to the specific category to be welcomed are each detected.

[0061] As an example, when the user selects a bus as the category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired, the detection unit 66 detects all buses among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image. Note that the detection of other vehicles corresponding to a specific category may be performed using, for example, machine learning.

[0062] The route calculation unit 68 has a function of calculating at least one preferred route, which is a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to a specific category for which encounter avoidance is desired and a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to a specific category for which encounter is desired, based on the preference information. For example, when the user selects a bus as the category of other vehicles to be avoided, a route with a low probability of the host vehicle 11 encountering the bus is calculated as the preferred route based on the number of buses detected by the detection unit 66 and the position information of each bus. Note that, for example, based on satellite images obtained at predetermined time intervals such as every few seconds, the driving routes of the detected buses may be predicted, and the probability of encounter may be calculated based on the prediction information. Also, a plurality of preferred routes may be calculated. In this case, the route calculation unit may calculate a preference fitness together with the preferred routes. Furthermore, the calculation of the preferred routes may be performed using, for example, machine learning.

[0063] The information output unit 70 has a function of outputting the preferred route calculated by the route calculation unit 68 to any one of the display areas V1, V2, and V3 provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle 11, together with the normal route to the destination. As an example, the information output unit 70 outputs the preferred route, the toll-free shortest route and the paid shortest route as the normal routes, together with the time and toll required to reach the destination, to the center display 25 having the display area V2. Note that the information output unit may not output the time and toll to reach the destination to the display area. Also, the information output unit may not have a function of outputting the normal route. Furthermore, the information output unit may output, for example, a plurality of preferred routes calculated by the route calculation unit, together with the preference fitness.

[0064] The route request reception unit 72 has a function of receiving, from the center display 25, route request information regarding which route is desired before starting to drive to the destination. As an example, when the user selects a favorite route from among the favorite route and two normal routes displayed on the center display 25, the request is received as route request information.

[0065] The guidance unit 74 has a function of guiding a route based on the route request information. As an example, when the user selects a free shortest route as a normal route on the center display 25, the own vehicle 11 is guided along that route. Also, when the user selects a favorite route on the center display 25, the own vehicle 11 is guided along the favorite route.

[0066] (Operation) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0067] According to the information processing system S and the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, when the user of the own vehicle 11 desires to avoid encountering other vehicles belonging to a specific category in advance and inputs the desire to the center display 25, the preference reception unit 60 receives, as preference information, information indicating that it is a desire to avoid and information regarding which other vehicles to avoid encountering. On the other hand, when the user desires to encounter other vehicles belonging to a specific category and inputs the desire to the center display 25, the preference reception unit 60 receives, as preference information, information indicating that it is a desire to encounter and information regarding which other vehicles to encounter. Also, when the user inputs both the category of other vehicles for which avoidance is desired and the category of other vehicles for which encounter is desired, the preference reception unit 60 receives both pieces of information as preference information. Therefore, the user can input both the avoidance of encountering a specific vehicle and the desire to encounter a specific vehicle as preference information, and can customize the settings. The received preference information is stored in the storage unit 62.

[0068] (Example of the processing flow) Next, an example of the processing flow executed by the information processing apparatus 10 at the timing when the destination is input by the user will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0069] In step S100 of FIG. 6, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 acquires a satellite image taken by a satellite.

[0070] In step S102, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 detects other vehicles that belong to a specific category based on the stored preference information among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image.

[0071] In step S104, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 calculates a preference route in which the probability of encountering other vehicles belonging to a specific category for which encounter avoidance is desired is low and the probability of encountering other vehicles belonging to a specific category for which encounter is desired is high based on the preference information. At the same time, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 calculates a normal route.

[0072] In step S106, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 displays a plurality of normal routes and preference routes in any one of the display areas V1, V2, and V3.

[0073] In step S108, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives route preference information regarding which route the user wishes to travel on from the center display 25.

[0074] In step S110, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether travel on the preference route is desired. In step S110, if it is determined that travel on the preference route is desired, that is, if the user selects the preference route on the center display 25, then in step S112, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 guides the host vehicle 11 along the preference route and ends the processing.

[0075] On the other hand, in step S110, when it is determined that driving on the preferred route is not desired, the CPU 30 of the information processing apparatus 10 guides the host vehicle 11 on the normal route and ends the process. That is, in the present embodiment, when the user selects any normal route on the center display 25, the host vehicle 11 is guided on the selected normal route. Further, when the user does not operate the center display 25 within a predetermined time, the host vehicle 11 is guided on any normal route.

[0076] Therefore, according to the information processing system S and the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the user can drive on the normal route when in a hurry or when wanting to suppress tolls, and can drive on the preferred route when wanting to drive comfortably according to preferences.

[0077] Here, according to the information processing system S and the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, other vehicles corresponding to a specific category are detected from the satellite images taken by the artificial satellite 13. Therefore, compared with the method of identifying other vehicles corresponding to a specific category using the vehicle information acquired from each vehicle, vehicles can be identified in a finer category.

[0078] In particular, according to the information processing system S and the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the specific category is a category related to at least one of vehicle type, model, logo display, and vehicle size. Therefore, according to the user's preferences, for vehicle types such as passenger cars, buses, trucks, taxis, emergency vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles, a route with a high probability of encountering these vehicle types or a route with a low probability of encountering these vehicle types is proposed.

