Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides information to pedestrians surrounding a vehicle more effectively. Display content is selected based on position information of the vehicle, and the display content is displayed on a display disposed on an outer surface of the vehicle in a state based on posture information of the vehicle. For example, display content regarding timely display is further selected and displayed prior to display content based on location information of the vehicle. Furthermore, display content regarding security related to control of the vehicle is further selected and displayed, for example, prior to other display content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to information processing equipment, information processing methods, and vehicles, and more specifically to information processing equipment, information processing methods, and vehicles for controlling the display of content on a display arranged on the outer surface of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology: displaying a captured image of the front on a display arranged at the rear of the vehicle, and overlaying and displaying a turn signal on the captured image.

[0003] Reference List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 111565 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0007] The purpose of this technology is to provide information more effectively to pedestrians who are positioned around vehicles.

[0008] Solution to the problem

[0009] The concept of this technology is:

[0010] Information processing equipment includes:

[0011] The content selection unit selects the first display content based on the vehicle's location information, and

[0012] The display control unit displays first display content on a display arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle, based on the vehicle's orientation information.

[0013] In this technology, the content selection unit selects first display content based on the vehicle's location information. For example, the first display content could be a map indicating the vehicle's location. In this case, map information including the vehicle's location can be provided to pedestrians positioned around the vehicle. Alternatively, the first display content could be, for example, display content indicating the direction in which a predetermined facility is located, based on the vehicle's location, using arrows. In this case, information about which facility is located in which direction relative to the current location can be provided to pedestrians positioned around the vehicle.

[0014] The display control unit displays first display content on displays arranged on the vehicle's outer surfaces, based on the vehicle's orientation information. For example, the display control unit can display the first display content on displays arranged on each of the vehicle's multiple outer surfaces, corresponding to each of these surfaces. In this case, the display content can be displayed appropriately for pedestrians present on each of the vehicle's multiple outer surfaces, and information can be provided effectively.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, the display control unit can change the state of the initial display content on the monitor when the vehicle's orientation becomes beyond the blind spot. As a result, the state of the display content on the monitor can be avoided every time the vehicle's orientation changes slightly, and the display content can be displayed stably and easily seen by pedestrians positioned around the vehicle.

[0016] As described above, in this technology, in a state based on the vehicle's orientation information, display content selected based on the vehicle's location information is displayed on a display arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle, and information can be provided more effectively to pedestrians who are present around the vehicle.

[0017] Note that in this technology, for example, the content selection unit can further select a second display content for timely display, and the display control unit can display the second display content on the display prior to the first display content. As a result, timely information can be appropriately provided to pedestrians present in a manner surrounding the vehicle.

[0018] In this context, for example, the second displayed content could be about predetermined targets included in the surrounding image of the vehicle. When the vehicle is providing guidance in a park, predetermined targets include, for example, animals (such as birds), trees, flowers, etc. Furthermore, in this context, the second displayed content could be about the weather at the vehicle's location. Weather includes temperature, humidity, rain, lightning, typhoons, tornadoes, gusts, etc. Additionally, in this context, the second displayed content could be about emergency warnings. Emergency warnings include earthquakes, missile attacks, tsunamis, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, in this technology, for example, the content selection unit can select third display content related to safety concerning vehicle control, and the display control unit can display the third display content over other display content. Therefore, the safety of pedestrians positioned around the vehicle can be ensured. Displays in this situation include, for example, warning displays indicating situations such as the vehicle stopping, starting, moving backward, turning left or right, and changing course to avoid obstacles in the direction of travel.

[0020] Additionally, this technology may include, for example, a sound output control unit that outputs sound corresponding to the content displayed on the monitor. In this case, information can be provided more effectively because it is provided to pedestrians positioned around the vehicle through the displayed content, and also through sound corresponding to the displayed content.

[0021] In addition, another concept of this technology is an information processing method, which includes the following processes:

[0022] Select the first content to display based on the vehicle's location information, and

[0023] Based on the vehicle's orientation information, first display content is displayed on a display arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle.

