Information processing apparatus, information processing system, storage unit storing information processing program, and information processing meihod

An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a controller, and a provision unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire behavior information and a request for route retrieval from the vehicle. The controller is configured to decide a plurality of temporary routes in a case where the request for route retrieval is acquired, recognize a manner reference score of each of the temporary routes, recognize an evaluation score of each of a plurality of manner items based on the behavior information acquired from the vehicle having requested the route retrieval, calculate a total evaluation score by using the evaluation score of each of the manner items, and select some of the temporary routes as proposal routes based on comparison between the manner reference score and the total evaluation score. The provision unit is configured to provide the proposal routes to the vehicle having requested the route retrieval.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-205127 filed on Oct. 31, 2018 including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a storage unit storing an information processing program, and an information processing method.

2. Description of Related Art

In the related art, in route retrieval of a navigation, among a plurality of routes, a single route recommended from the specific viewpoint such as a distance or a time is presented. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-042051 (JP 2009-042051 A) discloses a technique in which a route selection tendency for each attribute (a vehicle model, a sex, an age, and the like) in probe data is accumulated, and, among a plurality of routes, a route that is most likely to be selected for an attribute is presented based on the attribute of a user (a driver or a passenger) in route retrieval of each vehicle. JP 2009-042051 A also discloses a technique in which an attribute of a user is estimated based on an actual route selection tendency of the user for each vehicle, and a route that is most likely to be selected for the attribute is presented.

SUMMARY

An actual attribute or an estimated attribute of a user does not necessarily have the great influence on a route selection tendency. Therefore, a route presented based on such an attribute may not be optimum for a user, and the user may feel uncomfortable.

The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, a storage unit storing an information processing program, and an information processing method, capable of presenting a route suitable for a preference for driving of each user.

A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus including an acquisition unit configured to acquire behavior information regarding a behavior of a vehicle and a request for route retrieval between two locations from the vehicle; a controller configured to decide a plurality of temporary routes connecting the two locations to each other in a case where the request for route retrieval is acquired, recognize a manner reference score of each of the temporary routes, recognize an evaluation score of each of a plurality of manner items based on the behavior information acquired from the vehicle having requested the route retrieval, calculate a total evaluation score by using the evaluation score of each of the manner items, and select some of the temporary routes as proposal routes based on comparison between the manner reference score and the total evaluation score; and a provision unit configured to provide the proposal routes to the vehicle having requested the route retrieval.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the controller may be configured to recognize the manner reference scores of the temporary routes based on the evaluation score of each of the manner items of a vehicle having passed through each of the temporary routes.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the controller may be configured to recognize the manner reference scores of the temporary routes based on the evaluation score of each of the manner items of a vehicle before passing through each of the temporary routes.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, at least some of the manner items used to recognize the manner reference scores of the temporary routes may be defined for each of the temporary routes, and the controller may be configured to calculate the total evaluation score based on evaluation scores of at least some of the manner items used to recognize the manner reference score of each of the temporary routes.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the controller may be configured to recognize a recognizable evaluation score of a manner item by using the behavior information whenever the behavior information is acquired, store position information of a vehicle having provided the behavior information in association with the evaluation score, and define a manner item used to recognize the manner reference score of each of the temporary routes based on a ratio of the number of times of recognition of an evaluation score of a manner item associated with position information corresponding to a position included in each of the temporary routes to the number of times of acquisition of the behavior information.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the behavior information may include detected information that is detected by a sensor of the vehicle; and the controller may be configured to recognize the evaluation score by calculating the evaluation score of each of the manner items based on the detected information included in the behavior information.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the behavior information may include the evaluation score of at least one of the manner items calculated in the vehicle; and the controller may be configured to recognize the evaluation score of the manner item by acquiring the behavior information.

A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing system including an on-vehicle information processing apparatus that provides behavior information regarding a behavior of a vehicle and a request for route retrieval between two locations; a controller configured to decide a plurality of temporary routes connecting the two locations to each other in a case where the request for route retrieval is acquired, recognize a manner reference score of each of the temporary routes, recognize an evaluation score of each of a plurality of manner items based on the behavior information acquired from the vehicle having requested the route retrieval, calculate a total evaluation score by using the evaluation score of each of the manner items, and select some of the temporary routes as proposal routes based on comparison between the manner reference score and the total evaluation score; and a provision unit configured to provide the proposal routes to the vehicle having requested the route retrieval.

A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a storage unit storing an information processing program. The information processing program causes an information processing apparatus to execute acquiring behavior information regarding a behavior of a vehicle and a request for route retrieval between two locations from the vehicle; deciding a plurality of temporary routes connecting the two locations to each other in a case where the request for route retrieval is acquired; recognizing a manner reference score of each of the temporary routes; recognizing an evaluation score of each of a plurality of manner items based on the behavior information acquired from the vehicle having requested the route retrieval; calculating a total evaluation score by using the evaluation score of each of the manner items; selecting some of the temporary routes as proposal routes based on comparison between the manner reference score and the total evaluation score; and providing the proposal routes to the vehicle having requested the route retrieval.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method including acquiring behavior information regarding a behavior of a vehicle and a request for route retrieval between two locations from the vehicle; deciding a plurality of temporary routes connecting the two locations to each other in a case where the request for route retrieval is acquired; recognizing a manner reference score of each of the temporary routes; recognizing an evaluation score of each of a plurality of manner items based on the behavior information acquired from the vehicle having requested the route retrieval; calculating a total evaluation score by using the evaluation score of each of the manner items; selecting some of the temporary routes as proposal routes based on comparison between the manner reference score and the total evaluation score; and providing the proposal routes to the vehicle having requested the route retrieval.