[0079] Also, according to the user's preferences, for a specific model of vehicle, a route with a high probability of encountering the vehicle of that model or a route with a low probability of encountering these vehicle types is proposed. Therefore, for example, when the user wants to encounter a desired sports car, the information processing apparatus 10 proposes a route with a high probability of encountering the sports car.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the user's preferences, routes with a high or low probability of encountering vehicles having signs such as a provisional license practice sign, a novice driver sign, a senior driver sign, and stickers such as "BABY IN CAR" are proposed for vehicles. For example, when the user wants to avoid encountering a vehicle with a novice driver sign, the information processing device 10 proposes a route with a low probability of encountering such a vehicle.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the user's preferences, routes with a high or low probability of encountering vehicles of a specific size, such as vehicles with a front-rear length equal to or greater than a predetermined length, vehicles with a front-rear length less than a predetermined length, vehicles with a width equal to or greater than a predetermined width, and vehicles with a width less than a predetermined width, are proposed. For example, when the user wants to avoid encountering a large vehicle, the information processing device 10 proposes a route with a low probability of encountering a large vehicle.

[0082] Also, according to the information processing system S and the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment, the preference reception unit 60 receives both the desire to avoid encounters and the desire to have encounters as preference information, and can receive a plurality of selections for each. Therefore, the degree of customization is high, and it is possible to propose a route that finely reflects the user's preferences.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the information processing system S and the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment, the received preference information is stored in the storage unit 62, and the detection unit 66 detects other vehicles belonging to a specific category based on the stored preference information. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of the user inputting preference information each time they drive.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the information processing system S and the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the information output unit 70 outputs the preference route, the paid shortest route and the free shortest route as normal routes, together with the time and fare required to reach the destination, to the center display 25 having the display area V2. Therefore, the user can visually grasp the plurality of normal routes and the preference route, and can determine whether or not to select the preference route in consideration of the balance between time and fare.

[0085] 〔Supplementary Explanation of the Above Embodiment〕 In the above embodiment, it has been described that the preference information input in advance by the user as vehicle setting items is stored by the storage unit 62, and the process of FIG. 6 is executed based on the stored preference information at the timing when the destination is input by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing apparatus may receive the preference information each time the user sets the destination.

[0086] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the route request reception unit 72 receives route request information regarding which route is desired before starting to travel to the destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing apparatus may not receive the route request information from the user and may automatically guide the own vehicle 11 on the preference route every time.

[0087] Furthermore, the flow of the process described in the above embodiment is an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of the processes may be changed within a range not departing from the gist.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 10 Information processing apparatus 11 Own vehicle 25 Center display (input device) 60 Preference reception unit 64 Satellite image acquisition unit 66 Detection unit 70 Information output unit 72 Route request reception unit Inside of case 74 S information processing system V1 display area V2 display area V3 display area

Claims

1. A preference reception unit that receives, as preference information, information regarding a specific category of other vehicles for which an encounter is desired, from an input device provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle; A satellite image acquisition unit that acquires a satellite image of the periphery of the travel route of the host vehicle; A detection unit that detects, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information; An information output unit that outputs, to a display area provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle, route information regarding a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired, based on the preference information; An information processing device having the above.

2. A preference reception unit that receives, as preference information, information regarding at least one specific category of a category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and a category of other vehicles for which an encounter is desired, from an input device provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle; A satellite image acquisition unit that acquires a satellite image of the periphery of the travel route of the host vehicle; A detection unit that detects, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information; An information output unit that outputs, to a display area provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle, route information regarding at least one of a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which encounter avoidance is desired and a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired, based on the preference information; Having The information processing device, wherein the specific category is a category related to a sign display for other vehicles.

3. A route preference reception unit that receives, from the input device, route preference information regarding whether to travel on any of at least one normal route and a preference route matched to the preference information, before starting to travel to a destination; A guidance unit that guides a route based on the route preference information; The information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further having the above.

4. A vehicle equipped with the input device and the display area in the passenger compartment; The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which receives the preference information from the input device and outputs the route information to the display area; An information processing system having the above.

5. Receive, as preference information, information regarding a specific category of other vehicles for which an encounter is desired, from an input device provided in the passenger compartment of the host vehicle, Acquire a satellite image of the periphery of the travel route of the host vehicle, Detect, among other vehicles shown in the satellite image, other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information, Based on the preference information, output route information regarding a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired to a display area provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle. An information processing method in which a computer executes a process.

6. Receive, as preference information, information regarding at least one specific category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and other vehicles for which an encounter is desired from an input device provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle, Acquire a satellite image of the periphery of the traveling route of the host vehicle, Among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, detect other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information, Based on the preference information, output route information regarding at least one of a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which encounter avoidance is desired and a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired to a display area provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle. An information processing method in which a computer executes a process, The specific category is an information processing method that is a category regarding a sign display for other vehicles.

7. Receive, as preference information, information regarding a specific category of other vehicles for which an encounter is desired from an input device provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle, Acquire a satellite image of the periphery of the traveling route of the host vehicle, Among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, detect other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information, Based on the preference information, output route information regarding a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired to a display area provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process.

8. Receive, as preference information, information regarding at least one specific category of other vehicles for which encounter avoidance is desired and other vehicles for which an encounter is desired from an input device provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle, Acquire a satellite image of the periphery of the traveling route of the host vehicle, Among the other vehicles shown in the satellite image, detect other vehicles corresponding to the specific category based on the preference information, Based on the preference information, output route information regarding at least one of a route with a low probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which encounter avoidance is desired and a route with a high probability of encountering other vehicles corresponding to the specific category for which an encounter is desired to a display area provided in the vehicle interior of the host vehicle. An information processing program for causing a computer to execute a process, wherein the specific category is an information processing program related to a category regarding a sign display for other vehicles.

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