[0024] In addition, another concept of this technology is a vehicle, including:

[0025] A display mounted on an outer surface; and

[0026] Information processing equipment, among which,

[0027] The information processing device includes:

[0028] A content selection unit selects content to display based on its own location information.

[0029] The display control unit displays the content on the display based on its own orientation information. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is an example diagram showing the appearance of a vehicle.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an information processing device installed on a vehicle.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of display content selected based on vehicle location information.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of display content selected based on vehicle location information.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a diagram used to describe display control based on vehicle location information.

[0035] Figure 6 It is a diagram used to describe display control based on vehicle location information.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to describe display controls with blind spots.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a real-time example of the displayed content.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a real-time example of the displayed content.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of display content related to safety aspects of vehicle control.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control process in the display control unit.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer's hardware configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following text, methods for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described. Note that the descriptions will be presented in the following order.

[0043] 1. Example

[0044] 1-1. Examples of vehicle exterior

[0045] 1-2. Configuration Examples of Information Processing Equipment

[0046] 1-3. Example of displaying content selected based on vehicle location information

[0047] 1-3-1. Display control based on vehicle location information

[0048] 1-3-2. Display control with blind spots

[0049] 1-4. Examples of timely display of content

[0050] 1-5. Examples of displays related to vehicle control safety

[0051] 1-6. Display priority of each piece of content

[0052] 1-7. Software Processing

[0053] 2. Modification

[0054] <1. Example>

[0055] "1-1. Example of vehicle exterior"

[0056] Figure 1An example of the appearance of a vehicle 10 equipped with the information processing device of this technology is shown. The vehicle 10 can be any of the following: an autonomous vehicle, a remotely driven vehicle driven by a remote driver, or a vehicle actually ridden and driven by a driver.

[0057] Displays (display units) 11 are arranged on the outer surfaces of the vehicle 10, such as the front surface, right side surface, left side surface, and rear surface. Displays 11 include, for example, liquid crystal panels, organic EL panels, etc. Note that in... Figure 1 The image shows only the display 11 arranged on the right and rear surfaces. Note that the display 11 is not necessarily arranged on all the front, right, left and rear surfaces, and the display 11 can be arranged on any one or more surfaces.

[0058] In addition, various external vehicle sensors (not shown) for detecting the external conditions of the vehicle are attached to the outer surface of the vehicle 10. These external vehicle sensors include cameras, radar, and light detection and ranging or laser imaging detection and ranging (LiDAR).

[0059] Vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle that travels in botanical gardens, zoos, castle parks, forest parks, amusement parks, shopping malls, etc., and provides various types of information to pedestrians. In this case, assuming that the pedestrians move together around vehicle 10 while vehicle 10 travels at the same speed as the pedestrians, vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles traveling on a predetermined route. In the case of traveling along a predetermined route, for example, vehicle 10 is configured to travel along guide lines.

[0060] Default display content, such as advertisements, is displayed on a display 11 disposed on the outer surface of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the display 11 disposed on the outer surface of the vehicle 10 displays content selected based on the vehicle 10's location information. This content is displayed in priority over the aforementioned default display content, such as advertisements. As a result, for pedestrians positioned around the vehicle 10, the location-selected content is always displayed naturally, regardless of changes in the vehicle 10's orientation, and information is provided more effectively.

[0061] For example, the display content selected based on the location information of vehicle 10 includes, for example, a map indicating the location of vehicle 10, or arrows indicating the direction in which a predetermined facility is located relative to the location of vehicle 10. As a result, map information including the location of the vehicle and information about which facility is located in which direction relative to the current location are provided to pedestrians who are positioned around the vehicle.

