Information management method and information management device

Abstract

To provide an information management method and an information management apparatus, which allow a user to review a situation suitable to realizing a successful result.SOLUTION: There is provided an information management method using a server that stores, for each user identification ID, result information representing as to whether a user has achieved a predetermined condition related to a vehicle. The method includes: identifying a user identification ID; obtaining result information of a user corresponding to the user identification ID from a server; identifying a non-achieved result that is a condition non-achieved by a user; determining whether the non-achieved result has been achieved on the basis of information related to a vehicle correlated with the identification ID; and outputting as recollection information, in a case where the non-achieved result is determined to be achieved, information related to a situation where the non-achieved result has been achieved, on the basis of a kind of the non-achieved result which has been achieved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management method and an information management device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device use promotion device that promotes the use of devices of household electrical appliances. The invention described in Patent Document 1 notifies the user of the device of an event that promotes the use of the device, and notifies the user of the achievement collected via the device, which is the achievement of the user using the function during the period of the event.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The invention described in Patent Document 1 records and notifies the user of the achievement of using the function of the device, but does not record the situation when the user achieves the achievement. Therefore, the user cannot look back on the situation when the achievement was achieved.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information management method and an information management device that enable a user to look back on a record suitable for the situation in which an achievement has been achieved.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information management method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information management method using a server that stores performance information for each user identification ID, indicating whether or not a user has achieved pre-set conditions related to a vehicle. The method involves identifying the user identification ID, obtaining the user's performance information corresponding to the user identification ID from the server, identifying unfulfilled conditions that the user has not achieved, determining whether or not the unfulfilled conditions have been achieved based on the vehicle information associated with the identification ID, and if it is determined that the unfulfilled conditions have been achieved, outputting information about the circumstances at the time the unfulfilled conditions were achieved as memory information to the user, based on the type of unfulfilled conditions achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, users can review records that are appropriate to the circumstances under which they achieved their goals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a combination of performance data and the information used to assess performance. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination of achievements and recollection information. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of operation of an information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of operation of an information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information management device according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [Configuration of the information management device] Referring to Figure 1, an example of the configuration of the information management device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the information management device 1 is mainly composed of a server 10, a vehicle 20, and a user terminal 30 owned by a user. In Figure 1, there is one vehicle and one user terminal, but it is not limited to these. The information management device 1 may include two or more vehicles and user terminals.

[0011] Server 10 is a computer comprising a communication device 11, a storage device 12, and a microprocessor (not shown). Server 10 communicates with the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30 via a wireless or wired network. In this embodiment, Server 10, Vehicle 20, and User Terminal 30 are connected to the network by wireless communication. The network may be, for example, the Internet, or it may utilize mobile communication functions such as 4G / LTE or 5G. The location of Server 10 is not particularly limited, but Server 10 is installed, for example, in the management center of a service provider that provides services through the information management device 1.

[0012] The communication device 11 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wireless or wired communication via a network or the like. The communication device 11 also functions as an input and output unit for sending and receiving data.

[0013] The communication device 11 communicates with the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30 via the network. The communication device 11 may be a device equipped with mobile communication functions such as 4G / LTE, or a device equipped with Wi-Fi® communication functions.

[0014] The storage device 12 is a storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage device 12 stores various information and databases necessary for the information management service. The storage device 12 stores user information 121, such as the user's identification ID (hereinafter referred to as the user ID).

[0015] Furthermore, the storage device 12 stores performance information 122 for each user ID, indicating whether or not the user has achieved pre-set conditions related to the vehicle. Pre-set conditions related to the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "performance") include, for example, at least one of the following: using a predetermined function of the vehicle and the vehicle reaching a predetermined state. Examples of performance include: "driving a predetermined vehicle for the first time," "using a predetermined function for the first time," "visiting XX prefecture for the first time," "driving a predetermined number of vehicles in total," "using a predetermined function a predetermined number of times in total," "driving a predetermined distance in total," "driving a predetermined distance in total while in AD (Autonomous Driving) mode," and "driving when the outside temperature is a predetermined temperature." Note that performance is not particularly limited. In addition to information on whether or not the user has achieved a performance, the performance information 122 also includes information on the progress of each performance, depending on the type of performance, such as the cumulative number of vehicles the user has driven in the past, the cumulative number of times the user has used a predetermined function in the past, the cumulative distance the user has driven in the past, and the cumulative distance the user has driven in AD mode in the past.

[0016] When server 10 receives a user ID from vehicle 20, it identifies the latest performance information 122 corresponding to the received user ID from the information stored in storage device 12 and transmits it to vehicle 20.

