Information processing device and information processing system

Abstract

This information processing device includes a communication unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The communication unit is configured to be capable of acquiring: user information which is information about a user; and tire state information which is information indicating the state of a tire mounted on a vehicle driven by the user. The storage unit stores the tire state information in association with the user information. The storage unit calculates, on the basis of the tire state information, an eco-driving score obtained by scoring the level of environmental consideration of the user.

Description

Information processing device and information processing system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an information processing system.

[0002] In the field of automobiles, many efforts have been made to reduce fuel consumption in consideration of the environment. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a method of determining a fuel efficiency score corresponding to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions based on driving information detected by a sensor mounted on a vehicle while driving, and providing an incentive to the user according to the determined fuel efficiency score.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-178622

[0004] However, conventional systems have focused on improving fuel efficiency in driving the vehicle itself, and have not placed much emphasis on improving fuel efficiency by focusing on the user's tire usage. For example, Patent Document 1 describes determining a fuel efficiency score based on factors such as sudden acceleration and deceleration, idling time, the total weight of occupants and luggage, and the type of vehicle (internal combustion engine / hybrid), but does not mention tires. Tires are currently installed on vehicles traveling on roads, and their usage affects the environment through fuel efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of the present disclosure, which has been made with these points in mind, is to promote environmentally friendly tire use by scoring the environmental impact of tire usage conditions.

[0006] (1) An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit configured to acquire user information, which is information about a user, and tire condition information, which is information indicating the condition of tires mounted on a vehicle driven by the user; a memory unit that stores the tire condition information in association with the user information; and a control unit that calculates an eco-driving score, which is a score representing the user's level of environmental consideration, based on the tire condition information.

[0007] (2) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (1) above, wherein the communication unit is further configured to be able to acquire operation information including information on the mileage of the vehicle, the memory unit stores the tire condition information and the user information in association with the operation information, and the control unit calculates the eco-driving score of the user based on the tire condition information and the mileage.

[0008] (3) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the tire condition information includes information on air pressure measured by an air pressure sensor attached to the tire.

[0009] (4) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (3) above, wherein the control unit calculates the eco-driving score so that when the air pressure of the tire is within a predetermined range, the score is higher than when the air pressure is outside the predetermined range.

[0010] (5) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the information processing device described in (3) or (4) above, wherein the memory unit stores the air pressure information of the tire in chronological order, and the control unit recognizes the time when the tire was refilled with air from the change in the air pressure over time, and generates an alert to the user when a predetermined period of time has passed since the last time the tire was refilled with air.

[0011] (6) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (5) above, wherein the tire condition information includes information on the internal temperature of the tire during driving measured by a temperature sensor attached to the tire, and the control unit calculates the eco-driving score when the increase in the internal temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value so that the score is lower than when the increase in the internal temperature is less than the predetermined value.

[0012] (7) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (6) above, wherein the tire condition information includes image information of the tire taken by the user, and the control unit acquires the image information from the user terminal of the user via the communication unit, recognizes the degree of wear of the tire based on the image information, and calculates the eco-driving score so that when the degree of wear is determined to be greater than a predetermined value, the score is lower than when the degree of wear is determined to be less than the predetermined value.

[0013] (8) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (7) above, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire maintenance history information indicating a record of tire maintenance via the communication unit, and to add or subtract from the eco-driving score based on the maintenance history information.

[0014] (9) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (8) above, wherein the control unit stores the cumulative value of the eco-driving score in the memory unit, and when an inquiry is received from a user terminal used by the user via the communication unit, transmits information on benefits that can be provided based on the cumulative value of the eco-driving score to the user terminal via the communication unit and displays it.

[0015] (10) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device described in any of (1) to (8) above, wherein the control unit stores the cumulative value of the eco-driving score in the memory unit, and when an inquiry is received from a user terminal used by the user via the communication unit, transmits information ranking the user according to the cumulative value of the eco-driving score to the user terminal via the communication unit and displays it.

[0016] (11) An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an on-board device configured to acquire and transmit tire condition information, which is information indicating the condition of tires mounted on a vehicle driven by a user; an information processing device including: user information, which is information about the user, and a communication unit configured to acquire the tire condition information; a memory unit that stores the tire condition information in association with the user information; and a control unit that calculates an eco-driving score, which scores the user's level of environmental consideration, based on the tire condition information.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, environmentally friendly tire use can be promoted by scoring the environmental impact of tire usage conditions.

