Method, information processing device, and non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

The method executed by the information processing device (30) includes acquiring a score representing the driving skill of a user driving the vehicle (10), and executing traffic support processing when the vehicle (10) is parked based on the score. The information processing device has a control unit (33) that acquires a score representing the driving skill of a user driving the vehicle (10), and executes traffic support processing when the vehicle (10) is parked based on the score. The non-transient storage medium is capable of executing with one or more processors, and also stores in the one or more processors a command to acquire a score representing the driving skill of a user driving the vehicle (10) or to execute traffic support processing when the vehicle (10) is parked based on the score.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, an information processing device, and a non-transient memory medium. Background Technology

[0002] For example, technology is known to support traffic when parking vehicles such as automobiles. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-083301 discloses that when a moving body is parked in a parking space, a light indicating the driving trajectory of the moving body is projected from the moving body onto the road surface.

[0003] Improvements to technology that supports traffic during vehicle parking are desired.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a technology that supports traffic when a vehicle is parked.

[0005] A method related to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises, as a method executed by an information processing device, obtaining a score representing the driving skill of a user driving a vehicle, and, based on said score, executing traffic assistance processing when parking said vehicle.

[0006] In the above method, the traffic assistance processing may include a first traffic assistance processing that displays a path guide for the vehicle on the road surface when the user parks the vehicle using a display device. When the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the path guide may be displayed in a first embodiment, and when the score is less than the threshold value, the path guide may be displayed in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment.

[0007] In the above method, the traffic assistance processing may include a second traffic assistance processing that displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle visibly on the road surface using a display device. When the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle may be displayed in a first embodiment, and when the score is less than the threshold value, the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle may be displayed in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment.

[0008] The above method may further include determining whether there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle. In the above method, if it is determined that there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle, the information processing device may execute the second traffic assistance processing.

[0009] The above method may further include specifying a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle, obtaining a first parking difficulty of the first parking space as a threshold value, and, if the score is less than the threshold value, specifying a second parking space having a second parking difficulty lower than the first parking difficulty of the first parking space. In the above method, the information processing device may execute a third traffic assistance process as the traffic assistance process, which notifies the user of information urging parking in the second parking space instead of the first parking space when the score is less than the threshold value.

[0010] The above method may further include specifying a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle, and obtaining the parking difficulty of the first parking space for each parking method to the first parking space. In the above method, the information processing device may execute a fourth traffic support processing as the traffic support processing, which notifies the user of a parking method among a plurality of parking methods to the first parking space in which the parking difficulty is less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score.

[0011] In the above method, if there are two or more parking methods in which the parking difficulty is less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score, one parking method with the highest parking difficulty among the two or more parking methods may be notified to the user.

[0012] An information processing device related to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises a control unit. The control unit acquires a score representing the driving skill of a user driving a vehicle, and performs traffic assistance processing when the vehicle is parked based on the score.

[0013] In the information processing device, the traffic assistance processing may include a first traffic assistance processing that displays a route guide for the vehicle on the road surface when the user parks the vehicle using a display device. The control unit may display the route guide in a first embodiment when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and may display the route guide in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment when the score is less than the threshold value.

[0014] In the information processing device, the traffic assistance processing may include a second traffic assistance processing that displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle visibly on the road surface using a display device. The control unit may display the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle in a first embodiment when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and may display the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment when the score is less than the threshold value.

[0015] In the above information processing device, the control unit may determine whether there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle, and if it is determined that there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle, it may execute the second traffic support processing.

[0016] In the information processing device above, the control unit may specify a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle, and acquire a first parking difficulty of the first parking space as a threshold value. If the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value, the control unit may specify a second parking space having a second parking difficulty lower than the first parking difficulty of the first parking space. If the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value, the control unit may execute a third traffic assistance process as the traffic assistance process, which notifies the user of information urging parking in the second parking space instead of the first parking space.

[0017] In the information processing device above, the control unit may specify a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle, and may acquire the parking difficulty of the first parking space for each parking method to the first parking space. The control unit may execute a fourth traffic support processing as the traffic support processing, which notifies the user of a parking method among a plurality of parking methods to the first parking space where the parking difficulty is less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score.

