Driving Support System

Abstract

To provide a driving support system capable of appropriately estimating a driving life of a driver.SOLUTION: A driving support system 1 includes: a profile acquisition unit 11 that acquires a predetermined profile including the age of a target user U1; a driving skill determination unit 12 that determines a driving skill of the target user U1 based on a driving situation of a mobile object 100 by the target user U1; a comparison user extraction unit 13 that extracts a comparison user U2 who is older than the target user U1 and whose factors other than the age and driving skills of the predetermined profile are similar to those of the target user U1 by referring to a user database in which the predetermined profiles and driving skills of multiple users who drive the mobile object 100 are recorded; and a driving life estimation unit 14 that estimates the driving life of the target user based on the age of the comparison user U2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving support system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system that imposes restrictions on vehicle driving depending on the driver's physical ability, cognitive ability, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, there is known a system that outputs driving advice to a driver when the driver is driving a vehicle for the first time (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Furthermore, there is known a system that analyzes the driving skills of elderly people on a course set up in a driving school (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-110963 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-56944 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-191350 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When providing driving support according to the driver's driving skill, as in the conventional system described above, it is necessary to accurately determine the driver's skill. In particular, for elderly drivers, it is desirable to appropriately estimate the driving lifespan according to the decline in driving skill and provide support to extend the driving lifespan. The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has an object to provide a driving support system that can appropriately estimate a driver's driving lifespan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An example of an embodiment for achieving the above object is a driving support system that includes a driving skill determination unit that determines the driving skills, including the driving characteristics and driving level, of a target user based on the driving conditions of the target user's mobile vehicle; a comparison user extraction unit that refers to a user database in which the driving skills of multiple users who drive mobile vehicles are recorded and extracts comparison users with similar driving characteristics; and a driving life estimation unit that estimates the driving life of the target user based on the difference in the driving levels of the target user and the comparison user. The driving lifespan is the age at which the user's driving skills are estimated to be maintained at a predetermined level, or the future period during which the user's driving skills are estimated to be maintained at or above a predetermined level.

[0006] The above driving support system may be configured to include a profile acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined profile of the target user including age, the comparison user extraction unit referring to the user database in which the driving skills and predetermined profiles of multiple users who drive mobile vehicles are recorded, to extract the comparison user whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user and who is older than the target user, and the driving life expectancy estimation unit estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user based on the differences in age and driving level between the target user and the comparison user.

[0007] The above driving support system may be configured to include a profile acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined profile of the target user including age, and the comparison user extraction unit refers to the driving skills including the transitions in driving levels of multiple users who drive mobile vehicles and the user database in which the predetermined profiles are recorded, to extract comparison users whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user, who are the same age as the target user, and whose current driving level is different from that of the target user, and the driving life expectancy estimation unit may be configured to estimate the driving life expectancy of the target user based on the difference between the age of the comparison user when the driving level of the comparison user was approximately the same as the current driving level of the target user, and the target user's current age.

[0008] The driving support system may further include an advice output unit that outputs advice on a driving method for extending the driving life of the target user.

[0009] The driving support system may further include an advice effectiveness determining unit that determines whether the driving life of the target user has been extended as a result of outputting the advice, and outputs a determination result.

[0010] In the driving support system, the advice output unit may be configured to output the advice on the driving method according to a profile or driving skill of the target user.

[0011] In the driving support system, the advice output unit may be configured to output the advice recommending that the target user take a driving course selected according to a profile or driving skill of the target user.

[0012] In the driving support system, the advice output unit may be configured to change the output mode of the advice depending on a profile or a driving skill of the target user.

[0013] The driving support system may further include a personality diagnosis unit that diagnoses the personality of the target user based on the target user's behavior while driving, and the advice output unit may be configured to change the output mode of the advice based on the personality of the target user diagnosed by the personality diagnosis unit.

[0014] The above driving support system may be configured to include a danger point extraction unit that extracts danger points according to the driving skill of the target user, and the advice output unit may be configured to determine the timing of outputting the advice based on a margin set according to the driving skill of the target user when the target user drives a mobile vehicle and moves through the danger points.