[0018] It is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device of Figure 1. It is a flowchart showing an example of eco-driving score calculation processing of Figure 2. It is a diagram showing an example of change in tire air pressure over time. It is a diagram showing an example of score addition / subtraction processing of Figure 3.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] 1 shows a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a user terminal 20, a store terminal 30, and a vehicle 40. The information processing device 10, the user terminal 20, the store terminal 30, and the vehicle 40 can transmit and receive information via a communication network 50 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0021] For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 illustrates one each of the information processing device 10, user terminal 20, store terminal 30, and vehicle 40 that the information processing system 1 includes. However, the numbers of information processing devices 10, user terminals 20, store terminals 30, and vehicles 40 are not limited to this. The information processing system 1 may include two or more information processing devices 10. The functions of the information processing device 10 may be distributed among two or more information processing devices 10. The numbers of user terminals 20, store terminals 30, and vehicles 40 may each be two or more and may be determined arbitrarily.

[0022] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a server owned by a business that operates a membership service for automobile users. The business that operates the information processing device 10 will be referred to as the "business" below. The business provides users with, for example, maintenance services for vehicles driven by users, and subscription services for vehicles and / or tires. Hereinafter, the services provided by the business may be simply referred to as the "services."

[0023] The business operator allows users of the service to use the information processing system 1 using the user terminal 20 owned by the user, and encourages the users to use the tires 41 of the vehicle 40 in a more environmentally friendly manner. Specifically, the information processing system 1 assigns an eco-driving score to the user's driving of the vehicle 40 according to the tire condition. The eco-driving score is a score representing the color level of the user's environment. The information processing system 1 can further assign benefits, such as a discount on membership fees, based on the eco-driving score held by the user.

[0024] The air pressure of the tire 41 is a factor that affects the fuel efficiency of the vehicle 40. The appropriate air pressure for the tire 41 varies depending on the vehicle model. The optimal air pressure for each vehicle model is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and is called the "vehicle-specified air pressure." The vehicle-specified air pressure is written on a sticker or the like located on the inside of the driver's door and / or the back of the fuel filler cap of the vehicle. If the air pressure of the tire 41 falls below the appropriate air pressure, the rolling resistance of the tire 41 increases, resulting in poor fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is preferable to inflate the tire 41 to the appropriate air pressure. However, the air pressure of the tire 41 decreases over time even when the tire 41 is in a normal condition.

[0025] In addition to fuel economy, if the air pressure of the tire 41 is lower than the appropriate air pressure, problems may occur, such as uneven wear and increased heat generation in the tire 41, which may lead to damage to the tire 41. If the air pressure of the tire 41 is higher than the appropriate air pressure, problems may occur, such as uneven wear occurring in the center of the tire 41 and poor vibration absorption, which may result in a worsened ride.

[0026] Furthermore, the temperature of the tires 41 while the vehicle is running rises above the temperature of the tires before the vehicle starts running. When the driver of the vehicle 40 performs driving actions such as sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering, the temperature of the tires 41 may rise significantly beyond the level of temperature rise caused by normal driving. Sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering are factors that reduce the fuel efficiency of the vehicle 40.

[0027] The business operator may have a store where users can perform maintenance on the vehicle 40. The user can receive maintenance, including refilling air into the tires 41, at the store. The user can also install tires 41 with good fuel economy and environmental performance on the vehicle 40 at the store. For example, in Japan, tires that comply with the standards established by the Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association (JATMA), a general incorporated association, are called "eco-tires." The store may not be owned by the business operator, but may provide services to users under a contract with the business operator. The store terminal 30 is a terminal located in the store and allows store staff or the like to input information related to the maintenance of the vehicle 40. The record of maintenance of the vehicle 40 input by the store staff or the like to the store terminal 30 is transmitted to the information processing device 10 as maintenance history information.

[0028] Next, each unit of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0029] (Configuration of Information Processing Device) The information processing device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a server device. The information processing device 10 may be, for example, any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or may be another electronic device dedicated to the information processing system 1. The information processing device 10 may be a computer located in the cloud. The information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0030] The communication unit 11 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The external communication interface may be either a wired or wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface and / or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation). The communication unit 11 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10 to the outside.

