JP7779786B2 - Information distribution device and information distribution method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for delivering warning information to vehicles.

Known vehicle driving assistance technologies include those that alert the driver when passing through a high-accident zone or when a pedestrian is predicted to cross the road. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that issues a warning to the driver when a pedestrian is present on the side of the roadway.

JP 2014-78155 A

If the same warning is given whether there is a high or low possibility of a pedestrian crossing the road, the increased frequency of the warnings may result in drivers paying less attention to the warnings. Pedestrians may suddenly cross the roadway depending on the situation, and it is desirable to effectively alert drivers to such pedestrian behavior.

The object of the present invention is to provide technology that can warn pedestrians when they suddenly cross the road.

According to the present invention,
a receiving means for receiving location information from each mobile terminal of a plurality of monitoring subjects;
A determination means for determining a risk level of the monitored person entering the roadway based on the position information;
a transmitting means for transmitting, based on the determination result of the determining means, attention-calling information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway;
An information distribution device comprising:
The determination means
Based on relationship information indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitoring subjects and the position information, if a second monitoring subject who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with a first monitoring subject to be determined is present on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitoring subject, the risk level is increased ;
Even if the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person to be monitored, if the state in which the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway continues for a predetermined period of time, the risk level will not be raised.
An information distribution device is provided.

The present invention provides technology that can warn pedestrians when they suddenly cross the road.

Overview of the information distribution system. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing examples of distribution services. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal, FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an in-vehicle terminal, and FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an information distribution device. 1A is a diagram showing an example of real-time information of a person to be monitored, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of real-time information of a vehicle, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of personal information of a person to be monitored. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in the information distribution system. 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing an example of processing executed in an information distribution system. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by an information distribution device. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of risk level determination and an example of delivery of warning information.

The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

<System Overview>
1 is a schematic diagram of an information distribution system 1. The information distribution system 1 is a system that provides information on the behavior of pedestrians (monitoring subjects 3) to vehicles 5 via an information distribution device 2, thereby providing driving support for the vehicles 5. The information distribution device 2 is a server that operates the information distribution system 1 and is connected to mobile terminals 4 of multiple monitoring subjects 3 and in-vehicle terminals 6 of multiple vehicles 5 via a communication network such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate wirelessly.

The mobile terminal 4 is a communication terminal such as a smartphone used by the monitored persons 3. In the illustrated example, there are five monitored persons 3, but it is assumed that there are many more. The in-vehicle terminal 6 is a communication terminal built into the vehicle 5. The vehicle 5 is assumed to be a four-wheeled motor vehicle, but it may also be a motorcycle. In the illustrated example, there are four vehicles 5, but it is assumed that there are many more.

<Service Overview>
An example of a service provided by the information distribution device 2 will be described. The information distribution device 2 receives current location information of each monitored person 3 from each mobile terminal 4 and determines the risk level of each monitored person 3 entering the roadway. The risk level indicates the possibility of each monitored person 3 entering the roadway in stages. If there is a possibility that the monitored person 3 will enter the roadway, the information distribution device 2 transmits attention alert information to the in-vehicle terminal 6 of the vehicle 5 on that roadway. The in-vehicle terminal 6 issues a warning to the driver of the vehicle 5 based on the received attention alert information.

Figures 2(A) and 2(B) schematically show an example of the service. The example in Figure 2(A) shows a situation in which a monitored person 3 is located on a sidewalk in a risk area 8 that has been set up on a map in advance as an accident-prone area, etc. Location information PI is sent from the mobile terminal 4 of the monitored person 3 to the information distribution device 2. In this embodiment, if the monitored person 3 is present in the risk area 8, it is determined that there is a possibility that the monitored person will enter the roadway 7 in the risk area 8. The information distribution device 2 sends caution information CI to the in-vehicle terminal 6 of a vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7. The in-vehicle terminal 6 issues a caution to the driver. In the illustrated example, the driver is warned by voice or display that they should "watch out ahead to the left."

