Intermediary device for driving schools, driving school system, and driving school program

Abstract

To assist students in selecting driving schools.SOLUTION: In a driving school system, a mediation device includes: first response means that accepts learning information from a plurality of terminals for driving school and assigns a chat ID for driving school; first storage means that stores each accepted learning information and each chat ID for driving school assigned by the first response means; second response means that accepts a driving school selection condition from a terminal of a user who wants to select a driving school and assigns a chat ID for user; second storage means that stores the accepted selection condition and the chat ID for user assigned by the second response means; read-out means that reads out from a storage part the chat ID for driving school and the chat ID for user stored in association with the learning information that satisfies the selection condition stored in the second storage means in the learning information stored in the first storage means; and setting means that sets the read-out chat ID for driving school and the chat ID for user to a chat server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intermediary device for driving schools, a driving school system, and a program for driving schools, and particularly to an intermediary device for driving schools, a driving school system, and a program for driving schools that assist in selecting a driving school for a user who will be a trainee.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses "a teaching support device for a teaching system that arbitrarily selects a teaching course from a teaching schedule presented by a driving school and completes a predetermined teaching course, the teaching support device comprising: a teaching schedule file that holds teaching schedules at a plurality of driving schools; a driving school selection input unit for designating one of the plurality of driving schools; a course restriction input unit for inputting course restriction items for a trainee; reading out the teaching schedule for the driving school designated by the driving school selection input unit from the teaching schedule file, referring to the read teaching schedule, and creating a study schedule until the trainee completes the predetermined teaching course while taking into account the course restriction items input from the course restriction input unit; and an output unit for outputting the study schedule created by the schedule creation unit."

[0003] According to this teaching support device, "it is possible to instantaneously create an optimal study schedule considering the study conditions of the trainee, and to grasp the study schedule when the trainee enters each driving school in advance. Therefore, the support for the trainee's selection of a driving school can be made specific, and the service for the trainee can be improved."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

[0005] However, the training support device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can assist trainees in selecting a driving school, but it only allows them to specify one of several driving schools and then creates a training schedule from the training schedule of that school. It does not actually select a driving school that matches the needs of the user who will become a trainee in the first place.

[0006] Although legal revisions have been made to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to provide services that meet the needs of students, such as allowing online lessons at driving schools, the current situation is that these measures are not sufficient to adequately meet the diverse needs of users who become driving school students.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide support to users who will become driving school students in selecting a driving school, taking into account recent legal revisions concerning driving schools. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an intermediary device for driving schools. A first reception means for receiving training information transmitted from each of the training terminals of multiple driving schools, including at least information indicating the type of license (commuter / intensive course) and whether it is possible to take the first stage of training and the second stage of training separately, A second reception means that receives selection criteria for a driving school, including at least whether or not the user wishes to take the aforementioned distanced course, transmitted from the user terminal of a user who wishes to take driving lessons, A means for identifying the driving school that transmitted the training information that satisfies the selection criteria received by the second reception means, from among the training information received by the first reception means, A connecting means for linking the driving school identified by the aforementioned identifying means with the user, It is equipped with.

[0009] Furthermore, the second receiving means also receives user information including at least the user's name, address, and contact information. When a course contract is concluded between the driving school and the user, which are connected by the aforementioned connecting means, the system may also include a transmission means for transmitting the user information received by the second receiving means to the driving school's terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, the selection criteria may include at least the desired start / end dates for the course.

[0011] Furthermore, a first assignment means for assigning a driving school chat ID to each of the aforementioned driving schools, A first storage means stores in a storage medium the training information received by the first reception means and the chat ID for each training school assigned by the first assignment means, A second assignment means for assigning a user chat ID to the aforementioned user, A second storage means stores in a storage medium the selection criteria received by the second receiving means and the user chat ID assigned by the second assignment means in association with each other. A reading means for reading the driving school chat ID and the user chat ID of the driving school identified by the aforementioned identification means from the storage medium, A setting means that sets the driving school chat ID and user chat ID read by the aforementioned reading means into the chat server, It can also be equipped with this feature.

[0012] Furthermore, the driving school system of the present invention is The above-mentioned intermediary device for driving schools, A user terminal that transmits the selection conditions to the aforementioned intermediary device for driving schools, A driving school terminal that transmits the training information to the aforementioned intermediary device for driving schools, It is equipped with.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention's program for driving schools is A step of receiving training information transmitted from each training terminal of multiple driving schools, including at least the type of license (commuter / intensive course), and information indicating whether it is possible to take the first stage of training and the second stage of training separately, A selection criteria for a driving school, including at least whether or not the user wishes to take the aforementioned distanced course, transmitted from the user terminal of a user who wishes to take driving lessons, and a step of accepting such criteria, The steps include identifying the driving school that sent the training information that satisfies the selection criteria from among the aforementioned training information, The steps include connecting the identified driving school with the user, This is to be executed by an intermediary device for driving schools. Embodiment of the invention

[0014] The following description will use an embodiment of the present invention, specifically a driving school system, as an example, with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0015] (Structure description) Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a driving school system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a user terminal 100, a driving school terminal 200, a storage medium 300, an intermediary device 400, a chat server 500, and a network 600, which will be described below. In Figure 1, one user terminal 100 and one driving school terminal 200 are each connected to the network 600, but in reality, multiple units of each are connected.

[0016] User terminal 100 is a general term for devices operated by a user who wants to select a driving school, such as a smartphone, personal computer, tablet device, PDA, or mobile phone. User terminal 100 transmits user information such as the user's name, address, and contact information, as well as the user's desired criteria for selecting a driving school, to the intermediary device 400. The user terminal 100 is then connected to the driving school's terminal 200, which is mediated by the intermediary device 400, via a chat connection through the chat server 500.

[0017] Therefore, by operating the user terminal 100, the user can determine whether to enroll in that driving school, that is, whether the training contract is concluded, through a chat with the person in charge of the driving school who operates the training school terminal 200 linked by the mediation device 400.

[0018] Note that it should be noted that chat is not essential when linking the user terminal 100 and the training school terminal 200. As another linking mode, including the previous premise, for example, a web page including an input area for user information and a selection area for selection conditions is sent to the user terminal 100, and the information input or selected by the user through the web page is sent from the user terminal 100 to the mediation device 400. The mediation device 400 identifies the driving school that has sent the training information that meets the selection conditions among each training information, and the training information of the driving school is sent from the mediation device 400 to the user terminal 100. If there is an indication of the intention to apply from the user, the user information is transferred from the mediation device 400 to the training school terminal 200 of that driving school. Such things are also conceivable.

[0019] Here, the "selection conditions" include, for example, the so-called difference between commuting permit / accommodation permit, vehicle type (difference between ordinary motor vehicles (further divided into manual vehicles / automatic vehicles), difference between ordinary two-wheeled vehicles, etc.), the desired area of the driving school, the presence or absence of pick-up and drop-off services, the desired start date of the first stage and / or the second stage of training, the desired end date of the first stage and / or the second stage of training (graduation desired date), the range of training fees, the conditions of the accommodation room, information indicating the presence or absence of the desire for separated lectures of the first stage of training and the second stage of training, etc.