[0017] In addition, the storage device 12 stores, for each user ID, information regarding the situation when an unachieved achievement, which is an achievement not yet achieved by the user, is achieved (hereinafter referred to as memory information 123). The memory information 123 is, for example, vehicle information of the vehicle 20, the date and time when the unachieved achievement was achieved, the position of the vehicle 20, the travel distance, imaging data imaged by an imaging device (external camera 28 or in-vehicle camera 29) mounted on the vehicle 20, information such as the outside air temperature, and the like. The vehicle information includes, for example, information such as the vehicle type, model, and type of power train of the vehicle 20. Note that the memory information is not particularly limited. The memory information 123 stored in the storage device 12 is acquired from the vehicle 20.

[0018] The server 10 receives from the vehicle 20 the user ID, information on the achieved unachieved achievement, and memory information when the unachieved achievement was achieved. The server 10 updates the achievement information 122 and the memory information 123 of the user ID corresponding to the received user ID from the information stored in the storage device 12. Then, based on the updated achievement information 122 and the memory information 123, achievement detail information regarding the newly achieved unachieved achievement and the memory information when the unachieved achievement was achieved is generated. The server 10 outputs the generated achievement detail information to the user. Note that the achievement detail information may include, for example, information indicating the difficulty level preset for the achieved unachieved achievement, or information indicating the percentage (rarity) of the achieved unachieved achievement among all users at the current time. The server 10 transmits the generated achievement detail information to the user terminal 30.

[0019] The vehicle 20 includes a communication device 21, an in-vehicle HMI (Human Machine Interface) 22, a controller 23, a storage device 24, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 25, a travel sensor 26, a travel state determination unit 27, an external camera 28, and an in-vehicle camera 29.

[0020] The communication device 21 has the same configuration as the communication device 11 and communicates with the server 10 via a network.

[0021] The in-vehicle HMI 22 is an interface for transmitting the intentions and information between the user who has boarded the vehicle and the system by an in-vehicle control device (not shown) or the like. The in-vehicle HMI 22 is composed of, for example, an operation button or a touch panel for the user to perform an input operation, a speaker for outputting a notification sound, and the like. Note that the in-vehicle HMI 22 may be composed of a fingerprint sensor for fingerprint authentication, a camera for face recognition of the user, a head-up display for displaying image information to the user, and the like, and is not particularly limited. When the user boards the vehicle 20, the in-vehicle HMI 22 receives an input from the user or performs authentication of the user to obtain the user's login information. The in-vehicle HMI 22 transmits the obtained login information to the controller 23.

[0022] In addition, the in-vehicle HMI 22 notifies the user of the type of achieved or unachieved performance and information indicating that the unachieved performance has been achieved (hereinafter referred to as performance achievement information) received from the controller 23. For example, the in-vehicle HMI 22 may notify the user of the performance achievement information by outputting the performance achievement information as voice from a speaker mounted in the vehicle 20, or may notify the user by displaying the performance achievement information on the touch panel. The method of notifying the user of the performance achievement information is not particularly limited.

[0023] The position information of the vehicle 20 acquired by the GPS receiver 25 is transmitted to the controller 23 at an arbitrary timing.

[0024] The travel sensor 26 is composed of, for example, a sensor that generates a pulse according to the rotation of the tire and detects the travel distance, and an outside air temperature sensor. The data of the travel distance and the outside air temperature of the vehicle 20 acquired by the travel sensor 26 are transmitted to the controller 23 at an arbitrary timing.

[0025] The driving state determination unit 27 determines whether the vehicle 20 is in an AD state or not, if the vehicle 20 has an AD function. The driving state determination unit 27 is, for example, part of the vehicle 20's driving control device (not shown), and transmits information on whether the vehicle 20 is in an AD state or not to the controller 23. The driving state determination unit 27 may also be part of the controller 23, or it may be configured to acquire information related to AD control from the driving control device.

[0026] The exterior camera 28 and interior camera 29 have image sensors such as CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The exterior camera 28 captures images of the area around the vehicle 20. The interior camera 29 captures images of the interior of the vehicle 20. In Figure 1, there is one exterior camera and one interior camera, but the system is not limited to these. The information management device 1 may include two or more exterior cameras and interior cameras.

[0027] The installation location of the exterior camera 28 is not particularly limited, but as an example, the exterior camera 28 may be installed behind the rearview mirror of the vehicle 20 to capture images of the area in front of the vehicle 20. Similarly, the installation location of the interior camera 29 is not particularly limited, but as an example, the interior camera 29 may be installed on the front of the rearview mirror inside the vehicle 20 to capture images of the user riding in the vehicle 20. The exterior camera 28 may also be a drive recorder that continuously records the area in front of the vehicle 20.

[0028] The image data captured by the exterior camera 28 and the interior camera 29 is output to the controller 23. Alternatively, the image data captured by the exterior camera 28 and the interior camera 29 may be stored in the storage device 24, and the controller 23 may refer to the image data stored in the storage device 24.

[0029] The controller 23 is a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, input / output unit, etc. The controller 23 is connected to the communication device 21, the in-vehicle HMI 22, the storage device 24, the GPS receiver 25, the driving sensor 26, the driving state determination unit 27, the external camera 28, and the internal camera 29.