[0015] The driving support system may be configured to include a vehicle recommendation information output unit that outputs vehicle recommendation information that recommends the use of a vehicle with specifications suitable for the driving skills of the target user, or the use of a driving support function suitable for the driving skills of the target user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the driving support system, the driving life of the driver can be appropriately estimated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an aspect of driving support provided by a driving support system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the driving support system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process of estimating driving life and outputting advice by the driving support system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the driving skill judgment parameters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] [1. Driving support provided by the driving support system] 1, driving support for users Ua to Uc who drive vehicles 100a to 100c, which is performed by driving support systems 1a to 1c installed in vehicles 100a to 100b, will be described. Each vehicle 100a to 100c communicates with a vehicle management system 210 via a communication network 200. The vehicle management system 210 is a computer system equipped with a processor, memory, etc. The vehicles 100a to 100c correspond to moving bodies in the present disclosure.

[0019] The driving support system 1a installed in the vehicle 100a acquires a predetermined profile of the user Ua input by the user Ua operating the touch panel 49a, etc. The driving support system 1a also recognizes the driving skill of the user Ua based on the driving situation of the vehicle 100 by the user Ua.

[0020] The driving support system 1a transmits information on the user Ua's predetermined profile and driving skills to the vehicle management system 210. Upon receiving the information on the user Ua's predetermined profile and driving skills, the vehicle management system 210 associates the user Ua's user ID 211a, predetermined profile 211b, and driving skills 211c with each other and records them in the user DB 211. The predetermined profile includes personal information on the user Ua, such as the user's age, height, weight, eyesight, and family composition. The driving skills are determined by the judgment parameters shown in FIG. 4. The driving skills include driving characteristics corresponding to the judgment parameters shown in FIG. 4 and driving levels indicating evaluations of each driving characteristic. The user DB 211 records the progress of the user Ua's driving skills from a predetermined point in the past to the present.

[0021] Similarly, the driving support system 1b transmits information on the predetermined profile and driving skills of the user Ub to the vehicle management system 210, and the vehicle management system 210 associates the user ID, predetermined profile, and driving skills of the user Ub and records them in the user DB 211. Furthermore, the driving support system 1c transmits information on the predetermined profile and driving skills of the user Uc to the vehicle management system 210, and the vehicle management system 210 associates the user ID, predetermined profile, and driving skills of the user Uc and records them in the user DB 211. In this way, information on the predetermined profiles and driving skills of multiple users Ua, Ub, Uc, ... is recorded in the user DB 211.

[0022] The driving support system 1a estimates the driving lifespan of the user Ua and outputs advice on driving methods to extend the driving lifespan of the user Ua via a speaker or touch panel 49a provided in the vehicle 100a, thereby performing a process of supporting the user Ua in driving the vehicle 100a. As will be described in detail later, the driving support system 1a extracts other users who are older than the user Ua and whose factors other than age in a predetermined profile and driving skills are similar to those of the user Ua by referring to the user DB 211, and estimates the driving lifespan of the user Ua based on the ages of the extracted other users.

[0023] The driving lifespan is the age of user Ua at which the driving skill is estimated to be maintained at a predetermined level, or the future period during which the driving skill of user Ua is estimated to be maintained at or above a predetermined level. Similarly, driving support system 1b estimates the driving lifespan of user Ub, and driving support system 1c estimates the driving lifespan of user Uc, and outputs advice on driving methods to extend the driving lifespan.

[0024] [2. Configuration of driving support system] Hereinafter, the driving support systems 1a to 1c shown in FIG. 1 will be collectively referred to as driving support systems 1, and the users Ua to Uc will be collectively referred to as users U. Furthermore, the touch panels 49a to 49c will be collectively referred to as touch panel 49. The configuration of the driving support system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, a user U who is the target of driving support by the driving support system 1 is shown as target user U1, and a user U who is compared when estimating the driving lifespan of the target user U1 is shown as comparison user U2. The target user U1 gets into a vehicle 100 and drives the vehicle 100.

