Driving school system and program for driving schools

Abstract

To devise facial recognition methods in general to prevent fraudulent enrollment.SOLUTION: A driving school system comprises: registration means 230 for registering each of driving instructors who have been in charge of recording data of a lesson for the same academic training in an identifiable manner when a plurality of driving instructors is in charge of the lesson; execution means 250 for executing a test for a student who has completed playback of one recording data for the same academic training to confirm a degree of mastery of the academic training of the one recording data; totalization means 260 for totalizing a result of the test executed by the execution means 250 for each of the driving instructors; and presentation means 270 for presenting a totalization result by the totalization means 260.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving school system and a program for driving schools, and more particularly to a driving school system and a program for driving schools that provide services for trainees related to driving school training including online training for theoretical training.

Background Art

[0002] Training at a driving school includes "theoretical training" in which traffic rules and safety knowledge are learned in the classroom of the driving school, and "skill training" in which driving skills are acquired using a real vehicle or the like. "Theoretical training" is usually often defined so that it can be taken in any order except for specific ones. Therefore, trainees often take the available theoretical training as appropriate.

[0003] In recent years, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for "theoretical training", not only can it be taken in the classroom of the driving school, but it can also be taken online. The online learning system described in Patent Document 1 includes a distribution control unit that receives a distribution request from a trainee terminal and distributes online learning materials in order to ensure that the trainee has taken the lectures provided in the online learning from the beginning to the end, and an authentication processing unit that performs face authentication of the trainee during the distribution of the online learning materials based on an image captured by the trainee terminal. In the authentication processing unit, when the failure of the trainee's face authentication continues beyond a predetermined condition during the distribution of the online learning materials, a learning progress management unit that determines that the trainee has not completed the reception of the online learning materials is provided. The authentication processing unit performs face authentication in the background while the trainee is learning the online learning materials based on an image within a range defined by a recognition frame in an image captured without the trainee's operation while the online learning materials are being displayed on the trainee terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6887710 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in the traditional in-person classroom setting, instructors could assess students' understanding of the lecture content by observing their facial expressions, and students could ask questions as needed. With online classes, such support is difficult, raising concerns about a decline in the quality of instruction.

[0006] Furthermore, online learning tends to be less engaging than traditional in-person classes, which can lead to a decline in instructors' motivation to teach. This, too, can contribute to a decrease in the quality of instruction.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an online learning system that can prevent the decline in the quality of lectures that may occur as a result of allowing online participation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the online learning system of the present invention is A registration method for registering the recorded data of lectures in a manner that allows for the identification of each instructor who was responsible for a lecture given by multiple instructors for the same subject-based training, An execution means for executing a test to confirm the level of mastery of the academic instruction in the recorded data for a student who has completed playback of one recorded data for the same academic instruction, A summation means for summarizing the test results of the tests performed by the execution means for each of the driving instructors, A presentation means for presenting the aggregated results obtained by the aforementioned aggregation means, It is equipped with.

[0009] Furthermore, the system may also include a receiving means for receiving requests from other trainees to transmit selected recorded data based on the aggregated results presented by the presentation means.

[0010] Furthermore, a first storage medium stores recommended standards for theoretical lessons that are preferable to take depending on the progress of practical driving lessons, A second storage medium for storing the driving lesson attendance history of the aforementioned trainee, A means for identifying the academic instruction that should be recommended to the trainee by checking the contents of the first and second storage media, A first transmission means for transmitting recommended information indicating the academic instruction identified by the aforementioned identification means, It may be provided.

[0011] Furthermore, a playback means for playing back the recorded data, An imaging means for capturing images of the trainee multiple times while the recorded data is being played back by the aforementioned playback means, A second transmission means transmits a plurality of image data captured by the imaging means after the playback means has finished playing back the training data, The client device is equipped with A receiving means for receiving a plurality of imaging data transmitted by the second transmitting means, An authentication means that authenticates a trainee based on a plurality of image data received by the receiving means, It can also be installed on the server device.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention's program for driving schools is A function to register the recorded data of lectures in a way that allows for the identification of each instructor who taught the same classroom lesson when multiple instructors taught the lectures. A function to administer a test to a student who has completed playback of one recorded data for the same classroom instruction, to confirm their level of mastery of the classroom instruction in that recorded data. The function includes aggregating the test results for each driving instructor, performed by the aforementioned execution means, The function of presenting the aggregated results by the aforementioned aggregation means, The server device is made to execute this. Embodiment of the invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, using a driving school system as an example. In each figure, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0014] (Structure description) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automobile driving school system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a client device 100, a server device 200, a storage medium 300, and a network 400, which will be described below.