[0062] In this configuration, the displayed content is shown on multiple outer surfaces in a state corresponding to each surface, such as the rear surface, left surface, and right surface. In this configuration, the displayed content is shown in an appropriate state for pedestrians present on each of the multiple outer surfaces of the vehicle 10, effectively providing information. Furthermore, in this configuration, the state of the displayed content on the display 11 changes when the orientation of the vehicle 10 exceeds the blind spot. As a result, the state of the displayed content on the display 11 is avoided from changing every time the orientation of the vehicle 10 changes slightly, and the displayed content is displayed stably and is easily visible to pedestrians positioned around the vehicle 10.

[0063] Furthermore, display content regarding timely information is shown on a display 11 arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle. This display content takes precedence over the aforementioned display content selected based on the location information of the vehicle 10. As a result, timely information is appropriately provided to pedestrians positioned around the vehicle 10.

[0064] The real-time display content includes information related to predetermined targets included in the vehicle's surrounding imagery, weather information regarding the vehicle's location, and emergency alerts. In the case of guiding the vehicle within a park, predetermined targets include, for example, animals (such as birds), trees, and flowers. Weather information includes temperature, humidity, rain, lightning, typhoons, tornadoes, and gusts. Emergency alerts include those for earthquakes, missile attacks, and tsunamis.

[0065] Furthermore, a display 11 arranged on the exterior surface of the vehicle displays safety information related to the control of the vehicle 10. This display takes precedence over other displays. Therefore, accidents such as contact between the vehicle 10 and pedestrians positioned around the vehicle 10 are prevented. Displays in this situation include, for example, warnings indicating when the vehicle 10 stops, starts, moves backward, turns left or right, or changes course to avoid obstacles in its direction of travel.

[0066] Furthermore, a speaker (sound output unit) (not shown) is arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle 10. Then, sound corresponding to the content displayed on the display 11 is output from the speaker. As a result, information is provided more effectively to pedestrians who are present around the vehicle 10 through the displayed content, and also through sound corresponding to the displayed content.

[0067] "1-2. Configuration Example of Information Processing Equipment"

[0068] Figure 2An example configuration of an information processing device 100 installed in a vehicle is shown. The information processing device 100 includes a location information acquisition unit 101, a orientation information acquisition unit 102, an identification unit 103, a vehicle control unit 104, a content storage unit 105, a communication unit 106, a content selection unit 107, a display control unit 108, and a sound output control unit 109.

[0069] The location information acquisition unit 101 acquires location information indicating the location of the vehicle 10. The location information acquisition unit 101 includes, for example, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, which is a device for receiving signals from artificial satellites and converting the signals into latitude and longitude information of the receiving point.

[0070] The orientation information acquisition unit 102 acquires orientation information indicating the orientation of the vehicle 100 (driving direction, tilt in the forward / backward direction, and tilt in the left / right direction). The orientation information acquisition unit 102 includes, for example, an orientation sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc. Note that if the vehicle 10 is traveling on a defined route and includes an information storage unit that stores the correspondence between position and orientation, the orientation of the vehicle 10 can be obtained based on the position of the vehicle 10 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 101 by using the correspondence between position and orientation.

[0071] The recognition unit 103 performs predetermined recognition processing based on the detection outputs of various sensors in the vehicle external sensor unit 13. For example, in order to display content about a predetermined target included in the surrounding image of the vehicle 10 as the aforementioned timely display content, the recognition unit 103 performs processing to identify the predetermined target based on the camera output or range sensor output included in the detection output of the vehicle external sensor unit 13. Furthermore, for example, the recognition unit 103 identifies obstacles (including people) existing in the driving direction of the vehicle 10 based on the camera output or range sensor output included in the detection output of the vehicle external sensor unit 13.

[0072] The vehicle control unit 104 controls the movement of the vehicle 10 based on automatic control, remote driving operation, and driver's driving operation. In this case, it also refers to the recognition results of obstacles existing in the driving direction identified by the recognition unit 103 to control the starting, stopping, backward movement, and direction change of the vehicle 10.

