Patent Description:
In recent years, a traffic system that uses a sensor such as an onboard sensor or a surveillance camera on a road to promote the safety of a vehicle has attracted attention. In such a traffic system, information detected by a plurality of sensors is integrated, thereby extracting useful information. Notifying a driver of the information, treating the information as input information for automated driving, or the like is a use of the information.

As an example of such technology, for example, Patent Literature <NUM> below discloses a system that records a spot in which a driver is estimated to have felt danger while driving, and issues warning when the spot is approached. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a collision probability calculating apparatus for calculating a collision probability that the own vehicle will collide with an object around the own vehicle. In the apparatus, a position of the nearby object and a traveling speed and a traveling direction of the own vehicle are detected. A map of the collision probability is generated on the basis of the vehicle speed and the traveling direction of the own vehicle. A width of a lane of the own vehicle is detected and the map is corrected in response to the width of the lane. Thereafter, a collision probability associated with the position of the nearby object is corrected in response to the position of the nearby object. The corrected collision probability is output as a collision probability that the own vehicle will collide with the nearby object. Patent Literature <NUM> describes an integrated navigation and collision avoidance system for a source object may include a navigation module and a collision avoidance module. The collision avoidance module may identify an external object that could possibly collide with the source object. The collision avoidance module may determine a likelihood of collision with the external object based on navigation information received from the navigation module. The navigation module may receive information pertaining to the likelihood of collision determination from the collision avoidance module and determine whether to include collision avoidance information and/or modify navigation instructions to generate a navigation output.

However, the technology disclosed in Patent Literature above merely issues warning on the basis of the past record. Therefore, in the case where the situation changes after the past record time, information provided to a driver is not useful in some cases. The present disclosure then proposes a novel and improved information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program capable of providing more useful information to a driver.

According to a first aspect the invention provides an information processing apparatus in accordance with claim <NUM>. According to a second aspect the invention provides an information processing method in accordance with claim <NUM>. According to a third aspect the invention provides a computer program product in accordance with claim <NUM>. Further aspects of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims, the drawings and the following description of embodiments. According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including: a prediction section configured to predict accident probability of a vehicle driven by a user;
and an output control section configured to cause information to be output to the user, the information corresponding to a factor that increases the accident probability predicted by the prediction section.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method including: predicting accident probability of a vehicle driven by a user; and causing an output apparatus to output information to the user, the information corresponding to a factor that increases the predicted accident probability.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as: a prediction section configured to predict accident probability of a vehicle driven by a user; and an output control section configured to cause information to be output to the user, the information corresponding to a factor that increases the accident probability predicted by the prediction section.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide more useful information to a driver.

In this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted.

The description will be now made in the following order.

First, the overview of a system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram for describing the overview of the system <NUM> according to the present embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the situation in which a vehicle 10A and a vehicle 10B are respectively traveling in an X direction and a -Y direction, and entering an intersection. For example, in the case where a driver of the vehicle 10A is not able to visually recognize the vehicle 10B, there is a possibility of a collision between the vehicle 10A and the vehicle 10B. The same applies to a driver of the vehicle 10B. In the situation in which the occurrence of such an accident is predicted, it is desirable to provide appropriate information to the drivers of the vehicles 10A and 10B.

Accordingly, the system <NUM> accumulates information detected by a variety of sensor apparatuses, predicts accident probability, and provides information based on a prediction result to a user.

A sensor apparatus (sensor apparatus <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>) can be mounted, for example, on a mobile object such as the vehicles 10A and 10B. In addition, the sensor apparatus can be mounted, for example, on an infrastructure such as traffic lights 20A and 20B. For example, a sensor apparatus mounted on the vehicle 10A and a sensor apparatus mounted on the traffic light 20A perform sensing regarding the driver of the vehicle 10A or the vehicle 10A. Similarly, a sensor apparatus mounted on the vehicle 10B and a sensor apparatus mounted on the traffic light 20B perform sensing regarding the driver of the vehicle 10B or the vehicle 10B. Accumulating sensor information resulting from such sensing, the system <NUM> is capable of performing processing based on the accumulated sensor information. For example, the sensor apparatus mounted on the vehicle 10A is capable of providing information to the driver to avoid an accident with the vehicle 10B. Note that the sensor information acquired by the respective sensor apparatuses may be shared in the system <NUM>.

Processing based on the accumulation of sensor information and accumulated sensor information may also be performed in a server <NUM>. The server <NUM> can be provided, for example, on cloud computing. Implementing the server <NUM>, for example, as a mobile edge computing (MEC) server provided to a base station of mobile communication is also effective in decreasing the latency of a service.

With respect to the system <NUM> described above, Patent Literature <NUM> above discloses a system that records a spot in which a driver is estimated to have felt danger while driving a vehicle on the basis of information acquired by a sensor, and issues warning when the spot is approached. However, in the case where the situation changes after the past record time, information provided to the driver is not useful in some cases in the system disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>. Further, the driver merely receives the warning, but it is not clear to the driver in some cases what accident avoidance act the driver is to carry out specifically.

In view of such circumstances, the system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been devised. In the system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, it is possible to predict accident probability and output, to a user, information corresponding to a factor that increases the accident probability.

In addition, as a mechanism for avoiding an accident, for example, a technique is possible of measuring the distance to a nearby different vehicle or pedestrian with a camera, a sensor, or the like to predict a collision, making an automatic stop, and the like. However, there can be a large quantity of information that has to be taken into consideration in addition to distance. Accordingly, the system <NUM> according to the present embodiment uses various kinds of information that can influence the occurrence of an accident to predict accident probability.

In addition, the cause of an accident is analyzed on the basis of accident cases, but analysis is sometimes difficult because of a small absolute number of accidents. Accordingly, the system <NUM> according to the present embodiment predicts accident probability by taking even a precursory phenomenon of an accident into consideration.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of the logical configuration of the sensor apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor apparatus <NUM> includes a detection section <NUM>, a communication section <NUM>, an output section <NUM>, a storage section <NUM>, and a control section <NUM>.

The detection section <NUM> detects various kinds of information regarding a vehicle, a vehicle compartment, a passenger (driver or occupant), an environment around the vehicle, and the like. The detection section <NUM> includes a variety of sensors such as a camera, a radar, an inertial sensor or a biological information sensor, and outputs detected sensor information.

The communication section <NUM> is a communication module for transmitting and receiving data to and from another apparatus in a wired/wireless manner. For example, the communication section <NUM> communicates with another sensor apparatus <NUM> or the server <NUM>.

The output section <NUM> outputs information by using video, an image, sound, vibration, or the like. For example, in the case where the sensor apparatus <NUM> is mounted on a vehicle, the output section <NUM> outputs information to a passenger. In addition, in the case where the sensor apparatus <NUM> is mounted on a traffic light, the output section <NUM> outputs information to a passenger of a nearby vehicle or a nearby pedestrian.

