Information distribution device and information distribution method

Abstract

To provide technology capable of alerting sudden crossing of a driveway by a pedestrian.SOLUTION: An information distribution device comprises: reception means for receiving position information from each portable terminal of a plurality of monitoring object persons; determination means for determining a risk level that the monitoring object person enters a driveway on the basis of the position information; and transmission means for transmitting alert information to an on-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the driveway on the basis of a determination result of the determination means, wherein the determination means raises the risk level when a second monitoring object person in predetermined personal relation with a first monitoring object person as a determination object exists on the opposite side of the driveway to the first monitoring object person on the basis of relation information showing personal relation between the monitoring persons and the position information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for delivering attention-calling information to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] As a driving support technology for vehicles, there is known a technology that alerts the driver when passing through a high accident rate area or when a pedestrian is predicted to cross the road. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that issues a warning to alert the driver when a pedestrian is present on the side of the roadway. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-78155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the same warning is given whether there is a high probability of a pedestrian crossing or not, the increased frequency of the warnings may decrease the driver's attention to the warnings. Pedestrians may suddenly cross the roadway depending on the situation, and it is desirable to effectively alert drivers to such pedestrian behavior.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can alert pedestrians to the possibility of them suddenly crossing a roadway. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a receiving means for receiving location information from each mobile terminal of a plurality of monitoring subjects; A determination means for determining a risk level of the monitored person entering the roadway based on the position information; a transmitting means for transmitting, based on the determination result of the determining means, attention-calling information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway; An information distribution device comprising: The determination means Based on relationship information indicating interpersonal relationships between the monitoring targets and the position information, if a second monitoring target who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with a first monitoring target to be determined is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitoring target, the risk level is increased. on the other hand , Even if the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person to be monitored, if the state in which the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway continues for a predetermined period of time, the risk level will not be raised. An information distribution device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that can alert pedestrians to the possibility of them suddenly crossing a roadway. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Overview of the information distribution system. [Figure 2] Schematic diagrams showing examples of distribution services (A) and (B). [Figure 3] (A) is a block diagram of a mobile terminal, (B) is a block diagram of an in-vehicle terminal, and (A) is a block diagram of an information distribution device. [Figure 4] (A) is a diagram showing an example of real-time information of a monitored person, (B) is a diagram showing an example of real-time information of a vehicle, and (C) is a diagram showing an example of personal information of a monitored person. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in the information distribution system. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing an example of processing executed in an information distribution system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by an information distribution device. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. [Figure 9]10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] <System Overview> 1 is a schematic diagram of an information distribution system 1. The information distribution system 1 is a system that provides information on the behavior of pedestrians (monitoring targets 3) to vehicles 5 via an information distribution device 2, thereby providing driving support for the vehicles. The information distribution device 2 is a server that operates the information distribution system 1 and is connected to mobile terminals 4 of multiple monitoring targets 3 and in-vehicle terminals 6 of multiple vehicles 5 via a communication network such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate wirelessly.

[0011] The mobile terminal 4 is a communication terminal such as a smartphone used by the person 3 to be monitored. In the illustrated example, there are five people to be monitored 3, but it is assumed that there are many more people. The in-vehicle terminal 6 is a communication terminal built into the vehicle 5. It is assumed that the vehicle 5 is a four-wheeled motor vehicle, but it may also be a motorcycle. In the illustrated example, there are four vehicles 5, but it is assumed that there are many more vehicles.

[0012] <Service Overview> An example of a service provided by the information distribution device 2 will be described. The information distribution device 2 receives current location information of each monitored person 3 from each mobile terminal 4, and determines the risk level of each monitored person 3 entering the roadway. The risk level indicates the possibility of each monitored person 3 entering the roadway in stages. If there is a possibility that the monitored person 3 will enter the roadway, the information distribution device 2 transmits warning information to the in-vehicle terminal 6 of the vehicle 5 on that roadway. The in-vehicle terminal 6 issues a warning to the driver of the vehicle 5 based on the received warning information.