[0025] The driving support system 1 is a control device mounted on a vehicle 100, and is composed of a processor 10, a memory 30, etc. The driving support system 1 is connected to a communication unit 40, an exterior camera 41, a radar 42, a speed sensor 43, a yaw rate sensor 44, an interior camera 45, a steering angle sensor 46, an accelerator pedal sensor 47, a brake pedal sensor 48, a touch panel 49, a speaker 50, a navigation device 51, and a driving assistance device 52, which are mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0026] The driving support system 1 communicates with the vehicle management system 210 and the like via the communication network 200 using the communication unit 40 (see FIG. 1). The exterior camera 41 captures images of the periphery of the vehicle 100 and outputs the captured images to the driving support system 1. The radar 42 detects the position of an object present near the vehicle 100 and outputs a position detection signal to the driving support system 1. The speed sensor 43 detects the traveling speed of the vehicle 100 and outputs a speed detection signal to the driving support system 1. The yaw rate sensor 44 detects the yaw rate of the vehicle 100 and outputs a yaw rate detection signal to the driving support system 1.

[0027] The in-vehicle camera 45 captures images of the interior of the vehicle 100 and outputs, in particular, captured images of the target user U1 driving the vehicle 100 to the driving support system 1. The steering angle sensor 46 detects the steering angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle 100 operated by the target user U1 and outputs a steering angle detection signal to the driving support system 1. The accelerator pedal sensor 47 detects the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle 100 operated by the target user U1 and outputs an operation amount detection signal to the driving support system 1. The brake pedal sensor 48 detects the amount of operation of the brake pedal of the vehicle 100 operated by the target user U1 and outputs an operation amount detection signal to the driving support system 1.

[0028] The touch panel 49 is configured by arranging a touch sensor on the surface of a flat display panel such as a liquid crystal display, and outputs an operation signal to the driving support system 1 in response to a touch operation by the target user U1, and displays a screen in response to a display control signal output from the driving support system 1. The speaker 50 converts an electrical signal such as a guidance voice output from the driving support system 1 into sound and outputs the sound.

[0029] The navigation device 51 is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor that detects the current position of the vehicle 100 and map data, and provides route guidance to a destination, etc. The driving assistance device 52 executes control to assist the target user U1 in driving the vehicle 100 based on images of the surroundings of the vehicle 100 captured by the exterior camera 41, detection signals of objects around the vehicle 100 by the radar 42, etc. The driving assistance device 52 executes, for example, adaptive cruise control that causes the vehicle 100 to travel at a constant speed while maintaining a distance from a vehicle ahead, lane keeping control that prevents the vehicle 100 from deviating from its lane, automatic braking control that avoids contact with other vehicles, etc.

[0030] The memory 30 stores a control program 31 of the driving support system 1. By reading and executing the control program 31, the processor 10 functions as a profile acquisition unit 11, a driving skill determination unit 12, a comparison user extraction unit 13, a driving life estimation unit 14, a personality assessment unit 15, a danger point extraction unit 16, an advice output unit 17, an advice effectiveness determination unit 18, and a mobile object recommended information output unit 19.

[0031] The profile acquisition unit 11 acquires the predetermined profile of the target user U1 by displaying a predetermined profile input screen on the touch panel 49 and recognizing information input by the target user U1. The predetermined profile includes the target user U1's age, height, weight, eyesight, family composition, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined profile may also include driving history (years of driving), driving frequency, and accident history (near misses, etc.).

[0032] The driving skill determination unit 12 recognizes the driving situation of the target user U1 from the driving situation of the vehicle 100 when the target user U1 is driving the vehicle 100, the riding posture of the target user U1, and the operation situation of the vehicle 100 by the target user U1, and recognizes the driving skill of the target user U1. The driving skill determination unit 12 recognizes the driving situation of the vehicle 100 based on images captured by the outside camera 41, object detection signals from the radar 42, speed detection signals from the speed sensor 43, and yaw rate detection signals from the yaw rate sensor 44.

[0033] In addition, the driving skill determination unit 12 recognizes the riding posture of the target user U1 based on images captured by the in-vehicle camera 45, and recognizes the operation status of the vehicle 100 by the target user U1 based on detection signals from the steering angle sensor 46, the accelerator pedal sensor 47, and the brake pedal sensor 48. The profile acquisition unit 11 transmits information on a predetermined profile of the target user U1 to the vehicle management system 210. The driving skill determination unit 12 transmits information on the driving skill of the target user U1 to the vehicle management system 210.

