Information processing device

Abstract

To provide a technique of increasing a passenger satisfaction degree in a service for distributing content to passengers of vehicles.SOLUTION: A control unit of an information processing device acquires a passage time at which a vehicle actually passes a prescribed halfway point of a scheduled travel route, and calculates a scheduled arrival time at which the vehicle is predicted to arrive at a destination of the scheduled travel route in accordance with the acquired passage time. The control unit of the information processing device calculates a surplus time length representing the difference between the scheduled arrival time and a scheduled content distribution end time if the scheduled content distribution end time is earlier than the calculated scheduled arrival time. The control unit of the information processing device outputs information about the calculated surplus time length and proposal information including information for encouraging a delay of the scheduled content distribution end time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a system for distributing content to passengers on a vehicle, there is known a technique for terminating distribution of the content midway or thinning out part of the content if the vehicle arrives near the drop-off point before the content has finished (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-354489 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can increase passenger satisfaction in a service that delivers content to vehicle passengers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that manages distribution of content to passengers of a vehicle traveling along a planned travel route. In this case, the information processing device includes, for example, acquiring a passing time, which is a time when the vehicle actually passes a predetermined point along the planned travel route; calculating an estimated arrival time at which the vehicle is predicted to arrive at the destination of the planned travel route according to the passing time; When the scheduled end time of the content distribution is earlier than the scheduled arrival time, calculating a surplus time length that is a difference between the scheduled arrival time and the scheduled end time of the content distribution; outputting proposal information including information on the length of the surplus time and information to prompt a delay in the scheduled end time of distribution of the content; The control unit may include:

[0006] The present disclosure can also be understood as an information processing method in which a computer executes processing of an information processing device, a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method, or a non-transitory storage medium for storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technology that can increase passenger satisfaction in a service that delivers content to vehicle passengers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an in-vehicle terminal, a viewing terminal, a distribution terminal, a fleet management terminal, and a fleet management server included in a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a time table according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of information stored in a content information DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing routine executed by a distribution terminal in an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a subroutine executed by the distribution terminal in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A service is being considered that delivers content related to an event being held at an event venue to the inside of a vehicle that transports visitors between a public transportation station or the like and an event venue. In such a service, if the excess time between the end of content delivery and the vehicle's arrival at the destination becomes long, passenger satisfaction with the service may decrease. Therefore, a measure to minimize the excess time is needed.

[0010] Therefore, an information processing device according to the present disclosure is configured to extend the length of content distribution time when it is predicted that the vehicle will arrive at its destination later than the scheduled end time of the content distribution. The information processing device according to the present disclosure is a computer for managing content distribution to passengers of a vehicle traveling along a scheduled travel route. Such an information processing device may be a terminal used by a content distributor, a terminal used by a vehicle operations manager, a server, or the like.

[0011] In the information processing device according to the present disclosure, the control unit acquires a passing time, which is the time when the vehicle actually passes a predetermined point along the planned driving route. The predetermined point is at least one of the points included in the planned driving route, and is determined when the planned driving route is determined.

[0012] The control unit calculates an estimated time of arrival at which the vehicle is predicted to arrive at the destination of the planned travel route, based on the acquired passing time. In one example, the control unit may calculate a required time length that is predicted to be required for the vehicle to travel from the specified point to the destination, based on the distance of the section from the specified point to the destination, traffic information, etc., and add the required time length to the passing time to calculate the estimated time of arrival.

[0013] When the scheduled end time of content distribution is earlier than the scheduled arrival time, the control unit calculates a surplus time length, which is the difference between the scheduled arrival time and the scheduled end time of distribution. Then, the control unit outputs suggested information. The suggested information includes information on the surplus time length and information prompting a delay in the scheduled end time of content distribution. Here, when the information processing device according to the present disclosure is a terminal used by a content distributor, outputting the suggested information may involve outputting the suggested information on a display or the like of the terminal. Furthermore, when the information processing device according to the present disclosure is a terminal used by a server or an operations manager, outputting the suggested information may involve sending a command to output the suggested information to the terminal used by the content distributor.

[0014] According to the information processing device of the present disclosure, when the scheduled end time of content distribution is predicted to be earlier than the scheduled arrival time of the vehicle, it is possible to delay the scheduled end time of content distribution (extend the content distribution time), thereby increasing passenger satisfaction with the service that distributes content to vehicle passengers.

[0015] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and various improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, specific configurations according to the embodiments may be appropriately adopted when implementing the present disclosure. Note that, although data appearing in the present embodiments are described in natural language, more specifically, they are specified using pseudo-language, commands, parameters, machine language, etc. that can be recognized by a computer.

[0016] (System Overview) In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an information processing device according to the present disclosure is applied to a system for providing a service of delivering content to passengers of vehicles transporting visitors to an event venue. The event venue may be, for example, a facility where a sporting event or the like is held, a facility where a musical concert is held, or a facility where an exhibition is held. In this embodiment, a stadium where a sporting event is held is taken as an example of the event venue.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the system includes a vehicle 10, an in-vehicle terminal 100, a viewing terminal 110, a distribution terminal 20, a fleet management terminal 30, and a fleet management server 40. In the example shown in Fig. 1, only one vehicle 10, one in-vehicle terminal 100, one viewing terminal 110, and one distribution terminal 20 are shown, but there may be multiple vehicles 10, multiple in-vehicle terminals 100, multiple viewing terminals 110, and one distribution terminal 20.

