Exhibit 1005
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Nakagawa et a1.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Sep. 12, 2002
`
`US 20020128882A1
`
`(54) VEHICLE INSURANCE PREMIUM
`CALCULATION SYSTEM, ON-BOARD
`APPARATUS, AND SERVER APPARATUS
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 27, 2002
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Shigeru Nakagawa, Okazaki-shi (JP);
`Kenji Mori, Toyota-shi (JP); Akira
`Shinada; Meguro-ku (JP); Katsuhiko
`Nunokawa, Kamakura—shi (JP);
`Himaki Okajima, Chiba-shi (JP);
`Makoto Sasaki, Chiba-511i (JP)
`
`Mar. 6, 2001 (JP) 2001-062117
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... G06F 17/60
`(51)
`(52) US. Cl.
`705/4
`
`Correspondence Address:
`OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
`PO. BOX 19928
`ALEXANDRIA, VA 22320 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI
`KAISHA, Toyota-shi (JP)
`
`(21) Appl. No.2
`
`10/083,566
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`This system comprises a usage status detection means for
`detecting the usage status of a vehicle, data input means for
`inputting data relating to the maintenance or management of
`a vehicle; and insurance premium calculation means for
`calculating vehicle insurance premiums based on detection
`results and inputted data.
`
`fiififi
`
`REGULAR
`INSPECTION
`
`CONTRACT REPAIR
`FACTORY
`
`RESULTS OF
`N PECTION
`PERIODIC | S
`
`
`
`SAFE DRIVING
`INFORMATION
`|=———___—____l———J>
`
`¢———_:=l
`INSURANCE PREMIUM
`DISCOUNT OR INCREASE
`
`CAR INSURANCE
`COMPANY
`
`Liberty Mutual
`
`Exhibit 1005
`
`Page 000001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 1 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Fig. 1
`
`REGULAR
`INSPECTION
`
`CONLi’écTZBRREPAIR
`
`RESULTSCOIS
`PERIODI
`I SPECTION
`SAFEDRIVING\
`
`
`INFORMATION
`===>
`
`<:=-—‘____———=l
`INSURANCE PREMIUM
`DISCOUNT OR INCREASE
`
`CAR INSURANCE
`COMPANY
`
`Page 000002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 2 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
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`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 3 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Fig.3
`
`
`
`$2
`
`SAFE
`
`UDGMEN
`ABOUT SAFE
`. RIVING
`
`DANGEROUS
`
`‘
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`RECORD DEGREE
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`USAGE DATA ¢
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`STATUS
`
`S3
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`S5
`
`S4
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`
`
`Page 000004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 4 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Fig.4
`
`
`
`
`
`INSPECTION
`INFORMATION
`
`AND ID INPUT
`
`
`
`
`INSPECTION
`
`INFORMATION
`
`AND ID SENT
`
`
`
`
`INSPECTION
`
`STATUS AND
`
`
`ID RECEIVED
`
`
`
`
`
`DATA UPDATED
`TO CORRESPOND
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 000005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 5 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Fig.5
`
`8T2
`
`(START
`
`USAGE DATA ‘
`
`READ
`
`USAGE DATA
`
`3T1
`
`‘ SEND USAGE
`STATUS AND ID
`
`3T3
`
`RECEIVE USAGE
`STATUS AND ID
`
`3T4
`
`8T5
`
`UPDATE DATA TO
`CORRESPOND
`TO ID
`
`ST6
`
`USER DATA
`
`CALCULATE
`INSURANCE
`PREMIUM FOR
`NEXT TERM
`
`3T7
`
`SEND RESULTS
`INFORMATION
`
`3T8
`
`‘RECEIVE RESULTS
`
`INFORMATION
`
`5T9
`
`DISPLAY
`RESULTS
`
`3T10
`
`END
`
`Page 000006
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 6 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`
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`Page 000007
`
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 7 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`
`
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`Page 000008
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 8 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`
`
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`Page 000009
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 9 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Fig.9
`
`USAGE DATA e
`
`READ
`USAGE DATA
`
`
`
`
`
`VEHICLE
`INSPECTION DATA
`
`R1
`
`R3
`
`
`
`R2
`
`R4
`
`
`
`0
`READ VEHICLE