[0030] The controller 23 has a computer program installed to implement the functions of the information management device 1. By executing the computer program, the controller 23 functions as one of the multiple information processing circuits provided by the information management device 1.

[0031] Here, we show an example of realizing the multiple information processing circuits of the information management device 1 using software. However, it is also possible to configure the information processing circuits by preparing dedicated hardware to perform each of the information processing operations shown below. Alternatively, the multiple information processing circuits may be configured using separate hardware.

[0032] The controller 23 includes, as multiple information processing circuits, an ID identification unit 231, a performance determination unit 232, and a memory information storage unit 233.

[0033] The ID identification unit 231 receives the login information acquired by the in-vehicle HMI 22, queries it against the user information 121 on the server 10, and identifies the user ID. The ID identification unit 231 then transmits information indicating the identified user ID to the server 10.

[0034] The performance determination unit 232 obtains the latest performance information 122 of the user corresponding to the user ID identified by the ID identification unit 231 from the server 10. Based on the obtained latest performance information 122, the performance determination unit 232 identifies the user's unfulfilled achievements. The performance determination unit 232 obtains information about the vehicle 20 necessary for performance determination of the unfulfilled achievements. The information necessary for performance determination is pre-set based on the type of unfulfilled achievement to be determined. Based on the obtained information about the vehicle 20, the performance determination unit 232 determines whether or not the unfulfilled achievements have been achieved. A specific example of performance determination will be described later with reference to Figure 2.

[0035] If the performance determination unit 232 determines that an unachieved performance has been achieved, it outputs to the user, while the vehicle 20 is in motion, the type of unachieved performance that has been achieved and performance achievement information indicating that the unachieved performance has been achieved. If the performance determination unit 232 determines that an unachieved performance has been achieved, it transmits the performance achievement information to the in-vehicle HMI 22 while the vehicle 20 is in motion.

[0036] When the performance judgment unit 232 determines that an unachieved achievement has been achieved, the memory information storage unit 233 stores information about the circumstances at the time the unachieved achievement was achieved as memory information, based on the type of unachieved achievement. The memory information stored by the memory information storage unit 233 is pre-configured based on the type of achievement. The memory information storage unit 233 selects the memory information to store based on the type of unachieved achievement and stores the selected memory information in the storage device 24. Specific examples of memory information will be described later with reference to Figure 3. The memory information storage unit 233 stores the memory information at the time the unachieved achievement was achieved in the storage device 24, associating it with the user ID and the information about the achieved unachieved achievement. The memory information storage unit 233 also sends the memory information at the time the unachieved achievement was achieved, associating it with the user ID and the information about the achieved unachieved achievement, to the server 10.

[0037] The storage device 24 is a storage medium such as an SSD or HDD. Various information necessary for performance evaluation is stored in the storage device 24. For example, the storage device 24 stores vehicle information for vehicle 20. The storage device 24 also stores performance information 122 acquired from the server 10. Furthermore, the storage device 24 stores the user ID received from the controller 23, information on achieved and unachieved performances, and memory information related to when the unachieved performances were achieved, in association with each other. The storage device 24 may store various types of information for a predetermined period of time. That is, the stored information may be retained by the storage device 24 for a predetermined period of time after it is stored, and deleted after the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0038] The user terminal 30 comprises a communication device 31, a controller 32, a display unit 33, and an input unit 34. The user terminal 30 is, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet. Alternatively, the user terminal 30 may be a wearable device. Although not shown in the illustration, the user terminal 30 includes memory, storage devices, etc.

[0039] Communication device 31 has the same configuration as communication devices 11 and 21 and communicates with server 10 via the network. Communication device 31 receives detailed performance information from server 10 via the network.

[0040] The controller 32 is connected to the communication device 31, the display unit 33, and the input unit 34. The controller 32 receives information from the communication device 31 and the input unit 34, and outputs information from the controller 32 to the communication device 31 and the display unit 33. The controller 32 is a general-purpose microcomputer equipped with a CPU, memory, and input / output unit. The controller 32 displays the detailed performance information output from the server 10 on the display unit 33.

[0041] The display unit 33 displays detailed performance information and notifies the user. The input unit 34 receives user operations in response to various instructions from the user. For example, the input unit 34 receives user operations in response to notifications of detailed performance information displayed by the display unit 33.

[0042] [Example of performance evaluation] Referring to Figure 2, an example of a combination of information regarding performance and the vehicle 20 used for performance evaluation will be explained. The performance determination unit 232 acquires information on at least one of the following: vehicle information of vehicle 20, operating status of vehicle 20's functions, location, mileage, and outside temperature, and determines whether or not the unachieved achievement has been achieved based on the acquired information. The performance determination unit 232 acquires information on vehicle 20 necessary for performance determination from, for example, GPS receiver 25, driving sensor 26, and driving state determination unit 27. Depending on the type of unachieved achievement, the performance determination unit 232 makes a performance determination based on information on the progress of the achievement included in the performance information 122 acquired from server 10 and the acquired information on vehicle 20.