The storage section <NUM> temporarily or permanently stores programs and various kinds of data for the operation of the sensor apparatus <NUM>.

The control section <NUM> provides various functions of the sensor apparatus <NUM>. The control section <NUM> includes a prediction section <NUM> and an output control section <NUM>. Note that the control section <NUM> can further include other constituent elements in addition to these constituent elements. That is, the control section <NUM> can perform other operations in addition to the operations of these components. The operations of the prediction section <NUM> and the output control section <NUM> will be described in detail below.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of the logical configuration of the server <NUM> according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the server <NUM> includes a communication section <NUM>, a learning data data base (DB) <NUM>, and a control section <NUM>.

The communication section <NUM> is a communication module for transmitting and receiving data to and from another apparatus in a wired/wireless manner. For example, the communication section <NUM> communicates with the sensor apparatus <NUM> or an external DB <NUM>.

The learning data DB <NUM> stores learning data. The learning data is information including a feature vector and accident information. The accident information may be acquired from the sensor apparatus <NUM> connected to the system <NUM>, or from the external DB <NUM>. The accident information is information including the presence or absence of accident occurrence, and, in the case where an accident occurs, the details of the accident (geographical position, type of accident, occurrence date and time, occurrence circumstances, attributes of a perpetrator and a victim, and identification information of a vehicle related to the accident). The external DB <NUM> is a DB that is used, for example, by the press, transportation, country or the like, and accumulates accident information. Note that the accident herein refers to a so-called traffic accident such as an accident resulting in injury or death, or an accident resulting in property damage.

The control section <NUM> provides a variety of functions of the server <NUM>. The control section <NUM> includes a storage control section <NUM> and a learning section <NUM>. Note that the control section <NUM> can further include other components in addition to these components. That is, the control section <NUM> can perform other operations in addition to the operations of these components. The operations of the storage control section <NUM> and the learning section <NUM> will be described in detail below.

Next, technical features of the system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described. The following describes technical features, focusing on one sensor apparatus <NUM> mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle on which the sensor apparatus <NUM> is mounted is also referred to as own vehicle, and another vehicle is also referred to as different vehicle. In addition, a sensor apparatus other than the sensor apparatus <NUM> of interest is also referred to as another sensor apparatus.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) predicts the accident probability of a vehicle (own vehicle) driven by a user (driver). Note that a driver will refer to a driver of an own vehicle below unless stated in particular.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> predicts accident probability on the basis of a feature regarding a driver or an own vehicle. This makes it possible to predict the accident probability personalized for the driver or the own vehicle. In addition, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may predict accident probability on the basis of a feature regarding a different vehicle. This makes it possible to predict the accident probability that is personalized for the driver or the own vehicle and also takes into consideration the relationship with the different vehicle. A feature vector that is a combination of one or more features can be used to predict accident probability. A specific example of the feature vector will be described in detail below.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> predicts accident probability by a variety of methods. The following describes, as an example, a prediction method that uses a logistic regression model. An example of a prediction formula is shown as an equation (<NUM>) below. <NUM>] <MAT>.

Here,
[Math. <NUM>] <MAT> shows whether an accident occurs or not. More specifically, y = <NUM> shows that an accident occurs, and y = <NUM> shows that no accident occurs. <NUM>] <MAT> represents a feature vector, and is a numeric vector into which information necessary to predict an accent is converted. d represents the dimensionality of the feature. <NUM>] <MAT> is a parameter, and is set/updated according to mechanical learning. A prediction model (i.e., parameter w) learned in the server <NUM> is used for the prediction of the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>).

The server <NUM> (e.g., storage control section <NUM> and learning data DB <NUM>) accumulates a feature vector x transmitted from each vehicle (more strictly, the sensor apparatus <NUM> mounted on each vehicle). Further, the server <NUM> accumulates accident information transmitted from each vehicle or the external DB <NUM>. Therefore, the server <NUM> retains a large number of pairs (x, y). The server <NUM> (e.g., learning section <NUM>) uses this pair as learning data to learn a prediction model (e.g., parameter w).

For example, it will be described how learning data for learning a prediction model for predicting the accident probability after a predetermined time (e.g., one minute later) is. The learning data includes the pair of the feature vector x acquired at the timing at which an accident occurs within the predetermine time (e.g., within one minute) and y = <NUM>. In addition, the learning data includes the pair of the feature vector x acquired at the timing at which no accident occurs within the predetermine time (e.g., within one minute) and y = <NUM>.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) acquires a feature vector used to predict accident probability. The feature vector may be generated in the sensor apparatus <NUM> or generated in another apparatus (e.g., server <NUM> or another sensor apparatus <NUM>). As an example, the case will be described where a feature vector is generated in the sensor apparatus <NUM>. For example, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) generates a feature vector on the basis of sensor information detected by the detection section <NUM> or information acquired by the communication section <NUM> from another apparatus (e.g., another sensor apparatus <NUM>, server <NUM>, or the like). It is assumed that a symbol feature is converted into a numeric vector as a one-of-k feature vector.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) couples one or more acquired feature vectors. The sensor apparatus <NUM> inputs this coupled feature vector into a prediction model to predict accident probability.

The feature vector can be categorized, for example, into a driving feature vector or an attribute feature vector. The driving feature vector is a feature vector based on sensor information detected in real time. Specifically, the driving feature vector may also be a feature vector regarding real-time driving every predetermined period (every <NUM> seconds, or the like). The driving feature vector is used to predict accident probability, thereby making it possible to predict accident probability in accordance with a real-time situation. The attribute feature vector is a feature vector based on accumulated or registered information. Specifically, the attribute feature vector may also be a feature vector regarding a characteristic of a driver or an own vehicle. The attribute feature vector is used to predict accident probability, thereby making it possible to predict accident probability in accordance with a driver or a characteristic of an own vehicle.

A feature vector can also be used to learn a prediction model of accident probability. Therefore, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., communication section <NUM>) regularly transmits sensor information or a feature vector to the server <NUM>. At that time, it is assumed that the sensor apparatus <NUM> transmits sensor information or a feature vector in association with the identification information of an own vehicle, the presence or absence of an accident, and, in the case where an accident occurs, information showing the details thereof.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., communication section <NUM>) may transmit sensor information or a feature vector alone in a period of time for which a prediction result of accident probability is greater than or equal to a threshold. In addition, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may also transmit sensor information or a feature vector alone in a predetermined period of time before and after the time at which an accident or a precursory phenomenon described below occurs. These allow for decrease in data transmission amount. In addition, these prevent a prediction model from being excessively adapted to learning data in which an accident or a precursory phenomenon thereof does not occur.