In the example of Figure 2 (B), the person being monitored 3 is not present in the risk area 8. However, the person being monitored 3 is moving suddenly on the sidewalk toward the roadway 7. In this embodiment, if the person being monitored 3 moves suddenly toward the roadway 7, it is determined that there is a possibility that the person being monitored 3 will enter the roadway 7. The information distribution device 2 recognizes the movement of the person being monitored 3 based on changes in the location information PI transmitted from the mobile terminal 4 of the person being monitored 3. The information distribution device 2 then transmits attention alert information CI to the in-vehicle terminal 6 of the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7. The in-vehicle terminal 6 issues an attention alert to the driver. In the example shown, the driver is notified by voice or display that they should "watch out ahead on the left."

This type of service allows the driver of the vehicle 5 to be aware of the presence of pedestrians in their blind spots, etc., and to drive more safely. This also reduces the risk of the monitored person 3 getting into an accident if they accidentally run out onto the roadway 7. Therefore, the information distribution system 1 provides a service that increases the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.

<Configuration examples of mobile terminal, in-vehicle terminal, and information distribution device>
3A is a block diagram of the mobile terminal 4. The mobile terminal 4 includes a processing unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, a display unit 45, and a position sensor 46. The processing unit 41 is a processor typified by a CPU, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 42. The storage unit 42 is a storage device typified by semiconductor memory such as RAM and ROM. The programs stored in the storage unit 42 also include application programs for using the service of this embodiment.

The communication unit 43 is a wireless communication device capable of communicating with the information distribution device 2 via a communication network. The input unit 44 is a device that accepts input from the monitored person 3. The display unit 45 is an electronic image display device with input functionality. The input unit 44 and display unit 45 may form a touch panel display. The position sensor 46 is a sensor that detects the current position of the mobile terminal 4, and is, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor.

Figure 3 (B) is a block diagram of the in-vehicle terminal 6. The in-vehicle terminal 6 includes a processing unit 61, a memory unit 62, a communication unit 63, an audio output unit 64, a display unit 65, and a position sensor 66. The processing unit 61 is a processor such as a CPU, and executes programs stored in the memory unit 62. The memory unit 62 is a storage device such as a semiconductor memory such as RAM or ROM, or a hard disk.

The communication unit 63 is a wireless communication device capable of communicating with the information distribution device 2 via a communication network. The input unit 64 is a device that accepts input from the driver of the vehicle 5. The audio output unit 65 is a notification device that notifies the driver by outputting sound. The display unit 66 is an electronic image display device and is a notification device that notifies the driver by outputting images. The sensor group 67 is a group of various sensors that detect the state of the vehicle 5 (e.g., vehicle speed), and includes a position sensor 67a. The position sensor 67a is a sensor that detects the current position of the vehicle 5, and is, for example, a GNSS sensor.

In this embodiment, the in-vehicle terminal 6 is a navigation device that provides the driver with information to guide the vehicle 5 to its destination. Map information is stored in the memory unit 62. The position of the vehicle 5 on the map is determined from the detection results of the position sensor 67a.

Figure 3(C) is a block diagram of the information distribution device 2. In the illustrated example, the information distribution device 2 is composed of a single server computer. However, the information distribution device 2 may also be configured to perform distributed processing using multiple server computers that can communicate with each other.

The information distribution device 2 includes a processing unit 21, a memory unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The processing unit 21 is a processor such as a CPU, and executes programs stored in the memory unit 22. The memory unit 22 is a storage device such as a semiconductor memory such as RAM or ROM, or a hard disk. The communication unit 23 includes a communication interface that can communicate with the mobile terminal 4 and the in-vehicle terminal 6 via a communication network.

The memory unit 22 stores various data in addition to the programs executed by the processing unit 21. The programs may be installed into the information distribution device 2 from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM. In the example of Figure 3(C), databases (DB) 24 to 26 are shown as examples of data stored in the memory unit 22.

DB 24 is a database that stores real-time information about the current status of monitored persons 3 and vehicles 5. Figure 4(A) shows an example of real-time information 24a for monitored persons 3. "ID" is an identifier used to distinguish individual monitored persons 3 (mobile terminals 4). By distinguishing them using this identifier, information about each monitored person 3 is stored in real-time information 24a.

