Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The information processing apparatus includes: a communication unit configured to communicate with a vehicle when the vehicle enters a predetermined range based on a facility; acquiring route guidance information for guiding a route of a vehicle in a facility, facility guidance information for guiding prescribed information related to each location within the facility, and role information for outputting a role associated with the facility; a storage unit that holds route guidance information, facility guidance information, and role information; a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information in the facility; and a control unit that causes the character to be output from the output unit on the basis of the character information, and causes the route guidance and / or the facility guidance to be output from the output unit on the basis of the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the position information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of guiding a path of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there was a technology for guiding the path of a vehicle. For example, the following technology was proposed: outside the local route guidance area, route guidance is provided using map data for a publicly available navigation system, and within the local route guidance area, route guidance is provided within a specific area not included in the map data (for example, refer to JP2019-534521A). Summary of the invention

[0003] In the above-mentioned prior art, route guidance in a certain specific area can be performed in the local route guidance area. However, it is impossible to provide guidance on facilities in the area, advertisements for facilities, etc. Therefore, it may be impossible to provide appropriate information corresponding to the facility to users riding in vehicles traveling in the facility.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide more appropriate information corresponding to a facility to a user who arrives at the facility by vehicle.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device capable of guiding a path of a vehicle. The information processing device comprises: an information acquisition unit that, when a vehicle enters a prescribed range based on a facility, acquires path guidance information for guiding a path of the vehicle in a facility, facility guidance information for guiding prescribed information related to each place in the facility, and role information for outputting a role associated with the facility; a storage unit that stores the path guidance information, facility guidance information, and role information; a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information in the facility; an output unit that outputs various information; and a control unit that causes the role to be output from the output unit based on the role information, and causes at least one of the path guidance and the facility guidance to be output from the output unit based on the path guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the position information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a simplified system configuration example of an information processing system.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device and a facility server.

[0008] Figure 3 ABC is a simplified diagram showing vehicles heading to facility ABC.

[0009] Figure 41 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0010] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0011] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0012] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0013] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0014] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0015] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0016] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an example of the output control process of the facility information in the information processing device.

[0017] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle is about to leave facility ABC.

[0018] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle is about to leave facility ABC.

[0019] Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle is about to leave facility ABC.

[0020] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit when a vehicle is about to leave facility ABC.

[0021] Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing an example of the output control process of the facility information in the information processing device.

[0022] Fig.17 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a facility server.

[0023] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing in simplified form the storage contents of the visit history management DB stored in the storage unit.

[0024] Fig.19 1 is a diagram showing an output example in the case where facility information is output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0025] Fig. 20 1 is a diagram showing an output example in the case where facility information is output from the output unit when a vehicle enters facility ABC.

[0026] Fig.21 This is a flowchart showing an example of output control processing of facility information in the information processing device and the facility server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] [Configuration example of information processing system]

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing a simplified system configuration example of the information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 is a communication system that provides a facility information service that uses a character to perform guidance to the ABC facility 350 (see Figure 3 ) and guidance of each department in the ABC facility 350, such as each store A to Z. Figure 1 In order to facilitate the description, an example in which one vehicle C1 is present is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information processing system 1 may include two or more vehicles. Figure 1 , only the facility server 300 providing facility information related to the ABC facility 350 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the information processing system 1, the facility server 300 may provide facility information related to other facilities, and may include other facility servers providing facility information related to other facilities.

[0030] In addition, it is assumed that user U1 is a user who owns vehicle C1. Figure 1 In the figure, for ease of explanation, the electronic device MC1 is exemplified as a device owned by the user U1, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a device brought into the vehicle C1 or a device wearable by the user U1 may be used.

[0031] The information processing system 1 is composed of a plurality of devices connected via a network 20. For example, the information processing apparatus 100, the facility server 300, and the electronic device MC1 are connected via the network 20. In addition, regarding the communication between these devices, communication using wired communication or communication using wireless communication is performed. In addition, regarding the communication between these devices, in addition to the communication performed via the network 20, direct communication between the devices may also be performed.

[0032] The network 20 is a network such as a public line network or the Internet. Each device constituting the information processing system 1 is connected to the network 20 by a communication method using wireless communication or a communication method using wired communication, or both of these methods.

[0033] The vehicle C1 is a vehicle such as an internal combustion engine vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an electric vehicle.

[0034] The information processing device 100 is an onboard device installed in the vehicle C1 and is a facility information presentation device capable of guiding the route of the vehicle C1. In addition, the information processing device 100 outputs information related to the ABC facility 350 (see Figure 3 ) related facilities information. In addition, refer to Figures 5 to 10 etc. for detailed description of output examples of facility information. Figure 2 An example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described in detail.

[0035] The information processing device 100 can be set as a touch panel device that can accept user operations through touch operations of the user U1. The information processing device 100 is implemented by, for example, a tablet terminal, a car navigation device, and an IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment). For example, the information processing device 100 can be set on the front panel of the vehicle C1. However, the location where the information processing device 100 is set is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 100 can also be set above the rear seat of the vehicle C1 as a rear monitor.

[0036] The facility server 300 is an information processing device that performs facility guidance processing for outputting the facility information from the information processing device 100. The location where the facility server 300 is installed is not particularly limited. For example, the facility server 300 is installed in the management center of the operator who operates the ABC facility 350. In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the facility server 300 performs facility guidance processing related to the ABC facility 350, but the facility server 300 may also perform facility guidance processing related to other facilities. Figure 2 An example of the functional configuration of the facility server 300 will be described in detail.

[0037] The electronic device MC1 is a portable information processing device held by the user U1, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a portable personal computer, etc. In addition, the electronic device MC1 is a device capable of outputting facility information sent from the facility server 300. For example, the electronic device MC1 can display the facility information on a display unit or output the facility information by voice.

[0038] [Functional Configuration Example of Information Processing Device and Facility Server]

[0039] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the information processing device 100 and the facility server 300 .

[0040] The information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110 , a control unit 120 , a storage unit 130 , a position information acquisition unit 140 , a vehicle information acquisition unit 150 , an output control unit 160 , an operation accepting unit 170 , and an output unit 200 .

[0041] The communication unit 110 exchanges various information with other devices by using at least one of wired communication and wireless communication based on the control of the control unit 120 .

[0042] The control unit 120 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 120 is implemented by a processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition, the vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle C1 may be used as the control unit 120, or other control devices may be used as the control unit 120.

[0043] The storage unit 130 is a storage medium for storing various information. For example, the storage unit 130 stores various information required for the information processing device 100 to perform various processes (for example, control programs, map information DB (Database), facility information). In addition, as the storage unit 130, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive) or a combination thereof can be used. In addition, map information such as road information related to roads required for path guidance of the vehicle C1 is stored in the map information DB. The map information includes the slope of the road, the intersection of the road, the number of lanes of the road, the road width information, and the undulation information of the road. In addition, the map information also includes road signs indicating speed limits, one-way traffic, etc., and road markings indicating crosswalks, striping, etc. In addition, the map information may also include equipment information of road structures (such as traffic lights, telephone poles), buildings, etc.

[0044] The position information acquisition unit 140 acquires position information related to the position of the vehicle C1, and outputs the acquired position information to the control unit 120. For example, it can be implemented by a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver that acquires position information using GNSS. In addition, the position information includes various data related to the position, such as latitude, longitude, altitude, etc. when receiving the GNSS signal. In addition, the position information can also be acquired by other methods for acquiring position information. For example, the position information can also be derived using information from access points and base stations that exist in the surroundings. In addition, beacons can also be used to acquire position information.

[0045] In addition, the location information acquisition unit 140 is also used to identify the ABC facility 350 (see Figure 3) or its vicinity. For example, the location information acquisition unit 140 can identify a specific location by identifying a marker set in or near the ABC facility 350. As the marker, narrowband communications such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) lowenergy) and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) can be used, or image reading markers such as QR codes (registered trademark) can be used. For example, the specific location can be identified by wireless communication with a communication device capable of narrowband communication set at a specific location. In addition, for example, a camera can be used to acquire an image of an image reading marker set at a specific location, and the image can be analyzed to identify the specific location.

[0046] In addition, a tag that can obtain text information can also be used. For example, text information can be included in information exchanged using narrowband communication. In addition, for example, a camera can be used to obtain an image of an image reading tag that can obtain text information, and the image can be analyzed to obtain the text information. In this way, by including text information in a tag that can identify a specific location in or near the ABC facility 350, it is possible to include connection information of the facility server 300 (for example, including access information and connection method to the facility server 300) in the tag while identifying the specific location. As a result, when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350, it is easy to access the facility server 300 from the information processing device 100. In this case, for example, by including information related to the connection of the ABC facility 350 to the communication environment, such as intranet connection using Wi-Fi, connection via a network other than the Internet can also be performed.