[0018] In the above information processing device, if there are two or more parking methods in which the parking difficulty is less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score, one parking method with the highest parking difficulty among the two or more parking methods may be notified to the user.

[0019] A non-transient storage medium related to a third aspect of the present disclosure is executable by one or more processors and stores instructions for executing a predetermined function by said one or more processors. The function executed by said one or more processors is to obtain a score representing the driving skill of a user driving a vehicle, and to execute traffic assistance processing when the vehicle is parked based on said score.

[0020] In the above non-transient storage medium, the traffic assistance processing may include a first traffic assistance processing that displays a route guide for the vehicle on the road surface when the user parks the vehicle using a display device. The one or more processors may display the route guide in a first embodiment when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and may display the route guide in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment when the score is less than the threshold value.

[0021] In the above non-transient memory medium, the traffic assistance processing may include a second traffic assistance processing that displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle visibly on the road surface using a display device. The one or more processors may display the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle in a first embodiment when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and may display the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment when the score is less than the threshold value.

[0022] In the above-mentioned non-transient memory medium, the function may further include determining whether a person or another vehicle exists around the vehicle. The one or more processors may execute the second traffic assistance processing when it is determined that a person or another vehicle exists around the vehicle.

[0023] In the above non-temporary storage medium, the function may further include specifying a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle, obtaining a first parking difficulty of the first parking space as a threshold value, and specifying a second parking space having a second parking difficulty lower than the first parking difficulty of the first parking space when the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value. The one or more processors may execute a third traffic assistance process as the traffic assistance process, which notifies the user of information urging parking in the second parking space instead of the first parking space when the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value.

[0024] In the above non-temporary storage medium, the function may further include specifying a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle, and obtaining the parking difficulty of the first parking space for each parking method to the first parking space. The one or more processors may execute a fourth traffic assistance process as the traffic assistance process, which notifies the user of a parking method among the multiple parking methods to the first parking space where the parking difficulty corresponds to a parking difficulty less than the score.

[0025] According to each embodiment of the present disclosure, a technology for supporting traffic during the parking of a vehicle is improved. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system related to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a vehicle. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a display device. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an information processing device. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of an information processing device. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of an information processing device executing the first traffic support processing. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of traffic support by the first traffic support processing. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an information processing device executing a second traffic support process. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of traffic support by the second traffic support processing. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an information processing device executing third traffic support processing. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of traffic support by third traffic support processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of an information processing device executing the fourth traffic support processing. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of traffic support by the fourth traffic support processing. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0028] Overview of the embodiment

[0029] With reference to FIG. 1, an overview of a system (1) related to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The system (1) comprises a vehicle (10), a display device (20), and an information processing device (30).

[0030] The vehicle (10) is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited thereto and may be any vehicle capable of carrying a human. In this embodiment, the vehicle (10) is driven by a driver. The vehicle (10) may be capable of remote driving by a driver.

[0031] The display device (20) is a device that displays an image on the road surface. As described below, for example, a lighting device embedded in the road surface, or a projection device provided to irradiate light onto the road surface, etc., may be employed as the display device (20). In this embodiment, the display device (20) is provided, for example, in a parking lot, and can display an image on the road surface according to instructions from the information processing device (30) when the vehicle (10) is parked.

[0032] The information processing device (30) is one or multiple computers capable of communicating with each other. The information processing device (30) can communicate with each of the vehicle (10) and the display device (20) through a network (40) including, for example, a mobile communication network and the internet. For example, the information processing device (30) can display a designated image at a designated location on the road surface by communicating with the display device (20). In addition, the information processing device (30) can obtain vehicle information of the vehicle (10) by intermittently communicating with the vehicle (10). The vehicle information includes, for example, information such as the location and direction of the vehicle (10), camera images mounted on the vehicle (10), and driving operations, but is not limited to these and may include any information regarding the vehicle (10).

[0033] First, an overview of the present embodiment will be described, and details will be described later. The information processing device (30) acquires a score representing the driving skill of a user driving a vehicle (10). Then, the information processing device (30) performs traffic support processing when the vehicle (10) is parked based on the score.

[0034] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the technology for supporting traffic during vehicle parking is improved in that traffic support processing according to the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10) becomes possible. Specific details of the traffic support processing will be described later.