[0020] Furthermore, the user terminal 100 can also view recorded data of classroom instruction transmitted from the driving school terminal 200 at the student's enrollment location. The user terminal 100 is not limited to these, as long as it has a computing function to perform the necessary processing for these tasks, and a communication function to perform the necessary processing for sending and receiving various data or information between the driving school terminal 200, the intermediary device 400, and the chat server 500. In this embodiment, a smartphone 100 will be mainly used as an example of the user terminal 100.

[0021] The driving school terminal 200 is a general term for personal computers, tablet devices, etc., operated by, for example, staff at a driving school. The driving school terminal 200 transmits the driving school's training information to the intermediary device 400. The driving school terminal 200 transmits this training information to the intermediary device 400, and is then connected to the user terminal 100, which is mediated by the intermediary device 400, via a chat connection or the like through the chat server 500.

[0022] Therefore, by operating the driving school terminal 200, the staff member of the driving school can encourage enrollment by promoting their school through chat with the user operating the user terminal 100. In particular, if the user wishes to take the first and second stages of training separately, this can also be used as a selling point.

[0023] Here, "training information" includes, for example, whether it is a regular driving school or a residential driving school, the type of vehicle (regular car (and further, manual or automatic), regular motorcycle, etc.), the desired area of ​​the driving school, whether or not a pick-up and drop-off service is available, the desired start date for the first and / or second stage of training, the desired end date for the first and / or second stage of training (desired graduation date), the range of training fees, the conditions of the residential room, and information indicating whether it is possible to take the first and second stage training separately.

[0024] Furthermore, the driving school terminal 200 provides various services related to driving school instruction to students via smartphone 100, such as by transmitting recorded data of classroom instruction stored on the storage medium 300.

[0025] The storage medium 300 stores various information and data necessary to provide various services related to driving instruction at a driving school to students. The items to be stored in the storage medium 300 include (1) selection criteria and corresponding user chat IDs, (2) instruction information and corresponding driving school chat IDs, (3) recommended standard information, (4) student information, and (5) recorded data and corresponding question data.

[0026] Furthermore, the storage medium 300 does not need to be a single physical unit; there may be multiple storage mediums 300, such as physically storing some of (1) to (5) separately, or each of (1) to (5) may be logically divided and stored in one or more storage mediums 300.

[0027] However, it is convenient to provide a first storage medium attached to the intermediary device 400 for storing the items to be stored on the (1) to (2) sides, and a second storage medium attached to the driving school terminal 200 for storing the items to be stored on the (3) to (5) sides. The first and second storage media can also be built into the intermediary device 400 and the driving school terminal 200.

[0028] (1) As previously described, the selection criteria include conditions such as whether the user is enrolled in a regular school or a residential driving course, and are stored in association with the user chat ID assigned by the intermediary device 400. The user chat ID can also be used in conjunction with the login ID for the intermediary device 400 that is assigned to each user in order to use the services provided by the intermediary device 400 according to this embodiment.

[0029] (2) As previously described, the training information is information provided by the driving school, such as whether it is a regular course or a residential course, and is stored in association with the driving school's chat ID assigned by the intermediary device 400.

[0030] (3) Recommended standards information refers to information indicating the recommended standards for classroom instruction that is preferable to take depending on the progress of practical training. Recommended standards information is created for the first stage and the second stage. The recommended standards information will be described in more detail later using Figure 4.

[0031] (4) Trainee information refers to information such as the trainee's name, address, telephone number and other contact information, a set of a trainee's login ID and password assigned to the trainee to use the services provided by the training terminal 200 according to this embodiment, one or more facial images of each trainee, each trainee's history of attending classroom and practical driving lessons, including the test results of the tests described below, each trainee's image data and the associated judgment results at the time of login. This information is stored linked together for each trainee.

[0032] (5) Recorded data refers to some of the recorded data from multiple classroom lessons, and typically refers to recorded data for classroom lessons that are not required by law to be attended in person in a classroom setting. In this embodiment, multiple instructors may be in charge of the same classroom lesson, and in that case, the recorded data of those lectures is stored in a manner that allows for the identification of each instructor who gave the lecture. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to improve the efficiency of online learning for foreign students, the content of the lectures given by the instructors, specifically the points made during the lectures, is translated into English or other languages ​​to create subtitles / interpreted audio data, which can then be superimposed onto the recorded data and played back.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each recorded data is composed of multiple frame data. The number of frame data per lesson and the playback time of each frame data are arbitrary, but as an example, if the lesson time for one lesson is 50 minutes or more, the lecture can be recorded with approximately 17 minutes of playback time x 3 frames.

[0034] The question data is sent to the trainee after the playback of the designated frame data is complete. The question data may be sent after all frame data has been played, after some frame data has been played, or not sent after the last frame data to be played has been played; various transmission methods are possible.

[0035] The question data could, for example, consist of a set of questions created by, for instance, a driving instructor based on the content of the relevant lesson data, and multiple answer choices that mix true and false, for the purpose of confirming the level of understanding of the content of that lesson data. However, instead of answer choices, students could also be asked to answer using free-word responses.

[0036] Alternatively, the question data could be specifically designed to deter fraudulent participation by trainees, for example, consisting of simple math problems or questions like "What color is displayed on the screen?", paired with multiple answer choices that mix true and false. However, instead of answer choices, trainees could also be asked to answer using free-form text.

[0037] Furthermore, the question data may include a mix of questions intended to confirm the level of understanding of the content of the relevant lesson data and questions intended to deter fraudulent participation, or even questions intended for other purposes unrelated to these.

[0038] Generally, the larger the size of a driving school, the more driving instructors there are, but the level of skill maturity varies depending on the instructor's experience. Also, for students, compatibility with their instructor may be a factor. Therefore, if it were possible to select, for example, the driving instructor in charge of "classroom instruction," there would be advantages such as improving the learning effectiveness of classroom instruction and improving the student's motivation. Accordingly, in this embodiment, each recorded data is stored in a manner that allows the driving instructor in charge to be identified, so that students can select their instructor.

[0039] The intermediary device 400 is, for example, a server-type computer managed by the administrator of the driving school system in this embodiment. The intermediary device 400 receives user selection criteria transmitted from each user terminal 100, receives driving school training information transmitted from each driving school terminal 200, compares them to identify the driving school that transmitted training information that satisfies the selection criteria, and mediates between that driving school terminal 200 and the user terminal 100 via the network 600.

[0040] Furthermore, the intermediary device 400 assigns a user chat ID to the user associated with the user terminal 100 and assigns a driving school chat ID to the driving school associated with the driving school terminal 200. The intermediary device 400 sets the user chat ID and driving school chat ID related to the intermediary target in the chat server 500.

[0041] The chat server 500 provides chat services to the corresponding user and the driving school staff member using the user chat ID and driving school chat ID set by the intermediary device 400.

[0042] Network 600 is a general term for various networks, including the internet and mobile phone networks. Network 600 also includes wireless networks such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as local area networks established locally in various locations, including within driving schools.

[0043] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal (smartphone) 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the transmission means 110, the receiving means 120, the reservation means 130, the reply means 140, the playback means 150, the imaging means 160, and the cancellation means 170, which will be described below. The functions realized by each of these means 110 to 170 may be realized, for example, by a program executed using the CPU and memory of the smartphone 100.

[0044] The transmission means 110 transmits user information, including the selection criteria described above, the user's name, address, telephone number, and other contact information, to the intermediary device 400, and transmits various data and information, including those listed below, to the driving school terminal 200. Furthermore, if the user information transmitted to the intermediary device 400 is forwarded to the driving school terminal 200 of the driving school selected by the user and used as student information, the user does not need to transmit that information again to the driving school terminal 200.