[0073] Content storage unit 105 stores various display content. For example, content storage unit 105 stores default display content such as advertisements. Additionally, content storage unit 105 stores display content associated with the location of vehicle 10. Furthermore, content storage unit 105 stores display content related to timely displays, such as display content for displaying text explaining a predetermined target included in the surrounding image, display content for informing pedestrians of the weather at the location of vehicle 10, display content for informing pedestrians of emergency alarms, etc. Furthermore, content storage unit 105 stores display content for displaying warnings related to the control of vehicle 10.

[0074] The communication unit 106 obtains various types of information and various types of display content from an external server via a network (e.g., the Internet). The various types of information also include information related to the aforementioned weather and emergency alarms. Furthermore, as various display content, display content similar to that stored in the content storage unit 105 can be considered. When the communication unit 106 obtains display content from an external server, it is also conceivable that the content storage unit 105 may not be included.

[0075] The content selection unit 107 selects the content to be displayed on the displays 11 (front display 11F, left display 11L, right display 11R, and rear display 11B). The content selection unit 107 may select default display content, such as advertisements, based on time information, for example. Additionally, the content selection unit 107 may select display content (first display content) based on the location information of the vehicle 10 obtained from the location information acquisition unit 101.

[0076] Additionally, the content selection unit 107 selects display content (second display content) for timely display based on the recognition results of predetermined targets in the surrounding images of the vehicle 10, including those in the recognition unit 103, and weather or emergency alarm information obtained from an external server in the communication unit 106. Furthermore, the content selection unit 107 selects display content (third display content) related to safety concerning the control of the vehicle 10, based on control information from the vehicle control unit 104.

[0077] The display control unit 108 reads the display content selected by the content selection unit 107 from the content storage unit 105, or obtains the display content from an external server via the communication unit 106, and displays the display content on the displays 11 (front display 11F, left display 11L, right display 11R and rear display 11B).

[0078] The sound output control unit 109 reads sound content corresponding to the display content shown on the display 11 (front display 11F, left display 11L, right display 11R and rear display 11B) from the content storage unit 105, or obtains sound content from an external server via the communication unit 106, and outputs sound from the speaker 12.

[0079] "1-3. Example of displaying content selected based on vehicle location information"

[0080] Figure 3 (a) illustrates an example where display content selected based on the location information of vehicle 10 is displayed on display 11 of vehicle 10. In this display example, the direction of the restroom is indicated by an arrow, with the location of vehicle 10 as a reference. In this case, multiple displays 11 on the outer surfaces (on Figure 3 The display example in (a) only shows the displays 11 on the rear and right surfaces in a state corresponding to each surface. That is, in this case, the direction of the arrow changes on each surface. As a result, pedestrians positioned around the vehicle 10 can easily and accurately identify the direction in which the restroom is located based on the display 11 on the surface on each pedestrian's side.

[0081] Figure 3 (b) also shows such an example, in which display content selected based on the location information of vehicle 10 is displayed on display 11 of vehicle 10. In this display example, arrows indicate the directions of the stand, restaurant, entrance gate, and roller coaster, based on the location of vehicle 10. In this case, multiple displays 11 on the outer surfaces (on Figure 3 The display example in (b) shows only the displays 11 on the rear and right sides in a state corresponding to each surface. That is, in this case, the direction of the arrow indicating each facility changes on each surface. As a result, pedestrians positioned around the vehicle 10 can easily and accurately identify the direction of each facility based on the display 11 on the surface on each pedestrian's side.

[0082] Figure 4 (a) also shows such an example, where display content selected based on the location information of vehicle 10 is displayed on display 11 of vehicle 10. In this display example, the direction of the store with the limited-time ice cream promotion is indicated by an arrow, based on the location of vehicle 10. In this case, multiple displays 11 on the outer surfaces (on Figure 4The display example in (a) only shows the displays 11 on the rear and right surfaces in a state corresponding to each surface. That is, in this case, the direction of the arrow indicating the store with the limited-time ice cream promotion changes on each surface. As a result, pedestrians positioned around the vehicle 10 can easily and accurately identify the direction in which the store with the limited-time ice cream promotion is located based on the display 11 on the surface on each pedestrian's side.