According to the respective aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to present a route more suitable for a preference of each user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIG. 1, a description will be made of a summary of an information processing system11including an information processing apparatus10according to an embodiment. The information processing system11includes vehicles12and the information processing apparatus10. The vehicles12are, for example, automobiles, but are not limited thereto, and may be any vehicles. InFIG. 1, for convenience of description, two vehicles12are illustrated, but the number of vehicles12included in the information processing system11may be one or more. The information processing apparatus10includes one or a plurality of, for example, server apparatuses which can perform communication with each other. The vehicles12and the information processing apparatus10are communicably connected to each other via a network13including, for example, a mobile communication network and the Internet.

Each vehicle12provides behavior information of the vehicle12and a route retrieval request to the information processing apparatus10. The information processing apparatus10accumulates the behavior information provided from the vehicles12. In a case where the route retrieval request is acquired, the information processing apparatus10determines a plurality of temporary routes. The information processing apparatus10also recognizes a manner reference score of each of the temporary routes based on the behavior information provided from the vehicles12. The information processing apparatus10recognizes an evaluation score of each of a plurality of manner items based on the behavior information acquired from the vehicle12having given the route retrieval request. The information processing apparatus10calculates a total evaluation score of the vehicle12by using the respective recognized evaluation scores of the manner items. The information processing apparatus10selects at least some of the temporary routes as proposal routes based on comparison between the manner reference score and the total evaluation score. The information processing apparatus10provides the proposal routes to the vehicle12.

As mentioned above, according to the present embodiment, an evaluation score of each of a plurality of manner items is recognized based on behavior information in which a user's preference is reflected. A total evaluation score for the user is calculated by using a calculated evaluation score. At least some temporary routes are selected based on comparison between the total evaluation score and a manner reference score recognized for each temporary route, and are proposed to the user. Thus, a more suitable for the user's preference can be presented.

Next, each configuration of the information processing system11will be described in detail.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the vehicle12includes a communication apparatus14and an on-vehicle information processing apparatus15. The communication apparatus14and the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15are communicably connected to each other via an on-vehicle network such as a controller area network (CAN) or a dedicated line.

The communication apparatus14is an on-vehicle communication machine such as a data communication module (DCM). Specifically, the communication apparatus14includes a communication unit16, a storage unit17, and a controller18.

The communication unit16includes a communication module which performs communication via an on-vehicle network or a dedicated line. The communication unit16includes a communication module connected to the network13. For example, the communication unit16may include a communication module coping with a mobile communication standard such as 4th Generation (4G) or 5th Generation (5G). In the present embodiment, the vehicle12is connected to the network13via the communication unit16.

The storage unit17includes one or more memories. In the present embodiment, the “memory” is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited thereto. Each memory included in the storage unit17may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache storage device. The storage unit17stores any information used for an operation of the communication apparatus14. The storage unit17may store, for example, a system program, an application program, and identification information of the vehicle12. The identification information of the vehicle12is information for enabling the information processing system11to uniquely identify the vehicle12.

When information is transmitted from the communication apparatus14to the information processing apparatus10, the identification information of the vehicle12is provided to the information processing apparatus10along with the information, and thus the information processing apparatus10can identify the vehicle12that is a provision source. Here, identification information of the communication apparatus14or the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15provided in the vehicle12may be used as the identification information of the vehicle12. The information stored in the storage unit17may be updated to, for example, information acquired from the network13via the communication unit16.

The controller18includes one or more processors. In the present embodiment, the “processor” is a general purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized to a specific process, but is not limited thereto. The controller18controls overall operations of the communication apparatus14. In the present embodiment, the vehicle12performs communication with the information processing apparatus10via the communication apparatus14controlled by the controller18. The vehicle12acquires and provides information and commands through communication with the information processing apparatus10.

The on-vehicle information processing apparatus15is an apparatus managing various pieces of information in the vehicle12. For example, the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15collects detected information in the vehicle12which will be described later. The on-vehicle information processing apparatus15provides the collected detected information to the information processing apparatus10via the communication apparatus14as behavior information without or by processing the detected information. The on-vehicle information processing apparatus15includes a communication unit19, a storage unit20, an information acquisition unit21, an output unit22, an input unit23, and a controller24.

The communication unit19includes a communication module which performs communication via an on-vehicle network or a dedicated line.

The storage unit20includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit20may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache storage device. The storage unit20stores any information used for an operation of the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15. The storage unit20may store, for example, a system program, an application program, user identification information associated with a user name, history of detected information for each user, and road map information. The information stored in the storage unit20may be updated to, for example, information acquired from the network13via the communication apparatus14.

The information acquisition unit21acquires detected information that is detected by various sensors mounted on the vehicle12directly or via an electronic control unit (ECU). The detected information is, for example, speed information, position information, braking information, accelerator information, gear position information, traveling distance information, direction indicator information, steering information, distance information, image information, and time information.

The speed information indicates, for example, a speed of the vehicle12detected by a speed sensor. The position information indicates, for example, a position of the vehicle12on a map, detected by a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The braking information indicates, for example, an amount of depression of a brake pedal, detected by a brake pedal sensor. The accelerator information indicates an amount of depressing an accelerator pedal, detected by an accelerator position sensor. The gear position information indicates a gear position detected by a gear position sensor. The traveling distance information indicates a traveling distance of the vehicle12, calculated based on a rotational speed detected by a rotation sensor of a tire. The direction indicator information is, for example, information regarding blinking indication of a direction indicator detected by a direction indicator lever sensor. The steering information indicates, for example, an amount of rotation of a steering wheel detected by a steering angle sensor. The distance information indicates, for example, a distance from another person, detected by a clearance sonar. The image information indicates, for example, an image obtained by imaging the periphery of the vehicle12detected by an on-vehicle camera. The time information indicates, for example, a time point at the time detected by a timer.

The output unit22includes one or more output interfaces which output information and notify a user thereof. The output interface included in the output unit22is, for example, a display outputting information in videos or a speaker outputting information in voices, but is not limited thereto. The display is, for example, a panel display or a head-up display, but is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the “video” may include text, a still image, and a moving image.