The following specifically describes a driving feature vector and an attribute feature vector.

The following shows an example of an item of a feature vector that can be included in a driving feature vector. The driving feature vector is generated by coupling one or more feature vectors whose example is shown below.

External object information is a feature vector regarding an object that is detected by a camera, a radar, or the like, and is present outside an own vehicle. The external object information can include, for example, the coordinates, size, speed and direction, and acceleration and direction, the reliability of information, and detection time of an object.

Vehicle movement information is a feature vector showing the movement state of an own vehicle detected by an acceleration sensor or the like. The vehicle movement information can include, for example, the speed and acceleration of an own vehicle, and the directions thereof.

Vehicle operation information is a feature vector showing the operation state of an own vehicle by a driver. The vehicle operation information can include, for example, the following information.

Biological information is a feature vector showing biological information of a passenger (driver, in particular). The biological information can include information showing, for example, blood pressure, a heart rate, body temperature, blood sugar, and the amount of perspiration. The biological information can be detected by a biological information sensor provided to a vehicle compartment. Alternatively, the biological information can be detected by a biological information sensor provided to a mobile device carried by a passenger, and transmitted to the system <NUM> (e.g., sensor apparatus <NUM> mounted to a vehicle in which the passenger rides). The biological information may also be a statistic such as the average of chronological variations in a measurement.

Biological condition information is a feature vector that is estimated on the basis of biological information and shows the condition of a passenger. The biological condition information can include information showing the degree of concentration, the degree of hunger, the degree of sleepiness, or the like. These kinds of information can be estimated, for example, on the basis of the blood sugar level, the frequency of blinking, the degree of line-of-sight deviation, or the like.

Vehicle compartment environment information is a feature vector showing a vehicle compartment environment. The vehicle compartment environment information can include information showing, for example, the number of passengers. The information showing the number of passengers can be recognized, for example, by a camera or a pressure sensing sensor provided onto a seat of a vehicle compartment. The vehicle compartment environment information can include information showing, for example, temperature, humidity, or atmospheric pressure. The vehicle compartment environment information can include information showing, for example, the degree to which a window is fogged. The information showing the degree to which a window is fogged can be recognized, for example, on the basis of a captured image of the window taken by a camera of a vehicle compartment. The vehicle compartment environment information can include information showing, for example, whether conversations are being carried out or not. The information showing whether conversations are being carried out or not can be recognized, for example, on the basis of sound picked up by a microphone of a vehicle compartment. The vehicle compartment environment information can include information showing, for example, the volume of music. The information showing the volume of music may be, for example, the setting value of the car stereo or recognized on the basis of sound picked up by a microphone of a vehicle compartment. The vehicle compartment environment information may also be a statistic such as the average of chronological variations in a measurement.

Driver physical condition information is a feature vector showing the physical condition of a driver. The driver physical condition information can include information showing, for example, the line of sight of a driver. The information showing the line of sight of a driver may be information showing, for example, the movement of an eyeball in a predetermined period, and the condition of the pupil and a change therein, and recognized with image recognition based on a captured image obtained by imaging the eyeball. The driver physical condition information can include information showing, for example, how to turn the steering wheel. The information showing how to turn the steering wheel may be information showing, for example, a pattern of turning the steering wheel, or may also be a statistic such as the average of chronological variations in the angular velocity of the steering wheel. The driver physical condition information can include information showing, for example, how to grip the steering wheel. The information showing how to grip the steering wheel may be information showing, for example, whether the steering wheel is gripped by both hands or not, or the place of gripping, and can be recognized with image recognition or a sensor provided to the steering wheel. The driver physical condition information can include information showing, for example, the attitude of a driver. The information showing the attitude of a driver may be information showing, for example, the condition (positions and angles of the seating face and the back face) of a seat, and can be recognized by a sensor provided to the seat. The driver physical condition information may be information showing, for example, whether a driver fastens his or her seat belt or not, and can be recognized by a sensor to the buckle of the seat belt.

Weather information is a feature vector showing the weather of a driving place of an own vehicle. The weather information can include, for example, the following information.

Driving route information is a feature vector showing the condition of a driving route of an own vehicle. The driving route information can be recognized, for example, on the basis of an image recognition result of a captured image taken by a vehicle-outside camera or map information. The driving route information can include, for example, the following information.

Accident information associated with a map is a feature vector showing an accident that occurred in the past, and includes information associated with position information of an accident occurrence place. For example, a feature vector of a certain intersection or curve is created and coupled from each item of information of an accident that occurred within a predetermined distance from the intersection or the curve. As a feature vector used to predict accident probability, the sum of the feature vectors of an intersection or a curve that is predicted to be passed by an own vehicle within a predetermined time can be employed. Note that the intersection or the curve that is predicted to be passed by an own vehicle within a predetermined time is considered to be an intersection or a curve that is predicted to be passed in the case where it is assumed that the own vehicle travels straight along the road, and the speed of the own vehicle at the time of prediction is maintained.

Cumulative driving time information is a feature vector showing the cumulative value of driving time of a driver. For example, the cumulative value of driving time can be the cumulative value from last parking.

The following shows an example of an item of a feature vector that can be included in an attribute feature vector. The attribute feature vector is generated by coupling one or more feature vectors whose example is shown below.

Driving history information is a feature vector showing a driving history of a driver in the most recent predetermined period (e.g., one year). As the information showing a driving history, for example, information of the speed, driving route, braking timing or the like of an own vehicle can be included. The driving history information may also be a statistic such as the average of chronological variations in a measurement. The driving history information may be associated with a driver or an own vehicle.

Driver attribute information is a feature vector of attribute information of a driver. The driver attribute information can include, for example, the years of experience in driving, age, sex, and the like of a driver.

Vehicle attribute information is a feature vector of attribute information of an own vehicle. The vehicle attribute information can include, for example, the type of car, model name, the fuel consumption, the year of manufacture, the past repair history, and the like.

Driving proficiency level information is a feature vector showing the driving proficiency level of a driver. The driving proficiency level information is expressed, for example on a five-point scale, and can be reported by a driver. The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., control section <NUM>) can set a driving proficiency level for a driver who does not report his or hers with a regression model. Therefore, the sensor apparatus <NUM> treats a driving proficiency level as a response variable and inputs as driving history information and driving attribute information, and creates a regression model with machine learning.

A driver's habit information is a feature vector showing a driver's habit. The driver's habit information is, for example, the ID of a cluster to which a target driver belongs in a clustering result with respect to driving history information of a plurality of drivers. Clustering can be carried out, for example, in the server <NUM>. Clustering can be carried out by defining habit labels for some drivers in advance, learning a category model with machine learning as a category issue that treats inputs with respect to the respective habit labels as driving history information, and providing a habit label to a driver. As a specific habit, for example, changing lanes frequently, roughly driving, or the like is included.