[0045] When the transmission means 110 transmits various information and data to the driving school terminal 200, it adds the driving school login ID assigned to the student to the target of transmission and sends it to the driving school terminal 200. In other words, in this case, the driving school login ID indicates the source of the transmission.

[0046] The data to be transmitted to the driving school terminal 200, in line with a typical timeline of use of the driving school system of this embodiment, includes, for example, the driving school login ID and password entered when logging into the driving school system, a request for the distribution of recorded data for the classroom instruction that the student wishes to take online, information indicating that playback of the frame data has been completed by the playback means 150, the student's response data to subsequent question data, image data, and confirmation of receipt of recommended information for classroom instruction.

[0047] Furthermore, this recorded data also includes information specified based on recommendations that identify the theoretical lessons that should be recommended for the trainee, based on the trainee's progress in practical driving lessons. This recommendation information typically indicates the theoretical lesson that the trainee is recommended to take next. This image data may consist of two or more still images, one or more video images, or a combination thereof.

[0048] Furthermore, since recorded data often has an expiration date for completion, in such cases, recorded data with an approaching deadline is also included as recommended information. By monitoring the completion deadline for each student, and, for example, when the deadline approaches 10 days away, the student is notified of the information identifying such recorded data and encouraged to complete it, thereby enabling the student to smoothly complete the recorded data necessary for the driving school's graduation test, etc.

[0049] The receiving means 120 receives various data and information, including the user chat ID transmitted from the intermediary device 400 and the following items transmitted from the driving school terminal 200. The items to be received from the driving school terminal 200 are annotated with the driving school login ID assigned to the student. In other words, in this case, the driving school login ID indicates the recipient.

[0050] Examples of data that can be received from the driving school terminal 200, in line with a typical timeline of use of the driving school system of this embodiment, include, for example, recommended information for classroom instruction, recorded data for classroom instruction, question data, and requests for transmission of image data, all of which are transmitted from the driving school terminal 200.

[0051] The reservation method 130 makes reservations for the classroom instruction sessions that are not available online, those that the student wishes to attend in person, and practical driving lessons via the driving school terminal 200. The reservation method 130 sends information indicating the date and time specified by the student, along with the driving school login ID assigned to that student, to the driving school terminal 200.

[0052] The response means 140 provides answers to questions in the test question data that will be executed by the execution means 250, which will be described later. The response means 140 adds the driving school login ID assigned to the trainee to the answer entered or selected by the trainee and sends it to the driving school terminal 200.

[0053] The playback means 150 plays back the recorded data and question data received by the receiving means 120. In this embodiment, since the recorded data consists of multiple frame data, the playback means 150 plays back these frame data sequentially, and also plays back the question data after playing back a predetermined number of frame data.

[0054] While the playback format of the recorded data is not specified, it is generally preferable to use a streaming format, as it is undesirable for the recorded data to be leaked externally. This prevents external leakage because the recorded data will not be stored on the smartphone 100. Furthermore, using an HTTP streaming format is preferable because the recorded data can be played back using the playback player that is standard on the smartphone 100.

[0055] The imaging means 160 captures images of the student while the playback means 150 is playing back the recorded data. From a hardware perspective, the imaging means 160 can be implemented, for example, by at least a camera mounted on or connected to the user terminal 100 and a memory for storing the data captured by the camera.

[0056] The imaging means 160 may, for example, perform imaging to obtain still image data 5 to 100 times (e.g., 50 times) per time period at regular or irregular intervals, and / or perform imaging to obtain video data 1 to 30 times (e.g., 5 seconds x 5 times) over a period of approximately 3 seconds to 50 minutes per time period. Furthermore, for example, imaging may be performed after the completion of playback of frame data or question data and before the start of playback of the next frame data.

[0057] The image data may be transmitted to the driving school terminal 200 without editing, but in the case of video data, for example, it may be transmitted after being extracted as multiple still image data or one or more low-capacity video data using processing means (not shown) as needed.

[0058] The cancellation means 170 cancels the playback of the next frame data to be played if the trainee does not respond to the question data within the response deadline. This response deadline can be, for example, 30 seconds to 2 minutes after the completion of playback of the previously played frame data or the start of playback of the question data (the interval between these is usually less than 1 second, so in this specification, "completion of playback of frame data" may also refer to the "start of playback of the question data" immediately following).

[0059] The cancellation means 170 is equipped with a timer that times out, for example, after 30 seconds to 2 minutes have elapsed, in order to measure this time, and the timer is turned on when it detects that the playback of the frame data has finished.

[0060] If a lesson is cancelled, the transmission means 110 sends information indicating the cancellation to the driving school terminal 200 so that the student can retake the lesson. Upon receiving this information, the driving school terminal 200 overwrites the lesson history in the storage medium 300 using the registration means 230, which will be described later.

[0061] Furthermore, the timing function implemented by the cancellation means 170 does not necessarily have to be executed on the user terminal 100, but may be executed on the driving school terminal 200.

[0062] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the driving school terminal 200 in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows the receiving means 210, transmitting means 220, registration means 230, identification means 240, execution means 250, aggregation means 260, presentation means 270, determination means 280, and output means 290, which will be described below. The functions realized by each of these means 210 to 290 may be realized, for example, by a program executed using the CPU and memory provided by the driving school terminal 200.

[0063] The receiving means 210 receives a request from the transmitting means 110 of the smartphone 100 for the distribution of recorded data of the classroom instruction that the student wishes to take online. The receiving means 210 also receives image data transmitted by the transmitting means 110 after the playback of the recorded data is complete. Furthermore, it receives confirmation of receipt of recommended information transmitted by the transmitting means 110.

[0064] The transmitting means 220 transmits recorded data of the classroom instruction that the student wishes to take online, piece by piece, in accordance with the distribution request received by the receiving means 210, and also transmits question data after, for example, the playback of a predetermined piece of data is completed. The transmitting means 220 also transmits recommended information indicating the classroom instruction identified by the identification means 240 to the smartphone 100.

[0065] The registration means 230 registers, for example, recommended criteria for taking theoretical lessons that are preferable to take depending on the status of taking practical driving lessons, the student's history of taking practical driving lessons and theoretical lessons, and some recorded data and question data for the aforementioned theoretical lessons to the storage medium 300.

[0066] Furthermore, as described above, the registration means 230 registers each recorded data in a manner that allows for the identification of the instructor who was in charge of the lecture for each subject lesson. In addition, if the question data is intended to confirm the level of understanding of the content of the lesson data, it is registered in association with the lesson data, and the question data is transmitted when the lesson data is transmitted. Similarly, the registration means 230 registers the question data for the test executed by the execution means 250 in association with the corresponding recorded data.

[0067] The identification means 240 checks the contents of the storage medium 300 and identifies the theoretical training that should be recommended to the trainee. Specifically, the identification means 240 makes this identification based on the recommended criteria for theoretical training that is preferable to take according to the trainee's progress in practical training and the trainee's history of taking theoretical training.

[0068] The execution means 250 administers a test to trainees who have viewed the recorded data to confirm their level of mastery of the theoretical instruction corresponding to the recorded data. Specifically, the execution means 250 sends the corresponding test question data, which is registered in association with the recorded data, to the smartphone 100 and prompts the trainee to answer the questions.

