Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

Provided are an emergency vehicle detection device, an emergency vehicle detection method, and a program recording medium with which an emergency vehicle traveling in response to an emergency can be detected with high accuracy. This emergency vehicle detection device comprises: a determination means that, on the basis of features of a vehicle traveling on a road and relative movements between said vehicle and circumjacent vehicles, makes a determination as to whether or not said vehicle is an emergency vehicle traveling in response to an emergency; and a transmission means that transmits a result of said determination to a prescribed management terminal.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control device that, when overtaking or passing a stopped vehicle, sets a speed upper limit distribution that defines an upper limit of the relative speed between the vehicle and the stopped vehicle according to the likelihood of the stopped vehicle starting. Specifically, the vehicle control device described in this document sets a high speed upper limit, which is the upper limit of the relative speed of the target vehicle, when the likelihood of starting is low. Conversely, when the likelihood of starting is high, the speed upper limit is set to a low value, and when overtaking a vehicle with a high likelihood of starting, the vehicle controls the vehicle to pass at a low speed. Note that this document also discloses that the likelihood of starting is evaluated based on communication with the target vehicle, the position of the driving range, brake operation, turn signals, whether a passenger is on board, the open / closed state of the doors, etc.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-142428

[0004] One method for accurately evaluating the possibility of starting is to communicate with the target vehicle and acquire the vehicle status, as in Patent Document 1, but this has the problem that it will not work unless the target vehicle is equipped with a communication function. Also, if the possibility of starting is evaluated only from the external state of the target vehicle, such as the status of the brake lights, the turn signals, whether a passenger is on or off, and the open / close status of the doors, without relying on communication with the target vehicle, there is a possibility of erroneous determination.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium that can accurately provide information indicating whether a vehicle on a road can overtake to other vehicles, etc.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided an information processing device comprising: a detection means for detecting a first vehicle on a road; an identification means for identifying the movement of a second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing images of the road; a calculation means for calculating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether or not the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle; and an output means for outputting information indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle to a predetermined output destination.

[0007] According to a second aspect, an information processing method is provided that detects a first vehicle on a road, identifies the movement of a second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing images of the road, calculates the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether or not the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle, and outputs information indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle to a specified output destination.

[0008] According to a third aspect, a recording medium is provided that stores a program that executes the following processes: detecting a first vehicle on a road; identifying the movement of a second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing images of the road; calculating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether or not the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle; and outputting information indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle to a specified output destination.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide other vehicles, etc. with accurate information indicating whether a vehicle on a road can overtake.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table held by an information processing device of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is another diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is another diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer constituting an information processing device of the present disclosure.

[0011] First, an overview of one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference numerals in this overview are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated form. Furthermore, connecting lines between blocks in the drawings and the like referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. A program is executed via a computer device, which includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device. Furthermore, this computer device is configured to be able to communicate with internal or external devices (including computers) via the communication interface, whether wired or wireless. Furthermore, ports or interfaces are present at the input / output connection points of each block in the drawings, but are not shown.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present disclosure can be realized by an information processing device 10 including a detection unit 11, a specification unit 12, a calculation unit 13, and an output unit 14, as shown in FIG.

[0013] More specifically, the detection means 11 detects a first vehicle on a road, for example, a first vehicle located on the roadside. The identification means 12 identifies the movement of a second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing the road. The calculation means 13 calculates the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken. The output means 14 then outputs information indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken to a predetermined output destination. For example, the output means 14 can notify the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken by outputting the information to a predetermined output destination on the network 20. Note that the calculation means 13 may calculate the possibility that the first vehicle is a "stopped vehicle" as an example of the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken. In this case, a "stopped vehicle" refers to a state in which the first vehicle has been stopped in the same place for a certain period of time, and includes a stopped state that is shorter than the "parked" state under the Road Traffic Act.

