Information processing device

Abstract

To present merit of operation improvement to a user.SOLUTION: An information processing unit is provided with a control part which executes to acquire information concerning operation of a user, to perform operation diagnosis of a vehicle on the basis of acquired information, and to present saving amount of component cost of the vehicle on the basis of result of the operation diagnosis to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to detect a physical quantity that changes based on at least one of a vehicle's driving, steering, and braking, or a physical quantity that changes when a predetermined operating member is operated, and calculate a score for the driving operation based on the detected value (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of this disclosure is to provide a technique for presenting the merits of driving improvement to a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is acquiring information regarding a user's driving, performing a driving diagnosis of a vehicle based on the acquired information, presenting to the user the amount of savings in vehicle parts replacement based on the result of the driving diagnosis, and an information processing apparatus including a control unit that executes the above.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure is an information processing method executed by the above information processing apparatus, a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method, or a storage medium that stores the program non-temporarily.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide technology for presenting the benefits of improved driving to users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a detection information database. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a parts cost database. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for notifying users of the amount saved. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the results of a driving diagnostic presented to the user. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the price of a leased vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] With conventional driving diagnostic systems, it was sometimes difficult to understand the benefits to the user from improving their driving even after reviewing the diagnostic results.

[0010] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing device, includes a control unit that performs the following: acquiring information about the user's driving; performing a vehicle driving diagnosis based on the acquired information; and presenting the user with the amount of savings in vehicle parts costs based on the results of the driving diagnosis.

[0011] Driving diagnostics may include, for example, evaluating the frequency or degree of sudden braking, sudden acceleration, etc. Driving diagnostics may be performed, for example, based on the output values ​​of sensors installed in the vehicle. Vehicle parts costs include, for example, the cost of brake pads, tires, or batteries for electric or hybrid vehicles. Savings are expressed in monetary terms as the impact of favorable driving on the expected lifespan and replacement costs of parts under standard driving conditions. Costs incurred due to unfavorable driving (negative savings) may also be presented. Savings may be presented as a sum of multiple parts, or as a breakdown for each part. The information processing device may be a server that acquires and processes information from the vehicle, or it may be an in-vehicle device.

[0012] By expressing the impact of improving driving in monetary terms, users can more easily understand the benefits. This, in turn, motivates users to improve their driving and promotes safer driving. It also helps prevent users from becoming bored with using the driving diagnostics system and encourages continued use.

[0013] Furthermore, the system may include a memory unit that stores the relationship between the results of the driving diagnostics corresponding to multiple items and the amount of savings on vehicle parts costs. The control unit may then calculate the amount of savings based on this relationship and present it to the user. By pre-determining the relationship between the driving diagnostic results and the amount of savings, the amount of savings can be calculated quickly.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit may set a lease fee based on the amount saved if the vehicle is leased. Even in the case of leased vehicles, this can motivate the user to improve their driving.

[0015] Further, the control unit may present the amount of savings to the user for each trip. A trip is, for example, a series of drives from a departure point to a destination, and when it is determined that the destination set in the car navigation system has been reached, it may be determined that one trip has ended. Also, for example, when the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time or more, the trip may be divided, and when the accessory (ACC) power of the vehicle is turned off, it may be determined that one trip has ended. By providing the amount of savings to the user for each trip, the correlation between driving and the amount of savings becomes easier for the user to understand.

[0016] Further, the control unit may display the amount of savings on the user interface of the application that provides the results of the driving diagnosis. The results of the driving diagnosis perform a general analysis of driving and may include items that do not affect the calculation of the amount of savings for parts replacement. By presenting the amount of savings together with the results of the driving diagnosis, the user can be made aware that savings have been achieved as a result of using the driving diagnosis.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Also, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible.

[0018] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. The system 1 includes a vehicle 10, a user terminal 20, and a server 30. The system 1 is a system in which the server 30 performs a driving diagnosis and presents the amount of savings for parts replacement to the user based on information related to the driving of the vehicle 10. The amount of savings is displayed on the in-vehicle device 100 or the user terminal 20 of the vehicle 10.

[0019] The vehicle 10, the user terminal 20, and the server 30 are interconnected by the network N1. Note that the network N1 is, for example, a worldwide public communication network such as the Internet, and a WAN (Wide Area Network) or other communication networks may be adopted. Also, the network N1 may include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the vehicle 10 may be connected to the user terminal 20 via short-range wireless communication. In FIG. 1, one vehicle 10 is illustratively shown, but there may be a plurality of vehicles 10. Also, depending on the number of vehicles 10, there may be a plurality of users and user terminals 20. The user terminal 20 is a portable terminal possessed by the user. The user terminal 20 is associated with the vehicle 10 and registered in the server 30.