[0047] The vehicle information acquisition unit 150 acquires various information related to the vehicle C1, and outputs the acquired vehicle information to the control unit 120. The vehicle information is, for example, the vehicle speed of the vehicle C1, the start / stop operation of the vehicle C1, etc. In addition, the start / stop operation of the vehicle C1 refers to the start / stop operation of the start key related to the start or stop of the vehicle C1.

[0048] The output control unit 160 performs output processing of various information from the output unit 200 based on the control of the control unit 120. For example, the output control unit 160 performs display control and drawing control of the display unit 210. In addition, for example, the output control unit 160 performs voice output control of the voice output unit 220. In addition, regarding the output examples of various information output by the output control unit 160, Figures 4 to 10 As shown in etc.

[0049] The operation accepting unit 170 accepts an operation from the user U1 of the vehicle C1, and outputs the accepted operation content to the control unit 120. In addition, the operation accepting unit 170 may use an operation member such as a button or a lever, or an operation member such as a touch panel. In addition, the operation may be accepted by voice input. In addition, the operation accepting unit 170 and the display unit 210 may be integrally configured as a touch panel.

[0050] The output unit 200 includes a display unit 210 and a voice output unit 220. The display unit 210 is a display panel that displays various images based on the output processing of the output control unit 160. In addition, the voice output unit 220 is a speaker that outputs various voices based on the output processing of the output control unit 160. Figure 2 , an example is shown in which the display unit 210 and the voice output unit 220 are provided in the information processing device 100 , but a display and a speaker provided in the vehicle C1 may be used as the display unit 210 and the voice output unit 220 .

[0051] [Example of server functional configuration]

[0052] The facility server 300 includes a communication unit 310, a control unit 320, a storage unit 330, and a facility information providing unit 340. In the facility server 300, these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown) etc. As the facility server 300, a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer can be used.

[0053] The communication unit 310 exchanges various information with other devices using at least one of wired communication and wireless communication based on the control of the control unit 320 .

[0054] The control unit 320 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 330. The control unit 320 is implemented by a processing circuit such as a CPU, for example.

[0055] The storage unit 330 is a storage medium that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 330 stores various information required for the control unit 320 to perform various processes (for example, control programs, character information DB 331, route guidance information DB 332, and facility guidance information DB 333). In addition, the storage unit 330 stores various information acquired via the communication unit 310. As the storage unit 330, various storage media such as ROM, RAM, HDD, and SSD can be used.

[0056] The character information DB 331 stores character information related to a character output from the output unit 200 of the information processing device 100. The character is a character associated with the ABC facility 350 or its region. For example, an image character used in an advertisement of the ABC facility 350 or used in the image production of the ABC facility 350 can be used. In addition, the character is a character that can perform various appearances, actions, or performances, for example, it can be set as a character after being anthropomorphized. In addition, creatures other than animals, such as anthropomorphized plants, objects other than creatures, etc. can also be set as characters. For example, a robot that simulates other animals, a robot that simulates a virtual creature (such as the face of a character in a cartoon), and a robot that simulates other objects (such as a TV-type device, a radio-type device) can also be set as a character.

[0057] In addition, the character information includes, for example, display information for displaying an image of the character and voice information for outputting the voice of the character. The display information is, for example, information for performing the actions of the character (for example, actions when guiding) or the performance of the character. In addition, the voice information is, for example, TTS (Text-To-Speech: speech synthesis). In addition, as the character information, for example, at least one of the model data of the character, display information related to the display method of the model data, action instruction information related to the actions of the model data, and voice information related to the voice of the model data can be used. In addition, the model data of the character is, for example, 3D data and 2D data. In addition, the display information related to the display method of the model data is, for example, an image image for displaying the model data, a clothing image of the model data, etc. In addition, the voice information related to the voice of the model data is, for example, the sound of the model data, the way of speaking of the model data, etc. In addition, the character shown in this embodiment can also be called a personalized image (Avatar), etc.

[0058] The route guidance information DB 332 stores route guidance information for guiding the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350. The route guidance information includes, for example, map information within the ABC facility 350, route information indicating the movement path of vehicles in the parking lot P1, a structure image for displaying the overall structure of the parking lot P1, and parking availability information indicating whether each parking space is parked. Based on the parking availability information, the vehicle entering the ABC facility 350 can be guided to the vacant space of the parking lot P1. In addition, the presence or absence of parking in each parking space can be detected by a sensor or the like provided in each parking space. Alternatively, the presence or absence of parking in each parking space can be detected based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit of each vehicle. In addition, the route guidance information DB 332 may also include congestion information around the parking lot P1 and congestion information of the parking lot P1.

[0059] The facility guidance information DB 333 stores facility guidance information for guiding the ABC facility 350 output from the output unit 200 of the information processing device 100. The facility guidance information is information for guiding prescribed information related to each location in the ABC facility 350, such as unique information related to the ABC facility 350, unique information related to stores in the ABC facility 350, and the like.

[0060] The facility information providing unit 340 performs a function of providing information to a user who has entered the ABC facility 350 (see Figure 3 ) provides the facility information to the information processing device 100 of the vehicle C1 entering the ABC facility 350. The facility information providing unit 340 is implemented by a processing circuit such as a CPU. In addition, regarding the timing of providing the facility information to the information processing device 100 of the vehicle C1 entering the ABC facility 350, refer to Figure 3 , Fig.11 etc. for detailed description.

[0061] [Examples of vehicles entering the facility]

[0062] Figure 3 ABC is a simplified diagram showing a vehicle C1 heading for the ABC facility 350. Figure 3 In the example, ABC facility 350 is provided with two entrances and exits DW1 and DW2 as entrances and exits for vehicle C1. It is assumed that entrance and exit DW1 is an entrance and exit that can be entered and exited mainly via road R1, and entrance and exit DW2 is an entrance and exit that can be entered and exited mainly via road R2.

[0063] In addition, it is assumed that the ABC facility 350 is a complex facility in which stores A to Z are installed. In addition, it is assumed that a parking lot P1 is installed in the ABC facility 350. Figure 3 In the description, the ABC facility 350 having multiple stores is used as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to other facilities having parking lots, such as facilities having only one store, theme parks, various shopping centers, castles, public institutions having one or more buildings, parks having one or more buildings, and the like.

[0064] exist Figure 3 , an example is shown in which the vehicle C1 is heading for the ABC facility 350. That is, an example is shown in which the vehicle C1 is heading in the direction of the arrow AW1 on the road R1. In this case, the vehicle C1 enters the parking lot P1 from the gate DW1.

[0065] Here, the predetermined range RG1 indicated by the dotted line indicates a range that becomes a reference when the facility information is transmitted to each vehicle entering the ABC facility 350. The predetermined range RG1 can be set, for example, to a range of a circle of a predetermined radius based on the center position of the ABC facility 350. The predetermined range RG1 can be set based on, for example, the distance between the vehicle C1 and the ABC facility 350, the radio wave strength at which the information processing device 100 of the vehicle C1 and the facility server 300 can communicate wirelessly, and the like.

[0066] In addition, Figure 3 , an example is shown in which the prescribed range RG1 is provided in front of the entrances and exits DW1 and DW2 of the ABC facility 350, that is, on the opposite side of the ABC facility 350. However, the position at which the facility information is transmitted to each vehicle entering the ABC facility 350 may be set to another position outside the ABC facility 350, may be set to the entrances and exits DW1 and DW2, or may be set to inside the ABC facility 350.

[0067] The facility information sent from the facility server 300 to the vehicle C1 includes route guidance information, facility guidance information, and role information. The route guidance information is information for guiding the route of the vehicle C1 in the ABC facility 350, for example, the route of the parking lot P1. The facility guidance information is information for guiding prescribed information related to each place in the ABC facility 350. In other words, the facility guidance information is information for guiding each place that a person can go to in the ABC facility 350, for example, store A to store Z. In addition, the role information is information for outputting the role associated with the ABC facility 350. These pieces of information may be sent simultaneously from the facility server 300 to the vehicle C1, or may be sent sequentially from the facility server 300 to the vehicle C1. In addition, regarding each piece of information output from the output unit 200 based on these pieces of information, refer to Figures 5 to 10 Waiting for detailed explanation.

[0068] In addition, Figure 3 In the example, the predetermined range RG1 is provided in front of the entrances and exits DW1 and DW2 of the ABC facility 350, so that it is possible to transmit facility information also to vehicles that pass by the vicinity of the ABC facility 350 without entering the ABC facility 350. That is, facility information related to the ABC facility 350 can be provided to vehicles that pass by the vicinity of the ABC facility 350. For example, by providing advertisement information related to the ABC facility 350 to vehicles that pass by the vicinity of the ABC facility 350, it is possible to provide incentive information for the user of the vehicle to go to the ABC facility 350.