[0035] Next, each component of the system (1) will be described in detail.

[0036] Vehicle configuration

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle (10) is equipped with a communication unit (11), a positioning unit (12), an imaging unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a memory unit (16), and a control unit (17).

[0038] The communication unit (11) includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network (40). The communication interfaces correspond to mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation), but are not limited to these.

[0039] The positioning unit (12) includes one or more devices for acquiring location information of the vehicle (10). Specifically, the positioning unit (12) includes, for example, a receiver corresponding to GPS, but is not limited thereto and may include a receiver corresponding to any satellite positioning system.

[0040] The imaging unit (13) includes one or more cameras. Each camera included in the imaging unit (13) may be provided in the vehicle (10) to enable imaging of a subject outside or inside the vehicle, for example. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit (13) includes a front camera capable of imaging a subject in front of the vehicle (10) and a rear camera capable of imaging a subject behind the vehicle (10). Alternatively, the imaging unit (13) may include an omnidirectional camera capable of imaging a subject around the vehicle (10).

[0041] The output unit (14) may include one or more output devices that output information and notify the user. The output devices may be, for example, a display that outputs information as an image or a speaker that outputs information as a voice, but are not limited to these. The output unit (14) may include an interface for connecting an external output device.

[0042] The input unit (15) may include one or more input devices for detecting user input. The input devices may include, for example, physical keys, capacitive keys, a touchscreen integrated with a display, or a microphone for receiving voice input, but are not limited to these. The input unit (15) may include an interface for connecting an external input device.

[0043] The memory unit (16) includes one or more memories. The memories may be, for example, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the memory unit (16) may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The memory unit (16) stores any information used for the operation of the vehicle (10). For example, the memory unit (16) may store system programs, application programs, and built-in software. The information stored in the memory unit (16) may be updated with information obtained from the network (40) through, for example, the communication unit (11).

[0044] The control unit (17) includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit is, for example, a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), but is not limited to this. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), but is not limited to this. The control unit (17) controls the operation of the entire vehicle (10).

[0045] Configuration of the display device

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the display device (20) is equipped with a communication unit (21) and a display unit (22).

[0047] The communication unit (21) includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network (40). The communication interfaces correspond to, for example, mobile communication standards, wired LAN (Local Area Network) standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these and may correspond to any communication standard.

[0048] The display unit (22) has one or more light sources. For example, the display unit (22) may have multiple light sources placed on the road surface. In the case described above, the display unit (22) can display any image (e.g., lines, shapes, or text, etc.) on the road surface by controlling the lighting state of each light source according to instructions from the information processing device (30). Alternatively, the display unit (22) may have one or more projection devices, each including a light source, for example. In the case described above, the display unit (22) can display any image on the road surface by controlling the image projected onto the road surface and the position where the image is projected according to instructions from the information processing device (30).

[0049] Configuration of an information processing device

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device (30) is equipped with a communication unit (31), a memory unit (32), and a control unit (33).

[0051] The communication unit (31) includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network (40). The communication interfaces correspond to, for example, mobile communication standards, wired LAN standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these and may correspond to any communication standard.

[0052] The memory unit (32) includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the memory unit (32) may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The memory unit (32) stores any information used for the operation of the information processing device (30) or any command used for the operation of the control unit (33). For example, the memory unit (32) may store system programs, application programs, databases, and map information. The information stored in the memory unit (32) may be updated with, for example, information obtained from the network (40) through the communication unit (31).

[0053] The control unit (33) includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit (33) controls the operation of the entire information processing device (30).

[0054] Operation flow of an information processing device

[0055] Referring to FIG. 5, the flow of operation of the information processing device (30) will be explained.

[0056] Step S100: The control unit (33) of the information processing device (30) acquires a score representing the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10).

[0057] In the present embodiment, the score is represented as a numerical value (e.g., an integer from 0 to 100) or a grade (e.g., “low,” “medium,” and “high”), and the higher the numerical value or grade, the higher the driving skill. However, the content of the score is not limited to the present example and may be determined arbitrarily.