The input unit23includes one or more input interfaces detecting a user's input. The input interface included in the input unit23is, for example, a physical key, an electrostatic capacitance key, a touch screen provided integrally with the panel display of the output unit22, or a microphone detecting voice input, but is not limited thereto.

The controller24includes one or more processors. The controller24controls overall operations of the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15.

For example, when an ignition switch is turned on, and thus the vehicle12is started, the controller24displays an image for requesting the name of a new driving user to be registered or a registered user name to be input on the output unit22. In a case where the input unit23detects input of registering the new user name during display of the image, the controller24provides identification information of the new user to the user name. Alternatively, in a case where the input unit23detects input of registering the new user name, the controller24may provide the user name to the information processing apparatus10via the communication apparatus14so as to request identification information of the user. In a case where the input unit23detects input of a registered user name, the controller24reads identification information of the registered user name from the storage unit20or the information processing apparatus10. The controller24recognizes the identification information of the user who is a current driver due to input of registration of the new user name or the registered user name

The controller24associates the identification information of the user with detected information acquired by the information acquisition unit21during a period from recognition of the identification information of the user to the next input of registration of a new user name or a registered user name. The controller24associates information such as behavior information which will be described later with the identification information of the user, and provides the information to the information processing apparatus10, during a period from recognition of the identification information of the user to the next input of registration of a new user name or a registered user name.

The controller24associates, for example, a plurality of pieces of detected information simultaneously acquired by the information acquisition unit21with each other, and stores the pieces of detected information into the storage unit20. The term “simultaneously” indicates, for example, a period from provision of behavior information periodically provided to the information processing apparatus10, which will be described later, to the next provision. In a case where the detected information is acquired, the controller24may calculate an evaluation score of a manner item which will be described later by also using the past detected information stored in the storage unit20.

The controller24provides at least one of the detected information temporarily stored in the storage unit20and the evaluation score of the manner item to the information processing apparatus10as behavior information regarding a behavior of the vehicle12. The controller24causes at least position information to be included in the behavior information, and provides the behavior information to the information processing apparatus10. The controller24, for example, periodically provides the behavior information to the information processing apparatus10. Provision of the behavior information from the controller24to the information processing apparatus10is not limited to a periodic manner, may be performed at any time, and may be performed regularly or whenever a specific condition such as calculation of an evaluation score of a manner item is satisfied.

In a case where the input unit23detects input of requesting route retrieval, the controller24provides a request for route retrieval between two locations including positions of a departure location and an arrival location, to the information processing apparatus10. In a case where a proposal route is acquired from the information processing apparatus10in response to the request for route retrieval, the controller24outputs the proposal route to the output unit22so as to inform the user of the proposal route.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the information processing apparatus10includes an acquisition unit25, a provision unit26, a storage unit27, and a controller28.

The acquisition unit25includes, for example, a communication module connected to the network13. The acquisition unit25may include, for example, a communication module coping with a wired local area network (LAN) standard. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus10is connected to the network13via the acquisition unit25. The acquisition unit25may acquire behavior information and a request for route retrieval between two locations from the vehicle12.

The provision unit26includes, for example, a communication module connected to the network13. The provision unit26may include, for example, a communication module coping with a wired LAN standard. The provision unit26provides, for example, various pieces of information such as a proposal route which will be described later, and commands to the vehicle12. The provision unit26may be provided integrally with the acquisition unit25.

The storage unit27includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit27may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache storage device. The storage unit27stores any information used for an operation of the information processing apparatus10. The storage unit27may store, for example, a system program, an application program, history of detected information for each user, a calculation expression for a manner reference score, the number of times of acquisition of behavior information classified for each link, the number of times of recognizing an evaluation score of a manner item classified for each link, a link and a node, and an evaluation score classified for each link. The node is a linkage point such as an intersection in a road network. The link is a road section connecting adjacent nodes to each other. Therefore, various routes are formed by combinations of various nodes and various links. The information stored in the storage unit27may be updated to, for example, information acquired from the network13via the acquisition unit25.

The controller28includes one or more processors. The controller28controls overall operations of the information processing apparatus10.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, for example, whenever behavior information is acquired from the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15, the controller28classifies the behavior information into links corresponding to position information included in the behavior information, and updates the counted number of times of acquisition of behavior information for each link (refer to “updated to +1”). The controller28stores the updated number of times of acquisition into the storage unit27.

In data of the link ID: xxxxx on a lower part ofFIG. 4, a “manner reference score” is a manner reference score, which will be described later, calculated based on an evaluation score for the vehicle12having passed through a link. An “evaluation score” indicates “selection”, “Ave after passing”, the “number of times”, and a “recognition ratio” for an evaluation score of each manner item. The “selection” indicates whether or not an item is to be used for calculation of a manner reference score which will be described later, 1 indicates that the item is to be used, and 0 indicates that the item is not to be used. The “Ave after passing” is an average value of evaluation scores recognized based on behavior information acquired from the vehicle12having passed through the link. The “number of times” is the number of times of recognizing an evaluation score based on behavior information acquired from the vehicle12having passed through the link. The “recognition ratio” is a recognition ratio for each manner item which will be described later. The “number of times of acquisition” is the number of times of acquisition of behavior information.

For example, in a case where an evaluation score can be recognized by using at least behavior information acquired from the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15, the controller28recognizes an evaluation score of a manner item of the vehicle12providing the behavior information whenever the behavior information is acquired. The recognition of an evaluation score of a manner item in the controller28may be performed according to at least one of calculation of the evaluation score of the manner item and acquisition of the evaluation score of the manner item. For example, in a case where behavior information includes detected information, the controller28calculates a calculable evaluation score of a manner item by using at least the detected information, and, as needed, further using the history of detected information stored in the storage unit27. For example, in a case where behavior information includes an evaluation score of a manner item calculated by the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15, the controller28acquires the behavior information so as to recognize the evaluation score of the manner item.

