Information processing device, control method, and program

Abstract

Provided are an information processing device, a control method, and a program each capable of preventing a decrease in a driver's concentration on driving, while suppressing an increase in the burden on the driver. An information processing device according to the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition means that acquires monitoring data of the driver of a vehicle; an estimation means that estimates the driver's degree of concentration on driving the vehicle on the basis of the monitoring data; and a vehicle control means that, when the degree of concentration is less than a predetermined reference, increases the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation of the vehicle traveling under automatic driving compared to that when the degree of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Control Method and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a program.

[0002] Technologies are known for preventing a driver's attention to vehicle traveling from decreasing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control system that prevents a decrease in the arousal level of a driver by increasing the load of a task required of the driver when the driver's arousal level decreases.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-022350

[0004] However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a driver determined to have a decreased arousal level is required to perform many tasks, which increases the burden on the driver.

[0005] Accordingly, one of the objects to be achieved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification is to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a program capable of preventing a decrease in a driver's concentration on vehicle traveling while suppressing an increase in the burden on the driver.

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises: acquisition means for acquiring monitoring data of a driver of a vehicle; estimation means for estimating a degree of concentration of the driver on traveling of the vehicle based on the monitoring data; and vehicle control means for increasing acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation of the vehicle traveling by automatic driving when the degree of concentration is less than a predetermined reference, compared to when the degree of concentration is equal to or higher than the predetermined reference.

[0007] In the control method according to the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus acquires monitoring data of a driver of a vehicle, estimates a degree of concentration of the driver on traveling of the vehicle based on the monitoring data, and increases acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation of the vehicle traveling by automatic driving when the degree of concentration is less than a predetermined reference, compared to when the degree of concentration is equal to or higher than the predetermined reference.

[0008] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring monitoring data of the vehicle driver; an estimation step of estimating the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle based on the monitoring data; and a vehicle control step of increasing the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation of the vehicle while driving autonomously, if the degree of concentration is below a predetermined standard, compared to when the degree of concentration is above the predetermined standard.

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, a control method, and a program that can prevent a decrease in the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle while suppressing an increase in the driver's burden.

[0010] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation hardware configuration of a computer that implements the processing unit related to this disclosure.

[0011] For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations have been omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated not only with one specific embodiment but also with one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> The configuration example of the information processing device 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 has an acquisition unit 2, an estimation unit 3, and a vehicle control unit 4. The information processing device 1 is any device equipped with computer resources, for example. By having the configuration shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1 prevents a decrease in the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle.

[0013] The acquisition unit 2 acquires monitoring data of the vehicle driver. The monitoring data is data obtained by monitoring the driver, and can be any data necessary to estimate the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle using known technology.

[0014] The estimation unit 3 estimates the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle based on the monitoring data acquired by the acquisition unit 2. The estimation unit 3 estimates the degree of concentration using known techniques. The degree of concentration estimated by the estimation unit 3 may be in two stages, such as concentrated state or non-concentrated state, or it may be in three or more stages.

[0015] If the degree of concentration estimated by the estimation unit 3 is below a predetermined standard, the vehicle control unit 4 increases the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation while the vehicle is driving autonomously compared to when the degree of concentration is above a predetermined standard. That is, for example, if the driver is in a concentrated state, the vehicle control unit 4 performs the predetermined operation (e.g., starting, braking, turning, etc.) with a first acceleration, and if the driver is in a non-concentrated state, it performs the predetermined operation with a second acceleration greater than the first acceleration.

[0016] According to the information processing device 1, if it is determined that the level of concentration is below a certain standard, the vehicle performs a predetermined action with a large acceleration. As a result, a large inertial force acts on the driver riding in the vehicle, causing their body to shake considerably. This makes the driver aware that the vehicle is moving, thus stimulating their concentration on the vehicle's operation. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 does not require the driver to perform any further tasks, as described in the prior art documents mentioned above. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can prevent a decrease in the driver's concentration on the vehicle's operation while suppressing an increase in the driver's burden. It should be noted that such effects can also be obtained in the control method including the processing described above in the information processing device 1, the program that performs the processing described above in the information processing device 1, or a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which the program is stored.