[0069] For example, when the vehicle passing near the ABC facility 350 does not enter the ABC facility 350 when the facility information is transmitted to the vehicle, the facility information is deleted after a predetermined time has passed. In such a case, before deleting the facility information, output of guidance information such as "Please stop by the ABC facility next time" or output of advertisement information of the ABC facility may be performed. In addition, it is also possible to determine whether the vehicle enters the ABC facility 350 based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 140 of the vehicle.

[0070] [Example of output of facility information]

[0071] Figures 4 to 10 2 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit 200 when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350. Figure 4 , a display screen 400 is shown in which a current position mark PL1 indicating the current position of the vehicle C1 is superimposed and displayed on a map within a predetermined range based on the current position of the vehicle C1. Figure 4 , an example is shown in which the vehicle C1 travels on the road R1 toward the entrance DW1 of the ABC facility 350. In this way, when the vehicle C1 travels on the road R1 toward the entrance DW1 and the vehicle C1 enters the predetermined range RG1, the information processing device 100 of the vehicle C1 starts to communicate with the facility server 300. Then, the information processing device 100 receives the facility information from the facility server 300.

[0072] [Example of output of facility information when a vehicle enters ABC facility]

[0073] exist Figure 5 Shown in Figure 4 The display screen 400 shown in the figure has a display screen 410 on which a character image CR1 and voice information S1 are superimposed. The character image CR1 is an image of a character associated with the ABC facility 350. In addition, the voice information S1 is a voice output in the form of a voice uttered by the character image CR1. In addition, the character image CR1 is displayed based on the character information received from the facility server 300. In addition, the voice information S1 is output based on the character information received from the facility server 300. In addition, Figures 6 to 10 The character image CR1 and the voice information S2 to S6, S10 to S13, S20, and S21 shown in the figure are also output based on the character information.

[0074] In addition, Figures 5 to 10, but during the driving of the vehicle C1, the character image CR1 may not be displayed and only the voice information of the character may be output. In this case, when the vehicle C1 is stopped, the character image CR1 may be displayed and the voice information of the character may also be output. Fig.11 Let's explain this example in detail.

[0075] In addition, Figures 5 to 10 , an example is shown in which various images based on the facility information transmitted from the facility server 300 are displayed on a map within a predetermined range based on the current position of the vehicle C1. However, various images based on the facility information may not be displayed in a superimposed manner on the map, but may be displayed only on the display unit 210. In addition, various images based on the facility information may be displayed on the display unit 210 together with other displays.

[0076] In this way, when the vehicle C1 enters the predetermined range RG1 and the information processing device 100 receives the facility information from the facility server 300 , the information processing device 100 outputs various information related to the ABC facility 350 from the output unit 200 based on the facility information.

[0077] [Example of output of facility information where the vehicle is traveling]

[0078] exist Figure 6 4 shows a display screen 420 and voice information S2. In the display screen 420, a guidance display area 421 for guiding the route of the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 is displayed on the map in a superimposed manner together with the character image CR1.

[0079] The presence or absence of parking spaces, etc., are displayed in the guidance display area 421 together with the overall structure and route of the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350. The information in the guidance display area 421 is displayed based on the route guidance information received from the facility server 300. In addition, the information is also output based on the route guidance information. Figure 7 The guide display area 431 shown in Fig.15 The entrance and exit selection area 631 shown in Fig. 20 The information within the guide display area 761 is shown in FIG.

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown, the parking space of the vehicle C1 can be managed and guided on the facility server 300 side. As a result, the user U1 of the vehicle C1 can park in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 without getting lost. Figure 64 shows an example of guiding the vehicle C1 to an empty space using the guidance display area 421 and the voice information S2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the presence or absence of parking spaces in each parking space may be highlighted in the guidance display area 421 together with the overall structure and path of the parking lot P1, thereby making it easy for the user U1 of the vehicle C1 to confirm the empty space.

[0081] In addition, Figure 6 , an example is shown in which a parking lot P1 exists on a plane. However, in the case of a three-dimensional parking lot, the parking lot of each floor may be displayed three-dimensionally, or the parking lot of each floor may be displayed for each floor.

[0082] In this way, the facility server 300 can guide the vehicle C1 entering the ABC facility 350 to the vacant space of the parking lot P1. As a result, the number of guides arranged in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 can be reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, the character image CR1 may be caused to perform actions similar to those of a guide in the parking lot P1 to guide the vehicle C1 to a free space in the parking lot P1. In this case, guidance to a free space may be performed together with voice information. That is, by having the character guide where a parking space is free, users who like the character can follow the character's instructions.

[0084] exist Figure 7 4 shows a display screen 430 and voice information S3. In the display screen 430, a guide display area 431 for guiding a route to a vacant space in the parking lot P1 is displayed on the map in a superimposed manner together with the character image CR1.

[0085] Guidance information for guiding the vehicle C1 to the vacant space of the parking lot P1, such as an arrow mark 432 and a numerical value indicating the distance (40 m ahead), is displayed in the guidance display area 431. In addition, other output methods may be used. For example, the parking space as the guidance destination may be displayed in text such as "Turn right at the next corner", or voice information corresponding to the text may be output.

[0086] The control unit 120 can acquire the position of the vehicle C1 in the parking lot P1 based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 140. In addition, the route guidance information includes specific guidance information, for example, position information about the route guidance location where the arrow mark 432 is displayed. For example, when the vehicle C1 arrives at the route guidance location where the arrow mark 432 is displayed, the control unit 120 displays the guidance display area 431 on the display unit 210 and outputs the voice information S3 from the voice output unit 220. In addition, the display of the character image CR1 may be omitted while the vehicle C1 is traveling.

[0087] In addition, Figure 7 , an example is shown in which the parking lot P1 exists on a plane. However, in the case of a three-dimensional parking lot, the parking space as the guidance destination may be displayed in text such as "drive toward 305 of A2 on the 4th floor", and voice information corresponding to the text may be output.

[0088] [Example of output of facility information where the vehicle is stopped]

[0089] exist Figure 8 4 shows a display screen 440 and voice information S4, wherein in the display screen 440, a guide display area 441 for guiding the activities of each store A to store Z in the ABC facility 350 is superimposed on the map together with the character image CR1. Figure 8 2 shows an example in which the appearance of the character image CR1 , such as clothing and a hat, is changed according to the content of the guide display area 441 .

[0090] In the guidance display area 441 , guidance information for guiding the flash sale of the store H of the ABC facility 350 , such as a message and a guidance sign (gift box) 442 , is displayed.

[0091] The control unit 120 can understand whether the vehicle C1 is moving or stopped based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 150. For example, in a case where the parking lot P1 is congested or the vehicle in front of the vehicle C1 is parking, it is assumed that the vehicle C1 is stopped. Therefore, when the vehicle C1 is stopped, information other than driving, such as guidance information such as an advertisement of the ABC facility 350, can be provided to the user U1 of the vehicle C1. Specifically, when the vehicle C1 is stopped, the control unit 120 displays the guidance display area 441 on the display unit 210 and outputs the voice information S4 from the voice output unit 220. In addition, while the vehicle C1 is stopped, the character image CR1 can also be displayed in a performance with action.

[0092] [Example of output of facility information after the vehicle arrives at the parking space]

[0093] exist Fig. 9 4 shows a display screen 450 and voice information S5, wherein in the display screen 450, the character image CR2 of store A is displayed together with the character image CR1, and a guide display area 451 for guiding advertisements of stores A to Z in the ABC facility 350 is superimposed on the map. Fig. 94 shows an example of changing the appearance of the character images CR1 and CR2 according to the content of the guide display area 451. For example, the appearance of the character images CR1 and CR2 can be changed to a posture of "Banzai".

[0094] For example, when guiding information about an event or advertisements of stores A to Z, characters participating in the event or characters of the advertised stores can be used. In this case, it is considered to guide by having one or more other characters appear together with the character of ABC facility 350. Fig. 9 In the example shown, it is possible to guide the A store by making the character image CR2 of the A store appear together with the character image CR1.

[0095] In the guide display area 451, guide information for guiding the daily recommendations of each store of the ABC facility 350, such as advertisements of each store, is displayed. In addition, characters of the store that outputs advertisements to the guide display area 451 may appear in sequence together with the character image CR1.