[0014] The information processing device 10 configured as described above operates as follows: First, the information processing device 10 detects a first vehicle located on the road edge (step S01 in FIG. 2). "Located on the road edge" refers to a state in which the center line of the vehicle's traveling direction is closer to the edge of the lane than the center of the lane, and does not necessarily mean that the vehicle is stopped.

[0015] Next, the information processing device 10 monitors a second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle using the camera C and identifies its movement (step S02 in FIG. 2). At this time, the information processing device 10 may be configured to identify the movement of the second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle by referring to an image taken later in time than the image when the first vehicle was detected.

[0016] Next, the information processing device 10 calculates the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle, based on whether or not the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle (step S03 in FIG. 2).

[0017] Finally, the information processing device 10 outputs information indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken to a predetermined output destination (step S04 in FIG. 2).

[0018] 3 to 5 are diagrams for explaining the operation of one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 3, a vehicle V11 is located on the roadside. This vehicle V11 is referred to as the "first vehicle." Vehicles V12 and V13 are assumed to be following behind the vehicle V11.

[0019] Here, as shown in FIG. 4 , assume that vehicle V12 has overtaken vehicle V11. In this case, the information processing device 10 determines that a second vehicle V12 approaching from behind a first vehicle V11 has overtaken the first vehicle V11, and calculates the degree to which the second vehicle V12 can safely overtake the first vehicle V11 based on this. Specifically, since the second vehicle V12 has overtaken the first vehicle V11, the information processing device 10 calculates the degree to which the second vehicle V12 can safely overtake the first vehicle V11 as high. The information processing device 10 then outputs this calculation result to a predetermined output destination. For example, by notifying vehicle V13 of this calculation result, vehicle V13 can recognize that there is a high degree to which it can safely overtake vehicle V11, and can prepare for an overtaking operation, etc.

[0020] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 , assume that vehicle V12 decelerates and stops in front of vehicle V11. In this case, the information processing device 10 determines that the second vehicle V12 approaching from behind the first vehicle V11 is not attempting to overtake the first vehicle V11, and calculates the degree to which the second vehicle V12 can safely overtake the first vehicle V11 based on this determination. Specifically, because the second vehicle V12 has not overtaken the first vehicle V11, the information processing device 10 calculates the degree to which the second vehicle V12 can safely overtake the first vehicle V11 as low. The information processing device 10 then outputs this calculation result to a predetermined output destination. For example, by notifying vehicle V13 of this calculation result, vehicle V13 recognizes that the degree to which it can safely overtake the first vehicle V11 is low, and is able to decelerate in the same manner as the second vehicle V12.

[0021] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify other vehicles etc. that the first vehicle V11 on the road may be a stopped vehicle.

[0022] [First Embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which assistance is provided to enable a route bus to safely overtake a vehicle ahead. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows an information processing device 100 that is connected to a control center 200 and provides appropriate guidance to a vehicle V1, etc., to provide operation assistance to a route bus V2.

[0023] The information processing device 100 includes a detection unit 101 , an identification unit 102 , a calculation unit 103 , and a transmission unit 104 .

[0024] The detection unit 101 detects a first vehicle (e.g., vehicle V11 in FIG. 3 ) located on the road edge side of the road. The detection unit 101 can use a method of object recognition of a vehicle using images from camera C, or a method of detecting obstacles such as vehicles by installing an infrared or laser transceiver on the road edge side of the road. It can also use a method of detecting a vehicle located on the road edge side from information acquired by radar, LiDAR, or a detector embedded in the road surface. Criteria for determining whether a vehicle is located on the road edge side of the road can include, for example, whether the distance between the road edge and the vehicle body is within a predetermined threshold, or whether the vehicle body is located on the roadside strip. The detection unit 101 corresponds to the detection means 11 described above.