`INSPECTION DATA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` OUTPUT
`
`
`CALCULATE INSURANCE
`PREMIUM FOR CURRENT
`POINT IN TIME BASED ON
`USAGE DATA AND VEHICLE
`INSPECTION DATA
`
`
`
`CURRENT
`
`INSURANCE
`PREMIUM
`
`
`
`R5
`
`R6
`
`Page 000010
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 12, 2002 Sheet 10 0f 10
`
`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Flg. 1 0
`
`STANDARD AMOUNT
`
`DISCOUNT
`
`Page 000011
`
`D Z
`
`POINTS FOR DEGREE
`DEGREE OF SAFE DRIVING «fiw DEGREE OF SAFE DRIVING
`(LOW)
`(HIGH)
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`
`

`

`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Sep. 12, 2002
`
`VEHICLE INSURANCE PREMIUM CALCULATION
`SYSTEM, ON-BOARD APPARATUS, AND SERVER
`APPARATUS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle insurance
`premium calculation system that calculates the appropriate
`vehicle insurance premium by taking into account the main-
`tenance and management status of the vehicle.
`
`[0003]
`
`2. Description of the Related Art
`
`[0004] Related art, for example, includes a method and
`system for determining car insurance premiums based on the
`monitoring, recording, and communication of data showing
`the operating characteristics of the operator and vehicle as
`disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
`H11—515811.
`In this method and system,
`the insurance
`premium is adjusted retrospectively by linking operating
`characteristics to prescribed safety standards, and is then set
`for the future. This method includes a process that monitors
`a multiplicity of unprocessed data elements that show the
`actions of operators or how the car is being operated.
`Selected ones of these unprocessed data elements are
`recorded when it is determined that they have a prescribed
`relationship with a safety standard. Selected elements are
`combined so that any additional charge or discount that
`should be applied to the basic premium for car insurance can
`be specified when those elements are processed in an
`insurance company profile. The vehicle insurance premium
`is ultimately generated from the basic premium and any
`additional charges or discounts.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`in the art described in the aforemen-
`[0005] However,
`tioned publication, it has been difficult for a car insurance
`company to prove that a car has been properly maintained
`and serviced by a user (or driver) because the insurance
`premium is calculated based simply on information relating
`to the vehicle’s operation and history of safety apparatus
`use. That is, it was not possible to calculate car insurance
`premiums that took into account whether or not components
`such as tires and brake pads, used to run a vehicle safely,
`have been serviced or maintained. This system aims to
`calculated appropriate vehicle insurance premiums by tak—
`ing into account the maintenance and servicing history of the
`vehicle.
`
`[0006] A first vehicle insurance premium calculation sys-
`tem comprises a usage status detection means that detects
`the usage status of a vehicle, a data input means through
`which data relating to vehicle servicing or maintenance is
`input, and an insurance premium calculation means that
`calculates vehicle insurance premiums based on the detec-
`tion results and input data.
`
`[0007] The usage status of a vehicle refers to the way in
`which a vehicle is operated by the driver or the installation
`status of equipment for protecting passengers. Thus, because
`the usage status of a vehicle is detected and vehicle insur—
`ance premiums are calculated to incorporate data relating to
`the vehicle maintenance and management, appropriate
`vehicle insurance premiums can be determined.
`
`[0008] The first vehicle insurance premium calculation
`system can further comprise a display means that displays
`data relating to the calculated insurance premium.
`[0009] Data relating to the calculated insurance premium
`is thus displayed and so the user (or driver) of a vehicle can
`be encouraged to drive safely, install safety equipment as
`appropriate, and properly maintain a vehicle.
`[0010] The first vehicle insurance premium calculation
`system can further comprise an audio output means that
`outputs data relating to calculated insurance premiums by
`voice.