[0017] The following describes an embodiment that is a more specific version of Embodiment 1. <Embodiment 2> The following describes an example of the configuration of a system including the information processing device 100 using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including the information processing device 100. In the example shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 10 in which the driver is riding. However, if the information processing device 100 is provided as a server that can communicate wirelessly with the vehicle 10, the information processing device 100 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the vehicle 10. The information processing device 100 is a device corresponding to the information processing device 1 described above. The vehicle 10 is also equipped with a sensor 20. However, the sensor 20 may not be mounted on the vehicle 10, but may be worn by the driver riding in the vehicle 10.

[0018] Vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which the driver is present and operates according to the control of the vehicle control unit 153 of the information processing device 100, which will be described later. In particular, vehicle 10 is a vehicle that is capable of fully or partially automated driving. For this reason, the driver only needs to be an occupant who is responsible for the driving of vehicle 10, and does not necessarily have to be performing driving that involves operating vehicle 10. The driver may also be called the person in charge of driving.

[0019] Sensor 20 is a sensor that outputs monitoring data used to estimate the degree of concentration of the driver of vehicle 10 while driving, and performs sensing of the driver. Sensor 20 may also be a camera that photographs the driver of vehicle 10. In this case, for example, sensor 20 as a camera may photograph the driver's face or the driver's body (posture). Sensor 20 may also be a pressure sensor installed in the seat to detect the driver's posture, etc., or an eye-tracking sensor. Furthermore, sensor 20 may be a smartwatch or biosensor worn by the driver to sense the driver's pulse, brain waves, body temperature, etc. Sensor 20 outputs the detected data as monitoring data to the information processing device 100. Sensor 20 continuously senses the driver and continues to output monitoring data.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110 and a processing unit 150.

[0021] The communication unit 110 is a hardware circuit for the information processing device 100 to communicate with other devices such as the sensor 20, and may include software such as firmware.

[0022] Next, the processing unit 150 of the information processing device 100 will be described. The processing unit 150 executes any processing of the information processing device 100. In this embodiment, the processing unit 150 has an acquisition unit 151, an estimation unit 152, and a vehicle control unit 153.

[0023] The acquisition unit 151 corresponds to the acquisition unit 2 described above. The acquisition unit 151 acquires the monitoring data of the vehicle 10 driver output by the sensor 20.

[0024] The estimation unit 152 corresponds to the estimation unit 3 described above. The estimation unit 152 estimates the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle 10 based on the monitoring data acquired by the acquisition unit 151. The estimation unit 152 estimates the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle 10 from the monitoring data, for example, using known Driver Monitoring System (DMS) technology. Specifically, for example, the estimation unit 152 may estimate the degree of concentration by estimating the degree of the driver's drowsiness based on monitoring data showing eyelid movements, etc. In this case, the estimation unit 152 estimates that the higher the degree of drowsiness, the lower the degree of concentration. Note that the estimation of the degree of drowsiness may include estimating whether or not the driver is asleep. The estimation unit 152 may also estimate the degree of concentration by detecting distracted driving or driving while looking away from the vehicle from the acquired monitoring data. The estimation unit 152 may use a pre-trained machine learning model to estimate the degree of concentration. In this case, the estimation unit 152, for example, inputs the monitoring data acquired by the acquisition unit 151 into the machine learning model, thereby obtaining a value indicating the degree of concentration output from the model.

[0025] The vehicle control unit 153 corresponds to the vehicle control unit 4 described above. The vehicle control unit 153 controls the automatic driving of the vehicle 10. The automatic driving of the vehicle 10 includes at least one of the following: automatic operation of the brakes (deceleration), automatic operation of the accelerator (acceleration), and automatic operation of the steering (turning). For example, the vehicle control unit 153 controls the automatic driving of the vehicle 10 by controlling the brakes, accelerator, and steering of the vehicle 10 based on information representing the environment around the vehicle 10.