[0031] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 12 controls each unit of the information processing device 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0032] The storage unit 13 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The RAM is, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The ROM is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The storage unit 13 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 13 stores programs and data used in the operation of the information processing device 10, as well as data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10. The information stored in the storage unit 13 may be updatable, for example, with information obtained from the network 50 via the communication unit 11.

[0033] The information processing device 10 may further include an input unit that inputs information to the information processing device 10 and an output unit that outputs information from the information processing device 10 .

[0034] (Configuration of User Terminal and Store Terminal) The user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 are information devices including commonly used PCs, tablet PCs, smartphones, etc. The user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 each include a communication unit 21, 31, a control unit 22, 32, a memory unit 23, 33, an input / output unit 24, 34, and an imaging unit 25, 35.

[0035] The communication units 21 and 31, the control units 22 and 32, and the storage units 23 and 33 are similar to the communication unit 11, the control unit 12, and the storage unit 13 of the information processing device 10, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] The input / output units 24, 34 include an input unit that inputs information to the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30, and an output unit that outputs information from the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30. The input unit may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. The output unit may include, for example, a display and a speaker. The display may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or an inorganic EL display. The input / output units 24, 34 may include a touch panel that detects input by touching the surface of the display.

[0037] The imaging units 25 and 35 capture images of a subject and convert them into digital information. The imaging units 25 and 35 include imaging elements. The imaging elements include a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor and a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 may be stationary or portable. If the user terminal 20 and the store terminal 30 are stationary, they may acquire images captured by an external camera instead of the imaging unit 25 via a wired or wireless line or via a storage medium.

[0038] A user can use the user terminal 20 to log in to a service provided by a business operator by the information processing device 10. A user can use the user terminal 20 to register information about the user himself or herself and the vehicle 40 that the user uses. A user can log in to a service provided by the information processing device 10, display an eco-driving score and benefits provided by the business operator, and select a displayed benefit.

[0039] (Configuration of System Within Vehicle) The vehicle 40 includes passenger cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks, construction vehicles, and other specialized vehicles. The vehicle 40 may be a manned vehicle or any autonomous vehicle that runs unmanned. The vehicle 40 may be, for example, a gasoline-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle (BEV; Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV; Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a vehicle that uses a power source other than gasoline or electricity.

[0040] The vehicle 40 is fitted with one or more tires 41. For example, the vehicle 40 is fitted with four tires 41. In the following description, the vehicle 40 will be described as being fitted with a plurality of tires 41. The tires 41 are pneumatic tires. Each tire 41 has a sensor unit 42 inside. Here, "inside" means the inner cavity of the tire 41. The sensor unit 42 may be provided, for example, inside the wheel of the tire 41 or on the inner wall of the tire 41. The sensor unit 42 includes an air pressure sensor 43 and a temperature sensor 44.

[0041] The air pressure sensor 43 is a sensor that measures the internal tire pressure of the tire 41. The internal tire pressure is the air pressure inside the tire 41. The air pressure sensor 43 may be any pressure sensor, including a piezo-resistive sensor and a capacitive sensor. The air pressure sensor 43 may detect the air pressure of the tire 41 in time series at predetermined time intervals (e.g., once per minute) starting from before the vehicle 40 starts traveling after the vehicle 40 is started.

[0042] The temperature sensor 44 is a sensor that measures the internal temperature of the tire 41. The internal temperature of the tire 41 is the temperature of the gas inside the tire 41. The temperature sensor 44 can be any temperature sensor, including a sensor using a thermocouple and a sensor using a resistance temperature detector. Similar to the air pressure sensor 43, the temperature sensor 44 may detect the internal temperature of the tire 41 in time series at predetermined time intervals (e.g., once per minute).

[0043] The sensor unit 42 may further include a battery that supplies power to the air pressure sensor 43 and the temperature sensor 44, a communication device for communicating with an on-board device 45 in the vehicle 40, and a processor that controls the entire sensor unit 42.

[0044] The vehicle 40 further includes an in-vehicle device 45 , a travel distance sensor 46 , and a position detection unit 47 .