"Location transition" is a history of location information periodically transmitted from the mobile device 4. "n" indicates the most recent location information, "n-1" indicates the location information from one cycle ago, and "n-2" indicates the location information from two cycles ago. The period of such location information history is, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes. "Location transition" makes it possible to infer the behavior of each monitored person 3.

Figure 4 (B) shows an example of real-time information 24b for vehicle 5. "ID" is an identifier used to distinguish individual vehicles 5 (on-board terminals 6). By distinguishing vehicles using this identifier, information about each vehicle 5 is accumulated in real-time information 24b. "Current location" indicates the latest location information periodically transmitted from the on-board terminal 6. "Route" is information indicating the roadway on which the vehicle 5 is traveling, periodically transmitted from the on-board terminal 6 along with the location information. "Vehicle speed" is information indicating the speed of the vehicle 5, periodically transmitted from the on-board terminal 6 along with the location information.

DB25 is a database that stores personal information about the monitored person 3 and information about the vehicle 5. Information about the vehicle 5 includes the "ID" of the vehicle 5 and the communication address of the in-vehicle terminal 6. Figure 4(C) shows an example of personal information 25a (for one person) of the monitored person 3. "ID" is an identifier used to distinguish between individual monitored persons 3 (mobile terminals 4) and is the same identifier as "ID" in Figure 24(A). "Age" is information indicating the age of the monitored person 3. "Telephone number" and "Email" are information about the monitored person 3's telephone number and email address.

"Interpersonal relationship" is information indicating the relationship between the monitored person 3 (also referred to as the party 3) and other monitored people 3 (also referred to as related parties 3), and information on related parties 3 who have some kind of relationship with the monitored person 3 is stored. "ID" is an identifier for distinguishing related parties 3 (mobile terminals 4). "Relationship" is information indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitored person 3 and related parties 3. Examples of interpersonal relationships include parent, child, friend, lover, relative, teacher, student, classmate, senior, junior, etc.

DB26 is a database that stores information such as map information and risk areas. DBs 24-26 may be separate databases, or may be combined into a single database. In this embodiment, for convenience, the databases are described as separate, but this does not mean that they are limited to existing as separate databases.

<Processing example>
<Registration>
An example of processing performed by the information distribution system 1 will now be described. A person receiving the service will first register. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed between the mobile terminal 4 and the information distribution device 2 when the user of the mobile terminal 4 registers as a person to be monitored 3.

At S1, the mobile terminal 4 requests the information distribution device 2 for an application program to receive the service. The information distribution device 2 receives the request at S11 and downloads the application program to the mobile terminal 4 at S12. The mobile terminal 4 receives the application program at S2 and installs it on the mobile terminal 4 at S3. At S4, the application program is launched, and the registration information preparation process is first executed.

Here, the information necessary to generate the user's personal information 25a is prepared. For example, the user is requested to enter information such as age, telephone number, email address, and related parties. It is also confirmed whether the user allows the use of the phone book and communication history information stored on the mobile terminal 4. The communication history information includes, for example, information on communication partners on SNS.

When a user performs a registration operation on the mobile terminal 4, registration information 9 is sent to the information distribution device 2 in S5. The registration information 9 includes input information 91 entered by the user in the processing of S4, a phone book 92 authorized by the user, and communication history information 93, and the information distribution device 2 can acquire this information. The information distribution device 2 receives the registration information 9 in S13. In S14, personal information 25a of the user is generated from the registration information 9. When generating personal information 25a, the user's "ID" is set. The input information 91 sets the information such as "age," "telephone number," "email," and interpersonal relationship information. For interpersonal relationship information, for example, the "ID" of a registered monitored person 3 is identified by searching DB25 using the telephone number and email address of the relevant person entered by the user. The "relationship" is specified by the user.