[0026] In particular, the vehicle control unit 153 changes the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation according to the degree of concentration estimated by the estimation unit 152. Here, the predetermined operation may be, for example, an acceleration operation (speed increase operation) of the vehicle 10. In this case, the acceleration that is changed according to the degree of concentration is the acceleration of the vehicle 10 in the direction of travel when the vehicle 10 is increasing speed. This acceleration can also be said to be the acceleration of the vehicle 10 when it starts moving or the positive acceleration in the direction of travel. Furthermore, the predetermined operation described above may be, for example, a deceleration operation of the vehicle 10. In this case, the acceleration that is changed according to the degree of concentration is the acceleration of the vehicle 10 in the direction of travel when the vehicle 10 is decelerating. This acceleration can also be said to be the acceleration of the vehicle 10 when it stops or the negative acceleration in the direction of travel. Furthermore, the predetermined operation described above may be, for example, a turning operation of the vehicle 10. In this case, the acceleration that is changed according to the degree of concentration is the centripetal acceleration of the vehicle 10 when it is turning. This centripetal acceleration is also generally called normal acceleration. Furthermore, the positive and negative accelerations in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10 described above are generally also referred to as tangential accelerations.

[0027] The vehicle control unit 153 increases the acceleration described above when the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152 is below a predetermined standard, compared to when the estimated concentration level is above a predetermined standard. In other words, when the driver's concentration level is above a predetermined standard, the vehicle control unit 153 increases, decreases, or turns the vehicle 10 with a first acceleration (referred to as normal acceleration). Conversely, when the driver's concentration level is below a predetermined standard, the vehicle control unit 153 increases, decreases, or turns the vehicle 10 with a second acceleration (referred to as special acceleration) that is greater than the normal acceleration. In this way, the vehicle control unit 153 controls the vehicle 10 to perform sudden acceleration, sudden braking, or sudden turns when the driver's concentration level is below a predetermined standard. As a result, when the concentration level is below a predetermined standard, a greater force acts on the driver riding in the vehicle 10 compared to when the concentration level is above a predetermined standard, causing the driver's body to be shaken more violently.

[0028] Furthermore, if the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152 is below a predetermined standard, the vehicle control unit 153 may increase the acceleration described above as the lower the estimated concentration level. This allows the driver's body to be shaken more violently the lower the estimated concentration level.

[0029] Next, the operation flow of the information processing device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the information processing device 100. Note that the processes in the flowchart shown in Figure 3 may be repeated at predetermined time intervals (for example, every few seconds).

[0030] In step S100, the acquisition unit 151 acquires monitoring data of the vehicle 10 driver output by the sensor 20. Next, in step S101, the estimation unit 152 estimates the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle 10 based on the monitoring data acquired in step S100. Next, in step S102, the vehicle control unit 153 determines whether the degree of concentration estimated in step S101 is above a predetermined standard. If the estimated degree of concentration is above a predetermined standard (YES in step S102), the process moves to step S103. On the other hand, if the estimated degree of concentration is below a predetermined standard (NO in step S102), the process moves to step S104. If the process moves to step S103, the vehicle control unit 4 controls the automatic driving of the vehicle 10 to perform a predetermined operation at normal acceleration. On the other hand, if the process moves to step S104, the vehicle control unit 4 controls the automatic driving of the vehicle 10 to perform a predetermined operation at special acceleration.

[0031] The second embodiment has been described above. According to the information processing device 100, if the driver's level of concentration on the vehicle 10's operation is low, the vehicle 10 will be driven automatically with a large acceleration. In such cases, the driver's body will be shaken violently, making the driver aware that the vehicle is in motion. This can stimulate the driver's concentration on the vehicle 10's operation.

[0032] <Embodiment 3> This embodiment differs from Embodiment 2 described above in that the method of notifying guidance information changes according to the degree of concentration estimated by the estimation unit 152.

