Evaluation device, evaluation method, and evaluation program

Abstract

To provide a terminal device that constitutes an evaluation device capable of comprehensively evaluating driving adequacy of a driver based on a plurality of elements of a driving activity.SOLUTION: An evaluation device 1 includes a first information acquisition unit 11, a second information acquisition unit 12, a storage unit 13, a calculation unit 14, and an evaluation unit 15. The first information acquisition unit 11 acquires first information related to an amount of visual information around a mobile body that changes with movement. The second information acquisition unit 12 acquires second information related to an operation speed or operation amount of an operation device that operates the mobile body. The storage unit 13 stores, as relevant information, the first information and the second information when the operation speed or operation amount exceeds a threshold value in association with each other. The calculation unit 14 calculates a statistic value of the operation speed or operation amount corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the relevant information. The evaluation unit 15 evaluates driving adequacy of a driver who operates the mobile body based on a relationship between the amount of visual information and the statistic value in the relevant information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0004] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaluation device, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle driving support device. In this vehicle driving support device, first, vehicle deceleration behavior data from the start of brake operation to vehicle stop, or steering handle operation data from the start of steering handle operation to the end of operation is learned. Next, when the brake is operated or the steering handle is operated, the latest deceleration behavior data or steering handle operation data is compared with past deceleration behavior data or steering handle operation data. Then, based on the comparison result, it is determined whether the driving ability of the driver has deteriorated below a predetermined standard. According to the vehicle driving support device configured as described above, it is possible to detect the secular deterioration of the driver's driving operation and support vehicle driving according to the deterioration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, driving behavior is constituted by the driving fitness of three elements: "recognition", "judgment", and "operation". In particular, the driving fitness of the two elements of "recognition" and "judgment" tends to significantly decrease with aging and the like. In the above vehicle driving support device, the driving fitness based on one element of "operation" of driving behavior is determined, and the secular deterioration of the driving operation is determined.

[0005] One example of a problem that the invention aims to solve is to provide an evaluation device and terminal devices that constitute it, which can comprehensively evaluate a driver's driving suitability based on multiple elements of driving behavior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One or more inventions of the present invention are characterized by an evaluation device comprising: a first information acquisition unit that acquires first information relating to the amount of visual information around a moving body that changes with each movement; a second information acquisition unit that acquires second information relating to the operating speed or amount of an operating device that operates the moving body; a storage unit that associates the first information at the time of acquisition of the second information and stores it as related information; a calculation unit that calculates a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of the operating corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the driving suitability of a driver operating the moving body based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and the statistical value in the related information.

[0007] One or more of the present inventions are evaluation methods performed by an evaluation device for evaluating the driving fitness of a driver operating a moving object, comprising: acquiring first information relating to the amount of visual information around the moving object which changes with each movement; acquiring second information relating to the operating speed or amount of an operating device for operating the moving object; associating the first information and the second information when the operating speed or amount of operation exceeds a threshold and storing them as related information; calculating a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information; and evaluating the driving fitness of a driver operating the moving object based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and the statistical value in the related information.

[0008] One or more inventions of the present invention are evaluation programs for causing a computer to execute an evaluation method in an evaluation device for evaluating the driving suitability of a driver operating a moving object, the evaluation program comprising a first information acquisition unit, a second information acquisition unit, a storage unit, a calculation unit, and an evaluation unit, wherein the first information acquisition unit acquires first information relating to the amount of visual information around the moving object which changes with each movement; the second information acquisition unit acquires second information relating to the operating speed or amount of an operating device for operating the moving object; the storage unit associates the first information and the second information when the operating speed or amount of operation exceeds a threshold and stores them as related information; the calculation unit calculates a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information; and the evaluation unit evaluates the driving suitability of a driver operating the moving object based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and the statistical value in the related information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an evaluation system according to one embodiment of the present invention for evaluating driving suitability. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the first information acquired by the first information acquisition unit of the evaluation system shown in Figure 1, and illustrates the scenery around a moving object when the amount of visual information is large. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is another example of the first information, showing the scenery around a moving object when the amount of visual information is less than the amount of visual information shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing the statistical values ​​of operation speed or operation amount relative to the amount of visual information, calculated using the evaluation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph showing the trend of decline in the driver's latest driving fitness relative to their past driving fitness, based on the driving fitness evaluation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a graph showing the trend of decline in a driver's motor skills relative to the average driving fitness of a standard driver, based on the motor skills evaluated in the evaluation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the evaluation method and evaluation program in the evaluation system shown in Figure 1, from acquiring the first information and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition unit to storing them in the memory unit as related information. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the evaluation method and evaluation program for evaluating driving suitability based on relevant information in the evaluation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the method for correcting the amount of visual information according to the movement speed of a moving object in the evaluation method and evaluation program of the evaluation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the method for selecting relevant information for known travel paths in the evaluation method and evaluation program of the evaluation system shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] An evaluation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes: a first information acquisition unit that acquires first information relating to the amount of visual information around a moving body that changes with each movement; a second information acquisition unit that acquires second information relating to the operating speed or amount of an operating device that operates the moving body; a storage unit that associates the first information and the second information when the operating speed or amount of operation exceeds a threshold and stores them as related information; a calculation unit that calculates a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the driving suitability of a driver operating a moving body based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and the statistical value in the related information.

[0011] The evaluation device according to the first embodiment comprises a first information acquisition unit, a second information acquisition unit, a storage unit, a calculation unit, and an evaluation unit. The first information acquisition unit acquires first information regarding the amount of visual information surrounding the moving object, which changes with each movement. The second information acquisition unit acquires second information regarding the operating speed or amount of the operating device that controls the moving object. The storage unit associates the first and second information when the operating speed or amount exceeds a threshold and stores it as related information. The calculation unit calculates statistical values ​​of the operating speed or amount corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information. Here, "amount of visual information" relates to the "cognitive" element of driving behavior, and "timing of operation of the control device according to the difference in the amount of visual information" relates to the "cognitive" and "judgment" elements of driving behavior. Furthermore, "operation of the control device" relates to the "operation" element of driving behavior. In other words, the calculation unit calculates a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information, based on multiple elements of driving behavior. Even if the amount of visual information the driver sees while driving is the same, if the "cognitive" and "judgment" abilities are impaired, a delay will occur in "operation," and therefore this statistical value reflects a declining trend in driving fitness. Therefore, the evaluation unit can assess the driver's driving fitness based on the relationship between the amount of visual information in the relevant information and statistical values, and the evaluation device can comprehensively evaluate the driver's driving fitness based on multiple elements of driving behavior.