[0018] Vehicle 10 is a vehicle that transports visitors between a predetermined boarding and disembarking location and the stadium. The predetermined boarding and disembarking location may be, for example, a public transportation station. In-vehicle terminal 100 is a computer installed in vehicle 10 or a computer carried by the driver of vehicle 10. Viewing terminal 110 is a computer installed in the passenger compartment of vehicle 10. Distribution terminal 20 is a computer used by a content distributor. Operation management terminal 30 is a computer used by the operation manager of vehicle 10. Operation management server 40 is a computer that processes information related to the operation of vehicle 10.

[0019] In the system of this embodiment, content is distributed from distribution terminal 20 to viewing terminal 110 via network N1, which will be described later, while vehicle 10 is traveling between a public transportation station and a stadium. The content in this embodiment is content related to a sport held at the stadium. Here, when vehicle 10 is traveling with visitors (visitors who are about to watch a sport held at the stadium) heading from the station to the stadium, the content may be, for example, a video introducing the sport held at the stadium, or a video interview before a match with an athlete participating in the sport held at the stadium. Furthermore, when vehicle 10 is traveling with visitors (visitors who have finished watching a sport held at the stadium) heading from the stadium to the station, the content may be, for example, a video highlighting the sport held at the stadium, or a video interview after a match with an athlete participating in the sport held at the stadium.

[0020] In addition, when distributing such content, the distribution terminal 20 and the viewing terminal 110 may be connected via a web conferencing system, so that dialogue such as question and answer sessions may be live-streamed between the distributor (for example, an MC (Master of Ceremony) and / or athletes) and visitors aboard the vehicle 10.

[0021] Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, before the vehicle 10 starts traveling, the distribution terminal 20 transmits distribution information to the fleet management terminal 30 via the network N1. The distribution information in this embodiment, for example, includes identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 10 to which the content is to be distributed, the departure point (a public transportation station or a stadium) of the vehicle 10 to which the content is to be distributed, the destination (a stadium or a public transportation station) of the vehicle 10 to which the content is to be distributed, and a timetable of the content to be distributed. The timetable includes a scheduled start time of the content distribution, a scheduled end time of the content distribution, the content of the content, and scheduled times of the content milestones. A milestone in the content is the timing at which the content changes. For example, the timing at which the content changes may be the timing at which a highlight video switches to an interview video. In another example, the timing at which the content changes may be the timing at which a player to be interviewed is replaced.

[0022] In response to receiving distribution information transmitted from distribution terminal 20, fleet management terminal 30 transmits the distribution information to fleet management server 40. Note that the distribution information may be orally communicated by the distributor to an operator of fleet management terminal 30, and the operator may input the distribution information into fleet management terminal 30. In this case, fleet management terminal 30 may transmit the distribution information to fleet management server 40 in response to input of the distribution information.

[0023] In response to receiving distribution information transmitted from the fleet management terminal 30, the fleet management server 40 determines the planned driving route of the vehicle 10 that is the distribution destination, and predetermined points corresponding to the planned driving route. The planned driving route is the route that the vehicle 10 will travel from the departure point included in the distribution information to the destination. The fleet management server 40 of this embodiment determines, as the planned driving route, a route that is predicted to allow the vehicle 10, which departs from the departure point at approximately the same time as the scheduled distribution start time, to arrive at the destination within a predetermined period (for example, within 10 minutes before or after the scheduled distribution end time). The predetermined points are one or more planned passing points along the planned driving route. The fleet management server 40 of this embodiment determines, as the predetermined points, points that the vehicle 10 is predicted to pass at the scheduled time when a turning point in the content is to arrive.

[0024] In response to the determination of the planned driving route and the predetermined points, the fleet management server 40 transmits route information to the in-vehicle terminal 100, the distribution terminal 20, and the fleet management terminal 30. The route information includes, for example, the departure point of the vehicle 10, the destination of the vehicle 10, the scheduled start time of content distribution, the scheduled end time of content distribution, the planned driving route, the predetermined points, and the scheduled time of passing through the predetermined points (the scheduled time at which a turning point in the content is to arrive).

[0025] The on-board terminal 100, which has received the route information transmitted from the fleet management server 40, starts route guidance along the planned driving route when the scheduled content distribution start time arrives. Furthermore, the on-board terminal 100 transmits vehicle information to the fleet management server 40 at a predetermined interval (for example, every tens to hundreds of milliseconds) while the vehicle 10 is traveling from the departure point to the destination. The vehicle information in this embodiment includes an identifier (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 10 and the current location of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the fleet management terminal 30, which has received the route information transmitted from the fleet management server 40, outputs map information onto which the route information is mapped. Furthermore, the distribution terminal 20, which has received the route information transmitted from the fleet management server 40, stores the route information in a storage unit 202, which will be described later. Note that, upon receiving the route information, the distribution terminal 20 may output map information onto which information included in the route information is mapped.

[0026] The fleet management server 40 transmits driving data of the vehicle 10 to the distribution terminal 20 and the fleet management terminal 30 each time it receives vehicle information transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 100. The driving data in this embodiment includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10, the current position of the vehicle 10, and the actual time of passing through predetermined points. The fleet management terminal 30, which receives the driving data transmitted from the fleet management server 40, maps the current position of the vehicle 10 and the actual time of passing through predetermined points, etc., onto map information on which route information is mapped, based on the received driving data. The current position of the vehicle 10 in such map information is updated each time the fleet management terminal 30 receives driving data. Furthermore, the distribution terminal 20, which receives the driving data transmitted from the fleet management server 40, calculates the time at which the vehicle 10 is predicted to arrive at the destination (estimated arrival time) based on the actual time of passing through predetermined points. The distribution terminal 20 compares the calculated estimated arrival time with the estimated end time of distribution of the content, and determines whether the estimated end time of distribution is earlier than the estimated arrival time. If it is determined that the estimated distribution end time is earlier than the estimated arrival time, the distribution terminal 20 generates proposal information and presents the generated proposal information to the content distributor. The proposal information is information for urging the content distributor to extend the content distribution time length. Details of the calculation of the estimated arrival time and the generation of the proposal information will be described later.

