JP7631735B2 - Information processing device and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method.

An autonomous driving device has been proposed that acquires weather information around a destination, determines whether parking in a parking lot around the destination can be done autonomously based on the weather information and whether the parking lot has a roof, and presents the result of the parking possibility determination to the user (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-105814 A

The technology described in Patent Document 1 determines whether parking is possible based on weather information, but weather is only one of the factors that can affect parking. In other words, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot determine whether parking is possible while taking into account factors other than weather, and the results of the parking possibility determination may change depending on factors other than weather.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device and information processing method that can determine whether parking is possible by taking into account various factors that may affect parking.

To solve the above-mentioned problem, an information processing device and information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention determine whether the factor that caused the vehicle to fail to park in a parking lot is a variable factor based on factor data indicating the factor, and if it is determined that the factor is not a variable factor, it determines that parking in the parking lot is not recommended.

According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether parking is possible by taking into account various factors that may affect parking, allowing for a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process (registration process) of the information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process (determination process) of the information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same parts will be given the same reference numerals and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[Configuration of information processing device]
A configuration example of an information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The information processing device 1 may be mounted on a vehicle or installed outside the vehicle. In the following, the vehicle according to the present embodiment will be described as a vehicle capable of performing automatic parking, but is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 includes a parking lot data receiving unit 21, a factor data receiving unit 22, a memory unit 25, and a controller 100. Additionally, the information processing device 1 may include a presentation unit 300.

The parking lot data reception unit 21 is connected to the parking lot identification unit 11 and the controller 100, and receives parking lot data for identifying parking lots from the parking lot identification unit 11. The parking lot identification unit 11 generates parking lot data that identifies parking lots where parking was successful or where parking failed as a result of an attempt to park a vehicle. For example, the parking lot data includes information such as the location information of the parking lot or a unique number linked to the parking lot in a database. The parking lot data generated by the parking lot identification unit 11 is input to the parking lot data reception unit 21.

In addition to the parking lot data generated by the parking lot identification unit 11, the parking lot data reception unit 21 may also receive information identifying the parking lot where the vehicle is planned to be parked as parking lot data.

The parking lot data reception unit 21 transmits the received parking lot data to the controller 100. Alternatively, the parking lot data reception unit 21 may transmit the received parking lot data to the memory unit 25 described later.

The factor data receiving unit 22 is connected to the parking assistance device 12 and the controller 100, and receives factor data from the parking assistance device 12. When the parking assistance device 12 attempts to park the vehicle and determines whether parking has been successful or unsuccessful, the parking assistance device 12 generates, as factor data, information specifying whether parking has been successful or unsuccessful, and information specifying the cause of the parking failure if parking has failed. For example, the factor data may include tag information indicating that the camera mounted on the vehicle is unable to capture an image of part of the surroundings of the vehicle when parking.

The cause data may also include tag information that identifies the reason why some of the surroundings of the vehicle could not be captured when parked (e.g., water droplets on the camera lens surface due to bad weather, or backlight causing some of the camera's imaging element to become saturated).

Furthermore, the factor data may include tag information indicating that when the vehicle is parked in a parking lot, there is an object in the parking lot or in the vehicle's driving route to the parking lot that may interfere with the vehicle's driving, and tag information indicating that the road surface shape in the parking lot or in the vehicle's driving route to the parking lot may interfere with the vehicle's driving.

Factor data may also be generated based on the results of a user in or around the vehicle checking and inputting the status of the vehicle and parking lot when the vehicle fails to park.

In addition to the tag information described above, the factor data may also include supplemental information describing the conditions at the time of parking, such as the time (date) and time period (time) when the parking attempt was made, and weather information around the parking lot when the parking attempt was made (weather information for the area in which the parking lot is located).

The factor data reception unit 22 transmits the factor data received from the parking assistance device 12 to the controller 100. Alternatively, the factor data reception unit 22 may transmit the received factor data to the memory unit 25, which will be described later.

The memory unit 25 is connected to the controller 100, and stores the parking lot data received by the parking lot data receiving unit 21 and the factor data received by the factor data receiving unit 22. The memory unit 25 may store the received data (parking lot data, factor data) for a predetermined time. In other words, the stored data may be held by the memory unit 25 for a predetermined time after it is stored, and may be deleted after the predetermined time has elapsed after it is stored.

In addition, the memory unit 25 may store, in association with the parking lot data, history data indicating whether parking was successful or not in a parking lot identified by the parking lot data.