[0045] The in-vehicle device 45 is an electronic device such as a computer installed in the vehicle 40. The in-vehicle device 45 can collect information from the sensor unit 42, the mileage sensor 46, and the position detection unit 47. The in-vehicle device 45 can transmit the collected information or processed information to an external device, such as the information processing device 10. The in-vehicle device 45 and the sensor unit 42 are configured to be able to communicate with each other using any communication method, including Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Near Field Communication (NFC). The in-vehicle device 45, the mileage sensor 46, and the position detection unit 47 may be able to communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network such as a Control Area Network (CAN). The in-vehicle device 45 includes a wireless communication interface connected to the network 50. The wireless communication interface is an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4th generation (4G), or 5th generation (5G).

[0046] The odometer 46 measures the cumulative distance traveled by the vehicle 40. The odometer 46 is also called an odometer. The in-vehicle device 45 can calculate the distance traveled between each point in time while the vehicle 40 is traveling from the cumulative distance measured by the odometer 46.

[0047] The position detection unit 47 detects the absolute position of the vehicle 40, which is expressed by latitude, longitude, etc. The position detection unit 47 may include a receiver compatible with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which is a positioning system using satellites. The GNSS includes the Global Positioning System (GPS). Other GNSS may be used instead of or in addition to GPS. Examples of other GNSS include GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.

[0048] The position detection unit 47 also detects a change in the relative position of the vehicle 40 over a certain period of time. The in-vehicle device 45 can acquire driving information of the vehicle 40, such as a sudden start or sudden acceleration, from the change in the relative position of the vehicle 40. The in-vehicle device 45 can transmit the driving information to the information processing device 10.

[0049] When the user starts the vehicle 40, the in-vehicle device 45 acquires the air pressure of the tires 41 before the vehicle 40 starts traveling. The in-vehicle device 45 may sequentially acquire the air pressure and internal temperature of the tires 41 while the vehicle 40 is traveling. The in-vehicle device 45 may transmit information on the air pressure and internal temperature of the tires 41 to the information processing device 10 sequentially while the vehicle is operating or when the vehicle operation ends. The in-vehicle device 45 can calculate the distance from the start to the end of one trip of the vehicle 40 or the distance traveled between each point in time while the vehicle 40 is traveling, from the cumulative distance of the odometer 46 and / or the position information detected by the position detection unit 47. The in-vehicle device 45 can combine information on the time and the traveling distance and transmit the combined information to the information processing device 10.

[0050] (Processing of Information Processing System) The processing content of the information processing system 1 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of the processing executed by the information processing device 10 in FIG. 2. The processing executed by the information processing device 10 can be rephrased as processing executed by the control unit 12 of the information processing device 10. The processing shown in FIG. 2 can be executed by a processor constituting the control unit 12 in accordance with a program. Such a program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, RAM, ROM, flash memory, CD-ROM, optical storage device, magnetic storage device, etc.

[0051] 2 are procedures executed by the information processing device 10 at the stage of user registration for the service, and steps S104 to S109 are procedures executed by the information processing device 10 at the stage of service operation.

[0052] First, in order to use a service provided by a business operator, a user accesses the information processing device 10 and performs user registration. The control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 accepts user registration from the user terminal 20 (step S101). The user registers user information, which is information about the user, including personal information such as a user ID, name, and contact information, and information about the vehicle 40 owned, with the information processing device 10. The control unit 12 stores the user information acquired via the communication unit 11 in the storage unit 13. The user may perform user registration at a store of the business operator. In this case, a store clerk may access the information processing device 10 using the store terminal 30 and assist the user in user registration.

[0053] A user registers contract information for a service provided by a business operator in the information processing device 10. For example, if the business operator provides a maintenance service to the user, the contract information includes information on the scope of maintenance to be provided. The scope of maintenance may include information such as whether or not services such as periodic inspections of the vehicle 40, tire rotation, and tire replacement are provided, as well as the frequency of such services. The scope of the provided service is called a service level. For example, the user can select a service level from a menu screen displayed by the information processing device 10 on the input / output unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The user contract information includes information on the service level and costs of the service to which the user has subscribed. If the user receives a subscription-based service from the business operator, the contract information includes contract information for the subscription-based service. The control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 acquires the user contract information via the communication unit 11 in response to a user input (step S102). The control unit 12 stores the user contract information in the storage unit 13 in association with the user information. The user may sign a new service contract or associate another registered service with the service provided by the information processing device 10.