When predicting accident probability, for example, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) couples and uses the respective feature vectors described above. At that time, a feature vector actually acquired at the time of predicting accident probability may be coupled, or a feature vector predicted to be acquired at prediction target time (e.g., one minute later) may be coupled.

In addition, the sensor apparatus <NUM> can couple and use not only a feature vector of an own vehicle, but also a feature vector of a different vehicle in the vicinity. For example, the sum of feature vectors of one or more different vehicles predicted to be positioned (pass in the case where it is assumed that the one or more different vehicles travel straight along the road, and the current speed is maintained) in the vicinity (e.g., within <NUM>) a predetermined time later (e.g., <NUM> seconds later) may be coupled.

In addition, a pair of feature vectors may be treated as one feature vector. For example, a driver's habit information is combined with accident information associated with a map, so that a specific habit of a driver that is likely to lead to a specific accident can be expressed and accuracy in predicting accident probability can be improved.

The server <NUM> (e.g., learning section <NUM>) learning a prediction model used for the sensor apparatus <NUM> to predict accident probability.

For example, the server <NUM> learns the parameter w in the equation (<NUM>) above on the basis of feature vectors accumulated in the learning data DB <NUM> and information showing the presence or absence of accident occurrence. The server <NUM> (e.g., communication section <NUM>) then notifies all the sensor apparatuses <NUM> connected to the system <NUM> of information (e.g., parameter w) showing a learning result. A common prediction model is used among the plurality of sensor apparatuses <NUM>, but feature vectors are personalized. Accordingly, it is possible to predict personalized accident probability.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g. storage section <NUM>) stores the information showing a learning result of which the sensor apparatus <NUM> is notified by the server <NUM>. At the time of prediction, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then uses the stored information to construct a prediction model. Therefore, the sensor apparatus <NUM> does not have to communicate with the server <NUM> at the time of prediction.

The server <NUM> may learn a prediction model by also taking into consideration the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon (so-called near miss) of an accident such as abrupt steering or hard braking in addition to an accident. This allows the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) to predict accident probability by using the prediction model learned by taking into consideration the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon of an accident. Taking it into account that a driver is notified (typically warned) of a prediction result of accident probability, it is possible to prevent not only an accident, but also a precursory phenomenon thereof from occurring. Accordingly, it is possible to further promote the safety of an own vehicle. Here, to generate a prediction model that takes a precursory phenomenon into consideration to predict accident probability, it is assumed that the sensor apparatus <NUM> transmits sensor information or a feature vector to the server <NUM> in association with identification information of an own vehicle, information showing the presence or absence of a precursory phenomenon and information showing the details of a precursory phenomenon in the case where the precursory phenomenon occurs.

Note that, with respect to abrupt steering, abrupt steering can be determined in the case where a change in the rotation acceleration of the steering wheel, and changes in the acceleration and direction of an own vehicle are each greater than or equal to a threshold. With respect to hard braking, hard braking can be determined in the case where a change in the degree to which to step on the brake pedal, and a change in the acceleration of an own vehicle are each greater than or equal to a threshold. Note that a precursory phenomenon of an accident may additionally include ignoring the traffic light, engine stalling, running off the road, slipping, hydroplaning, or the like.

The following describes an example of a method for using a precursory phenomenon to predict accident probability.

For example, the server <NUM> (e.g., learning section <NUM>) learns a prediction model (e.g., a model similar to that of the equation (<NUM>)) of the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon similarly to a prediction model of accident probability. The server <NUM> then includes the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon in a feature vector, and learns a prediction model related to accident probability. The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) first predicts the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon, and then couples the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon to a feature vector to predict accident probability.

For example, the server <NUM> (e.g., learning section <NUM>) regards the prediction of the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon as another task of the prediction of accident probability, and carries out transfer learning. Here,
[Math. <NUM>] <MAT> is introduced that shows whether a precursory phenomenon occurs or not. z = <NUM> shows that a precursory phenomenon occurs, and z = <NUM> shows that no precursory phenomenon occurs.

The server <NUM> learns a prediction model of the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon with a logistic regression model similarly to a prediction model of accident probability. It is assumed that a parameter resulting from learning is w'. The server <NUM> uses the evaluation function of the following formula to learn a prediction model of accident probability. <NUM>] <MAT>.

Here, n represents the number of pieces of learning data, and α represents any constant. The first term above represents likelihood. The second term above allows the server <NUM> to learn a prediction model of accident probability by taking into consideration a prediction model of the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon (such that an output as a prediction model gets too far).