The telephone directory 92 and communication history information 93 are also used to generate interpersonal relationship information. For example, a registered monitored person 3 is searched for in DB 25 using the telephone number or email address recorded in the telephone directory 92 or communication history information 93, and their "ID" is identified. The "relationship" is inferred and set from other information in the telephone directory 92 or communication history information 93, or the personal information 25a of the searched registered monitored person 3, and if it is difficult to infer, it is classified as unknown.

In S15, the information generated in S14 is registered in DB25. This adds the user to the monitored persons 3.

To register a vehicle 5, for example, when purchasing the vehicle 5, the owner performs the registration procedure at a store or on a web page. This registers the vehicle 5 ID and the communication address of the in-vehicle terminal 6 in DB25.

<Collection of location information>
An example of processing by the information distribution system 1 for collecting location information of the vehicle 5 and the monitored person 3 will be described. Fig. 6(A) is a flowchart showing an example of processing for collecting location information of the vehicle 5. The in-vehicle terminal 6 periodically transmits driving information to the information distribution device 2 while the vehicle 5 is driving (S21). The driving information includes information indicating the ID, the location information of the vehicle 5, the vehicle speed, and the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling. The information distribution device 2 receives the driving information in S31, and updates the real-time information 24b of the corresponding ID in the DB 24 in S32.

Figure 6 (B) is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to the collection of location information of the monitored person 3. The mobile terminal 4 periodically transmits location information to the information distribution device 2 while an application program is running (S41). The information distribution device 2 receives the location information in S41, and updates the real-time information 24a of the corresponding ID in DB 24 in S42. Specifically, each piece of location information stored in "Location Change" in Figure 4 (A) is shifted to the oldest piece of information, and the currently received location information is stored as the latest location information. In S43, distribution processing is executed for the monitored person 3 whose location information has been received this time. The monitored person 3 whose location information has been received this time is also referred to as the person being determined 3.

In this embodiment, the distribution process is triggered by receiving the location information of the monitored person 3. However, it is also possible to periodically read out the real-time information 24a of each monitored person 3 and sequentially execute the distribution process corresponding to each monitored person 3.

<Distribution process>
7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information distribution device 2, in particular the distribution processing of S43 in FIG. 6B. In S51, the risk level of the person to be determined 3 is determined. In this embodiment, the risk level is divided into four levels, 0 to 3.

Level 0 indicates that there is an extremely low possibility that the person being monitored will enter the roadway when the person being evaluated 3 enters the roadway. Level 1 indicates that there is a high possibility that the person being monitored will enter the roadway when the person being evaluated 3 enters the roadway. Level 2 indicates that there is a moderately high possibility that the person being monitored will enter the roadway when the person being evaluated 3 enters the roadway. Level 3 indicates that there is a high possibility that the person being monitored will enter the roadway when the person being evaluated 3 enters the roadway. In other words, the risk levels increase in the order 0 → 1 → 2 → 3.

In S52, it is determined whether the risk level is 1 or higher as a result of the determination in S51. If it is determined to be level 0 in S51, the processing ends without sending warning information. If it is determined to be level 1, level 2, or level 3 in S51, the processing proceeds to S53. In S54, a search is made for a vehicle 5 that is the target of a warning (hereinafter also referred to as a target vehicle) 5. Specifically, a search is made from real-time information 24b for vehicles 5 on roadways 7 that the person 3 to be determined may enter. For roadways 7, a search is made for roads close to the location of the person 3 to be determined from map information in DB 26.

The search target may be, for example, vehicles 5 within 60 m of the person 3 to be evaluated based on distance. The search target may also be vehicles 5 that arrive within 10 seconds of the person 3 to be evaluated based on the distance and speed of the vehicle 5. The roadway 7 on which the vehicle 5 is traveling may be identified by referring to the "roadway" in the real-time information 24b, or the information distribution device 2 may identify the roadway 7 from the "current location" using map information in the DB 26.