[0054] Next, the information processing device 10 acquires basic tire information from the user terminal 20. The basic tire information may include information on the manufacturer, name, size, and serial number of the tire 41 mounted on the user's vehicle 40. The basic tire information may also include information on the environmental performance of the tire 41. For example, the information on whether the tire is an "eco tire" as described above is information on environmental performance. The control unit 12 stores the user's basic tire information acquired via the communication unit 11 in the memory unit 13 in association with the user information. The information processing device 10 also performs registration so that it can acquire tire condition information, which indicates the tire condition including the air pressure and internal temperature of the tire 41, and operation information, which is information related to the driving history of the vehicle 40, from the vehicle 40. The operation information includes information on mileage. The operation information may further include information on the vehicle's driving time and / or fuel consumption.

[0055] Next, in the operation stage, the information processing device 10 acquires tire condition information and driving information when the user drives the vehicle 40 (step S104). The information processing device 10 may acquire this information every time the user drives the vehicle 40. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may acquire this information at regular intervals, such as every day or every week. The control unit 12 stores the tire condition information and driving information in the memory unit 13 in association with user information. That is, the memory unit 13 can store information on the tire condition of the user's vehicle 40 and the distance traveled. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can acquire driving information when the user drives the vehicle 40.

[0056] Next, the information processing device 10 calculates an eco-driving score based on the tire condition information, operation information, and other information (step S105). The eco-driving score is a score that represents the user's level of environmental consideration. For example, the information processing device 10 assigns a positive eco-driving score to driving that consumes less fuel. The information processing device 10 assigns a negative eco-driving score to driving that consumes more fuel. An example of a process for calculating the eco-driving score is shown in FIG. 3. The information processing device 10 may perform the process shown in FIG. 3 every time the vehicle 40 is driven, or periodically.

[0057] (Eco-driving score calculation process) The information processing device 10 acquires tire image information (step S201). The tire image information is an image captured by a user using the imaging unit 25 of an area including the tread pattern of each tire 41. For example, the user periodically captures images of the tires 41, such as every week or every month, and transmits the images to the information processing device 10. The images of the tires 41 transmitted by the user may be stored in the storage unit 13. The images of the tires 41 may also be captured by the imaging unit 35 of the store terminal 30 when the user leaves the vehicle 40 at a store for maintenance.

[0058] The control unit 12 of the information processing device 10 performs image analysis on the image information of the tire 41 at an appropriate timing to determine whether the wear state of the tire 41, such as uneven wear, is within an acceptable range (step S202). Information on the wear state of the tire 41 is included in the tire condition information. The control unit 12 may quantify the degree of wear of the tire 41 based on the depth of the tread grooves, etc. If the degree of wear of the tire 41 is not within the acceptable range (step S202: No), the control unit 12 may notify the user that the tire 41 is worn and recommend that the tire 41 be rotated or other appropriate measures (step S203). Step S203 does not need to be performed every time; it need only be performed the first time after obtaining an image of the tire 41 from the user. If the degree of wear of the tire 41 is within the acceptable range (step S202: Yes), the control unit 12 proceeds to step S204.

[0059] The control unit 12 acquires chronological air pressure information of the tires 41 before the vehicle 40 starts traveling (step S204). The memory unit 13 stores the air pressure information of the tires 41 in chronological order. When the vehicle 40 starts traveling, the air pressure of the tires 41 increases as the internal temperature of the tires 41 rises. However, the air pressure information for the unheated tires 41 is used to determine whether the tire air pressure is appropriate. The air pressure of the tires 41 is compared with the appropriate air pressure set for the tires 41. An upper limit and a lower limit may be set as the range of the appropriate air pressure for the tires 41. For example, the appropriate air pressure range may be between 90% (lower limit) and 110% (upper limit) of the vehicle-specified air pressure set by the vehicle manufacturer.

[0060] When the tire 41 is filled with air, the air pressure of the tire 41 before the start of driving decreases little by little with the passage of time in days or weeks. For example, as shown in FIG. １ After the tire 41 is replenished with air at time t ２ At time t ２ The next time air is replenished to the tire 41 is t ３Until then, a drop in air pressure increases the rolling resistance of the tire 41, resulting in a decrease in fuel efficiency of the vehicle 40. Therefore, when the air pressure of the tire 41 is not within the appropriate range (step S205: No), the control unit 12 transmits a notification to the user terminal 20 indicating that air should be replenished (step S206).