[0043] When the performance evaluation unit 232 evaluates whether an unachieved performance, such as "riding in a designated vehicle for the first time," has been achieved, it determines whether the unachieved performance has been achieved based on the vehicle information of the vehicle 20.

[0044] When the performance evaluation unit 232 evaluates an unachieved performance, such as "using a predetermined function for the first time," it determines whether the unachieved performance has been achieved based on the operating status of the predetermined function of the vehicle 20.

[0045] When the performance evaluation unit 232 evaluates whether an unachieved performance, such as "I went to XX prefecture for the first time," has been achieved, it determines whether the unachieved performance has been achieved based on the position of the vehicle 20.

[0046] When the performance determination unit 232 determines whether an unfulfilled achievement, such as "riding in a predetermined number of vehicle types cumulatively," has been achieved, it does so based on the vehicle information of vehicle 20. In this case, the performance determination unit 232 calculates the cumulative number of vehicle types the user has ridden in to date based on the vehicle information of vehicle 20 and the cumulative number of vehicle types the user has ridden in the past, which is included in the performance information obtained from the server 10, and determines whether the unfulfilled achievement has been achieved.

[0047] When the performance determination unit 232 makes a performance determination for an unachieved performance, such as "the predetermined function has been used a predetermined number of times in total," it determines whether the unachieved performance has been achieved based on the operating status of the predetermined function of the vehicle 20. In this case, the performance determination unit 232 calculates the cumulative number of times the user has used the predetermined function of the vehicle to date, based on the operating status of the predetermined function of the vehicle 20 and the cumulative number of times the user has used the predetermined function in the past, which is included in the performance information obtained from the server 10, and determines whether the unachieved performance has been achieved.

[0048] When the performance determination unit 232 determines whether an unachieved achievement, such as "driving a predetermined cumulative distance," has been achieved, it does so based on the mileage of the vehicle 20. In this case, the performance determination unit 232 calculates the cumulative mileage the user has driven to date based on the mileage of the vehicle 20 and the cumulative mileage the user has driven in the past, which is included in the performance information obtained from the server 10, and determines whether the unachieved achievement has been achieved.

[0049] When the performance determination unit 232 determines whether an unachieved achievement, such as "driving a predetermined cumulative distance in AD state," has been achieved, it does so based on the operating status of the predetermined functions of the vehicle 20 and the vehicle 20's mileage. In this case, the performance determination unit 232 calculates the cumulative mileage the user has driven in AD state to date based on the operating status of the predetermined functions of the vehicle 20, the vehicle 20's mileage, and the cumulative mileage the user has driven in AD state in the past, which is included in the performance information obtained from the server 10, and determines whether the unachieved achievement has been achieved.

[0050] When the performance evaluation unit 232 evaluates whether an unachieved performance, such as "the vehicle was driven when the outside temperature was at a predetermined temperature," has been achieved, it determines whether the unachieved performance has been achieved based on the outside temperature of the vehicle 20.

[0051] [Examples of memorable information] Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example of a combination of achievements and memory information will be described. The memory information storage unit 233 stores, for example, at least one of the following as memory information: the location of the vehicle 20 when the unachieved achievement was achieved, the distance traveled, the date and time, and the image data captured by the imaging device mounted on the vehicle.

[0052] If the memory information storage unit 233 achieves the unfulfilled objective of "riding in a designated vehicle type for the first time," it stores the vehicle information of vehicle 20 and the date and time when the unfulfilled objective was achieved as memory information.

[0053] If the unfulfilled achievement of "using a predetermined function for the first time" is achieved, the memory information storage unit 233 stores the date and time when the unfulfilled achievement was achieved, the location of the vehicle 20, and the image data captured by the in-vehicle camera 29 as memory information.

[0054] If an unfulfilled achievement, such as "I went to XX prefecture for the first time," is achieved, the memory information storage unit 233 stores the date and time the achievement was achieved, the location of the vehicle 20, and the image data captured by the external camera 28 as memory information.

[0055] If the memory information storage unit 233 achieves the unfulfilled achievement of "riding a predetermined number of vehicle types in total," it stores the vehicle information of vehicle 20 and the date and time when the unfulfilled achievement was achieved as memory information.

[0056] If the memory information storage unit 233 finds that the unfulfilled achievement of "using a predetermined function a predetermined number of times cumulatively" has been achieved, it stores the date and time when the unfulfilled achievement was achieved, the location of the vehicle 20, and the image data captured by the in-vehicle camera 29 as memory information.

[0057] If the unfulfilled achievement of "driving a predetermined cumulative distance" is achieved, the memory information storage unit 233 stores the date and time when the unfulfilled achievement was achieved, the location of the vehicle 20, the distance traveled, and the image data captured by the external camera 28 as memory information.