`
`[0011] Data relating to the calculated insurance premium
`is thus output by voice and so the user (or driver) of a vehicle
`can be encouraged to drive safely, install safety equipment
`as appropriate, and properly maintain a vehicle.
`[0012] A second vehicle insurance premium calculation
`system is a vehicle insurance premium calculation system
`comprising on—board apparatus, a maintenance data man—
`agement means, and server apparatus. The onboard appara—
`tus comprises a usage status detection means that detects the
`usage status of a vehicle, an on-board sending means that
`sends at least data relating to the detected usage status, an
`on-board reception means that receives at least data relating
`to insurance premiums, and an on-board display means that
`displays the received data. The maintenance data manage—
`ment means comprises a data input means that enters at least
`data relating to vehicle maintenance or management, and a
`data sending means that sends at least data relating to vehicle
`maintenance or management. The server apparatus com-
`prises a reception means on the server side that receives data
`relating to the usage status and data relating to the mainte-
`nance or management of a vehicle, an insurance premium
`calculation means that calculates vehicle insurance premi-
`ums based on received data, and a sending means on the
`server side that sends data relating to the calculated insur-
`ance premiums to the on—board apparatus.
`[0013] The usage status of a vehicle is thus detected and
`vehicle insurance premiums that incorporate data relating to
`vehicle maintenance or management are calculated. There—
`fore, appropriate vehicle insurance premiums can be deter-
`mined.
`
`[0014] Athird vehicle insurance premium calculation sys-
`tem is a vehicle insurance premium calculation system that
`comprises on—board apparatus, a maintenance data manage—
`ment means, and server apparatus. The onboard apparatus
`comprises a usage status detection means that detects the
`usage status of a vehicle, an on—board input means that
`enters data relating to vehicle maintenance or management
`from the maintenance data management means, an insurance
`premium calculation means that calculates insurance premi-
`ums based on all detection results and data relating to
`vehicle maintenance or management, an on—board display
`means that displays data relating to calculated vehicle insur—
`ance premiums, and an on—board sending and reception
`means that sends at
`least data relating to the calculated
`vehicle insurance premiums. The maintenance data manage-
`ment means comprises a data input means that enters at least
`data relating to vehicle maintenance or management, and an
`output means that outputs at least data relating to vehicle
`maintenance or management. The server apparatus com-
`prises a reception means on the server side that receives at
`least data relating to vehicle insurance premiums.
`
`Page 000012
`
`

`

`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Sep. 12, 2002
`
`[0015] The vehicle usage status is thus detected and
`vehicle insurance premiums that incorporate data relating to
`vehicle maintenance and management are calculated. There-
`fore, suitable vehicle insurance premiums can be deter-
`mined. Also,
`the insurance premiums calculated in the
`on—board apparatus can be managed by the server apparatus.
`
`In any of the above vehicle insurance premium
`[0016]
`calculation systems,
`the insurance premium calculation
`means can be configured so that vehicle insurance premiums
`can be calculated in real time to suit fluctuations in data
`relating to detection results and vehicle maintenance or
`management data.
`
`[0017] Vehicle insurance premiums are thus calculated in
`real time to match detection results and fluctuations in data
`relating to the maintenance or management of a vehicle and
`so users (or drivers) of that vehicle can always understand
`the changes to insurance premiums made based on fluctua-
`tions in data. That is, they can understand the increases in
`insurance premiums that result from unsafe driving or the
`decreases in insurance premiums that result from the proper
`installation of safety equipment. As a result, the user (or
`driver) of a vehicle can be encouraged to drive safely,
`properly install safety equipment, and properly maintain a
`vehicle.
`
`In any of the above vehicle insurance premium
`[0018]
`calculation systems,
`the insurance premium calculation
`means can be configured to allow estimated vehicle insur-
`ance premiums to be calculated to suit detection results and
`fluctuations in the data relating to vehicle maintenance or
`management.
`
`[0019] Estimated values for vehicle insurance premiums
`are thus calculated to suit detection results and fluctuations
`in data relating to vehicle maintenance or management.