The manner item is a user's driving characteristic influencing a smooth traffic flow. The evaluation score of the manner item is a score which indexes the driving characteristic, and a calculation method for each manner item is defined in advance. Alternatively, the evaluation score of the manner item may be automatically learned through machine learning of an item influencing a smooth traffic flow and an evaluation method.

User's driving characteristics influencing a smooth traffic flow include, for example, user's driving characteristics contributing to a smooth traffic flow and user's driving characteristics hindering the smooth traffic flow. The user's driving characteristics contributing to the smooth traffic flow are, for example, speed synchronism, speed stability, speed stability in slope switching, braking stability at a downward slope, smoothness in lane changing, smoothness in right-turn preparation, the usability of a passing lane, smoothness in merging, and signal responsiveness. The user's driving characteristics hindering the smooth traffic flow are, for example, complete stop at a pedestrian crossing, complete stop at a temporary standstill, and full compliance with a speed limit.

The speed synchronism is the degree of synchronism of a vehicle speed of a certain vehicle12with peripheral vehicles12. An evaluation score of the speed synchronism is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between a vehicle speed of the certain vehicle12and an average vehicle speed of the peripheral vehicles12by the average vehicle speed comes closer to zero, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the value becomes more distant from zero. The controller28calculates an evaluation score of the speed synchronism based on, for example, speed information acquired from the certain vehicle12and speed information acquired from another vehicle12associated with a link at a position where the former speed information is acquired.

The speed stability is the degree of constant vehicle speed during cruise traveling of a certain vehicle12. The cruise traveling is a traveling state after acceleration from a stop state is equal to or less than an acceleration threshold value until deceleration for stopping is equal to or more than a deceleration threshold value. An evaluation score of the speed stability is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as a variance of a vehicle speed during cruise traveling comes closer to 0, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the variance increases. The controller28determines whether or not a certain vehicle12is in a cruise traveling state based on speed information acquired from the certain vehicle12, and calculates an evaluation score of the speed stability based on speed information during cruise traveling.

The speed stability in slope switching is the degree of constant vehicle speed at the time of switching between inclinations of a road on which a certain vehicle12is traveling. Switching to a slope is, for example, switching to an upward slope or a downward slope from a flat road, switching to a flat road or a downward slope from an upward slope, and switching to a flat road or an upward slope from a downward slope. An evaluation score of the speed stability in slope switching is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as a change in a vehicle speed before and after switching between inclinations comes closer to 0, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the change increases. The controller28determines whether or not there is switching between inclinations of a road based on position information and road map information acquired from the certain vehicle12, and calculates an evaluation score of the speed stability in slope switching based on speed information before and after switching between the inclinations.

The braking stability at a downward slope is the degree of suppression of the use of a foot brake at a downward slope on which a certain vehicle12is traveling. An evaluation score of the braking stability at a downward slope is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as each of the number of times of depression and an amount of depression of a foot brake per distance during traveling on a downward slope decreases, and a traveling distance in a state in which an engine brake is applied increases, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the number of times of depression and an amount of depression increases, and a traveling distance in a state in which the engine brake is applied decreases. The controller28determines whether or not a certain vehicle12is traveling on a downward slope based on, for example, position information and road map information acquired from the certain vehicle12, and calculates an evaluation score of the braking stability at a downward slope based on braking information, accelerator information, gear position information, and traveling distance information.

The smoothness in lane changing is the degree of suppressing hindrance of traveling of other vehicles12from preparation of lane changing of a certain vehicle12to completion of lane changing. An evaluation score of the smoothness in lane changing is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as a time until lane changing is executed from blinking of a direction indicator becomes longer and deceleration of the following vehicle12in a lane before lane changing decreases, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the time becomes shorter and the deceleration increases. For example, in a case where the controller28determines that the certain vehicle12is changing a lane based on steering information and speed information acquired from the certain vehicle12, the controller28calculates an evaluation score of the smoothness in lane changing based on direction indicator information, time information, and image information or speed information acquired from the following vehicle12of the certain vehicle12.

The smoothness in right-turn preparation is the degree of suppressing hindrance of traveling of other vehicles12during right-turn standby of a certain vehicle12at an intersection without a right-turn lane. An evaluation score of the smoothness in right-turn preparation is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as intersection passing time of the vehicle12on an opposite lane and the following vehicle12becomes shorter with respect to the vehicle12of which a direction indicator blinks at an intersection without a right-turn lane, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the time becomes longer. The intersection passing time is, for example, time taken for another vehicle12to pass between the frontmost part and the rearmost part of the certain vehicle12. In a case where the controller28determines that the certain vehicle12is at right-turn standby based on, for example, position information and direction indicator information acquired from the certain vehicle12, the controller28calculates an evaluation score of the smoothness in right-turn preparation based on image information and time interference, or position information and time information that are acquired from another vehicle12.

The usability of a passing lane is the degree of suppressing hindrance of traveling of other vehicles12due to traveling of a certain vehicle12on a passing lane of a highway. An evaluation score of the usability of a passing lane is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as the number of times of starting staying of the following vehicle12per passing lane traveling time decreases and staying time of the following vehicle12becomes shorter, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the number of times increases and the staying time becomes longer. The staying of the following vehicle12indicates a case where a reduction in a vehicle speed of the following vehicle12is equal to or more than, for example, 5% before and after a vehicle speed of the following vehicle12of the certain vehicle12leads to an appropriate inter-vehicle distance or less for the certain vehicle12. The appropriate inter-vehicle distance is a distance which changes depending on a vehicle speed of the certain vehicle12. In a case where the controller28determines that the certain vehicle12is traveling on a passing lane of a highway based on image information acquired from the certain vehicle12, the controller28determines the occurrence of staying of the following vehicle12based on an image signal, or speed information acquired from the following vehicle12. In a case where the controller28determines the occurrence of staying of the following vehicle12, the controller28calculates an evaluation score of the usability of a passing lane based on image information and time information acquired from the certain vehicle12, or speed information and image information acquired from the following vehicle12.