[0058] Any method may be employed for obtaining the score. For example, the control unit (33) may receive the user's driving operation history from a terminal device, such as a smartphone used by the vehicle (10) or the user, via the communication unit (31) and network (40), and calculate the score from said driving operation history, or may receive the score directly. Typically, based on the user's driving operation history, the score value or grade may be calculated such that, for example, the shorter the average time required for the user to park the vehicle (10), or the fewer the average number of times the user moves forward and backward when parking the vehicle (10), the higher the score value or grade. However, the method of calculating the score is not limited to this example.

[0059] Step S101: The control unit (33) performs traffic assistance processing when the vehicle (10) is parked, based on the score obtained in Step S100.

[0060] Specifically, the control unit (33) determines whether a user intends to park the vehicle (10) based on information received from the vehicle (10) through the network (40). Any method may be employed to determine whether a user intends to park the vehicle (10). For example, a method of determination based on vehicle information indicating the position, direction, and shift position of the vehicle (10) may be employed, but is not limited thereto. And when the control unit (33) determines that a user intends to park the vehicle (10), it executes traffic assistance processing based on a score.

[0061] Traffic support processing is a process that supports traffic of a vehicle (10), or of a person or other vehicle present around the vehicle (10). In the present embodiment, the traffic support processing includes at least one of four processes, from the first traffic support processing to the fourth traffic support processing. Each of the first traffic support processing to the fourth traffic support processing will be described in detail below.

[0062] First traffic support processing

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first traffic assistance process is described. In summary, the first traffic assistance process is a process of displaying a path guide for the vehicle (10) on the road surface when the user parks the vehicle (10) using a display device (20).

[0064] Step S200: The control unit (33) specifies a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10).

[0065] Any method may be employed to specify the first parking space. For example, the control unit (33) receives vehicle speed information, location information, and camera images of the vehicle (10) from the vehicle (10) via the communication unit (31) and the network (40). Based on the information received from the vehicle (10), the control unit (33) detects a parking space (e.g., a parking space existing within a predetermined distance from the vehicle (10)) that has a predetermined positional relationship with the vehicle (10) when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined threshold or becomes zero, using the camera images received from the vehicle (10) or map information stored in advance in the memory unit (32), and specifies the said parking space as the first parking space. Alternatively, the control unit (33) may directly receive information indicating the first parking space selected by the user from the vehicle (10) via the communication unit (31) and the network (40) using the input unit (15) of the vehicle (10).

[0066] Step S201: The control unit (33) determines whether the score obtained in the above-described step S100 is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The threshold value is, for example, a preset numerical value or grade. If the score is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold value (Step S201-Yes), the process proceeds to Step S202. Meanwhile, if the score is determined to be less than the threshold value (Step S201-No), the process proceeds to Step S203.

[0067] Step S202: If it is determined in Step S201 that the score is greater than or equal to the threshold value (Step S201-Yes), the control unit (33) displays a path guide in the first manner using the display device (20).

[0068] Specifically, the control unit (33) specifies a path for the vehicle (10) to park in the first parking space based on the positional relationship between the vehicle (10) and the first parking space. The control unit (33) transmits an instruction to display a path guide in the first manner to the display device (20) via the communication unit (31) and the network (40). The display unit (22) of the display device (20) displays the path guide in the first manner based on the instruction from the information processing device (30). The path guide is an image representing the specified path. For example, the path guide (51) shown in FIG. 7 is an image that shows the path when the vehicle (10) reverses without moving forward or backward and parks in the first parking space (50) with two lines. However, the path guide is not limited to the image in question and may be any image showing the path of the vehicle (10) parking in the first parking space. The first embodiment is, for example, an embodiment in which the path guide is displayed with a predetermined brightness and color, but is not limited thereto. The control unit (33) may update the display of the path guide in accordance with the movement of the vehicle (10).

[0069] Step S203: If it is determined in Step S201 that the score is less than the threshold value (Step S201-No), the control unit (33) displays a path guide in a second mode different from the first mode.

[0070] Specifically, the control unit (33) transmits an instruction to the display device (20) to display a route guide in a second manner through the communication unit (31) and the network (40). The display unit (22) of the display device (20) displays the route guide in a second manner based on the instruction from the information processing device (30). The second manner is a manner in which the route guide is displayed more conspicuously than in the first manner. Specifically, the second manner is, for example, a manner in which the route guide is displayed brighter than in the first manner, a manner in which the route guide is flashed, or a manner in which the route guide is displayed in a color different from that of the first manner, but is not limited to these. The control unit (33) may update the display of the route guide in accordance with the movement of the vehicle (10).