[0058] If the unfulfilled achievement, "driving a predetermined cumulative distance while in AD state," is achieved, the memory information storage unit 233 stores the date and time when the unfulfilled achievement was achieved, the location of the vehicle 20, the distance traveled, and the image data captured by the external camera 28 as memory information.

[0059] If the unfulfilled achievement, "the vehicle was driven when the outside temperature was at a predetermined temperature," is achieved, the memory information storage unit 233 stores the date and time when the unfulfilled achievement was achieved, the location of the vehicle 20, the image data captured by the external camera 28, and the outside temperature as memory information.

[0060] As shown in the example in Figure 3, the memory information storage unit 233 may select at least one imaging device from among multiple imaging devices mounted on the vehicle based on the type of unfulfilled achievement achieved, and store the image data captured by the selected imaging device when the unfulfilled achievement was achieved as memory information. In this case, the memory information storage unit 233 associates the user ID, the information on the unfulfilled achievement achieved, and the image data captured by the selected imaging device when the unfulfilled achievement was achieved, and stores them in the storage device 12. Furthermore, the image data captured by multiple imaging devices may be images or videos. The memory information storage unit 233 may select the type of image data (image or video) captured by the imaging device based on the type of unfulfilled achievement achieved.

[0061] [Example of information management device operation] Next, an example of the operation of the information management device 1 will be explained with reference to the sequence charts in Figures 4 and 5. In Figure 4, "touch point" refers to the on-board HMI 22 or user terminal 30 of the vehicle 20. In Figure 5, the sensors for performance determination refer to the GPS receiver 25, the driving sensor 26, and the driving state determination unit 27.

[0062] In step S101 of Figure 4, the user boards the vehicle 20 and enters login information into the in-vehicle HMI 22. The user may enter the login information into the in-vehicle HMI 22 by performing an input operation on the operation buttons or touch panel, or the user may be authenticated using a fingerprint sensor for fingerprint authentication or a camera for user facial recognition, and then enter the login information into the in-vehicle HMI 22.

[0063] The process proceeds to step S102, where the in-vehicle HMI 22 obtains the login information entered by the user. The in-vehicle HMI 22 transmits the obtained login information to the controller 23 of the vehicle 20.

[0064] The process proceeds to step S103, where the ID identification unit 231 receives the login information acquired by the in-vehicle HMI 22, queries it against the user information 121 on the server 10, and identifies the user ID. The ID identification unit 231 then transmits information indicating the identified user ID to the server 10.

[0065] The process proceeds to step S104, where the server 10 receives information indicating the user ID identified by the ID identification unit 231. The server 10 identifies the latest performance information 122 corresponding to the received user ID from the information stored in the storage device 12. The server 10 transmits the identified latest performance information 122 to the vehicle 20.

[0066] The process proceeds to step S105, where the performance determination unit 232 obtains the latest performance information 122 for the user corresponding to the user ID identified by the ID identification unit 231 from the server 10. The process proceeds to step S106, where the performance determination unit 232 identifies the user's unfulfilled performance based on the obtained latest performance information 122.

[0067] The process proceeds to step S107, where the performance determination unit 232 acquires information about the vehicle 20 necessary for determining whether the unachieved performance has been achieved. The performance determination unit 232 acquires information about the vehicle 20 necessary for determining whether the unachieved performance has been achieved from the performance determination sensors. At timing T1 in Figure 5, the performance determination sensors transmit information about the vehicle 20 necessary for determining the performance to the performance determination unit 232. The process proceeds to step S108 in Figure 4, where the performance determination unit 232 makes a performance determination based on the acquired information about the vehicle 20 to determine whether the unachieved performance has been achieved. If it is determined that the unachieved performance has been achieved (YES in step S109), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the unachieved performance has not been achieved (NO in step S109), the process returns to step S107.

[0068] In step S110, the performance determination unit 232 outputs to the user the type of unachieved achievement that was achieved while the vehicle 20 was running, and performance achievement information indicating that the unachieved achievement was achieved. The performance determination unit 232 transmits the type of unachieved achievement that was achieved and the performance achievement information indicating that the unachieved achievement was achieved to the in-vehicle HMI 22.

[0069] In step S111, the in-vehicle HMI 22 receives achievement information from the achievement judgment unit 232. The in-vehicle HMI 22 notifies the user of the received achievement information. For example, the in-vehicle HMI 22 notifies the user of the achievement information by outputting the achievement information as voice from a speaker installed in the vehicle 20. The process proceeds to step S112, where the user receives the notification of achievement information from the in-vehicle HMI 22.

[0070] In step S113, the memory information storage unit 233 stores memory information about when an unachieved achievement was achieved, based on the type of unachieved achievement that was achieved. The memory information storage unit 233 selects the memory information to save based on the type of unachieved achievement that was achieved, and stores the selected memory information in the storage device 24. The memory information storage unit 233 stores the memory information about when an unachieved achievement was achieved in the storage device 24, associating it with the user ID and the information about the unachieved achievement that was achieved.

