Driving evaluation device, driving evaluation method, and program

Abstract

To provide a driving evaluation device or the like capable of correctly evaluating a driving skill of a driver when changing a lane.SOLUTION: A driving evaluation device 100 includes: a lane change detection section 101 for detecting a start of a lane change by a vehicle 10; a behavior detection section 102 for detecting a behavior of another vehicle 20 in the periphery of the vehicle 10; and an evaluation section 103 for calculating an evaluation value of a driving skill of a driver of the vehicle 10 in response to an operation history of the vehicle 10. When it is detected that the behavior of the other vehicle 20 changes after detecting a start of the lane change, the evaluation section 103 reduces the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a driving evaluation device, a driving evaluation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that calculates a collision risk when the host vehicle or another vehicle suddenly decelerates while the host vehicle is changing lanes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a driving evaluation device and the like that can correctly evaluate the driving skills of a driver when changing lanes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A driving evaluation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a lane change detection unit that detects the start of a lane change by a vehicle, an operation detection unit that detects the operation of other vehicles around the vehicle, and an evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value of the driving skills of the driver of the vehicle according to the operation history of the vehicle. When it is detected that the operation has changed after the start of the lane change is detected, the evaluation unit decreases the evaluation value of the driving skills of the driver driving the vehicle , the other vehicle is traveling ahead of the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes, and the change in the operation is a change in acceleration or steering angle of the other vehicle .

[0006] Further, a driving evaluation method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is A driving evaluation method executed by a computer, comprising: Detect the start of a lane change by a vehicle, detect the operations by other vehicles around the vehicle, calculate an evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver of the vehicle according to the operation history of the vehicle, and in the calculation of the evaluation value, if it is detected that the operation has changed after the start of the lane change is detected, reduce the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle , the other vehicle is traveling ahead of the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes, and the change in the operation is a change in acceleration or steering angle of the other vehicle 。

[0007] Also, a program according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the driving evaluation method according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] Note that these general or specific aspects may be implemented by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be implemented by any combination of an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to a driving evaluation apparatus or the like according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the driving skill of a driver when changing lanes can be correctly evaluated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 5

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Figure 8

[0011] (Findings that form the basis of the present invention) In the above-described conventional technology, a safe speed is calculated as a speed at which the vehicle will not collide with another vehicle even if the vehicle suddenly stops at maximum speed, and other vehicles that the vehicle will collide with if the vehicle suddenly stops at maximum speed are determined. In other words, the conventional technology determines whether or not the vehicle will collide with the vehicle, and does not consider other vehicles traveling at a speed that will not collide with the vehicle but is close to the speed at which the vehicle will collide. Therefore, there is a risk that the driver's driving skill when changing lanes may not be properly evaluated. Heinrich's Law is known, which states that for every serious accident, there are 29 minor accidents and 300 attempted accidents. Therefore, preventing attempted accidents before a serious accident occurs is effective in avoiding collisions. In other words, a mechanism for properly evaluating the occurrence of attempted accidents is considered necessary.

[0012] Therefore, after extensive research, the present inventors have come up with a driving evaluation device that can correctly evaluate the driving skill of a driver when changing lanes.

[0013] A driving evaluation device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a lane change detection unit that detects the start of a lane change by a vehicle, an action detection unit that detects actions by other vehicles around the vehicle, and an evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver of the vehicle based on the operation history of the vehicle, and if the evaluation unit detects that the action has changed after the start of the lane change has been detected, the evaluation unit lowers the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle.

[0014] When it is detected that the operation of another vehicle has changed after the start of a lane change by a vehicle is detected, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle. That is, it is considered that the risk of collision between the vehicle and the other vehicle has increased. Thus, since the evaluation value of the driver's driving skill is decreased by performing a driving act of a lane change with an increased risk of collision, an evaluation corresponding to the driving act can be made. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0015] The driving evaluation device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is the driving evaluation device according to the first aspect, wherein the other vehicle is traveling behind the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes, and the change in the operation is a deceleration of the other vehicle or a change in the steering angle.

[0016] When it is detected that a vehicle traveling behind the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes decelerates or changes the steering angle after the start of the lane change by the vehicle is detected, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle. That is, it is considered that the risk of collision between the vehicle and the other vehicle has increased. Thus, since the evaluation value of the driver's driving skill is decreased by performing a driving act of a lane change with an increased risk of collision, an evaluation corresponding to the driving act can be made. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0017] The driving evaluation device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is the driving evaluation device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the other vehicle is traveling in front of the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes, and the change in the operation is an acceleration of the other vehicle or a change in the steering angle.