[0015] The term "client device 100" is a general term for devices owned by students of a driving school, such as smartphones, personal computers, tablet devices, PDAs, and mobile phones. The client device 100 is not limited to these, as long as it has a computing function that performs processing necessary for viewing recorded data for classroom instruction, and a communication function that performs processing necessary for sending and receiving various data or information with the server device 200. In this embodiment, a smartphone 100 will be mainly described as an example of the client device 100.

[0016] The server device 200 is managed and operated by a person in charge at the driving school or the administrator of the driving school system in this embodiment. The server device 200 primarily provides various services related to driving school instruction to students via smartphones 100, based on the contents stored in the storage medium 300. The storage medium 300 can also be installed inside the server device 200.

[0017] The storage medium 300 stores various information and data necessary to provide various services related to driving school training to trainees. The stored items are roughly classified into (1) recommended standard information, (2) trainee information, and (3) recorded data and question data, which will be described below. Note that the storage medium 300 does not necessarily have to be physically one, and for example, it can be three storage media 300 such that each of these (1) to (3) is physically stored separately. Also, each of these (1) to (3) can be logically divided and stored in one or more storage media 300.

[0018] (1) The recommended standard information is information indicating the recommended standards for subject training that is preferably taken according to the status of taking skill training. The recommended standard information is created for each of the first stage and the second stage. The recommended standard information will be specifically described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0019] (2) Trainee information includes, for example, contact information such as the name, address, and phone number of each trainee, a set of the login ID assigned by each trainee for using the driving school system of this embodiment and the password required before using the driving school system, one or more face images of each trainee, the subject training and skill training attendance history of each trainee including the scoring results of the tests described later, imaging data of each trainee, and determination results at the time of login attached thereto. These pieces of information are stored in a state where they are mutually associated for each trainee.

[0020] (3) The recorded data refers to some of the recorded data of multiple subject teachings. Typically, it is the recorded data of subject teachings that are not obligatory to be taken face-to-face in the commuting form by laws and regulations, etc. Also, in this embodiment, the same or multiple teaching instructors can be in charge of the same subject teaching. In that case, the recorded data of those lectures are stored in a manner that can identify each teaching instructor in charge of the lectures. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the purpose of improving the efficiency of online lectures for foreign trainee teachers, subtitles / interpreted voice data translated into other languages such as English for the content of the lectures given by the teaching instructor, specifically the matters stated during the lectures, are created and can be superimposed on the recorded data for playback.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each recorded data is composed of a plurality of frame data. The number of frame data occupying one period and the playback time of each frame data are arbitrary. As an example, if the teaching time for one period is 50 minutes or more, it is sufficient. For example, a lecture can be recorded with a playback time of approximately 17 minutes × 3 frames.

[0022] The question data is sent to the trainee teacher after the playback of a predetermined frame data is completed. The question data can be sent after the playback of all the frame data, or after the playback of some of the frame data, or various sending modes can be considered, such as not sending it after the playback of the last frame data to be played back.

[0023] The question data can be, for example, a set of questions created by the teaching instructor based on the content of the frame data and a plurality of answer options with correct and incorrect answers mixed for the purpose of confirming the degree of understanding of the content of the frame data. However, instead of answer options, the trainees can be allowed to answer with free words.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Furthermore, the question data may include a mix of questions intended to confirm understanding of the content of the relevant lesson data and questions intended to deter fraudulent participation, or it may even include questions for other purposes different from these.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Network 400 is a general term for various networks, including the internet and mobile phone networks. Network 400 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.

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the client device (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.

[0029] The transmission means 110 transmits various data and information to the server device 200, including the following. When transmitting various information and data, the transmission means 110 adds the login ID assigned to the trainee to the target of transmission and sends it to the server device 200. In other words, in this case, the login ID indicates the source of the transmission.

[0030] The data transmitted by the transmission means 110, in line with a typical timeline of use of the driving school system of this embodiment, includes, for example, the 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 user wishes to take online, information indicating that the playback of frame data has been completed by the playback means 150, the user's response data to subsequent question data, image data, and confirmation of receipt of recommended information for classroom instruction.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Furthermore, since recorded data often has an expiration date for completion, it may be advisable to recommend completing the recorded data with the deadline approaching. By monitoring the deadline for each student and, for example, when the deadline is approaching (e.g., 10 days away), the student can be notified with information identifying such recorded data and a message encouraging them to complete the course. This will enable the student to complete the recorded data necessary for the driving school's graduation test without any problems.