The smoothness in merging is the degree of suppressing hindrance of traveling of other vehicles12on a merging lane due to merging of a certain vehicle12. An evaluation score of the smoothness in merging is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as the frequency of decelerating other vehicles12which are traveling on a merging lane becomes lower and deceleration of the other vehicles12decreases, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the frequency becomes higher and the deceleration increases. In a case where the controller28determines that the certain vehicle12is traveling on a merging lane based on image information acquired from the certain vehicle12, the controller28calculates an evaluation score of the smoothness in merging based on the image information acquired from the certain vehicle12, or speed information, braking information, and time information acquired from another vehicle12.

The signal responsiveness is a responsive speed up to starting after a red traffic signal is changed to a blue traffic signal such that hindrance of traveling of other vehicles12due to starting delay can be suppressed. An evaluation score of the signal responsiveness is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as time until a certain vehicle12is actually started from the time at which the certain vehicle12can be started after a traffic signal is changed to a blue traffic signal becomes shorter, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the time becomes longer. The time at which the certain vehicle12can be started after a traffic signal is changed to a blue traffic signal is the time at which a traffic signal is changed to a blue traffic signal in a case where the certain vehicle12is the foremost vehicle at an intersection, and is the time at which the preceding vehicle12is started in a case where the preceding vehicle is stopped in front of the certain vehicle12. The controller28calculates an evaluation score of the signal responsiveness based on image information and time information acquired from the certain vehicle12.

The complete stop at a pedestrian crossing is the degree to which a certain vehicle12is completely stopped at a pedestrian crossing without a traffic signal. The complete stop indicates a state in which a speed is 0 km/h without including low-speed traveling. An evaluation score of the complete stop at a pedestrian crossing is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as the frequency of complete stop per the number of times of passing through a pedestrian crossing decreases, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the frequency increases. In a case where the controller28determines that the certain vehicle12passes through a pedestrian crossing based on position information and road map information acquired from the certain vehicle12, the controller28calculates an evaluation score of the complete stop at a pedestrian crossing based on braking information or speed information.

The complete stop at a temporary standstill is the degree to which a certain vehicle12is completely stopped at a stop line for temporary standstill. An evaluation score of the complete stop at a temporary standstill is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as the frequency of complete stop per the number of times of passing through a stop line for temporary standstill decreases, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the frequency increases. In a case where the controller28determines that the certain vehicle12passes through a stop line for temporary standstill based on position information and road map information acquired from the certain vehicle12, the controller28calculates an evaluation score of the complete stop at a temporary standstill based on braking information or speed information.

The full compliance with a speed limit is the degree to which a certain vehicle12complies with a speed limit of a road during traveling. An evaluation score of the full compliance with a speed limit is set, for example, in a range from 0 points to 10 points, and is set to come closer to 10 points as a traveling time at a speed limit or lower becomes shorter, and is set to come closer to 0 points as the traveling time becomes longer. The controller28calculates an evaluation score of the full compliance with a speed limit based on position information, road map information, and speed information acquired from the certain vehicle12.

In a case where the evaluation scores of the respective manner items are recognized based on behavior information (refer to “recognition”), the information processing apparatus10classifies the evaluation scores into links corresponding to position information included in the behavior information. The controller28averages the classified evaluation scores of the respective manner items for each link whenever pieces of behavior information are acquired from the vehicles12(refer to “update” of “Ave after passing”). The controller28updates the number of times of recognition of the classified evaluation scores for each link (refer to “update” of the “number of times”). The controller28stores the evaluation score of each manner item averaged for each link and the number of times of update into the storage unit27.

The evaluation score of each manner item averaged for each link is used to calculate a manner reference score of a temporary route which will be described later. The controller28may calculate a manner reference score at any time, and may calculate a manner reference score when a route retrieval request which will be described later is acquired. The manner reference score is an index for totally evaluating a plurality of manner items of an average vehicle12that is scheduled to pass or has passed along a temporary route.

In a configuration in which the manner reference score is calculated at any time, the controller28calculates a manner reference score of a certain link by using the averaged evaluation score of each manner item for the certain link, stored in the storage unit27, that is, evaluation scores of manner items of the vehicle12having passed through the certain link.

The controller28calculates the manner reference score by averaging evaluation scores of all of the manner items. Alternatively, the controller28may calculate the manner reference score based on at least some of the manner items instead of using the evaluation scores of all of the manner items. A manner item used to calculate the manner reference score may be artificially defined during design. Alternatively, a manner item used to calculate the manner reference score may be automatically defined.

The controller28may automatically define a manner item used to calculate the manner reference score based on a ratio (hereinafter, referred to as a “recognition ratio” in some cases) of the number of times of recognition of an evaluation score of a manner item classified into each link to the number of times of acquisition of behavior information for each link. Since a temporary route which will be described later includes at least one link, it can be said that the controller28defines at least some manner items used to calculate (recognize) a manner reference score of the temporary route based on a ratio of the number of times of recognition of an evaluation score of a manner item associated with position information corresponding to a position included in the temporary route to the number of times of acquisition of behavior information.

For example, in a case where a recognition ratio of an evaluation score of a certain manner item is low for a certain link, the controller28excludes the evaluation score of the certain manner item from calculation of a manner reference score of the certain link. More specifically, in a case where a recognition ratio of an evaluation score of a certain manner item is equal to or less than a recognition threshold value for a certain link, the controller28decides that the evaluation score of the certain manner item is excluded from calculation of a manner reference score of the link. For example, in a case where a recognition ratio of an evaluation score of a certain manner item is high for a certain link, the controller28applies the evaluation score of the certain manner item to calculation of a manner reference score of the certain link. More specifically, in a case where a recognition ratio of an evaluation score of a certain manner item is more than a recognition threshold value for a certain link, the controller28decides that the evaluation score of the certain manner item is applied to calculation of a manner reference score of the link.