[0033] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including the information processing device 100a. In the example shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 100a is mounted on the vehicle 10a in which the driver is riding, but it does not necessarily have to be mounted on the vehicle 10a. The vehicle 10a differs from the vehicle 10 in that it further has an output unit 21. Below, the configuration and processing of the information processing device 100a that differ from those of the information processing device 100 will be described, and the configuration and processing that are the same as those of the information processing device 100 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0034] The output unit 21 is an output device that outputs information to the driver of the vehicle 10a. When outputting information to the driver by voice, the output device may be a speaker. When outputting information to the driver by image, the output device may be, for example, a display.

[0035] The information processing device 100a differs from the information processing device 100 in that the processing unit 150 is replaced by the processing unit 150a. Furthermore, the processing unit 150a differs from the processing unit 150 in that it further includes a notification unit 154.

[0036] The notification unit 154 notifies the driver of the vehicle 10a of guidance information regarding the vehicle's operation via the output unit 21. The notification unit 154 may acquire guidance information using known car navigation system technology.

[0037] In particular, in this embodiment, the notification unit 154 notifies the driver of a wider variety of guidance information when the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152 is below a predetermined standard, compared to when the concentration level is above a predetermined standard. More specifically, for example, when the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152 is below a predetermined standard, the notification unit 154 performs the following processing. That is, in this case, the notification unit 154 notifies the driver not only of guidance information that is notified when the concentration level is above a predetermined standard, but also of guidance information that is not notified when the concentration level is above a predetermined standard. Guidance information that is notified only when the concentration level is below a predetermined standard may be, for example, the legal speed limit of the road on which the vehicle 10a is traveling. However, this is merely an example, and any information can be adopted as guidance information that is notified only when the concentration level is low. The types of guidance information that are notified when the concentration level is above a predetermined standard and the types of guidance information that are notified when the concentration level is below a predetermined standard may be specified by the driver. Thus, when the level of concentration is below a predetermined standard, the driver receives more information than when the level of concentration is above a predetermined standard, resulting in an increase in notifications to the driver. This helps to make the driver aware that they are driving and encourages them to concentrate on driving the vehicle 10a. The notification unit 154 may notify the driver of a wider variety of information the lower the estimated level of concentration.

[0038] Furthermore, the notification unit 154 notifies the driver of guidance information at a higher frequency than when the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152 is below a predetermined standard. More specifically, the notification unit 154 notifies the driver of predetermined guidance information at a first frequency when the concentration level is above a predetermined standard, and at a second frequency higher than the first frequency when the concentration level is below a predetermined standard. The predetermined guidance information whose notification frequency varies according to the concentration level may, for example, be information that provides guidance on the distance to a branching point (e.g., an intersection) that the vehicle 10a will pass through, or the distance to the destination. However, this is merely an example, and any information can be adopted as predetermined guidance information whose notification frequency varies according to the concentration level. In addition, the driver may specify the predetermined guidance information whose notification frequency should vary according to the concentration level. In this way, when the concentration level is below a predetermined standard, the predetermined guidance information is notified to the driver at a higher frequency than when the concentration level is above a predetermined standard, resulting in an increase in notifications to the driver compared to when the concentration level is above a predetermined standard. This makes the driver aware that the vehicle is in motion and helps to stimulate their concentration on driving the vehicle 10a. The notification unit 154 may notify the driver of predetermined guidance information more frequently the lower the estimated level of concentration.

[0039] In the following, the notification mode of the notification unit 154 when the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152 is above a predetermined standard will be referred to as the normal notification mode. The notification mode of the notification unit 154 when the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152 is below a predetermined standard will be referred to as the special notification mode. As described above, the special notification mode increases the types of guidance information that are notified compared to the normal notification mode. In addition, the notification frequency of predetermined guidance information increases compared to the normal notification mode. Note that in the special notification mode, either an increase in the types of guidance information or an increase in the notification frequency may be performed without any other action.

[0040] Furthermore, the notification unit 154 may increase the volume of the notification as the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152 decreases.