`Therefore, each time estimated values are displayed, the user
`(or driver) of a vehicle can understand insurance premium
`estimates calculated based on data fluctuations. That is, they
`can understand any increase in insurance premium that
`results from unsafe driving or any decrease in insurance
`premium that results from the proper installation of safety
`equipment. As a result, the user (or driver) of a vehicle can
`be encouraged to drive safely, properly install safety equip-
`ment, and properly maintain a vehicle.
`
`[0020] The on—board apparatus can also be configured to
`incorporate a usage status detection means that detects the
`usage status of a vehicle, a on-board sending means that
`sends at least data relating to the detected usage status, a
`on-board reception means that receives at least data relating
`to insurance premiums, and an onboard display means that
`displays the received data.
`
`[0021] The usage status of a vehicle is thus detected and
`sent and data relating to insurance premiums calculated
`based on the sent data is displayed. Therefore, a user (or
`driver) of that vehicle can be encouraged to drive safely,
`properly install safety equipment, and properly maintain a
`vehicle.
`
`[0022] One on-board apparatus can also be configured to
`incorporate a usage status detection means that detects the
`usage status of a vehicle, an on—board input means that
`enters data relating to the maintenance or management of a
`vehicle, an insurance premium calculation means that cal-
`culates the insurance premium for a vehicle based on
`
`detection results and data relating to the maintenance or
`management of the vehicle, and a on-board display means
`that displays data relating to the calculated vehicle insurance
`premiums.
`
`[0023] The usage status of a vehicle is thus detected and
`the vehicle insurance premium, Which incorporates data
`relating to vehicle maintenance or management, is calcu-
`lated and so an appropriate vehicle insurance premium can
`be determined.
`
`[0024] The server apparatus is configured to include a
`reception means on the server side that receives data relating
`to the usage status of a vehicle and data relating to the
`maintenance or management of a vehicle, an insurance
`premium calculation means that calculates the vehicle insur-
`ance premium based on received data, and a sending means
`on the server side that sends data relating to the calculated
`insurance premium.
`
`[0025] Vehicle insurance premiums are thus calculated
`based on data relating to the usage status of a vehicle and
`data relating to the maintenance or management of the
`vehicle and so an appropriate vehicle insurance premium
`can be determined.
`
`[0026] The vehicle insurance calculation method is con-
`figured to include a usage status detection process that
`detects the usage status of a vehicle, a data input process that
`enters data relating to vehicle maintenance or management,
`and an insurance premium calculation process that calcu-
`lates vehicle insurance premiums based on detection results
`and input data.
`
`[0027] The usage status of a vehicle is thus detected and
`a vehicle insurance premium, incorporating data relating to
`vehicle maintenance or management, is calculated and so an
`appropriate vehicle insurance premium can be determined.
`
`[0028] The vehicle insurance premium calculation method
`can also include a display means that displays data relating
`to the calculated insurance premium.
`
`[0029] Data relating to calculated insurance premiums is
`thus displayed and so a user (or driver) of that vehicle can
`be encouraged to drive safely, properly install safety equip-
`ment, and properly maintain a vehicle.
`
`[0030] The vehicle insurance premium calculation method
`can also include a voice output process that outputs data
`relating to calculated insurance premiums by voice.
`[0031] Data relating to calculated insurance premiums is
`thus output by voice and so a user (or driver) of that vehicle
`can be encouraged to drive safely, properly install safety
`equipment, and properly maintain a vehicle.
`
`[0032] The vehicle insurance premium calculation system
`can also be configured with an operation status detection
`means that detects how a vehicle is being operated by a
`driver, an installation status detection means that detects the
`installation status of equipment for protecting passengers, an
`insurance premium calculation means that calculations
`vehicle insurance premiums based on the detection results,
`and a display means that displays the calculated vehicle
`insurance premiums for the driver.
`
`[0033] This configuration detects how a vehicle is being
`operated by its driver and detects the installation status of
`equipment for protecting passengers.