[0020] The server 30 has a computer configuration. The server 30 includes a processor 301, a storage unit 302, and a communication unit 303. These are interconnected by a bus.

[0021] The processor 301 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. The processor 301 controls the server 30 and performs various information processing operations. Note that the processor 301 is an example of a control unit. The functions of the processor 301 will be described later. The storage unit 302 includes main storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). Also, the storage unit 302 includes an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable medium, and other supplementary storage devices.

[0022] This includes auxiliary storage. The auxiliary storage stores the operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The processor 301 loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage into the working area of ​​the main memory and executes them, and the various components are controlled through the execution of these programs. In this way, the server 30 realizes functions that match the predetermined purpose. The storage unit 302 is a recording medium that can be read by a computer. The server 30 may be a single computer or a combination of multiple computers working together.

[0023] The communication unit 303 is a means for communicating with the vehicle 10 and the user terminal 20 via the network N1. The communication unit 303 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The LAN interface board and the wireless communication circuit are connected to the network N1.

[0024] The series of processes performed on server 30 can be executed by hardware, but they can also be executed by software.

[0025] Next, the user terminal 20 will be described. The user terminal 20 is a small computer such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, personal information terminal, wearable computer (smartwatch, etc.), or personal computer (PC). The user terminal 20 has a processor 201, a memory unit 202, an input unit 203, a display 204, and a communication unit 205. These are interconnected by a bus.

[0026] The processor 201 and memory unit 202 are the same as those of the server 30, so their description is omitted. The processor 201 of the user terminal 20 functions as a control unit. That is, the processor 201 controls the memory unit 202. The computer program executes the processing according to the embodiment. However, some of the processing of the control unit may be executed by hardware circuits. The user terminal 20 has application software installed that allows the user to refer to the results of the driving diagnosis, and the processor 201 may be configured to execute this software. Note that if the results of the driving diagnosis are to be made accessible by the in-vehicle device 100, the system 1 does not need to include the user terminal 20.

[0027] The input unit 203 is a means for receiving input operations performed by the user, such as a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, microphone, or push button. The display 204 is a means for presenting information to the user, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The input unit 203 and the display Play 204 may be configured as a single touch panel display.

[0028] The communication unit 205 is a means of communication for connecting the user terminal 20 to the network N1. The communication unit 205 can, for example, use mobile communication services (e.g., telephone communication networks such as 6G (6th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution)), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth. This is a circuit for communicating with other devices (e.g., vehicle 10 or server 30, etc.) via network N1 using a wireless communication network such as (registered trademark).

[0029] Next, the vehicle 10 will be described. The vehicle 10 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 100, which is a computer, and a group of sensors 41. These components are interconnected by a CAN bus, which is an in-vehicle network bus. Note that these components are not each a single module, but rather a combination of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or an in-vehicle communication device, etc. It would be fine if it were realized.

[0030] The in-vehicle device 100 has the configuration of a computer. The in-vehicle device 100 includes a processor 101, a storage unit 102, an input unit 103, a display 104, and a communication unit 105. These are interconnected by a bus. The processor 101, storage unit 102, input unit 103, display 104, and communication unit 105 are the same as those of the user terminal 20, so their description is omitted. The processor 101 of the in-vehicle device 100 functions as a control unit. That is, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle device 100 executes processing according to the embodiment using a computer program on the storage unit 102. However, some of the processing of the control unit may be executed by hardware circuits. The in-vehicle device 100 has application software installed that can refer to the results of driving diagnostics, and the processor 101 may be configured to execute this software. Furthermore, if the results of the driving diagnosis are to be accessible via the user terminal 20, the in-vehicle device 100 does not need to include the input unit 103 and the display 104, and the in-vehicle device 100 may also be an ECU with communication capabilities.

[0031] The sensor group 41 includes, for example, sensors for detecting the state of the vehicle 10 and sensors for detecting the driver's movements. The sensor group 41 also includes a wheel speed sensor or an accelerator pedal position sensor. Furthermore, the sensor group 41 may include, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a steering angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a turn signal switch sensor (a sensor for detecting the state of the turn signal switch), a shift position sensor, a location information sensor (GPS sensor), a brake switch, or a sensor for detecting when a system such as pre-collision safety has been activated. The processor 101 of the in-vehicle device 100 transmits information regarding each detected value of the sensor group 41 to the server 30 at predetermined time intervals or trip intervals. At this time, it may be transmitted as driving information along with the vehicle ID, location information, time information, etc.

[0032] Next, the functions of the server 30 will be described. The processor 301 of the server 30 functions as a control unit. That is, the processor 301 of the server 30 executes the processing according to the embodiment based on a computer program on the storage unit 302.

[0033] Figure 2 shows an example of a detection information DB 321 stored in the storage unit 302 of the server 30. Each DB stored in the storage unit 302 is, for example, a relational database. The DB may be normalized and stored in multiple tables, or denormalized and stored in a single table.