[0061] If the air pressure of the tire 41 is within the appropriate range in step S205 (step S205: Yes), the control unit 12 checks whether the air pressure has increased within a predetermined period of time based on the time-series air pressure information (step S207). For example, if the air pressure of the tire 41 has changed as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 12 determines the time t when the tire 41 was refilled with air from the time-series change in the air pressure. １ , t ３ The control unit 12 can recognize the last time t when air was replenished into the tire 41. ３ From the current time t ４ If a predetermined period (e.g., one month or three months) or more has passed since the tire 41 was last inflated (step S207: No), the information processing device 10 generates an alert to alert the user and transmits it to the user terminal 20. That is, even if the air pressure of the tire 41 is within the appropriate range, the information processing device 10 can notify the user if the user has not refilled the tire with air for a predetermined period. In this way, the information processing device 10 can prompt the user to refill the tire with air at the appropriate time.

[0062] When the air pressure increases within the predetermined period in step S207 (step S207: Yes), or after step S208, the control unit 12 proceeds to step S209 and acquires mileage information indicating the mileage of the vehicle 40 (step S209). In this case, the wear state of the user's tires 41 is within the allowable range, and the air pressure is within the appropriate range, so the user is considered to be driving with a high level of environmental friendliness. Therefore, the control unit 12 calculates a plus score according to the mileage traveled under these conditions (step S210). The plus score is a score added when calculating the overall eco-driving score. For example, the plus score may be proportional to the mileage. For example, if the mileage is 100 km, the plus score may be calculated as 100 points.

[0063] On the other hand, after steps S203 and S206, the control unit 12 acquires mileage information in the same manner as in step S209 (step S211). In this case, the wear state of the user's tires 41 is outside the acceptable range, or the air pressure is outside the appropriate range, so the user is deemed to be driving with a low level of environmental consideration. Therefore, the control unit 12 calculates a negative score according to the mileage traveled under these conditions (step S212). The negative score is a score that is deducted when calculating the overall eco-driving score. For example, the negative score may be proportional to the mileage.

[0064] In this way, in this embodiment, by obtaining the output from the air pressure sensor 43 of the tire 41, it is possible to calculate the eco-driving score taking into account the air pressure of the tire 41, which is a factor that affects fuel efficiency.

[0065] Although the above describes a simple example of the method for calculating the eco-driving score, various methods are possible for calculating the eco-driving score. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate a positive score by multiplying the mileage by a coefficient corresponding to the deviation of the tire 41 air pressure from the vehicle's designated air pressure. A negative score does not necessarily have to be calculated. For example, if the driver has driven in a low level of environmental friendliness, the score may simply be calculated as 0. Furthermore, the positive and negative scores are not limited to those determined according to the mileage. For example, the positive and negative scores may be determined according to the driving time, the amount of fuel consumed, or the like. In either case, the control unit 12 can calculate the eco-driving score so that if the tire 41 air pressure is within a predetermined range, the score is higher than if the tire 41 air pressure is outside the predetermined range. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may calculate the eco-driving score so that if the tire 41 is determined to have a degree of wear less than a predetermined value, the score is higher than if the tire 41 is determined to have a degree of wear greater than the predetermined value.

[0066] The control unit 12 adds the positive scores and / or calculates the eco-driving score from the negative scores (step S213). The control unit 12 may simply treat the positive scores as scores with a positive sign, and may simply treat the negative scores as scores with a negative sign. The control unit 12 may calculate the eco-driving score by adding up the positive scores and the negative scores for each period, such as one day or one week.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 12 adds or subtracts the eco-driving score in consideration of various information (step S214). An example of the process of adding or subtracting the eco-driving score is shown in FIG.

[0068] (Eco-driving score addition / subtraction process) First, the control unit 12 references the basic tire information stored in the memory unit 13 and checks whether the tires used by the user are tires with excellent environmental performance (step S301). If the user uses tires with excellent environmental performance, such as the aforementioned "eco-tires," better fuel economy and environmental performance can be expected even if other conditions are the same. Therefore, if the tire 41 is a tire 41 with excellent environmental performance (step S301: Yes), the control unit 12 adds a predetermined percentage of the score to the eco-driving score (step S302). The predetermined percentage can be, for example, 10%, 20%, or 30%.