[0096] The control unit 120 can understand whether the vehicle C1 has arrived at the parking space based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 140 and the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 150. For example, it can be understood that the vehicle C1 has moved to the position of the vacant space of the route guidance information transmitted from the facility server 300 based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 140. In addition, after the vehicle C1 has moved to the position of the vacant space, it can be understood that the vehicle C1 is parked based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 150. Therefore, when the vehicle C1 is parked, information other than driving, such as guidance information such as an advertisement of the ABC facility 350, can be provided to the user U1 of the vehicle C1. Specifically, when the vehicle C1 is parked, the control unit 120 displays the guidance display area 451 on the display unit 210 and outputs the voice information S5 from the voice output unit 220. In addition, while the vehicle C1 is parked, the character image CR1 can be displayed in a performance with motion.

[0097] exist Fig.10 4 shows a display screen 460 and voice information S6, wherein in the display screen 460, a guide display area 461 is superimposed on the map together with the character image CR1, and the guide display area 461 is used to continue to provide the electronic device MC1 held by the user U1. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 The operation of the facility guidance information shown in the figure is guided. Fig.104 shows an example of changing the appearance of the character image CR1 according to the content of the guide display area 461. For example, an image reading mark, such as a mark such as a two-dimensional code, can be displayed on the abdomen of the character image CR1.

[0098] An image reading mark 462 for acquiring predetermined information including connection information of the facility server 300 (for example, including access information to the facility server 300 and a connection method) is displayed in the guide display area 461 .

[0099] and Fig. 9 Similarly to the example shown, the control unit 120 can understand whether the vehicle C1 has arrived at the parking space. Therefore, when the vehicle C1 has arrived at the parking space, the user U1 of the vehicle C1 can be guided in the following sense: after getting off the vehicle C1, facility guidance information such as an advertisement of the ABC facility 350 can also be provided. Specifically, when the vehicle C1 has arrived at the parking space, the control unit 120 causes the guidance display area 461 to be displayed on the display unit 210, and causes the voice information S6 to be output from the voice output unit 220. In this case, the user U1 of the vehicle C1 can communicate with the electronic device MC1 and the facility server 300 by using the camera of the electronic device MC1 to capture an image and read the mark 462 and perform a prescribed operation, so that the facility information can be sent from the facility server 300 to the electronic device MC1. In addition, with respect to each of the processes of these electronic devices MC1, known techniques can be adopted.

[0100] In this way, various controls such as the content and provision method of the facility guidance and route guidance output from the information processing device 100 are implemented based on the position of the vehicle C1 in the ABC facility 350 and the travel state of the vehicle C1.

[0101] In addition, it is also possible to change only the clothes without changing the model data of the character. In addition, it is also possible to make other model data wear the clothes of the ABC facility 350. For example, the technology of 3D characters can be used to make the character of the vehicle C1 wear the clothes of the ABC facility 350. For example, when the character of the vehicle C1 is a rabbit, the rabbit can be made to wear the clothes of the ABC facility 350. In this way, it is possible to distinguish between characters dedicated to the facility, characters owned by the vehicle, characters of the region, etc. according to the guidance information for guidance.

[0102] Thus, in this embodiment, by providing various levels of information as character information, the character information used can be changed as needed on the user U1 side of the vehicle C1. For example, all characters of the ABC facility 350 can guide the inside of the ABC facility 350. In addition, if there is an original character on the vehicle C1 side, the character can be dressed in clothes for the ABC facility 350 to guide the ABC facility 350, and a two-dimensional character display can be selected from a 3D character with motion, a guidance display using a static image, etc. according to the performance or setting of the equipment on the vehicle C1 side.

[0103] Thus, as information output in the vehicle C1, normal guidance or guidance using the original character of the vehicle C1 can be performed. In addition, regarding route guidance within the ABC facility 350 and facility guidance of the ABC facility 350, guidance using character information for the ABC facility 350 can be performed. In addition, when guiding information such as events and store information within the facility, guidance can be performed using character information related to the event or character information unique to the store. Thus, guidance can be performed in a manner that makes it easy to understand the type and relevance of information.

[0104] [Operation Example of Information Processing Device]

[0105] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the output control process of the facility information in the information processing device 100. The output control process is executed based on the program stored in the storage unit 130. The output control process is always executed in each control cycle. Figures 1 to 10 to explain.

[0106] In step S501, the control unit 120 determines whether the vehicle C1 has entered a predetermined range RG1 (see FIG. 1 ) based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 140. Figure 3 ). When the vehicle C1 has entered the predetermined range RG1, the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, when the vehicle C1 has not entered the predetermined range RG1, the monitoring is continued.

[0107] In step S502, the control unit 120 communicates with the facility server 300. In this communication, various information is exchanged.

[0108] For example, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 is a car navigation device. In this case, a map information DB is stored in the storage unit 130 of the information processing device 100. Here, it is considered that the location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the ABC facility 350 and the specified range RG1 is associated with the connection information of the facility server 300 (e.g., including access information to the facility server 300 and a connection method) and stored in the map information DB in advance. In this case, the control unit 120 can compare the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 140 with the specified range RG1 stored in the map information DB to determine whether the vehicle C1 has entered the specified range RG1. Moreover, when it is determined that the vehicle C1 has entered the specified range RG1, the control unit 120 can acquire the connection information of the ABC facility 350 associated with the specified range RG1, and connect to the facility server 300 based on the connection information. In addition, the access information to the facility server 300 can be set to, for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locators), Wi-Fi connection information, etc.

[0109] In addition, for example, the connection information of the facility server 300 can also be provided to the vehicle C1 from the ABC facility 350 side. In this case, it is considered that an image reading mark that can read the connection information of the facility server 300 is pre-set near the ABC facility 350, for example, near the prescribed range RG1 along the roads R1 and R2. And, when the vehicle C1 enters the prescribed range RG1, the camera of the vehicle C1 captures the image reading mark, and the control unit 120 obtains the connection information of the facility server 300. Thus, the control unit 120 can connect to the facility server 300 based on the connection information of the facility server 300. Each communication with these facility servers 300 can also be set as local communication. In addition, the information exchange between the information processing device 100 and the facility server 300 after this is performed by normal communication processing. In addition, in addition to setting the image reading mark near the ABC facility 350, the control unit 120 can also use narrowband communication such as BLE and UWB as described above to obtain the connection information of the facility server 300.

[0110] In step S503, the control unit 120 obtains facility information such as route guidance information, facility guidance information, and role information from the facility server 300. In addition, the route guidance information, facility guidance information, and role information may be obtained simultaneously as facility information, or each information may be obtained sequentially. In addition, the control unit 120 stores each received information in the storage unit 130.

[0111] Each information stored in the storage unit 130, namely, the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the role information, is deleted at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, when a predetermined time has passed since the reception time of the information by the facility server 300, when the closing operation of the vehicle C1 is performed, when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350, etc. The predetermined time can be, for example, about several hours.

[0112] In addition, the facility information (route guidance information, facility guidance information, and role information) stored in the storage unit 130 may be stored for a long time, for example, for about one month. In this case, when the vehicle C1 has visited the ABC facility 350 within the period (about one month), the control unit 120 may calculate the difference between the facility information stored in the storage unit 130 and the newly acquired facility information, and newly store only the facility information that becomes the difference in the storage unit 130. In addition, the control unit 120 may extract the facility information that has been acquired from the facility server 300 in the past and has become the output target, and preferentially set the facility information other than the extracted facility information as the output target.

[0113] However, information with a time limit such as event information is preferably deleted when the time limit has expired. In addition, the number of times the vehicle C1 has visited the ABC facility 350 may be associated with the facility information stored in the storage unit 130 and stored. The number of times may be provided to the facility server 300 in the communication process of step S502.

[0114] In step S504, the control unit 120 starts output processing from the output unit 200 based on the facility information acquired from the facility server 300. Figure 5 As shown, the display of the character image CR1 and the output of the voice information S1 are executed. Alternatively, only the output of one of these processes may be executed.

[0115] In step S505, the control unit 120 determines whether the vehicle C1 has arrived at the route guidance location based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 140. The route guidance location refers to, for example, a location where the vehicle C1 turns left or right (or near the location), or a location where some route guidance is required. The control unit 120 can determine that the vehicle C1 has arrived at the route guidance location based on the position information acquired using a GNSS device, for example. In addition, the control unit 120 can determine that the vehicle C1 has arrived at the route guidance location by, for example, using an image acquired by a camera of the vehicle C1 shooting an image reading mark set at the route guidance location (or near the location).

[0116] In addition, in the case where the vehicle C1 is traveling straight, the vehicle C1 is stopped due to congestion, or the vehicle C1 is stopped because the vehicle in front of the vehicle C1 is parking, route guidance is not required, and therefore it is determined that the vehicle C1 has not arrived at the route guidance location. If the vehicle C1 has arrived at the route guidance location, the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the vehicle C1 has not arrived at the route guidance location, the process proceeds to step S507.