In S54, it is determined whether a target vehicle 5 was found in the search in S53. If a target vehicle 5 was not found, the process ends; if a target vehicle 5 was found, the process proceeds to S55. In S55, attention alert information is sent to the in-vehicle terminal 6 of the target vehicle 5. The attention alert information includes the risk level set in S51. The in-vehicle terminal 6 that has received the attention alert information issues a warning to the driver according to the risk level. For example, if the risk is level 1, a warning message is displayed on the display unit 45. If the risk is level 2, a warning sound is output by the audio output unit 64 in addition to a display on the display unit 65. If the risk is level 3, the intensity of the warning message displayed on the display unit 65 and the sound output by the audio output unit 64 is increased compared to level 2. If the risk is level 3, the in-vehicle device 6 may output a control command to the driving control unit of the vehicle 5 to decelerate the vehicle 5. This ends the process.

<Risk level determination>
An example of determining the risk level in S51 will be described. In this embodiment, the risk level is determined in two stages. The first stage is a risk level determination based on the behavior of the person 3 to be determined, which is the basic determination. The second stage is a risk level increase or decrease based on the presence of a person 3 to be monitored other than the person 3 to be determined.

<Determination Example 1>
8A shows an example in which the level is determined to be 0 in the first stage. The person 3a to be determined to be the subject of determination is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7. However, this alone is considered to be an extremely low risk of the person 3a entering the roadway 7, and the risk is determined to be 0. No attention-calling information is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

In Figure 8(B), as in Figure 8(A), the person being evaluated 3a is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7, and is determined to be level 0 in the first stage. However, in the example of Figure 8(B), another person being monitored 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being evaluated 3a. The presence or absence of the person being monitored 3b can be searched for from real-time information 24a. The person being monitored 3b is searched for, for example, as a person located within a predetermined distance (e.g., 20 m) from the person being evaluated 3a. The person being monitored 3b is a related person who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the person being evaluated 3a. The person being monitored 3b may also be referred to as a related person 3b. Whether or not a predetermined interpersonal relationship exists can be determined from the interpersonal relationship information in the personal information 25a of the person being evaluated 3a.

If a related party 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a, there is a possibility that the person being assessed 3a will suddenly cross the roadway 7 to meet the related party 3b, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8 (B). Therefore, as a second-stage assessment, the risk level of the person being assessed 3a is raised from level 0 to level 1. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

In this way, this embodiment provides technology that can alert drivers to pedestrians suddenly crossing the roadway.

<About interpersonal relationships>
Regarding the interpersonal relationships between the person to be judged 3a and other persons to be monitored 3, all persons registered as related persons in the personal information 25a of the person to be judged 3a may be subject to a level increase, or further restrictions may be placed on the relationship to avoid the driver being warned in a cumbersome manner. For example, the relationship may be limited to parent-child relationships, friendship relationships, or teacher-student relationships.

It may also be limited by age. If two people are relatively older, the risk of them crossing the roadway 7 is low. On the other hand, relatively younger people are more likely to act impulsively, especially if both people are young. Therefore, if the person to be judged 3a and the other person to be monitored 3 are both children, the risk level may be raised, or the risk level may be raised only if the person to be judged 3a and the other person to be monitored 3 are both children. A child may be, for example, anyone aged 12 or younger.

As another example of age restrictions, the risk level may be raised if the person being evaluated 3a is a child and the other person being monitored 3 is an adult, or the risk level may be raised only if the person being evaluated 3a is a child and the other person being monitored 3 is an adult. As mentioned above, relatively young people are more likely to engage in impulsive behavior, and if the other person being monitored 3 is an adult such as a parent or older sibling, there is a higher risk that the person being evaluated 3a will suddenly cross the roadway 7 and head toward the other person being monitored 3.