[0034] The driving skill assessment unit 12 assesses the driving level of the target user U1 for each driving characteristic using the assessment parameters shown in Fig. 4 as the driving characteristics. For example, for the driving characteristic of the judgment speed No. 3, the driving skill assessment unit 12 assesses the driving level of the target user U1 based on the elapsed time from when the exterior camera 41 recognizes a pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle 100 until the brake pedal sensor 48 recognizes the operation of the accelerator pedal.

[0035] The comparison user extraction unit 13 extracts a comparison user U2 whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user U1 and who is older than the target user U1, by referring to the user DB211 of the vehicle management system 210. The comparison user extraction unit 13 may extract the comparison user U2 by taking into account similarities in physical characteristics (height, weight, etc.) in addition to similarities in driving characteristics. In this case, the determination of similarity is made by determining that the target user U1 and the comparison user U2 are similar when the difference in the weighted average of the dissimilarity degrees of the comparison factors to be determined (driving characteristics, height, weight, eyesight, etc.) is equal to or less than a predetermined level (e.g., 10%).

[0036] The comparison user extraction unit 13 extracts a comparison user U2 whose item (driving characteristics) showing signs of decline among the determination parameters shown in Figure 4 is the same as that of the target user U1. Furthermore, when extracting the comparison user U2, elements of the predetermined profile used to determine similarity may be set in detail in order to estimate the lifespan more accurately. For example, if the item showing signs of decline for the target user U1 is a decline in dynamic visual acuity, the comparison user extraction unit 13 may extract a comparison user U2 whose visual acuity is similar to that of the target user U1.

[0037] The driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 based on the difference in driving level of the driving characteristic showing signs of decline. For example, the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 recognizes the difference in driving level (here, the degree of variation in acceleration operation) between the 65-year-old target user U1 and the 70-year-old comparison user U2, both of whom show signs of decline in their driving characteristic, acceleration operation. If the driving level of the comparison user U2 has declined more than that of the target user U1, the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 predicts that the driving level of the target user U1 will have declined to the same level as that of the comparison user U2 when the target user U1 turns 70, the same age as the comparison user U2, and estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 from the rate at which the driving level of the target user U1 will decline.

[0038] If there are multiple driving characteristics that show signs of decline, comparison users may be extracted for each of the multiple characteristics. In this case, the driving level can be determined by combining the driving levels for the multiple characteristics.

[0039] When multiple comparison users U2 are extracted, the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 based on the age of the oldest comparison user U2, or estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 based on the average age of the multiple comparison users U2. In addition, the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 may notify the estimated driving life expectancy of the target user U1 to the family of the target user U1 by sending an email or the like.

[0040] The personality diagnosis unit 15 recognizes the behavior of the target user U1 while driving from the images captured by the in-car camera 45, and judges the personality of the target user U1 based on the behavior of the target user U1 while driving. For example, when it is recognized that the target user U1 often looks away, it diagnoses that the target user U1 has a personality that is prone to lack of concentration.

[0041] The danger point extraction unit 16 extracts danger points according to the driving skill of the target user U1 by referring to information from the navigation device 51 (the position and map information of the vehicle 100) or images captured by the external camera 41. For example, when the viewing angle of the target user U1 is reduced, the danger point extraction unit 16 extracts, as danger points, intersections of narrow roads where caution is required against pedestrians suddenly appearing from alleys.

[0042] The advice output unit 17 outputs advice on driving methods to extend the driving life of the target user U1 by audio advice from the speaker 50 or by displaying an advice screen on the touch panel 49. As shown in Fig. 4, the advice output unit 17 outputs advice that matches the determination content of the driving skill determination parameters. For example, when a decrease in the viewing angle No. 2 is determined, the advice output unit 17 outputs advice such as reducing the driving speed of the vehicle 100 and widening the gaze range by moving the line of sight as well as turning the head in order to compensate for the decrease in the viewing angle.

[0043] The advice output unit 17 changes the output mode of advice according to the predetermined profile or driving skill of the target user U1, for example, as follows. Output example 1: If the target user U1 is a male, an advice screen with a female character is displayed or advice audio is output in a female voice to make it easier for the user to accept advice. Output example 2: If it is recognized from the predetermined profile that the target user U1 has family members (grandchildren, children, spouse, etc.), audio data of the family members is stored in memory 30, and advice is output in the voice of the family members. Alternatively, if it is recognized from the predetermined profile that the target user U1 has a favorite celebrity, audio data of the favorite celebrity may be stored in memory 30, and advice may be output in the voice of the favorite celebrity.