[0071] The memory information stored by the memory information storage unit 233 is pre-set based on the type of achievement. For example, the memory information stored when an unachieved achievement is achieved may include the date and time the achievement was achieved, the location of the vehicle 20, an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 29, and a video captured by the exterior camera 28. In this case, at timing T2 in Figure 5, the memory information storage unit 233 transmits signals requesting information to the vehicle 20's clock, GPS receiver 25, in-vehicle camera 29, and exterior camera 28, which are among the sensors used for recording memory information. In the example in Figure 5, the exterior camera 28 is assumed to be continuously recording video.

[0072] When the clock receives a signal requesting information from the memory information storage unit 233 at timing T2 in Figure 5, it transmits the current date and time to the memory information storage unit 233.

[0073] At timing T2 in Figure 5, when the GPS receiver 25 receives a signal requesting information from the memory information storage unit 233, it transmits the current location of the vehicle 20 to the memory information storage unit 233.

[0074] At timing T2 in Figure 5, when the in-vehicle camera 29 receives a signal requesting information from the memory information storage unit 233, it captures an image of the interior of the vehicle 20 and transmits the captured image to the memory information storage unit 233.

[0075] At timing T2 in Figure 5, when the external camera 28 receives a signal requesting information from the memory information storage unit 233, it saves video footage of the period before and after the time the information request signal was received, i.e., before and after the achievement of the unfulfilled objective, and transmits it to the memory information storage unit 233. The period before and after the achievement of the unfulfilled objective can be any video footage including the period before and after the time the information request signal was received, i.e., when the unfulfilled objective was achieved, and can be a video of several seconds to several minutes. The length of the video is not particularly limited.

[0076] At timing T3 in Figure 5, the memory information storage unit 233 stores the acquired memory information in the storage device 24, associating it with the user ID and information on achieved and unachieved results.

[0077] The process proceeds to step S114 in Figure 4, where the memory information storage unit 233 associates the user ID with the information of the achieved and unachieved results and the memory information from when the unachieved results were achieved, and sends it to the server 10.

[0078] The process proceeds to step S115, where the server 10 receives the user ID, information on achieved and unachieved results, and memory information about when the unachieved results were achieved. The server 10 updates the achievement information 122 and memory information 123 corresponding to the received user ID from the information stored in the storage device 12.

[0079] The process proceeds to step S116, where the server 10 generates detailed performance information about the achieved but unachieved achievements and the memory information related to when the unachieved achievement was achieved, based on the updated performance information 122 and memory information 123. The server 10 outputs the generated detailed performance information to the user. The server 10 sends the generated detailed performance information to the user terminal 30.

[0080] The process proceeds to step S117, where the user terminal 30 receives detailed performance information from the server 10. The user terminal 30 displays the detailed performance information and notifies the user. The process proceeds to step S118, where the user receives the notification of detailed performance information from the user terminal 30.

[0081] [Effects and Effects] As described above, the information management method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention uses a server that stores performance information for each user's identification ID, indicating whether or not the user has achieved pre-set conditions related to the vehicle. The user's identification ID is identified, and the user's performance information corresponding to the user's identification ID is obtained from the server. Unfulfilled conditions, which are conditions that the user has not achieved, are identified, and it is determined whether or not the unfulfilled conditions have been achieved based on the vehicle information linked to the identification ID. If it is determined that the unfulfilled conditions have been achieved, information regarding the circumstances at the time the unfulfilled conditions were achieved is output to the user as memory information, based on the type of unfulfilled conditions achieved. Furthermore, the pre-set conditions related to the vehicle that the user has achieved include at least one of using a predetermined function of the vehicle and the vehicle reaching a predetermined state.

[0082] This allows users to review records appropriate to the circumstances under which they achieved their goals. It can stimulate user interest in driving and vehicle functions. It reduces the burden on users to record and manage their own achievements. Furthermore, because achievement information and records appropriate to the circumstances under which achievements were achieved can be managed for each user's identification ID, even if a user changes vehicles, achievement information and memories can be continuously managed by linking them to the identification ID. This can foster a sense of attachment to the user's vehicle.

[0083] Furthermore, in the information management method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, at least one imaging device is selected from a plurality of imaging devices mounted on the vehicle based on the type of unachieved achievement, and the imaging data captured by the selected imaging device when the unachieved achievement is achieved is saved as memory information. By selecting an imaging device appropriate to the situation in which the achievement was achieved, imaging data appropriate to the situation in which the achievement was achieved can be recorded, and the user can look back on the imaging data appropriate to the situation in which the achievement was achieved.