[0027] According to the system of this embodiment, the vehicle arrives at the destination after the content distribution is completed. As a result, it is possible to increase passenger satisfaction with the service that delivers content to passengers on board a vehicle.

[0028] (System Configuration) Here, an example of the hardware configuration of each of the in-vehicle terminal 100, the viewing terminal 110, the distribution terminal 20, the fleet management terminal 30, and the fleet management server 40 included in the system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of each of the in-vehicle terminal 100, the viewing terminal 110, the distribution terminal 20, the fleet management terminal 30, and the fleet management server 40. As shown in Fig. 2, the in-vehicle terminal 100, the viewing terminal 110, the distribution terminal 20, the fleet management server 40, and the fleet management terminal 30 are connected to each other via a network N1. For example, the network N1 may include a WAN (Wide Area Network), which is a global public communication network such as the Internet, and / or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0029] (In-vehicle terminal) The in-vehicle terminal 100 in this embodiment is a computer mounted on the vehicle 10, and includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an input / output device 103, a position acquisition unit 104, a camera 105, and a communication I / F 106. For example, such an in-vehicle terminal 100 may be realized by a combination of a car navigation system and a DCM (Data Communication Module) mounted on the vehicle 10. Note that the in-vehicle terminal 100 may also be realized by a portable computer (for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal) used by the driver.

[0030] The in-vehicle terminal 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)), a main memory (such as RAM and ROM), and an auxiliary memory (such as an EPROM, hard disk drive, and removable media). The auxiliary memory stores various programs such as an OS (Operating System) and application programs, and by executing these programs, various functions (software modules) that meet specific purposes can be realized. However, some or all of the functions of the in-vehicle terminal 100 may be implemented by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, the control circuit may be realized by a hardware circuit such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or a Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC).

[0031] The control unit 101 is a computing unit that realizes each function of the in-vehicle terminal 100 by executing a first program stored in the storage unit 102. The control unit 101 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control unit 101 may also be configured to include a RAM, a ROM, a cache memory, etc.

[0032] The storage unit 102 stores various types of information. The storage unit 102 is configured with a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, and / or a flash memory. The storage unit 102 stores a first program executed by the control unit 101, data used by the first program, and the like.

[0033] The input / output device 103 is a device that receives input operations performed by the driver of the vehicle 10 and presents information to the driver. In one example, the input / output device 103 may be configured to include a touch panel display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel. Note that the input / output device 103 may be configured to further include a microphone for inputting voice and a speaker for outputting voice in addition to the touch panel display.

[0034] The position acquisition unit 104 is a device that acquires the current position of the vehicle 10. In one example, the position acquisition unit 104 may be configured to include a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. In another example, the position acquisition unit 104 may be configured to include a wireless communication circuit that uses a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) location information service.

[0035] Camera 105 photographs the area in front of vehicle 10. Camera 105 may include a camera that photographs the interior of vehicle 10 (for example, a passenger compartment) in addition to a camera that photographs the area in front of vehicle 10.

[0036] The communication I / F 106 is a communication interface for connecting the in-vehicle terminal 100 to the network N1. In one example, the communication I / F 106 may be configured to include a wireless communication interface for wireless communication. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle terminal 100 performs data communication with the fleet management server 40 through the communication I / F 106.

[0037] In the in-vehicle terminal 100 configured as described above, the control unit 101 executes the first program in the storage unit 102 to achieve the following functions. That is, in the in-vehicle terminal 100, in response to the communication I / F 106 receiving route information transmitted from the fleet management server 40, the control unit 101 performs settings to use the departure point, destination, and planned driving route included in the route information as information for route guidance. Subsequently, in response to the arrival of the scheduled distribution start time included in the route information, the control unit 101 executes route guidance according to the planned driving route.

[0038] Furthermore, in the in-vehicle terminal 100, when the vehicle 10 is traveling from a departure point to a destination (when route guidance is being executed according to the planned traveling route), the control unit 101 acquires the current position of the vehicle 10 via the position acquisition unit 104 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every tens to hundreds of milliseconds). Each time the control unit 101 acquires the current position of the vehicle 10, it transmits vehicle information to the fleet management server 40 via the communication I / F 106. As described above, the vehicle information includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 and the current position of the vehicle 10. Note that the vehicle information may also include images captured by the camera 105. In this case, the control unit 201 may acquire the images captured by the camera 105 in addition to acquiring the current position of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined cycle.

[0039] The specific hardware configuration of the in-vehicle terminal 100 can be such that components are omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0040] (Viewing device) The audiovisual terminal 110 in this embodiment is a computer installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10, and includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a display 113, a speaker 114, a camera 115, a microphone 116, and a communication I / F 117.

[0041] The viewing terminal 110 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, DSP, etc.), a main memory device (RAM and ROM, etc.), an auxiliary memory device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.), and image and audio input / output devices. The auxiliary memory device stores various programs such as an OS and application programs, and various functions (software modules) that meet specific purposes can be realized through the execution of these programs. However, some or all of the functions of the viewing terminal 110 may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0042] The control unit 111 is a calculation unit that realizes each function of the audiovisual terminal 110 by executing a second program stored in the storage unit 112. The control unit 111 may be configured similarly to the control unit 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100.