[0025] The identification unit 102 monitors a following vehicle coming from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera C capable of capturing images of the road, and identifies the movement of the following vehicle. The image captured by this camera C is an image captured later in time than the point in time at which the first vehicle is detected. Note that the camera C in the present disclosure is not limited to a visible image camera. For example, a camera that captures LiDAR or infrared images can also be used. This identification unit 102 corresponds to the above-mentioned identification means 12. Furthermore, the identification unit 102 may continue the operation of monitoring the following vehicle for a predetermined period of time, and the following vehicle may be multiple.

[0026] The calculation unit 103 calculates a value indicating the degree to which the following vehicle (second vehicle, for example, vehicle V12 in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) can safely overtake the first vehicle, based on whether or not the following vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 103 calculates a score indicating the degree to which the following vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle. This calculation unit 103 corresponds to the calculation means 13 described above. Furthermore, the calculation unit 103 may calculate the score so that the score increases according to the number of second vehicles that have overtaken the first vehicle V11.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table held by the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing device 100 according to this embodiment adds to the score when it detects the occurrence of a certain event. For example, when a second vehicle (e.g., vehicle V12 in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) overtakes a first vehicle (e.g., vehicle V11 in FIGS. 4 and 5 ), the information processing device 100 adds 50 points to the score. Furthermore, when a certain time has elapsed since the detection of the first vehicle (e.g., vehicle V11 in FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and a predetermined time has elapsed since the first vehicle came to a standstill, the information processing device 100 performs a correction by adding 30 points to the score.

[0028] Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 detects the occurrence of a certain event, it subtracts the score. In the example of Fig. 7, if the second vehicle (e.g., vehicle V12 in Figs. 4 and 5) accelerates in the latter half of the overtaking process, the information processing device 100 corrects the score by subtracting 30 points. Furthermore, if the second vehicle (e.g., vehicle V12 in Figs. 4 and 5) decelerates and stops in front of the first vehicle (e.g., vehicle V11 in Figs. 4 and 5), the information processing device 100 corrects the score by subtracting 50 points. In this way, the information processing device 100 calculates a score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken.

[0029] Although the example of FIG. 7 lists only the behavior of the second vehicle (e.g., vehicle V12 in FIGS. 4 and 5), the score may be added or subtracted using information obtained from an image of the first vehicle. For example, if it is known that the first vehicle has its hazard lights on, that the doors are open and passengers are getting in and out, or that the driver's seat is empty, the score may be added. Conversely, if it is known that the first vehicle has its brake lights on, that the blinker is on, or that there is someone in the driver's seat, the score may be subtracted. Furthermore, in the above example, the score is calculated by addition and subtraction, but a method of calculating the score by multiplying a correction factor depending on the type of event, etc., may also be employed. Of course, the score may also be calculated using an evaluation formula that combines both methods.

[0030] The transmitting unit 104 transmits the calculation results to the control center 200 .

[0031] The control center 200 uses the score received from the information processing device 100 to provide operation support for the route bus V2. Various forms of operation support are conceivable. For example, the control center 200 transmits a score indicating the degree to which the route bus V2, approaching the first vehicle from behind the first vehicle, can safely overtake the vehicle ahead (the first vehicle). The route bus V2 can display this score on an on-board terminal. Furthermore, if the route bus V2 is an autonomous vehicle, the route bus V2 can use this score to determine whether to overtake the first vehicle, adjust the speed of the first vehicle when overtaking, and adjust the distance between the route bus V2 and the first vehicle.

[0032] If the control center 200 has a function to directly control the route bus V2, it may use this score to directly control (remotely control) the route bus V2. For example, the control center 200 uses this score when remotely controlling the route bus V2. As described above, the transmission unit 104 corresponds to the output means 14 described above.

[0033] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 8, first, the information processing device 100 detects a vehicle (first vehicle) located on the road edge side of a road (step S001).

[0034] Next, the information processing device 100 starts monitoring the following second vehicle (step S002).

[0035] Next, the information processing device 100 calculates a score indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle, using the movement of the second vehicle coming from behind the first vehicle, etc. (step S003).

[0036] Next, the information processing device 100 transmits the calculated score to the control center 200 (step S004).