[0041] Next, the operation flow of the information processing device 100a will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the information processing device 100a. In addition to the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 3, the information processing device 100a further performs the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 5. That is, as processing after step S102, the information processing device 100a further performs the processing of step S203 or step S204. Step S203 is a step that is executed when the estimated concentration level is above a predetermined standard (YES in step S102). Step S204 is a step that is executed when the estimated concentration level is below a predetermined standard (NO in step S102).

[0042] In step S203, the notification unit 154 notifies the driver of the vehicle 10a of the guidance information in normal notification mode. In contrast, in step S204, the notification unit 154 notifies the driver of the vehicle 10a of the guidance information in special notification mode. Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 5 may be repeated at predetermined time intervals (for example, every few seconds).

[0043] The third embodiment has been described above. According to the information processing device 100a, if the driver's level of concentration on the driving of the vehicle 10a is low, the notification mode is changed. In such cases, the number of notifications to the driver increases. Thus, the driver can be made aware that the vehicle is in motion, and their concentration on the driving of the vehicle 10a can be stimulated. In particular, in this embodiment, instead of notifications pointing out the decrease in the driver's level of concentration or instructing them to concentrate, only the number of notifications of guidance information regarding the driving of the vehicle 10a is increased. In other words, the driver's concentration on the driving of the vehicle 10a can be stimulated without explicitly warning the driver. Therefore, it is possible to avoid making the driver uncomfortable by giving explicit warnings. In this embodiment, the information processing device 100a was described as performing both the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 and the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5, but the information processing device 100a may perform only the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0044] <Embodiment 4> This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that the planning of the travel route of the vehicle is changed according to the concentration level estimated by the estimation unit 152.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including an information processing apparatus 100b. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 100b is mounted on a vehicle 10b on which a driver rides, but does not necessarily need to be mounted on the vehicle 10b. The vehicle 10b is the same as the vehicle 10a in FIG. 4, except that the vehicle 10b includes the information processing apparatus 100b instead of the information processing apparatus 100a. Hereinafter, among the configurations and processes of the information processing apparatus 100b, configurations and processes different from those of the information processing apparatus 100a will be described, and descriptions of configurations and processes similar to those of the information processing apparatus 100a will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] The information processing apparatus 100b differs from the information processing apparatus 100a in that a processing unit 150a is replaced with a processing unit 150b. Furthermore, the processing unit 150b differs from the processing unit 150a in that it further includes a route planning unit 155.

[0047] The route planning unit 155 plans the travel route of the vehicle 10b to a destination. Note that the route planning unit 155 may plan the travel route using a known car navigation system technique. For example, the route planning unit 155 plans a travel route to a destination specified by the driver of the vehicle 10b. The vehicle control unit 153 may control the vehicle 10b such that the vehicle 10b autonomously travels to the destination according to the travel route planned by the route planning unit 155. Furthermore, the travel route planned by the route planning unit 155 may be presented to the driver by an output unit 21 (e.g., a display) for the driver to refer to when the driver drives the vehicle 10b to the destination.

[0048] In particular, in the present embodiment, when the concentration level estimated by the estimating unit 152 is equal to or higher than a predetermined criterion, a first travel route (hereinafter referred to as a normal route) is planned. On the other hand, when the concentration level estimated by the estimating unit 152 is less than the predetermined criterion, a second travel route (hereinafter referred to as a special route) is planned. Here, the special route is a travel route that includes more of any one of urban roads, mountain roads, and narrow roads (i.e., roads whose width is less than a predetermined length (e.g., 4 m)) than the normal route. For example, when the estimated concentration level is equal to or higher than the predetermined criterion, the route planning unit 155 plans a travel route from the current location to the destination in which the total route length of urban roads, mountain roads, and narrow roads included in the travel route is L1. On the other hand, when the estimated concentration level is less than the predetermined criterion, the route planning unit 155 plans a travel route from the current location to the destination in which the total route length of urban roads, mountain roads, and narrow roads included in the travel route is L2 (provided that L1 < L2).