[0043] The storage unit 112 stores various types of information. The storage unit 112 may be configured similarly to the storage unit 102 of the in-vehicle terminal 100. The storage unit 112 stores a second program executed by the control unit 111, data used by the second program, and the like.

[0044] The display 113 is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 and outputs images (video and still images) included in the content transmitted from the distribution terminal 20. The speaker 114 outputs audio included in the content transmitted from the distribution terminal 20. The camera 115 is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 and captures images of the passenger compartment (passengers in the passenger compartment). The microphone 116 is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 and inputs (collects) audio from the passenger compartment (passengers in the passenger compartment). The communication I / F 117 is a communication interface for connecting the viewing terminal 110 to the network N1. In one example, the communication I / F 117 may be configured similarly to the communication I / F 106 of the in-vehicle terminal 100. In this embodiment, the viewing terminal 110 performs data communication with the distribution terminal 20 via the communication I / F 117.

[0045] In the viewing terminal 110 configured as described above, the control unit 111 executes the second program in the storage unit 112 to achieve the following functions. That is, in the viewing terminal 110, in response to the communication I / F 117 receiving content distributed from the distribution terminal 20, the control unit 111 displays image data included in the content on the display 113 and outputs audio data included in the content to the speaker 114. In addition, the viewing terminal 110 transmits an image of the guest room captured by the camera 115 and audio of the guest room picked up by the microphone 116 to the distribution terminal 20 via the communication I / F 117.

[0046] The specific hardware configuration of the audio-visual terminal 110 can be such that components are omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. (Distribution terminal) In this embodiment, distribution terminal 20 is a computer used by a content distributor, and includes control unit 201, storage unit 202, display 203, speaker 204, camera 205, microphone 206, input device 207, and communication I / F 208. Note that distribution terminal 20 may be configured to include multiple computers, such as a computer used by an MC and a computer used by a player.

[0047] Like the viewing terminal 110, the distribution terminal 20 can be configured as a computer having a processor (e.g., CPU or DSP), a main memory (e.g., RAM and ROM), an auxiliary memory (e.g., EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media), and image and audio input / output devices. The auxiliary memory stores various programs such as an OS and application programs, and various functions (software modules) that meet specific purposes can be realized through the execution of these programs. However, some or all of the functions of the distribution terminal 20 may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0048] The control unit 201 is a calculation unit that executes a third program stored in the storage unit 202 to realize each function of the distribution terminal 20. The control unit 201 may be configured similarly to the control unit 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100.

[0049] The storage unit 202 stores various types of information. The storage unit 202 may be configured similarly to the storage unit 102 of the in-vehicle terminal 100. The storage unit 202 of the distribution terminal 20 stores a third program executed by the control unit 201, data used by the third program, and the like. The data stored in the storage unit 202 includes route information received from the fleet management server 40, as well as a timetable and a content information DB.

[0050] 3, the timetable stored in the storage unit 202 includes a scheduled start time of content distribution, a scheduled end time of content distribution, the content details (identifier of the content to be distributed (content ID)), scheduled times of content turning points, etc. As described above, a content turning point is a timing at which the content of the content changes.

[0051] The content information DB stored in the storage unit 202 is a database that stores information about pre-generated content (corresponding to the "second content" according to the present disclosure), such as an introductory video of a sport held at a stadium and a highlight video of the sport held at the stadium. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the content DB in this embodiment stores multiple content tables for each athlete or team of a sport held at a stadium. Each content table has a content ID field, a content field, a duration field, etc. An identifier (content ID) of each piece of content is registered in the content ID field. Information indicating the content of each piece of content (introduction video, highlight video, etc.) is registered in the content field. The duration field is registered with the duration of each piece of content.

[0052] Returning to the description of FIG. 2 , the display 203 outputs an image transmitted from the viewing terminal 110. The speaker 204 outputs audio transmitted from the viewing terminal 110. The camera 205 captures an image of the broadcaster (MC and / or players, etc.). The microphone 206 inputs (collects) the broadcaster's audio. The input device 207 accepts input operations performed by the broadcaster. In one example, the input device 207 may be configured to include a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The communication I / F 208 is a communication interface for connecting the broadcasting terminal 20 to the network N1. In one example, the communication I / F 208 may be configured to include a network interface board and / or a wireless communication interface for wireless communication. In this embodiment, the broadcasting terminal 20 performs data communication with each of the viewing terminal 110, the fleet management terminal 30, and the fleet management server 40 via the communication I / F 208.

[0053] In distribution terminal 20 configured as described above, control unit 201 executes the third program in storage unit 202 to achieve the following functions: In other words, in distribution terminal 20, in response to input via input device 207 the vehicle ID of vehicle 10 to which the content is to be distributed, the departure point (public transportation station or stadium) of vehicle 10 to which the content is to be distributed, the destination (stadium or public transportation station) of vehicle 10 to which the content is to be distributed, and the timetable of the content to be distributed, control unit 201 transmits distribution information to fleet management terminal 30 via communication I / F 208.

[0054] Furthermore, in distribution terminal 20, when the scheduled start time for content distribution arrives, control unit 201 starts distribution of the content to viewing terminal 110 via communication I / F 208. The content distribution is executed according to the timetable stored in storage unit 202. At that time, if the content corresponding to the content registered in the timetable is content generated in advance (for example, an introductory video of a sport to be held at a stadium, or a highlight video of a sport to be held at a stadium), control unit 201 transmits the content to viewing terminal 110 via communication I / F 208. Furthermore, if the content corresponding to the content registered in the timetable is content to be live-streamed (for example, a video of an interview with a player in real time, or a video of a player answering questions from passengers in real time, which corresponds to the "first content" according to the present disclosure), the control unit 201 connects to the viewing terminal 110 using a Web conference system to stream (live stream) images captured by the camera 205 and audio picked up by the microphone 206 to the viewing terminal 110 in real time, and also streams images captured by the camera 115 of the viewing terminal 110 and audio picked up by the microphone 116 of the viewing terminal 110 on the display of the streaming terminal 20 in real time. The audio signal is output to the audio-visual terminal 110 via the audio-visual terminal 203 and the speaker 204. When the scheduled end time of the content distribution arrives, the control unit 201 of the distribution terminal 20 ends the distribution of the content to the audio-visual terminal 110.