[0018] After the start of a lane change by a vehicle is detected, if another vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes is detected to be accelerating or changing its steering angle, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle. That is, it is considered that the risk of collision between the vehicle and the other vehicle has increased. Thus, since the evaluation value of the driver's driving skill is decreased by performing a driving act of a lane change with an increased risk of collision, an evaluation corresponding to the driving act can be made. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0019] The driving evaluation device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the driving evaluation device according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the change in the operation is the generation of a warning sound by the other vehicle.

[0020] If it is detected that a warning sound has been generated from another vehicle after the start of a lane change by a vehicle is detected, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle. That is, it is considered that the risk of collision between the vehicle and the other vehicle has increased. Thus, since the evaluation value of the driver's driving skill is decreased by performing a driving act of a lane change with an increased risk of collision, an evaluation corresponding to the driving act can be made. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0021] The driving evaluation device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the driving evaluation device according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, further comprising an environment detection unit that detects the surrounding environment of the vehicle, and the evaluation unit further calculates a value corresponding to the surrounding environment as the evaluation value.

[0022] According to this, since the evaluation value is calculated according to the surrounding environment, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0023] The driving evaluation device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the driving evaluation device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the environment detection unit detects, as the surrounding environment, an environment in which the vehicle has to change lanes, and the evaluation unit, when the start of the lane change is detected, increases the evaluation value if an environment in which the vehicle has to change lanes is detected as the surrounding environment.

[0024] According to this, if it is found that the vehicle was in an environment where it had to change lanes unavoidably, the evaluation value is increased (reset), so that the driving skills of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0025] The driving evaluation device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the driving evaluation device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the environment detection unit detects, as the surrounding environment, a road where lane change is prohibited, and the evaluation unit, when the start of the lane change is detected, further decreases the evaluation value if a road where lane change is prohibited is detected as the surrounding environment.

[0026] According to this, if it is found that the vehicle was in an environment where lane change was prohibited, the evaluation value is further decreased, so that the driving skills of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0027] The driving evaluation device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the driving evaluation device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and further includes a presentation unit that presents the evaluation value to the driver.

[0028] Therefore, by informing the driver of the evaluation value, the driver can be made to recognize that a driving act with a high risk of collision has been performed by the driver. Thus, the driver can be prompted to perform a driving act with a low risk of collision.

[0029] The driving evaluation device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the driving evaluation device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the presentation unit presents the evaluation value to the driver when the evaluation value is calculated if the decrease width of the evaluation value exceeds a threshold, and presents the evaluation value to the driver at a predetermined timing if the decrease width is equal to or less than the threshold.

[0030] According to this, since the driver can be immediately informed that a driving action with a high risk of collision has been performed such that the decrease width exceeds the threshold value, the driver can be immediately made aware that a driving action with a high risk of collision has been performed by the driver. Therefore, the driver can be prompted to perform a driving action with a low risk of collision immediately.

[0031] The driving evaluation method according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure detects the start of a lane change by a vehicle, detects the actions of other vehicles around the vehicle, calculates an evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver of the vehicle according to the operation history of the vehicle, and in the calculation of the evaluation value, when it is detected that the action has changed after the start of the lane change has been detected, the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle is decreased.

[0032] When it is detected that the action of another vehicle has changed after the start of the lane change has been detected, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle. That is, it is considered that the risk of collision between the vehicle and other vehicles has increased. In this way, since the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver is decreased due to the driving action of the lane change with an increased risk of collision being performed, an evaluation corresponding to the driving action can be made. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0033] The program according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the driving evaluation method according to the tenth aspect.

[0034] These general or specific aspects may be implemented by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be implemented by any combination of an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Note that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept are described as optional components. Each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Therefore, for example, the scales in each drawing do not necessarily match. Also, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same components.

[0037] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a vehicle including a driving evaluation device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the driving evaluation device included in the vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0038] The driving evaluation device 100 is provided in the vehicle 10 and evaluates the driving skills of the driver of the vehicle 10. The driving evaluation device 100 includes a lane change detection unit 101, an operation detection unit 102, an evaluation unit 103, and a presentation unit 104.

[0039] The lane change detection unit 101 detects the start of a lane change by the vehicle 10. Specifically, the lane change detection unit 101 acquires a moving image from a camera (not shown) provided in the vehicle 10, and detects the start of a lane change by the vehicle 10 based on the moving image. Here, the camera is a camera that captures the front or rear in the traveling direction of the vehicle 10. For example, the lane change detection unit 101 may identify the lane in which the vehicle 10 is traveling based on the moving image, and determine that a lane change has started (that is, detect the start of a lane change) when the vehicle 10 crosses a line on the road that defines the lane. Note that the lane change referred to here is an operation by the vehicle 10 to move from one of two lanes separated by lines on the road to the other lane. The two lanes in the lane change may be lanes extending in parallel in the traveling direction. Also, one of the two lanes may be a lane that merges into the other lane a predetermined distance ahead.