[0084] Furthermore, in the information management method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user's identification ID, information on achieved and unachieved results, and image data captured by the imaging device selected when the unachieved results were achieved are stored in association with each other. This makes it possible to manage information on achieved and unachieved results and image data captured by the imaging device selected when the unachieved results were achieved for each user's identification ID. Even if the user changes vehicles, the information on unachieved results and image data captured by the imaging device selected when the unachieved results were achieved can be continuously managed in association with the identification ID.

[0085] Furthermore, in the information management method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the memory information includes at least one of the following: the vehicle's location information, mileage, date and time, and image data captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, at the time the unachieved achievement was achieved. The user can look back on at least one of the following: the vehicle's location information, driving history, date and time, and image data captured by an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, at the time the unachieved achievement was achieved.

[0086] Furthermore, in the information management method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that an unachieved performance target has been achieved, information indicating that the unachieved performance target has been achieved is output to the user while the vehicle is in motion. The user can be notified in real time that an unachieved performance target has been achieved while the vehicle is in motion. This can further promote the user's interest in driving and the functions of the vehicle.

[0087] Furthermore, the information management method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention acquire the user's identification ID, information on achieved and unachieved results, and memory information, and update the achievement information and memory information corresponding to the user's identification ID. Detailed achievement information regarding achieved and unachieved results and memory information is generated, and after the vehicle's run is completed, the detailed achievement information is output to the user. The user can be notified of achieved and unachieved results, and records appropriate to the circumstances under which the unachieved results were achieved. This can further promote the user's reflection on memories.

[0088] Furthermore, the information management method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention acquire information on at least one of the following: vehicle information, operating status of vehicle functions, current location, mileage, and outside temperature, and determine whether or not unmet targets have been achieved based on the acquired information. Based on information about the vehicle, it is possible to determine whether or not unmet targets have been achieved, and to record and manage performance information related to the vehicle.

[0089] [Differentiation] Hereinafter, modifications of embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. The information management device 1 according to the above embodiment acquires information on at least one of the following: vehicle information of the vehicle 20, the operating status of the functions of the vehicle 20, the current location, the mileage, and the outside temperature, and determines whether or not the unachieved performance has been achieved based on the acquired information. The information management device 1 may further acquire maintenance information of the vehicle 20 linked to the user from a dedicated terminal installed at the dealer (hereinafter referred to as the dealer terminal), and determine whether or not the unachieved performance has been achieved based on the acquired maintenance information.

[0090] Referring to Figure 6, an example of the configuration of an information management device 1 according to a modified embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the information management device 1 according to a modified embodiment to which the present invention is applied includes a dealer terminal 40 in addition to the configuration in Figure 1. Although there is one dealer terminal in Figure 6, the information management device 1 is not limited to this. The information management device 1 may include two or more dealer terminals.

[0091] Furthermore, the server 10 of the information management device 1 in Figure 6 includes a controller 13. The communication device 11 of the server 10 communicates with the vehicle 20, user terminal 30, and dealer terminal 40 via the network.

[0092] The dealer terminal 40 is a computer comprising a communication device 41, a controller 42, an input unit 43, and a display unit 44. Although not shown in the diagram, the dealer terminal 40 also includes memory, storage devices, etc.

[0093] The communication device 41 has the same configuration as the communication devices 11, 21, and 31, and communicates with the server 10 via the network. It will be sent to [destination].

[0094] The input unit 43 receives various operations from the dealer's technicians. For example, by receiving input from the technicians, the input unit 43 obtains the user's login information and the user's vehicle 20 maintenance information. The maintenance information includes, for example, information about the history of maintenance performed by the user, such as vehicle inspections and tire changes, and information indicating that the user has referred an acquaintance to the dealer. In this case, the input unit 43 transmits the acquired login information and maintenance information to the controller 42.

[0095] The controller 42 is connected to the communication device 41, the input unit 43, and the display unit 44. Information from the communication device 41 and the input unit 43 is input to the controller 42, and information from the controller 42 is output to the communication device 41 and the display unit 44. The controller 42 is a general-purpose microcomputer equipped with a CPU, memory, and input / output unit.

[0096] The controller 42 associates the user's login information obtained by the input unit 43 with the user's vehicle 20 maintenance information and transmits it to the server 10. The user's login information and the user's vehicle 20 maintenance information are transmitted to the server 10 via the network by the communication device 41.

[0097] The display unit 44 displays detailed performance information transmitted from the server 10. The detailed performance information is received from the server 10 via the network by the communication device 41.

[0098] The controller 13 of server 10 is a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU, memory, input / output unit, etc. The controller 13 is connected to the communication device 11 and the storage device 12.

[0099] The controller 13 has a computer program installed that enables the functions of the information management device 1. By executing the computer program, the controller 13 functions as one of the multiple information processing circuits provided by the information management device 1.

[0100] Here, we show an example of realizing the multiple information processing circuits of the information management device 1 using software. However, it is also possible to configure the information processing circuits by preparing dedicated hardware to perform each of the information processing operations shown below. Alternatively, the multiple information processing circuits may be configured using separate hardware.