[0071] In this way, according to the first traffic assistance processing, if the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10) is relatively low, the path guide is displayed in a more conspicuous second form. Because of this, for example, the visibility of the path guide that can be seen by the user, for example, with the naked eye or through the camera image of the imaging unit (13), is increased, and the load of the driving operation for parking can be reduced. In addition, people or other vehicles around the vehicle (10) can recognize that the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10) is low, so by taking actions such as waiting at a place away from the vehicle (10) until the parking of the vehicle (10) is completed, the safety of people or other vehicles around the vehicle (10) can be improved, or the psychological stress given to the user of the vehicle (10) can be reduced.

[0072] Second traffic support processing

[0073] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a second traffic assistance process is described. In summary, the second traffic assistance process is a process of using a display device (20) to visibly display the surrounding area of ​​a vehicle (10) on the road surface.

[0074] Step S300: The control unit (33) determines whether there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle (10). If it is determined that there is a person or another vehicle (Step S300-Yes), the process proceeds to Step S301. Meanwhile, if it is determined that there is no person or another vehicle (Step S300-No), the process terminates.

[0075] Step S301: If it is determined in Step S300 that a person or another vehicle is present (Step S300-Yes), the control unit (33) determines whether the score obtained in Step S100 described above is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The threshold value is, for example, a preset numerical value or grade. The threshold value in Step S301 may be the same as or different from the threshold value in Step S201 of the first traffic assistance processing described above. If it is determined that the score is greater than or equal to the threshold value (Step S301-Yes), the process proceeds to Step S302. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the score is less than the threshold value (Step S301-No), the process proceeds to Step S303.

[0076] Step S302: If it is determined in Step S301 that the score is greater than or equal to the threshold value (Step S301-Yes), the control unit (33) displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in the first embodiment using the display device (20).

[0077] Specifically, the control unit (33) transmits an instruction to the display device (20) to display the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in the first embodiment through the communication unit (31) and the network (40). The display unit (22) of the display device (20) displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in the first embodiment based on the instruction from the information processing unit (30). For example, the surrounding area (52) of the vehicle (10) shown in FIG. 9 is an elliptical area that includes the location of the vehicle (10). However, the displayed surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is not limited to an elliptical shape and may have any shape. For example, the surrounding area may be an area on the road surface where the vehicle (10) can move for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) (e.g., an area roughly fan-shaped that expands toward the front and rear of the vehicle (10) respectively). The first embodiment is, for example, an embodiment in which the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is displayed with a predetermined brightness and color, but is not limited thereto. The control unit (33) may update the display of the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in accordance with the movement of the vehicle (10).

[0078] Step S303: If it is determined in Step S301 that the score is less than the threshold value (Step S301-No), the control unit (33) displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in a second embodiment different from the first embodiment.

[0079] Specifically, the control unit (33) transmits an instruction to the display device (20) to display the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in a second manner through the communication unit (31) and the network (40). The display unit (22) of the display device (20) displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in a second manner based on the instruction from the information processing device (30). The second manner is a manner in which the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is displayed more conspicuously than in the first manner. Specifically, the second manner is, for example, a manner in which the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is displayed brighter than in the first manner, a manner in which the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is displayed flashing, or a manner in which the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is displayed in a color different from that of the first manner, but is not limited to these. The control unit (33) may update the display of the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in accordance with the movement of the vehicle (10).

[0080] According to the second traffic support processing, when the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10) is relatively low, the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is displayed in a more conspicuous second mode. Because of this, people or other vehicles around the vehicle (10) can recognize that the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10) is low, and thus, by taking actions such as not entering the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10), the safety of people or other vehicles around the vehicle (10) can be improved, or psychological stress given to the user of the vehicle (10) can be reduced.

[0081] Third traffic support processing

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a third traffic assistance process is described. In summary, the third traffic assistance process is a process that notifies the user of information urging them to park in a second parking space, which has a lower parking difficulty than the first parking space, instead of the first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10).