[0040] In addition, the lane change detection unit 101 is not limited to determining the start of a lane change based on the moving image of the camera, but may acquire information on the steering angle of the steering of the vehicle 10 from the vehicle 10, and determine that a lane change has started (that is, detect the start of a lane change) when the steering angle is changed within a predetermined angle range. Further, the lane change detection unit 101 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 10 and the road map information, and when the vehicle 10 is located on a straight road in the road map information, determine that a lane change has started (that is, detect the start of a lane change) when the steering angle is changed within a predetermined angle range.

[0041] In addition, the lane change detection unit 101 may acquire the operation information of the direction indicator provided in the vehicle 10 from the vehicle 10, and determine that a lane change has started (that is, detect the start of a lane change) when the operation of the direction indicator is detected based on the operation information. Further, the lane change detection unit 101 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 10 and the road map information, and when the vehicle 10 is located on a straight road in the road map information, determine that a lane change has started (that is, detect the start of a lane change) when the operation of the direction indicator is detected based on the operation information.

[0042] The motion detection unit 102 detects the motions of other vehicles around the vehicle 10. Specifically, the motion detection unit 102 acquires a moving image from a camera (not shown) provided in the vehicle 10, and detects the motions of other vehicles around the vehicle 10 based on the moving image. Here, the camera is a camera that captures the surroundings including the rear in the traveling direction of the vehicle 10. This camera may be the same as or different from the camera used when the lane change detection unit 101 detects a lane change based on the moving image. The camera may be a camera that captures only the rear of the vehicle 10, or a camera that captures the 360-degree surroundings including the rear of the vehicle 10. The camera may be configured by a combination of two or more cameras. The motion detection unit 102 may calculate the speed (relative speed or absolute speed) of other vehicles around the vehicle 10 from the moving image, or may calculate the steering angle of other vehicles.

[0043] Further, the motion detection unit 102 is disposed outside the body of the vehicle 10, acquires an audio signal from a microphone (not shown) that picks up the sound around the vehicle 10 generated outside the vehicle 10, and may determine whether a warning sound is generated by another vehicle based on the audio signal. That is, the motion detection unit 102 may detect the generation of a warning sound by another vehicle as the motion of another vehicle. Note that the warning sound is, for example, the sound of a horn of another vehicle.

[0044] The evaluation unit 103 calculates an evaluation value of the driving skill of the vehicle 10 according to the operation history of the vehicle 10. The operation history of the vehicle 10 is the operation history of the vehicle 10 by the driver, and includes the steering angle of the steering wheel, the traveling speed, the accelerator opening, the depression amount of the brake (the braking force of the brake), and the like. The evaluation unit 103 may calculate the acceleration of the vehicle 10 based on the operation history, and calculate the evaluation value so as to decrease the evaluation value when the acceleration deviates from the range of a predetermined acceleration. The evaluation unit 103 may calculate the evaluation value so as to decrease the evaluation value when the change amount of the steering angle of the steering wheel exceeds the range of a predetermined change amount based on the operation history.

[0045] Further, after the start of the lane change is detected by the lane change detection unit 101, when the operation detection unit 102 detects that the operation by another vehicle has changed, the evaluation unit 103 reduces the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle 10. The evaluation unit 103 may calculate a new evaluation value, for example, by reducing the evaluation value calculated according to the operation history. Further, the evaluation unit 103 may calculate a new evaluation value by reducing the reference evaluation value.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a change in the operation by another vehicle after the lane change according to the embodiment.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 is traveling in the left lane 31, and another vehicle 20 is traveling in the right lane 32. The lane 31 is a lane adjacent to the lane 32 and has the same traveling direction. In this figure, a case is shown where when the vehicle 10 changes lanes from the lane 31 to the lane 32, the other vehicle 20 decelerates so as not to collide with the vehicle 10.

[0048] Thus, when the other vehicle 20 is traveling behind the vehicle 10 in the lane 32, which is the destination lane of the lane change by the vehicle 10, and the other vehicle 20 decelerates when the lane change of the vehicle 10 is started, the evaluation unit 103 may reduce the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle 10. In this case, the change in the operation by another vehicle is the deceleration of the other vehicle 20. Note that the change in the operation by another vehicle is not limited to the deceleration of the other vehicle 20 and may be a change in the steering angle of the other vehicle 20. The change in the steering angle is, for example, an operation to avoid contact with the vehicle 10 and may be, for example, a lane change or a change that does not result in a lane change.