[0012] In the evaluation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the evaluation device according to the first embodiment, the evaluation unit calculates evaluation information indicating the tendency of delay in the driver's operation of a moving object in accordance with the amount of visual information, based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and statistical values.

[0013] According to the evaluation device of the second embodiment, the evaluation unit calculates evaluation information. Based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and statistical values, the evaluation information shows the tendency of delay in the driver's operation of the moving object in accordance with the amount of visual information. Therefore, the evaluation unit can comprehensively assess the degree of driving suitability related to the tendency of delays in the driver's operation of moving objects in response to the amount of visual information.

[0014] The evaluation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention further includes a correction unit that corrects, in the evaluation device according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the visual information amount of the first information so as to increase as the moving speed of the moving body increases.

[0015] The evaluation device according to the third embodiment further includes a correction unit. The correction unit corrects the visual information amount of the first information so as to increase as the moving speed of the moving body increases. When the moving speed increases, the driver's field of vision becomes narrower and the eyesight also deteriorates, so even with the same visual information amount, the time required for recognition increases. Therefore, after correcting the visual information amount according to the moving speed of the moving body, it is possible to accurately evaluate the driving suitability based on a plurality of elements of the driving behavior.

[0016] The evaluation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the evaluation device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the storage unit accumulates the history of the moving body moving along the moving route as history information, and further includes an information selection unit that excludes the first information and the second information when the moving body moves along the moving route specified as a known moving route based on the history information from the related information.

[0017] In the evaluation device according to the fourth embodiment, the storage unit accumulates the history of the moving body moving along the moving route as history information. And the evaluation device further includes an information selection unit. The information selection unit excludes the first information and the second information when the moving body moves along the moving route specified as a known moving route based on the history information from the related information. For example, even for a moving route with a large amount of visual information, if the same moving route is moved multiple times, the driver will become familiar with the points required for operation for each movement of the moving body, and the time required for recognizing these points will be less affected by the amount of visual information. That is, the driving suitability of the "recognition" and "judgment" elements of the driving behavior tends to increase. Therefore, by excluding the first information and the second information in the known moving route based on the history information from the related information, the accuracy of calculating the statistical value can be improved, and the driving suitability can be accurately evaluated based on a plurality of elements of the driving behavior.

[0018] The evaluation device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is an evaluation device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, and includes a first notification information generation unit that generates first notification information to notify the driver that the driver's driving fitness has deteriorated when the decline in the driver's latest driving fitness exceeds a first criterion relative to the driver's past driving fitness evaluated by the evaluation unit.

[0019] The evaluation device according to the fifth embodiment includes a first notification information generation unit. The first notification information generation unit generates first notification information to notify the driver that the driver's driving fitness has deteriorated when the decline in the driver's latest driving fitness exceeds a first criterion relative to the driver's past driving fitness evaluated by the evaluation unit. If the first notification is sent to the driver, it can make the driver aware that their current driving fitness level has decreased compared to their past driving fitness level.

[0020] The evaluation device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is an evaluation device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, and includes a second notification information generation unit that generates second notification information to inform the driver that they should refrain from driving when the decline in the driver's latest driving fitness, as evaluated by the evaluation unit, exceeds a second standard relative to a standard driving fitness.

[0021] The evaluation device according to the sixth embodiment includes a second notification information generation unit. The second notification information generation unit generates second notification information to inform the driver that they should refrain from driving when the latest decrease in the driver's driving fitness, as evaluated by the evaluation unit, exceeds a second standard relative to the standard driving fitness. If the second set of warning information is sent to the driver, it can help them realize that their current driving fitness level has fallen below the standard level, and that they should refrain from driving.

[0022] The evaluation device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention further comprises a server communication unit that receives first information and second information transmitted from a mobile device, in addition to the evaluation device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0023] The evaluation device according to the seventh embodiment further includes a server communication unit. The server communication unit receives first information and second information transmitted from a mobile device. The first information acquisition unit acquires the first information via the server communication unit. The second information acquisition unit acquires the second information via the server communication unit. The server communication unit, the first information acquisition unit, the second information acquisition unit, the storage unit, the calculation unit, and the evaluation unit then form a server. Therefore, the server can accurately evaluate driving fitness based on multiple elements of driving behavior.

[0024] The evaluation device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is an evaluation device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments that can be mounted on a mobile body.

[0025] The evaluation device according to the eighth embodiment can be mounted on a mobile device. For example, the evaluation device can be mounted on a mobile device as an in-vehicle terminal. Therefore, in a mobile vehicle, the degree of driving fitness can be accurately evaluated based on multiple elements of driving behavior.

[0026] An evaluation method according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is an evaluation method performed by an evaluation device for evaluating the driving fitness of a driver operating a moving object, comprising the steps of: acquiring first information relating to the amount of visual information around the moving object that changes with each movement; acquiring second information relating to the operating speed or amount of an operating device for operating the moving object; associating the first information and the second information when the operating speed or amount of operation exceeds a threshold and storing them as related information; calculating a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information; and evaluating the driving fitness of a driver operating a moving object based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and the statistical value in the related information.

[0027] In the evaluation method according to the ninth embodiment, first, first information concerning the amount of visual information around the moving object that changes with each movement, and second information concerning the operating speed or amount of the operating device that operates the moving object are acquired. Next, the first and second information are associated with each other when the operating speed or amount of operation exceeds a threshold and stored as related information. Then, based on the related information, a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation relative to the amount of visual information is calculated. Here, "amount of visual information" relates to the "cognitive" element of driving behavior, and "timing of operation of the control device according to the difference in the amount of visual information" relates to the "cognitive" and "judgment" elements of driving behavior. Furthermore, "operation of the control device" relates to the "operational" element of driving behavior. In other words, the statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation relative to the amount of visual information is calculated based on multiple elements of motor behavior. Furthermore, since the driver's driving fitness can be evaluated based on the relationship between the amount of visual information in the relevant information and statistical values, the evaluation method can comprehensively assess the driver's driving fitness based on multiple elements of driving behavior.