[0069] The question data may be created by the driving instructors, and may be replaced or edited as appropriate. Furthermore, the execution means 250 may, in lieu of or in conjunction with the transmission of the question data, conduct a survey of the students regarding the lecture content.

[0070] The aggregation means 260 aggregates the test scores or questionnaire results, the number of times recorded data is played for each student or for all students, etc., performed by the execution means 250, for each driving instructor. Therefore, it is expected that the number of people wishing to take classes taught by driving instructors who taught classroom lessons taken by students with good scoring results or classroom lessons with good questionnaire results, or classroom lessons with a high number of plays, which can be considered a barometer of popularity, will increase. Furthermore, the aggregation results from the aggregation means 260 can be used for salary evaluations for each driving instructor. These factors will also contribute to improving the motivation of driving instructors to teach.

[0071] The presentation means 270 presents the results compiled by the aggregation means 260 to at least one of the following: the driving school, the instructors, or the students. This allows for the provision of feedback to the driving school and the instructors regarding the recorded data of the instructors who taught the lectures, etc., of the students who received good grades, and also allows for the provision of motivational information to the students when they take online courses.

[0072] The determination means 280 determines whether or not the participant is a trainee based on the image data received by the receiving means 210. The determination means 280 can use, for example, known facial recognition technology, but instead of this, or in conjunction with it, it is preferable to determine the success or failure of the training based on the playback mode and playback time, etc., in order to prevent trainees from taking the training fraudulently.

[0073] Specifically, for example, the determination means 280 logs the start and end times of playback of the recorded data. If the playback time is less than, for example, 50 minutes, it is determined that the user must have used double-speed playback software or fast-forwarded playback, and therefore it is determined to be fraudulent attendance. Conversely, if the playback time exceeds, for example, 70 minutes, it is determined that the user must have paused or rewound playback, and therefore it is determined to be fraudulent attendance. Also, if the volume adjustment bar is set to, for example, less than 5% of the maximum volume, it is determined that the user has not viewed the lesson content, and therefore it is determined to be fraudulent attendance.

[0074] Furthermore, if dedicated video playback software is used instead of general-purpose video playback software, one approach is to design it in a way that prevents trainees from fast-forwarding, rewinding, or pausing.

[0075] However, in consideration of the convenience of students who wish to retake recorded data that they have played back without cheating, for the purpose of review, a flag may be added to such recorded data, and when a request is made to resend such recorded data (including specific frame data contained therein), the recorded data may be resent in a state where it can be fast-forwarded, rewound, and paused.

[0076] For example, if the image data transmitted from the smartphone 100 includes multiple still image data, the system extracts the face portion from two or more randomly selected image data, for example, by performing feature point detection on each. It then calculates the feature quantities of the face portion, particularly the eyes and surrounding areas not covered by the mask, taking into account the case when a mask is worn. If the matching score falls within a predetermined range, it is determined that the student in those image data is the same person.

[0077] Incidentally, facial recognition can also be used when logging in to access services provided by the driving school system. In this case, assuming that a "legitimate student" performs the login operation and that this person takes the online classroom lessons, that is, if no one else takes the classroom lessons on behalf of the "legitimate student" after the login operation, it is sufficient to use the facial portions of multiple image data captured by the imaging means 160 as the subject of mutual authentication.

[0078] On the other hand, it cannot be said with certainty that there is no possibility of a "legitimate student" having someone else take the classroom lessons on their behalf after logging in, and since facial recognition may not be used during the login process, it is acceptable to include the face portion of the facial image included in the student information as part of the authentication process.

[0079] In this embodiment, the predetermined range for the matching score is, for example, 0.5 to 0.9 (however, if the matching score is 0 to 1), and if the matching score (or the average of the matching scores if multiple authentications are performed) falls within this range, it is determined that the student is not taking the course fraudulently. If the value is lower than the lower limit of this range, there is a possibility of impersonation by another person, and if the value is higher than the upper limit of this range, there is a possibility that the student's photo is placed in front of the camera.

[0080] The output means 290 outputs the judgment results from the determination means 280 and the authentication results of the login operation. The output means 290 may output results in a so-called push manner or a so-called pull manner. In the case of a pull manner, for example, when a driving instructor inputs an output command around 10 a.m. each morning, a list of each result can be output.

[0081] The output means 290 may output all of these results, in which case it is preferable to display the results in different colors depending on whether they are good or bad. Alternatively, instead of outputting all of these results, the output may be limited to outputting only the results determined by the judgment means 280 to be fraudulent enrollment, and / or only the result of login authentication failure.

[0082] In addition, the driving school terminal 200 may also include means for correcting the correctness of answers to question data, means for adding a flag to the frame data corresponding to incorrectly answered question data, and means for resending the frame data to the user terminal 100. This corrects any misunderstandings the trainee may have and improves their mastery of the training.

[0083] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the intermediary device 400 shown in Figure 1. Figure 11 shows the first response means 410, the first storage means 420, the second response means 430, the second storage means 440, the reading means 450, and the setting means 460, which will be described below. The functions realized by each of these means 410 to 460 may be realized, for example, by a program executed using the CPU and memory provided by the intermediary device 400.

[0084] The first response means 410 includes a first reception means for receiving training information provided from each of the driving school terminals 200 of multiple driving schools, and a first assignment means for assigning a driving school chat ID to each driving school. Note that the order in which the training information is received and the assignment of the driving school chat ID is performed may vary.

[0085] The first storage means 420 stores each training information received by the first response means 410 in the storage medium 300, associating it with the chat ID for each training center assigned by the first response means 410.

[0086] The second response means 430 includes a second reception means that receives the selection criteria for a driving school transmitted from a user terminal 100 operated by a user who wants to select a driving school, and a second assignment means that assigns a user chat ID to the user. Note that the order in which the selection criteria are received and the user chat ID is assigned may be performed.

[0087] The second storage means 440 stores the selection criteria received by the second response means 430 and the user chat ID assigned by the second response means 430 in the storage medium 300.

[0088] The reading means 450 reads from the storage medium 300 the driving school chat ID and user chat ID assigned to the driving school that was identified by the identification means (not shown) that identifies the driving school that transmitted the driving school information that satisfies the selection criteria stored by the second storage means 440, from among the driving school information stored by the first storage means 420.

[0089] The setting means 460 (binding means) sets the driving school chat ID and the user chat ID read by the reading means 450 in the chat server 500.

[0090] (Explanation of recommended information) Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing a typical first-stage (1st stage) "classroom instruction" curriculum, and is the kind of diagram found in the table of contents of textbooks used by trainees. Figure 4(a) shows the "lesson number," "item number," and "item name" as a set, which are explained below.

[0091] A "course number" is a sequential number from "1-1" to "1-10" assigned to an "item name". For example, the course number "1-1" is a hyphenated representation of "1" indicating "Stage 'First'" and "1" indicating "1st lesson". For students, the order in which they take the "classroom lessons" in "Stage 1" is mandatory, with the lecture for item "1-1" being the first. While lectures for items "1-2" to "1-10" can usually be taken in any order, in this embodiment, depending on the congestion of reservations, it is recommended to take them in a specific order or timing as much as possible, rather than leaving them in any order.