[0049] The prompting unit 104 prompts the driver with the evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit 103. When the evaluation value is within the numerical range of high evaluation, the prompting unit 104 may give a prompt to praise the driver, or may do nothing without giving a prompt to praise the driver. Also, when the evaluation value is within the numerical range of low evaluation, the prompting unit 104 may give a prompt to encourage the driver to drive carefully. The prompting unit 104 may switch the prompting method depending on whether there is a passenger in the vehicle 10. For example, when there is a passenger in the vehicle 10, the prompting unit 104 may not immediately prompt the evaluation value but may prompt the evaluation value at a timing when there is no passenger, or may prompt the evaluation value to a portable terminal such as a smartphone held by the driver. In this way, when there is a passenger in the vehicle 10, the prompting unit 104 may prompt the driver with the evaluation value so as not to let the passenger recognize the evaluation value of the driver's driving skill. Also, when the same evaluation value continues for a predetermined period (for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.), the prompting unit 104 may not prompt the calculated evaluation value every time the evaluation value is calculated. For example, when the fluctuation of the evaluation value exceeds a predetermined ratio (for example, 10%, 20%, etc.), the prompting unit 104 may prompt the driver with the evaluation value.

[0050] Note that the prompting unit 104 may be realized by a display provided in the vehicle 10 and display the evaluation value, or may be realized by a speaker provided in the vehicle 10 and prompt the evaluation value by voice. Also, the prompting unit 104 may notify information indicating the evaluation value to a portable terminal such as a smartphone held by the driver and cause the portable terminal to prompt the evaluation value. In this case, the prompting unit 104 may be realized by a communication interface capable of directly communicating with the portable terminal, or by a communication interface capable of communicating with a network (for example, the Internet) to which the portable terminal is connected.

[0051] [2. Operation] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the driving evaluation device according to the embodiment.

[0052] The driving evaluation device 100 determines whether or not the start of a lane change by the own vehicle (vehicle 10) has been detected (S11). The process of step S11 is the process by the lane change detection unit 101.

[0053] When the driving evaluation device 100 detects the start of a lane change (Yes in S11), it determines whether there is a following vehicle (another vehicle 20) traveling in the lane after the lane change (S12). The process of step S12 is the process by the motion detection unit 102.

[0054] When there is a following vehicle traveling in the lane after the lane change (Yes in S12), the driving evaluation device 100 determines whether the following vehicle has decelerated (S13). The process of step S13 is the process by the motion detection unit 102.

[0055] When it is determined that the following vehicle has decelerated (Yes in S13), the driving evaluation device 100 calculates an evaluation value (S14). Specifically, the driving evaluation device 100 reduces the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle 10. The process of step S14 is the process by the evaluation unit 103.

[0056] Note that when the driving evaluation device 100 has not detected the start of a lane change (No in S11), when there is no following vehicle traveling in the lane after the lane change (No in S12), or when the following vehicle has not decelerated (No in S13), if any one of these conditions is satisfied, it returns to step S11.

[0057] After step S14, the driving evaluation device 100 presents the calculated evaluation value to the driver (S15). The process of step S15 is the process by the presentation unit 104.

[0058] [3. Effects, etc.] The driving evaluation device 100 according to this embodiment includes a lane change detection unit 101, an operation detection unit 102, and an evaluation unit 103. The lane change detection unit 101 detects the start of a lane change by the vehicle 10. The operation detection unit 102 detects the operations of other vehicles 20 around the vehicle 10. The evaluation unit 103 calculates an evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver of the vehicle 10 according to the operation history of the vehicle 10. When it is detected that the operation of another vehicle 20 has changed after the start of the lane change by the vehicle 10 is detected, the evaluation unit 103 decreases the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle 10.

[0059] When it is detected that the operation of another vehicle 20 has changed after the start of the lane change by the vehicle 10 is detected, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle 10 has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle 20. That is, it is considered that the risk of collision between the vehicle 10 and the other vehicle 20 has increased. Thus, since the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver is decreased due to the driving act of the lane change with an increased risk of collision, an evaluation corresponding to the driving act can be made. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0060] In the driving evaluation device 100 according to this embodiment, the other vehicle 20 is traveling behind the vehicle 10 in the lane 32 to which the vehicle 10 is changing lanes. The change in the operation of the other vehicle 20 is a deceleration of the other vehicle 20 or a change in the steering angle.

[0061] When it is detected that, after the start of the lane change by the vehicle 10 is detected, the other vehicle 20 traveling behind the vehicle 10 in the lane 32 to which the vehicle 10 is changing lanes has decelerated or changed its steering angle, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle 10 has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle 20. That is, it is considered that the risk of collision between the vehicle 10 and the other vehicle 20 has increased. Thus, since the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver is decreased due to the driving act of the lane change with an increased risk of collision, an evaluation corresponding to the driving act can be made. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0062] The driving evaluation device 100 according to the present embodiment further includes a presentation unit 104 that presents an evaluation value to the driver.