[0083] Step S400: The control unit (33) obtains the parking difficulty of each of the plurality of parking spaces existing around the vehicle (10). The parking difficulty of each parking space is, for example, represented as a numerical value or a grade.

[0084] Any method may be employed to obtain the parking difficulty of a parking space. For example, the control unit (33) may receive images of multiple parking spaces from a computer of a parking lot operator having multiple parking spaces via the communication unit (31) and network (40) and calculate the parking difficulty of each parking space from said images, or may directly receive the parking difficulty of each parking space. Typically, the parking difficulty of a parking space may be calculated to be higher as the width of the parking space narrows, or as the number of obstacles (e.g., pillars or other vehicles, etc.) existing around the parking space increases. However, the method of calculating the parking difficulty is not limited to said example.

[0085] Step S401: The control unit (33) specifies a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10). For specifying the first parking space, the same method as in Step S200 of the first traffic assistance processing described above may be employed.

[0086] Step S402: The control unit (33) obtains the parking difficulty of the first parking space specified in Step S401 as a threshold value.

[0087] Step S403: The control unit (33) determines whether the parking difficulty corresponding to the score obtained in Step S100 described above is less than the threshold value obtained in Step S402. If it is determined that the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value (Step S403-Yes), the process proceeds to Step S404. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is greater than or equal to the threshold value (Step S403-No), the process terminates.

[0088] Step S404: If it is determined in Step S403 that the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value (Step S403-Yes), the control unit (33) specifies a second parking space among a plurality of parking spaces in which the parking difficulty is lower than that of the first parking space.

[0089] For example, in FIG. 11, another parking space that is located further away from the vehicle (10) than the first parking space (53), is wider than the first parking space, and has a lower parking difficulty is specified as the second parking space (54). Here, the control unit (33) may specify, among the two or more parking spaces, one parking space located closest to the vehicle (10), one parking space with the lowest parking difficulty, or one parking space closest to the parking difficulty corresponding to the score as the second parking space.

[0090] Step S405: The control unit (33) notifies the user of information urging them to park in the second parking space instead of the first parking space.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit (33) transmits the information to the vehicle (10) through the communication unit (31) and the network (40). The vehicle (10) notifies the user of the information received from the information processing device (30) through the output unit (14). However, the information is not limited to the example of being notified to the user through the vehicle (10), and may be notified through a terminal device such as a smartphone used by the user, for example.

[0092] According to the third traffic support processing, if the parking difficulty of the first parking space is relatively high based on the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10), information urging the user to park in the second parking space, which has a lower parking difficulty than the first parking space, is notified to the user. Because of this, the probability of the user parking the vehicle (10) in the second parking space, which has a relatively lower parking difficulty, is improved, so the safety of the user when parking the vehicle (10) can be improved.

[0093] 4th Traffic Support Processing

[0094] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the fourth traffic assistance process is described. In summary, the fourth traffic assistance process is a process of notifying the user of a parking method among a plurality of parking methods (e.g., a plurality of parking methods with different advance and retraction counts) to which the user intends to park the vehicle (10), wherein the parking difficulty is less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score.

[0095] Step S500: The control unit (33) specifies a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10). For specifying the first parking space, the same method as in Step S200 of the first traffic assistance processing described above may be employed.

[0096] Step S501: The control unit (33) obtains the parking difficulty of the first parking space for each parking method to the first parking space.

[0097] In the present embodiment, each parking method into the first parking space is distinguished according to the number of forward and backward movements when the vehicle (10) parks in the first parking space. For example, FIG. 13 shows two parking methods: a first parking method A in which the number of forward and backward movements is 0 when the vehicle (10) reverses and parks in the first parking space (55), and a second parking method B in which the number of forward and backward movements is 1. The control unit (33) may calculate the parking difficulty of the first parking space based on the number of forward and backward movements for each parking method into the first parking space. Typically, the parking difficulty of the first parking space may be calculated to be lower as the number of forward and backward movements increases for the parking method. However, the method of calculating the parking difficulty is not limited to this example. For example, each parking method into the first parking space may be distinguished according to whether the vehicle (10) moves forward to park or reverses to park. Typically, the reverse parking method can be calculated to have a higher parking difficulty in the first parking space than the forward parking method.