[0083] Figure 4 (b) also shows such an example, where display content selected based on the location information of vehicle 10 is displayed on display 11 of vehicle 10. In this display example, a map including the location (current location) of vehicle 10 (here, a park map of a zoo) is displayed. In this case, multiple displays 11 on the outer surfaces (on Figure 4 The display example in (b) shows only the displays 11 on the rear and right surfaces in a state corresponding to each surface. That is, in this case, the orientation of the map changes on each surface. As a result, pedestrians positioned around the vehicle 10 can easily and accurately read the map based on the display 11 on the surface on each pedestrian's side.

[0084] "1-3-1. Display Control Based on Vehicle Position Information"

[0085] Note that when displaying content selected based on the location information of vehicle 10 on displays 11 (front display 11F, left display 11L, right display 11R, and rear display 11B), the display control unit 108 displays the content based on the location information of vehicle 10 from the location information acquisition unit 102. As a result, for pedestrians positioned around vehicle 10, the content selected based on location information is always displayed in a natural state, regardless of changes in the location of vehicle 10, and information is provided more effectively.

[0086] Figure 5 An example of the display status based on the orientation information of vehicle 10 is shown. This example corresponds to the one described above. Figure 4 Example of display in (a). In this case, in the direction of vehicle 10 relative to the store, as shown... Figure 5 (a2) Figure 5 (b2) and Figure 5 In the case shown in (c2), the displays on the display 11 of the vehicle 10 are respectively as follows: Figure 5 (a1) Figure 5 (b1) and Figure 5As shown in (c1). In this case, the direction of the arrow indicating the direction of the store changes according to the direction of vehicle 10. Note that the text is always displayed in the same direction so that pedestrians can easily read the text.

[0087] Figure 6 Another example of the display status based on the orientation information of vehicle 10 is shown. This example corresponds to the one described above. Figure 4 Example of display in (b). In this case, in the direction of vehicle 10, as shown... Figure 6 (a2) Figure 6 (b2) and Figure 6 In the case shown in (c2), the displays on the display 11 of the vehicle 10 are respectively as follows: Figure 6 (a1) Figure 6 (b1) and Figure 6 As shown in (c1). In this case, the orientation of the map (park map) changes according to the orientation of vehicle 10. Note that the orientation of the text and the orientation of the animals are always displayed in the same state, so that the display does not rotate and pedestrians can easily read the text.

[0088] "1-3-2. Display control with blind spots"

[0089] In addition, as described above, when the display control unit 108 displays the display content selected based on the location information of the vehicle 10 on the display 11 in a state based on the location information of the vehicle 10, if the location of the vehicle 10 exceeds the blind spot, the display control unit 108 changes the state of the display content displayed on the display 11.

[0090] For example, in the direction of vehicle 10 Figure 7 In the state shown in (a) with direction d1, a predetermined angular range centered on direction d1 is set as a blind zone. The angular range of this blind zone can be fixed or variable. In this state, although not shown, the display on the monitor 11 corresponds to direction d1.

[0091] From the direction of vehicle 10 Figure 7 The state shown in (a) changes to Figure 7 In the case of direction d2 shown in (b), direction d2 is in the blind spot, and therefore the display of the display 11 remains corresponding to direction d1. On the other hand, when the direction of the vehicle 10 is from... Figure 7 The state shown in (a) changes to Figure 7 In the case of direction d3 shown in (c), direction d3 exceeds the blind zone, and the display on display 11 changes to a display corresponding to direction d3. In this case, the predetermined angle range centered on direction d3 is redefined as the blind zone.

[0092] As described above, in the display control based on the orientation information of vehicle 10, by performing display control with blind spots, the state of the display content displayed on the display 11 can be avoided from changing every time the orientation of vehicle 10 changes slightly, so as to display the display content stably and make it easy for pedestrians who are in a manner surrounding vehicle 10 to see the display.