In a case where manner items used to calculate a manner reference score of each link is decided, the controller28calculates the manner reference score of each link by averaging evaluation scores of all of the manner items decided to be used to calculate the manner reference score. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5, in a case where the controller28decides that, for a certain link, the speed synchronism, the speed stability, the smoothness in lane changing, the signal responsiveness, the complete stop at a pedestrian crossing, the complete stop at a temporary standstill, and the full compliance with a speed limit are applied to calculation of a manner reference score of the link, the controller28calculates a manner reference score MEpt of the link by averaging evaluation scores MEp1, MEp2, MEp5, MEp8, MEp9, MEp10, and MEp11of the respective manner items. The controller28stores the calculated manner reference score into the storage unit27.

In a case where a request for route retrieval between two locations is acquired from a certain vehicle12, the controller28decides a plurality of temporary routes connecting the two locations to each other. The controller28decides the temporary routes by deciding, for example, links and nodes forming the temporary routes. In a case where there is a single route connecting the two locations to each other, the controller28provides the single route to the vehicle12as a proposal route without deciding a temporary route.

In a case where the temporary routes are decided, the controller28recognizes a manner reference score of each of the temporary routes as will be described below. The controller28may recognize a manner reference score by using, for example, an average value of evaluation scores of a plurality of manner items of the vehicle12having passed through a temporary route. The average value of evaluation scores of a plurality of manner items of the vehicle12having passed through a temporary route is used for recognition, for example, by reading a calculated manner reference score of each link forming the temporary route, stored in the storage unit27. Alternatively, when a route retrieval request is acquired, the controller28may recognize a manner reference score by calculating the manner reference score by using an average value of evaluation scores of manner items of the vehicle12before passing through the temporary route.

The vehicle12before passing through the temporary route is, for example, the vehicle12to which the controller28provides the temporary route as a proposal route and which does not pass through the route yet. The vehicle12before passing through the temporary route is, for example, the vehicle12in which a scheduled traveling route created by the vehicle12and sent to the controller28matches the temporary route and which does not pass through the route yet. In a case where a proposal route is provided to the vehicle12, the controller28associates an evaluation score of each manner item of the vehicle12with all links forming the proposal route, and cancels the association with the links after the vehicle12passes through the links. In a case where a scheduled traveling route is acquired from the vehicle12, the controller28associates an evaluation score of each manner item of the vehicle12with all links forming the route, and cancels the association with the links after the vehicle12passes through the links. The controller28calculates an evaluation score of each manner item of the vehicle12before passing through a proposal route by averaging associated evaluation scores.

In a case where a manner reference score of each temporary route is recognized, the controller28recognizes an evaluation score of each manner item of the vehicle12having requested route retrieval. The evaluation score of each manner item of the vehicle12may be recognized by reading the evaluation score from the storage unit27, and may be recognized based on new behavior information acquired from the vehicle12.

The controller28calculates a total evaluation score by using the recognized evaluation score of each manner item of the vehicle12. The controller28calculates the total evaluation score of each link, for example. The controller28calculates a total evaluation score of each link by averaging acquired evaluation scores of manner items that are the same as manner items used to calculate a manner reference score of each link. Therefore, in a link using some manner items used to calculate a manner reference score, a total evaluation score is calculated by averaging acquired evaluation scores of manner items that are the same as the manner items.

The controller28selects at least some of proposal routes as temporary routes based on comparison between the manner reference score and the total evaluation score. The controller28multiplies an adjustment parameter which will be described later based on the comparison between the manner reference score and the total evaluation score by cost based on a movement time or a distance defined for each link. The controller28selects, as a proposal route, a single temporary route in which cost is the minimum based on cost in each link, corrected by the adjustment parameter, by using a mathematical method such as a Dijkstra method. The controller28may select a plurality of temporary routes as proposal routes in an ascending order of cost. The controller28provides the selected proposal routes to the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15via the provision unit26.

The adjustment parameter is a variable from 0 to 1, and is set to come closer to 1 as an absolute value of a difference between the manner reference score recognized for the link and the total evaluation score calculated for the link becomes smaller, and is set to come closer to 0 as the absolute value of the difference becomes greater. As a specific example, the controller28calculates the adjustment parameter by calculating (1—absolute value of difference/manner reference score).

Next, in the present embodiment, a description will be made of a behavior information providing process executed by the controller24of the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 6. The behavior information providing process is started, for example, when behavior information is provided to the information processing apparatus10.

In step S100, the controller24determines whether or not an evaluation score of at least one manner item is calculable by using at least detected information that is acquired before behavior information is provided to the information processing apparatus10next, and, as needed, further using the past detected information stored in the storage unit20. In a case where an evaluation score is calculable, the process proceeds to step S101. In a case where an evaluation score is not calculable, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S101, the controller24calculates a calculable evaluation score of a manner item by using the acquired detected information and the past detected information selected as needed. After the calculation, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the controller24associates pieces of detected information that are simultaneously acquired and at least one of the evaluation scores of the manner items calculated in step S101with user identification information stored in the storage unit20. After the association, the process proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the controller24stores the detected information and at least one of the evaluation scores of the manner items associated with the user identification information in step S102, into the storage unit20. After the storage, the processor proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the controller24provides the detected information and at least one of the evaluation scores of the manner items associated with the user identification information in step S102, to the information processing apparatus10as behavior information via the communication apparatus14. After the provision, the behavior information providing process is finished.

Next, in the present embodiment, a description will be made of a behavior information acquisition process executed by the controller28of the information processing apparatus10with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 7. The behavior information acquisition process is started, for example, whenever behavior information is acquired.

In step S200, the controller28determines whether or not the acquired behavior information includes evaluation scores of one or more manner items. In a case where no evaluation score of a manner item is included, the process proceeds to step S201. In a case where an evaluation score of a manner item is included, the process proceeds to step S202.