The controller 100 is a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, a storage device, an input/output unit, etc. The controller 100 is connected to the presentation unit 300 and the information terminal 400.

A computer program for causing the controller 100 to function as the information processing device 1 is installed in the controller 100. By executing the computer program, the controller 100 functions as multiple information processing circuits provided in the information processing device 1.

Note that, although an example is shown here in which the multiple information processing circuits of the information processing device 1 are realized by software, it is of course possible to configure the information processing circuits by providing dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below. Also, the multiple information processing circuits may be configured by individual hardware.

The controller 100 has multiple information processing circuits, including a factor determination unit 110, a parking feasibility determination unit 120, and a transmission unit 130.

The factor determination unit 110 determines whether parking the vehicle in the parking lot was successful or unsuccessful based on the factor data. Then, the factor determination unit 110 determines whether the factor that caused the vehicle to fail to park in the parking lot is a variable factor. For example, the factor determination unit 110 determines that the factor is a "variable factor" when the tag information included in the factor data is specified tag information. More specifically, the factor determination unit 110 may determine that the factor is a "variable factor" when the tag information is tag information indicating "unable to capture an image of part of the surroundings of the vehicle when parking."

The factor determination unit 110 may determine that a factor is a "fixed factor" when the tag information indicates that "an object that may interfere with the vehicle's travel is present" or that "the road surface shape of the vehicle's travel path may interfere with the vehicle's travel."

Additionally, the factor determination unit 110 may determine whether there is a correlation between the tag information and supplementary information such as the time (year/month/date) when parking was attempted, the time of day (hours), and weather information around the parking lot when parking was attempted, based on multiple factor data stored and accumulated in the memory unit 25. The factor determination unit 110 may determine that factors related to tag information that are determined to have a correlation with the supplementary information are variable factors.

When there is a correlation between tag information and supplementary information, it is considered that parking of the vehicle may be successful or unsuccessful depending on the situation indicated by the supplementary information. In other words, the factors represented by the tag information that are found to be correlated with the supplementary information can be said to be variable. Therefore, the factors related to the tag information that are determined to be correlated with the supplementary information are determined to be variable factors.

The factor determination unit 110 may determine whether or not a factor is a fluctuation factor based on factor analysis using machine learning, in addition to correlation analysis between tag information and supplementary information.

The result of the determination by the factor determination unit 110 is associated with the parking lot data and factor data and stored in the memory unit 25.

For example, if parking is successful, the factor determination unit 110 may classify the parking lot identified by the received parking lot data as a parking lot where parking is possible.

In addition, when parking fails, the factor determination unit 110 may classify the parking lot identified by the parking lot data into either a parking lot with a fixed factor or a parking lot with a variable factor, depending on whether the factor of the failure is a fixed factor or a variable factor.

Furthermore, when parking fails, the factor determination unit 110 may classify the factor of the parking failure as unknown if it cannot determine whether the factor of the failure is a fixed factor or a variable factor. An example of a case in which it cannot determine whether the factor of the failure is a fixed factor or a variable factor is when parking is interrupted due to a system failure during automatic parking.

The parking lot classification results obtained by the factor determination unit 110 are associated with the parking lot data and factor data and stored in the memory unit 25.

The parking possibility determination unit 120 determines whether parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data is recommended. For example, the parking possibility determination unit 120 refers to the memory unit 25 and extracts factor data, determination results, and classification results associated with the parking lot data. If the determination result is that "the factor is a variable factor," the parking possibility determination unit 120 determines that parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data is not recommended.

In addition, when the determination result is that "the factor is a variable factor," the parking feasibility determination unit 120 may determine whether or not a situation occurs in which a factor related to the factor data will occur in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data.

Here, the parking feasibility determination unit 120 may refer to supplementary information included in the factor data stored during past parking, and determine whether or not the situation is such that a factor will occur based on whether or not the situation during past parking represented by the supplementary information matches the current parking lot situation.

For example, the parking possibility determination unit 120 may determine whether a situation in which a factor will occur in the parking lot is based on the time or period of time when parking is performed, or may determine whether a situation in which a factor will occur in the parking lot is based on the weather in the area in which the parking lot is located.

Furthermore, the parking feasibility determination unit 120 may determine that parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data is not recommended if the determination result is that "the factor is a fixed factor."

The parking feasibility determination unit 120 may also calculate the percentage of successful parking in a parking lot based on the historical data stored in the memory unit 25 (data indicating whether parking was successful or not in a parking lot identified by the parking lot data).