`It
`then calculates
`
`Page 000013
`
`

`

`US 2002/0128882 A1
`
`Sep. 12, 2002
`
`vehicle insurance premiums based on the results of such
`detection. This enables appropriate vehicle insurance pre-
`miums to be determined. Also, the calculated vehicle insur-
`ance premiums are displayed on the display means and so a
`user (or driver) of that vehicle can be encouraged to drive
`safely and properly install safety equipment.
`
`[0034] This vehicle insurance premium calculation system
`can further incorporate a maintenance and management
`status detection means that detects the maintenance and
`management of a vehicle. The insurance premium calcula—
`tion means can also be configured to calculate vehicle
`insurance premiums that incorporate the detected vehicle
`maintenance or management status.
`
`[0035] Vehicle insurance premiums that incorporate data
`relating to vehicle maintenance or management are thus
`calculated and so appropriate vehicle insurance premiums
`can be determined, That is, maintenance of a vehicle, for
`example ensuring vehicle oils, tires, and brake pads are kept
`in good condition, is necessary to ensure that a vehicle runs
`safely and therefore appropriate insurance premiums can be
`determined by reflecting a vehicle’s maintenance and man-
`agement status in the insurance premiums. As a result, a user
`(or driver) of that vehicle can be encouraged to properly
`maintain a vehicle.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0036] FIG. 1 shows a concept of a motor vehicle insur-
`ance premium calculation system according to a
`first
`embodiment;
`
`[0037] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the
`configuration of a car insurance premium calculation system
`according to a first embodiment;
`[0038] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations by
`which on—board apparatus collects various data;
`[0039] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operations by
`which the maintenance data management means collects
`various data;
`
`[0040] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operations by
`which motor vehicle insurance premiums are calculated;
`
`[0041] FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen display in
`step ST10 of FIG. 5;
`
`[0042] FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen display in
`step ST10 of FIG. 5;
`
`[0043] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of the
`configuration of a car insurance premium calculation system
`according to a second embodiment;
`
`[0044] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation by
`which the insurance premium calculation means provided in
`the on-board apparatus calculates car insurance premiums;
`and
`
`[0045] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship
`between insurance amounts and degrees of safe driving.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0046] The embodiments of the present invention will be
`explained below with reference to diagrams. In the vehicle
`insurance premium calculation system according to the
`
`present invention, items, mainly including people, objects,
`passengers, and vehicles, are considered to be the subject of
`insurance. The insurance is not
`limited to the type of
`“vehicle insurance” that applies only to damage to the
`vehicle body. In the embodiment that follow, the vehicle
`insurance premium calculation system according to the
`present invention is explained using an example of a car.
`However, the present invention is not limited to use with
`cars.
`
`(First Embodiment)
`[0047]
`[0048] FIG. 1 shows the concept of the car insurance
`premium calculation system according to a first embodiment
`of the present invention. Auser or driver of car 1 (hereinafter
`referred to as a “user”) subscribes to car insurance handled
`by car insurance company 2. When the user uses car 1, an
`on-board apparatus (on-board) apparatus installed in car 1
`collects, via various sensors, information relating to the
`operation of car 1 by the user and information relating to the
`installation status of safety equipment. The collected infor—
`mation is provided from the on-board apparatus to the car
`insurance company 2. Here, the car 1 is a mobile object and
`so radio communication is used between car 1 and car
`insurance company 2.
`
`[0049] A contract repair factory 3, which has a contractual
`relationship with car insurance company 2, knows whether
`or not the user of car 1 has regularly inspected and serviced
`car 1. When the inspection and service of car 1 is carried out
`at contract repair factory 3, that information is sent to car
`insurance company 2. Radio communication or wired com—
`munication can be used to report that information.