[0063] Therefore, by notifying the driver of the evaluation value, the driver can be made to recognize that a driving behavior with a high risk of collision has been performed by the driver. Thus, the driver can be prompted to perform a driving behavior with a low risk of collision.

[0064] [4. Modification Example] (1) In the above embodiment, in FIG. 3, an example in which the other vehicle 20 is traveling behind the vehicle 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The other vehicle 20 may be traveling in front of the vehicle 10. In this case, the change in the operation of the other vehicle 20 may be an acceleration of the other vehicle 20 or a change in the steering angle.

[0065] Also, the change in the operation of the other vehicle may be the generation of a warning sound by the other vehicle. In this case, the other vehicle may be traveling beside the vehicle 10, not necessarily in front of or behind the vehicle 10, as long as it is traveling in the same traveling direction as the vehicle 10 around the vehicle 10.

[0066] That is, the driving evaluation device 100 may perform the operation shown in FIG. 5.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the driving evaluation device according to a modification example of the embodiment.

[0068] The driving evaluation device 100 determines whether or not the start of a lane change by the own vehicle (vehicle 10) has been detected (S21). The process of step S21 is a process by the lane change detection unit 101.

[0069] When the driving evaluation device 100 detects the start of a lane change (Yes in S21), it determines whether or not there is another vehicle around the vehicle 10 (S22). The process of step S22 is a process by the operation detection unit 102.

[0070] When there are other vehicles around the vehicle 10 (Yes in S22), the driving evaluation device 100 determines whether the operations of the surrounding other vehicles have changed (S23). The process of step S23 is the process by the operation detection unit 102.

[0071] When the driving evaluation device 100 determines that the operations of other vehicles have changed (Yes in S23), it calculates an evaluation value (S24). Specifically, the driving evaluation device 100 reduces the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle 10. The process of step S24 is the process by the evaluation unit 103.

[0072] Note that when the driving evaluation device 100 has not detected the start of a lane change (No in S21), when there are no other vehicles around the vehicle 10 (No in S22), or when the operations of the surrounding other vehicles have not changed (No in S23), if any one of these conditions is satisfied, it returns to step S21.

[0073] After step S24, the driving evaluation device 100 presents the calculated evaluation value to the driver (S25). The process of step S25 is the process by the presentation unit 104.

[0074] In the driving evaluation device 100 according to the modification example (1), the other vehicle is traveling ahead of the vehicle 10 in the lane 32 to which the vehicle 10 is changing lanes. The change in the operation of the other vehicle is an acceleration of the other vehicle or a change in the steering angle.

[0075] After the start of the lane change by the vehicle 10 is detected, if an acceleration or a change in the steering angle of another vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle 10 in the lane to which the vehicle 10 is changing lanes is detected, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle 10 has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle. That is, it is considered that the risk of collision between the vehicle 10 and the other vehicle has increased. In this way, since the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver is reduced due to the driving behavior of a lane change in which the risk of collision increases, an evaluation corresponding to the driving behavior can be performed. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0076] Further, in the driving evaluation device 100 according to the first modification, a change in the operation of another vehicle is the generation of a warning sound by the other vehicle.

[0077] When it is detected that a warning sound has been generated from another vehicle after the start of a lane change by the vehicle 10 has been detected, it is considered that the lane change of the vehicle 10 has affected the driving of the driver of the other vehicle. That is, it is considered that the risk of a collision between the vehicle 10 and the other vehicle has increased. Thus, since the evaluation value of the driver's driving skill is decreased by performing a driving act such as a lane change in which the risk of a collision increases, an evaluation corresponding to the driving act can be made. Therefore, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0078] (2) As shown in FIG. 6, the driving evaluation device 100A according to the second modification is configured to further include an environment detection unit 105 in the configuration of the driving evaluation device 100 of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the driving evaluation device according to the second modification.

[0079] The environment detection unit 105 detects the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the environment detection unit 105 detects, as the surrounding environment, that the road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling is an environment in which the vehicle 10 has no choice but to change lanes, based on a moving image from a camera. For example, the road in an environment in which the vehicle 10 has no choice but to change lanes is a road having a section where the number of lanes decreases in front of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined distance. The section where the number of lanes decreases may be a section where the road decreases from two lanes to one lane, or a section where the road decreases from three lanes to two lanes. Further, the section where the number of lanes decreases may be a section where the number of lanes temporarily decreases due to road construction, traffic control for a traffic accident, or the like. Further, the road in an environment in which the vehicle 10 has no choice but to change lanes may be a road having a section where the vehicle 10 merges into a main lane in front of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined distance.