[0013] 2(A) and 2(B) schematically show an example of the service. The example of FIG. 2(A) shows a situation in which a monitored person 3 is located on a sidewalk in a risk area 8 that has been set up on a map in advance as an accident-prone area or the like. Location information PI is transmitted from the mobile terminal 4 of the monitored person 3 to the information distribution device 2. In this embodiment, if the monitored person 3 is present in the risk area 8, it is determined that there is a possibility that the monitored person will enter the roadway 7 in the risk area 8. The information distribution device 2 transmits attention alert information CI to the in-vehicle terminal 6 of a vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7. The in-vehicle terminal 6 issues an attention alert to the driver. In the illustrated example, the driver is notified by voice or display that they should "watch out ahead on the left."

[0014] In the example of FIG. 2(B), the person being monitored 3 is not present in the risk area 8. However, the person being monitored 3 is moving suddenly on the sidewalk towards the roadway 7. In this embodiment, if the person being monitored 3 moves suddenly towards the roadway 7, it is determined that there is a possibility that the person being monitored 3 will enter the roadway 7. The information distribution device 2 recognizes the movement of the person being monitored 3 based on changes in the location information PI transmitted from the mobile terminal 4 of the person being monitored 3. The information distribution device 2 then transmits attention alert information CI to the in-vehicle terminal 6 of the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7. The in-vehicle terminal 6 issues an attention alert to the driver. In the example shown, the driver is notified by voice or display that they should "watch out ahead on the left."

[0015] Such a service allows the driver of the vehicle 5 to know the presence of pedestrians in the blind spot, etc., and to drive more safely. This also reduces the risk of the monitored person 3 getting into an accident if he or she accidentally runs out onto the roadway 7. Therefore, the information distribution system 1 provides a service that increases the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.

[0016] <Configuration examples of mobile terminal, in-vehicle terminal, and information distribution device> 3(A) is a block diagram of the mobile terminal 4. The mobile terminal 4 includes a processing unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, a display unit 45, and a position sensor 46. The processing unit 41 is a processor typified by a CPU, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 42. The storage unit 42 is a storage device typified by semiconductor memory such as RAM and ROM. The programs stored in the storage unit 42 also include application programs for using the service of this embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 43 is a wireless communication device capable of communicating with the information distribution device 2 via a communication network. The input unit 44 is a device that accepts input from the person being monitored 3. The display unit 45 is an electronic image display device with an input function. The input unit 44 and the display unit 45 may form a touch panel display. The position sensor 46 is a sensor that detects the current position of the mobile terminal 4, and is, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor.

[0018] 3(B) is a block diagram of the in-vehicle terminal 6. The in-vehicle terminal 6 includes a processing unit 61, a storage unit 62, a communication unit 63, an audio output unit 64, a display unit 65, and a position sensor 66. The processing unit 61 is a processor typified by a CPU, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 62. The storage unit 62 is a storage device typified by a semiconductor memory such as a RAM or a ROM, or a hard disk.

[0019] The communication unit 63 is a wireless communication device capable of communicating with the information distribution device 2 via a communication network. The input unit 64 is a device that accepts input from the driver of the vehicle 5. The audio output unit 65 is a notification device that notifies the driver by outputting sound. The display unit 66 is a display device for electronic images and is a notification device that notifies the driver by outputting images. The sensor group 67 is a group of various sensors that detect the state of the vehicle 5 (e.g., vehicle speed), and includes a position sensor 67a. The position sensor 67a is a sensor that detects the current position of the vehicle 5, and is, for example, a GNSS sensor.

[0020] In this embodiment, the in-vehicle terminal 6 is a navigation device that provides the driver with information to guide the vehicle 5 to a destination. Map information is stored in the storage unit 62. The position of the vehicle 5 on the map is identified from the detection result of the position sensor 67a.

[0021] 3(C) is a block diagram of the information distribution device 2. In the illustrated example, the information distribution device 2 is configured as a single server computer. However, the information distribution device 2 may also be configured to perform distributed processing using multiple server computers that can communicate with each other.

[0022] The information distribution device 2 includes a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The processing unit 21 is a processor typified by a CPU, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 is a storage device typified by a semiconductor memory such as a RAM or a ROM, or a hard disk. The communication unit 23 includes a communication interface capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 4 and the in-vehicle terminal 6 via a communication network.