The sensor apparatus <NUM> outputs information regarding a prediction result of accident probability (e.g., the output control section <NUM> causes the output section <NUM> to make an output). The following describes a UI example in which the sensor apparatus <NUM> is mounted on a vehicle with reference to <FIG> are diagrams for describing UI examples according to the present embodiment.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information showing accident probability to a driver. This allows the driver to drive while grasping the fluctuation in accident probability in real time. A UI example is illustrated in <FIG>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, a speed meter <NUM> and an accident probability meter <NUM> are disposed on an instrument panel <NUM> (output section <NUM>). The accident probability meter <NUM> has a scale from <NUM> to <NUM> along the edge of a circle. The accident probability meter <NUM> outputs accident probability by using a needle <NUM> to point to the graduation corresponding to the value obtaining by multiplying predicted accident probability (from <NUM> to <NUM>) by ten. The needle <NUM> pivots on the center of a circle. In the accident probability meter <NUM>, an area <NUM> having high values is emphasized.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> may output accident probability on a logarithmic scale. If it is taken into consideration that the frequency with which an accident occurs is low in general, expressing accident probability as a logarithm prevents the accident probability from looking like a value near <NUM>% suddenly switches to a value near <NUM>%. A UI example is illustrated in <FIG>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the speed meter <NUM> and an accident probability meter <NUM> are disposed on the instrument panel <NUM> (output section <NUM>). In the accident probability meter <NUM>, as shown by the scale on the edge of a circle, accident probability is expressed on a logarithmic scale. In the accident probability meter <NUM>, an area <NUM> having high values is emphasized.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information showing a chronological transition of accident probability. This allows the driver to drive while grasping the fluctuation in accident probability from the past to the present in real time. Further, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may output a chronological transition of accident probability from the present to the future on the basis of a prediction result of future accident probability. A UI example is illustrated in <FIG>. The UI illustrated in <FIG> shows a chronological transition of accident probability. The vertical axis represents accident probability, and the horizontal axis represents time. The UI illustrated in <FIG> can be displayed on a display provided to, for example, an instrument panel or a car navigation system.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information based on a cumulative value of accident probability. For example, the sensor apparatus <NUM> first subtracts or adds a correction term based on biological condition information such as the degree of concentration, the degree of hunger, or the degree of sleepiness from a standard value such as <NUM> minutes from the driving start which is defined in advance, thereby calculating driving continuable time. The sensor apparatus <NUM> then calculates a cumulative value of accident probability from the driving start, and decreases and outputs the driving continuable time or driving continuable distance calculated on the basis of the driving continuable time as the cumulative value increases. Such an output prompts a driver to concentrate more on driving or take a rest as the cumulative value increases. Accordingly, it is possible to further promote safety. A UI example is illustrated in <FIG>. In the UI illustrated in <FIG>, cruising continuable distance calculated on the basis of the remaining fuel is displayed on a upper part <NUM> of a display <NUM> provided to the central part of the speed meter <NUM>, and the above-described driving continuable time is displayed on a lower part <NUM>. As display items based on the cumulative value of accident probability, it is possible to additionally conceive of an item <NUM> showing the remaining vital value (HP), an item <NUM> showing driving continuable distance, and an item <NUM> showing the number of rests necessary before a destination.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information regarding accident probability onto a map. For example, the sensor apparatus <NUM> uses a prediction model constructed with an attribute feature model alone to predict the accident probability of an intersection or a curve, and outputs information showing a spot whose accident probability exceeds a threshold. In that case, it is desirable to predict accident probability after a feature vector of "accident information associated with a map" is updated in accordance with an intersection or a curve on a planned driving route. Outputting information showing a spot whose accident probability exceeds a threshold makes it possible to alert a driver to a place in which an accident is likely to occur, and promote safety. For a similar purpose, information showing a place in which an accident occurred in the past may also be output. In addition, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information showing a route on which accident probability is low. In that case, it is possible to prompt a driver to drive on a safe route, and promote safety. For a similar purpose, information showing a route on which no accident occurred in the past or few accidents occurred in the past may also be output. UI examples are illustrated in <FIG>. In the UI illustrated in <FIG>, a current position <NUM> of an own vehicle, a planned driving route <NUM>, and a spot <NUM> in which accident probability exceeds a threshold are displayed on a map. In addition, in addition, in the UI illustrated in <FIG>, a message <NUM> is displayed that issues a warning of the presence of the spot <NUM> in which accident probability exceeds a threshold. In the UI illustrated in <FIG>, the current position <NUM> of an own vehicle, the planned driving route <NUM>, a spot <NUM> in which a large number of accidents occurred in the past, and a route <NUM> on which accident probability is low are displayed on a map. In addition, in the UI illustrated in <FIG>, a message <NUM> and a message <NUM> are displayed that respectively show the presence of the spot <NUM> in which a large number of accidents occurred in the past and the presence of the route <NUM> on which accident probability is low. In this way, emphasizing and displaying information (such as a spot in which accident probability exceeds a threshold or a route on which accident probability is low) regarding accident probability on a map makes it possible to further promote safety.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information corresponding to a factor that increases accident probability to a driver. For example, the sensor apparatus <NUM> outputs information showing the factor. This allows a driver to recognize the factor that increases accident probability and be alerted, and makes it possible to promote safety. The factor may be a feature itself, information estimated from the feature, or information estimated from the type of sensor corresponding to the feature. A plurality of factors increase accident probability in some cases. In that case, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information showing a factor selected from one or more factors in accordance with the degree of contribution to increase in accident probability. Specifically, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information showing a factor (such as a factor having the degree of contribution that exceeds a threshold or a predetermined number of factors each having the degree of contribution that is high in rank) having a high degree of contribution to increase in accident probability. For example, when accident probability is calculated with the equation (<NUM>) above, a feature itself which has a high degree of contribution to increase in accident probability, information estimated from the feature, or information estimated from the type of sensor corresponding to the feature can be output. In the case where a logistic regression model is used for prediction, the product of the value of a feature and the value of the parameter corresponding to the feature can be used as a contribution value. Such an output allows a driver to recognize a factor having an especially high increase rate and be alerted, and makes it possible to promote safety. A UI example is illustrated in <FIG>. In the UI illustrated in <FIG>, a message <NUM> is displayed that shows a factor of increase in accident probability in the UI illustrated in <FIG>. In addition to the message, for example, an icon defined in advance for each factor may also be displayed.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> may output information that issues an instruction about an act which a driver is to carry out to decrease accident probability. Specifically, the sensor apparatus <NUM> outputs a message for removing the above-described factor that increases accident probability. This makes it possible to prompt a driver to carry out a specific act and promote safety. A UI example is illustrated in <FIG>. In the UI illustrated in <FIG>, a message <NUM> is displayed that issues an instruction about an act which a driver is to carry out to decrease accident probability in the UI illustrated in <FIG>.

The sensor apparatus <NUM> can additionally provide a variety of UIs. One of the examples is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the UI illustrated in <FIG>, a sound message <NUM> corresponding to a driving situation is fed back as if a character displayed on a display <NUM> gave the sound message <NUM>. For example, the sensor apparatus <NUM> yields feedback that blames a driver for dangerous operations such as abrupt acceleration and hard braking that can lead to accidents, and yields feedback that praises a driver for safe driving. Such feedback allows a driver to keep in mind safe driving as if the driver played a game.

In the UI illustrated in <FIG>, the positional relationship between an own vehicle <NUM> and different vehicles 481A to 481C, and information 482A to information 482C that show negligence ratios in case accidents happen are output. For example, according to the information 482A, the negligence ratio of the own vehicle <NUM> to the different vehicle 481A in the case where the own vehicle <NUM> and the different vehicle 481A cause an accident is predicted to be <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, according to the information 482B, the negligence ratio of the own vehicle <NUM> to the different vehicle 481A is predicted to be <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, according to the information 482C, the negligence ratio of the own vehicle <NUM> to the different vehicle 481A is predicted to be <NUM> to <NUM>. Such a UI allows a driver to visually grasp to which different vehicle the driver is to pay attention. Note that the UI illustrated in <FIG> can be displayed on a display provided to, for example, an instrument panel or a car navigation system.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, an example of the flow of processing to be executed in the system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described.

<FIG> is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of prediction model learning processing executed in the system <NUM> according to the present embodiment. In the present sequence, the sensor apparatus <NUM> and the server <NUM> are involved.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., detection section <NUM>) first detects sensor information (step S102). The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then generates a feature vector on the basis of the detected sensor information (step S104). Next, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., communication section <NUM>) transmits the generated feature vector to the server <NUM> (step S106). Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the plurality of sensor apparatuses <NUM> connected to the system <NUM> transmit feature vectors to the server <NUM>.