[0092] An "item number" is a sequential number from "1" to "14" assigned to an "item name," and is a nationwide unified number stipulated by the Road Traffic Act. In this example, to take some examples, "item numbers" "1" to "4" belong to "course numbers" "1-1" to "1-4," respectively, "item number" "6" belongs to "course number" "1-5," and "item numbers" "5," "7," and "14" belong to "course number" "1-6."

[0093] The "item name" indicates the content of the classroom instruction. For example, the "item name" "Driver's Guidelines" is assigned the "item number" "1" and the "instruction number" "1-1," while the content "Obeying Traffic Signals" is assigned the "item number" "2" and the "instruction number" "1-2."

[0094] Figure 4(b) shows an example of rearranging the curriculum shown in Figure 4(a) based on recommended criteria for theoretical instruction that is preferable for the driving school and / or student, according to the student's progress in practical driving instruction. In other words, the storage medium 300 will contain the recommended information illustrated in Figure 4(b).

[0095] Figure 5 shows an example curriculum for the "practical driving lessons" for manual transmission vehicles in the first stage of obtaining a regular driver's license. The order in which the "practical driving lessons" are taken is determined by the driving school. Typically, for example, once you have completed the "1st lesson" of "practical driving lessons," you can then take the "2nd lesson," and similarly, once you have completed the "5th lesson" of "practical driving lessons," you can then take the "6th lesson," and so on, following the order shown in the example curriculum.

[0096] Next, I will explain the significance of the recommended standards. In the example shown in Figure 5, for example, the "item names" for "10th period" are "Driving an automatic car (item number: 21)" and "Measures to take when an automatic car accelerates or starts suddenly (item number: 22)".

[0097] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 4(b), for example, the "item name" for "1-6" in the "lesson number" is "Driving an automatic car (item number: 14)". This "item name" literally relates to "Driving an automatic car (item number: 21)" and "Measures to take when an automatic car accelerates or starts suddenly (item number: 22)" shown as the "item name" for the "10th lesson" of "practical training".

[0098] Therefore, taking the "classroom instruction" with "course number 1-6" shown in Figure 4(b) before taking the "practical instruction" with "10th lesson" shown in Figure 5 can enhance the learning effect of the "practical instruction." This is directly beneficial for the student, but it is also indirectly beneficial for the driving school because it is expected to reduce the rate of students staying in the school by reducing the retake rate of practical instruction.

[0099] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 5, for instance, the "item names" for "11th period" are "Selection of passage position and change of course (item number: 12)" and "Dealing with obstacles (item number: 13)".

[0100] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 4(b), for example, the "item name" for "1-8" of the "lesson number" is "Changing lanes, etc. (item number: 10)," and the "item name" for "1-9" of the "lesson number" is "Overtaking (item number: 11)." Both of these "item names" are related to "Selection of driving position and changing lanes (item number: 12)" and "Dealing with obstacles (item number: 13)" in the "11th lesson" of "practical driving instruction."

[0101] Therefore, taking the "classroom lessons" with "course numbers 1-8" and "1-9" shown in Figure 4(b) before taking the "practical driving lesson" in the "11th period" shown in Figure 5 enhances the learning effect of the "practical driving lesson," and thus, as previously stated, is advantageous for the driving school and / or the student.

[0102] The same applies when taking the classroom instruction sessions "1-3" and "1-2" shown in Figure 4(b) prior to taking the "practical instruction" session "12th period" shown in Figure 5, and also when taking the classroom instruction session "1-5" shown in Figure 4(b) prior to taking the "practical instruction" session "13th period" shown in Figure 5.

[0103] In contrast, the "classroom instruction" courses "1-4," "1-7," and "1-10" shown in Figure 4(b) have little connection to any of the "practical instruction" courses. Therefore, even if the course requirements are postponed, for example, it will not affect the learning effectiveness of the "practical instruction."

[0104] However, some of the "classroom instruction" sessions, such as "1-4," "1-7," and "1-10" shown in Figure 4(b), can be taken concurrently with the "practical instruction" sessions up to the "9th period" shown in Figure 5. Doing so can shorten the time required to complete the final examination and the graduation examination.

[0105] Furthermore, in order to further enhance the learning effectiveness of "practical driving lessons," considering that students tend to forget the content of classroom lectures over time, it is preferable to shorten the time spent on the related "classroom lessons" and "practical driving lessons."

[0106] Therefore, in this embodiment, if a student has not yet taken the "classroom lesson" for "Driving an Automatic Vehicle (item number: 14)" under "course number" "1-6," and requests a reservation for a "practical driving lesson" a little earlier than the "10th lesson" shown in Figure 5, for example, the driving school terminal 200 will send a message to the smartphone 100 stating, "We recommend that you take the 'classroom lesson' for 'Driving an Automatic Vehicle (item number: 14)' under "course number" "1-6" before taking the "practical driving lesson" for the "10th lesson."

[0107] Furthermore, if, for example, at the time when the student has completed the "practical training" for the "8th period" as shown in Figure 5, or when they have submitted their test answers, and they have not yet taken the "classroom training" for "Automatic Transmission Driving (Item Number: 14)" under "Training Course Number" "1-6", a message like the one above can be sent to the smartphone 100 to recommend that they take the relevant classroom training again.

[0108] In particular, if, despite sending these messages, a student requests the distribution of recorded data for a "classroom lesson" assigned, for example, "lesson number" "1-10," it is possible that the student has not grasped the recommendation intent. Therefore, it would be advisable to also send a message to the student indicating that taking the "classroom lesson" for "1-10" after the "practical lesson" at the "13th period" is sufficient. These messages can be displayed on the student's so-called "My Page" after they log in, or sent to the registered student's email address.

[0109] Furthermore, the optimal order for driving schools and / or students is not limited to maximizing the effectiveness of practical driving lessons. For example, to increase the pass rate of the provisional license written test, it is advisable to recommend taking the lessons with "lesson numbers" "1-4," such as "Where cars go" and "Where cars are not allowed," as late as possible (for example, from the 11th lesson onwards), as these lessons are thought to contribute to improving scores on the provisional license written test.

[0110] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the curriculum for the second stage (2nd stage) "classroom instruction," corresponding to Figures 4(a) and 4(b), respectively. Figure 7 shows an example curriculum for the second stage "practical training" for manual transmission vehicles for a regular driver's license, corresponding to Figure 5. Note that for the "classroom instruction" with "course numbers" "2-1" to "2-4" shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), online attendance is not permitted, and in-person attendance is mandated by a notice from the National Police Agency.

[0111] Furthermore, regarding the order in which trainees take the "classroom instruction" in the "second stage," just like in the "first stage," the lectures for items numbered "2-1" to "2-16" can usually be taken in any order. However, in this embodiment, depending on the congestion of reservations, it will be recommended that trainees take the lectures in a specific order or timing, rather than in any order.

[0112] First, in the "second stage," as explained using Figures 4 and 5, for example, Prior to taking the "Parking and Stopping (Item Number: 9)" lesson in the "8th period," you must have taken the "Parking and Stopping (Item Number: 11)" lesson, which is "Course Number: 2-12." Prior to taking "Driving with Hazard Prediction (Item No. 13)" in "Lesson 11," you must have taken "Blind Spots and Driving (Item No. 4)" (Lesson No. 2-5) and "Characteristic Accidents and the Tragedy of Accidents (Item No. 9)" (Lesson No. 2-10). Prior to taking the "Special Topic (Item Number: 15)" in the "16th Lesson," you must have taken "Driving in Adverse Conditions (Item Number: 8)" with "Instruction Number: 2-9." We recommend this.