The transmission unit 130 transmits to the presentation unit 300 or the information terminal 400 the determination result by the parking feasibility determination unit 120 as to whether parking in the parking lot is recommended or not, and the percentage of successful parking in the parking lot.

The presentation unit 300 is, for example, a terminal mounted on the vehicle or a user's terminal. The presentation unit 300 presents information such as the result of the determination by the parking feasibility determination unit 120 and the percentage of successful parking attempts in the parking lot to the user by light or sound via a display or speaker.

For example, the presentation unit 300 may present a parking lot in association with the percentage of successful parking attempts at that parking lot. Furthermore, when presenting information about multiple parking lots, the presentation unit 300 may present a parking lot with a higher priority the higher the percentage of successful parking attempts.

The information terminal 400 is, for example, a terminal mounted on a vehicle or a user's terminal. The information terminal 400 transmits parking lot data to the information processing device 1 and receives a determination result indicating whether parking in a parking lot identified by the transmitted parking lot data is recommended or not. The information terminal 400 may include a notification unit that notifies the user of the received determination result. The configuration of the notification unit may be the same as that of the presentation unit 300 described above.

[Processing procedure of information processing device (registration process)]
Next, a procedure related to the registration process among the processes of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 2. The process of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 2 is started after the parking assistance device 12 attempts to park the vehicle and determines whether the parking has been successful or unsuccessful.

First, in step S101, the parking lot data receiving unit 21 receives parking lot data, and the factor data receiving unit 22 receives factor data.

In step S103, the factor determination unit 110 determines whether parking the vehicle in the parking lot was successful or unsuccessful based on the factor data.

If it is determined that parking was successful (YES in step S103), in step S105, the factor determination unit 110 classifies the parking lot identified by the received parking lot data as a parking lot where parking is possible.

If it is determined that parking has failed (NO in step S103), in step S107, the factor determination unit 110 determines whether the cause of the failure is due to a fixed factor based on the factor data.

If it is determined that the cause of the failure is due to a fixed factor (YES in step S107), in step S109, the factor determination unit 110 classifies the parking lot identified by the received parking lot data as a parking lot with a fixed factor.

If it is determined that the cause of failure is not due to a fixed factor (NO in step S107), in step S111, the factor determination unit 110 determines whether the cause of failure is due to a variable factor based on the factor data.

If it is determined that the cause of the failure is due to a variable factor (YES in step S111), in step S113, the factor determination unit 110 classifies the parking lot identified by the received parking lot data as a parking lot with a variable factor.

If it is determined that the cause of the failure is not due to a variable factor (NO in step S111), in step S115, the cause determination unit 110 classifies the cause of the parking failure as unknown. For example, the cause determination unit 110 classifies the case as a system failure that occurred during automatic parking.

After steps S105, S109, S113, and S115 are completed, the registration process ends.

[Processing procedure of information processing device (determination process)]
Next, a procedure related to the determination process among the processes of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 3. When there are multiple candidates for parking lots where the parking assistance device 12 can park the vehicle, the process of the information processing device 1 shown in Fig. 3 is executed sequentially for each candidate.

First, in step S201, the parking lot data reception unit 21 receives parking lot data.

In step S203, the parking possibility determination unit 120 refers to the memory unit 25, acquires factor data associated with the parking lot data, and acquires information on factors that may affect parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data.

In step S205, it is determined whether there are any factors that may affect parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data.

If it is determined that there is no factor (NO in step S205), in step S213, the parking feasibility determination unit 120 determines that parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data is recommended.

If it is determined that a factor exists (YES in step S205), in step S207, the parking feasibility determination unit 120 determines whether the acquired factor is a fixed factor.

If it is determined that the cause is fixed (YES in step S207), in step S215, the parking feasibility determination unit 120 determines that parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data is not recommended.

If it is determined that the factor is not fixed (NO in step S207), in step S209, the parking availability determination unit 120 estimates the status of the parking lot identified by the parking lot data. For example, the status of the parking lot is estimated based on the time or period when parking will be performed, weather information in the area where the parking lot is located, etc.

In step S211, the parking availability determination unit 120 determines whether a variable factor occurs in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data.

If it is determined that a variable factor occurs (YES in step S211), in step S215, the parking feasibility determination unit 120 determines that parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data is not recommended.

If it is determined that the situation is not one in which a variable factor will occur (NO in step S211), in step S213, the parking feasibility determination unit 120 determines that parking in the parking lot identified by the parking lot data is recommended.