`
`[0050] Car insurance company 2 calculates the car insur-
`ance premiums based on information sent by radio commu-
`nication from car 1 and information sent from contract repair
`factory 3. For example, when a user has properly installed
`safety equipment in car 1, drives car 1 safely, and properly
`maintains and manages car 1 at contract repair factory 3, car
`insurance company 2 assumes a reduction in any insurance
`that may have to be paid out for car 1. Therefore,
`the
`insurance premiums payable for car 1 are discounted. Con-
`versely,
`if the user 1 has not properly installed safety
`equipment in car 1, does not drive safely, and does not
`properly maintain or manage car 1, car insurance company
`2 assumes an increase in any insurance that may have to be
`paid out for car 1. Therefore, the car insurance premiums
`payable for that car are increased. Data relating to the car
`insurance premiums after any discount or increase has been
`applied is sent Via radio communication from car insurance
`company 2 to car 1. The received data relating to the car
`insurance premium is displayed so that it is visible to the
`user of car 1.
`
`[0051] The user of car 1 can judge whether or not they are
`driving car 1 safely, whether or not
`they have properly
`installed safety equipment, and whether or not they are
`properly maintaining or managing car 1 from the displayed
`car insurance premium. That is, an increase in the displayed
`car insurance premium encourages the user to drive the
`vehicle safely, properly install safety equipment, and prop-
`erly maintain the car. This can heighten their awareness of
`traffic safety. On the other hand, a decrease in the premium
`makes the user aware that their actions thus far are appro-
`priate and enables them to receive a decrease in insurance
`premiums. Also, by increasing the awareness of users about
`
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`traffic safety, car insurance company 2 can reduce the
`amount of insurance that it must pay out. Furthermore, by
`being provided with the opportunities for regular inspections
`and servicing, the contract repair factory 3 can increase their
`profits.
`
`[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the
`configuration of a car insurance premium calculation system
`according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
`The car insurance premium calculation system according to
`the first embodiment comprises an on—board apparatus 4
`loaded into car 1, a maintenance data management means 5
`provided in the contract repair factory 3, and server appa-
`ratus 6 installed in the car insurance company.
`
`[0053] The on-board apparatus 4 comprises an operation
`status detection means (detector) 7 that detects how a car is
`being operated by a user, an installation status detection
`means (detector) 8 that detects whether or not equipment for
`protecting passengers has been installed, an on-board radio
`part 9 that sends and receives data by radio, and a display
`means 10 that displays data so that it is visible. These are
`then connected via a control bus 11 to a on-board control
`part (processor) 12. In the present invention, the operating
`status of a car by a user, or the installation status of
`equipment for protecting passengers is expressed as the
`“vehicle usage status”.
`
`[0054] The operating status detection means 7 consists of
`various sensors. It detects how the accelerator is used by the
`user of car 1, the speed at which the car is driven, how the
`anti-lock braking (or brake) system (ABS) is working, the
`time, changes in engine revolutions, transmission settings
`(parking, reverse, drive, neutral), and use of left and right
`indicators and of headlamps. It then outputs this information
`as data. It can detect the current location of a car using a
`global positioning satellite (or system) (GPS) and uses a G
`sensor to detect deceleration and acceleration and braking.
`Furthermore, using an air analyzer or breath tester, this
`means can detect whether or not a user has consumed
`alcohol and the levels consumed. The operating status
`detection means 7 also includes various sensors for collect-
`ing information relating to the operating status of car 1.
`
`[0055] The installation status detection means 8 consists
`of various sensors that detect the installation status of safety
`equipment. It detects seatbelts installation status, child seat
`installation status, and the position in which head rests are
`used and outputs information as data. In other words, this
`detector 8 detects passenger activation status of protection
`equipment for passengers. Using passenger detection sen-
`sors, the wearing status detection means 8 detects the angle
`of seat backs and the positions in which passengers are
`seated. It checks that child seats in passenger seats equipped
`with passenger seat air bags are installed facing backwards.
`Here,
`the phrase installation status refers not simply to
`whether or not safety devices are being used but also to
`whether or not they have been properly installed. That is,
`even if a seat belt is being used it cannot be said to be being
`used properly if the shoulder anchor for the seatbelt is set so
`that the seatbelt does not go over the shoulder of a passenger.