[0028] An evaluation program according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention is an evaluation program for causing a computer to execute an evaluation method in an evaluation device for evaluating the driving fitness of a driver operating a moving object, comprising a first information acquisition unit, a second information acquisition unit, a storage unit, a calculation unit, and an evaluation unit, wherein the first information acquisition unit performs the step of acquiring first information relating to the amount of visual information around the moving object that changes with each movement; the second information acquisition unit performs the step of acquiring second information relating to the operating speed or amount of operation of an operating device for operating the moving object; the storage unit performs the step of associating the first information and the second information when the operating speed or amount of operation exceeds a threshold and storing them as related information; the calculation unit performs the step of calculating a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information; and the evaluation unit performs the step of causing the computer to execute the steps of evaluating the driving fitness of a driver operating a moving object based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and the statistical value in the related information.

[0029] The evaluation program according to the 10th embodiment is an evaluation program that causes a computer to execute an evaluation method in an evaluation device that evaluates the driving suitability of a driver operating a moving object, comprising a first information acquisition unit, a second information acquisition unit, a storage unit, a calculation unit, and an evaluation unit. In this evaluation program, first the first information acquisition unit acquires first information regarding the amount of visual information around the moving object that changes with each movement, and the second information acquisition unit acquires second information regarding the operating speed or amount of the operating device that operates the moving object. Next, the storage unit associates the first and second information when the operating speed or amount of operation exceeds a threshold and stores it as related information. Next, the calculation unit calculates statistical values ​​of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information. Here, "amount of visual information" relates to the "cognitive" element of driving behavior, and "timing of operation of the control device according to the difference in the amount of visual information" relates to the "cognitive" and "judgment" elements of driving behavior. Furthermore, "operation of the control device" relates to the "operational" element of driving behavior. In other words, the statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation relative to the amount of visual information is calculated based on multiple elements of motor behavior. The evaluation unit then assesses the driver's suitability for operating a moving object based on the relationship between the amount of visual information in the relevant information and statistical values. For this reason, the evaluation program allows the computer to execute an evaluation method that comprehensively assesses the driver's suitability for operating a moving object based on multiple elements of driving behavior. [Examples]

[0030] The following describes an evaluation apparatus, evaluation method, and evaluation program according to one embodiment, using Figures 1 to 10.

[0031] (Overall configuration of evaluation system 10) As shown in Figure 1, the evaluation device 1 according to the first embodiment is included in the evaluation system 10, and the evaluation system 10 is constructed using the evaluation device 1. The evaluation system 10 is equipped with a server 2 and a number of terminals 3 as its main components. Here, the server 2 is constructed including the evaluation device 1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the evaluation system 10 constructs a communication navigation system. Therefore, the server 2 transmits various information required for navigation, such as map information, to multiple terminals 3, and also obtains various information from the multiple terminals 3. Furthermore, terminal 3 is configured as an in-vehicle terminal or client terminal mounted on a mobile device (not shown), and is equipped with a navigation function. In this context, a vehicle, more specifically an automobile, is used as the mobile device. However, it is not limited to automobiles; mobile devices include motorcycles, trucks, buses, trains, bicycles, ships, and aircraft. The main components are described in detail below.

[0033] (Configuration of Terminal 3) (1) Overall configuration of terminal 3 As shown in Figure 1, terminal 3 is composed of a terminal control unit 30, a terminal communication unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation input unit 33, an audio output unit 34, an external sensor unit 35, a vehicle speed acquisition unit 36, a self-position detection unit 37, a steering angle detection unit 38, and an acceleration detection unit 39. Each component, such as the terminal control unit 30, is interconnected via a common bus wiring (not shown in numerals).

[0034] (2) Configuration of the terminal communication unit 31 The terminal communication unit 31 establishes a communication connection with the server 2 via the network.

[0035] (3) Configuration of the display unit 32 The display unit 32 is composed of a liquid crystal display panel or an organic electroluminescent panel, and displays map information and the like acquired from the server 2 as an image. The display unit 32 is mounted on or built into the instrument panel of the automobile, and the image displayed on the display unit 32 is visible to the driver operating the automobile or to passengers riding in the automobile. The display unit 32 may also be a projector that constructs a head-up display. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 32 is also used as a notification unit that notifies the driver of the driving suitability evaluation results (first notification information or second notification information) generated using the evaluation device 1 by displaying an image.

[0036] (4) Configuration of the operation input unit 33 The operation input unit 33 includes, for example, a touch panel that is mounted on top of the liquid crystal display panel of the display unit 32. Various operations, such as setting the destination route for the navigation function, can be performed on the operation input unit 33.

[0037] (5) Configuration of the audio output unit 34 The audio output unit 34 includes a speaker. The audio output unit 34 can output route guidance information and other navigation function information as audio. Also, similar to the display unit 32, the audio output unit 34 is used as a notification unit to notify the driver of the driving suitability evaluation results (first notification information or second notification information) generated using the evaluation device 1 via audio output.

[0038] (6) Configuration of the external sensor unit 35 The external sensor unit 35 is configured to include at least an imaging device mounted on the automobile. The imaging device includes, for example, a two-dimensional image sensor. In practice, CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensors or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors are used as two-dimensional image sensors. Furthermore, the external sensor unit 35 may include a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) or a SONAR (Sound Navigation And Ranging).

[0039] The external sensor unit 35 can capture the scenery around the vehicle, which changes with each movement, as image information. In the case of the external sensor unit 35 mounted on the front of the vehicle and capturing the view ahead, the scenery around the vehicle refers to the image information captured using the external sensor unit 35, which corresponds to the scenery in front that is visible to the driver. Furthermore, in the case of an external sensor unit 35 mounted on the rear of the vehicle to capture images of the rear, the image information captured using the external sensor unit 35 corresponds to the scenery behind the vehicle that is visible to the driver. Similarly, in the case of an external sensor unit 35 mounted on the side of the vehicle to capture images of the side, the image information captured using the external sensor unit 35 corresponds to the scenery to the side that is visible to the driver. And, in the case of an external sensor unit 35 capable of capturing images of the entire surrounding area in the horizontal direction of the vehicle, the image information captured using the external sensor unit 35 corresponds to the scenery around the vehicle that is visible to the driver.