[0049] All of urban roads, mountain roads, and narrow roads are roads that require attention for driving, so they enhance the driver's sense of tension. Therefore, by traveling on such roads, the driver's concentration on the traveling of the vehicle 10b can be aroused. It should be noted that the special route planned when the concentration level estimated by the estimating unit 152 is less than the predetermined criterion may include more rest stops as waypoints than the normal route planned when the concentration level is equal to or higher than the predetermined criterion. Furthermore, this can encourage the driver to take a break.

[0050] Next, the operation flow of the information processing device 100b will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the information processing device 100b. In addition to the processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 and the processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 5, the information processing device 100b further performs the processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 7. That is, as a process after step S102, the information processing device 100b further performs the processes of step S303 or step S304. Step S303 is a step that is executed when the estimated concentration level is above a predetermined standard (YES in step S102). Step S304 is a step that is executed when the estimated concentration level is below a predetermined standard (NO in step S102).

[0051] In step S303, the route planning unit 155 plans the above-described normal route as the travel route for vehicle 10b to the destination. In contrast, in step S304, the route planning unit 155 plans the above-described special route as the travel route for vehicle 10b to the destination. Note that the flowchart process shown in Figure 7 may be repeated at predetermined time intervals (for example, every few seconds).

[0052] Embodiment 4 has been described above. According to the information processing device 100b, if the driver's level of concentration on driving the vehicle 10b is low, the driving route is planned to include many urban roads. This can increase the driver's sense of alertness and stimulate their concentration. In this embodiment, the information processing device 100b was described as performing all of the processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 3, the flowchart of Figure 5, and the flowchart of Figure 7. However, the information processing device 100b may perform only the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 7, or it may perform the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 7 together with either the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 or the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0053] The processing units 150, 150a, and 150b described above may be implemented by a computer as shown in Figure 8. Hereinafter, when processing units 150, 150a, and 150b are referred to without particular distinction, they will be referred to as processing unit 150, etc. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that implements processing unit 150, etc. As shown in Figure 8, the computer 500 includes an input / output interface 501, memory 502, and a processor 503.

[0054] The input / output interface 501 is used to communicate with components other than the processing unit 150, etc., as needed. The memory 502 is composed of, for example, a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 502 is used to store software (computer programs) containing one or more instructions executed by the processor 503, and data used for various processes.

[0055] The processor 503 reads and executes software (computer programs) from the memory 502, thereby performing processing for each component such as the processing unit 150. The processor 503 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 503 may include multiple processors.

[0056] The program, when loaded into a computer, includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagating signals. The program may also be included in a computer program product.

[0057] Furthermore, the functions of the processing unit 150 and the like described above do not necessarily have to be implemented by a single device. That is, the functions of the processing unit 150 and the like described above may be distributed across two or more devices. For example, the functions of the processing unit 150 and the like described above may be implemented by an information processing system composed of multiple information processing devices that can communicate via a network. Also, some or all of the information processing devices 100, 100a, and 100b, or the multiple information processing devices that perform distributed processing, may be servers. In addition, some or all of the functions of the processing unit 150 and the like described above may be implemented by electronic circuits.

[0058] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0059] Some or all of the embodiments described above may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following. Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Appendices 2 to 9 that are dependent on Appendice 1 may also be dependent on Appendices 10 to 11 in the same way as in Appendices 2 to 9. Furthermore, some or all of the elements described in any of the Appendices may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software.