[0034] The processor 301 updates the detection information DB 321 when it detects a predetermined behavior in the driving information acquired from the vehicle 10. The detection information DB 321 has fields for vehicle ID, user ID, date and time of occurrence, location of occurrence, and behavior. Each record in the detection information DB 321 is generated each time a predetermined behavior is detected. The vehicle ID field contains identification information to uniquely identify the vehicle. The user ID field contains identification information to uniquely identify the user driving the vehicle. The date and time of occurrence field contains information about the date and time the predetermined behavior occurred. The location of occurrence field contains information about the location where the predetermined behavior occurred. This location can be determined, for example, using a satellite positioning system that measures position using signals transmitted from artificial satellites. The behavior field contains information about the detected behavior. The behavior may include information indicating the degree of, for example, sudden acceleration or sudden braking. Also, each field in the detection information DB 321 is just an example, and the user ID and location of occurrence may not be included.

[0035] The processor 301, for example, when it determines that a trip has ended in vehicle 10, calculates the amount of savings on vehicle parts costs and presents it to the user. The amount of savings is obtained using, for example, the parts cost DB 322 shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the parts cost DB 322 stored in the storage unit 302 of server 30. The parts cost DB 322 stores the relationship between the results of the diagnosis corresponding to multiple items of the driving diagnosis and the amount of savings on vehicle parts costs. The parts cost DB 322 has fields for condition, part, and amount. Each record in the parts cost DB 322 is assumed to be pre-registered. The condition field registers the conditions under which the savings amount changes, which are the results of the diagnosis. The condition may be the frequency of occurrence per mile of the behavior registered in the detection information DB 321 shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the condition may be a statistical quantity such as the average of the values ​​representing the degree of the behavior registered in the detection information DB 321. Alternatively, the condition may be the occurrence of the behavior itself, which is registered in the detection information DB 321. The parts field registers parts that are affected by wear and tear or deterioration when the conditions of each record are met. For example, rapid discharge due to sudden acceleration accelerates battery deterioration. Also, in electric vehicles in particular, sudden acceleration accelerates tire wear. Also, sudden braking accelerates brake pad wear. In the example in Figure 3, batteries, tires, and brake pads are shown as examples, but it is not necessary to calculate the amount of savings for at least some of these, or the amount of savings for other parts may be calculated. The amount field registers information that represents the magnitude of the change in the amount of savings when the conditions of each record are met. Note that in the example in Figure 3, the amount saved is represented by a negative value. For example, based on the lifespan of the parts and the unit price of the parts when a standard driving condition is met, the change in part costs (amount of savings or increased cost) corresponding to the lifespan of the parts that is extended or shortened when the driving diagnosis results meet predetermined conditions can be calculated in advance. In calculating the amount of savings, the change in amount may be calculated by accumulating the amounts registered in the parts amount DB each time the conditions are met. Furthermore, the amount may be calculated based on the distance traveled without detecting a predetermined behavior. Alternatively, the amount may be calculated based on a predetermined statistical quantity and the distance traveled.Furthermore, since the amount saved may differ for each product, even for tires, it is possible to create a separate record for each product identification in the parts cost DB322. In this case, the identification information of the parts installed in each vehicle 10 is registered, and the corresponding record is retrieved from the parts cost DB according to the part identification information.

[0036] The processor 301 can calculate, for example, the amount of parts saved in a single trip, based on the information stored in the detection information DB321 in Figure 2 and the parts amount DB322 in Figure 3.

[0037] <Notification of savings amount> Next, the processes executed by the server 30 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of the savings amount notification process. The processes in Figure 4 are executed continuously by the server 30. First, the processor 301 of the server 30 determines whether new driving information has been acquired (Figure 4: S1). In this step, a positive determination is made if driving information is received from the vehicle 10 via the network N1 and the communication unit 303. If driving information is received via the communication unit 303, the processor 301 stores the driving information in the storage unit 302. If it is determined that no new driving information has been acquired from the vehicle 10 (S1: NO), the process proceeds to S3.

[0038] On the other hand, if it is determined that new driving information has been acquired from the vehicle 10 (S1: YES), the processor 301 extracts predetermined behaviors from the driving information (Figure 4: S2). In this step, for example, sudden acceleration and sudden braking are extracted. Sudden acceleration and sudden braking can be determined to have occurred when, for example, a measured value of wheel speed or a measured value of accelerator opening, or a value based on these, exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold. In this step, for example, information such as that shown in the detection information DB321 in Figure 2 is extracted.