`A method using image recognition can be used to detect
`whether safety equipment has been installed properly. That
`is, an image taken of a passenger from the front is entered
`and by recognizing the position of eyes and shoulders from
`the image, the detection means an detect whether or not the
`
`height of the shoulder anchor on the seat belt has been
`properly adjusted. The installation status detection means 8
`includes all sensors for collecting other information relating
`to the installation status of safety equipment in car 1.
`
`[0056] Data collected by the operating status detection
`means 7 and installation status detection means 8 is sent to
`the on-board radio part 9 via a control bus 11 while control
`by the on-board control part 12 is being received. The
`on-board radio part 9 sends data detected as above to server
`apparatus 6, installed at the car insurance company 2, via
`radio.
`
`[0057] The display means 10 consists, for example, of a
`liquid crystal monitor, and displays video, static images, and
`writing in a visible format. The display means 10 also has a
`voice output means 13 that outputs data by voice. This
`means that voice guidelines or sound elfects are output with
`the screen display in display means 10. The voice output
`means 13 comprises, for example, an amp part, CD player,
`DVD player, CD—ROM drive, MP3 player, and stereo speak—
`ers. Audio or voice data can be replayed and output.
`
`[0058] The on-board control part 12 controls the entire
`on-board apparatus 4. Also, the on-board control part 12
`contains memory that is not pictured. This memory stores
`data collected by operating status detection means 7 and
`installation status detection means 8 and data received via
`radio by the on-board radio part 9.
`
`[0059] The contract repair factory 3 has a maintenance
`data management means 5. This manages data relating to
`whether or not car 1 has been properly maintained or
`managed when the user of car 1 brings car 1 to the control
`repair factory 3. The maintenance data management means
`5 comprises an inspection information input means 15 that
`enters data relating to the maintenance or management of the
`car and a sending means 16 that uses radio or wired means
`to send data relating to car maintenance or management.
`
`[0060] The inspection information input means 15 enters
`the results of an inspection of components that need replace—
`ment regularly or after a certain amount of use in car 1. Also,
`this inspection information input means 15 mainly detects
`items that cannot be detected by on-board apparatus 4. For
`example, information such as the condition of the various
`oils, the conditions of brake pads, engine timing belt, brake
`drum, and tires, and any replacements made when these
`have deteriorated, is input as data. The inspection informa—
`tion input means 15 also has memory that is not pictured in
`which the input data is stored. Also, the data entered in the
`inspection information input means 15 is sent
`to server
`apparatus 6 at the car insurance company 2 using sending
`means 16. Here, sending means 16 can send data by radio or
`by wired means.
`
`[0061] Server apparatus 6 is installed in the car insurance
`company 2. The server apparatus 6 calculates an appropriate
`car insurance premium based on data received from the
`on-board apparatus 4 and the maintenance data management
`means 5. It then sends the calculated car insurance premium
`to the on-board apparatus 4. That
`is, server apparatus 6
`comprises a fixed radio part 18 that sends and receives data
`by radio, a reception means 19 that receives data relating to
`car maintenance or management from sending means 16 by
`radio or wired communication, and insurance premium
`calculation means (processor) 20 that calculates car insur-
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`
`ance premiums based on detection results sent from on-
`board apparatus 4 and on car maintenance or management
`data sent from sending means 16. These are also connected
`to the control part 22 on the server side via a control bus 21.
`The control part 22 on the server side is equipped with
`memory, which is not pictured, and data relating to car
`insurance subscribers is stored in this memory as “user
`data”.
`
`[0062] The car insurance premium calculated by insurance
`premium calculation means 20 is controlled by the controller
`part 22 on the server side as data and is sent to a fixed radio
`part 18 via control bus 21. The fixed radio part 18 sends car
`insurance premium data by radio to an on-board radio part
`9 installed in the onboard apparatus 4. Car insurance pre-
`mium data received by the on-board radio part 9 is displayed
`on display means 10 and at the same time prescribed voice
`data is output by the voice output means 13.
`
`[0063] Next, the operations in a car insurance premium
`calculation system according to the first embodiment as
`configured above will be explained. FIG. 3 is a flowchart
`that shows an operation in which various data is collected by
`on-board apparatus 4. The on-board control part 12 in