[0044] The advice output unit 17 changes the output mode of advice depending on the personality of the target user U1 determined by the personality assessment unit 15. For example, when the target user U1 has an angry personality, the advice output unit 17 outputs advice in a gentle voice tone.

[0045] Furthermore, the advice output unit 17 outputs advice to warn the target user U1 when the vehicle 100 approaches a danger point extracted by the danger point extraction unit 16, but changes the timing of the output depending on the target user U1's predetermined profile or driving skill (changing the margin for approaching the danger point). For example, the advice output unit 17 outputs the advice earlier the slower the target user U1's judgment speed. Furthermore, the advice output unit 17 outputs advice to encourage the target user U1 to take a driving assistance course suitable for improving and maintaining the target user U1's driving skill depending on the target user U1's driving skill.

[0046] The advice effect determination unit 18 determines whether the driving lifespan of the target user U1 has been extended as a result of the advice output by the advice output unit 17, and outputs the determination result by displaying it on the touch panel 49 or by voice from the speaker 50. For example, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the advice output unit 17 output the advice, the advice effect determination unit 18 re-estimates the driving lifespan of the target user U1 based on the driving skill of the target user U1 determined by the driving skill determination unit 12. Then, the advice effect determination unit 18 determines whether the driving lifespan of the target user U1 has been extended. In addition, the advice effect determination unit 18 may notify the family of the target user U1, etc., of the determination result of whether the driving lifespan of the target user U1 has been extended by sending an email, etc.

[0047] By outputting the judgment result that the operating life has been extended, it is expected that the target user U1 will realize the effect of the improvements made in response to the advice and will be motivated to continue making the improvements. In addition, by outputting the judgment result that the operating life has not been extended, the target user U1 will be made aware that the improvements made in response to the advice were insufficient and will be encouraged to make further improvements.

[0048] The mobile object recommendation information output unit 19 displays on the touch panel 49 or outputs as audio from the speaker 50 mobile object recommendation information that recommends the use of a vehicle with specifications suited to the driving skill of the target user U1 or the use of driving assistance control suited to the driving skill of the target user U1. For example, when the driving skill determination unit 12 determines that the target user U1's sense of distance has decreased, the mobile object recommendation information output unit 19 outputs mobile object recommendation information that recommends the use of a vehicle with a small body size. Furthermore, when the driving skill determination unit 12 determines that there is variation in speed setting, the mobile object recommendation information output unit 19 outputs mobile object recommendation information that recommends the use of adaptive cruise control.

[0049] [3. Estimating operating life and processing advice output] The execution procedure of the process of estimating the driving life span and outputting advice for the target user U1, which is executed by the driving support system 1, will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0050] In step S1 of FIG. 3, the profile acquisition unit 11 acquires a predetermined profile (age, height, weight, etc.) of the target user U1. In the following step S2, the driving skill determination unit 12 determines the driving skill (including driving characteristics and driving level) of the target user U1. In the next step S3, the profile acquisition unit 11 transmits information on the predetermined profile of the target user U1 to the vehicle management system 210 via the communication unit 40. In addition, the driving skill determination unit 12 transmits information on the driving skill of the target user U1 to the vehicle management system 210 via the communication unit 40. As a result, the predetermined profile and driving skill information of the target user U1 are recorded in the user DB 211 of the vehicle management system 210.

[0051] In the next step S4, the comparison user extraction unit 13 refers to the user DB 211 of the vehicle management system 210 to extract a comparison user U2 who has driving characteristics similar to those of the target user U1 and is older than the target user U1. In the following step S5, the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 based on the differences in age and driving level between the target user U1 and the comparison user U2, as described above.

[0052] In the next steps S6 and S7, the advice output unit 17 repeatedly outputs advice on driving methods to extend the driving life of the target user U1 who is driving the vehicle 100 in step S7, by displaying an advice screen on the touch panel 49 or by voice from the speaker 50, until the monitoring period (set to several weeks to several months, for example) has elapsed in step S7.