<Determination Example 2>
9(A) shows an example in which the first stage is determined to be Level 1. The person 3a to be determined is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7. The person 3a to be determined is located within the risk area 8. Therefore, the level is determined to be Level 1. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

In Figure 9(B), as in Figure 9(A), the person being assessed 3a is located within the risk area 8, and is assessed as Level 1 in the first stage. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 9(B), a related party 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a. As in the example of Figure 8(B), if a related party 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a, there is a possibility that the person being assessed 3a will suddenly cross the roadway 7 to meet the related party 3b, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 9(B). Therefore, in the second stage of assessment, the risk level of the person being assessed 3a is raised from Level 1 to Level 2. Level 2 warning information is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

<Determination Example 3>
10(A) also shows an example in which the first stage is determined to be Level 1. The person 3a to be determined is located on a sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7. Although the person 3a to be determined is not located within the risk area 8, he/she is moving toward the roadway 7, increasing the possibility that he/she will enter the roadway 7. Therefore, the level is determined to be Level 1. Whether or not the person 3a is moving toward the roadway 7 can be confirmed from the "position transition" of the real-time information 24a, and not only the change in position but also the moving speed may be a requirement. If the moving speed is higher than the normal walking speed (for example, if the person is running), there is a high possibility that he/she will enter the roadway 7. Level 1 attention alert information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

In the example of Figure 10(B), the person being assessed 3a is moving toward the roadway 7, just like in Figure 10(A). In the first stage, the risk is assessed as Level 1. Also, in the example of Figure 10(B), a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a. There is a possibility that the person being assessed 3a will suddenly cross the roadway 7 to meet the related person 3b. Therefore, in the second stage of assessment, the risk level of the person being assessed 3a is raised from Level 1 to Level 2. Level 2 warning information is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

<Determination Example 4>
FIG. 11(A) shows an example in which the level is determined to be 0 in the first stage. The person being evaluated 3a is located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway 7. However, this alone is deemed to be an extremely low risk of the person entering the roadway 7, and the risk is determined to be 0. Also, in the example of FIG. 11(A), a person being monitored 3c is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being evaluated 3a. However, the person being monitored 3c does not have a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the person being evaluated 3a. Therefore, the risk level is not raised in the second stage. No attention alert information is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

In the example of Figure 11 (B), the person being assessed 3a is located within the risk area 8 and is assessed as level 1 in the first stage. Also in the example of Figure 11 (B), a person being monitored 3c is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a. However, the person being monitored 3c does not have a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the person being assessed 3a. Therefore, the risk level is not raised in the second stage. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

<Determination Example 5>
If the state in which the person 3a is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 to the person 3b continues for a predetermined time t, the risk level may not be raised. Figures 12(A) and 12(B) show an example of this.

Figure 12 (A) shows the stage at time T=T1 when location information is received from the person being assessed 3a. The person being assessed 3a is located within the risk area 8. Therefore, in the first stage, the risk is determined to be level 1. Furthermore, a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a. Therefore, in the second stage, the risk level is raised to level 2. Level 2 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5a traveling on the roadway 7.

Figure 12 (B) shows the stage at time T = T2 when location information is received from the person being assessed 3a. Time T2 is later than time T1, and is the time after time t has passed. The person being assessed 3a is located within the risk area 8. Therefore, in the first stage, they are assessed as level 1. A related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a. However, time t has passed since time T = T1. The changes in the locations of the person being assessed 3a and related person 3b over the course of time t can be identified from the personal information 25a of each of the person being assessed 3a and related person 3b.

During time t, the person being assessed 3a and the related person 3b are positioned on opposite sidewalks across the roadway 7, so the risk of the person being assessed 3a subsequently entering the roadway 7 is considered low. Time t is, for example, a period of several tens of seconds to several minutes. Unnecessarily increasing the risk level can be irritating to the driver. Therefore, the risk level is not raised in the second stage and is determined to be level 1. At time T=T1, the information distribution device 2 transmits level 1 warning information CI to vehicle 5a, which had received level 2 warning information CI. The information distribution device 2 also transmits level 1 warning information CI to the following vehicle 5b.

<Determination Example 6>
If a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person 3a to be assessed, and if it is confirmed that the person 3a to be assessed is moving toward the related person 3b, the risk level may be further increased. Figures 13(A) and 13(B) show an example of this.