[0055] Furthermore, in the distribution terminal 20, the control unit 201 determines whether the vehicle 10 has passed a predetermined point in response to the communication I / F 208 receiving the traveling data periodically transmitted from the fleet management server 40. At that time, if only the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 and the current position of the vehicle 10 are included in the traveling data, the control unit 201 determines that the vehicle 10 has not yet passed the predetermined point. On the other hand, if the traveling data includes the actual time of passing the predetermined point in addition to the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 and the current position of the vehicle 10, the control unit 201 determines that the vehicle 10 has passed the predetermined point.

[0056] When it is determined that the vehicle 10 has passed the predetermined point, the control unit 201 calculates an estimated time of arrival at which the vehicle 10 is predicted to arrive at the destination, based on the actual time of passing the predetermined point. In one example, the control unit 201 may calculate the estimated time required for the vehicle 10 to travel the untraveled section based on the distance of the section from the predetermined point to the destination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "untraveled section") and traffic information (degree of congestion) for the untraveled section, and add the calculated required time to the actual time of passing the predetermined point, thereby calculating the estimated time of arrival. Note that the calculation of the required time may use parameters such as the number of traffic lights installed in the untraveled section and the speed limit for the untraveled section, in addition to the distance of the untraveled section and traffic information for the untraveled section.

[0057] In response to the calculation of the estimated arrival time, the control unit 201 extracts the estimated distribution end time of the content from the route information stored in the storage unit 202. The control unit 201 compares the estimated arrival time with the estimated distribution end time and determines whether the estimated distribution end time is earlier than the estimated arrival time. If it is determined that the estimated distribution end time is earlier than the estimated arrival time, the control unit 201 calculates the surplus time length by subtracting the estimated distribution end time from the estimated arrival time.

[0058] The control unit 201 generates proposal information in response to the calculation of the surplus time length. The proposal information is information for prompting the content distributor to delay the scheduled end time of the content distribution (i.e., extend the content distribution time length). In generating such proposal information, the control unit 201 first accesses the timetable stored in the storage unit 202 and determines whether the content scheduled to be distributed after the current time includes live streaming. Here, taking the timetable of FIG. 3 as an example, if the current time is before 1:10 PM (preferably, a few minutes (approximately 2 to 3 minutes) before 1:10 PM), it is determined that the content scheduled to be distributed after the current time includes live streaming. On the other hand, if the current time is after 1:10 PM (preferably, more than a few minutes before 1:10 PM), it is determined that the content scheduled to be distributed after the current time does not include live streaming.

[0059] When it is determined that live streaming is included in the content scheduled to be distributed after the current time, the control unit 201 generates, as suggestion information, information that prompts extending the distribution time length of the live streaming by the surplus time length.

[0060] Furthermore, if it is determined that the content scheduled to be distributed after the current time does not include live distribution, the control unit 201 accesses the content information DB in the storage unit 202 and identifies a content table corresponding to the athletes or teams participating in the sports being held at the stadium. In performing such identification, an identifier of the content table (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "content table ID") corresponding to the athletes or teams participating in the sports being held at the stadium may be included in the timetable in the storage unit 202. In this case, the control unit 201 accesses the content information DB using the content table ID included in the timetable as an argument. By accessing the DB, the content table corresponding to the content table ID can be identified. The control unit 201 identifies content that has a duration that matches the surplus duration registered in the duration field from among the content registered in the identified content table. The control unit 201 then generates, as suggested information, information that prompts additional distribution of the identified content.

[0061] If there is no content registered in the identified content table whose duration field has a duration matching the surplus time length, the control unit 201 extracts all content registered in the identified content table whose duration field has a duration longer than the surplus time length (corresponding to "candidate second content" according to the present disclosure). The control unit 201 generates a list of the extracted content. The control unit 201 outputs information to the display 203 prompting the user to select one piece of content from the generated list. In response to this, when the content distributor inputs an operation to select one piece of content from the list to the input device 207, the control unit 201 calculates the time difference between the duration of the selected content and the surplus time length (= (duration of content) - (surplus time length)). The control unit 201 generates proposal information including information prompting the distributor to additionally distribute the content selected by the distributor and information prompting the user to delay the time at which the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination by the time difference. In this case, the information prompting the vehicle 10 to delay the arrival time of the vehicle 10 at the destination by the above-mentioned time difference may include information prompting the vehicle 10 to change its route from the middle of the planned route to another route (a route whose travel time is predicted to be longer by the above-mentioned time difference).

[0062] When the proposal information is generated as described above, the control unit 201 outputs the generated proposal information to the display 203. This allows the content distributor to delay the scheduled end time of the content distribution in accordance with the proposal information. As a result, it is possible to prevent the length of excess time between the end of the content distribution and the arrival of the vehicle 10 at the destination from becoming too long.

[0063] The process of generating the proposal information may be executed on the condition that the remaining time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes or more). This is because if the time from when the content distribution ends until the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination is less than the predetermined time, it is considered that the passengers are unlikely to have too much time to spare.