[0023] The storage unit 22 stores various data in addition to the program executed by the processing unit 21. The program may be installed in the information distribution device 2 from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM. In the example of FIG. 3(C), databases (DB) 24 to 26 are exemplified as data stored in the storage unit 22.

[0024] DB 24 is a DB that stores real-time information about the current status of the monitored person 3 and the vehicle 5. FIG. 4(A) shows an example of real-time information 24a about the monitored person 3. "ID" is an identifier for distinguishing each monitored person 3 (mobile terminal 4). By distinguishing each monitored person 3 by this identifier, information about each monitored person 3 is stored in real-time information 24a.

[0025] "Location transition" is a history of location information periodically transmitted from the mobile terminal 4. "n" indicates the latest location information, "n-1" indicates the location information one cycle ago, and "n-2" indicates the location information two cycles ago. The period of such location information history is, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes. "Location transition" allows the behavior of each monitored person 3 to be inferred.

[0026] Figure 4(B) shows an example of real-time information 24b for vehicle 5. "ID" is an identifier for distinguishing individual vehicles 5 (on-board terminal 6). By distinguishing vehicles using this identifier, information about each vehicle 5 is accumulated in real-time information 24b. "Current location" indicates the latest location information periodically transmitted from on-board terminal 6. "Route" is information indicating the roadway on which vehicle 5 is traveling, periodically transmitted from on-board terminal 6 together with the location information. "Vehicle speed" is information indicating the speed of vehicle 5, periodically transmitted from on-board terminal 6 together with the location information.

[0027] DB25 is a DB in which personal information of the monitored person 3 and information on the vehicle 5 are stored. Information on the vehicle 5 includes the "ID" of the vehicle 5 and the communication address of the in-vehicle terminal 6. Figure 4(C) shows an example of personal information 25a of the monitored person 3 (for one person). "ID" is an identifier for distinguishing individual monitored persons 3 (mobile terminals 4) and is the same identifier as "ID" in Figure 24(A). "Age" is information indicating the age of the monitored person 3. "Telephone number" and "Email" are information on the telephone number and email address of the monitored person 3.

[0028] "Interpersonal relationship" is information indicating the relationship between the monitored person 3 (also referred to as the party 3) and other monitored people 3 (also referred to as related parties 3), and information on related parties 3 who have some kind of relationship with the party 3 is stored. "ID" is an identifier for distinguishing the related parties 3 (mobile terminal 4). "Relationship" is information indicating the interpersonal relationship between the parties 3 and related parties 3. Examples of interpersonal relationships include parent, child, friend, lover, relative, teacher, student, classmate, senior, junior, etc.

[0029] DB26 is a DB in which map information, risk area information, etc. are accumulated. DBs 24 to 26 may be separate databases, or may be combined into one database. In this embodiment, for convenience, the databases are described separately, but they are not limited to existing as separate databases.

[0030] <Processing example> <Registration> An example of processing performed by the information distribution system 1 will now be described. A person who receives the service performs a registration procedure in advance. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed between the mobile terminal 4 and the information distribution device 2 when the user of the mobile terminal 4 registers as a person to be monitored 3.

[0031] At S1, the mobile terminal 4 requests an application program for receiving the service from the information distribution device 2. The information distribution device 2 receives the request at S11 and downloads the application program to the mobile terminal 4 at S12. The mobile terminal 4 receives the application program at S2 and installs it on the mobile terminal 4 at S3. At S4, the application program is started and the registration information preparation process is first executed.

[0032] Here, the information necessary to generate the user's personal information 25a is prepared. For example, the user is requested to input information such as age, telephone number, email address, and related parties. In addition, it is confirmed whether the user permits the use of the phone book and communication history information stored in the mobile terminal 4. The communication history information includes, for example, information on communication partners in SNS.