After steps S213 and S215, the registration process ends.

[Effects of the embodiment]
As described in detail above, the information processing device and information processing method of this embodiment accept parking lot data identifying a parking lot and factor data indicating the factors that caused a vehicle to fail to park in the parking lot, and determine whether the factors are variable factors based on the factor data.If it is determined that the factors are not variable factors, it determines that parking in the parking lot is not recommended.

This allows the determination of whether parking is possible to be made taking into account various factors that may affect parking, resulting in a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible. In addition, because the parking lot can be set as the destination based on a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible, the possibility of failing to park after the vehicle arrives at the parking lot is reduced, allowing the parking assistance device to be used more effectively.

In addition, the information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment may determine whether the parking lot is in a situation where the factor will occur if it is determined that the factor is a variable factor, and if it is determined that the factor will occur, determine that parking in the parking lot is not recommended. This allows for a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible for parking lots where the possibility of parking changes depending on the parking lot situation.

As a result, parking spaces where parking is possible are less likely to be determined to be impossible, improving parking space utilization efficiency. Furthermore, parking spaces where parking is impossible are less likely to be determined to be possible, lowering the chance of parking failure after the vehicle arrives at the parking space, allowing the parking assistance device to be used more effectively.

Furthermore, the information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment may determine whether or not a factor will occur in a parking lot based on the time or time zone in which parking will occur. This allows for a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible based on the conditions of the parking lot, such as the time or time zone in which parking will occur.

The information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment may also determine whether or not a factor will occur in a parking lot based on the weather in the area in which the parking lot is located. This allows for a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible based on the conditions of the parking lot, such as the weather in the area in which the parking lot is located.

Furthermore, in the information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment, the variable factor may be that the camera mounted on the vehicle is unable to capture an image of part of the vehicle's surroundings due to backlighting. This makes it possible to determine whether the factor that caused the parking failure is a variable factor based on the state of the camera mounted on the vehicle, thereby making it possible to more accurately determine whether parking is possible.

In addition, in the information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment, the variable factor may be that the camera mounted on the vehicle is unable to capture an image of part of the vehicle's surroundings due to bad weather. This makes it possible to determine whether the factor that caused the parking failure is a variable factor based on the state of the camera mounted on the vehicle, and to make a more accurate judgment on whether parking is possible.

Furthermore, the information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment may determine whether a factor is a fixed factor based on the factor data, and if it is determined that the factor is a fixed factor, determine that parking in the parking lot is not recommended. This allows the determination of whether parking is possible to be made taking into account various factors that may affect parking, allowing for a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible.

In addition, in the information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment, the fixed factor may be the presence of an object that interferes with the vehicle's travel in the parking lot or on the vehicle's travel route to the parking lot. This makes it possible to determine whether the factor that caused the parking failure is a fixed factor based on the presence or absence of an object that interferes with the vehicle's travel, allowing for a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible.

Furthermore, in the information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment, the fixed factor may be that the road surface shape of the parking lot or the vehicle's driving route to the parking lot interferes with the vehicle's driving. This makes it possible to determine whether the factor that caused the parking failure is a fixed factor based on whether the road surface shape interferes with the vehicle's driving, and to make a more accurate judgment on whether parking is possible.

The information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment may also store parking lot data identifying a parking lot in association with history data indicating whether parking was successful at the parking lot, and calculate the percentage of successful parking at the parking lot based on the stored history data. This makes it possible to compare multiple parking lots based on the percentage of successful parking at the parking lot, and to determine which parking lot is recommended.

Furthermore, the information processing device and information processing method according to the present embodiment may present parking lots and percentages in association with each other. Furthermore, the information processing device and information processing method according to the present embodiment may present parking lots with a higher percentage with a higher priority. Furthermore, the information processing device and information processing method according to the present embodiment may present parking lots and percentages in association with each other by a terminal mounted in the vehicle or a user's terminal. This allows a user who receives the information to compare multiple parking lots, and the user can decide which parking lot to park in based on the presented percentages.

In addition, in the information processing device and information processing method according to this embodiment, the vehicle may be a vehicle capable of performing automatic parking. This allows the possibility of parking to be determined based on information obtained by the parking assistance device as to whether automatic parking was successful or not, taking into consideration various factors that may affect automatic parking, and allows for a more accurate determination of whether parking is possible.