[0113] Furthermore, some "classroom instruction" sessions in the "second stage" have restrictions on when they can be taken due to their relationship with certain "practical instruction" sessions. Therefore, recommendations should take this into consideration. These restrictions on when to take the course include, for example, • You must complete the "Theory Lesson" for "Lesson Number 2-15" within, for example, 30 days before the date of the "Practical Lesson" for "Lesson 13". • You must complete the "Theory Lesson" for "Lesson Number 2-16" within, for example, 30 days before the date of the "Practical Lesson" for "Lesson 17". These are some examples.

[0114] (Operation description) Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the intermediary device 400 shown in Figure 11. Here, we will explain an example of operation when the training terminal 200A of driving school A and the training terminal 200B of driving school B each transmit their respective training information to the intermediary device 400, and the training information transmitted by the training terminal 200A meets the selection criteria from the smartphone 100.

[0115] When the intermediary device 400 receives training information from driving school A via the network 600 from the driving school terminal 200A, the first response means 410 receives it (step S51), assigns a chat ID for driving school A to driving school A, and transmits it to the driving school terminal 200A via the network 600 (step S52).

[0116] Next, in the intermediary device 400, the first storage means 420 associates the training information of driving school A received in step S51 with the chat ID for driving school A transmitted in step S52 and stores it in the storage medium 300 (step S53).

[0117] Similarly, when the intermediary device 400 receives training information from driving school B via the network 600 from the driving school terminal 200B, the first response means 410 receives it (step S54), assigns a chat ID for driving school B to driving school B, and transmits it to the driving school terminal 200B via the network 600 (step S55).

[0118] Next, in the intermediary device 400, the first storage means 420 associates the training information of driving school B received in step S54 with the chat ID for driving school B transmitted in step S55 and stores it in the storage medium 300 (step S56).

[0119] Subsequently, when the smartphone 100 transmits the user's criteria for selecting a driving school via the network 600, the second response means 430 receives it (step S57), assigns a user chat ID to the user, and transmits it to the smartphone 100 via the network 600 (step S58).

[0120] Next, in the intermediary device 400, the second storage means 440 associates the user's training information received in step S57 with the user's chat ID transmitted in step S58 and stores it in the storage medium 300 (step S59).

[0121] In this embodiment, the identification means identifies that among the training information of driving schools A and B stored in the storage medium 300, the driving school that sent the training information that satisfies the user's selection criteria is driving school A. Therefore, the reading means 450 reads the chat ID for driving school A and the chat ID for the user from the storage medium 300 (step S60).

[0122] Then, in the intermediary device 400, the setting means 460 sets the chat ID for driving school A and the user chat ID read by the reading means 450 in the chat server 500 (step S61).

[0123] By having the intermediary device 400 execute steps S51 to S61, the user and the driving school A can start a chat via the smartphone 100 and the driving school terminal 200A.

[0124] Therefore, driving school A can negotiate with users by offering, for example, a 20% discount on tuition fees if the user's desired enrollment date falls during the off-season, or by offering a 20% discount on tuition fees even if the user's desired enrollment date falls during the busy season, for example, by offering a 20% discount on tuition fees if enrollment is possible two months later during the off-season.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, if a user is a student who wishes to obtain a driver's license through a training camp and it is difficult for them to take the first and second stages consecutively over a period of approximately two weeks, then it is conceivable that the user terminal 100 would send a selection condition indicating a desire to take the first and second stages of training separately. In this case, it would be possible for driving school A to suggest that the user take the first stage during spring break and the second stage later during summer break.

[0126] Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the main operations of the driving school system after the user terminal 100 has applied for driving lessons to the driving school terminal 200 after processing by the intermediary device 400 shown in Figure 12. Here, assuming that a set of driving school login ID and password has been assigned to the student in advance, and that the various data and information described above (excluding image data and related information) have been stored in the storage medium 300, we will explain using the example of the interaction between the smartphone 100 of a student who has completed the "Driver's Guidelines" lesson number "1-1" of the "Theoretical Lessons" shown in Figure 4(b) and the driving school terminal 200.

[0127] When a student decides to take an online "classroom lesson" from lesson number "1-2" to "1-10", they enter a set of login ID and password for the driving school by operating smartphone 100, and smartphone 100 accepts them (step S1).

[0128] Next, the smartphone 100, via the transmission means 110, sends a login request including the set of login IDs and passwords for the driving school to the driving school terminal 200 via the network 600 (step S2).

[0129] When the driving school terminal 200 receives a login request transmitted via the network 600, it performs a login process (step S3) in which it compares the driving school login ID and other information contained therein with the contents stored in the storage medium 300 to perform login authentication.

[0130] As a result, if login authentication is successful, the transmission means 220 of the driving school terminal 200 sends a message to the smartphone 100 indicating that the login process is complete (step S4). In this example, if login authentication fails, measures such as setting a login restriction for a predetermined period of time or locking the system so that login attempts are not accepted unless unlocked by a driving instructor can be implemented to prevent unauthorized logins.

[0131] Furthermore, when authenticating a user's login, the smartphone 100 can, in lieu of or in conjunction with the login ID and password for the driving school, capture an image of the student's face using its camera, transmit the captured data to the driving school terminal 200, and perform login authentication based on the face portion of the captured data and the face portion of the face image included in the student's information.

[0132] Next, the student operates the smartphone 100 to select online classroom instruction as their preferred type of instruction, rather than in-person classroom instruction. In this example, when the student selects online instruction, the smartphone 100 accepts this selection (Step S5).

[0133] Next, the transmission means 110 of the smartphone 100 sends a request to the driving school terminal 200 for the distribution of recorded data for online classroom instruction, with the driving school login ID assigned to the student added (step S6).

[0134] In the driving school terminal 200, when the receiving means 210 receives a request for distribution of recorded data transmitted by the transmitting means 110 of the smartphone 100, the identification means 240 refers to the storage medium 300 based on the driving school login ID of the student included in the distribution request, and the identification means 240 checks the history of practical driving lessons corresponding to the driving school login ID using the method shown below, and identifies the theoretical driving lesson that the student should take next (step S7).

[0135] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the identification means 240 in step S7 shown in Figure 8. The identification means 240 first checks which lesson the trainee has completed (step S31).

[0136] Based on the results of the confirmation in step S31, in the example of the "first stage," for the reasons described above, it is determined whether or not the practical driving lesson for, for example, the "8th period" has been completed (step S32). Based on the results of the determination in step S32, if, for example, the practical driving lesson for the "8th period" has been completed, it is determined whether or not the theoretical driving lessons for "1-6" of "course numbers," which are desirable to take prior to the practical driving lesson for the "10th period," have been completed (step S33).

[0137] If, as a result of the determination in step S33, the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-6" has been completed, then it is determined whether or not the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-8" and "1-9" has been completed (step S34). If, as a result of the determination in step S34, the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-8" and "1-9" has been completed, then it is determined whether or not the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-3" and "1-2" has been completed (step S35).