[0033] When the user performs a registration operation on the mobile terminal 4, registration information 9 is transmitted to the information distribution device 2 in S5. The registration information 9 includes input information 91 entered by the user in the processing of S4, a phone book 92 authorized by the user, and communication history information 93, and the information distribution device 2 can acquire this information. The information distribution device 2 receives the registration information 9 in S13. In S14, personal information 25a of the user is generated from the registration information 9. In generating the personal information 25a, the user's "ID" is set. The input information 91 sets information such as "age," "telephone number," "email," and interpersonal relationship information. For interpersonal relationship information, for example, the registered monitored person 3 is searched for in DB25 from the telephone number and email address of the related person entered by the user, and their "ID" is identified. The "relationship" is specified by the user.

[0034] The telephone directory 92 and communication history information 93 are also used to generate interpersonal relationship information. For example, a registered monitored person 3 is searched for in DB 25 from the telephone number or email address recorded in the telephone directory 92 or communication history information 93, and their "ID" is identified. The "relationship" is estimated and set from other information in the telephone directory 92 or communication history information 93, or the personal information 25a of the searched registered monitored person 3, and if it is difficult to estimate, it is classified as unknown.

[0035] In S15, the information generated in S14 is registered in DB 25. This adds the user to the monitored persons 3.

[0036] Regarding the registration of the vehicle 5, for example, when the owner purchases the vehicle 5, the owner performs a registration procedure at a store or on a web page. As a result, the ID of the vehicle 5 and the communication address of the in-vehicle terminal 6 are registered in the DB 25.

[0037] <Location information collection> An example of processing by the information distribution system 1 for collecting position information of the vehicle 5 and the person being monitored 3 will be described. Fig. 6(A) is a flowchart showing an example of processing for collecting position information of the vehicle 5. The in-vehicle terminal 6 periodically transmits driving information to the information distribution device 2 while the vehicle 5 is driving (S21). The driving information includes information indicating the ID, the position information of the vehicle 5, the vehicle speed, and the road on which the vehicle is traveling. The information distribution device 2 receives the driving information in S31, and updates the real-time information 24b of the corresponding ID in the DB 24 in S32.

[0038] FIG. 6(B) is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to collection of location information of the monitoring target 3. The mobile terminal 4 periodically transmits location information to the information distribution device 2 while an application program is running (S41). The information distribution device 2 receives the location information in S41, and updates the real-time information 24a of the corresponding ID in the DB 24 in S42. Specifically, each piece of location information stored in the "location transition" in FIG. 4(A) is shifted to the oldest piece of information, and the currently received location information is stored as the latest location information. In S43, distribution processing is executed for the monitoring target 3 whose location information has been received this time. The monitoring target 3 whose location information has been received this time is also referred to as the person to be determined 3.

[0039] In this embodiment, the distribution process is triggered by receiving the location information of the person to be monitored 3. However, the real-time information 24a of each person to be monitored 3 may be periodically read out, and the distribution process corresponding to each person to be monitored 3 may be executed in sequence.

[0040] <Distribution process> 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information distribution device 2, and in particular the distribution processing of S43 in FIG. 6(B). In S51, the risk level of the person to be determined 3 is determined. In this embodiment, the risk level is divided into four stages, levels 0 to 3.

[0041] Level 0 indicates that there is an extremely low possibility that the person being monitored 3 will enter the roadway. Level 1 indicates that there is a possibility that the person being monitored 3 will enter the roadway. Level 2 indicates that there is a moderately high possibility that the person being monitored 3 will enter the roadway. Level 3 indicates that there is a high possibility that the person being monitored 3 will enter the roadway. In other words, the risk level increases in the order 0 → 1 → 2 → 3.

[0042] In S52, it is determined whether the risk level is 1 or higher as a result of the determination in S51. If it is determined to be level 0 in S51, the processing ends without sending warning information. If it is determined to be level 1, level 2, or level 3 in S51, the processing proceeds to S53. In S54, a vehicle 5 that is the target of the warning (hereinafter also referred to as the target vehicle) is searched for. Specifically, the real-time information 24b is used to search for a vehicle 5 on a roadway 7 that the person 3 to be determined may enter. For the roadway 7, a road close to the location of the person 3 to be determined is searched for from the map information in the DB 26.