[0040] The image information captured as a landscape includes visual information that the driver sees when operating a vehicle, such as road layout, traffic signs, other vehicles (such as other cars), pedestrians, billboards, trees, buildings, mountains, and the sea. This visual information changes with each image captured at a predetermined frame rate. In other words, when a vehicle is moving, the visual information changes with each movement of the vehicle (or with each image of the landscape). Here, for example, 30 FPS (Frames Per Second) or 27.5 FPS is used as the predetermined frame rate.

[0041] Figure 2 shows an example of the scenery ahead captured using the external sensor unit 35 mounted on the front of the vehicle. The scenery shown in Figure 2 is a road near a busy downtown area at night, and the captured image information includes many objects such as traffic signs S, pedestrians P, billboards D, and buildings B. Therefore, the scenery is highly complex and contains a large amount of visual information. In this embodiment, the first information is an index that indicates the amount of visual information around the vehicle (moving object) based on this image information. In the case of the scenery shown in Figure 2, the first information indicates that the amount of visual information is relatively large. Here, "complexity" is obtained as the visual complexity of the landscape by analyzing at least one of the numerical elements related to objects such as traffic signs S included in the image information, and the visual elements of the landscape itself in the image information. The "numerical elements" include the distance from the vehicle (own vehicle) to the object, the number of objects included in the image information, etc. The "visual elements of the landscape itself" is monotonicity that represents the visual effects visually produced by, for example, the area of ​​buildings in the landscape, the color scheme, the variation in colors, etc., and includes elements related to the sense of openness that the driver perceives. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-230506 discloses specific examples and methods for analyzing "complexity." In addition, "complexity" can be calculated using the two-dimensional frequency of the landscape with the existing discrete cosine transform (DCT) method, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6214798.

[0042] On the other hand, Figure 3 shows the scenery in front of the vehicle, similarly captured using the external sensor unit 35 mounted on the front of the vehicle. The scenery shown in Figure 3 is a suburban road scene during the daytime, and the captured image information contains fewer objects compared to the scenery shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the scenery is less complex and contains less visual information. In this embodiment, in the case of the scenery shown in Figure 3, the first information indicates that the amount of visual information is relatively small.

[0043] (7) Configuration of the vehicle speed acquisition unit 36 Returning to Figure 1, the vehicle speed acquisition unit 36 ​​acquires the vehicle speed (movement speed of the moving object). The vehicle speed is transmitted to the vehicle speed acquisition unit 36 ​​from the vehicle's vehicle speed sensor or ECU (Electrical Control Unit or Engine Control Unit) using CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. Furthermore, the vehicle speed may also be acquired by the vehicle speed acquisition unit 36 ​​based on positioning information from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0044] (8) Configuration of the self-position detection unit 37 The self-position detection unit 37 detects the vehicle's own position. The self-position is detected based on the positioning information obtained by GNSS as described above. Alternatively, the self-position may be detected by a known method other than one based on GNSS positioning information.

[0045] (9) Configuration of the steering angle detection unit 38 The steering angle detection unit 38 includes a gyro sensor and can calculate the steering angle and steering speed of the steering wheel, which controls the direction of travel of the vehicle, from the angular velocity information of the vehicle acquired by the gyro sensor and the vehicle speed of the vehicle acquired by the vehicle speed acquisition unit 36. The steering wheel is one of the operating devices for operating the vehicle. In this embodiment, the steering speed of this steering wheel is considered second information related to the operating speed of the operating device for operating the vehicle. The steering angle detection unit 38 may, for example, obtain angular velocity or steering angle from the ECU via CAN communication.

[0046] (10) Configuration of the acceleration detection unit 39 The acceleration detection unit 39 includes an acceleration sensor and detects acceleration information of the vehicle. In particular, it calculates the deceleration caused by the braking system that adjusts the vehicle speed. The braking system is one of the other operating devices for controlling the vehicle, and the deceleration of the vehicle is related to the amount of braking operation. In this embodiment, this acceleration information is considered second information related to the amount of operation of the operating device for controlling the vehicle.

[0047] (11) Configuration of terminal control unit 30 The terminal control unit 30 is composed of a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory unit, and is responsible for controlling the operation of each component of the terminal 3, such as the terminal communication unit 31. In the terminal control unit 30, first information regarding the amount of visual information around the vehicle, which changes with each movement, is generated based on the imaging information captured using the external sensor unit 35. In addition, the terminal control unit 30 generates second information regarding the amount of operation of the operating device based on the acceleration information acquired using the acceleration detection unit 39. In this case, the operating device is a brake device, and deceleration information is acquired as acceleration information, so the second information is information regarding the amount of operation of the brake device. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 30 generates second information regarding the operating speed of the operating device based on the steering angle information acquired using the steering angle detection unit 38. In this case, the operating device is the steering device, and the second information is information regarding the operating speed of the steering device.

[0048] The first and second pieces of information generated in the terminal control unit 30 are constantly transmitted to the server 2 using the terminal communication unit 31. When transmitting the first and second pieces of information, identification (ID) information that identifies the terminal 3 is added.

[0049] (Configuration of evaluation device 1 and server 2) As shown in Figure 1, Server 2 is composed of a server control unit 20, a server communication unit 21, a map database 22, and a storage device 23, and the evaluation device 1 is constructed using the components of the server control unit 20 and the server communication unit 21. Specifically, the evaluation device 1 is composed of a server control unit 20, a server communication unit 21, a first information acquisition unit 11, a second information acquisition unit 12, a storage unit 13, a calculation unit 14, an evaluation unit 15, a first notification information generation unit 18, and a second notification information generation unit 19. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the evaluation device 1 includes a correction unit 16 and an information selection unit 17. The various components of Server 2, such as the Server Control Unit 20, and the various components of Evaluation Device 1, such as the First Information Acquisition Unit 11, are interconnected via a common bus wiring (not shown in numerals).

[0050] (1) Configuration of the server communication unit 21 The server communication unit 21 establishes a communication connection with the terminal communication unit 31 of the terminal 3 via a network. The server communication unit 21 is shared by both the server 2 and the evaluation device 1.

[0051] (2) Structure of the map database 22 The map database 22 stores map information primarily used in communication navigation systems.