[0138] If, as a result of the determination in step S35, the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-3" and "1-2" has been completed, then it is determined whether or not the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-5" has been completed (step S36). If, as a result of the determination in step S36, the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-5" has been completed, then the classroom instruction to be assigned will be one of "Instruction Number" "1-4", "1-7", or "1-10", which has not been completed. Since there is no priority in order or timing of completion of these "classroom instruction" in relation to the history of "practical instruction", for example, among the uncompleted classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-4", "1-7", and "1-10", the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-4", which has the smallest number, is mechanically identified as the classroom instruction that should be recommended to be taken next (step S37).

[0139] Furthermore, this designation is not limited to "1-4" in the "course number" with small numbers; it may be determined randomly using random numbers or other methods, resulting in "1-7" or "1-10" being selected.

[0140] Furthermore, if, as a result of the assessment in step S32, for example, the "8th period" of practical training has not been completed, there is sufficient time before taking the "10th period" to the "13th period" of practical training, so in this case as well, it is advisable to proceed to step S37.

[0141] On the other hand, if the judgment in step S33 indicates that the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-6" has not been completed, there is insufficient time before the "10th Lesson" practical training, so classroom instruction for "1-6" is identified as the classroom instruction that should be recommended next (step S38).

[0142] Furthermore, if, as a result of the assessment in step S34, the student has not completed the classroom instruction for "Instruction Numbers" "1-8" and "1-9," there is insufficient time before the "11th Lesson" practical training, so the classroom instruction for "1-8" or "1-9" is identified as the next classroom instruction that should be recommended (step S39).

[0143] Furthermore, as a result of the assessment in step S35, if the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-3" and "1-2" has not been completed, there is insufficient time before the "12th Lesson" practical training, so it is determined that either classroom instruction for "1-3" or "1-2" should be recommended as the next classroom instruction to be taken (step S40).

[0144] Furthermore, as a result of the assessment in step S36, if the student has not completed the classroom instruction for "Instruction Number" "1-5", there is insufficient time before the "13th Lesson" practical training, so classroom instruction for "1-5" is identified as the next classroom instruction that should be recommended (step S41).

[0145] The method shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 allows for the identification of the next theoretical lesson that should be recommended for the student. Note that the example in Figure 10 is merely one example; for instance, regarding the history of practical driving lessons, step S32 only checks whether the "8th lesson" has been completed. However, more detailed processing is possible, such as checking whether the "5th lesson" has been completed.

[0146] In this case, for example, if a student has not yet completed the "5th period" of practical driving lessons, it becomes possible to recommend that they take classroom lessons with less direct connection to practical driving lessons, such as "1-4," "1-7," and "1-10," while they still have time available.

[0147] In this case, the student can also request the distribution of recorded data for any of the classroom lessons by appropriately specifying the "lesson number" of the classroom lesson they wish to take online from the recommended information.

[0148] Alternatively, for example, a step may be added to determine whether the 13th practical driving lesson has been completed before proceeding to step S32. If, as a result of this step, the 13th practical driving lesson has been completed, there is no need to perform steps S32 to S36, and the process can proceed to step S37.

[0149] Furthermore, for example, as part of or prior to Step S7, check if there is any recorded data with an approaching deadline (e.g., two weeks away). If such recorded data exists, identify it as recommended information and encourage users to take it.

[0150] Returning to Figure 8, if the process shown in Figure 10 is executed, the transmission means 220 of the driving school terminal 200 transmits the recommended information identified by the identification means 240 to the smartphone 100 (step S8).

[0151] As a result, the receiving means 120 in the smartphone 100 receives the recommended information transmitted from the driving school terminal 200. The smartphone 100 notifies the student of the recommended information by displaying it on its screen or by outputting it as audio from its speaker (step S9).

[0152] Based on this notification, trainees can choose to either push themselves to request delivery of the information, or use a pull-type delivery request system to specify which classroom instruction recordings they want to receive according to the recommended information. They can also resubmit requests for recordings they have already selected. To facilitate trainees in selecting which content to request, it would be beneficial to display selection buttons.

[0153] Furthermore, if it is possible to identify the instructor who taught each classroom lesson in each recorded data, one method is to display a list of these items on the student's My Page using the display means 270 of the driving school terminal 200. For example, the "lesson number" and "item name" of the classroom lesson could be used as major items, the "name of the instructor in charge" of the lecture could be used as a sub-item, and the "aggregation results" corresponding to each of these items, as described below, could be used as minor items. This list could then be displayed on the student's My Page, along with a screen displaying selection buttons corresponding to each minor item.

[0154] Then, when the trainee selects which recorded data to request for distribution, the transmission means 110 of the smartphone 100 sends the distribution request and also confirms receipt of the trainee's selection to the driving school terminal 200 (step S10).

[0155] In the driving school terminal 200, the receiving means 210 receives the selection result, or, if the process shown in Figure 10 includes step S37, the transmitting means 220 transmits frame data constituting the recorded data according to the user's selection result or the identification result by the identification means 240 (step S11).

[0156] For clarification, if step S11 is executed for the first time, it is the frame data that should be played first among the multiple frame data. Then, after going through step S21 in Figure 9, which will be described later, if step S11 is executed for the second time, it is the frame data that should be played after the frame data that should be played first, and so on.

[0157] In the smartphone 100, the receiving means 120 receives the first frame data transmitted from the driving school terminal 200. The smartphone 100 then starts the built-in playback player using the playback means 150 and begins playing the frame data (step S12).

[0158] Then, the smartphone 100 determines whether or not the timing for imaging has arrived while the playback means 150 is playing back the frame data (step S13). If the determination shows that the timing has not arrived, step S13 is continued. On the other hand, if the timing has arrived, the imaging means 160 images the student (step S14).

[0159] Subsequently, the smartphone 100 saves the image data to a memory not shown in the diagram, and then determines whether or not the playback of the frame data is complete (step S15). If the determination shows that the playback of the frame data is not complete, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the playback of the frame data is complete, the transmission means 110 sends playback completion information to the driving school terminal 200 (step S16).

[0160] When the driving school terminal 200 receives playback completion information via the receiving means 210, it transmits question data via the transmitting means 220, and the smartphone 100 receives the question data via the receiving means 120 (step S17).

[0161] Then, in the smartphone 100, the playback means 150 plays the question data, and the cancellation means 170 sets a timer (step S18). After that, if the participant provides an answer to the question data before the timeout, the smartphone 100 accepts the answer (step S19).

[0162] In this case, the cancellation means 170 resets the timer, but if no response is received from the participant before the timeout, it cancels the process shown in Figures 8 to 10 without playing the subsequent lesson data.

[0163] Next, the transmission means 110 on the smartphone 100 transmits the response data from the student to the driving school terminal 200 (step S20). Upon receiving this response data, the driving school terminal 200 determines whether or not there is frame data to be played next on the smartphone 100 (step S21).

[0164] If the determination shows that there is frame data to be played next, the process proceeds to step S11 in Figure 8. On the other hand, if there is no frame data to be played next, the transmission means 220 of the driving school terminal 200 sends a request to the smartphone 100 to transmit the image data captured by the imaging means 160 and stored in memory (step S22).

[0165] When the receiving means 120 of the smartphone 100 receives this transmission request, it reads the image data stored in memory and the transmitting means 110 transmits it to the driving school terminal 200, where the driving school terminal 200 registers it in the storage medium 300 by the registration means 230 (step S23).