[0080] In addition, the environment detection unit 105 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 10 and the road map information, and when the vehicle 10 is located a predetermined distance behind a section where the number of lanes is decreasing in the road map information, it may be determined that the vehicle 10 is in an environment where it has to change lanes.

[0081] In addition, the environment detection unit 105 may detect, as the surrounding environment, a road where lane changes are prohibited based on a moving image from a camera. The environment detection unit 105 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 10 and the road map information, and may determine that a road where lane changes are prohibited in the road map information is an environment where the vehicle 10 has to change lanes.

[0082] Then, the evaluation unit 103 may calculate a value corresponding to the detected surrounding environment as an evaluation value. For example, the evaluation unit 103 may calculate the evaluation value by correcting the evaluation value calculated in the embodiment or the modification (1) according to the surrounding environment, or may calculate the evaluation value based on the results of steps S11 to S13 of the embodiment, or the results of steps S21 to S23 of the modification (1), and the detected surrounding environment. According to this, since the evaluation value is calculated according to the surrounding environment, the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0083] For example, when it is detected that the start of a lane change has occurred and the vehicle 10 is detected to be in an environment where it has to change lanes as the surrounding environment, the evaluation unit 103 may increase the evaluation value. That is, the evaluation unit 103 may return the evaluation value to the original evaluation value without decreasing it. In other words, in the embodiment, even if the conditions of steps S11 to S13 (or steps S21 to S23) for decreasing the evaluation value are satisfied (Yes in steps S11 to S13 or Yes in steps S21 to S23), the evaluation unit 103 may not decrease the evaluation value.

[0084] According to this, if it is found that the vehicle was in an environment where it had to change lanes unavoidably, the evaluation value can be increased (returned to the original value), so that the driving skill of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0085] Further, for example, when the evaluation unit 103 detects the start of a lane change and detects a road where lane changes are prohibited as the surrounding environment, it may further decrease the evaluation value.

[0086] According to this, if it is found that the environment was one where lane changes were prohibited, the evaluation value is further decreased, so that the driving skills of the driver can be correctly evaluated.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the driving evaluation device according to the modification (2).

[0088] The driving evaluation device 100A determines whether or not it has detected the start of a lane change by the host vehicle (vehicle 10) (S31). The process of step S31 is the process by the lane change detection unit 101.

[0089] When the driving evaluation device 100A detects the start of a lane change (Yes in S31), it determines whether or not there are other vehicles around the vehicle 10 (S32). The process of step S32 is the process by the motion detection unit 102.

[0090] When there are other vehicles around the vehicle 10 (Yes in S32), the driving evaluation device 100A determines whether or not the motion of the surrounding other vehicles has changed (S33). The process of step S33 is the process by the motion detection unit 102.

[0091] When it is determined that the motion of the other vehicle has changed (Yes in S33), the driving evaluation device 100A detects the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10 (S34). The process of step S34 is the process by the environment detection unit 105.

[0092] Note that when the driving evaluation device 100A has not detected the start of a lane change (No in S31), when there are no other vehicles around the vehicle 10 (No in S32), or when the motion of the surrounding other vehicles has not changed (No in S33), if any one of these conditions is satisfied, it returns to step S31.

[0093] The driving evaluation device 100A calculates a value corresponding to the detected surrounding environment as an evaluation value (S35). The process of step S35 is the process by the evaluation unit 103.

[0094] After step S35, the driving evaluation device 100A presents the calculated evaluation value to the driver (S36). The process of step S36 is the process by the presentation unit 104.

[0095] (3) In Modification (3), an example of switching the presentation method according to conditions will be described. Modification (3) can be realized by using the driving evaluation device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the driving evaluation device according to Modification (3).

[0097] The driving evaluation device 100 determines whether or not the start of a lane change by the host vehicle (vehicle 10) is detected (S41). The process of step S41 is the process by the lane change detection unit 101.

[0098] When the driving evaluation device 100 detects the start of a lane change (Yes in S41), it determines whether there is a following vehicle (another vehicle 20) traveling in the lane after the lane change (S42). The process of step S42 is the process by the motion detection unit 102.

[0099] When there is a following vehicle traveling in the lane after the lane change (Yes in S42), the driving evaluation device 100 determines whether the following vehicle has decelerated (S43). The process of step S43 is the process by the motion detection unit 102.

[0100] When it is determined that the following vehicle has decelerated (Yes in S43), the driving evaluation device 100 calculates an evaluation value (S44). Specifically, the driving evaluation device 100 decreases the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle 10. The process of step S44 is the process by the evaluation unit 103.

[0101] Note that when the driving evaluation device 100 does not detect the start of a lane change (No in S41), when there is no following vehicle traveling in the lane after the lane change (No in S42), and when the following vehicle is not decelerating (No in S43), if any one of these conditions is met, the process returns to step S41.

[0102] After step S44, the driving evaluation device 100 determines whether the presentation method is the first method or the second method (S45). Specifically, the driving evaluation device 100 determines whether the decrease width of the evaluation value exceeds a threshold. If the decrease width of the evaluation value exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the presentation method is the first method. If it does not exceed the threshold (i.e., it is less than or equal to the threshold), it is determined that the presentation method is the second method.

[0103] Here, the decrease width of the evaluation value is, for example, the difference between the previously calculated evaluation value and the evaluation value calculated in step S44, and it is the difference when the evaluation value calculated in step S44 is lower than the previously calculated evaluation value. Therefore, when the evaluation value is higher than or the same as the previously calculated evaluation value, the decrease width may not be calculated. Note that the decrease width of the evaluation value is not limited to the decrease width based on the previously calculated evaluation value, and it may be the decrease width with respect to a reference value. Also, the decrease width of the evaluation value may be the decrease width in the process of decreasing the evaluation value when the conditions of steps S41 to S43 are Yes. When the decrease width of the evaluation value exceeds the threshold, it means that the evaluation of the driving behavior being evaluated is lower than the specified evaluation. That is, it means that a driving behavior with a low evaluation has been performed by the driver.

[0104] When the driving evaluation device 100 determines that the presentation method is the first method (the first method in S45), it presents the evaluation value to the driver by the first method (S46). Specifically, the driving evaluation device 100 presents the evaluation value to the driver when the evaluation value is calculated. That is, in the first method, the evaluation value is presented when it is calculated.

[0105] When the driving evaluation device 100 determines that the presentation method is the second method (the second method in S45), it presents the evaluation value to the driver by the second method (S47). Specifically, the driving evaluation device 100 presents the evaluation value to the driver at a predetermined timing. That is, in the second method, the evaluation value is presented at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a regular timing every predetermined time (2 hours, 5 hours, 1 day, etc.), or the timing when it is determined that the driving of the vehicle 10 by the driver has ended. In the case of the second method, when a plurality of evaluation values are calculated, the plurality of evaluation values may be presented together. Also, in this case, the plurality of evaluation values may be presented together with the time when each evaluation value was calculated.

[0106] Note that, for example, whether the evaluation value is calculated by a point addition method or a point deduction method may be switched. The switching between the point addition method and the point deduction method is performed based on the switching information preset in the memory. That is, when the switching information indicates the point addition method, the evaluation value is calculated by the point addition method, and when the switching information indicates the point deduction method, the evaluation value is calculated by the point deduction method. Also, whether the switching information indicates the point addition method or the point deduction method may be set by a user including the driver, or may be set by the driving evaluation device 100 receiving information from an external device (server) communicably connected to the driving evaluation device 100.

[0107] In the point addition method, when the increase width of the evaluation value is below the threshold (for example, when points below the threshold are added), the presentation of the evaluation value is not performed. When the increase width of the evaluation value exceeds the threshold, the presentation of the evaluation value and the presentation of feedback to the driver (for example, the presentation of a message praising the driver) may be performed.

[0108] In the point deduction method, when the decrease width of the evaluation value exceeds the threshold (for example, when points exceeding the threshold are deducted), the presentation of the evaluation value and the presentation of feedback to the driver (for example, the presentation of a message prompting the driver to drive carefully) are performed. When the decrease width of the evaluation value is below the threshold, the presentation of the evaluation value may not be performed.

[0109] For example, when the driving evaluation device 100 is a device sold to businesses (BtoB), it may be set to a point deduction method, and when it is a device sold to consumers (BtoC), it may be set to a point addition method. Also, for example, when the vehicle 10 switches its usage mode between a passenger car and a taxi, it may be set to the point addition method when used as a passenger car, and to the point deduction method when used as a taxi. Further, for example, when the vehicle 10 switches its usage mode between a company car and a private car, it may be set to the point deduction method when used as a company car, and to the point addition method when used as a private car. Additionally, for example, when the vehicle 10 is used by multiple drivers, it may be set to the point deduction method when used by a skilled driver, and to the point addition method when used by a driver who is inexperienced or not good at driving, such as a beginner.

[0110] (4) In the above embodiment, the driving evaluation device 100 is provided with the presentation unit 104, but it may not be provided with the presentation unit 104. In this case, the driving evaluation device 100 may have a storage unit that stores the evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit 103. Also, the driving evaluation device 100 may have an output unit that outputs the evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit 103. The output unit may output the evaluation value to an information processing device such as a server that is communicably connected to the driving evaluation device 100, for example. And the information processing device may calculate the insurance premium for the driver's automobile insurance based on the evaluation value. The insurance premium may be calculated to be lower as the evaluation value is larger (that is, as the driver's driving skill is higher).

[0111] (5) In the above embodiment, the driving evaluation device 100 is provided in the vehicle 10, but if it can acquire information for detecting a lane change (for example, a moving image of a camera, a steering angle of the steering wheel, operation information of a direction indicator, etc.) and information for detecting the operation of other vehicles around the vehicle 10 (for example, a moving image of a camera), it may not be provided in the vehicle 10. The driving evaluation device 100 may be realized by an information processing device such as a server that is communicably connected to the vehicle 10.

[0112] The operation evaluation device and the like according to one or more aspects have been described based on the above embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art may be applied to the above embodiments and may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0113] Also, for example, in the above embodiments, each component of the processing unit of each device included in the operation evaluation devices 100 and 100A may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0114] Note that the following cases are also included in the present disclosure.

[0115] (1) Specifically, at least one of the above devices is a computer system including a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk unit. By operating according to the computer program, the at least one of the above devices achieves its function. Here, the computer program is configured by combining a plurality of instruction codes indicating instructions for the computer to achieve a predetermined function.

[0116] (2) Some or all of the components constituting the at least one device described above may be configured from a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is a super multi-functional LSI manufactured by integrating a plurality of components on a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system including a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the system LSI achieves its function.

[0117] (3) Some or all of the components constituting the at least one device described above may be configured from an IC card or a single module detachable from the device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned super multi-functional LSI. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the IC card or module achieves its function. This IC card or this module may have tamper resistance.

[0118] (4) The present disclosure may be the method described above. It may also be a computer program for realizing these methods by a computer, or a digital signal composed of a computer program.

[0119] Further, the present disclosure may be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. It may also be a digital signal recorded on these recording media.

[0120] Further, the present disclosure may also be a computer program or a digital signal transmitted via a telecommunication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network typified by the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0121] Alternatively, it may be implemented by another independent computer system by recording and transferring the program or digital signal to a recording medium or by transferring the program or digital signal via a network or the like.

Industrial Applicability

[0122] The present disclosure is useful as a driving evaluation device or the like that can correctly evaluate a driver's driving skill when changing lanes.

Explanation of Signs

[0123] 10 Vehicle 20 Other Vehicle 31, 32 Lane 100, 100A Driving Evaluation Device 101 Lane Change Detection Unit 102 Motion Detection Unit 103 Evaluation Unit 104 Presentation Unit 105 Environment Detection Unit

Claims

1. A lane change detection unit that detects the start of a lane change by a vehicle, An operation detection unit that detects the operations of other vehicles around the vehicle, An evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver of the vehicle according to the operation history of the vehicle, and is provided with, When the evaluation unit detects that the operation has changed after the start of the lane change is detected, the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle is decreased, The other vehicle is traveling ahead of the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes, The change in the operation is an acceleration or a change in the steering angle of the other vehicle Driving evaluation device.

2. The other vehicle is traveling behind the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes, The change in the operation is a deceleration or a change in the steering angle of the other vehicle The driving evaluation device according to claim 1.

3. The change in the operation is the generation of a warning sound by the other vehicle The driving evaluation device according to claim 1.

4. Furthermore, An environment detection unit that detects the surrounding environment of the vehicle is provided, The evaluation unit further calculates a value according to the surrounding environment as the evaluation value The driving evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The environment detection unit detects an environment in which the vehicle has to change lanes as the surrounding environment, When the evaluation unit detects the start of the lane change, if an environment in which the vehicle has to change lanes is detected as the surrounding environment, the evaluation value is increased The driving evaluation device according to claim 4.

6. The environment detection unit detects a road where lane change is prohibited as the surrounding environment, When the evaluation unit detects the start of the lane change, if a road where lane change is prohibited is detected as the surrounding environment, the evaluation value is further decreased The driving evaluation device according to claim 4.

7. Furthermore, A presentation unit that presents the evaluation value to the driver is provided The driving evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. When the decrease width of the evaluation value exceeds a threshold, the presentation unit presents the evaluation value to the driver when the evaluation value is calculated, and when the decrease width is less than or equal to the threshold, the evaluation value is presented to the driver at a predetermined timing The driving evaluation device according to claim 7.

9. A driving evaluation method executed by a computer, comprising: Detecting the start of a lane change by a vehicle, Detect the operations of other vehicles around the vehicle, calculate an evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver of the vehicle according to the operation history of the vehicle, in the calculation of the evaluation value, when it is detected that the operation has changed after the start of the lane change is detected, reduce the evaluation value of the driving skill of the driver driving the vehicle, the other vehicle is traveling ahead of the vehicle in the lane to which the vehicle is changing lanes, the change in the operation is an acceleration of the other vehicle or a change in the steering angle A driving evaluation method.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the driving evaluation method according to Claim 9.

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