[0117] In step S506, the control unit 120 starts a route guidance process for guiding a route within the ABC facility 350. Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, display screens 420 and 430 for performing route guidance are displayed on the display unit 210 , and voice information S2 and S3 are output from the voice output unit 220 .

[0118] In step S507, the control unit 120 starts the facility guidance process for guiding each unit in the ABC facility 350. Figure 8 As shown, a display screen 440 for providing facility guidance is displayed on the display unit 210 , and voice information S4 is output from the voice output unit 220 .

[0119] Furthermore, in step S507, information that is new to the user U1 of the vehicle C1 or information that is subject to a strong time constraint may be prioritized as an output target. For example, when the storage unit 130 stores facility information for a long period of time, the control unit 120 may extract facility guide information that has been obtained from the facility server 300 and has become an output target, and prioritize facility guide information other than the extracted facility guide information as an output target. In addition, the control unit 120 may prioritize event information of the day as an output target.

[0120] In addition, various contents are considered as the contents of the facility guidance information. For example, in addition to providing the above-mentioned event information and advertisements of each store, store information in the ABC facility 350, reserve information related to the ABC facility 350, reserve information related to the character of the ABC facility 350, etc. can also be provided as facility guidance. In addition, the reserve information related to the ABC facility 350 is the profound knowledge and miscellaneous knowledge related to the ABC facility 350. In addition, the reserve information related to the character of the ABC facility 350 is the profound knowledge and miscellaneous knowledge related to the character. In addition, in the case where the facility guidance information as the output object becomes less, each reserve information is provided to the user U1 who frequently uses the ABC facility 350. In addition, instead of the reserve information, voice information pre-set on the ABC facility 350 side, such as ordinary words, recently popular words, words unrelated to the facility, words to kill time, etc. can be set as the output object. In addition, the weather in the area where the ABC facility 350 is located and the news of the area can also be provided as facility guidance. In addition, the reserve information and the pre-set voice information can be pre-stored in the facility guidance information DB 333 for use. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain local weather, local news, and the like from other devices, such as a weather information providing server and a news providing server, via a predetermined network such as the Internet.

[0121] In step S508, the control unit 120 causes the facility information corresponding to each process to be output from the output unit 200. In this case, the control unit 120 can change the role information when executing the route guidance process and the role information when executing the facility guidance process to use the role image or the voice of the role corresponding to the guidance process. In other words, the role or part of the role information used can be changed according to the information used for guidance.

[0122] In this way, based on the facility information acquired from the facility server 300 and the position of the vehicle C1, guidance of each store, parking lot P1, etc. in the ABC facility 350 is started. For example, when the vehicle C1 turns left or right, the route guidance of the parking lot P1 is performed. On the other hand, during the route guidance of the parking lot P1, the facility guidance of each store, etc. in the ABC facility 350 is performed. In this way, even when the vehicle C1 does not turn left or right, the facility guidance of each store, etc. in the ABC facility 350 may continue to be performed. As a case where the vehicle C1 does not turn left or right, for example, it is assumed that the vehicle C1 continues to go straight, or turns around in the multi-story parking lot.

[0123] Here, in the case where there are a plurality of free spaces in the parking lot P1, it is often necessary to provide route guidance for the parking lot P1. On the other hand, in the case where the route in the parking lot P1 is only a straight route, in the case where there is no need to get lost in the parking lot P1, and in the case where the user U1 can park in a free space at will, it is considered that route guidance for the parking lot P1 is not necessary. In such a case, it is also possible to only provide guidance to the user U1 in the case where he can park in the desired free space in the parking lot P1, and omit the processing of steps S505 and S506.

[0124] In step S509, the control unit 120 determines whether the vehicle C1 is temporarily stopped based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 150. If the vehicle C1 is traveling, the process proceeds to step S510. On the other hand, if the vehicle C1 is temporarily stopped, the process proceeds to step S511.

[0125] In step S510, the control unit 120 outputs the voice information from the voice output unit 220 based on the character information acquired in step S503. Fig.11 In the example shown, when the vehicle C1 is in motion, the character image that is not related to the driving of the vehicle C1 is not displayed, and the facility guidance is performed using only the voice information of the character. However, it is also possible to set a state in which a character image in a static state without any action is displayed. In addition, when the voice information of the character is being output, the voice information is continuously output. In addition, when a character image with action is being displayed, the static image may be continuously output after the action of the character image is stopped.

[0126] In step S511, the control unit 120 displays the character image on the display unit 210 and outputs the voice information from the voice output unit 220 based on the character information acquired in step S503. Fig.11 In the example shown, when the vehicle C1 is stopped, a character image that can be seen by the user U1 of the vehicle C1 is displayed, and facility guidance is performed using the character image and the character's voice information. In this case, a character image in an action state can be displayed. In addition, when a character image is being displayed as a still image, the character image can be displayed as an image in action. In addition, when the character's voice information is being output, the voice information can also be continuously output.

[0127] In step S512, it is determined whether the vehicle C1 has parked at the parking place as the guidance destination. That is, it is determined whether the vehicle C1 has completed parking at the parking place as the guidance destination and the vehicle C1 has entered the parking state. In addition, the parking place as the guidance destination can be acquired based on the facility path information acquired in step S503. In addition, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle C1 has moved to the parking place as the guidance destination based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 140. In addition, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle C1 has parked at the parking place as the guidance destination based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 150, such as the vehicle speed. In the case where the vehicle C1 has parked at the parking place as the guidance destination, the process proceeds to step S513. On the other hand, in the case where the vehicle C1 has not parked at the parking place as the guidance destination, the process returns to step S505.

[0128] In step S513, the control unit 120 ends the output process of the facility information. In this case, the facility guidance process may be executed from the time the vehicle C1 parks at the parking place as the guidance destination until the vehicle C1 is closed. Figures 8 to 10 The display screens 440, 450, 460 shown, or the voice information S4 to S6 are output in sequence.

[0129] In the above, an example of executing output processing using the facility information received in step S503 is shown. However, the vehicle C1 may determine the facility information to be output, request the facility server 300 for the required facility information based on the determination result, and the control unit 120 may execute output processing using the facility information sequentially acquired from the facility server 300.

[0130] [Example of output of facility information when a vehicle leaves a facility]

[0131] Next, an output example of facility information when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350 is shown.

[0132] Figures 12 to 15 2 is a diagram showing an output example of facility information output from the output unit 200 when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350. Figures 12 to 15 In, with Figures 5 to 10 Similarly, display screens 600, 610, 620, and 630 are shown in which the current position mark PL1 is superimposed on the map. Fig.12 The parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 is shown in FIG. Figure 3) is an example of a case where the vehicle C1 is started. In this way, when the vehicle C1 is started, the information processing device 100 of the vehicle C1 starts to communicate with the facility server 300 and receives the facility information from the facility server 300. Then, the information processing device 100 starts the output processing of the output unit 200 based on the facility information received from the facility server 300.

[0133] exist Fig.12 , a display screen 600 and voice information S10 are shown, wherein the character image CR1 is displayed on the display screen 600, and the future schedule related to the ABC facility 350 and the future activities of the ABC facility 350 are displayed in the facility guidance area 601. In addition, at least one of the future schedule related to the ABC facility 350 and the future activities of the ABC facility 350 may be displayed in the facility guidance area 601. In this way, the future information of the ABC facility 350, such as the schedule and activities of the ABC facility 350, can be provided at the time of leaving the ABC facility 350, for example, during the time period when the route guidance information is not output.

[0134] exist Fig.13 6 shows a display screen 610 and voice information S11, wherein the display screen 610 displays the character image CR1 and displays the character's clothing change plan and the new character's appearance plan in the character plan area 611. In addition, at least one of the character's clothing change plan and the new character's appearance plan may be displayed in the character plan area 611. In this way, the character's own clothing change plan, the new character's appearance plan, etc. can be guided at the time of leaving the ABC facility 350, for example, during the time period when the route guidance information is not output.

[0135] exist Fig.14 , a display screen 620 and voice information S12 are shown, wherein the display screen 620 includes a character image CR1 and includes a discount guide area 621 that can obtain various discount information such as coupons, points, and discount coupons that can be used next time at the ABC facility 350. For example, the user U1 presses a desired discount button in the discount guide area 621, whereby the user U1 can obtain the desired discount information.