[0166] Subsequently, the execution means 250 in the driving school terminal 200 reads the corresponding test question data that has been registered in association with the recorded data and sends it to the smartphone 100 (step S24).

[0167] In this case, if communication between the smartphone 100 and the driving school terminal 200 becomes impossible for any reason, the driving school terminal 200 can stop transmitting the recorded data and terminate the process at the moment the communication error occurs, while simultaneously notifying the smartphone 100 that a communication error has occurred. Alternatively, the driving school terminal 200 can temporarily suspend the recording data at that time and resume transmission once the communication error is resolved.

[0168] The communication errors referred to herein include not only physical abnormalities in the smartphone 100, the driving school terminal 200, the network 600, or, for example, a wireless router, but also those caused by external factors such as changes in the IP address, insufficient specifications of the smartphone 100 (for example, insufficient memory), or the smartphone 100 being set to power-saving mode. It goes without saying that the driving school program of this embodiment can also be implemented using browser functions in a smartphone application program known as a smartphone app, but in the former case, the smartphone app may be forcibly restarted to resolve the communication error.

[0169] When a participant answers a question in this test, the response device 140 of the smartphone 100 sends the answer result, along with the login ID for the driving school assigned to that participant, to the driving school terminal 200 (step S25).

[0170] In the driving school terminal 200, the aggregation means 260 aggregates the test results for each driving instructor, which were tested by the execution means 250, and the registration means 230 updates the student's training history stored in the storage medium 300 to include the test results (step S26).

[0171] Subsequently, the server device 200 determines whether or not the trainee is a "legitimate trainee" by comparing the imaging data acquired by executing step S23 with the trainee's facial photograph stored in the storage medium 300 (step S27).

[0172] Figures 8 to 10 above illustrate the processes in the "first stage," but each of these processes is carried out similarly in the "second stage."

[0173] In addition, the reservation means 130 of the smartphone 100 can also make reservations for driving lessons, etc., to the driving school terminal 200 by logging in and sending information indicating the date and time specified by the trainee, along with the driving school login ID assigned to that trainee, to the driving school terminal 200.

[0174] In this embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a driving school system has been described. However, since online classes are becoming more common in various schools, including high schools, universities, and vocational schools, the present invention can also be used when teachers equivalent to driving instructors determine whether students equivalent to driving students are properly attending classes, for example, as one of the indicators for credit recognition. In this case, the lectures can be recorded data or real-time video footage.

[0175] Furthermore, the description of this embodiment merely illustrates one example of the configuration and operation of an online learning system. For example, the cancellation means 170 could also be provided in the driving school terminal 200, in which case the system would simply need to avoid sending the frame data to be played next to the smartphone 100.

[0176] Furthermore, the operation of the smartphone 100 described in this embodiment may be implemented using a general-purpose browser function installed on the smartphone 100, or it may be implemented using a so-called smartphone application. In such cases, reminder notifications can be sent to trainees to encourage them to take the recorded data when the deadline for taking the course is approaching. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0177] [Figure 1]This block diagram shows a schematic configuration of an automobile driving school system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal (smartphone) 100. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the driving school terminal 200. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a typical first-stage "classroom instruction" curriculum, rearranged according to recommended criteria for classroom instruction that are preferable for driving schools and / or students, depending on the progress of practical driving instruction. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example curriculum for the first stage of the regular driver's license training for manual transmission vehicles. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a typical second-stage "classroom instruction" curriculum, rearranged based on recommended criteria for classroom instruction that are preferable for driving schools and / or students, depending on the progress of practical driving instruction. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example curriculum for the "practical driving instruction" for manual transmission vehicles in the second stage of obtaining a regular driver's license. [Figure 8] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the main operations of the driving school system after the user terminal 100 has applied for driving lessons to the driving school terminal 200, following processing by the intermediary device 400. [Figure 9] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the main operations of the driving school system after the user terminal 100 has applied for driving lessons to the driving school terminal 200, following processing by the intermediary device 400. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the identification means 240 in step S5. [Figure 11] This block diagram shows a schematic configuration of the intermediary device 400 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the intermediary device 400. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 100 user terminals 110 Transmission means 120 Receiving means 130 Reservation methods 140. Means of response 150 Regeneration means 160 Imaging means 170 Means of cancellation 200 Driving School Terminals 210 Receiving means 220 Transmission method 230 Registration method 240 Specific means 250 Execution method 260 Aggregation methods 270 Presentation means 280 Judgment means 290 Output means 300 Storage media 400 Intermediary device 500 chat servers 600 Networks

Claims

1. A first reception means for receiving training information transmitted from each of the training terminals of multiple driving schools, including at least information indicating the type of license (commuter / intensive course) and whether it is possible to take the first stage of training and the second stage of training separately, A second reception means that receives the selection criteria for a driving school, which are transmitted from the user terminal of a user who wants to take driving lessons, including at least whether or not they wish to take the aforementioned distanced lessons. A means for identifying a driving school that has transmitted training information that satisfies the selection criteria received by the second reception means, from among the training information received by the first reception means, A connecting means for linking the driving school identified by the aforementioned identifying means with the user, A first assignment means for assigning a driving school chat ID to each of the aforementioned driving schools, A first storage means stores in a storage medium the training information received by the first reception means and the chat ID for each training school assigned by the first assignment means, A second assignment means for assigning a user chat ID to the aforementioned user, A second storage means stores in a storage medium the selection criteria received by the second reception means and the user chat ID assigned by the second assignment means in association with each other. A reading means for reading the driving school chat ID and the user chat ID of the driving school identified by the aforementioned identification means from the storage medium, A setting means that sets the driving school chat ID and user chat ID read by the reading means into the chat server, An intermediary device for driving schools, equipped with the following features.

2. The second receiving means further receives user information, including at least the user's name, address, and contact information. When a course contract is concluded between a driving school and a user connected by the aforementioned connecting means, the system includes a transmission means for transmitting the user information received by the second receiving means to the driving school's terminal. The intermediary device for a driving school according to claim 1.

3. The intermediary device for a driving school according to claim 1, wherein the selection criteria include at least the desired start / end dates for the course.

4. The intermediary device for a driving school according to claim 1, A user terminal that transmits the selection conditions to the aforementioned intermediary device for driving schools, A driving school terminal that transmits the training information to the aforementioned intermediary device for driving schools, A driving school system equipped with the following features.

5. A step of receiving training information transmitted from each training terminal of multiple driving schools, including at least the type of license (commuter / intensive course), and information indicating whether it is possible to take the first stage of training and the second stage of training separately, A selection criteria for a driving school, including at least whether or not the user wishes to take the aforementioned distanced course, transmitted from the user terminal of a user who wishes to take driving lessons, and a step of accepting such criteria, The steps include identifying the driving school that sent the training information that satisfies the selection criteria from among the aforementioned training information, The steps include connecting the identified driving school with the user, The steps include assigning a driving school chat ID to each of the aforementioned driving schools, The steps include: storing the aforementioned training information and the chat ID for each training school in a storage medium in association with each other; The steps include assigning a user chat ID to the aforementioned user, The steps include: storing the selection criteria and the user chat ID in a storage medium in association with each other; The steps include reading the aforementioned driving school chat ID and the aforementioned user chat ID from the storage medium, The steps include setting the aforementioned driving school chat ID and the aforementioned user chat ID on the chat server, A program for driving schools that causes an intermediary device for driving schools to execute it.

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