[0037] The control center 200, which has received the score, creates information to be transmitted to the route bus V2 based on the score, and transmits the information to the route bus V2 (third vehicle) as shown in FIG. 9 . For example, in the example of FIG. 9 , the control center 200 notifies the route bus V2 that there is a stopped vehicle 500 meters ahead and that it should be careful when overtaking the vehicle. The driver of the route bus V2 drives the route bus while referring to this information. For example, in the example of FIG. 9 , it is determined that caution is required when overtaking the vehicle ahead (first vehicle), so the driver of the route bus V2 does not attempt to overtake but instead slows down. This makes it possible to prevent accidents and the like caused by reckless overtaking.

[0038] In the above example, the information processing device 100 is described as transmitting scores and information to the route bus V2 (third vehicle) via the control center 200, but the information processing device 100 may also transmit information directly to the route bus V2 (third vehicle).

[0039] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described in which an information processing device refers to map information in addition to an image from camera C to calculate a score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can safely overtake. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that the information processing device 100a is provided with a map information storage unit 105 and, accordingly, the operation of the calculation unit 103a is different. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0040] The map information storage unit 105 stores map information about roads and their surroundings. This map information may be, for example, map information used for route guidance services or road management, but it is preferable that the map information also includes information about surrounding facilities. The map information storage unit 105 may also be provided externally to the information processing device 100a. In this case, the information processing device 100a accesses the external map information storage unit 105 to acquire the map information.

[0041] The calculation unit 103a calculates a score indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle V1 based on the movement of the second vehicle and the map information. The calculation unit 103a also functions as a map information acquisition unit.

[0042] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation of the second embodiment. The only difference from Fig. 8 showing the operation of the first embodiment is step S103. The other steps are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the differences will be described below.

[0043] In step S103, the information processing device 100a calculates a score indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle V1 based on the movement of the second vehicle and the map information.

[0044] 12 to 15 are diagrams illustrating examples of score calculations using map information by the information processing device 100a. In the example of FIG. 12, the first vehicle V11 is located on the roadside. However, referring to the map information, this location corresponds to the location where a parking meter PM is installed. In this case, the information processing device 100a sets a high score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V11 can safely overtake the first vehicle V11, regardless of the movement of the second vehicle V12. Note that, in addition to the parking meter PM, there may also be a store or other object located directly next to the parking position of the first vehicle V11. In this case, the information processing device 100a also sets a high score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V11 can safely overtake the first vehicle V11. By using map information in this manner, the accuracy of the score calculation by the information processing device 100a can be improved. By providing the score calculated in this manner to the route bus (third vehicle) V13, it is possible to inform the route bus (third vehicle) V13 that the first vehicle V11 is likely to be a stopped vehicle.

[0045] The example of FIG. 13 shows a state in which the first vehicle V11 is located on the road edge and the vehicle V12 has slowed down and stopped in front of the vehicle V11. Furthermore, by referring to map information, it is determined that the width w of the road is wider than that of a typical road. In this way, the fact that the vehicle V12 is stopped despite the wide width w of the road suggests that the first vehicle V11 is likely to depart. For example, it is often the case that the vehicle V11 has its turn signal on but is not visible to the route bus (third vehicle) V13 behind it. In such a case, since the first vehicle V11 is likely to depart in the near future, the information processing device 100a sets a low score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V11 can be safely overtaken. By providing the route bus (third vehicle) V13 with a score using map information in this way, it is possible to warn the route bus (third vehicle) V13 not to attempt reckless overtaking.

[0046] The example of FIG. 14 shows a state in which a first vehicle V11 is located on the road edge and a second vehicle V12 has overtaken the first vehicle V11. Furthermore, referring to map information reveals that the road width w1 is narrower than a typical road. The fact that the second vehicle V12 is overtaking the vehicle V11 despite the narrow road width w1 indicates that the first vehicle V11 appears to be moving little or that there are no vehicles approaching in the oncoming lane. In this case, too, the information processing device 100a sets a high score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V11 can be safely overtaken. By providing the route bus (third vehicle) V13 with a score based on the map information, it is possible to inform the route bus (third vehicle) V13 that it can be safely overtaken.