[0033] The receiving means 120 receives various data and information transmitted from the server device 200, including the following. The data to be received by the receiving means 120 is accompanied by the login ID assigned to the trainee. In other words, in this case, the login ID indicates the destination.

[0034] Examples of data that can be received by the receiving means 120, 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 server device 200.

[0035] The reservation method 130 makes reservations with the server device 200 for classroom instruction that is not available online, for instruction that the student wishes to take in person, and for practical driving instruction. The reservation method 130 sends information indicating the date and time specified by the student, along with the login ID assigned to that student, to the server device 200.

[0036] The response means 140 responds 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 login ID assigned to the trainee to the answer that the trainee has entered or selected and sends it to the server device 200.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 client device 100 and a memory for storing the data captured by the camera.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The image data may be transmitted to the server device 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 by processing means (not shown) as needed.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] If a lesson is cancelled, the transmission means 110 sends information indicating the cancellation to the server device 200 so that the student can retake the lesson. Upon receiving this information, the server device 200 overwrites the lesson history in the storage medium 300 using the registration means 230, which will be described later.

[0045] Furthermore, the timing function implemented by the cancellation means 170 does not necessarily have to be executed on the client device 100, but may be executed on the server device 200.

[0046] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server device 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 server device 200.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The question data can 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 questionnaire for the purpose of gathering feedback on the lecture content from the students.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In addition, the server device 200 may also include means for correcting the correctness of answers to question data, means for adding a flag to frame data corresponding to question data with incorrect answers, and means for resending said frame data to the client device 100. This corrects the areas where the trainee has misunderstood and improves the trainee's mastery of the training.

[0067] (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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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."

[0070] 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."

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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)".

[0074] 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".

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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)".

[0077] 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."

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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."

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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."

[0083] Therefore, in this embodiment, if a trainee 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 "8th lesson," the server device 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."

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 "Theoretical 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.

[0091] (Operation description) Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the main operational examples of the driving school system shown in Figure 1. Here, assuming that a set of login IDs and passwords has been assigned to the trainees 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 trainee who has completed the "Driver's Guidelines" lesson number "1-1" of the "Theoretical Instruction" shown in Figure 4(b) and the server device 200.

[0092] When a student decides to take an online "classroom lesson" from lesson number "1-2" to "1-10", they enter a login ID and password set by operating smartphone 100, and smartphone 100 accepts them (step S1).

[0093] Next, the smartphone 100, via the transmission means 110, sends a login request including the set of login IDs and passwords to the server device 200 via the network 400 (step S2).

[0094] When the server device 200 receives a login request transmitted via the network 400, it performs a login process (step S3) which involves comparing the login ID and other information contained therein with the contents stored in the storage medium 300 to perform login authentication.

[0095] As a result, if login authentication is successful, the transmission means 220 of the server device 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 time or locking the system so that login attempts are not accepted unless unlocked by a driving instructor or similar person can be implemented to prevent unauthorized logins.

[0096] Furthermore, when authenticating a user's login, the smartphone 100 can, in lieu of or in conjunction with a login ID and password, capture an image of the trainee's face using its camera, transmit the captured data to the server device 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 trainee's information.

[0097] 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).

[0098] Next, the transmission means 110 of the smartphone 100 sends a request to the server device 200 for the distribution of recorded data of online classroom instruction, with the login ID assigned to the trainee added (step S6).

[0099] In the server device 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 trainee's login ID included in the distribution request, and the identification means 240 checks the training history of the skills training corresponding to the login ID using the method shown below, and identifies the theoretical training that the trainee should take next (step S7).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] Returning to Figure 8, if the process shown in Figure 10 is executed, the transmission means 220 of the server device 200 transmits the recommended information identified by the identification means 240 to the smartphone 100 (step S8).

[0116] As a result, the receiving means 120 in the smartphone 100 receives the recommended information transmitted from the server device 200. The smartphone 100 notifies the trainee of the recommended information by displaying it on the screen or by outputting it as sound from the speaker (step S9).

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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 server device 200's display means 270, which also displays selection buttons for each sub-item. 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 sub-items.

[0119] 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 server device 200 (step S10).

[0120] In the server device 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).

[0121] 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.

[0122] In the smartphone 100, the receiving means 120 receives the first frame data transmitted from the server device 200. The smartphone 100 then starts the built-in playback player using the playback means 150 and begins playing the frame data (step S12).