[0093] "1-4. Examples of timely display of content"

[0094] Figure 8 An example of displaying real-time content on a display 11 of vehicle 10 is shown. In this display example, text is overlaid and displayed on an image (captured image) including a bird. The text describes the species of the bird, etc., as a predetermined target included in the surrounding image of vehicle 10. In this example, the text is displayed only on the display 11 (11B) on the rear surface, but it could be similarly displayed on a display 11 on another surface. As a result, pedestrians positioned around vehicle 10 can recognize the presence of a bird around vehicle 10 and can easily obtain information about the bird. Note that although this example shows a predetermined target included in the surrounding image as a bird, a similar display could be performed even when the predetermined target is other animals, plants, etc., and a similar effect could be achieved.

[0095] Figure 9 (a) shows an example of displaying real-time content on a display 11 of vehicle 10. In this display example, information related to the temperature of the weather at the location of vehicle 10 is displayed. Figure 9 (b) shows an example of timely display content displayed on the display 11 of vehicle 10. In this display example, information related to an earthquake alarm as an emergency alert is displayed.

[0096] "1-5. Examples of display content related to vehicle control safety"

[0097] Figure 10 An example is shown of a display on a display 11 of vehicle 10 showing safety information related to the control of vehicle 10. In this example, a warning display instructing vehicle 10 to stop is shown. Note that in this example, the text is only displayed on the display 11 (11B) on the rear surface, but it could be similarly displayed on displays 11 on other surfaces.

[0098] "1-6. Display Priority of Each Piece of Content"

[0099] As described above, the content selection unit 107 appropriately selects default display content such as advertisements, display content based on the location information of the vehicle 10, display content about timely display, display content about safety related to the control of the vehicle 10, etc., and the display control unit 108 displays these display contents on the display 11.

[0100] In this embodiment, the display priority of safety-related content concerning the control of vehicle 10 is set to the highest, followed by timely display content and content based on the location information of vehicle 10, in that order, with the display priority of default display content such as advertisements set to the lowest. This priority is set, for example, based on the urgency or necessity of the display.

[0101] Figure 11 The flowchart illustrates an example of the display control process in the display control unit 108. First, in step ST1, the display control unit 108 begins processing. Next, in step ST2, the display control unit 108 determines whether there is a display related to safety concerns concerning the control of the vehicle 10. If such a display exists, in step ST3, the display control unit 108 displays the relevant safety information. Afterward, the display control unit 108 returns to the processing in step ST2.

[0102] Furthermore, if no safety-related information concerning the control of vehicle 10 is displayed in step ST2, the display control unit 108 determines in step ST4 whether a timely display exists. If a timely display exists, the display control unit 108 displays the timely display content in step ST5. Afterward, the display control unit 108 returns to the processing of step ST2.

[0103] Furthermore, if no display is made in time during step ST4, in step ST6, the display control unit 108 determines whether a display based on the location of vehicle 10 exists. If a display based on the location of vehicle 10 exists, in step ST7, the display control unit 108 displays the content based on the location of vehicle 10. Afterward, the display control unit 108 returns to the processing of step ST2.

[0104] Furthermore, if there is no display based on the location of vehicle 10 in step ST6, in step ST8, the display control unit 108 displays default content such as advertisements. Afterward, the display control unit 108 returns to the processing of step ST2.

[0105] 1-7. Software Processing

[0106] The processing in the aforementioned information processing device 100 can be performed by hardware or by software. In the case of performing a series of processes by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a recording medium onto, for example, a computer built into dedicated hardware or a general-purpose computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs.

[0107] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration of computer 600. Computer 600 includes a CPU 601, ROM 602, RAM 603, bus 604, input / output interface 605, input unit 606, output unit 607, storage unit 608, driver 609, connection port 610, and communication unit 611. Note that the hardware configuration shown here is an example, and some configuration elements may be omitted. Furthermore, configuration elements other than those shown here may also be included.

[0108] CPU 601 is used, for example, as a computing or control device, and controls all or some of the operation of configuration elements based on various programs recorded in ROM 602, RAM 603, storage unit 608 or removable recording medium 701.

[0109] ROM 602 is a device that stores programs to be read by CPU 601, data to be used for calculations, etc. RAM 603 temporarily or permanently stores, for example, programs to be read by CPU 601, various parameters that change appropriately when the program is executed, etc.

[0110] CPU 601, ROM 602 and RAM 603 are interconnected via bus 604. In addition, various configuration elements are connected to bus 604 via input / output interface 605.

[0111] As an input unit 606, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, button, switch, joystick, etc., can be used. Alternatively, a remote control capable of transmitting control signals via infrared or other radio waves can be used as the input unit 606.

[0112] Output unit 607 is, for example, a device capable of visually or audibly notifying the user of the information acquired, such as a display device (such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), LCD, or OLED), an audio output device (such as a speaker or headphones), a printer, a mobile phone, or a fax machine.

[0113] Storage unit 608 is a device for storing various types of data. For example, storage unit 608 may use magnetic storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), semiconductor storage devices, optical storage devices, magneto-optical storage devices, etc.

[0114] The drive 609 is, for example, a device for reading information recorded on a removable recording medium 701 such as a disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or for writing information to a removable recording medium 701.

[0115] Examples of removable recording media 701 include digital multifunction discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs (registered trademark), HD-DVDs, and various types of semiconductor storage media. Needless to say, removable recording media 701 can be, for example, integrated circuit (IC) cards equipped with contactless IC chips, electronic devices, etc.

[0116] Connection port 610 is, for example, a port for connecting external connection devices 502, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, an IEEE 1394 port, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) port, an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, etc. Note that "HDMI" is a registered trademark. Examples of external connection devices 702 include printers, portable music players, digital cameras, digital camcorders, IC recorders, etc.

[0117] The communication unit 611 is a communication device for connecting to the network 703, such as a communication card for wired or wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless USB (WUSB), a router for optical communication, a router for asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) or a modem for various communications.

[0118] Note that a program to be executed by a computer may be a program that performs multiple processes in a time sequence in the order described in this specification, or it may be a program that performs multiple processes in parallel, or it may perform processes at the required time (such as when a call is made).

[0119] As mentioned above, in Figure 2 In the information processing device 100 shown, in a state based on the orientation information of the vehicle 10, display content selected based on the location information of the vehicle 10 is displayed on a display 11 arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle 10, and information can be provided more effectively to pedestrians who are present around the vehicle 10.

[0120] In addition, Figure 2 In the information processing device 100 shown, prior to the display content selected based on the location information of the vehicle 10, display content about timely display is displayed on the display 11 arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle 10, and timely information can be appropriately provided to pedestrians who are present in a manner surrounding the vehicle.

[0121] In addition, Figure 2In the information processing device 100 shown, over other display content, display content related to safety in relation to the control of the vehicle 10 is displayed on a display 11 arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle 10, and the safety of pedestrians who are present in a manner surrounding the vehicle 10 can be achieved.

[0122] <2. Modification>

[0123] Note that preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various types of changes or modifications can be implemented within the scope of the technical concept recited in the claims, and it will be naturally understood that such examples also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0124] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely exemplary or illustrative, and not restrictive. In other words, by adding to or replacing the effects described above, the technology according to this disclosure can exhibit other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art as described in this specification.

[0125] In addition, this technology can also have the following configurations.

[0126] (1) An information processing device, comprising:

[0127] A content selection unit, wherein the content selection unit selects first display content based on the vehicle's location information; and

[0128] The display control unit displays first display content on a display arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle, based on the vehicle's orientation information.

[0129] (2) In the information processing device according to (1),

[0130] The first display content is a map showing the location of the vehicle.

[0131] (3) In the information processing device according to (1),

[0132] The first display content is based on the position of the vehicle, and the arrow indicates the direction in which the predetermined facility is located.

[0133] (4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein,

[0134] The display control unit displays first display content on a display arranged on each of the plurality of outer surfaces of the vehicle, in a state corresponding to each of the plurality of outer surfaces.

[0135] (5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0136] When the vehicle's orientation exceeds the blind spot, the display control unit changes the state of the first display content shown on the monitor.

[0137] (6) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein,

[0138] The content selection unit further selects a second display content for timely display, and

[0139] The display control unit displays the second display content on the display screen before the first display content.

[0140] (7) The information processing device according to (6), wherein,

[0141] The second display content pertains to the display of predetermined targets included in the surrounding image of the vehicle.

[0142] (8) The information processing device according to (6), wherein,

[0143] The second display content is the weather information regarding the vehicle's location.

[0144] (9) The information processing device according to (6), wherein,

[0145] The second display is about the emergency alarm.

[0146] (10) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein,

[0147] The content selection unit selects third display content related to safety in relation to the control of the vehicle, and

[0148] The display control unit prioritizes displaying the third display content over other display content.

[0149] (11) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10) further includes:

[0150] A sound output control unit that outputs sound corresponding to the content displayed on the monitor.

[0151] (12) An information processing method, comprising the following steps:

[0152] Select the first display content based on the vehicle's location information; and

[0153] Based on the vehicle's orientation information, first display content is displayed on a display arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle.

[0154] (13) A vehicle comprising:

[0155] A display mounted on an outer surface; and

[0156] Information processing equipment, among which,

[0157] The information processing device includes:

[0158] A content selection unit selects content to display based on its own location information.

[0159] The display control unit displays the content on the display based on its own orientation information.

[0160] Reference tag list

[0161] 10 vehicles

[0162] 11 Monitors

[0163] 11F Front Display

[0164] 11L Left Display

[0165] 11R Right Monitor

[0166] 11B rear display

[0167] 12 speakers

[0168] 13 Vehicle External Sensor Unit

[0169] 100 Information processing equipment

[0170] 101 Location Information Acquisition Unit

[0171] 102 Directional Information Acquisition Unit

[0172] 103 Identification Units

[0173] 104 Vehicle Control Unit

[0174] 105 content storage units

[0175] 106 Communication Units

[0176] 107 Content Selection Unit

[0177] 108 Display Control Unit

[0178] 109 Sound Output Control Unit

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: A content selection unit, wherein the content selection unit selects first display content based on the vehicle's location information; as well as The display control unit displays first display content on a display arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle, based on the vehicle's orientation information.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first display content is a map showing the location of the vehicle.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first display content is based on the position of the vehicle, and the arrow indicates the direction in which the predetermined facility is located.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The display control unit displays first display content on a display arranged on each of the plurality of outer surfaces of the vehicle, in a state corresponding to each of the plurality of outer surfaces.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, When the vehicle's orientation exceeds the blind spot, the display control unit changes the state of the first display content shown on the monitor.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The content selection unit further selects a second display content for timely display, and The display control unit displays the second display content on the display screen before the first display content.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein, The second display content pertains to the display of predetermined targets included in the surrounding image of the vehicle.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein, The second display content is the weather information regarding the vehicle's location.

9. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein, The second display is about the emergency alarm.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The content selection unit selects third display content related to safety in relation to the control of the vehicle, and The display control unit prioritizes displaying the third display content over other display content.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A sound output control unit that outputs sound corresponding to the content displayed on the monitor.

12. An information processing method, comprising the following steps: Select the first display content based on the vehicle's location information; as well as Based on the vehicle's orientation information, first display content is displayed on a display arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle.

13. A vehicle comprising: A display mounted on an outer surface; as well as Information processing equipment, among which, The information processing device includes: A content selection unit selects content to display based on its own location information. The display control unit displays the content on the display based on its own orientation information.

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