Next, the server <NUM> (e.g., storage control section <NUM> and learning data DB <NUM>) stores, as learning data, information obtained by associating the feature vectors received from the one or more sensor apparatuses <NUM> with the identification information of vehicles, the presence or absence of accident occurrence, and the details of an accident (step S108). The server <NUM> (e.g., learning section <NUM>) then learns a prediction model from the learning data (step S110). In the case where the prediction model is the logistic regression model shown in the equation (<NUM>), the server <NUM> learns the parameter w. Next, the server <NUM> (e.g., communication section <NUM>) transmits information (e.g., parameter w) showing a learning result to all the sensor apparatuses <NUM> under the control (step S112).

The sensor apparatuses <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then update the prediction model on the basis of the received information showing a learning result (step S114). For example, the prediction section <NUM> replaces the parameter of the prediction model with the received parameter.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of accident probability prediction processing executed in the sensor apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., detection section <NUM>) first detects sensor information (step S202). The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then generates a feature vector on the basis of the detected sensor information (step S204). Note that the feature vector generated at this time may include not only a feature vector of a driver of an own vehicle or the own vehicle, but also a feature vector of a driver of a different vehicle or the different vehicle. Next, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) inputs the feature vector into a prediction model to predict accident probability (step S206). The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., output control section <NUM>) then performs output processing (step S208). For example, the output control section <NUM> causes the output section <NUM> to output a UI regarding accident probability itself or a UI regarding a factor of increase in accident probability.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of feature vector generation processing executed in the sensor apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment. The present flow corresponds to the processing in step S104 and step S204 above.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) first generates a driving feature vector on the basis of the most recent sensor information (step S302). The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then updates an attribute feature vector on the basis of the driving feature vector (step S304). The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then couples the driving feature vector and the attribute feature vector (step S306).

Next, as an example of generation processing of individual feature vectors, generation processing of a feature vector regarding accident information associated with a map and generation processing of a feature vector regarding the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon will be described.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of feature vector generation processing that is executed in the sensor apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment and pertains to accident information associated with a map.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) first identifies an intersection or a curve that is predicted to be passed within a predetermined future period (step S402). The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then acquires accident information associated with the identified intersection or curve from the server <NUM> (step S404). The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then generates a feature vector for each of the pieces of acquired accident information (step S406). The sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) then obtains the sum of the one or more feature vectors, and couples the sum to a driving feature vector (step S408).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of feature vector generation processing that is executed in the sensor apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment and pertains to probability of occurrence of a precursory phenomenon.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (e.g., prediction section <NUM>) first predicts the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon with a prediction model (step S502). This prediction model is a prediction model of the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon. Next, the sensor apparatus <NUM> (prediction section <NUM>) couples the probability of the occurrence of a precursory phenomenon to a driving feature vector (step S504).

The technology of the present disclosure is applicable to various products. For example, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may be implemented as an apparatus mounted on any type of vehicle such as an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a motorcycle. In addition, at least some components of the sensor apparatus <NUM> may be implemented in a module (e.g., integrated circuit module including one die) for an apparatus mounted on a vehicle.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system <NUM> to which the technology of the present disclosure may be applied. The vehicle control system <NUM> includes an electronic control unit <NUM>, a storage apparatus <NUM>, an input apparatus <NUM>, a vehicle-outside sensor <NUM>, a vehicle condition sensor <NUM>, a passenger sensor <NUM>, a communication IF <NUM>, an output apparatus <NUM>, a power generation apparatus <NUM>, a braking apparatus <NUM>, a steering <NUM>, and a lamp activation apparatus <NUM>.

The electronic control unit <NUM> functions as an operation processing apparatus and a control apparatus, and controls the overall operation of the vehicle control system <NUM> in accordance with a variety of programs. The electronic control unit <NUM> can be configured as an electronic control unit (ECU) along with the storage apparatus <NUM> described below. A plurality of ECUs (i.e., electronic control unit <NUM> and storage apparatus <NUM>) may be included in the vehicle control system <NUM>. For example, ECUs for controlling each of various sensors or various drive systems may be provided thereto, and an ECU for controlling the plurality of those ECUs in cooperative manner may be further provided. The plurality of these ECUs are connected via an in-vehicle communication network such as a controller area network (CAN), a local interconnect network (LIN), a local area network (LAN), or Flexray that is compliant with any standard. The electronic control unit <NUM> can be included, for example, in the control section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The storage apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus for data storage which is configured as an example of a storage section of the vehicle control system <NUM>. The storage apparatus <NUM> is implemented, for example, as a magnetic storage device such as a HDD, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or the like. The storage apparatus <NUM> may include a recording medium, a recording apparatus that records data in the recording medium, a readout apparatus that reads out data from the recording medium, and a deletion apparatus that deletes data recoded in the recording medium. The storage apparatus <NUM> stores a program to be executed by the electronic control unit <NUM>, various types of data, various types of data acquired from the outside, and the like. The storage apparatus <NUM> can be included, for example, in the storage section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The input apparatus <NUM> is implemented by an apparatus such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a switch, and a lever into which a passenger (driver or occupant) inputs information. In addition, the input apparatus <NUM> may be, for example, a remote control apparatus using infrared light or other radio waves, or may be an external connection device such as a mobile phone or a PDA corresponding to the operation of the vehicle control system <NUM>. In addition, the input apparatus <NUM> may be, for example, a camera. In that case, a passenger can input information according to gesture. Further, the input apparatus <NUM> may include an input control circuit or the like that generates an input signal, for example, on the basis of information input by a user using the above-described input means, and outputs the generated input signal to the electronic control unit <NUM>. The passenger is able to input various kinds of data to the vehicle control system <NUM> or instruct the vehicle control system <NUM> about a processing operation by operating this input apparatus <NUM>. The input apparatus <NUM> can be included, for example, in the detection section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The vehicle-outside sensor <NUM> is implemented by a sensor that detects information of the outside of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle-outside sensor <NUM> may include a sonar apparatus, a radar apparatus, a light detection and ranging or laser imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus, a camera, a stereo-camera, a time of flight (ToF) camera, an infrared sensor, an environment sensor, a microphone, or the like. The vehicle-outside sensor <NUM> can be included, for example, in the detection section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The vehicle condition sensor <NUM> is implemented by a sensor that detects information regarding the vehicle condition. For example, the vehicle condition sensor <NUM> may include a sensor that detects an operation performed by a driver such as an accelerator opening degree, brake stepping force, or a steering wheel angle. In addition, the vehicle condition sensor <NUM> may include a sensor that detects the condition of a power source such as the rotation speed or torque of an internal combustion engine or a motor. In addition, the vehicle condition sensor <NUM> may include a sensor such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor for detecting information regarding the movement of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle condition sensor <NUM> may include a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module that receives GNSS signals (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) signals from a GPS satellite) from a GNSS satellite, and measures position information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the apparatus. Note that, with respect to the position information, the vehicle condition sensor <NUM> may detect the position through Wi-Fi (registered trademark), transmission and reception to and from a mobile phone/PHS/smartphone or the like, near field communication, or the like. The vehicle condition sensor <NUM> can be included, for example, in the detection section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The passenger sensor <NUM> can be implemented by a sensor that detects information regarding a passenger. For example, the passenger sensor <NUM> may include a camera, a microphone, and an environment sensor provided to a vehicle compartment. In addition, the passenger sensor <NUM> may include a biological sensor that detects biological information of a passenger. The biological sensor is attached, for example, to a seating face, the steering wheel, or the like, and is capable of detecting biological information of the passenger sitting on the seat or the driver gripping the steering. The passenger sensor <NUM> can be included, for example, in the detection section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Note that various sensors such as the vehicle-outside sensor <NUM>, the vehicle condition sensor <NUM>, and the passenger sensor <NUM> each output information showing a detection result to the electronic control unit <NUM>. These various sensors may set the sensing area, accuracy, or the like on the basis of the control of the electronic control unit <NUM>. In addition, these various sensors may include a recognition module that performs recognition processing based on raw data such as processing of recognizing the driving position of an own vehicle on a road, for example, on the basis of the position of a lane line included in a taken captured image.