[0043] The search target may be, for example, a vehicle 5 within 60 m of the person 3 to be evaluated based on distance. The search target may also be, for example, a vehicle 5 that can reach the vicinity of the person 3 to be evaluated within 10 seconds based on the distance and vehicle speed. The roadway 7 on which the vehicle 5 is traveling may be identified by referring to the "roadway" in the real-time information 24b, or may be identified by the information distribution device 2 using map information in the DB 26 from the "current location."

[0044] In S54, it is determined whether or not a target vehicle 5 was found in the search in S53. If a target vehicle 5 was not found, the process ends; if a target vehicle 5 was found, the process proceeds to S55. In S55, attention warning information is transmitted to the in-vehicle terminal 6 of the target vehicle 5. The attention warning information includes the risk level set in S51. The in-vehicle terminal 6 that has received the attention warning information issues a warning to the driver according to the risk level. For example, if the risk is level 1, a warning message is displayed on the display unit 45. If the risk is level 2, a warning sound is output by the audio output unit 64 in addition to the display on the display unit 65. If the risk is level 3, the intensity of the warning message displayed on the display unit 65 and the sound output by the audio output unit 64 is increased compared to level 2. If the risk is level 3, the in-vehicle device 6 may output a control command to the driving control unit of the vehicle 5 to decelerate the vehicle 5. This ends the process.

[0045] <Risk level determination> An example of determining the risk level in S51 will be described. In this embodiment, the risk level is determined in two stages. The first stage is a risk level determination based on the behavior of the person 3 to be determined, which is the basic determination. The second stage is a risk level increase or decrease based on the presence of a person 3 to be monitored other than the person 3 to be determined.

[0046] <Judgment Example 1> 8(A) shows an example where the level is determined to be 0 in the first stage. The person to be determined 3a is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7. However, this alone is considered to mean that the risk of entering the roadway 7 is extremely low, and the risk is determined to be 0. No attention alert information is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0047] In FIG. 8(B), the person to be determined 3a is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7, as in FIG. 8(A), and is determined to be level 0 in the first stage. However, in the example of FIG. 8(B), another person to be monitored 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be determined 3a. The presence or absence of the person to be monitored 3b can be searched for from the real-time information 24a. The person to be monitored 3b is, for example, a person located within a predetermined distance (e.g., 20 m) from the person to be determined 3a. The person to be monitored 3b is a related person who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the person to be determined 3a. The person to be monitored 3b may also be referred to as a related person 3b. Whether or not the predetermined interpersonal relationship exists can be determined from the interpersonal relationship information in the personal information 25a of the person to be determined 3a.

[0048] If there is a related person 3b on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being evaluated 3a, there is a possibility that the person being evaluated 3a will suddenly cross the roadway 7 to meet the related person 3b, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8(B). Therefore, as a second stage of evaluation, the risk level of the person being evaluated 3a is raised from level 0 to level 1. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology that can alert the driver to the sudden crossing of a road by a pedestrian.

[0050] <About interpersonal relationships> Regarding the interpersonal relationships between the person to be judged 3a and other people to be monitored 3, all people registered as related persons in the personal information 25a of the person to be judged 3a may be subject to a level increase, or further restrictions may be added to avoid the driver being warned in a cumbersome manner. For example, the relationship may be limited to parent-child relationships, friendships, or teacher-student relationships.

[0051] The risk may also be limited by age. If two people are relatively older, the risk of crossing the roadway 7 is low. On the other hand, relatively younger people are more likely to act impulsively, especially if both people are young. Therefore, if the person to be judged 3a and the other person to be monitored 3 are both children, the risk level may be raised, or the risk level may be raised only if the person to be judged 3a and the other person to be monitored 3 are both children. A child may be, for example, a person aged 12 or younger.

[0052] As another example of limiting by age, the risk level may be raised if the person to be evaluated 3a is a child and the other persons to be monitored 3 are adults, or the risk level may be raised only if the person to be evaluated 3a is a child and the other persons to be monitored 3 are adults. As mentioned above, relatively young people are more likely to engage in sudden behavior, and if the other persons to be monitored 3 are adults such as parents or older siblings, there is a higher risk that the person to be evaluated 3a will suddenly cross the roadway 7 toward the other persons to be monitored 3.