In step S201, the controller28calculates a calculable evaluation score of a manner item of the vehicle12having provided the behavior information by using the acquired behavior information, and, as needed, further using the past behavior information stored in the storage unit27. After the evaluation score of the manner item is calculated, the process proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the controller28classifies the evaluation scores of the manner items included in the acquired behavior information or the evaluation scores of the manner items calculated in step S201into any one of links stored in the storage unit27for each manner item. After the classification, the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the controller28averages the evaluation score of each manner item classified into any one of the links in step S202and the evaluation score of each manner item classified into the same link, stored in the storage unit27. After the averaging, the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, the controller28calculates a manner reference score of each link by using the evaluation score of each manner item averaged in step S203. After the manner reference score is calculated, the process proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, the controller28stores the acquired behavior information for each user, the evaluation score of each manner item calculated in step S202for each link, the evaluation score of each manner item averaged in step S203for each link, and the manner reference score calculated in step S204for each link, into the storage unit27. After the storage, the behavior information acquisition process is finished.

Next, in the present embodiment, a description will be made of a manner reference score calculation expression creation process executed by the controller28of the information processing apparatus10with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 8. The calculation expression creation process is started, for example, periodically or regularly.

In step S300, the controller28selects a link for which a calculation expression is not created after the calculation expression creation process is started. After the selection, the process proceeds to step S301.

In step S301, the controller28reads the number of times of acquisition of behavior information classified into the link selected in step S301and the number of times of recognition of an evaluation score of a manner item classified into the link, from the storage unit27. After the reading, the process proceeds to step S302.

In step S302, the controller28calculates a recognition ratio of the evaluation score of the manner item based on the number of times of acquisition of the behavior information and the number of times of recognition of the evaluation score of the manner item, read in step S302. After the calculation, the process proceeds to step S303.

In step S303, the controller28determines whether or not the recognition ratio calculated in step S302is equal to or less than a recognition threshold value. In a case where the recognition ratio is equal to or less than the recognition threshold value, the process proceeds to step S304. In a case where the recognition ratio is not equal to or less than the recognition threshold value, the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S304, the controller28decides that the manner item for the evaluation score read in step S301is not applied to calculation of a manner reference score. After the decision, the process proceeds to step S306.

In step S305, the controller28decides that the manner item for the evaluation score read in step S301is to be applied to calculation of a manner reference score. After the decision, the process proceeds to step S306.

In step S306, the controller28determines whether or not to have decided whether or not all manner items are to be applied to a calculation expression. In a case where the controller28has not made decisions on all of the manner items, the process returns to step S301. In a case where the controller28has made decisions on all of the manner items, the process proceeds to step S307.

In step S307, the controller28creates a calculation expression for calculating an average value of evaluation scores of all of the manner items decided to be applied in step S305. After the creation, the process proceeds to step S308.

In step S308, the controller28stores the calculation expression for a manner reference score created in step S307into the storage unit27in association with a link. After the storage, the process proceeds to step S309.

In step S309, the controller28determines whether or not calculation expressions for manner reference scores of all links have been created after the calculation expression creation process is started. In a case where the calculation expressions are not created, the process returns to step S300. In a case where the calculation expressions have been created, the calculation expression creation process is finished.

Next, in the present embodiment, a description will be made of a proposal route providing process executed by the controller28of the information processing apparatus10with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 9. The proposal route providing process is started in a case where a route retrieval request is acquired from the vehicle12.

In step S400, the controller28decides a plurality of temporary routes connecting two locations to each other in the acquired route retrieval request. After the decision, the process proceeds to step S401.

In step S401, the controller28reads all links forming the temporary routes decided in step S400from the storage unit27along with costs defined for the links. After the reading, the process proceeds to step S402.

In step S402, the controller28determines on which manner item for an evaluation score of a scheduled vehicle scheduled to pass through a link from now on or the past vehicle having passed through the link a manner reference score used for route retrieval is to be based. Whether a manner reference score is to be based on the scheduled vehicle or the past vehicle may be set in advance in the controller28. Alternatively, whether a manner reference score is to be based on the scheduled vehicle or the past vehicle may be set according to a specific condition as follows. For example, in a case where the number of scheduled vehicles is less than a threshold value, a manner reference score is to be based on the past vehicle, and, in a case where the number of scheduled vehicles is equal to or more than the threshold value, a manner reference score is to be based on the scheduled vehicle. In a case where a manner reference score is to be based on the past vehicle, the process proceeds to step S403. In a case where a manner reference score is to be based on the scheduled vehicle, the process proceeds to step S404.

In step S403, the controller28reads a manner reference score of each of the links read in step S401, from the storage unit27. After the reading, the process proceeds to step S406.

In step S404, for each of the links read in step S401, the controller28reads an evaluation score of each manner item of a vehicle scheduled to pass through the link, from the storage unit27. After the reading, the process proceeds to step S405.

In step S405, the controller28averages the evaluation scores of the respective manner items of the passing scheduled vehicle read in step S404. The controller28calculates a manner reference score of each link by using the averaged evaluation score of the respective manner items. After the calculation, the process proceeds to step S406.

In step S406, the controller28reads an evaluation score of each manner item of the vehicle12having requested route retrieval, from the storage unit27. The controller28calculates a total evaluation score for the vehicle12having requested route retrieval for each link based on the read evaluation score of the manner item. After the calculation, the process proceeds to step S407.

In step S407, the controller28calculates an adjustment parameter for each link based on the manner reference score read in step S403or the manner reference score calculated in step S405and the total evaluation score calculated in step S406. After the calculation, the process proceeds to step S408.

In step S408, the controller28adjusts the cost for each link read in step S401by using the adjustment parameter for each link calculated in step S407, and performs cost evaluation for each temporary route. After the cost evaluation, the process proceeds to step S409.