[0123] 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).

[0124] Subsequently, the smartphone 100 saves the image data to a memory (not shown) 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 server device 200 (step S16).

[0125] When the server device 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] Next, the transmission means 110 of the smartphone 100 transmits the response data from the participant to the server device 200 (step S20). Upon receiving this response data, the server device 200 determines whether or not there is frame data to be played next on the smartphone 100 (step S21).

[0129] If the determination indicates that there is frame data to be played back next, the process proceeds to step S11 in Figure 8. On the other hand, if there is no frame data to be played back next, the server device 200 sends a transmission request to the smartphone 100 for the capture data captured by the imaging device 160 and stored in memory (step S22).

[0130] In the smartphone 100, when the receiving means 120 receives this transmission request, it reads the image data stored in memory and the transmitting means 110 transmits it to the server device 200, where the server device 200 registers it in the storage medium 300 by the registration means 230 (step S23).

[0131] Subsequently, the execution means 250 in the server device 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).

[0132] In this case, if communication between the smartphone 100 and the server device 200 becomes impossible for any reason, the server device 200 can stop the transmission of the recorded data and terminate the process at the moment the communication error occurs, and simultaneously notify the smartphone 100 that a communication error has occurred. Alternatively, the server device 200 can temporarily suspend the recording data at that time and resume transmission once the communication error is resolved.

[0133] The communication errors referred to herein include not only physical abnormalities in the smartphone 100, server device 200, network 400, 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.

[0134] When a participant answers a question in this test, the response device 140 of the smartphone 100 sends the response result, along with the login ID assigned to that participant, to the server device 200 (step S25).

[0135] In the server device 200, the aggregation means 260 aggregates the test results for each 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).

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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."

[0138] In addition, the reservation means 130 of the smartphone 100 can also make a reservation for driving lessons, etc., to the server device 200 by logging in and sending information indicating the date and time specified by the trainee, along with the login ID assigned to that trainee, to the server device 200.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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 server device 200, in which case the next frame data to be played back could be prevented from being sent to the smartphone 100.

[0141] 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]

[0142] [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 client device (smartphone) 100. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the server device 200 in Figure 1. [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 1 is a flowchart illustrating a major example of the operation of the driving school system. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a major example of the operation of the driving school system. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the identification means 240 in step S5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 100 client devices 110 Transmission means 120 Receiving means 130 Reservation methods 140. Means of response 150 Regeneration means 160 Imaging means 170 Means of cancellation 200 Server Devices 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 Networks

Claims

1. A registration method for registering the recorded data of lectures in a manner that allows for the identification of each instructor who was responsible for a lecture given by multiple instructors for the same subject-based training, An execution means for executing a test to confirm the level of mastery of the academic instruction in the recorded data for a student who has completed playback of one recorded data for the same academic instruction, A summation means for summarizing the test results of the tests performed by the execution means for each of the driving instructors, A presentation means for presenting the aggregated results obtained by the aforementioned aggregation means, A driving school system equipped with the following features.

2. The driving school system according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving means for receiving requests to transmit recorded data selected by other trainees based on the aggregated results presented by the presenting means.

3. A first storage medium that stores recommended standards for theoretical lessons that are preferable to take depending on the progress of practical driving lessons, A second storage medium for storing the training history of the aforementioned trainee, A means for identifying the academic instruction that should be recommended to the trainee by checking the contents of the first and second storage media, A first transmission means for transmitting recommended information indicating the academic instruction identified by the aforementioned identification means, The driving school system according to claim 1, comprising:

4. A playback means for playing back the recorded data, An imaging means for capturing images of the trainee multiple times while the recorded data is being played back by the aforementioned playback means, A second transmission means transmits a plurality of image data captured by the imaging means after the playback means has finished playing back the training data. The client device is equipped with A receiving means for receiving a plurality of imaging data transmitted by the second transmitting means, An authentication means that authenticates a trainee based on a plurality of image data received by the receiving means, The server device is equipped with The driving school system according to claim 1.

5. A function to register the recorded data of lectures in a way that allows for the identification of each instructor who taught the same classroom lesson when multiple instructors taught the lectures. A function to administer a test to a student who has completed playback of one recorded data for the same classroom instruction, to confirm their level of mastery of the classroom instruction in that recorded data. A function to aggregate the test results for each driving instructor, The function presents the aggregated results, A program for driving schools that is executed on a server device.

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