[0069] Next, the control unit 12 monitors information about the internal temperature of the tire 41 (step S303). If the internal temperature of the tire 41 rises above a predetermined value while the vehicle is in motion (step S303: Yes), the control unit 12 estimates that the user's driving of the vehicle 40 may have included sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering, resulting in unnecessary fuel consumption. Whether or not the driving included sudden starts, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sudden steering can be determined by comparing the driving information detected by the position detection unit 47. Therefore, the control unit 12 calculates an eco-driving score when the internal temperature of the tire 41 rises above a predetermined value, so that the score is lower than when the internal temperature rises below the predetermined value. For example, the control unit 12 subtracts a predetermined percentage of the score from the eco-driving score (step S304). The predetermined percentage may be, for example, 10%, 20%, or 30%. This allows the information processing device 10 to motivate the user to refrain from driving that places a high burden on the environment and that increases the temperature of the air inside the tire 41. The predetermined value may vary for each vehicle and / or tire, and may vary depending on the season, weather, or outside temperature.

[0070] Next, the control unit 12 checks whether there is a record in the memory unit 13 of maintenance performed at a specific store (step S305). Information on maintenance performed on the user's vehicle 40 at a specific store where the business provides services is called maintenance history information. The control unit 12 checks the maintenance history information stored in the memory unit 13. If the user has had maintenance performed on the vehicle 40 at a specific store (step S305: Yes), the control unit 12 adds a predetermined score to the record, as adjusting the air pressure of the tires 41, adjusting the engine, etc., is considered to have a positive impact on the environment (step S306). This allows the information processing device 10 to motivate the user to use the tire 41 maintenance service.

[0071] As described above, the eco-driving score is adjusted taking multiple conditions into consideration.

[0072] 2 , the control unit 12 accumulates the eco-driving score calculated for each trip of the vehicle 40 and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S106). The control unit 12 can store the accumulated value of the eco-driving score for each user and / or each vehicle 40 in the storage unit 13.

[0073] The control unit 12 may repeat steps S104 to S106 each time the vehicle 40 travels, accumulating the eco-driving score, unless the predetermined period has elapsed (step S107: No). The predetermined period may be, for example, one month, three months, six months, or one year. The predetermined period may be related to, for example, the contract renewal period for a service provided by a business operator.

[0074] After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control unit 12 can grant the user a benefit based on the eco-driving score (step S108). The benefit may also be referred to as an incentive. For example, the benefit may be a discount on the membership fee for the next usage period of a membership service provided by a business operator. In addition to a discount on the membership fee, the benefit may also be a specific product or service. When the control unit 12 receives an inquiry from the user terminal 20 used by the user via the communication unit 11, it can display information on benefits that can be provided based on the accumulated value of the eco-driving score on the input / output unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The user may select a benefit from multiple options displayed on the input / output unit 24. By granting the user a benefit based on the accumulated value of the eco-driving score, the information processing system 1 can motivate the user to drive more environmentally friendly in order to obtain a higher eco-driving score.

[0075] The information processing device 10 may display information ranking users of the membership service based on their eco-driving scores on the user terminal 20. The information processing device 10 may further award a special benefit based on the ranking to users with high eco-driving scores. This may stimulate the desire of users to achieve a higher ranking, motivating them to drive more environmentally friendly.

[0076] After step S108, the information processing device 10 returns to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S108 unless an end instruction is received (step S109: No). When an end instruction is received (step S109: Yes), the information processing device 10 ends the process.

[0077] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by scoring the environmental impact of the tire 41's usage state, it is possible to promote environmentally friendly tire use by users. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an eco-driving score is calculated based on the mileage of the vehicle 40 and assigned to the user. This allows the user to be assigned an eco-driving score tailored to the actual driving conditions of the vehicle 40. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a higher eco-driving score is assigned to the user when the tire 41's wear state is within an acceptable range than when the tire 41's wear state is outside the acceptable range. This can motivate the user to replace the tire 41 whose fuel efficiency has deteriorated due to wear. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a higher eco-driving score is assigned to the user when the tire 41's air pressure is within a predetermined range than when the tire 41's air pressure is outside the predetermined range. This can encourage the user to use the tire 41 within an appropriate air pressure range. As such, the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment has the effect of promoting the use of the tire 41 in an appropriate condition. Tires 41 used in an appropriate condition have a low risk of damage, which is beneficial for users and businesses in terms of safety and cost.