In step S409, the controller28selects some of the temporary routes decided in step S400as proposal routes based on the cost evaluation performed in step S408. After the selection, the process proceeds to step S410.

In step S410, the controller28provides the proposal routes selected in step S409to the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15via the provision unit26. After the provision, the proposal route providing process is finished.

The information processing apparatus10of the present embodiment having the configuration as described above decides a plurality of temporary routes in a case where a route retrieval request is acquired from the vehicle12, recognizes a manner reference score of each temporary route, calculates a thermal expansion coefficient by using an evaluation score of each of a plurality of manner items based on behavior information of the vehicle12, and selects a proposal route from among the temporary routes based on the manner reference score and the total evaluation score. Generally, a user's preference for driving may be reflected in various driving behaviors of the user. As regards such an event, an evaluation score of each manner item used in the information processing apparatus10is calculated based on various driving behaviors, and thus a total evaluation score calculated by using evaluation scores of the respective manner items may represent multifaceted evaluation of a preference of each user for driving. A manner reference score recognized for each temporary route in the information processing apparatus10represents multifaceted evaluation of a driving preference of an average user of the vehicle12scheduled to pass through or having passed through the temporary route. Therefore, in the information processing apparatus10, as described above, the information processing apparatus10compares a manner reference score with a total evaluation score, and can thus increase a probability that a temporary route in which there are many users having a preference similar to a preference in driving of a user of the vehicle12making a request for route retrieval may be selected as a proposal route. Therefore, the information processing apparatus10can present an appropriate route to a user depending on a preference of each user for driving.

For example, among a plurality of temporary routes from a certain departure location to a destination, in a case where there is a temporary route in which there are many pedestrian crossings without a traffic signal and there is a temporary route in which there are a few pedestrian crossings without a traffic signal, there is a high probability that a user having a gap between compliance with traffic rules and smoothing of traffic manner in good balance may select the latter temporary route. In such an event, in the information processing apparatus10of the present embodiment, a manner reference score recognized for the latter temporary route is regarded to highly tend to come closer to a total evaluation score of the user having a gap between compliance with traffic rules and smoothing of traffic manner in good balance than for the former temporary route. Therefore, there is a high probability that the information processing apparatus10may present a temporary route in which there are a few pedestrian crossings without a traffic signal to a user having a gap between compliance with traffic rules and smoothing of traffic manner in good balance, and thus it is possible to reduce discomfort of the user.

The information processing apparatus10of the present embodiment recognizes a manner reference score of each of a plurality of temporary routes based on respective evaluation scores of a plurality of manner items of the vehicle12having passed through each temporary route. With this configuration, the information processing apparatus10can calculate a manner reference score without using the vehicles12scheduled to travel even for a temporary route in which the number of traveling vehicles12is small and the reliability of evaluation of a manner reference score is low in a case of using only the traveling vehicles12, and can thus improve the reliability of evaluation of the manner reference score.

The information processing apparatus10of the present embodiment recognizes a manner reference score of each of a plurality of temporary routes based on respective evaluation scores of a plurality of manner items of the vehicle12before passing through each temporary route. With this configuration, the information processing apparatus10can easily guide the vehicle12of a user having a similar preference for driving to the same route, and can thus present a route more suitable for a preference of each driver for driving.

In the information processing apparatus10of the present embodiment, some manner items used to recognize a manner reference score of a temporary route is defined for each temporary route, and a total evaluation score is calculated based on evaluation scores of the manner items used to recognize the manner reference score. Various manner items may include a manner item having a low association with a temporary route. For example, a temporary route in which the number of pedestrian crossings is small has a low association with the complete stop at a pedestrian crossing. As regards such an event, the information processing apparatus10may not apply an evaluation score of a manner item having a low association with a temporary route to calculation of a manner reference score and a total evaluation score. Therefore, the information processing apparatus10can improve the reliability of evaluation of a manner reference score for each temporary route.

In the information processing apparatus10of the present embodiment, whenever behavior information is acquired, a recognizable evaluation score of a manner item is recognized by using the behavior information, position information of the vehicle12having provided the behavior information is stored in association with the evaluation score, and a manner item used to recognize a manner reference score of each of a plurality of temporary routes is defined based on a ratio of the number of times of recognition of an evaluation score of a manner item associated with position information corresponding to a position included in each temporary route to the number of times of acquisition of the behavior information. A manner item of which the ratio of the number of times of recognition is low generally has a low association with a temporary route. Therefore, the information processing apparatus10having the configuration automatically estimates a manner item having a low association with a temporary route based on a recognition situation of an actual manner item. Therefore, the information processing apparatus10can reduce the number of steps of artificially deciding some manner items used to recognize a manner reference score.

The embodiment has been described based on the drawings and the Examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various changes and modifications based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that the changes and the modifications fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, functions or the like included in each means or each step can be redisposed without logical contradiction, and a plurality of means or steps can be combined into one or can be divided into more plurality of means or steps.

For example, in the embodiment, a description has been made of an example in which the communication apparatus14is an on-vehicle communication machine, and the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15is a navigation apparatus mounted on the vehicle12. However, some or all of the processing operations executed by the communication apparatus14and the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15may be executed by any electronic apparatus such as a smart phone or a computer.

For example, in the embodiment, some of the processing operations executed in the vehicle12may be executed in the information processing apparatus10, and some of the processing operations executed in the information processing apparatus10may be executed in the vehicle12.

For example, a general purpose electronic apparatus such as a smart phone or a computer may function as the communication apparatus14, the on-vehicle information processing apparatus15, or the information processing apparatus10according to the embodiment. Specifically, a program in which processing contents for realizing each function of the communication apparatus14or the like according to the embodiment are described is stored in a memory of an electronic apparatus, and the program is read and executed by a processor of the electronic apparatus. Therefore, the disclosure related to the present embodiment can be realized as a program which is executable by a processor.