[0136] exist Fig.15 , a display screen 630 and voice information S13 are shown, wherein the display screen 630 includes a character image CR1 and includes an entrance / exit selection area 631 for selecting the entrance / exit DW1 and DW2 of the ABC facility 350. For example, the user U1 presses a desired entrance / exit button from among the entrance / exit buttons 632 and 633 displayed in the entrance / exit selection area 631, thereby starting route guidance to the desired entrance / exit in the parking lot of the ABC facility 350.

[0137] also, Figures 12 to 15 The output example shown is an example, and other outputs may be performed, or only a part of them may be output. For example, in the case where the entrance and exit are one facility, it is possible to omit Fig.15 The display screen 630 and the output of the voice information S13 shown in the figure may be outputted immediately after the vehicle C1 is started. Fig.15 The display screen 630 and the voice message S13 shown in the figure are performed in sequence after the entrance and exit selection operation is completed. Figure 12 to Figure 14 Each output of

[0138] In addition, about Figures 12 to 15 Each of the outputs shown can be output at a certain timing during the period from when the vehicle C1 is started up until the vehicle C1 leaves the gate DW1 or DW2 of the ABC facility 350 .

[0139] [Operation Example of Information Processing Device]

[0140] Fig.16 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the output control process of the facility information in the information processing device 100. The output control process is executed based on the program stored in the storage unit 130. After the vehicle C1 is parked in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 and the closing operation is performed, the output control process is always executed in each control cycle. Figures 1 to 15 to explain.

[0141] In step S551, the control unit 120 determines whether the vehicle C1 has been started in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 150. If the vehicle C1 has been started in the parking lot P1, the process proceeds to step S552. On the other hand, if the vehicle C1 has not been started in the parking lot P1, monitoring is continued.

[0142] In step S552, the control unit 120 performs an exit selection process. For example, the control unit 120 uses Fig.15 The display screen 630 shown is displayed on the display unit 210 to execute the exit selection process for causing the user U1 to select a desired exit in the exit selection area 631. In addition, since the ABC facility 350 has two exits DW1 and DW2, the exit selection process is executed, but for a facility with only one exit, guidance to the one exit can be started without executing the exit selection process.

[0143] Furthermore, it is assumed that the user U1 sets a destination in the car navigation device installed in the vehicle C1 immediately after the vehicle C1 is started. In this case, the control unit 120 may obtain the destination set in the car navigation device from the car navigation device and automatically select an entrance for going to the destination, that is, an entrance on the destination side.

[0144] Each process shown in steps S553 to S562 is Fig.11 The processing shown in steps S502 to S511 corresponds to each other, so the description here is omitted. Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the output content when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350 and the output content when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350 are different.

[0145] In step S563, the control unit 120 determines whether the vehicle C1 has arrived at the entrance DW1 or DW2 selected in step S552. In addition, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle C1 has arrived at the entrance DW1 or DW2 based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 140. In addition, it is also possible to determine that the vehicle C1 has arrived at the entrance DW1 or DW2 when the car navigation device of the vehicle C1 can recognize that it is a general road. When the vehicle C1 has arrived at the entrance DW1 or DW2, the process proceeds to step S564. On the other hand, when the vehicle C1 has not arrived at any of the entrances DW1 and DW2, the process returns to step S556.

[0146] In step S564, the control unit 120 performs the output processing of the greeting information. For example, while displaying the character image CR1 crying due to separation, the voice outputs the greeting message of separation. In addition, based on the facility information acquired in step S554, it is also possible to provide guidance on future activities of the ABC facility 350, schedule information such as new store opening information of the ABC facility 350, and the schedule of the character's clothing change (changing clothes), so as to provide visit inducement information for visiting the ABC facility 350 in the near future. For example, it is also possible to display the following information in sequence: Figure 12 to Figure 14 The display screens 600, 610, 620 shown, or the voice information S10 to S12 are output in sequence.

[0147] In step S565, the control unit 120 ends the output process of the facility information. Alternatively, the facility guidance process may be executed for a predetermined time after the vehicle C1 passes through the gate DW1 or DW2. Figure 12 to Figure 14 The voice information S10 to S12 are shown.

[0148] Here, for example, the following case is also assumed: when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350, the entrances and exits DW1 and DW2 are not guided in the car navigation device of the vehicle C1. Therefore, when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350, in order to guide the entrances and exits DW1 and DW2, it is preferable to start the output processing of the facility information based on the predetermined range RG1 on the front side of the entrances and exits DW1 and DW2.

[0149] On the other hand, when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350, the car navigation device of the vehicle C1 often performs route guidance from the gates DW1 and DW2. Therefore, when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350, the output processing of the facility information may be terminated based on the gates DW1 and DW2. However, after the greeting information is output based on the gates DW1 and DW2, future event information may be output, or other facility guidance information may be output. That is, the output processing of the facility information may be terminated based on the specified range after passing through the gates DW1 and DW2.

[0150] [Example of changing facility information based on vehicle visit history]

[0151] In the above, an example is shown in which the same facility information is provided to each vehicle that enters the ABC facility 350. Here, among the users who come to the ABC facility 350, there are users who come to the ABC facility 350 for the first time and users who come to the ABC facility 350 many times. For example, if the same facility information as that of the user who comes to the ABC facility 350 for the first time is provided to the user A1 who comes to the ABC facility 350 many times, the user A1 may get tired of the facility information and lose interest in the ABC facility 350. Therefore, the following example shows how the facility information is changed based on the visit history of the vehicle.

[0152] [Functional configuration example of a facility server]

[0153] Fig.17 700 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the facility server 700. Figure 2 The facility server 300 shown is the same as the facility server 300 except that a storage unit 710 is provided in place of the storage unit 330. Therefore, the description here mainly focuses on the points different from the facility server 300.

[0154] The facility server 700 includes a storage unit 710. In addition, a visit history management DB 720 is stored in the storage unit 710. Fig.18 The visit history management DB 720 will be described in detail.

[0155] [Example of content stored in the visit history management DB]

[0156] Fig.18 1 is a diagram showing in simplified form the storage contents of the visit history management DB 720 stored in the storage unit 710 .

[0157] The visit history management DB 720 is used to manage the visit history records of visitors to the ABC facility 350 (refer to Figure 3 ) of each vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle model 722 and the visit history record 723 are associated with the vehicle ID 721 and stored in the visit history record management DB 720. In addition, it is assumed that the vehicle ID 721 "C001" corresponds to the vehicle C1 (refer to Figure 1 ). In addition, the vehicle ID 721 may use the vehicle identification information described later, or may use information different from the vehicle identification information.

[0158] The vehicle model 722 is information related to the type of vehicle. For example, the model of the vehicle, the size of the vehicle, the color of the vehicle, etc. are stored as the vehicle model information. Fig.18 , an example of storing the dimensions of a vehicle as a vehicle model 722 is shown.

[0159] For example, the size of the vehicle is used when determining the parking space for each vehicle in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350. For example, if there is a parking space dedicated to light vehicles in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350, only vehicles that are "small" in terms of the vehicle type 722 can be arranged in the parking space dedicated to light vehicles. In addition, for example, if there is a parking space dedicated to large vehicles in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350, vehicles that are "large" to "small" in terms of the vehicle type 722 can be arranged in the parking space dedicated to large vehicles. However, in this case, it is preferred that "large" vehicles in terms of the vehicle type 722 are preferentially arranged.

[0160] For example, the color of the vehicle is used when a certain image is formed by a plurality of vehicles in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350. For example, by arranging vehicles of the same color in a row, a character "one" can be formed. In addition, it is assumed that when a plurality of vehicles are parked in the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350, if vehicles of the same color are adjacent to each other, it is difficult for each user to find his own vehicle. Therefore, for example, a configuration is performed so that vehicles of the same color are not adjacent to each other, or a configuration is performed so that vehicles of the same color are not parked nearby, so that each user can easily find his own vehicle.

[0161] In addition, the appearance of the vehicle can be photographed to obtain an image of the vehicle, and the vehicle model information can be determined based on the vehicle image. In addition, the determination method can adopt a known image recognition technology. In addition, the vehicle model information can also be pre-registered by users who use the facility information to provide services.

[0162] Visit history record 723 indicates that you have visited facility ABC 350 (see Figure 3 ) history records. For example, the date and time of entering the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 and the date and time of leaving the parking lot P1 are saved as history records. For example, the date and time from the date and time when the facility information is sent when entering the parking lot P1 to the date and time when exiting the parking lot P1 can be saved as history records. In addition, the past parking positions in the parking lot P1 can be saved as history records, and the purchase history records in each store of the ABC facility 350 can also be saved as history records. In this way, it is possible to understand which area in the ABC facility 350 the user of each vehicle parks and which area is frequently used.