[0064] The specific hardware configuration of the distribution terminal 20 can be such that components are omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0065] (Operation control terminal) The fleet management terminal 30 in this embodiment is a computer used by the fleet manager of the vehicle 10, and corresponds to the information processing device according to the present disclosure. The fleet management terminal 30 in this embodiment includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, an input / output device 303, and a communication I / F 304. Such a fleet management terminal 30 may be realized by a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0066] Like the in-vehicle terminal 100, the fleet management terminal 30 can be configured as a computer having a processor (e.g., CPU or DSP), a main memory device (e.g., RAM and ROM), and an auxiliary memory device (e.g., EPROM, hard disk drive, and removable media). The auxiliary memory device stores various programs such as an OS and application programs, and the execution of these programs can realize various functions (software modules) that meet specific purposes. However, some or all of the functions of the fleet management terminal 30 may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0067] The control unit 301 is a calculation unit that executes a fourth program stored in the storage unit 302 to realize each function of the fleet management terminal 30. The control unit 301 may be configured similarly to the control unit 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100.

[0068] The storage unit 302 stores various types of information. The storage unit 302 may be configured similarly to the storage unit 102 of the in-vehicle terminal 100. The storage unit 302 stores a fourth program executed by the control unit 301, data used by the fourth program, and the like.

[0069] The input / output device 303 is a device that accepts input operations performed by the operations manager and presents information to the operations manager. In one example, the input / output device 303 may be configured to include a touch panel display including an LCD or EL panel. Note that the input / output device 303 may be configured to further include a microphone for inputting voice and a speaker for outputting voice in addition to the touch panel display.

[0070] The communication I / F 304 is a communication interface for connecting the fleet management terminal 30 to the network N1. In one example, the communication I / F 304 may be configured similarly to the communication I / F 208 of the distribution terminal 20. In this embodiment, the fleet management terminal 30 performs data communication between the distribution terminal 20 and the fleet management server 40 via the communication I / F 304.

[0071] In the fleet management terminal 30 configured as described above, the control unit 301 executes the fourth program in the storage unit 302 to achieve the following function. That is, in the fleet management terminal 30, in response to the communication I / F 304 receiving the distribution information transmitted from the distribution terminal 20, the control unit 301 transmits the received distribution information to the fleet management server 40 via the communication I / F 304. Note that the control unit 301 may display the distribution information received from the distribution terminal 20 on the touch panel display of the input / output device 303, in addition to transmitting the distribution information received from the distribution terminal 20 to the fleet management server 40. This allows the fleet manager to understand the distribution information.

[0072] In addition, in the fleet management terminal 30, in response to the communication I / F 304 receiving route information transmitted from the fleet management server 40, the control unit 301 displays a map screen on which the planned driving route is mapped on the touch panel display of the input / output device 303. The map screen at that time may include the positions of predetermined points and the scheduled times to pass through the predetermined points. Furthermore, each time the fleet management terminal 30 receives driving data transmitted from the fleet management server 40, the current position of the vehicle 10 is mapped on the map screen.

[0073] The specific hardware configuration of the fleet management terminal 30 can be such that components are omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0074] (Traffic management server) The fleet management server 40 in this embodiment is a computer that executes information processing related to the operation of the vehicle 10, and includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, and a communication I / F 403. Such a fleet management server 40 may be realized by a single computer or a combination of multiple computers.

[0075] The fleet management server 40 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU or DSP, etc.), a main memory (RAM and ROM, etc.), and an auxiliary memory (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary memory stores various programs such as an OS and application programs, and by executing these programs, various functions (software modules) that meet specific purposes can be realized. However, some or all of the functions of the fleet management server 40 may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0076] The control unit 401 is a calculation unit that realizes each function of the fleet management server 40 by executing a fifth program stored in the storage unit 402. The control unit 401 may be configured similarly to the control unit 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100.

[0077] The storage unit 402 stores various types of information. The storage unit 402 may be configured similarly to the storage unit 102 of the in-vehicle terminal 100. The storage unit 402 stores a fifth program executed by the control unit 401, data used by the fifth program, and the like.

[0078] The communication I / F 403 is a communication interface for connecting the fleet management server 40 to the network N1. In one example, the communication I / F 403 may be configured similarly to the communication I / F 208 of the distribution terminal 20. In this embodiment, the fleet management server 40 performs data communication with the in-vehicle terminal 100 and the fleet management terminal 30 via the communication I / F 403.

[0079] In the fleet management server 40 configured as described above, the control unit 401 executes the fifth program stored in the storage unit 402 to achieve the following functions. That is, in the fleet management server 40, the control unit 401 determines a planned driving route in response to the communication I / F 403 receiving distribution information transmitted from the fleet management terminal 30. In one example, the control unit 401 may determine, as the planned driving route, a route that does not pass through an area where communication quality is below a predetermined quality, from among one or more routes that are predicted to allow the vehicle 10, which departs from the departure point at the scheduled content distribution start time, to arrive at the destination within a predetermined period including the scheduled content distribution end time (e.g., within 10 minutes before and after the scheduled content distribution end time). The predetermined quality may be set, for example, so that at least one of the reference signal received power RSRP, the reference signal received quality RSRQ, and the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio SINR is equal to or greater than a value required for content distribution. Alternatively, the predetermined quality may be set so that the duration during which the data transfer rate of at least one of the uplink and downlink is below a predetermined rate is less than a threshold.