[0053] <Judgment Example 2> FIG. 9(A) shows an example in which the first stage is determined to be Level 1. The person 3a to be determined is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7. The person 3a to be determined is located within the risk area 8. Therefore, the level is determined to be Level 1. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0054] In FIG. 9(B), as in FIG. 9(A), the person to be evaluated 3a is located within the risk area 8, and is determined to be level 1 in the first stage. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 9(B), a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be evaluated 3a. As in the example of FIG. 8(B), if a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be evaluated 3a, there is a possibility that the person to be evaluated 3a will suddenly cross the roadway 7 to meet the related person 3b, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 9(B). Therefore, in the second stage of determination, the risk level of the person to be evaluated 3a is raised from level 1 to level 2. Level 2 warning information is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0055] <Judgment Example 3> FIG. 10(A) also shows an example where the first stage is determined to be Level 1. The person 3a to be determined is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7. Although the person 3a to be determined is not located within the risk area 8, he / she is moving toward the roadway 7, increasing the possibility that he / she will enter the roadway 7. Therefore, the level is determined to be Level 1. Whether or not the person 3a is moving toward the roadway 7 can be confirmed from the "position transition" of the real-time information 24a, and not only the change in position but also the moving speed may be a requirement. If the moving speed is higher than the normal walking speed (for example, if the person is running), there is a high possibility that he / she will enter the roadway 7. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0056] In the example of Figure 10(B), the person to be evaluated 3a is moving toward the roadway 7, just like in Figure 10(A). In the first stage, the risk level is determined to be level 1. Also, in the example of Figure 10(B), a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be evaluated 3a. There is a possibility that the person to be evaluated 3a will suddenly cross the roadway 7 to meet the related person 3b. Therefore, in the second stage of determination, the risk level of the person to be evaluated 3a is raised from level 1 to level 2. Level 2 warning information is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0057] <Judgment Example 4> FIG. 11(A) shows an example in which the level is determined to be 0 in the first stage. The person to be determined 3a is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7. However, this alone is deemed to be an extremely low risk of the person entering the roadway 7, and the risk is determined to be 0. Also, in the example of FIG. 11(A), a person to be monitored 3c is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be determined 3a. However, the person to be monitored 3c does not have a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the person to be determined 3a. Therefore, the risk level is not raised in the second stage. No warning information is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0058] In the example of FIG. 11(B), the person to be evaluated 3a is located within the risk area 8, and is judged to be at level 1 in the first stage. Also in the example of FIG. 11(B), the person to be monitored 3c is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be evaluated 3a. However, the person to be monitored 3c does not have a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the person to be evaluated 3a. Therefore, the risk level is not raised in the second stage. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0059] <Judgment Example 5> If the state in which the person 3a is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 as the person 3b continues for a predetermined time t, the risk level may not be raised. Figures 12(A) and 12(B) show an example of this.

[0060] FIG. 12(A) shows the stage at time T=T1 when location information is received from the person to be evaluated 3a. The person to be evaluated 3a is located within the risk area 8. Therefore, in the first stage, the risk level is determined to be level 1. Furthermore, a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be evaluated 3a. Therefore, in the second stage, the risk level is raised to level 2. Level 2 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5a traveling on the roadway 7.

[0061] Figure 12(B) shows the stage at which location information is received from the person being evaluated 3a at time T = T2. Time T2 is later than time T1 and is the time after time t has passed. The person being evaluated 3a is located within the risk area 8. Therefore, he is judged to be at level 1 in the first stage. A related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being evaluated 3a. However, time t has passed since the stage at time T = T1. The changes in the locations of the person being evaluated 3a and the related person 3b over the course of time t can be identified from the personal information 25a of each of the person being evaluated 3a and the related person 3b.

[0062] During time t, the person being evaluated 3a and the person involved 3b are positioned on opposite sidewalks across the roadway 7, so the risk of the person being evaluated 3a subsequently entering the roadway 7 is considered low. Time t is, for example, a period ranging from several tens of seconds to several minutes. Unnecessarily increasing the risk level can cause annoyance to the driver. Therefore, the risk level is not increased in the second stage and is determined to be level 1. At time T=T1, the information distribution device 2 transmits level 1 warning information CI to vehicle 5a, which had received level 2 warning information CI. The information distribution device 2 also transmits level 1 warning information CI to the following vehicle 5b.