[0098] Step S502: The control unit (33) notifies the user of a parking method among a plurality of parking methods to the first parking space, wherein the parking difficulty is less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score obtained in step S100 described above.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit (33) transmits information to the vehicle (10) through the communication unit (31) and the network (40) indicating a parking method with a parking difficulty level less than the parking difficulty level corresponding to the score. The vehicle (10) notifies the user of the information received from the information processing device (30) through the output unit (14). However, the information is not limited to the example of notifying the user through the vehicle (10), and may be notified through a terminal device such as a smartphone used by the user, for example. Here, if there are two or more parking methods with a parking difficulty level less than the parking difficulty level corresponding to the score, the control unit (33) may transmit information to the vehicle (10) indicating one parking method with the highest parking difficulty level among the two or more parking methods (for example, one parking method with the fewest advance and retraction cycles).

[0100] In this way, according to the fourth traffic support processing, a parking method with a relatively low difficulty of parking in the first parking space is notified to the user based on the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10). Because of this, the probability of the user parking the vehicle (10) in the first parking space with a parking method with a relatively low difficulty of parking is improved, so the safety of the user when parking the vehicle (10) can be improved.

[0101] As described above, the information processing device (30) associated with the present embodiment acquires a score representing the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10). Then, the information processing device (30) performs traffic support processing when the vehicle (10) is parked based on the score.

[0102] According to the configuration described above, the technology for supporting traffic during vehicle parking is improved in that traffic support processing according to the driving skill of the user driving the vehicle (10) becomes possible.

[0103] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to all drawings and embodiments, those skilled in the art should note that various modifications and alterations may be made based on the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that such modifications and alterations are included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, functions included in each component or each step, etc., can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and multiple components or steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided.

[0104] For example, in the embodiment described above, some or all of the operations performed by the information processing device (30) may be performed on the vehicle (10). Additionally, the operations performed by the information processing device (30) may be distributed and performed on a plurality of computers capable of communicating with each other.

[0105] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an embodiment was described in which the information processing device (30) displays the route guide of the vehicle (10) on the road surface using the display device (20) when executing the first traffic support processing. However, an embodiment is also possible in which the information processing device (30) displays the route guide of the vehicle (10) on the screen of the display using the display included in the output unit (14) of the vehicle (10).