[0052] (3) Configuration of the storage device 23 The storage device 23 consists of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and HD (Hard Disk). The ROM stores programs executed by the server control unit 20, for example. The RAM temporarily stores processing information processed by the server control unit 20. The HD is constructed as a large-capacity storage device and stores processing information, various information transmitted from the terminal 3, and so on.

[0053] (4) Configuration of the server control unit 20 The server control unit 20, like the terminal control unit 30, is composed of a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory unit. The server control unit 20 controls the operation of each component of the server 2, such as the server communication unit 21, and further controls the operation of each component of the evaluation device 1. Furthermore, the central processing unit and storage unit of the server control unit 20 constitute a computer that executes the evaluation program according to this embodiment. This evaluation program and the evaluation method achieved by executing the evaluation program will be described later.

[0054] (5) Configuration of the first information acquisition unit 11 and the second information acquisition unit 12 The first information acquisition unit 11 of the evaluation device 1 acquires first information regarding the amount of visual information transmitted from the terminal communication unit 31 of the terminal 3 via the server communication unit 21 of the server 2. Similarly, the second information acquisition unit 12 acquires second information relating to the operation speed or operation amount transmitted from the terminal communication unit 31 via the server communication unit 21.

[0055] (6) Configuration of the memory unit 13 The memory unit 13 is constructed to include RAM or HD. When the operation speed or amount of the second information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 12 exceeds a preset threshold, the memory unit 13 associates the first information regarding the amount of visual information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 11 with the second information and stores it as related information. Specifically, in the braking system, if the amount of braking operation when the driver applies the brakes exceeds a threshold, that is, if the driver performs a sudden braking operation that exceeds a preset standard, related information is stored in the storage unit 13, which associates the first information regarding the amount of visual information with the second information regarding the amount of braking operation of the brake system. Similarly, in the steering system, if the amount of steering speed when the driver turns the steering wheel exceeds a threshold, that is, if the driver performs a sudden steering operation that exceeds a preset standard, related information is stored in the storage unit 13, which associates the first information regarding the amount of visual information with the second information regarding the steering speed. The related information, including the date and time information on when this related information was acquired, is stored in the storage unit 13 for each identification information of terminal 3.

[0056] (5) Configuration of the calculation unit 14 The calculation unit 14 calculates statistical values ​​of the operation speed or operation amount corresponding to the amount of visual information, based on the relevant information acquired and stored in the memory unit 13 during the most recent read period, at each predetermined read timing set in advance. Here, the "predetermined read timing" is set, for example, every six months or every year. The "most recent read period" is set, for example, the most recent six months or one year. Statistical values ​​are calculated using statistical methods such as correlation analysis and regression analysis, and represent the trend in changes in operating speed or volume in response to changes in the amount of visual information. For example, if a car turns right at an intersection and a pedestrian is crossing the road after the turn, the driver will operate the steering wheel and brakes to avoid approaching the pedestrian. In this case, if the driver can recognize the pedestrian early, they can operate the brakes and steering wheel with ample time to avoid approaching the pedestrian. However, the later the driver recognizes the pedestrian, the later their operating actions will be, resulting in the need to operate the steering wheel and brakes at a larger speed or volume. In other words, even in an environment with the same amount of visual information, drivers with reduced cognitive and judgment abilities tend to have a greater operating speed or volume in emergencies. Therefore, the statistical values ​​of operating speed or volume corresponding to the amount of visual information calculated here indicate the trend in delays in driver behavior for each difference in the amount of visual information in the driving environment of a vehicle. Figure 4 shows an example of a graph of statistical values. The horizontal axis represents the amount of visual information, and the vertical axis represents the speed or amount of operation. As shown in Figure 4, the more visual information increases, the more the speed or amount of operation tends to increase due to delays in cognition and judgment, and the statistical values ​​indicate a trend toward delays in driving behavior.

[0057] (6) Configuration of the evaluation unit 15 Returning to Figure 1, the evaluation unit 15 evaluates the driver's driving fitness based on the relationship between the amount of visual information in the relevant information and the statistical values ​​calculated by the calculation unit 14. Two types of evaluation methods are implemented here to evaluate driving fitness. The first evaluation method compares the trend of delays in past driving behaviors with the trend of delays in the most recent (current) driving behaviors of the same driver to evaluate driving fitness. Here, "same driver" is used to mean, for example, the same identification information transmitted from terminal 3. The second evaluation method compares the trend of delays in standard driving behaviors with the trend of delays in the driver's most recent driving behaviors to evaluate driving fitness.

[0058] To explain in more detail, the first evaluation method compares the trend of delays in the most recent driving behavior with the trend of delays in driving behavior from, for example, one or two years ago. Figure 5 shows an example of a graph of the trend of delays in driving behavior created based on the first evaluation method. Similar to the horizontal and vertical axes shown in Figure 4, in Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents the amount of visual information, and the vertical axis represents the operating speed or amount of operation. As shown in Figure 5, comparing the trend of delays in driving behavior in the past with the trend of delays in driving behavior in the latest driving behavior, the trend of delays in driving behavior has deteriorated. The hatched difference represents the amount of deterioration.

[0059] On the other hand, the second evaluation method compares the trend of delay in the most recent driving behavior with the trend of delay in a baseline driving behavior. Here, the "trend of delay in baseline driving behavior" refers to, for example, the average trend of delay in driving behavior of several general drivers. Figure 6 shows an example of a graph of the trend of delay in driving behavior created based on the second evaluation method. Similar to the horizontal and vertical axes shown in Figure 4, in Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents the amount of visual information, and the vertical axis represents the operating speed or amount of operation. As shown in Figure 6, comparing the trend of delay in driving behavior with the trend of delay in driving behavior based on the baseline, the trend of delay in driving behavior has deteriorated. The hatched difference represents the amount of deterioration.