[0080] The control unit 401 of the fleet management server 40 determines a predetermined point in response to the determination of the planned driving route. In one example, the control unit 401 may determine, as the predetermined point, a point included in the planned driving route that the vehicle 10 is predicted to pass at the scheduled time when a turning point in the content is to arrive. Note that if there are multiple turning points in the content, multiple predetermined points may be determined.

[0081] In response to the determination of the planned driving route and the predetermined points, the control unit 401 of the fleet management server 40 transmits the route information to the in-vehicle terminal 100, the distribution terminal 20, and the fleet management terminal 30. As described above, the route information includes the departure point of the vehicle 10, the destination of the vehicle 10, the scheduled start time of content distribution, the scheduled end time of content distribution, the planned driving route, the predetermined points, and the scheduled time of passing through the predetermined points (the scheduled time at which a turning point in the content is to arrive).

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 401 of the fleet management server 40 generates driving data each time the communication I / F 403 receives vehicle information periodically transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 100, and transmits the generated driving data to the fleet management terminal 30. In generating the driving data, the control unit 401 first compares the current position of the vehicle 10 included in the vehicle information with the position of a predetermined point. If the current position of the vehicle 10 is closer to the predetermined point (closer to the departure point), the control unit 401 determines that the vehicle 10 has not yet passed the predetermined point. On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 10 matches the predetermined point, the control unit 401 determines that the vehicle 10 has passed the predetermined point. If it is determined that the vehicle 10 has passed the predetermined point, the control unit 401 acquires the current time as the actual time of passing the predetermined point.

[0083] If it is determined that the vehicle 10 has not yet passed the predetermined point, the control unit 401 transmits to the fleet management terminal 30 traveling data including only the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 and the current position of the vehicle 10. If it is determined that the vehicle 10 has passed the predetermined point, the control unit 401 transmits to the fleet management terminal 30 traveling data including the actual time of passing the predetermined point in addition to the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 and the current position of the vehicle 10.

[0084] The specific hardware configuration of the fleet management server 40 can be such that components are omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0085] (Processing flow) Here, the flow of processing executed by distribution terminal 20 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing routine executed by distribution terminal 20 when triggered by receiving driving data transmitted from fleet management server 40. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine executed in step S106 in Fig. 5.

[0086] 5, when the communication I / F 208 of the distribution terminal 20 receives the traveling data transmitted from the fleet management server 40, the control unit 201 acquires the traveling data through the communication I / F 208 (step S101). After completing the processing of step S101, the control unit 201 executes the processing of step S102.

[0087] In step S102, the control unit 201 determines whether the vehicle 10 has already passed the predetermined point based on the travel data acquired in step S101. At that time, if only the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 and the current position of the vehicle 10 are included in the travel data, the control unit 201 determines that the vehicle 10 has not yet passed the predetermined point (negative determination in step S102). In that case, the control unit 201 ends the execution of the processing routine of FIG. 5. Furthermore, if the travel data includes the actual time of passage through the predetermined point in addition to the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 and the current position of the vehicle 10, the control unit 201 determines that the vehicle 10 has already passed the predetermined point (positive determination in step S102). In that case, the control unit 201 executes the processing of step S103.

[0088] In step S103, the control unit 201 calculates the time at which the vehicle 10 is predicted to arrive at the destination (estimated arrival time) based on the actual passing time of the predetermined point. In one example, the control unit 201 first calculates the length of time that the vehicle 10 is predicted to need to travel the untraveled section using at least the distance of the untraveled section and traffic information for the untraveled section as parameters. Next, the control unit 201 calculates the estimated arrival time by adding the required time to the actual passing time of the predetermined point. After completing the processing of step S103, the control unit 201 executes the processing of step S104.

[0089] In step S104, the control unit 201 reads the scheduled distribution end time of the content from the route information stored in the storage unit 202, and determines whether the scheduled distribution end time is earlier than the scheduled arrival time calculated in step S103. If the scheduled distribution end time is not earlier than the scheduled arrival time (negative determination in step S104), the control unit 201 ends execution of the processing routine of Fig. 5. On the other hand, if the scheduled distribution end time is earlier than the scheduled arrival time (positive determination in step S104), the control unit 201 executes the processing of step S105.

[0090] In step S105, the control unit 201 calculates the surplus time length by subtracting the estimated distribution end time from the estimated arrival time calculated in step S103. After completing the process of step S105, the control unit 201 executes the process of step S106.

[0091] In step S106, the control unit 201 executes a proposal information generation process. In the proposal information generation process, the control unit 201 executes the subroutine of Fig. 6. In the subroutine of Fig. 6, the control unit 201 first accesses the timetable stored in the storage unit 202 and determines whether live streaming is included in the content scheduled to be distributed after the current time (step S1061). If live streaming is included in the content scheduled to be distributed after the current time (positive determination in step S1061), the control unit 201 executes the process of step S1062.

[0092] In step S1062, the control unit 201 generates, as suggestion information, information that prompts extending the distribution time length of the live distribution by the length of the surplus time. After completing the processing of step S1062, the control unit 201 ends the execution of the subroutine in Fig. 6 and executes the processing of step S107 of the processing routine in Fig. 5.

[0093] Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step S1061 (if live distribution is included in the content scheduled to be distributed after the current time), the control unit 201 executes the process of step S1063. In step S1063, the control unit 201 determines whether there is any matching content among the content generated in advance. Specifically, the control unit 201 first accesses the content information DB in the storage unit 202 and identifies a content table corresponding to the athletes or teams participating in the sport being held at the stadium. Next, the control unit 201 determines whether there is any content registered in the identified content table in which a duration matching the surplus time length is registered in the duration field. If there is any content registered in the identified content table in which a duration matching the surplus time length is registered in the duration field (positive determination in step S1063), the control unit 201 executes the process of step S1064.