The communication IF <NUM> is a communication interface that mediates communication performed by the vehicle control system <NUM> with another apparatus. The communication IF <NUM> can include, for example, a V2X communication module. Note that V2X communication is a concept including vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. Additionally, the communication IF <NUM> may also include a communication module for a wireless local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), <NUM>, long term evolution (LTE), Bluetooth (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC) or wireless USB (WUSB). This communication IF <NUM> is capable of transmitting and receiving signals or the like, for example, to and from the Internet or other communication devices outside the vehicle in compliance with a predetermined protocol such as TCP/IP. The communication IF <NUM> can be included, for example, in the communication section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The output apparatus <NUM> is implemented as an apparatus capable of visually or aurally notifying a passenger of acquired information. Such an apparatus includes a display apparatus such as an instrument panel, a head-up display, a projector or a lamp, and a sound output apparatus such as a speaker or headphones. Specifically, the display apparatus visually displays results obtained from various kinds of processing performed by the vehicle control system <NUM> in a variety of forms such as text, an image, a table, and a graph. At that time, a virtual object such as an augmented reality (AR) object may be displayed. Meanwhile, the audio output apparatus converts audio signals including reproduced audio data, acoustic data, or the like into analog signals, and aurally outputs the analog signals. The above-described display apparatus and the above-described sound output apparatus can be included, for example, in the output section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The power generation apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus for generating driving force for the vehicle. The power generation apparatus <NUM> may be implemented, for example, as an internal combustion engine. In that case, the power generation apparatus <NUM> performs start control, stop control, throttle valve opening degree control, fuel injection control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control, or the like on the basis of a control command from an electronic control unit <NUM>. In addition, the power generation apparatus <NUM> may be implemented, for example, as a motor, an inverter, and a battery. In that case, the power generation apparatus <NUM> can supply electric power from the battery to the motor via the inverter on the basis of a control command from the electronic control unit <NUM>, and perform a motor operation (so-called powering) to output positive torque and a regenerative operation to cause the motor to absorb torque to generate electric power, and charge the battery.

The braking apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus for providing braking force to the vehicle, or causing the vehicle to decelerate or stop. The braking apparatus <NUM> can include, for example, a brake installed at each wheel, and a brake pipe for transmitting the force of stepping on the brake pedal to the brake, an electronic circuit or the like. In addition, the braking apparatus <NUM> may include a control apparatus such as an antilock brake system (ABS) or an electronic stability control (ESC) for activating a mechanism of preventing a slide or a skid caused by brake control.

The steering <NUM> is an apparatus for controlling the advancing direction (steering angle) of the vehicle. The steering <NUM> can include, for example, a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a steering gear, a tie rod, and the like. In addition, the steering <NUM> can include a power steering for assisting a driver in steering. Further, the steering <NUM> can include a power source such as a motor for allowing for automatic steering.

The lamp activation apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus that activates various lamps such as a head light, a blinker, a position lamp, a fog light, or a stop lamp. The lamp activation apparatus <NUM> controls, for example, the blinking of the lamps, the amount of light, the light-emitting direction, or the like.

Note that the power generation apparatus <NUM>, the braking apparatus <NUM>, the steering <NUM>, and the lamp activation apparatus <NUM> may come into operation on the basis of a manual operation performed by a driver or on the basis of an automatic operation performed by the electronic control unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that an information processing apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can implement, for example, the server <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Information processing performed by the server <NUM> according to the present embodiment is implemented by software in cooperation with hardware described below.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the information processing apparatus <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a read only memory (ROM) <NUM>, a random access memory (RAM) <NUM>, and a host bus 1004a. In addition, the information processing apparatus <NUM> includes a bridge <NUM>, an external bus 1004b, an interface <NUM>, an input apparatus <NUM>, an output apparatus <NUM>, a storage apparatus <NUM>, a drive <NUM>, a connection port <NUM>, and a communication apparatus <NUM>. The information processing apparatus <NUM> may include a processing circuit such as a DSP or an ASIC instead of or in combination with the CPU <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> functions as an operation processing apparatus and a control apparatus, and controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus <NUM> in accordance with a variety of programs. In addition, the CPU <NUM> may be a microprocessor. The ROM <NUM> stores programs, operation parameters, and the like that the CPU <NUM> uses. The RAM <NUM> temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU <NUM> and the parameters and the like that appropriately changes during the execution. The CPU <NUM> can be included, for example, in the control section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The CPU <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, and the RAM <NUM> are connected to each other by the host bus 1004a including a CPU bus and the like. The host bus 1004a is connected to the external bus 1004b such as a peripheral component interconnect/interface (PCI) bus through the bridge <NUM>. Note that the host bus 1004a, the bridge <NUM>, and the external bus 1004b are not necessarily configured as different components, but the functions thereof may be implemented in one bus.

The input apparatus <NUM> is implemented by an apparatus with which a user inputs information, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a switch, and a lever. In addition, the input apparatus <NUM> may be, for example, a remote control apparatus using infrared light or other radio waves, or may be an external connection device such as a mobile phone or a PDA corresponding to the operation of the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Further, the input apparatus <NUM> may include, for example, an input control circuit or the like that generates an input signal on the basis of information input by a user using the above-described input means, and outputs the input signal to the CPU <NUM>. A user of the information processing apparatus <NUM> is able to input various kinds of data to the information processing apparatus <NUM> and instruct the information processing apparatus <NUM> about a processing operation by operating this input apparatus <NUM>.