[0078] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 can add value to the tire provision service by providing users with benefits for driving in an environmentally friendly manner. Therefore, when a business provides users with tires as a subscription-based service, the existence of the information processing system 1 can motivate users to sign up for the service.

[0079] Although the above-described embodiments have been described as typical examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many further modifications and substitutions are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications and / or alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, multiple building blocks described in the embodiments and examples can be combined into one, or one building block can be divided.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, tire condition information includes tire pressure information, tire internal temperature information, and diamond wear information. Tire condition information is not limited to these three pieces of information. Furthermore, the information processing device does not need to use all three pieces of information as tire condition information. The information processing device may calculate the eco-driving score using one or two of these three pieces of information. Furthermore, conditions such as the use of tires with excellent environmental performance and the performance of maintenance at a specific store may be optionally incorporated into the calculation of the eco-driving score, or may not be incorporated into the calculation of the eco-driving score. The method of calculating the eco-driving score shown in the flowchart of the present disclosure is an example. The information processing device can calculate the eco-driving score by combining user information, tire condition information, operation information, and other information in various ways.

[0081] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information processing device 11 Communication unit 12 Control unit 13 Memory unit 20 User terminal 21 Communication unit 22 Control unit 23 Memory unit 24 Input / output unit 25 Imaging unit 30 Store terminal 31 Communication unit 32 Control unit 33 Memory unit 34 Input / output unit 35 Imaging unit 40 Vehicle 41 Tire 42 Center unit 43 Air pressure sensor 44 Temperature sensor 45 In-vehicle device 46 Odometer sensor 47 Position detection unit 50 Network

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a communication unit configured to acquire user information, which is information about a user, and tire condition information, which is information indicating the condition of tires fitted to a vehicle driven by the user; a memory unit that stores the tire condition information in association with the user information; and a control unit that calculates an eco-driving score, which is a score representing the user's level of environmental consideration, based on the tire condition information.

2. The information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the communication unit is further configured to be able to acquire operation information including information on the vehicle's mileage, the memory unit stores the tire condition information and the user information in association with the operation information, and the control unit calculates the user's eco-driving score based on the tire condition information and the mileage.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the tire condition information includes information on air pressure measured by an air pressure sensor attached to the tire.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit calculates the eco-driving score so that when the air pressure of the tire is within a predetermined range, the score is higher than when the air pressure is outside the predetermined range.

5. An information processing device as described in claim 3, wherein the memory unit stores the tire air pressure information in chronological order, and the control unit recognizes the time when the tire was refilled with air from the time series change in the air pressure, and generates an alarm for the user when a predetermined period of time has passed since the last time the tire was refilled with air.

6. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the tire condition information includes information on the internal temperature of the tire during driving measured by a temperature sensor attached to the tire, and the control unit calculates the eco-driving score so that when the increase in the internal temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the score is lower than when the increase in the internal temperature is less than the predetermined value.

7. The information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the tire condition information includes image information of the tire taken by the user, and the control unit acquires the image information from the user's user terminal via the communication unit, recognizes the degree of wear of the tire based on the image information, and calculates the eco-driving score so that when the degree of wear is determined to be greater than a predetermined value, the score is lower than when the degree of wear is determined to be less than the predetermined value.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire maintenance history information indicating tire maintenance records via the communication unit, and to add or subtract from the eco-driving score based on the maintenance history information.

9. The information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the cumulative value of the eco-driving score in the memory unit, and when an inquiry is received from a user terminal used by the user via the communication unit, transmits information on benefits that can be provided based on the cumulative value of the eco-driving score to the user terminal via the communication unit and displays it.

10. The information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the cumulative value of the eco-driving score in the memory unit, and when an inquiry is received from a user terminal used by the user via the communication unit, transmits information ranking the user according to the cumulative value of the eco-driving score to the user terminal via the communication unit and displays it.

11. An information processing system comprising: an on-board device configured to acquire and transmit tire condition information, which is information indicating the condition of tires fitted to a vehicle driven by a user; an information processing device including: user information, which is information about the user, and a communication unit configured to acquire the tire condition information; a memory unit that stores the tire condition information in association with the user information; and a control unit that calculates an eco-driving score that scores the user's level of environmental consideration based on the tire condition information.

Images