[0106] In addition, an embodiment is also possible in which, for example, a general-purpose computer functions as an information processing device (30) related to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing processing content for realizing each function of the information processing device (30) related to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of the computer, and the program is read out and executed by the computer's processor. Accordingly, the invention related to the present embodiment can be realized as a program executable by a processor, or as a non-transient computer-readable medium that stores the program.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for an information processing device (30) to execute a traffic support process comprises acquiring a score representing the driving skill of a user driving a vehicle (10), and executing a traffic support process when parking the vehicle (10) based on the score, wherein the traffic support process includes a second traffic support process that uses a display device (20) to visibly display a surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) on a road surface, wherein if the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is displayed in a first embodiment, and if the score is less than the threshold value, the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) is displayed in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment, and further comprises specifying a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10), and acquiring a parking difficulty of the first parking space for each parking method to the first parking space, wherein the information processing device (30) among a plurality of parking methods to the first parking space, a parking where the parking difficulty corresponds to the score A method for executing a fourth traffic support process as the traffic support process for notifying the user of a parking method with a difficulty level lower than the score, wherein if there are two or more parking methods with a parking difficulty level lower than the score, one parking method among the two or more parking methods with the fewest number of advances and retractions is notified to the user, and the parking difficulty level is calculated such that it becomes higher as the number of advances and retractions of the parking method decreases. Claim 2 In claim 1, the traffic assistance process includes a first traffic assistance process that uses a display device (20) to display a path guide for the vehicle (10) on the road surface when the user parks the vehicle (10), and a method in which, when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the path guide is displayed in a first embodiment, and when the score is less than the threshold value, the path guide is displayed in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 The method of claim 1 further includes determining whether there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle (10), and the information processing device (30) executes the second traffic support processing when it is determined that there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle (10). Claim 5 A method according to claim 1, further comprising specifying a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10), obtaining a first parking difficulty of the first parking space as a threshold value, and specifying a second parking space having a second parking difficulty lower than the first parking difficulty of the first parking space when the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value, wherein the information processing device (30) executes a third traffic assistance process as the traffic assistance process, which notifies the user of information urging parking in the second parking space instead of the first parking space when the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 In an information processing device (30), a control unit (33) is included, wherein the control unit (33) acquires a score representing the driving skill of a user driving a vehicle (10), and executes a traffic support process when parking the vehicle (10) based on the score, wherein the traffic support process includes a second traffic support process that displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) visibly on the road surface using a display device (20), wherein the control unit (33) displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in a first manner when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in a second manner that is more conspicuous than the first manner when the score is less than the threshold value, wherein the control unit (33) specifies a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10), acquires the parking difficulty of the first parking space for each parking method to the first parking space, and to the first parking space An information processing device (30) that executes a fourth traffic support processing as the traffic support processing to notify the user of a parking method among a plurality of parking methods that has a parking difficulty less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score, and if there are two or more parking methods that have a parking difficulty less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score, one parking method among the two or more parking methods that has the fewest number of advances and departures is notified to the user, and the parking difficulty is calculated to be higher as the number of advances and departures of the parking method decreases. Claim 9 In claim 8, the traffic assistance processing includes a first traffic assistance processing that uses a display device (20) to display a path guide for the vehicle (10) on the road surface when the user parks the vehicle (10), and the control unit (33) displays a path guide in a first embodiment when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and displays a path guide in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment when the score is less than the threshold value. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 In claim 8, the control unit (33) determines whether there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle (10), and if it is determined that there is a person or another vehicle around the vehicle (10), the information processing device (30) executes the second traffic support processing. Claim 12 In claim 8, the control unit (33) specifies a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10), obtains a first parking difficulty of the first parking space as a threshold value, and if the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value, specifies a second parking space having a second parking difficulty lower than the first parking difficulty of the first parking space, and if the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value, notifies the user of information urging parking in the second parking space instead of the first parking space, thereby executing a third traffic support processing as the traffic support processing. Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 A non-transient memory medium capable of executing with one or more processors and storing instructions for executing the following functions on said one or more processors, wherein the function is to acquire a score representing the driving skill of a user driving a vehicle (10); The method includes executing a traffic support process when parking the vehicle (10) based on the above score, wherein the traffic support process includes a second traffic support process that displays the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) visibly on the road surface using a display device (20), wherein the one or more processors display the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in a first embodiment when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold, and display the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle (10) in a second embodiment that is more conspicuous than the first embodiment when the score is less than the threshold, wherein the function further includes specifying a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10), and obtaining the parking difficulty of the first parking space for each parking method to the first parking space, wherein the one or more processors notify the user of a parking method among a plurality of parking methods to the first parking space in which the parking difficulty is less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score, as the traffic support process. A non-transient memory medium that executes, and when there are two or more parking methods in which the parking difficulty is less than the parking difficulty corresponding to the score, one parking method among the two or more parking methods with the fewest advance and retraction counts is notified to the user, and the parking difficulty is calculated to be higher as the advance and retraction counts of the parking method decrease. Claim 16 In claim 15, the traffic assistance processing includes a first traffic assistance processing that uses a display device (20) to display a path guide for the vehicle (10) on a road surface when the user parks the vehicle (10), and the one or more processors display a path guide in a first embodiment when the score is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and a non-transient memory medium that displays a path guide in a second embodiment more conspicuous than the first embodiment when the score is less than the threshold value. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 In claim 15, the function further comprises determining whether a person or another vehicle exists around the vehicle (10), and the one or more processors perform the second traffic assistance processing when it is determined that a person or another vehicle exists around the vehicle (10). Claim 19 In claim 15, the function further comprises specifying a first parking space where the user intends to park the vehicle (10), obtaining a first parking difficulty of the first parking space as a threshold value, and specifying a second parking space having a second parking difficulty lower than the first parking difficulty of the first parking space when the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value, and the one or more processors execute a third traffic assistance process as the traffic assistance process, which notifies the user of information urging parking in the second parking space instead of the first parking space when the parking difficulty corresponding to the score is less than the threshold value. Claim 20 delete

Images