[0063] <Judgment Example 6> If a related person 3b is on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be evaluated 3a, and if it is confirmed that the person to be evaluated 3a is moving toward the related person 3b, the risk level may be further increased. Figures 13(A) and 13(B) show an example of this.

[0064] In FIG. 13(A), the person to be assessed 3a is located within a risk area 8. Therefore, the risk is assessed as level 1 in the first stage. Furthermore, a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be assessed 3a. Therefore, the risk level is raised to level 2 in the second stage. Level 2 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0065] Figure 13(B) illustrates an example in which the person to be evaluated 3a has moved from the state in Figure 13(A) toward the related person 3b. The fact that the person to be evaluated 3a has moved toward the related person 3b can be determined from the "location transition" of the real-time information 24a of the person to be evaluated 3a.

[0066] The fact that the person to be assessed 3a has moved to the side of the person in question 3b is considered to indicate a high risk of the person crossing the roadway 7 thereafter. Therefore, in the second stage, the risk level is raised by two levels to Level 2. Level 3 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0067] In this embodiment, the risk level is further increased when it is confirmed that the person to be evaluated 3a is moving toward the related person 3b. However, conversely, the risk level may also be further increased when it is confirmed that the related person 3b is moving toward the person to be evaluated 3a. This is because it is considered highly likely that the person to be evaluated 3a will react to the actions of the related person 3b and then enter the roadway 7. The movement of the related person 3b can be determined from the "position transition" of the real-time information 24a of the related person 3b.

[0068] <Judgment Example 7> If a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be assessed 3a, and it is confirmed that the person to be assessed 3a is moving along the roadway 7, it is not necessary to raise the risk level. Figures 14(A) and 14(B) show an example of this.

[0069] In FIG. 14(A), the person to be assessed 3a is located within a risk area 8. Therefore, the risk is assessed as level 1 in the first stage. Furthermore, a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be assessed 3a. Therefore, the risk level is raised to level 2 in the second stage. Level 2 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0070] Fig. 14(B) illustrates an example in which the subject 3a moves from the state in Fig. 14(A) along the roadway 7. The fact that the subject 3a has moved along the roadway 7 can be determined from the "position transition" of the real-time information 24a of the subject 3a.

[0071] When the person to be assessed 3a moves along the roadway 7, it is assumed that the person to be assessed 3a does not immediately cross the roadway 7, but moves to a crosswalk before crossing the roadway 7, or that the person to be assessed 3a does not intend to meet the person in question 3b. Unnecessarily increasing the risk level causes a sense of annoyance to the driver. Therefore, the risk level is not increased in the second stage, and is determined to be level 1. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

[0072] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, the risk levels are exemplified as levels 0 to 3, but are not limited to this. For example, there may be two levels, level 0 and level 1, or three levels, level 0 to level 2. Furthermore, there may be five or more risk levels.

[0073] <Summary of the embodiment> The above-described embodiments disclose at least the following information distribution device and information distribution method.

[0074] 1. The information distribution device (1) of the above embodiment is a receiving means (23, 21, S41) for receiving location information (PI) from each mobile terminal (4) of a plurality of monitoring subjects (3); A determination means (21, S51) for determining a risk level of the person to be monitored entering the roadway based on the position information; a transmitting means (23, 21, S57) for transmitting warning information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway based on the determination result of the determining means; An information distribution device comprising: The determination means Based on relationship information (25a) indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitored persons and the location information, if a second monitored person (3b) who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the first monitored person (3a) being judged is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person, the risk level is increased. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology that can warn pedestrians when they suddenly cross the road.

[0075] 2. The information distribution device (1) of the above embodiment is Acquisition means (21, S13) for acquiring communication history information (93) of each mobile terminal of the plurality of monitoring subjects; and generating means (21, S14) for generating the relationship information based on the communication history information acquired by the acquiring means. According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to identify a person who has a personal relationship with the first monitoring target.

[0076] 3. In the above embodiment, The determination means increases the risk level when the first person to be monitored is a child and the second person to be monitored is also a child. According to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the driver's awareness of children who are prone to sudden behavior.

[0077] 4. In the above embodiment, The determination means increases the risk level when the first person to be monitored is a child and the second person to be monitored is an adult. According to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the driver's awareness of children who are prone to sudden behavior.

[0078] 5. In the above embodiment, The determination means Even if the second monitored person is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person, if the second monitored person remains on the opposite side of the roadway for a predetermined period of time, the risk level will not be raised (Figure 12(B)). According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by unnecessary warnings and to prevent the driver from becoming less aware of the warnings.

[0079] 6. In the above embodiment, The determination means If the second monitored person is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person and the first monitored person moves toward the second monitored person, the risk level is further increased (Figure 13(B)). According to this embodiment, when the risk level is high, the driver can be strongly warned.

[0080] 7. In the above embodiment, The determination means If the second monitored person is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person and moves toward the first monitored person, the risk level is further increased. According to this embodiment, when the risk level is high, the driver can be strongly warned.

[0081] 8. In the above embodiment, The determination means Even if the second monitored person is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person, the risk level is not raised if the first monitored person moves along the roadway (Figure 14(B)). According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by unnecessary warnings and to prevent the driver from becoming less aware of the warnings.

[0082] 9. In the above embodiment, a receiving step (S41) of receiving location information from each mobile terminal of a plurality of monitoring subjects; A determination step (S51) of determining a risk level of the monitored person entering the roadway based on the position information; a transmitting step (S57) of transmitting attention-calling information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway based on the determination result of the determining step; An information distribution method comprising: In the determination step, Based on relationship information (25a) indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitored persons and the location information, if a second monitored person (3b) who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the first monitored person (3a) being judged is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person, the risk level is increased. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology that can warn pedestrians when they suddenly cross the road.

[0083] Although the embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 information distribution device, 3 monitored person, 4 mobile terminal, 5 vehicle, 6 in-vehicle terminal

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving location information from each mobile terminal of a plurality of monitoring subjects; A determination means for determining a risk level of the monitored person entering the roadway based on the position information; a transmitting means for transmitting, based on the determination result of the determining means, attention-calling information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway; An information distribution device comprising: The determination means Based on relationship information indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitoring subjects and the position information, if a second monitoring subject who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with a first monitoring subject to be determined is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitoring subject, the risk level is increased; Even if the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person to be monitored, if the state in which the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway continues for a predetermined period of time, the risk level will not be raised. An information distribution device characterized by:

2. 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, an acquisition means for acquiring communication history information of each mobile terminal of the plurality of monitoring subjects; generating means for generating the relationship information based on the communication history information acquired by the acquisition means; An information distribution device characterized by:

3. 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, the determination means increases the risk level when the first person to be monitored is a child and the second person to be monitored is a child; An information distribution device characterized by:

4. 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, the determination means increases the risk level when the first person to be monitored is a child and the second person to be monitored is an adult; An information distribution device characterized by:

5. 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, The determination means If the second person being monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person being monitored and the first person being monitored moves toward the second person being monitored, the risk level is further increased. An information distribution device characterized by:

6. 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, The determination means If the second person being monitored is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person being monitored and the second person being monitored moves toward the first person being monitored, the risk level is further increased. An information distribution device characterized by:

7. 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, The determination means Even if the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person to be monitored, the risk level is not increased when the first person to be monitored moves along the roadway. An information distribution device characterized by:

8. a receiving step of receiving location information from each mobile terminal of a plurality of monitoring subjects; a determination step of determining a risk level of the monitored person entering the roadway based on the position information; a transmitting step of transmitting attention-calling information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway based on the determination result of the determining step; An information distribution method comprising: In the determination step, Based on relationship information indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitoring subjects and the position information, if a second monitoring subject who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with a first monitoring subject to be determined is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitoring subject, the risk level is increased; Even if the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person to be monitored, if the state in which the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway continues for a predetermined period of time, the risk level will not be raised. An information distribution method comprising:

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