[0047] The example of Figure 15 shows a state in which a first vehicle V11 is located on the roadside and multiple vehicles V14 and V12 have overtaken the first vehicle V11. The fact that two following vehicles have overtaken the first vehicle V11 in succession indicates that the first vehicle V11 is showing little sign of moving or that there are no vehicles approaching in the oncoming lane. In this case, too, the information processing device 100a sets a high score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V11 can be safely overtaken. By providing the route bus (third vehicle) V13 with a score using map information in this way, it is possible to inform the route bus (third vehicle) V13 that it can be safely overtaken.

[0048] As described above, according to this embodiment, by using map information in combination, it is possible to calculate a score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V11 can be safely overtaken with greater accuracy than in the first embodiment.

[0049] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described in which an information processing device refers to light information of traffic signals near a road in addition to an image from camera C to calculate a score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can safely overtake. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 6 in that a signal light information acquisition unit 106 is provided in an information processing device 100b, and the operation of a calculation unit 103b is therefore different. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0050] The signal light information acquisition unit 106 acquires light state information indicating the light state of a traffic light S located ahead of the first vehicle. This light state information may be acquired from the traffic light S, a signal control device that controls the traffic light S, or the like. Furthermore, if the control center 200 has a function for controlling the traffic light S, the light state information may be acquired from the control center 200.

[0051] The calculation unit 103b calculates a score indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle V1, based on the movement of the second vehicle and the lighting state information.

[0052] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing the operation of the third embodiment. The only difference from Fig. 8 showing the operation of the first embodiment is step S203. The other steps are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the differences will be described below.

[0053] In step S203, the information processing device 100b calculates a score indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle V1 based on the movement of the second vehicle and the lighting state information.

[0054] 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of score calculation using lighting status information by the information processing device 100b. In the example of FIG. 18, a first vehicle V21 is located on the roadside. However, referring to the lighting status information, the light status of the traffic light S ahead of the first vehicle V21 is red. In this case, the information processing device 100b sets a high score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V21 can safely overtake the first vehicle V21, regardless of the movement of the second vehicle V22. This is because the first vehicle V21 is unlikely to start moving while the light status of the traffic light S ahead is red.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is known from the content of the light status information that the light status of the traffic light S will change from red to green, the information processing device 100b sets a low score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V21 can safely overtake the first vehicle V21, regardless of the movement of the second vehicle V22. This is because the first vehicle will start moving when the light status of the traffic light S ahead changes to green.

[0056] As described above, according to this embodiment, by using the lighting status information in combination, it is possible to calculate the score indicating the degree of safety in overtaking the first vehicle V21 with higher accuracy than in the first embodiment. Then, by sending the score and accompanying images, etc. to the route bus (third vehicle) V13 via the control center 200, it is possible to improve the safety of operation of the route bus (third vehicle) V13.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical concept of the present disclosure. For example, the network configurations, element configurations, and data representation formats shown in the drawings are examples intended to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and are not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings.

[0058] (Regarding Hardware Configuration) In each embodiment of the present disclosure, each component of each device represents a functional unit block. Some or all of the components of each device are realized by an arbitrary combination of an information processing device 900 and a program, for example, as shown in FIG. 19 . FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 that realizes each component of each device. The information processing device 900 includes, as an example, the following configuration: - CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901 - ROM (Read Only Memory) 902 - RAM (Random Access Memory) 903 - Program 904 loaded into RAM 903 - Storage device 905 that stores the program 904 - Drive device 907 that reads and writes to a recording medium 906 - Communication interface 908 that connects to a communication network 909 - Input / output interface 910 that inputs and outputs data - Bus 911 that connects each component