[0039] The processor 301 also determines whether a trip has ended (Figure 4: S3). For example, it may determine that a trip has ended when it receives information from the vehicle 10 indicating that it has arrived at a destination set in the vehicle's car navigation system. Alternatively, it may determine that a trip has ended when it does not receive driving information from the vehicle 10 for a predetermined period of time (i.e., when the vehicle is stopped for a predetermined time). It may also determine that a trip has ended when the vehicle's accessory power is turned off. Furthermore, if the vehicle 10 transmits driving information all at once at the end of a trip, it may determine that a trip has ended when it determines in S1 that it has received the driving information. If it is determined that a trip has not ended (S3: NO), the process shown in Figure 4 is terminated.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined that a trip has ended (S3:YES), the amount of parts saved is calculated (Figure 4:S4). In this step, for example, based on the behavior that occurred during the period of a trip, the amounts registered in the amount field are added up if the requirements registered in the condition field of the parts amount DB322 are met. Note that the amount saved may be calculated for each part.

[0041] Furthermore, the processor 301 creates and transmits the results of the driving diagnosis (Figure 4: S5). The information showing the results of the driving diagnosis includes the amount of savings in parts costs. In this step, the processor 301 creates information to be presented to the user via the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 100 and transmits it to the user terminal 20 or the in-vehicle device 100 via the network N1. Then, the process shown in Figure 4 is completed.

[0042] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the results of a driving diagnosis presented to the user. For example, the display 204 of the user terminal 20 includes the amount of savings on parts costs 241, a graph 242 representing the savings, a breakdown of the savings by part 243, and a history 244 of the behaviors affecting the savings. Note that all information except the amount of savings on parts costs 241 does not necessarily have to be presented. Also, the amount of savings on parts costs 241 may include not only the savings for the current trip but also the cumulative savings for the current month. Graph 242 shows the savings for the most recent predetermined number of trips (Figure 5). The bar graph may include the cumulative amount of savings for the current month (line graph in Figure 5) and the cumulative amount of savings for the previous month (dashed line in Figure 5). Even if the amount of savings for a single trip is relatively small, the cumulative amount makes it easier to feel the effect of driving improvements. Figure 5 is a user interface for an application that provides the results of a driving diagnosis, and may display a history 244 of behaviors that affect the amount of savings. In S5 of Figure 4, information is transmitted to display a screen such as the one shown in Figure 5.

[0043] <Effects> As explained above, this embodiment allows the user to see the benefits of improved driving performance through the amount saved on parts costs. Because the effects are easy for the user to understand, it can promote improvements in driving performance.

[0044] <Second Embodiment> Vehicle 10 may be a leased vehicle. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining the lease fee for a leased vehicle. The processor 301 of the server 30 may set a lease fee according to the amount of savings if vehicle 10 is a leased vehicle. The processor 301 reads the behavior of vehicle 10 for a predetermined period from the detection information DB 321 (Figure 6: S11). For example, when renewing a lease contract, the behavior during past contract periods may be read. Alternatively, the monthly fee for the following month may be changed based on the behavior of the previous month. The processor 301 also determines the lease fee according to the diagnostic results for a predetermined period (Figure 6: S12). In this step, for example, based on a predetermined fee structure, the larger the amount of savings on parts costs, the lower the lease fee. According to this embodiment, it is possible to motivate the user of the leased vehicle to improve their driving.

[0045] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise. Furthermore, processes described as being performed by one device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0046] For example, the in-vehicle device 100 of the vehicle 10 may have some or all of the functions of the server 30. That is, the in-vehicle device 100 may perform driving diagnostics and calculate the amount of savings on parts costs. Also, the results of the driving diagnostics shown in Figure 5 may be displayed on the display 104 of the in-vehicle device 100 instead of the display 204 of the user terminal 20.

[0047] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage mediums include, for example, any type of disk such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 System, 10 Vehicles, 20 User Terminals, 30 Servers, 301 Processor (Control Unit), 302 Storage Unit, 303 Communication Unit

Claims

1. To acquire information regarding the user's driving from a vehicle driven by the user at predetermined intervals, The vehicle receives information from the vehicle indicating that it has arrived at the destination set in the vehicle's car navigation system. When information is received indicating that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the vehicle's driving diagnosis is performed based on the acquired driving information for the trip, which is a series of drives from the vehicle's departure point to the destination. To present to the user the amount of savings in parts costs for the vehicle based on the results of the aforementioned driving diagnosis, It includes a control unit that performs the following: The control unit is an information processing device that presents the user with the amount saved for each trip.

2. The system includes a storage unit that stores the relationship between the results of the diagnosis corresponding to multiple items of the aforementioned driving diagnosis and the amount of savings in the cost of parts for the vehicle. The control unit calculates the amount of savings based on the relationship and presents it to the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit sets a lease fee corresponding to the amount saved if the vehicle is a leased vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control unit displays the savings amount on the user interface of the application that provides the results of the driving diagnosis. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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