[0060] (7) Configuration of the correction unit 16 Returning to Figure 1, the correction unit 16 of the evaluation device 1 receives the vehicle speed information acquired by the vehicle speed acquisition unit 36 ​​of the terminal 3 from the terminal communication unit 31 to the server communication unit 21 of the server 2. Based on this vehicle speed information, the correction unit 16 performs a correction to increase the amount of visual information of the first information in accordance with the increase in the moving speed of the moving object, that is, the increase in the vehicle speed of the automobile. The correction unit 16 may be configured to include a table in which the correction amount for the amount of visual information is stored for each vehicle speed, or it may be configured as a calculation unit that calculates the correction amount for the amount of visual information with respect to vehicle speed. Generally, as a vehicle's speed increases, the driver's field of vision narrows and their visual acuity tends to decrease. Therefore, even with the same amount of visual information, the time required to perceive visual information increases as the vehicle speed increases compared to when the vehicle speed does not increase. The correction unit 16 adjusts for this change in the time required to perceive visual information due to changes in vehicle speed, enabling accurate evaluation of driving fitness, including the "perception" and "judgment" elements of the driver's driving behavior.

[0061] (8) Configuration of the information sorting unit 17 In addition to storing related information, the aforementioned memory unit 13 also stores the history of the moving object's journey along a travel route, that is, the history of the vehicle's driving route, as travel history information. Based on the travel history information stored in the memory unit 13, the information selection unit 17 excludes (selects) the first and second pieces of information from the related information when the vehicle travels along a travel route identified as a known travel route, and does not store them in the memory unit 13. Generally, even at locations along a driving route with a large amount of visual information, if it is a familiar driving route that the driver uses regularly, the time required to recognize the points to check (visual information) is less affected by the amount of visual information. In other words, the driving suitability, which includes the elements of "cognition" and "judgment" of the driver's driving behavior, tends to be highly evaluated. For this reason, the information selection unit 17 excludes relevant information acquired on the specified driving route from the evaluation of driving suitability, making it possible to accurately evaluate driving suitability.

[0062] (9) Configuration of the first information generation unit 18 The first notification information generation unit 18 generates first notification information when the decline in the latest driving suitability of the same driver compared to past driving suitability, as evaluated by the evaluation unit 15 using the first evaluation method, exceeds a preset first criterion. The first notification information is generated to inform the driver that their driving fitness level has decreased. An example of the first notification information is audio information or text (message) information such as, "Your current driving fitness level has decreased by 10% compared to a year ago. Please drive safely." Another example of the first notification information is information that includes image information including the graph shown in Figure 5, and information that includes two or more of the above audio and text information. The first notification information generated in the first notification information generation unit 18 is transmitted to the terminal 3 via the server communication unit 21 and the terminal communication unit 31, and output as audio from the audio output unit 34, or as text information or image information from the display unit 32.

[0063] (10) Configuration of the second information generation unit 19 The second notification information generation unit 19 generates second notification information when the decrease in the driver's latest driving fitness relative to the standard driving fitness, as evaluated by the evaluation unit 15 using the second evaluation method, exceeds a preset second standard. The second standard is set as a standard for being able to properly operate the vehicle. The second notification information is generated to inform the driver that they should refrain from driving. An example of the second notification information is at least one of the following: audio information, text information, and image information, such as, "Your current driving fitness level does not meet the suitability standards. Please refrain from driving or consider surrendering your driver's license." An example of image information is information including the graph shown in Figure 6. The second notification information generated in the second notification information generation unit 19 is transmitted from the server 2 to the terminal 3 and output as audio from the audio output unit 34, or as text information or image information from the display unit 32.

[0064] (Evaluation methods and evaluation program structure) The evaluation method using the evaluation device 1 shown in Figure 1, and the evaluation program for executing this evaluation method on a computer, will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Note that each step (each component) of the evaluation method is the same as, or substantially the same as, each step (each component) of the evaluation program. Therefore, the evaluation method will be explained below, and the explanation of the evaluation program will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0065] (1) Evaluation method on terminal 3 At terminal 3 of the evaluation system 10, the processing of the evaluation method is started. As shown in Figure 7, terminal 3 uses the external sensor unit 35 to acquire first information regarding the amount of visual information around the vehicle that changes with each drive (step S1). Subsequently, the vehicle's self-position information is acquired using the self-position detection unit 37 (step S2). Subsequently, second information regarding the operating speed or amount of the vehicle's operating devices is acquired using the vehicle speed acquisition unit 36, acceleration detection unit 39, or steering angle detection unit 38 (step S3). The operating speed or amount of the operating devices here refers to the steering speed due to the operation of the steering device or the deceleration due to the operation of the brake device. Here, the order of steps S1 to S3 is not particularly limited, and the processing order can be reversed.

[0066] Various types of information acquired by terminal 3, such as first information, location information, second information, and speed information, are transmitted to server 2 via terminal communication unit 31 and server communication unit 21 (step S4). Terminal 3 identification information is added to the transmitted information.

[0067] Next, it is determined whether or not to continue processing at terminal 3 (step S5). If it is determined that processing should continue, the process proceeds to step S1. If it is determined that processing should not continue, the evaluation method processing at terminal 3 ends.

[0068] (2) Evaluation method in the evaluation device 1 of server 2 (method for storing and processing various types of information) In the evaluation device 1 that constructs the server 2 of the evaluation system 10, the storage processing method for various information of the evaluation method is started. As shown in Figure 7, the server communication unit 21 receives various information transmitted from the terminal 3. The first information acquisition unit 11 acquires first information regarding the amount of visual information received by the server communication unit 21 (step S11). Similarly, the second information acquisition unit 12 acquires second information regarding the operation speed or operation amount received by the server communication unit 21.

[0069] In the server control unit 20, it is determined whether the operation speed or operation amount of the second information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 12 exceeds a threshold (step S12). This determination is made using the server control unit 20. If it is determined that the operation speed or operation amount does not exceed the threshold, the process proceeds to step S11. If it is determined that the operation speed or operation amount exceeds the threshold, related information is generated by associating the second information indicating that the operation speed or operation amount exceeded the threshold with the first information relating to the amount of visual information that corresponds to this second information. This related information is stored in the storage unit 13 (step S13).

[0070] Next, it is determined whether or not to continue processing in the evaluation device 1 (step S14). If it is determined that processing should continue, the process proceeds to step S11. If it is determined that processing should not continue, the evaluation method processing in the evaluation device 1 is terminated.