[0059] Each component of each device in each embodiment is realized by the CPU 901 acquiring and executing a program 904 that realizes the function. That is, the CPU 901 in FIG. 19 executes a vehicle detection program and a second vehicle monitoring program, and performs an update process for each calculation parameter stored in the RAM 903, the storage device 905, etc. The program 904 that realizes the function of each component of each device is stored in advance in, for example, the storage device 905 or the ROM 902, and is read out by the CPU 901 as needed. The program 904 may be supplied to the CPU 901 via the communication network 909, or may be stored in advance in the recording medium 906, and the drive device 907 may read out the program and supply it to the CPU 901.

[0060] There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a separate information processing device 900 and a program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components of each device may be realized by any combination of a single information processing device 900 and a program. That is, each unit (processing means, function) of the information processing device shown in the first to third embodiments can be realized by a computer program that causes a processor installed in the device to execute each of the above-mentioned processes using its hardware.

[0061] In addition, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by other general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus.

[0062] Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits and programs.

[0063] When some or all of the components of each device are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, in a form in which each device is connected via a communication network.

[0064] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to only the above-described embodiments. In other words, those skilled in the art can modify or substitute the above-described embodiments to construct various modified forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0065] For example, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example was given in which the control center 200 supports the operation of a route bus, but the scope of application of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a score calculated by the information processing devices 100 to 100b can be provided for a specific vehicle or vehicle type. Furthermore, the score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V11 can be safely overtaken can also be expressed in a different way. For example, instead of a score indicating the degree to which the first vehicle V11 can be safely overtaken, a score indicating the likelihood that the first vehicle V11 is a stopped vehicle can also be used.

[0066] Furthermore, the contents of the table shown in FIG. 7 are merely examples, and actions other than those shown in FIG. 7 may be specified and reflected in the score. For example, when a second vehicle overtakes a first vehicle, if the second vehicle leaves a large lateral distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the score indicating the degree of safe overtaking of the first vehicle may be reduced. This is because, if the second vehicle leaves a large lateral distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the driver of the second vehicle may be predicting that the first vehicle will depart in the near future. By adjusting the score to increase or decrease using such various actions of the second vehicle, it is possible to accurately estimate the degree of safe overtaking of the first vehicle.

[0067] The second embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined. In this case, the information processing device calculates a score indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on the movement of the second vehicle, map information, and lighting status information.

[0068] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0069] [Supplementary Note 1] An information processing device comprising: a detection means for detecting a first vehicle on a road; an identification means for identifying the movement of a second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing images of the road; a calculation means for calculating a degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether or not the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle; and an output means for outputting information indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can safely overtake to a predetermined output destination. [Supplementary Note 2] The identification means of the above-mentioned information processing device may be configured to identify the movement of the second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle from an image captured temporally after the first vehicle is detected. [Supplementary Note 3] The output means of the above-mentioned information processing device may be configured to transmit information indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can safely overtake to a third vehicle approaching the first vehicle from behind the first vehicle. [Supplementary Note 4] The output means of the above-mentioned information processing device may be configured to transmit information indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken to a control device that controls a third vehicle approaching the first vehicle from behind the first vehicle. [Supplementary Note 5] The calculation means of the above-mentioned information processing device may be further configured to calculate the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first vehicle came to a stop. [Supplementary Note 6] The calculation means of the above-mentioned information processing device may be further configured to calculate the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken based on whether the second vehicle accelerates while overtaking. [Supplementary Note 7] The above-mentioned information processing device may further include means for acquiring map information of the vicinity of the road, and the calculation means may be configured to calculate the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on the movement of the second vehicle and the map information. [Appendix 8] The information processing device described above may further include a means for acquiring lighting status information indicating the lighting status of a traffic light ahead of the first vehicle, and the calculation means may be configured to calculate the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on the movement of the second vehicle and the lighting status information.[Supplementary Note 9] The calculation means of the above-mentioned information processing device can be configured to calculate a degree to which a plurality of vehicles including the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle, based on whether or not the first vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle. [Supplementary Note 10] An information processing method comprising: detecting a first vehicle on a road; identifying the movement of a second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing images of the road; calculating a degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle, based on whether or not the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle; and outputting information indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle to a predetermined output destination. [Supplementary Note 11] A recording medium storing a program for executing the following steps: detecting a first vehicle on a road; identifying the movement of a second vehicle approaching from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing the road; calculating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle; and outputting information indicating the degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle to a predetermined output destination. The embodiments described in the above Supplements can be combined with each other after making necessary modifications. For example, a configuration that combines the contents of Supplementary Note 2 and Supplementary Note 3 is also included within the scope of this specification. The embodiments of Supplements 10 to 11 can be expanded into the embodiments of Supplements 2 to 9, similar to Supplementary Note 1.