[0101] The controller 13 includes, as multiple information processing circuits, an ID identification unit 131 and a performance determination unit 132.

[0102] The ID identification unit 131 receives login information from the dealer terminal 40, and queries it against the user information 121 in the storage device 12 to identify the user ID.

[0103] The performance determination unit 132 obtains the latest performance information 122 for the user corresponding to the user ID identified by the ID identification unit 131. Based on the obtained latest performance information 122, the performance determination unit 132 identifies the user's unfulfilled maintenance performance. Based on the vehicle 20 maintenance information obtained from the dealer terminal 40, the performance determination unit 132 determines whether or not the identified unfulfilled performance has been achieved.

[0104] If the performance determination unit 132 determines that an unachieved performance has been achieved, it updates the performance information 122 for the corresponding user ID from the information stored in the storage device 12. Then, based on the updated performance information 122, it generates detailed performance information regarding the newly achieved unachieved performance. The server 10 outputs the generated detailed performance information to the user and the dealer. The server 10 transmits the generated detailed performance information to the user terminal 30 and the dealer terminal 40.

[0105] With the above configuration, the information management device 1 can determine whether or not the unachieved targets have been met based on the user's vehicle maintenance information, and can record and manage performance information related to vehicle maintenance. Users can review their maintenance performance, which can promote their attachment to their cars.

[0106] Each of the functions described in the embodiments above may be implemented by one or more processing circuits. These processing circuits may include programmed processors, electrical circuits, and even devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and circuit components arranged to perform the described functions.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described above in accordance with the embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible. The discussion and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0108] Of course, the present invention includes various embodiments and the like that are not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is determined solely by the inventive features relating to the claims that are reasonable based on the above description. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1 Information management device 10 servers 12 Storage device 20 vehicles 23 Controllers 231 ID identification part 232 Performance Evaluation Department 233 Memory Information Preservation Department 30 User terminals

Claims

1. An information management method using a server that stores performance information for each user identification ID, indicating whether or not the user has met pre-set conditions related to the vehicle, Identify the user's identification ID, From the server, obtain the user's performance information corresponding to the user's identification ID. Identify the unfulfilled performance, which is the condition that the user has not achieved. The maintenance information of the vehicle associated with the aforementioned user is obtained, Based on the vehicle information linked to the aforementioned identification ID and the acquired maintenance information, it is determined whether or not the unfulfilled performance targets have been achieved. When it is determined that the aforementioned unfulfilled achievement has been achieved, information regarding the circumstances at the time the unfulfilled achievement was achieved is output to the user as memory information, based on the type of unfulfilled achievement that was achieved. An information management method characterized by the following.

2. The aforementioned conditions include at least one of the following: the vehicle has used a predetermined function and the vehicle has reached a predetermined state. The information management method according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. Based on the type of unachieved performance, at least one imaging device is selected from among the multiple imaging devices mounted on the vehicle. The imaging data captured by the imaging device selected when the aforementioned unachieved performance is achieved is saved as the aforementioned memory information. The information management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

4. The user's identification ID, the information on the unfulfilled achievements, and the imaging data captured by the imaging device selected when the unfulfilled achievements were achieved are stored in association with each other. The information management method according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned memory information is The data includes at least one of the following: the location information of the vehicle at the time the aforementioned unfulfilled performance was achieved, the distance traveled, the date and time, and the image data captured by the imaging device mounted on the vehicle. The information management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

6. If it is determined that the aforementioned unachieved performance targets have been met, information indicating that the aforementioned unachieved performance targets have been met will be output to the user while the vehicle is in operation. The information management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

7. The user's identification ID, the information on the achievements that were not achieved, and the memory information are obtained. The performance information and memory information corresponding to the user's identification ID are updated. Detailed performance information regarding the achieved and unachieved results and the aforementioned memory information is generated. After the vehicle has finished running, the detailed performance information will be output to the user. The information management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

8. The system acquires information regarding at least one of the following: vehicle information of the vehicle, the operating status of the vehicle's functions, its current location, mileage, and outside temperature. Based on the information obtained, determine whether or not the unfulfilled performance targets have been achieved. The information management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

9. A server that stores performance information for each user identification ID, indicating whether or not the user has met pre-set conditions related to the vehicle, Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller, Identify the user's identification ID, From the server, obtain the user's performance information corresponding to the user's identification ID. Identify the unfulfilled performance, which is the condition that the user has not achieved. The maintenance information of the vehicle associated with the aforementioned user is obtained, Based on the vehicle information linked to the aforementioned identification ID and the acquired maintenance information, it is determined whether or not the unfulfilled performance targets have been achieved. When it is determined that the aforementioned unfulfilled achievement has been achieved, information regarding the circumstances at the time the unfulfilled achievement was achieved is output to the user as memory information, based on the type of unfulfilled achievement that was achieved. An information management device characterized by the following.

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