[0071] (3) Evaluation method in evaluation device 1 (method for evaluating operational suitability) In the evaluation device 1, the driver suitability evaluation process is started. As shown in Figure 8, the latest relevant information about the driver stored in the memory unit 13 of the evaluation device 1 is acquired for the terminal 3 attached to the vehicle being evaluated (step S21). Based on the acquired relevant information, statistical values ​​of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information are calculated (step S22). The statistical values ​​are calculated using the calculation unit 14 (see Figures 1 and 4).

[0072] Next, the driver's driving fitness is evaluated based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and statistical values ​​(step S23). As shown in Figure 6, the amount of deterioration (difference) in the driver's latest driving fitness relative to the standard driving fitness is calculated (step S24). Here, it is determined whether the amount of deterioration in driving fitness exceeds the second standard (step S25).

[0073] If it is determined that the second criterion is exceeded, the second notification information generation unit 19 generates a second notification information message in which the driver is advised to refrain from driving (step S32). The second notification information is transmitted to the terminal 3 via the server communication unit 21 and the terminal communication unit 31 (step S34). After this, the evaluation method is completed. In terminal 3, the second notification information is output as audio information from the audio output unit 34, or as text information or image information from the display unit 32.

[0074] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the second criterion is not exceeded, past relevant information of the driver stored in the memory unit 13 of the evaluation device 1 is acquired for the terminal 3 attached to the vehicle being evaluated (step S26). Based on the acquired relevant information, statistical values ​​of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information are calculated (step S27). The statistical values ​​are calculated using the calculation unit 14 (see Figures 1 and 4).

[0075] Next, the driver's driving fitness is evaluated based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and statistical values ​​(Step S28). As shown in Figure 5, the amount of deterioration (difference) in the latest driving fitness compared to past driving fitness for the same driver is calculated (Step S29). Here, it is determined whether the amount of deterioration in driving fitness exceeds the first criterion (Step S30).

[0076] If it is determined that the first criterion is exceeded, the first notification information generation unit 18 generates first notification information, which is a message indicating a decrease in driving suitability (step S33). The first notification information is transmitted to terminal 3 via server communication unit 21 and terminal communication unit 31 (step S34). After this, the evaluation method is completed. In terminal 3, the first notification information is output as audio information from the audio output unit 34, or as text information or image information from the display unit 32.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the first criterion is not exceeded, either no message is generated, or a message indicating that there is no decrease in driving suitability is generated as notification information (step S31). This notification information is transmitted to terminal 3 via server communication unit 21 and terminal communication unit 31 (step S34). After this, the evaluation method is completed. In addition, when notification information is generated in terminal 3, this notification information is output as audio information from the audio output unit 34, or as text information or image information from the display unit 32.

[0078] (4) Correction processing method in the evaluation method In the evaluation method according to this embodiment, a correction process may be added between steps S11 and S12 of the evaluation method shown in Figure 7. In the correction process, when various information is acquired from the terminal 3 in step S11 shown in Figure 7, the correction unit 16 of the evaluation device 1 (see Figure 1) first acquires first information related to the amount of visual information, as shown in Figure 9 (step S41). Subsequently, the correction unit 16 acquires speed information (step S42). The speed information is related to the vehicle speed of the automobile.

[0079] In the correction unit 16, the amount of visual information in the first information is corrected according to the vehicle's speed, based on the acquired first information and speed information (step S43). This correction increases the amount of visual information as the speed of movement increases. Then, based on the corrected amount of visual information, the first information is generated (corrected) (step S44). In step S12, when the operation speed or amount of the second information exceeds a threshold, this first information is associated with the second information and stored in the storage unit 13 as related information (see step S13 in Figure 7). In step S44, once the first information is generated, the correction process ends.

[0080] (5) Information selection method in the evaluation method In the evaluation method according to this embodiment, an information selection process may be added between steps S12 and S13 of the evaluation method shown in Figure 7. In the information sorting process, when various information is acquired from the terminal 3 in step S11 shown in Figure 7, the information sorting unit 17 (see Figure 1) of the evaluation device 1 acquires the location information of the vehicle (step S51). Furthermore, the information sorting unit 17 accumulates travel history information, which is a history of when the vehicle traveled along a travel route, based on the acquired location information of the vehicle and the map information of the map database 22 (step S52). The travel history information may also be stored in the storage unit 13.

[0081] In the information selection unit 17, it is determined whether the vehicle's most recent travel route is a known route based on the accumulated travel history information (step S53). If there is travel history information indicating that the same travel route has been traveled multiple times, for example, five or more times, it is determined to be a known route. In this case, the related information that is to be stored in the storage unit 13 is excluded, and the process proceeds to step S14 shown in Figure 7 (step S55). After this, the information selection method is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the movement path is not a known one, the process moves to step S13 shown in Figure 7 (step S54), and the relevant information is stored in the storage unit 13. After this, the information selection method ends.

[0082] As shown in Figure 1, the evaluation device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a first information acquisition unit 11, a second information acquisition unit 12, a storage unit 13, a calculation unit 14, and an evaluation unit 15. The first information acquisition unit 11 acquires first information regarding the amount of visual information around the automobile (moving object) that changes with each movement. The second information acquisition unit 12 acquires second information regarding the operating speed or amount of the operating device that operates the automobile. The storage unit 13 associates the first and second information when the operating speed or amount exceeds a threshold and stores it as related information. The calculation unit 14 calculates a statistical value of the operating speed or amount corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information (see Figure 4). Here, "amount of visual information" relates to the "cognition" element of driving behavior, and "timing of operation of the control device according to the difference in the amount of visual information" relates to the "cognition" and "judgment" elements of driving behavior. Furthermore, "operation of the control device" relates to the "operation" element of driving behavior. In other words, the calculation unit 14 calculates a statistical value of the operating speed or amount of operation corresponding to the amount of visual information based on multiple elements of driving behavior. Even if the amount of visual information the driver sees while driving is the same, if the "cognition" and "judgment" abilities are impaired, a delay will occur in "operation," and therefore this statistical value reflects a declining trend in driving fitness. Therefore, the evaluation unit 15 can evaluate the driver's driving suitability based on the relationship between the amount of visual information in the relevant information and statistical values, so the evaluation device 1 can comprehensively evaluate the driver's driving suitability based on multiple elements of driving behavior.