[0163] In this way, by managing the visit history of each vehicle on the facility server 700 side, it is possible to understand how often the vehicles entering the ABC facility 350 come and which area in the ABC facility 350 they use. Therefore, the facility server 700 can send facility information that is matched to the user of each vehicle. Thus, it is possible to provide information of advertising strategies for the ABC facility 350. In addition, it is possible to provide services with favorable conditions to users who frequently use the ABC facility 350. For example, it is possible to provide a priority parking space or a parking space close to a frequently used area.

[0164] also, Fig.18 The information shown is an example, and only part of them may be stored in the visit history management DB 720, or other information may be stored in the visit history management DB 720.

[0165] [Example of vehicle identification]

[0166] Here, the parking lot P1 (refer to Figure 3) is described. As vehicle identification information (or vehicle specifying information) for identifying a vehicle, information that can uniquely specify each vehicle, such as the vehicle license plate, vehicle body number, and device identification information (such as a MAC (Media access control: media access control) address) of a communication device (such as a network device) provided in the vehicle, can be used. In addition, the vehicle license plate and vehicle body number can be obtained based on an image of the vehicle obtained by photographing the appearance of the vehicle. In addition, the acquisition method can adopt a well-known image recognition technology. In addition, the device identification information can be obtained through wireless communication between the facility server 300 and the communication device of each vehicle.

[0167] In addition, a unique ID may be issued from the facility server 300 when the vehicle enters the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 for the first time, and the unique ID may be used as vehicle identification information for identifying the vehicle. As the unique ID, for example, a card-type ID may be issued to the user of the vehicle, and each time the user enters the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350, the user causes the device of the ABC facility 350 to read the information of the card and transmit the ID of the card to the facility server 300. In addition, as the unique ID, for example, the ID information may be transmitted to the communication device of the vehicle and the storage unit of the communication device may store the ID information, and each time the vehicle enters the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350, the vehicle may transmit the ID information of the storage unit to the facility server 300. In this way, each vehicle holds the unique ID issued to each vehicle, and the unique ID may be used when the vehicle visits the ABC facility 350 next time or later.

[0168] For example, the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 100 functions as an information transmission and reception unit that exchanges vehicle identification information for identifying the vehicle C1 with the facility server 300 .

[0169] In addition, Fig.17 , Fig.18 , an example of managing the visit history of the vehicle in the facility server 700 is shown, but the visit history may be managed on the vehicle side. In this case, each time the vehicle enters the ABC facility 350, it is necessary to send information related to the visit history managed on the vehicle side to the facility server 700. In contrast, when the visit history of the vehicle is managed in the facility server 700, it is not necessary to exchange information related to the visit history, so the exchange of information is reduced, which can reduce the processing load. In addition, the facility server 700 can easily control the vehicle to determine what facility information is sent to the vehicle.

[0170] [Example of output of facility information]

[0171] Fig.19and Fig. 20 2 is a diagram showing an output example of the case where the facility information is output from the output unit 200 when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350. Fig.19 The output example shown is Figure 5 An example in which a portion of the output example shown is modified. Fig. 20 The output example shown is Figure 6 Therefore, the following will omit the information related to Figure 5 , Figure 6 The output example shown is the same as the description of the Figure 5 , Figure 6 The following description will focus on the differences between the output examples shown. As mentioned above, vehicle C1 has been to facility ABC 350 three times in the past. Fig.19 , Fig. 20 In the example shown, an output example is shown in which the vehicle C1 comes to the ABC facility 350 four times.

[0172] exist Fig.19 7 shows a display screen 750 in which a character image CR1 is superimposed on a map and voice information S20. When the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350 for the fourth time, the character image CR1 can be changed to a display indicating that the vehicle has come four times, or the voice information S20 can be changed to a content indicating that the vehicle has come four times. In this way, the method and content of providing character information can be changed according to the number of visits, so that incentive information for the purpose of increasing the number of visits can be provided.

[0173] exist Fig. 20 , a display screen 760 and voice information S21 are shown. In the display screen 760, a guidance display area 761 for guiding the route to the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 is displayed on the map in a superimposed manner together with the character image CR1.

[0174] In the guidance display area 761, the overall structure and route of the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 are displayed, along with the presence or absence of parking spaces. Fig.19 Similarly, the character image CR1 can be changed to a display mode indicating that the person has come four times, or the voice information S21 can be changed to a content indicating that the person has come four times. In addition, as the parking space for the vehicle C1, the positions of the stores that are easy to enter the ABC facility 350 can be preferentially allocated according to the number of visits to the ABC facility 350. In this way, preferential allocation can be made according to the number of visits, so that incentive information for the purpose of increasing the number of visits can be provided.

[0175] In this way, new activities, new store information, and facility information that has not yet been guided can be selected and provided to the user U1 of the vehicle C1 based on the number of past visits of the vehicle C1 (or its occupants) and the timing of past visits. In addition, based on the number of visits to the ABC facility 350 and the interval between visits compared to the last visit, the character's guidance content, greetings, wording, endings, and the like can be changed and provided to the user U1 of the vehicle C1.

[0176] For example, for a user who is visiting ABC facility 350 for the first time, the following output content can be set: while outputting voice information such as "We meet for the first time", the character's self-introduction can be performed. In addition, for a user who has visited ABC facility 350 many times, the character's greeting style and the character's behavior can be changed according to the number of times. For example, the character's words can be made slightly more straightforward, or the character's actions can be changed to actions that are easy to approach, as the number of times the character has visited ABC facility 350 increases. In addition, for a user who is visiting ABC facility 350 for the first time, a greeting such as "Come again next time" can be issued when leaving ABC facility 350 in anticipation of the next visit.

[0177] [Operation Example of Information Processing Device and Facility Server]

[0178] Fig.21 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the output control process of the facility information in the information processing device 100 and the facility server 700. In addition, the output control process in the information processing device 100 is executed based on the program stored in the storage unit 130. In addition, the output control process in the facility server 700 is executed based on the program stored in the storage unit 710. In addition, the output control process is always executed in each control cycle. In addition, in this output control process, reference is made to Figures 1 to 20 to explain.

[0179] In addition, the output control process is to Fig.11 Specifically, the difference lies in that, in the communication between the information processing device 100 and the facility server 700, the vehicle identification information of the vehicle C1 is sent to the facility server 700, or the facility information corresponding to the visit history of the vehicle C1 is sent to the information processing device 100. In addition, regarding other points, due to the Fig.11 The output control process shown is the same, so the label is the same as Fig.11 The same reference numerals are used and their descriptions are omitted.

[0180] In steps S701 and S702 , communication between the information processing device 100 and the facility server 700 is started.

[0181] In step S703, the control unit 120 transmits the vehicle identification information of the vehicle C1 to the facility server 300. In this example, an example is shown in which device identification information (for example, MAC address) is used as the vehicle identification information.

[0182] In step S704 , the communication unit 310 of the facility server 700 receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the information processing device 100 .

[0183] In step S705, the facility information providing unit 340 of the facility server 700 searches the visit history management DB 720 based on the vehicle specifying information received in step S704. Then, the control unit 320 acquires the vehicle model 722 "medium" and the visit history 723 "three past visits" of the vehicle C1.

[0184] In step S706, the facility information providing unit 340 of the facility server 700 generates facility information to be provided to the vehicle C1 based on the visit history of the vehicle C1 acquired from the visit history management DB 720. Specifically, since the vehicle type 722 of the vehicle C1 is "medium", the facility information providing unit 340 allocates the parking lot P1 (see Figure 3 ) of the vacant spaces where a medium-sized vehicle can park. Then, the facility information providing unit 340 generates route guidance information for guiding the vehicle C1 to the allocated vacant space. In addition, since the visit history record 723 of the vehicle C1 is "three visits in the past", the facility information providing unit 340 generates route guidance information and facility guidance information to be provided to the fourth visitor. For example, Fig.19 , Fig. 20 The output contents shown are route guidance information and facility guidance information.

[0185] In step S707 , the facility information providing unit 340 of the facility server 700 transmits the facility information generated in step S706 to the information processing device 100 via the communication unit 310 .

[0186] In this way, the visit history management DB 720 can be managed on the facility server 700 side, and facility information corresponding to the vehicle can be generated on the facility server 700 side, so there is no need to specially change the processing according to the number of visits on the vehicle side. Therefore, on the vehicle side, it is possible to deal with it only by outputting the facility information sent from the facility terminal 700 at the position of the vehicle or at a predetermined timing.

[0187] In addition, Fig.21, an example of output processing when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350 is shown, but when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350, facility information corresponding to the vehicle C1 can also be generated on the facility server 700 side and transmitted to the vehicle C1.

[0188] As described above, when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350, a performance can be performed in which the character of the ABC facility 350 welcomes the vehicle C1. On the other hand, when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350, a performance can be performed in which the character of the ABC facility 350 is reluctant to leave the vehicle C1.