[0070] The disclosures of the above-cited patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of this disclosure, as necessary. Modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible within the scope of this disclosure (including the claims), and further based on its basic technical concept. Furthermore, various combinations and selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including elements of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure naturally includes various modifications and alterations that would be possible by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concept. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described herein, any numerical value or subrange within that range should be construed as specifically described, even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited documents, when used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures herein as part of this disclosure, in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure, are also deemed to be included in the disclosures of this application.

[0071] 10, 100, 100a, 100b Information processing device 11 Detection means 12 Identification means 13 Calculation means 14 Output means 101 Detection unit 102 Identification unit 103 Calculation unit 104 Transmission unit 105 Map information storage unit 106 Signal light information acquisition unit 200 Control center 900 Information processing device 901 CPU (Central Processing Unit) 902 ROM (Read Only Memory) 903 RAM (Random Access Memory) 904 Program 905 Storage device 906 Recording medium 907 Drive device 908 Communication interface 909 Communication network 910 Input / output interface 911 Bus C Camera PM Parking meter S Traffic light V1, V11, V12 Vehicle V2, V13 Vehicle (routed bus) w, w1 Road width

Claims

1. detection means for detecting a first vehicle on a road; an identification means for identifying the movement of a second vehicle coming from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing an image of the road; a calculation means for calculating a degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle; an output means for outputting information indicating the degree to which the first vehicle can be safely overtaken to a predetermined output destination; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the identifying means identifies the movement of the second vehicle coming from behind the first vehicle from an image taken after the first vehicle is detected.

3. the output means transmits information indicating a degree to which a third vehicle approaching the first vehicle from behind the first vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. the output means transmits information indicating a degree to which a third vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle to a control device that controls a third vehicle approaching the first vehicle from behind the first vehicle. The information processing device according to claim 1.

5. The calculation means further calculates a degree of safety in overtaking the first vehicle based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first vehicle came to a standstill. The information processing device according to claim 1.

6. The calculation means further calculates a degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether or not the second vehicle accelerates during the overtaking. The information processing device according to claim 1.

7. moreover, means for acquiring map information in the vicinity of the road; the calculation means calculates a degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on the movement of the second vehicle and the map information; The information processing device according to claim 1.

8. moreover, a means for acquiring light status information indicating a light status of a traffic light in front of the first vehicle; the calculation means calculates a degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on the movement of the second vehicle and the lighting state information; 8. An information processing device according to claim 1.

9. Detecting a first vehicle on a roadway; Identifying the movement of a second vehicle coming from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing an image of the road; calculating a degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle; outputting information indicating the degree to which the vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle to a predetermined output destination; Information processing methods.

10. detecting a first vehicle on a road; A process of identifying the movement of a second vehicle coming from behind the first vehicle from an image captured by a camera capable of capturing an image of the road; calculating a degree to which the second vehicle can safely overtake the first vehicle based on whether the second vehicle has overtaken the first vehicle; outputting information indicating a degree of safety in overtaking the first vehicle to a predetermined output destination; A program that executes the following.