[0083] (Other examples) (1) First embodiment The evaluation device 1 shown in Figure 1 is included in terminal 3, and the evaluation device 1 may constitute terminal 3. The components of the evaluation device 1 included in terminal 3 include at least a first information acquisition unit 11, a second information acquisition unit 12, a storage unit 13, a calculation unit 14, and an evaluation unit 15. Furthermore, the evaluation device 1 may include at least one component, which is a correction unit 16, an information selection unit 17, a first notification information generation unit 18, and a second notification information generation unit 19. The evaluation device 1, configured in this way, can be installed in a vehicle as it forms a terminal 3. Therefore, it is possible to accurately evaluate driving suitability in the vehicle (terminal 3) based on multiple elements of driving behavior.

[0084] (2) Second Example In terminal 3 shown in Figure 1, second information regarding the operating speed or amount of operation is acquired. Therefore, when the operating speed or amount of operation of the operating device exceeds a threshold, various information such as first and second information regarding the amount of visual information may be transmitted from terminal 3 to server 2. The terminal control unit 30 of terminal 3 determines whether or not the operating speed or amount of operation exceeds a threshold. In this case, the amount of information transmitted can be reduced, and the burden on the various processes of the terminal control unit 30 of terminal 3 and the server control unit 20 of server 2 can be reduced.

[0085] (3) Third embodiment The map database 22 of server 2 stores the amount of visual information, and based on the self-position information of terminal 3, first information regarding the amount of visual information of the corresponding location information may be acquired from the map database 22 to the evaluation device 1. More specifically, the amount of visual information of the scenery visible from multiple different locations on a road included in the map database 22 is stored in the map database 22 for each direction of travel on the road. The amount of visual information of the scenery visible from multiple locations on the road is calculated, for example, based on image information captured from a probe car. Alternatively, this amount of visual information may be calculated by statistical processing of the amount of visual information transmitted from terminals 3 installed in multiple different vehicles. Based on the self-position information and the vehicle's direction of travel information acquired by terminal 3, the evaluation device 1 acquires the amount of visual information stored in the map database 22 at the corresponding location on the road, linked to the corresponding direction of travel. In this case, the first information acquisition process regarding the amount of visual information at terminal 3 can be eliminated.

[0086] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1. Evaluation device 10. Evaluation System 11 1st Information Acquisition Department 12 2nd Information Acquisition Department 13 Storage section 14 Calculation Section 15 Evaluation Department 16 Correction section 17. Information Selection Department 18. First Information Generation Unit 19. Second Information Generation Unit 2 servers 20 Server Control Unit 21 Server Communication Section 22 Map Database 23 Storage device 3 terminals 30 Terminal Control Unit 31 Terminal Communication Unit 32 Display section 33 Operation Input Section 34 Audio output section 35 External sensor unit 36 Vehicle speed acquisition section 37 Self-position detection unit 38 Steering angle detection unit 39 Acceleration detection unit

Claims

1. A first information acquisition unit acquires first information regarding the amount of visual information around a moving object that changes with each movement, A second information acquisition unit acquires second information relating to the operating speed or amount of the operating device for operating the moving body, A storage unit that associates the first information obtained when the second information is acquired with the second information and stores it as related information, A calculation unit that calculates statistical values ​​of the operation speed or operation amount corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the aforementioned related information, An evaluation unit that evaluates the driving suitability of the driver operating the moving object based on the relationship between the amount of visual information in the related information and the statistical value, An evaluation device equipped with the following features.

2. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit associates the first information and the second information when the operating speed or the amount of operation exceeds a threshold and stores them as related information.

3. The evaluation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the evaluation unit calculates evaluation information indicating the tendency of delay in the driver's operation of the moving object in accordance with the amount of visual information, based on the relationship between the amount of visual information and the statistical value.

4. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the amount of visual information in the first information to increase as the moving speed of the moving body increases.

5. The storage unit stores the history of the moving object's movement along the movement path as historical information. The system further includes an information selection unit that excludes the first and second pieces of information from the related information when the moving object moves along a movement path identified as a known movement path based on the aforementioned history information. The evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the evaluation unit compares the driver's past driving fitness, as evaluated by the evaluation unit, with the driver's latest driving fitness.

7. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a first notification information generation unit that generates first notification information to notify the driver that the driver's driving fitness has deteriorated when the decline in the driver's latest driving fitness exceeds a first criterion relative to the driver's past driving fitness evaluated by the evaluation unit.

8. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the evaluation unit compares a standard driving fitness with the latest driving fitness of the driver evaluated by the evaluation unit.

9. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a second notification information generation unit that generates second notification information to inform the driver that he should refrain from driving when the latest decrease in the driver's driving fitness as evaluated by the evaluation unit exceeds a second standard relative to a standard driving fitness.

10. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a server communication unit that receives the first information and the second information transmitted from the mobile body.

11. An evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which can be mounted on the mobile body.

12. An evaluation method performed by an evaluation device that evaluates the driving fitness of a driver operating a moving object, A step of acquiring first information regarding the amount of visual information around the moving object that changes with each movement, A step of acquiring second information relating to the operating speed or amount of the operating device for operating the moving body, A step of associating the first information and the second information when the operating speed or the amount of operation exceeds a threshold, and storing them as related information, A step of calculating a statistical value of the operation speed or operation amount corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the aforementioned related information, A step of evaluating the driving suitability of the driver operating the moving object based on the relationship between the amount of visual information in the related information and the statistical value, An evaluation method that includes the following features.

13. An evaluation program for causing a computer to execute an evaluation method in an evaluation device that evaluates the driving suitability of a driver operating a mobile object, comprising a first information acquisition unit, a second information acquisition unit, a storage unit, a calculation unit, and an evaluation unit, The first information acquisition unit performs the step of acquiring first information relating to the amount of visual information around the moving object that changes with each movement, The second information acquisition unit performs the step of acquiring second information relating to the operating speed or operating amount of the operating device for operating the moving body, The memory unit stores the first information and the second information as related information, relating them together when the operation speed or the operation amount exceeds a threshold. The calculation unit performs the steps of calculating a statistical value of the operation speed or operation amount corresponding to the amount of visual information based on the related information, The evaluation unit performs the step of evaluating the driving suitability of the driver operating the moving object based on the relationship between the amount of visual information in the related information and the statistical value, An evaluation program that causes the aforementioned computer to execute.

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