[0094] In step S1064, the control unit 201 generates, as suggested information, information that prompts additional distribution of content whose duration field has a duration that matches the surplus duration. After completing the process of step S1064, the control unit 201 ends the execution of the subroutine in Fig. 6 and executes the process of step S107 of the processing routine in Fig. 5.

[0095] Furthermore, if a negative judgment is made in step S1063 (there is no content in which a duration matching the surplus duration is registered in the duration field among the contents registered in the identified content table), the control unit 201 executes the process of step S1065. In step S1065, the control unit 201 first extracts all content in which a duration longer than the surplus duration is registered in the duration field from the contents registered in the content table identified in step S1063. The control unit 201 generates a list of the extracted contents. The control unit 201 causes the display 203 to output information (selection screen) that prompts the user to select one content from the generated list.

[0096] In response to the content selection screen being output to the display 203, the content distributor inputs an operation to select one piece of content from the list to the input device 207, and the control unit 201 accepts the operation (step S1066). After completing the processing of step S1066, the control unit 201 executes the processing of step S1067.

[0097] In step S1067, the control unit 201 calculates the time difference between the time length of the selected content and the remaining time length. The control unit 201 generates proposal information including information that prompts additional distribution of the content selected by the distributor and information that prompts delaying the time at which the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination by the time difference. At this time, the information that prompts delaying the time at which the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination by the time difference includes information that prompts the vehicle 10 to take a different route ( The route change information may include information that prompts the user to change to a route that is predicted to have a longer travel time by the time difference. After completing the process of step S1067, the control unit 201 ends the execution of the subroutine in Fig. 6 and executes the process of step S107 of the processing routine in Fig. 5.

[0098] Returning now to the description of the processing routine in Fig. 5, after the control unit 201 has completed the processing of step S106, it executes the processing of step S107. In step S107, the control unit 201 causes the display 203 to output the proposal information generated in step S106. After completing the processing of step S107, the control unit 201 ends the execution of the processing routine in Fig. 6.

[0099] (Actions and Effects of the Embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, while vehicle 10 is traveling from a departure point to a destination, distribution terminal 20 calculates the predicted time at which vehicle 10 will arrive at the destination (estimated arrival time) based on the time at which vehicle 10 actually passes a predetermined point (passing time). If the estimated end time of content distribution is earlier than the calculated estimated arrival time, distribution terminal 20 presents the content distributor with suggestion information encouraging the distributor to delay the estimated end time of content distribution. In this case, if the suggestion information encourages extending the distribution time of live distribution, the distributor can extend the distribution time of live distribution to prevent the difference between the estimated end time of distribution and the estimated arrival time (excess time length) from becoming longer. Furthermore, if the suggestion information encourages additional distribution of content, the distributor can prevent the excess time from becoming longer by additionally distributing the content specified by distribution terminal 20. Furthermore, if the proposed information includes information encouraging additional distribution of content and information encouraging a delay in the arrival time of vehicle 10 at the destination, the distributor can prevent the length of excess time from becoming too long by additionally distributing the content specified by distribution terminal 20 and encouraging the operations manager or the driver of vehicle 10 to delay the arrival time of vehicle 10 at the destination.

[0100] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the satisfaction of passengers in the vehicle 10 with the service of delivering content to the passengers.

[0101] <Other> The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure may be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration for implementing each function can be flexibly changed. For example, some of the functions of the distribution terminal 20 may be implemented by the fleet management terminal 30 or the fleet management server 40. That is, the function of generating proposal information based on driving data and the function of generating driving data based on vehicle information may be implemented by the fleet management terminal 30 or the fleet management server 40. In this case, the fleet management terminal 30 or the fleet management server 40 may send a command to the distribution terminal 20 to output the generated proposal information. In this case, the fleet management terminal 30 or the fleet management server 40 corresponds to an information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0102] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program (information processing program) that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10 Vehicle, 100 In-vehicle terminal, 110 Viewing terminal, 20 Distribution terminal, 201 Control unit, 202 Storage unit, 203 Display, 207 Input device, 208 Communication I / F, 30 Traffic management terminal, 40 Traffic management server

Claims

1. An information processing device that manages distribution of content to passengers of a vehicle traveling along a planned travel route, acquiring a passing time, which is a time when the vehicle actually passes a predetermined point along the planned travel route; calculating an estimated arrival time at which the vehicle is predicted to arrive at the destination of the planned travel route according to the passing time; When the scheduled end time of the content distribution is earlier than the scheduled arrival time, calculating a surplus time length that is a difference between the scheduled arrival time and the scheduled end time of the content distribution; outputting proposal information including information on the length of the surplus time and information to prompt the user to delay the scheduled end time of distribution of the content; A control unit that executes Information processing device.

2. the information prompting the user to delay the scheduled end time of distribution of the content includes information prompting the user to extend the distribution time length of the first content being distributed; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the information prompting the user to delay the scheduled end time of distribution of the content includes information prompting the user to distribute a second content after the end of distribution of a first content that is currently being distributed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. a storage unit that stores a distribution time length of each of a plurality of candidates for the second content; The control unit determining, as the second content, the candidate whose distribution time length matches the length of excess time according to the length of excess time and information stored in the storage unit; Further execute The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. When there is no candidate whose distribution time length matches the surplus time length among the plurality of candidates for the second content, the control unit accepting designation of one candidate from among the plurality of candidates for the second content; determining the designated candidate as the second content; outputting information prompting the driver to change the planned travel route to another route from the middle of the planned travel route according to a distribution time length of the second content; Further execute the following. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

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