Furthermore, the information terminal according to this embodiment may transmit parking lot data to the above-mentioned information processing device and receive a determination result from the information processing device indicating whether parking in the parking lot is recommended or not. This makes it possible to obtain the result of whether parking is possible for the parking lot of interest. Furthermore, when the information terminal is a navigation system or a parking assistance device, it is possible to select a parking lot where parking is possible based on a more accurate determination result of whether parking is possible, improving the operating efficiency of the entire system.

The information terminal according to this embodiment may also notify the user of the determination result via the notification unit. This allows the user to select a parking lot where parking is possible based on a more accurate determination result of whether parking is possible.

Each of the functions described in the above embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Processing circuits include programmed processors, electrical circuits, and even devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and circuit components arranged to perform the described functions.

The contents of the present invention have been described above in accordance with the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements are possible. The descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

The present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described here. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is determined only by the invention-specific matters related to the scope of the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing device 11 Parking lot identification unit 12 Parking assistance device 21 Parking lot data reception unit 22 Factor data reception unit 25 Storage unit 100 Controller 110 Factor determination unit 120 Parking possibility determination unit 130 Transmission unit 300 Presentation unit 400 Information terminal

Claims (16)

a reception unit for receiving input of parking lot data identifying a parking lot and factor data indicating a factor of a failure to park the vehicle in the parking lot;
A controller,
The controller:
determining whether the factor is a fluctuation factor based on the factor data;
If it is determined that the factor is not a fluctuation factor, it is determined that parking in the parking lot is not recommended ;
If it is determined that the factor is the fluctuation factor, it is determined whether or not the parking lot is in a situation where the factor occurs;
If it is determined that the situation is such that the cause occurs, it is determined that parking in the parking lot is not recommended.
An information processing device comprising: 2. The information processing device according to claim 1 ,
The controller:
An information processing device that determines whether or not the situation in the parking lot is such that the factor will occur based on the time or period of time when parking is performed in the parking lot. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 ,
The controller:
An information processing device that determines whether or not the conditions in the parking lot are such that the factor will occur based on the weather in the area in which the parking lot is located. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The information processing device, wherein the fluctuation factor is that a camera mounted on the vehicle cannot capture an image of part of the surroundings of the vehicle due to backlighting. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The information processing device, wherein the fluctuation factor is bad weather such that a camera mounted on the vehicle cannot capture an image of part of the surroundings of the vehicle. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The controller:
determining whether the factor is a fixed factor based on the factor data;
The information processing device is characterized in that, when it is determined that the factor is a fixed factor, it determines that parking in the parking lot is not recommended. 7. The information processing device according to claim 6 ,
The information processing device, characterized in that the fixed factor is the presence of an object interfering with the driving of the vehicle in the parking lot or on a driving route of the vehicle to the parking lot. 8. The information processing device according to claim 6 ,
The information processing device, wherein the fixed factor is a road surface shape of the parking lot or a driving route of the vehicle to the parking lot that interferes with the driving of the vehicle. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
A storage unit stores parking lot data identifying the parking lot and history data indicating whether parking at the parking lot was successful in association with each other,
The controller:
The information processing device calculates a rate at which parking was successful in the parking lot based on the history data. The information processing device according to claim 9 ,
The information processing device further comprises a presentation unit that presents the parking lot and the ratio in association with each other. The information processing device according to claim 10 ,
The information processing device is characterized in that the presentation unit presents the parking lots with a higher priority as the proportion increases. 12. The information processing device according to claim 10 ,
The information processing device, wherein the presentation unit is a terminal mounted in the vehicle or a user's terminal. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 ,
The information processing device is characterized in that the vehicle is a vehicle capable of performing automatic parking. Transmitting the parking lot data to the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ;
An information terminal that receives from the information processing device a determination result indicating whether parking in the parking lot is recommended or not. 15. An information terminal according to claim 14 ,
The information terminal further comprises a notification unit that notifies a user of the determination result. An information processing method for controlling a controller connected to a reception unit to which parking lot data identifying a parking lot and cause data indicating a cause of a failure to park a vehicle in the parking lot are input, the method comprising:
The controller:
determining whether the factor is a fluctuation factor based on the factor data;
If it is determined that the factor is not a fluctuation factor, it is determined that parking in the parking lot is not recommended ;
If it is determined that the factor is the fluctuation factor, it is determined whether or not the parking lot is in a situation where the factor occurs;
If it is determined that the situation is such that the cause occurs, it is determined that parking in the parking lot is not recommended.
An information processing method comprising:

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