In Figure 13 (A), the person being assessed 3a is located within the risk area 8. Therefore, in the first stage, the risk is assessed as level 1. Furthermore, a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a. Therefore, in the second stage, the risk level is raised to level 2. Level 2 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

Figure 13 (B) illustrates an example in which the person being evaluated 3a moves from the state in Figure 13 (A) toward the related person 3b. The fact that the person being evaluated 3a has moved toward the related person 3b can be determined from the "positional transition" in the real-time information 24a of the person being evaluated 3a.

The fact that the person being assessed 3a has moved toward the related person 3b is considered to mean that there is a high risk of the person crossing the roadway 7 thereafter. Therefore, in the second stage, the risk level is raised by two levels to Level 2. Level 3 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

In this embodiment, the risk level is further increased when it is confirmed that the person being evaluated 3a is moving toward the related party 3b. However, conversely, the risk level may also be further increased when it is confirmed that the related party 3b is moving toward the person being evaluated 3a. This is because it is considered highly likely that the person being evaluated 3a will then enter the roadway 7 in response to the actions of the related party 3b. The movement of the related party 3b can be determined from the "positional change" of the real-time information 24a of the related party 3b.

<Determination Example 7>
If a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person to be assessed 3a, and it is confirmed that the person to be assessed 3a is moving along the roadway 7, it is not necessary to raise the risk level. Figures 14(A) and 14(B) show an example of this.

In Figure 14 (A), the person being assessed 3a is located within the risk area 8. Therefore, in the first stage, the risk is assessed as level 1. Furthermore, a related person 3b is present on the opposite side of the roadway 7 from the person being assessed 3a. Therefore, in the second stage, the risk level is raised to level 2. Level 2 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

Figure 14 (B) illustrates an example in which the subject 3a moves along the roadway 7 from the state in Figure 14 (A). The fact that the subject 3a has moved along the roadway 7 can be determined from the "position transition" of the real-time information 24a of the subject 3a.

When the person to be assessed 3a moves along the roadway 7, it is assumed that the person to be assessed 3a does not immediately cross the roadway 7, but moves to a crosswalk before crossing the roadway 7, or that the person to be assessed 3a does not intend to meet the person in question 3b. Unnecessarily increasing the risk level would cause the driver a sense of annoyance. Therefore, the risk level is not increased in the second stage, and is determined to be level 1. Level 1 warning information CI is transmitted from the information distribution device 2 to the vehicle 5 traveling on the roadway 7.

<Other Embodiments>
In the above embodiment, the risk levels are exemplified as levels 0 to 3, but are not limited to this. For example, there may be two levels, level 0 and level 1, or three levels, level 0 to level 2. Furthermore, there may be five or more risk levels.

<Summary of the embodiment>
The above-described embodiments disclose at least the following information distribution device and information distribution method.

1. The information distribution device (1) of the above embodiment is
A receiving means (23, 21, S41) for receiving location information (PI) from each mobile terminal (4) of a plurality of monitoring subjects (3);
A determination means (21, S51) for determining a risk level of the person to be monitored entering the roadway based on the position information;
a transmitting means (23, 21, S57) for transmitting warning information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway based on the determination result of the determining means;
An information distribution device comprising:
The determination means
Based on relationship information (25a) indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitored persons and the location information, if a second monitored person (3b) who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the first monitored person (3a) being judged is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person, the risk level is increased.
According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology that can warn pedestrians when they suddenly cross the road.

2. The information distribution device (1) of the above embodiment is
Acquisition means (21, S13) for acquiring communication history information (93) of each mobile terminal of the plurality of monitoring subjects;
and generating means (21, S14) for generating the relationship information based on the communication history information acquired by the acquiring means.
According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to identify a person who has a personal relationship with the first monitoring target.

3. In the above embodiment,
The determination means increases the risk level when the first person to be monitored is a child and the second person to be monitored is also a child.
According to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the driver's awareness of children who are prone to sudden behavior.

4. In the above embodiment,
The determination means increases the risk level when the first person to be monitored is a child and the second person to be monitored is an adult.
According to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the driver's awareness of children who are prone to sudden behavior.