[0053] In the next step S8, the driving skill determination unit 12 re-determines the driving skill of the target user U1 based on the driving situation data. Furthermore, the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 re-estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 by processing similar to steps S4 and S5. In the next step S9, the advice effectiveness determination unit 18 determines whether the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 has been extended, and outputs the determination result as a screen display on the touch panel 49 or as a voice from the speaker 50.

[0054] 4. Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is shown as the moving body of the present disclosure, but the moving body of the present disclosure may be any moving body that is driven by a user, such as a ship or an aircraft.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the comparison user extraction unit 13 extracts a comparison user U2 whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user U1 and who is older than the target user U1, and the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 based on the differences in age and driving level between the target user U1 and the comparison user U2. In another embodiment, the comparison user extraction unit 13 may extract a comparison user U1 whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user U1 and who is the same age as the target user U1 but whose current driving level is different from that of the target user U1, and the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 may estimate the driving life expectancy of the target user U1 based on the difference between the age of the comparison user U2 and the current age of the target user U1 when the driving level of the comparison user U2 is similar to the current driving level of the target user U1.

[0056] For example, the comparison user extraction unit 13 extracts a comparison user U2 who has driving characteristics similar to those of the target user U1 and is the same age as the target user U1 (e.g., target user U1 and comparison user U2 are 75 years old and have poor dynamic visual acuity, which is a driving characteristic). If the driving life expectancy estimation unit 14 determines that the target user U1's driving level is level 5, which is still relatively acceptable, while the comparison user U2's driving level is level 1, which is considered to be near the end of his driving life, and if the driving level of comparison user U2 at age 73 and the current driving level of target user U1 are similar (the difference in level is within a predetermined range), based on the past driving status (driving level) of comparison user U2, the unit 14 estimates that the target user U1's driving life expectancy is two years remaining. Furthermore, when extracting the comparison user U2, the elements of the predetermined profile used to determine the similarity may be finely configured to more accurately estimate the life expectancy.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the driving support system 1 includes the personality assessment unit 15 and the danger point extraction unit 16, and the advice output unit 17 changes the advice output mode according to the personality of the target user U1 and changes the timing of advice output when the vehicle 100 passes through a danger point according to the driving skill of the target user U1. In another embodiment, one or both of the personality assessment unit 15 and the danger point extraction unit 16 may be omitted.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the advice output unit 17 changes the output mode of advice depending on the predetermined profile or driving skill of the target user U1. In another embodiment, the output mode of advice may be changed depending only on the predetermined profile or driving skill of the target user U1.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the driving support system 1 includes the mobile object recommended information output unit 19, and outputs advice recommending the use of a vehicle with specifications suited to the driving skill of the target user U1 or the use of a driving support function suited to the driving skill of the target user U1. As an alternative configuration, the mobile object recommended information output unit 19 may be omitted.

[0060] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the driving support system 1 of the present disclosure is configured by a control device mounted on the vehicle 100. As another configuration, the driving support system 1 may be configured by a computer system such as the vehicle management system 210 that communicates with the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the driving support system 1 may be configured by a mobile terminal 60 (a communication terminal such as a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet terminal) used by the target user U1. Furthermore, the configuration of the driving support system 1 may be distributed among a control device mounted on the vehicle 100, the vehicle management system 210, and the mobile terminal 60, which communicate with each other. For example, the profile acquisition unit 11 may be provided in the mobile terminal 60, the driving skill determination unit 12 and the advice output unit 17 may be provided in the control device of the vehicle 100, and the comparison user extraction unit 13 and the driving life estimation unit 14 may be provided in the vehicle management system 210.

[0061] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of the driving support system 1 divided by main processing content to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the configuration of the driving support system 1 may be divided in other ways. Furthermore, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware unit or multiple hardware units. Furthermore, the processing of each component shown in FIG. 3 may be executed by one program or multiple programs.

[0062] 5. Configurations supported by the above embodiments The above embodiment is a specific example of the following configuration.

[0063] (Configuration 1) A driving support system comprising: a driving skill determination unit that determines the driving skills, including the driving characteristics and driving level, of a target user based on the driving conditions of the target user of a mobile object; a comparison user extraction unit that extracts comparison users with similar driving characteristics by referring to a user database in which the driving skills of multiple users who drive mobile objects are recorded; and a driving life estimation unit that estimates the driving life of the target user based on the difference in the driving levels of the target user and the comparison user. According to the driving support system of configuration 1, the driving life of a target user can be estimated based on the difference in driving level between a target user and a comparison user who have similar driving characteristics.

[0064] (Configuration 2) A driving support system as described in Configuration 1, comprising a profile acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined profile of the target user including age, wherein the comparison user extraction unit refers to the user database in which the driving skills and predetermined profiles of multiple users who drive mobile vehicles are recorded, and extracts the comparison user whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user and who is older than the target user, and the driving life estimation unit estimates the driving life of the target user based on the differences in age and driving level between the target user and the comparison user. According to the driving support system of configuration 2, by extracting a comparison user whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user and who is older than the target user, the driving lifespan of the target user can be appropriately estimated based on the differences in age and driving level between the target user and the comparison user.

[0065] (Configuration 3) A driving support system as described in Configuration 1, comprising a profile acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined profile of the target user including age, wherein the comparison user extraction unit refers to the driving skills including the transitions in the driving levels of multiple users who drive mobile objects and the user database in which the predetermined profiles are recorded, to extract comparison users whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user, who are the same age as the target user, and whose current driving level is different from that of the target user, and the driving life expectancy estimation unit estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user based on the difference between the age of the comparison user when the driving level of the comparison user was approximately the same as the current driving level of the target user, and the target user's current age. According to the driving support system of configuration 3, by extracting a comparison user whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user, who is the same age as the target user, and whose current driving level is different from that of the target user, the driving lifespan of the target user can be estimated based on the difference between the age of the comparison user when the driving level of the comparison user was about the same as the current driving level of the target user and the target user's current age.

[0066] (Configuration 4) The driving support system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising an advice output unit that outputs advice on a driving method for extending the driving life of the target user. According to the driving support system of configuration 4, by outputting advice on driving methods to extend the driving life of the target user, it is possible to maintain or improve the driving skills of the target user and extend the driving life of the target user.

[0067] (Configuration 5) The driving support system according to Configuration 4, further comprising an advice effect determination unit that determines whether the driving life of the target user has been extended by outputting the advice, and outputs a determination result. According to the driving support system of configuration 5, by outputting the determination result of whether or not the driving life has been extended, it is expected that the motivation of the target user to improve the driving method in order to extend the driving life will be increased.

[0068] (Configuration 6) The driving support system according to Configuration 4 or Configuration 5, wherein the advice output unit outputs the advice regarding the driving method according to a profile or driving skill of the target user. The driving support system of configuration 6 is expected to provide driving advice that is easy for the target user to accept.

[0069] (Configuration 7) A driving support system described in any one of configurations 4 to 6, wherein the advice output unit outputs the advice recommending taking a driving course selected according to the profile or driving skills of the target user. According to the driving support system of configuration 7, it is possible to recommend that the target user take a driving course that is of great benefit to the target user, thereby extending the driving life of the target user.

[0070] (Configuration 8) A driving support system described in any one of configurations 4 to 7, wherein the advice output unit changes the output manner of the advice depending on the profile or driving skill of the target user. According to the driving support system of configuration 8, it is expected that the effectiveness of advice output will be increased by changing the advice output format according to the target user's profile or driving skills.

[0071] (Configuration 9) A driving support system described in any one of configurations 4 to 8, comprising a personality diagnosis unit that diagnoses the personality of the target user based on the target user's behavior while driving, and the advice output unit that changes the output mode of the advice based on the personality of the target user diagnosed by the personality diagnosis unit. According to the driving support system of configuration 9, by diagnosing the personality of the target user that affects driving and changing the way advice is output based on the personality of the target user, it is expected that the effectiveness of advice output while driving will be increased.

[0072] (Configuration 10) A driving support system described in any one of configurations 4 to 9, comprising a danger point extraction unit that extracts danger points according to the driving skill of the target user, and the advice output unit that determines the timing of outputting the advice based on a margin set according to the driving skill of the target user when the target user drives a mobile vehicle and moves through the danger points. According to the driving support system of configuration 10, the margin for the timing of outputting advice when moving through a specific danger point is determined according to the driving skill of the target user, so that advice can be output at a timing that is least uncomfortable for the target user.

[0073] (Configuration 11) A driving support system described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, comprising a mobile unit recommendation information output unit that outputs mobile unit recommendation information that recommends the use of a mobile unit with specifications suitable for the driving skills of the target user, or the use of a driving support function suitable for the driving skills of the target user. According to the driving support system of configuration 11, it is possible to suggest that the vehicle cover for the decline in the target user's driving skills by outputting vehicle recommendation information that recommends using a vehicle with specifications (size, operability, etc.) that are suitable for the target user's driving skills, or utilizing a driving assistance function that is suitable for the target user's driving skills. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...driving support system, 10...processor, 11...profile acquisition unit, 12...driving skill determination unit, 13...comparison user extraction unit, 14...driving life estimation unit, 15...personality assessment unit, 16...danger point extraction unit, 17...advice output unit, 18...advice effectiveness determination unit, 19...mobile recommended information output unit, 30...memory, 31...control program, 40...communication unit, 41...exterior camera, 42...radar, 43...speed sensor, 44...yaw rate sensor, 45...interior camera, 46...steering angle sensor, 47...accelerator pedal sensor, 48...brake pedal sensor, 49...touch panel, 50...speaker, 51...navigation device, 52...driving support device, 100...vehicle (mobile object), 200...communication network, 210...vehicle management system, 211...user DB, U...user, U1...target user, U2...comparison user

Claims

1. a driving skill determination unit that determines the driving skills, including the driving characteristics and driving level, of the target user based on the driving status of the mobile object by the target user; a comparison user extraction unit that refers to a user database in which the driving skills of a plurality of users who drive mobile objects are recorded, and extracts comparison users whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the users; a driving life estimation unit that estimates a driving life of the target user based on a difference in the driving level between the target user and the comparison user; A driving support system equipped with:

2. a profile acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined profile of the target user including an age; the comparison user extraction unit refers to the user database in which the driving skills and the predetermined profiles of a plurality of users who drive mobile objects are recorded, and extracts the comparison users whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user and who are older than the target user; The driving life expectancy estimation unit estimates a driving life expectancy of the target user based on differences in age and driving level between the target user and the comparison user. The driving support system according to claim 1 .

3. a profile acquisition unit that acquires a predetermined profile of the target user including an age; the comparison user extraction unit refers to the user database in which the driving skills including the transition of the driving levels of a plurality of users who drive mobile objects and the predetermined profiles are recorded, and extracts the comparison users whose driving characteristics are similar to those of the target user, who are the same age as the target user, and whose current driving level is different from that of the target user; The driving life expectancy estimation unit estimates the driving life expectancy of the target user based on the difference between the age of the comparison user when the driving level of the comparison user was comparable to the current driving level of the target user and the current age of the target user. The driving support system according to claim 1 .

4. An advice output unit is provided that outputs advice on a driving method for extending the driving life of the target user. The driving support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. an advice effect determination unit that determines whether the driving life of the target user has been extended by outputting the advice and outputs the determination result; The driving support system according to claim 4 .

6. The advice output unit outputs the advice regarding the driving method according to a profile or a driving skill of the target user. The driving support system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The advice output unit outputs the advice recommending taking a driving course selected according to the profile or driving skill of the target user. The driving support system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The advice output unit changes an output mode of the advice depending on a profile or a driving skill of the target user. The driving support system according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. a personality diagnosis unit that diagnoses the personality of the target user based on the behavior of the target user while driving; The advice output unit changes an output mode of the advice based on the personality of the target user diagnosed by the personality diagnosis unit. The driving support system according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. a danger point extraction unit that extracts danger points according to the driving skill of the target user; The advice output unit determines a timing to output the advice based on a margin set according to a driving skill of the target user when the target user drives the mobile body and moves through the danger point. The driving support system according to any one of claims 4 to 9.

11. a mobile object recommendation information output unit that outputs mobile object recommendation information that recommends the use of a mobile object with specifications suited to the driving skill of the target user or the use of a driving assistance function suited to the driving skill of the target user; The driving support system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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