The output apparatus <NUM> includes an apparatus capable of visually or aurally notifying a user of acquired information. Such an apparatus includes a display apparatus such as a CRT display apparatus, a liquid crystal display apparatus, a plasma display apparatus, an EL display apparatus, a laser projector, an LED projector and a lamp, an audio output apparatus such as a speaker and a headphone, a printer apparatus, or the like. The output apparatus <NUM> outputs, for example, results obtained from various kinds of processing performed by the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, the display apparatus visually displays results obtained from various kinds of processing performed by the information processing apparatus <NUM> in a variety of forms such as text, an image, a table, and a graph. Meanwhile, the audio output apparatus converts audio signals including reproduced audio data, acoustic data, or the like into analog signals, and aurally outputs the analog signals.

The storage apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus for data storage which is configured as an example of a storage section of the information processing apparatus <NUM>. The storage apparatus <NUM> is implemented, for example, as a magnetic storage device such as a HDD, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or the like. The storage apparatus <NUM> may include a recording medium, a recording apparatus that records data in the recording medium, a readout apparatus that reads out data from the recording medium, and a deletion apparatus that deletes data recoded in the recording medium. The storage apparatus <NUM> stores a program to be executed by the CPU <NUM>, various kinds of data, various kinds of data acquired from the outside, and the like. The storage apparatus <NUM> can be included, for example, in the learning data DB <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The drive <NUM> is a reader/writer for a storage medium, and is built in or externally attached to the information processing apparatus <NUM>. The drive <NUM> reads out information recorded on a removable storage medium such as a mounted magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, and semiconductor memory, and outputs the read-out information to the RAM <NUM>. In addition, the drive <NUM> is also capable of writing information into a removable storage medium.

The connection port <NUM> is an interface connected to an external device and is a port for connecting an external device that is capable of data transmission through, for example, a universal serial bus (USB).

The communication apparatus <NUM> is, for example, a communication interface including a communication device and the like for a connection to a network <NUM>. The communication apparatus <NUM> may be, for example, a communication card for a wired or wireless local area network (LAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wireless USB (WUSB), or the like. In addition, the communication apparatus <NUM> may be a router for optical communication, a router for an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), a modem for various kinds of communication, or the like. This communication apparatus <NUM> is capable of transmitting and receiving signals or the like, for example, to and from the Internet or other communication devices in compliance with a predetermined protocol such as TCP/IP. The communication apparatus <NUM> can be included, for example, in the communication section <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Note that the network <NUM> is a wired or wireless transmission path through which information is transmitted from an apparatus connected to the network <NUM>. The network <NUM> may include public networks such as the Internet, telephone networks and satellite networks, a variety of local area networks (LANs) including Ethernet (registered trademark), and wide area networks (WANs). In addition, the network <NUM> may also include leased line networks such as Internet protocol-virtual private networks (IP-VPNs).

The example of a hardware configuration capable of implementing the functions of the sensor apparatus <NUM> or the server <NUM> according to the present embodiment has been described above. Each of the above-described components may be configured with a general-purpose member, and may also be configured with hardware specialized in the function of each component. Thus, the hardware configuration used can be modified as appropriate in accordance with the technological level at the time of the implementation of the present embodiment.

Note that it is possible to create a computer program for implementing the respective functions of the sensor apparatus <NUM> or the server <NUM> according to the above-described embodiment, and to implement the computer program in an ECU or the like. In addition, there can also be provided a computer-readable recording medium having such a computer program stored therein. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, and the like. In addition, the computer program may also be distributed via a network, for example, using no recording medium.

An embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above in detail with reference to <FIG>. As described above, the sensor apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment predicts the accident probability of a vehicle driven by a user, and outputs, to the user, information corresponding to a factor that increases the predicted accident probability. This clearly presents what accident avoidance act is to be specifically carried out in the case where accident probability is high. Accordingly, it is possible for the user to easily carry out an accident avoidance act, and it is possible to promote safety.

In addition, the sensor apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment uses a variety of feature vectors that can influence the occurrence of an accident to predict accident probability. For example, the sensor apparatus <NUM> uses a variety of feature vectors such as forgetting to turn on the blinkers (vehicle operation information), decreasing in concentration (biological condition information), being in bad shape (biological information), fogged windows (vehicle compartment environment information), rain or night (weather information), not looking around (driver physical condition information), turning the steering wheel with one hand (driver physical condition information), an intersection where accidents are likely to happen (accident information associated with a map), rough driving (driver's habit information), and a harsh car being ahead of the intersection (driving proficiency level information or accident probability of a different vehicle in the vicinity) that can influence the occurrence of an accident to predict accident probability. This makes it possible to improve accuracy in predicting accident probability.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been chiefly described in which the sensor apparatus <NUM> is mounted on a vehicle, but the present technology is not limited to the example. In examples not in accordance with the invention, the sensor apparatus <NUM> is mountable on any mobile object such as an aircraft, a bicycle, or a motorcycle. In addition, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may be implemented as a user device such as a smartphone or a head-mounted display (HMD). In addition, the sensor apparatus <NUM> may be implemented as an apparatus such as a traffic light, a surveillance camera, a digital signage, or an electronic message board that is installed in an environment. In that case, the sensor apparatus <NUM> outputs information to the driver of a vehicle that travels, for example, in the nearby area.

In addition, each of the apparatuses described herein may be implemented as a single apparatus, or part or the whole thereof may be implemented different apparatuses. For example, in the functional component example of the sensor apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the storage section <NUM> and the control section <NUM> may be included in an apparatus such as a server that is connected to the detection section <NUM>, the communication section <NUM>, and the output section <NUM> via a network or the like.

Claim 1:
An information processing apparatus (<NUM>) mounted on a vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a detection section (<NUM>) including a variety of sensors and configured to detect information regarding the vehicle (<NUM>) and/or a user of the vehicle (<NUM>);
an output section (<NUM>) configured to output information;
a prediction section (<NUM>) configured to predict accident probability of the vehicle (<NUM>) driven by the user on the basis of a feature regarding the user of the vehicle (<NUM>) or the vehicle (<NUM>) or another vehicle (<NUM>), wherein the feature is:
a driving feature based on information detected by the detection section (<NUM>) in real time; or
an attribute feature based on accumulated information detected by the detection section (<NUM>) or registered information; and
an output control section (<NUM>) configured to cause information to be output to the user by the output section (<NUM>), the information corresponding to a factor that increases the accident probability predicted by the prediction section (<NUM>), wherein the factor is the feature itself, information estimated from the feature, or information estimated from the type of sensor corresponding to the feature, and configured to cause information to be output, the information issuing an instruction about an act that the user is to carry out to decrease the accident probability,
characterized in that the output control section (<NUM>) is configured to cause further information to be output to the user, the information indicating a positional relationship between the vehicle (<NUM>) and the other vehicle (<NUM>) and a negligence ratio of the vehicle (<NUM>) to the other vehicle (<NUM>) in case an accident happens.