5. In the above embodiment,
The determination means
Even if the second monitored person is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person, if the second monitored person remains on the opposite side of the roadway for a predetermined period of time, the risk level will not be raised (Figure 12(B)).
According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by unnecessary warnings and to prevent the driver from becoming less aware of the warnings.

6. In the above embodiment,
The determination means
If the second monitored person is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person and the first monitored person moves toward the second monitored person, the risk level is further increased (Figure 13(B)).
According to this embodiment, when the risk level is high, the driver can be strongly warned.

7. In the above embodiment,
The determination means
If the second monitored person is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person and moves toward the first monitored person, the risk level is further increased.
According to this embodiment, when the risk level is high, the driver can be strongly warned.

8. In the above embodiment,
The determination means
Even if the second monitored person is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person, the risk level is not raised if the first monitored person moves along the roadway (Figure 14(B)).
According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by unnecessary warnings and to prevent the driver from becoming less aware of the warnings.

9. In the above embodiment,
a receiving step (S41) of receiving location information from each mobile terminal of a plurality of monitoring subjects;
A determination step (S51) of determining a risk level of the monitored person entering the roadway based on the position information;
a transmitting step (S57) of transmitting attention-calling information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway based on the determination result of the determining step;
An information distribution method comprising:
In the determination step,
Based on relationship information (25a) indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitored persons and the location information, if a second monitored person (3b) who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with the first monitored person (3a) being judged is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitored person, the risk level is increased.
According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology that can warn pedestrians when they suddenly cross the road.

The above describes an embodiment of the invention, but the invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention.

1. Information distribution device, 3. Monitored person, 4. Mobile terminal, 5. Vehicle, 6. In-vehicle terminal

Claims (8)

a receiving means for receiving location information from each mobile terminal of a plurality of monitoring subjects;
A determination means for determining a risk level of the monitored person entering the roadway based on the position information;
a transmitting means for transmitting, based on the determination result of the determining means, attention-calling information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway;
An information distribution device comprising:
The determination means
Based on relationship information indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitoring subjects and the position information, if a second monitoring subject who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with a first monitoring subject to be determined is present on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitoring subject, the risk level is increased ;
Even if the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person to be monitored, if the state in which the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway continues for a predetermined period of time, the risk level will not be raised.
An information distribution device characterized by: 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1,
an acquisition means for acquiring communication history information of each mobile terminal of the plurality of monitoring subjects;
generating means for generating the relationship information based on the communication history information acquired by the acquisition means;
An information distribution device characterized by: 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1,
the determination means increases the risk level when the first person to be monitored is a child and the second person to be monitored is a child;
An information distribution device characterized by: 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1,
the determination means increases the risk level when the first person to be monitored is a child and the second person to be monitored is an adult;
An information distribution device characterized by: 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1,
The determination means
If the second person being monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person being monitored and the first person being monitored moves toward the second person being monitored, the risk level is further increased.
An information distribution device characterized by: 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1,
The determination means
If the second person being monitored is located on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person being monitored and the second person being monitored moves toward the first person being monitored, the risk level is further increased.
An information distribution device characterized by: 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1,
The determination means
Even if the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person to be monitored, the risk level is not increased when the first person to be monitored moves along the roadway.
An information distribution device characterized by: a receiving step of receiving location information from each mobile terminal of a plurality of monitoring subjects;
a determination step of determining a risk level of the monitored person entering the roadway based on the position information;
a transmitting step of transmitting attention-calling information to an in-vehicle terminal of a vehicle on the roadway based on the determination result of the determining step;
An information distribution method comprising:
In the determination step,
Based on relationship information indicating the interpersonal relationship between the monitoring subjects and the position information, if a second monitoring subject who has a predetermined interpersonal relationship with a first monitoring subject to be determined is present on the opposite side of the roadway from the first monitoring subject, the risk level is increased ;
Even if the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway from the first person to be monitored, if the state in which the second person to be monitored is on the opposite side of the roadway continues for a predetermined period of time, the risk level will not be raised.
An information distribution method comprising: