INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND PROGRAM

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present disclosure detects that communication has been established between a vehicle and a user terminal device and controls a notification unit contained in the vehicle at the time when the communication has been established.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method and a program. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] With the current development of automobiles, almost everyone owns a car and uses it as a means of transport to get around. Particularly in Asia, there are many motorcycle users, which can make it difficult to find one's own vehicle among a large number of cars in a parking lot.

[0003] PTL 1 reveals a technique in which a car receiving a signal from a mobile phone turns on a light or sounds a horn to determine the car's position. CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 2003-300453 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAL PROBLEM

[0005] However, in the procedure described in PTL 1, the user has to perform an action via a mobile device if he only wants to activate the car's lights or horn, which is cumbersome.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to provide an information processing device that is capable of determining the position of a parked vehicle without operation by the user. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0007] According to the present invention, an information processing device is provided, characterized in that it comprises: a detection device for recognizing that communication has been established between a vehicle and a user terminal device; and a control device for controlling a notification unit contained in the vehicle at a time when communication has been established. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device that is capable of determining the position of a parked vehicle without operation by the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a right side view of a saddle seat vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view of the saddle seat vehicle from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a control device for the saddle seat vehicle. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram that provides an overview of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a position relationship in the case of logarithmic control. Fig. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. Fig. Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration for a user terminal device. Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of processing performed by the information processing device according to one embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORM

[0009] The following are detailed descriptions of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, nor do they constitute a limitation of any invention that requires a combination of all features described in the embodiments. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations are designated with the same reference numerals, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] In the drawings, the arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions orthogonal to each other, where X indicates the front-to-back direction of a saddle-seat vehicle, Y indicates the width (left-to-right) direction, and Z indicates the top-to-bottom direction. The left and right sides of the saddle-seat vehicle are the left and right sides when viewed in the direction of travel. Hereafter, the front or rear of the saddle-seat vehicle can be referred to simply as front or rear in the forward and reverse directions, respectively. Furthermore, the inside or outside of the saddle-seat vehicle can be referred to simply as inside or outside in the width (left-to-right) direction.

[0011] An information processing device according to the present embodiment is used in a control system that performs notification control of a vehicle according to a communication state between the vehicle and a user terminal device and provides a vehicle position monitoring service, which is accompanied by a notification from a notification unit contained in the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the description assumes that the information processing device is a device installed in the vehicle (saddle-seat vehicle 1), as shown in Fig. 1 is shown, but it is not specifically limited to this, as long as similar processing can be carried out. For example, the information processing device could be a server device that communicates with the vehicle and the user terminal, with the user terminal acting as the information processing device. In this case, the user terminal is assumed to be an end device that can be operated by the user, such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a portable device, but it could also be, for example, a communication device that only has a function for communicating with the vehicle. [Overview of a saddle-seat vehicle]

[0012] First, a vehicle is described in a control system according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 1 shows a right side view of a saddle seat vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, while Fig. 2 is a front view of the saddle seat vehicle 1.

[0013] The saddle-seat vehicle 1 is, for example, a touring motorcycle suitable for long-distance journeys. However, the present invention is applicable to various saddle-seat vehicles, including other types of motorcycles, and is also applicable to an electric vehicle that uses an electric motor as a drive source, in addition to a vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine as a drive source. Hereinafter, the saddle-seat vehicle 1 may be referred to as vehicle 1.

[0014] The vehicle 1 comprises a drive unit 2 located between a front wheel FW and a rear wheel RW. In the present embodiment, the drive unit 2 comprises a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine 21 and a transmission 22. The drive force of the transmission 22 is transmitted via a drive shaft (not shown) to the rear wheel RW to rotate the rear wheel RW.

[0015] The drive unit 2 is supported by a vehicle body frame 3. The vehicle body frame 3 comprises a pair of left and right main frames 31 extending in the X direction. A fuel tank 5 and an air filter box (not shown) are arranged above the main frames 31. In front of the fuel tank 5, an instrument panel MP is provided, which includes an electronic display device or the like, showing the driver various types of information.

[0016] A head tube 32 is provided at the front end sections of the main frame 31, which rotatably supports a steering shaft (not shown) that is rotatable by means of a handle 8. A pair of left and right pivot plates 33 are provided at the rear end sections of the main frames 31. The lower end sections of the pivot plates 33 and the front end sections of the main frames 31 are connected to each other by a pair of left and right forearms (not shown), with the drive unit 2 being supported by the main frames 31 and the forearms. A pair of rearward-extending left and right seat rails (not shown) are also provided at the rear end sections of the main frames 31, the seat rails supporting a seat 4a on which the driver sits, a seat 4b on which a passenger sits, a rear trunk 7b, and the like.

[0017] A front end section of a rear swingarm (not shown), extending longitudinally, is pivotally supported by the pivot plates 33. The rear swingarm pivots in the up-down direction, with the rear wheel RW supported at its rear end section. An exhaust silencer 6, which dampens the exhaust of the engine 21, extends in the X direction along a lower side face of the rear wheel RW. Left and right saddle backs 7a are provided on the upper side faces of the rear wheel RW.

[0018] A front suspension mechanism 9 supporting the front wheel FW is formed at the front end sections of the main frame 31. The front suspension mechanism 9 comprises an upper connecting link 91, a lower connecting link 92, a fork support body 93, a damping unit 94, and a pair of left and right front forks 95.

[0019] The upper connecting member 91 and the lower connecting member 92 are arranged at the front end sections of the main frames 31 such that they are vertically spaced apart from each other. The rear end sections of the upper connecting member 91 and the lower connecting member 92 are pivotally connected to support sections provided at the front end sections of the main frames 31. The front end sections of the upper connecting member 91 and the lower connecting member 92 are pivotally connected to the fork support body 93. The upper connecting member 91 and the lower connecting member 92 extend longitudinally and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0020] The damping unit 94 has a structure in which a shock absorber is inserted into a coil spring, with an upper end section of the damping unit 94 pivotally supported by the main frame 31. A lower end section of the damping unit 94 is pivotally supported by the lower connecting member 92.

[0021] The fork support body 93 has a tubular shape and is inclined backwards. A front end section of the upper connecting link 91 is rotatably connected to an upper front section of the fork support body 93. A front end section of the lower connecting link 92 is rotatably connected to a lower rear section of the fork support body 93.

[0022] A steering shaft 96 is supported by the fork support body 93 so that it can rotate about its axis. The steering shaft 96 comprises a shaft section (not shown) that is inserted through the fork support body 93. A bridge (not shown) is provided at a lower end section of the steering shaft 96, with the pair of left and right front forks 95 being supported by the bridge. The front wheel FW is rotatably mounted on the front forks 95. An upper end section of the steering shaft 96 is coupled to a steering shaft (not shown) so that it can be rotated by the handle 8 via a linkage 97. The steering shaft 96 is rotated by turning the handle 8, thereby steering the front wheel FW.

[0023] Vehicle 1 comprises a braking device 19F for the front wheel FW and a braking device 19F for the rear wheel RW. The braking devices 19F and 19R are configured to be actuated by the driver by operating a brake lever 8a or a brake pedal 8b. The braking devices 19F and 19R are, for example, disc brakes. If the braking devices 19F and 19R are not distinguished from each other, they are collectively referred to as braking device 19.

[0024] A headlight unit 11, which emits light in front of the vehicle 1, is arranged in a front part of the vehicle 1. According to the present embodiment, the headlight unit 11 is a binocular type headlight unit comprising a light emission unit 11R on the right side and a light emission unit 11L on the left side, arranged symmetrically in the left-right direction. However, a monocular or trinocular type headlight unit, or a binocular type headlight unit arranged asymmetrically in the left-right direction, can also be used.

[0025] A front part of the vehicle 1 is covered by a front fairing 12, while the front side parts of the vehicle 1 are covered by a pair of left and right side fairings 14. A screen 13 is arranged above the front fairing 12. The screen 13 is a windshield that reduces the wind pressure exerted on the driver while driving and is made, for example, of a transparent plastic element.

[0026] A pair of left and right side mirror units 15 are arranged on the sides of the front fairing 12. The side mirror units 15 carry side mirrors (not shown) so that the driver can visually perceive the area behind him.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the front fairing 12 comprises the fairing parts 121 to 123. Fairing part 121 extends in the Y direction and forms the main body of the front fairing 12, while fairing part 122 forms the upper part of fairing part 121. Fairing part 123 is spaced downwards from fairing part 121.

[0028] An opening is formed between the fairing part 121 and the fairing part 123, as well as between the pair of left and right side panels 14, which exposes the headlight unit 11. The fairing part 121 defines an upper edge of the opening, the fairing part 123 defines a lower edge of the opening, and the left and right side edges of the opening are defined by the side panels 14.

[0029] An imaging unit 16A and a radar 16B are arranged behind the front fairing 12 as detection devices for monitoring the area in front of the vehicle 1. The radar 16B is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar. The imaging unit 16A comprises an imaging element, such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, with an optical system, such as a lens, capturing an image in front of the vehicle 1. The imaging unit 16A is arranged behind the fairing part 122, which forms an upper part of the front fairing 12. An opening 122a is formed in the fairing part 122, which penetrates the fairing part 122, allowing the imaging unit 16A to capture an image in front of the vehicle 1 through the opening 122a.

[0030] The radar 16B is located behind the fairing panel 121. Because of the fairing panel 121, the detection unit 16 is less noticeable when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front, thus avoiding any impairment of the vehicle 1's appearance. The fairing panel 121 is made of a material that allows the transmission of electromagnetic waves, for example, resin.

[0031] The imaging unit 16A and the radar 16B are arranged in the Y-direction in a central area of ​​the front fairing 12 when viewed from the front. By arranging the imaging unit 16A and the radar 16B in the central area of ​​the vehicle 1 in the Y-direction, a larger imaging area and a larger detection area to the left and right in front of the vehicle 1 can be obtained, thus enabling the situation in front of the vehicle 1 to be fully captured without overlooking anything. Furthermore, since one imaging unit 16A and one radar 16B can monitor the left and right frontal sides of the vehicle 1 equally, this configuration, in which only one imaging unit 16A and one radar 16B are provided instead of several imaging units 16A and several radars 16B, is particularly advantageous. [Control device for a saddle seat vehicle]

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control device 10 of the vehicle 1 and shows an example of a partial functional configuration, including a configuration required for the following description. The vehicle 1 comprises a control unit (ECU) 10a. The control unit 10a includes a processor represented by a CPU, a storage device such as semiconductor memory, an input / output interface or a communication interface with an external device, and the like. The storage device stores programs to be executed by the processor, data to be used by the processor for processing, and the like. The control unit 10a may include multiple sets of processors, storage devices, interfaces, and the like, corresponding to the respective functions of the vehicle 1.

[0033] The control unit 10a is capable of controlling the actuators of the drive unit 2 and the brake 19. In the present embodiment, the control unit 10a controls these in the event that a speed limit processing, to be described later, is carried out. The control unit 10a is also capable of controlling the display on the instrument panel MP. In the present embodiment, various warnings are displayed to the driver on the instrument panel MP. In this embodiment, the warning is given by displaying an image on the instrument panel MP, but the warning can also be given by switching on or flashing a lamp or by sound. The sound warning can be controlled so that the sound is emitted via wireless communication from a speaker provided in the driver's helmet. [Tax system]

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control system configuration according to the present embodiment. In a system 400, an information processing device 420 contained in a vehicle 430 and a user terminal device 410 are each connected to the audio output device 420 and the vehicle 430, respectively. The vehicle 430 can be the same as the one described in Figure 400. Fig. 1. Vehicle 1. Furthermore, the user terminal 430 according to the present embodiment is a terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal or a portable terminal, as described above.

[0035] In the control system according to the present embodiment, the user terminal 410 and the information processing device 420 contained in the vehicle 430 detect the time at which communication is established between the vehicle and the user. For example, if the user, who is carrying the user terminal 410, approaches the vehicle 430 and the communication described above is established as the distance between the user terminal 410 and the vehicle 430 decreases, the information processing device 420 can detect this time. The information processing device 420 controls a notification unit 440 contained in the vehicle 430 at the time the communication is established.

[0036] The notification unit 440 notifies the user outside the vehicle 430. According to the present embodiment, the notification unit 440 can, for example, be a light source contained within the vehicle 430. In the present embodiment, it is possible to enable the user of the user terminal device 410 to determine the position of their own vehicle by means of light emitted by the notification unit 440, which acts as the light source. According to the present embodiment, the light source can, for example, be a headlight of the vehicle 430, a warning light (emergency flashing light), a turn signal (direction indicator), or any other light provided on the vehicle 430. Furthermore, the notification unit 440 can, for example, be an external light source that differs from the one originally contained within the vehicle 430.

[0037] Furthermore, the notification unit 440 can, for example, be an audio output unit contained in the vehicle 430. For example, if the vehicle 430 emits a sound, the user of the user terminal 410 can determine the position of their own vehicle. The audio output unit according to the present embodiment can, for example, be an alarm system (horn) provided in the vehicle 430, a sound-emitting loudspeaker, or the like. The loudspeaker can be an internal device of the vehicle 430 or an external device that is not an internal device of the vehicle 430.

[0038] Furthermore, the duration of each notification from the notification unit 440 is not specifically limited, but can be, for example, 15 seconds. If the notification from the light source and the notification from the audible unit occur simultaneously, the notification durations can differ. For example, the notification from the light source can continue until the vehicle is unlocked (until an action is performed to deactivate the notification), while the notification from the audible unit can last for 15 seconds.

[0039] Furthermore, the notification from the notification unit 440 might be overlooked by the user if it is only sent once at the time the connection is established. Therefore, the notification unit 440 can issue notifications at predefined (and freely configurable) intervals. For example, the notification unit 440 can issue a notification every 15 seconds, every 20 seconds, every 30 seconds, or every 45 seconds. Additionally, the number of notifications issued by the notification unit 440 can be preset. These settings can be configured by the user via an application on the user terminal 410 (or on the vehicle's onboard unit 430), or initial settings can be defined.In this way, by implementing notification control at predetermined intervals or a predetermined number of times, it is possible to reduce the likelihood that the user will overlook the notification.

[0040] Furthermore, the notification from the sound output unit may be too noisy for people in the vicinity, which is why the duration of each notification can be set to a predetermined time or less. For example, the duration of each notification from the sound output unit can be set to a predetermined time or less (e.g., 1 second). Additionally, the duration of each notification from the sound output unit can be shorter than the duration of each notification from the light source.

[0041] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, establishing communication between the information processing device 420 contained in the vehicle 430 and the user terminal 410 is referred to as "establishing communication between the vehicle and the user terminal." However, "establishing communication between the vehicle and the user terminal" can also refer to establishing communication between a vehicle component other than the information processing device 420 and the user terminal 410. Hereinafter, the term "communication" simply refers to communication between the vehicle 430 and the user terminal 410. [Hardware configuration]

[0042] Fig. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 420. The information processing device 420 comprises a processing unit 610, a storage unit 620, and a communication unit 630. The processing unit 610 is a central processing unit, for example, a CPU, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 620 to perform any type of processing. The storage unit 620 is a storage device, such as RAM, ROM, or a hard disk. The program stored in the storage unit 620 comprises an application program for a vehicle position verification service by the control system according to the present embodiment. Such an application program can be downloaded from a server or provided on a storage medium, such as a CD-ROM.

[0043] Furthermore, the storage unit 620 stores information about the associated user terminal 410, which can be accessed when establishing a connection. The storage unit 620 can also store information about the content of the notification control by the notification unit 440, for example, what type of notification control should be performed when establishing a connection.

[0044] The communication unit 530 comprises a wireless communication interface that can communicate with the user terminal 410. In the present embodiment, the information processing device 420 (the communication unit 530) and the user terminal 410 communicate with each other as described above, except that a different vehicle device of the vehicle 430 than the information processing device 420 can communicate with the user terminal 410, and the information processing device 420 can control the notification by the notification unit 440 according to the communication state.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the user terminal 410. The user terminal 410 comprises a processing unit 710, a memory unit 720, a communication unit 730, and a display unit 740. The processing unit 710 is a central processing unit, such as a CPU, and executes a program stored in the memory unit 720 to perform any type of processing. The memory unit 720 is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, or a hard disk. The program stored in the memory unit 720 comprises an application program for a vehicle position verification service by the control system according to the present embodiment. Such an application program can be downloaded from a server or provided on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0046] Furthermore, the storage unit 720 can store position information for the vehicle 430, as well as map data that can be referenced when the user confirms the vehicle 430's position in the application. The vehicle 430's position information can be acquired from a GPS sensor or similar device installed in the vehicle 430, or, if the vehicle 430's ignition is switched off, it can be position information from the user terminal 410.

[0047] The communication unit 730 includes a wireless communication interface that can communicate with the vehicle 430 (the information processing device 420). The display unit 740, for example, is a liquid crystal display or a touch panel and can display an application screen containing basic position information of the vehicle 430, a notification instruction to the vehicle 430, or the like. Furthermore, the display unit 740 can detect user input based on the user touching the touch panel or the like. [Information processing]

[0048] Next, the processing for detecting that communication has been established between the vehicle and the user, performed by the information processing device 420, is described. In the present embodiment, the information processing device 420 is a communication unit that performs communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) and establishes a connection with the user terminal device 410. It should be noted that this communication method is an example and the information processing device 420 can perform communication using a different communication method for short-range wireless communication, for example, ad-hoc communication such as UWB or ZigBee (registered trademark).

[0049] Referring to a communication state based on short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, the information processing device 420 detects whether communication has been established with the previously registered user terminal 410. For example, the information processing device 420 can monitor whether a connection has been established with the user terminal 410 and control the subsequent notification processing when communication has been established, for example, when the user carrying the user terminal 410 approaches.

[0050] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the information processing device 420, according to the present embodiment, detects the establishment of communication between the vehicle 430 and the user terminal device 410. Fig. Figure 5 shows an area 502, assuming that communication with the vehicle 430 is established when the user terminal 410 is located in area 502. Fig. 5(a) A user 501 approaches the vehicle 430 with the user terminal device 410, but no communication is established, and the notification unit of the vehicle 430 is not controlled. In Fig. 5(b) Since the user 501 has moved into area 502, communication is established and the notification unit of the vehicle 430 is activated by the information processing device 420. Such processing enables the user to determine the position of the parked vehicle without operating the terminal device.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the information processing device 420 performs the communication processing, for example, via an application running on the user terminal device 410. This application can, for example, perform the communication processing in the background of the user terminal device 410 or in the foreground. This processing can generally be performed in a similar manner to the processing when the application performs short-range wireless communication, the detailed description of which is omitted.

[0052] It should be noted that if the information processing device 420 is constantly kept in a standby state to detect whether communication has been established, the battery may be drained more than necessary. From this perspective, the information processing device 420 can detect whether communication has been established while a predetermined time condition is met. That is, the information processing device 420 according to the present embodiment can be in a standby state in which it detects whether communication has been established while the predetermined time condition is met, and can be in a sleep mode in which this is not detected during the other period.

[0053] If the vehicle is temporarily stopped, for example to run an errand or similar, the user can complete the errand and return to the vehicle within a short time. From this perspective, the information processing device 420 can recognize that communication is established for a predetermined period after the vehicle's ignition 430 is switched off. The predetermined period can be set by the user as desired and could be, for example, 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours. In this way, the predetermined time condition can fall within the predetermined period, based on the time at which the vehicle's ignition 420 is switched off.

[0054] Furthermore, the time for boarding the vehicle can be predetermined to a certain extent, for example, the time for the commute to work or the time for the return journey. From this perspective, the 420 information processing device can recognize that communication is being established within a predetermined time zone. The predetermined time zone can be set according to the user's wishes, for example, from 6:00 to 9:00 AM or from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. In this way, the predetermined time condition can be the predetermined time zone.

[0055] For example, if the battery is detected as being low, the information processing device 420, regardless of other conditions, cannot determine whether communication is established (sleep mode) in order to avoid battery consumption. The conditions for detecting that the battery is low can be defined based on desirable criteria. For example, the information processing device 420 can detect that the battery is low when the battery voltage, measured using a known voltage measurement technique with a sensor, falls below a predetermined value (e.g., 12.5 V).

[0056] It should be noted that although it has been described that the notification unit in the present embodiment is controlled at the time communication is established, the time at which the notification is issued by the controller may or may not coincide with the time at which communication is established. For example, the information processing device 420 can execute a notification after a predetermined time (e.g., after 5 seconds) from the time communication is established.

[0057] Although it has been described that in the present embodiment the user is notified by the notification unit 440 contained in the vehicle 430, the notification unit 440 can also notify the user by controlling the user terminal device 410. That is, the notification unit 440 can perform a notification by controlling the user terminal device 410 at a time when communication is established. In this case, the notification unit 440 can cause the user terminal device 410 to vibrate, to emit a sound, to display a message, or perform control using a combination of two or more of these measures.

[0058] Furthermore, the notification unit 440 can perform a control to send content corresponding to the distance between the vehicle 430 and the user terminal 410. For example, the notification unit 440 can perform a control so that the volume and voice output from the user terminal 410 increase as the distance between the vehicle 430 and the user terminal 410 decreases. In this case, the distance between the vehicle 430 and the user terminal 410 can be assessed based on the communication strength or calculated based on position information.

[0059] It should be noted that the present embodiment describes an example in which the notification unit included in the vehicle is automatically controlled without the need for the user to operate the terminal device once communication is established. Furthermore, the notification unit 440 can issue an additional notification in response to user input via the user terminal device 410. For example, upon establishing communication to receive user input on the information processing device 420, an application screen can be opened, and the user 410 can accept a further input requiring notification. [Flow chart]

[0060] Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing device 410 in the control system according to the present embodiment. It should be noted that the following description assumes that the processing is carried out according to Figure 8. Fig. 8 is started by the control unit 610 of the information processing device 420 when the ignition of the vehicle 430 is switched off.

[0061] In S801, the information processing device 420 determines whether a predetermined time condition, which is a condition for determining whether communication has been established between the vehicle 430 and the user terminal 410, is met. If the predetermined time condition is met, processing continues with S802, and if the predetermined time condition is not met, processing ends. Fig. 8.

[0062] In S802, the information processing device 420 determines whether communication has been established between the vehicle 430 according to the present embodiment and the user terminal device. If communication has been established, processing continues with S803, and if no communication has been established, processing returns to S801.

[0063] In S803, the information processing device 420 captures the content of the notification control to be carried out by the notification unit. In this case, the content of the predetermined notification control is stored in the storage unit 620 and retrieved. However, if the notification control is carried out, for example, based on the content according to the distance between the vehicle 430 and the user terminal 410, the notification content can be defined in S803.

[0064] In S804, the information processing device 420 controls the notification unit 440 based on the notification control content captured in S803. In S805, the information processing device 420 determines whether the notification control should be terminated. For example, if it is specified that the notification should be carried out a predetermined number of times, the information processing device 420 determines whether the notification has been carried out a predetermined number of times based on the control instruction in S804. If it is determined that the notification control should be terminated, the processing of Fig.8 terminates, while processing returns to S804 unless it is determined that notification control should be terminated. Note that in this case, if the notification is set to run at predetermined intervals, processing will return to S804 when the predetermined interval has elapsed.

[0065] With such a configuration, it is possible to detect when communication has been established between the vehicle and the user device and to control the notification unit in the vehicle at the moment the communication is established. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of determining the position of a parked vehicle without user intervention. [Summary of the embodiment]

[0066] The embodiment described above discloses at least the following information processing device, information processing method and program. 1. An information processing device (e.g. 410) according to the embodiment described above comprises: a detection device (e.g. 610) for detecting that communication has been established between a vehicle and a user terminal device; and a control device (e.g. 610) for controlling a notification unit contained in the vehicle at the time when communication is established. According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine the position of the parked vehicle without any action required by the user. 2. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the notification unit is a light source contained in the vehicle. According to this embodiment, it is possible to enable the user to determine the position of the vehicle using a light source of the vehicle. 3. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the light source is a headlight of the vehicle. According to this embodiment, it is possible to enable the user to determine the position of the vehicle using a headlight of the vehicle. 4. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the light source is a warning flashing light of the vehicle. According to this embodiment, it is possible to enable the user to determine the position of the vehicle using the vehicle's hazard warning light. 5. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the notification unit is a sound output unit contained in the vehicle. According to this embodiment, it is possible to enable the user to determine the position of the vehicle based on a sound emitted by the vehicle. 6. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the detection device recognizes whether communication has been established when a predetermined time condition is met. According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce battery consumption by limiting the time period for which communication is detected. 7. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the predetermined time condition lies within a predetermined period from the time at which the ignition of the vehicle is switched off. According to this embodiment, it is possible to put the detection of communication into a sleep mode in a time zone where the vehicle is less likely to be used. 8. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the predetermined time condition is a predetermined time zone. According to this embodiment, it is possible to put the detection of communication into a sleep mode in a time zone where the vehicle is less likely to be used. 9. The information processing device according to the above embodiment, further comprising: a device for determining whether a vehicle battery is underpowered, However, if the battery is found to be low-powered, the detection device will not recognize whether communication has been established. According to this embodiment, it is possible to put the communication detection into a sleep mode when the battery is low. 10. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the notification unit performs a control such that the notification unit sends a notification at predetermined intervals. According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the probability that the user will overlook the notification by executing the notification control periodically. 11. In the information processing device according to the above embodiment, the notification unit performs a control such that the notification unit executes a notification a predetermined number of times. According to this embodiment, by executing the notification control multiple times, it is possible to reduce the probability that the user will overlook the notification. 12. An information processing method according to the above embodiment comprises: the detection that communication has been established between a vehicle and a user device; and Controlling a notification unit contained in the vehicle at a time when communication has been established. According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine the position of the parked vehicle without user intervention. 13. A program according to the above embodiment which causes an information processing device to function as: Detection device for recognizing that communication has been established between a vehicle and a user terminal; and as Control unit for controlling a notification unit contained in the vehicle at a time when communication has been established. According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine the position of the parked vehicle without user intervention.

[0067] Although one embodiment of the invention has been described above, the invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, so that various variations / modifications in the sense of the invention are possible. REFERENCE MARK LIST 410 User terminal 420 Information processing device 430 vehicles QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2003-300453

[0004]

Claims

An information processing device (420), characterized in that it comprises: a detection device (610) for detecting that communication has been established between a vehicle (430) and a user terminal device (410); and a control device (610) for controlling a notification unit (440) contained in the vehicle (430) at a time when communication has been established. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit (440) is a light source contained in the vehicle (430). The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the light source is a headlight of the vehicle (430). The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the light source is a warning flashing light of the vehicle (430). The information processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the notification unit (440) is a sound output unit contained in the vehicle (430). The information processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (610) detects whether communication has been established when a predetermined time condition is met. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the predetermined time condition lies within a predetermined period from the time at which the ignition of the vehicle (430) is switched off. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the predetermined time condition is a predetermined time zone. The information processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises: a determination device (610) for determining whether a battery of the vehicle (430) is low-power, wherein, if it is determined that the battery is low-power, the detection device (610) does not detect whether communication has been established. The information processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (610) performs a control such that the notification unit (440) performs a notification at predetermined intervals. The information processing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (610) performs a control such that the notification unit (440) executes a notification a predetermined number of times. An information processing method characterized in that it: detects (S802) that communication has been established between a vehicle (430) and a user terminal device (410); and controls (S804) a notification unit (440) contained in the vehicle (430) at a time when the communication has been established. A program that causes an information processing device to function as: a detection device (610) for detecting that communication has been established between a vehicle (430) and a user terminal device (410); and as a control device (610) for controlling a notification unit (440) contained in the vehicle (430) at the time when communication has been established.

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