[0060] (Note 1) An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring monitoring data of the vehicle driver; an estimation means for estimating the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle based on the monitoring data; and a vehicle control means that, when the degree of concentration is below a predetermined standard, increases the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation of the vehicle driving in automatic mode compared to when the degree of concentration is above the predetermined standard. (Note 2) The information processing device according to Note 1, wherein the acceleration is the acceleration in the direction of travel of the vehicle when the vehicle is increasing speed. (Note 3) The information processing device according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the acceleration is the acceleration in the direction of travel of the vehicle when the vehicle is decelerating. (Note 4) The information processing device according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the acceleration is the centripetal acceleration of the vehicle when it is turning. (Note 5) The information processing device according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle control means increases the acceleration as the degree of concentration decreases when the degree of concentration is below a predetermined standard. (Note 6) An information processing device according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, further comprising notification means for notifying the driver of guidance information relating to the driving of the vehicle, wherein the notification means notifies the driver of a wider variety of guidance information when the level of concentration is less than the predetermined standard compared to when the level of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard. (Note 7) An information processing device according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, further comprising notification means for notifying the driver of guidance information relating to the driving of the vehicle, wherein the notification means notifies the driver of guidance information at a higher frequency when the level of concentration is less than the predetermined standard compared to when the level of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard. (Appendix 8) An information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, further comprising route planning means for planning the route of the vehicle to a destination, wherein the route planning means plans a first route when the degree of concentration is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard, and plans a second route when the degree of concentration is less than the predetermined standard, and the second route includes more of urban roads, mountain roads, and narrow roads than the first route.(Note 9) The information processing device described in Note 8, wherein the second driving route includes more rest stops as waypoints compared to the first driving route. (Note 10) A control method in which the information processing device acquires monitoring data of a vehicle driver, estimates the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle based on the monitoring data, and increases the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation of the vehicle while it is driving automatically compared to when the degree of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard, if the degree of concentration is less than a predetermined standard. (Note 11) A program that causes a computer to execute an acquisition step of acquiring monitoring data of a vehicle driver, an estimation step of estimating the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle based on the monitoring data, and a vehicle control step of increasing the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation of the vehicle while it is driving automatically compared to when the degree of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard, if the degree of concentration is less than a predetermined standard.

[0061] 1 Information processing unit 2 Acquisition unit 3 Estimation unit 4 Vehicle control unit 10 Vehicle 10a Vehicle 10b Vehicle 20 Sensor 21 Output unit 100 Information processing unit 100a Information processing unit 100b Information processing unit 110 Communication unit 150 Processing unit 150a Processing unit 150b Processing unit 151 Acquisition unit 152 Estimation unit 153 Vehicle control unit 154 Notification unit 155 Route planning unit 500 Computer 501 Input / output interface 502 Memory 503 Processor

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring monitoring data of a vehicle driver; an estimation means for estimating the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle based on the monitoring data; and a vehicle control means that, when the degree of concentration is below a predetermined standard, increases the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation of the vehicle while it is driving autonomously compared to when the degree of concentration is above the predetermined standard.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acceleration is the acceleration in the direction of travel of the vehicle when the vehicle is increasing in speed.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acceleration is the acceleration in the direction of travel of the vehicle when the vehicle is decelerating.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acceleration is the centripetal acceleration when the vehicle is turning.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle control means increases the acceleration as the degree of concentration decreases when the degree of concentration is less than the predetermined standard.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a notification means for notifying the driver of guidance information relating to the driving of the vehicle, wherein the notification means notifies the driver of a wider variety of guidance information when the level of concentration is less than a predetermined standard compared to when the level of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a notification means for notifying the driver of guidance information relating to the driving of the vehicle, wherein the notification means notifies the driver of the guidance information at a higher frequency when the level of concentration is less than the predetermined standard compared to when the level of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard.

8. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising route planning means for planning the route of the vehicle to a destination, wherein the route planning means plans a first route when the degree of concentration is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard, and plans a second route when the degree of concentration is less than the predetermined standard, and the second route includes more of urban roads, mountain roads, and narrow roads than the first route.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the second travel route includes more rest stops as waypoints compared to the first travel route.

10. A control method comprising: an information processing device acquiring monitoring data of a vehicle driver; estimating the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle based on the monitoring data; and, if the degree of concentration is below a predetermined standard, increasing the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation while the vehicle is driving autonomously compared to when the degree of concentration is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard.

11. A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring monitoring data of the vehicle driver; an estimation step of estimating the degree of the driver's concentration on driving the vehicle based on the monitoring data; and a vehicle control step of increasing the acceleration of the vehicle during a predetermined operation while the vehicle is driving autonomously, if the degree of concentration is below a predetermined standard, compared to when the degree of concentration is above the predetermined standard.

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