[0189] Here, when a relatively large facility is set as the destination, a car navigation device can be used to display a route to the facility. However, in the car navigation device, the route guidance ends when the vehicle arrives in the facility. That is, it is impossible to guide the vehicle on the route after entering the facility. However, if the parking lot of the facility is spacious, it is very difficult to easily understand where to go after entering the facility. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350, the route guidance of the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 is performed.

[0190] Furthermore, after the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350, when only the route guidance of the parking lot P1 of the ABC facility 350 is provided, the user U1 of the vehicle C1 cannot be provided with explanations and guidance of each store in the ABC facility 350. Therefore, the expectation of the user U1 may not be raised with the consistent image of the ABC facility 350.

[0191] Therefore, in this embodiment, the facility guidance information of the ABC facility 350 is output and provided to the user U1 together with the route guidance information of the ABC facility 350. In addition, a character that can evoke the image of the ABC facility 350 is caused to perform various guidance within the ABC facility 350.

[0192] In this way, by guiding the ABC facility 350 with a unified character, the expectation of the user U1 can be increased with the consistent image of the ABC facility 350. In addition, when the user U1 arrives at the ABC facility 350, it is possible to switch from the daily life to the extraordinary life (the world of the facility), and to invest emotions in the facility. In addition, since marketing using the character can be started from the moment of boarding the vehicle C1, it is possible to attract customers and promote brands that are not originally targeted.

[0193] As described above, in the present embodiment, the characters of the ABC facility 350 can be used for route guidance and facility guidance in the ABC facility 350, so that guidance with a promotional effect of a unified image can be provided before using the facility.

[0194] Furthermore, while the vehicle C1 is traveling, each guidance is performed using the display of a still image of a character and the output of a voice of the character, so that the user U1 of the vehicle C1 can concentrate on driving and can drive appropriately.

[0195] In addition, the above shows an example of performing information acquisition processing, information output processing, etc. in the information processing device 100, but all or part of these processes can also be performed in other devices. In this case, the information processing system is composed of various devices that perform part of these processes. For example, various information processing devices such as the facility server 300, devices that can be used by the user U1 (for example, smart phones, tablet terminals, personal computers, car navigation devices, IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment)), servers that can be connected via a specified network such as the Internet, and various electronic devices can be used to perform at least part of each process.

[0196] For example, the information processing device 100 may sequentially send the vehicle information and the position information to the facility server 300, and the facility server 300 sequentially sends only the facility information to be output from the information processing device 100 to the information processing device 100 based on the vehicle information and the position information. In this case, the output processing in the information processing device 100 is performed based on the control from the facility server 300.

[0197] Furthermore, part (or all) of the information processing system capable of executing the functions of the information processing device 100 may be provided by an application program that can be provided via a predetermined network such as the Internet. This application program is, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0198] [Structural example of this embodiment and its effects]

[0199] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device capable of guiding the path of the vehicle C1. The information processing device 100 includes: a communication unit 110 (an example of an information acquisition unit), which, when the vehicle C1 enters a prescribed range RG1 based on the ABC facility 350, acquires path guidance information for guiding the path of the vehicle C1 in the ABC facility 350, facility guidance information for guiding prescribed information related to each place in the ABC facility 350, and role information for outputting a role associated with the ABC facility 350; a storage unit 130, which stores the path guidance information, facility guidance information, and role information; a position information acquisition unit 140, which acquires position information in the ABC facility 350; an output unit 200, which outputs various information; and a control unit 120, which causes the role to be output from the output unit 200 based on the role information, and causes at least one of the path guidance and facility guidance to be output from the output unit 200 based on the path guidance information, facility guidance information, and position information. For example, Figures 5 to 10 , Fig.19 , Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , at least one of the route guidance and the facility guidance is displayed on the display unit 210 together with the character image CR1. Figures 5 to 10 , Fig.19 , Fig. 20 As shown, voice information from the character is output from the voice output unit 220.

[0200] According to this structure, when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350, the route guidance of the parking lot P1 and the like and the facility guidance of the ABC facility 350 can be output from the output unit 200 together with the character associated with the ABC facility 350 and provided to the user U1. As a result, more appropriate information corresponding to the ABC facility 350 can be provided to the user U1 who arrives at the ABC facility 350 by the vehicle C1. In other words, an information processing device can be provided that can provide the user with useful information related to the facility that can increase the user's interest as much as possible when entering a prescribed range based on the facility. In addition, for the user U1, the consistent image of the ABC facility 350 can increase the user U1's expectations, and the user U1's emotions can be directed toward the ABC facility 350.

[0201] The information processing device 100 further includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 150, which acquires vehicle information related to the vehicle C1, and the vehicle information is information including whether the vehicle C1 is stopped. The output unit 200 includes a display unit 210 and a voice output unit 220. The control unit 120 determines whether the vehicle C1 is stopped based on the vehicle information. If the vehicle C1 is stopped, the control unit 120 displays the character image CR1 on the display unit 210, and performs at least one of route guidance and facility guidance using at least one of the character image CR1 and the character's voice. If the vehicle C1 is traveling, the character image CR1 is not displayed, the character's voice is output from the voice output unit 220, and at least one of route guidance and facility guidance is performed using the character's voice. In addition, if the vehicle C1 is traveling, the character image CR1 in a stationary state may be displayed to perform at least one of route guidance and facility guidance.

[0202] According to this configuration, while the vehicle C1 is traveling, route guidance, facility guidance, etc. can be performed without displaying the character image CR1 on the display unit 210, so that the user U1 of the vehicle C1 can drive without paying attention to the character image CR1. That is, an information processing device that can provide effective information at an appropriate time can be provided.

[0203] The control unit 120 of the information processing device 100 uses at least a part of the character's model data, display information related to the display method of the model data, action instruction information related to the action of the model data, and voice information related to the voice of the model data as character information to output the character from the output unit 200.

[0204] According to this structure, the facility server 300 provides various levels of information as character information to the information processing device 100, thereby being able to change the character information used as needed on the information processing device 100 side. For example, all the characters of the ABC facility 350 can guide within the ABC facility 350. In addition, if there is an original character on the vehicle C1 side, the character can be dressed in clothes for the ABC facility 350 to guide the ABC facility 350, and a two-dimensional character display can be selected from a 3D character with motion, a guidance display using a static image, etc. according to the performance or setting of the equipment on the vehicle C1 side.

[0205] The control unit 120 of the information processing device 100 changes the output method of the character output from the output unit 200 according to the route guidance or facility guidance output from the output unit 200. For example, Figures 5 to 10 , Figures 12 to 15 , Fig.19 , Fig. 20 As shown, the character image CR1 and the voice information from the character are changed.

[0206] According to this configuration, guidance can be performed by changing the output form of the character used according to the information for guidance. Thus, guidance can be performed in a manner that makes it easy to understand the type of information to be guided to the user U1 and its relevance.

[0207] The control unit 120 of the information processing device 100 outputs route guidance using characters from the output unit 200 when the vehicle C1 travels to a predetermined position in the ABC facility 350 , and outputs facility guidance using characters from the output unit 200 when the vehicle C1 travels to a position other than the predetermined position.

[0208] According to this configuration, since facility guidance can be provided during route guidance, it is possible to prioritize route guidance related to the movement of the vehicle C1 and provide facility guidance at other timings.

[0209] The communication unit 110 (an example of the information acquisition unit) of the information processing device 100 acquires facility guidance information including facility plan information, wherein the facility plan information is related to at least one of a future schedule for the ABC facility 350 and a future activity of the ABC facility 350, and the control unit 120 outputs at least one of the schedule and the activity as facility guidance from the output unit 200 using a character when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350. For example, Fig.12 As shown, the schedule and the event are displayed together with the character image CR1 on the display unit 210 , and the voice information S10 from the character is output from the voice output unit 220 .

[0210] According to this configuration, guidance to the ABC facility 350 can be provided even when exiting the ABC facility 350 , and thus, incentive information for the next visit can be provided.

[0211] The communication unit 110 (an example of the information acquisition unit) of the information processing device 100 acquires character information including the character's plan information, wherein the character's plan information is related to at least one of the character's costume change plan and the character's appearance plan, and the control unit 120 outputs at least one of the character's costume change plan and the character's appearance plan as information related to the character from the output unit 200 using the character when the vehicle C1 leaves the ABC facility 350. For example, Fig.13 As shown, the character's clothing change plan and the character's appearance plan are displayed on the display unit 210 together with the character image CR1, and the voice information S11 from the character is output from the voice output unit 220.

[0212] According to this configuration, when exiting the ABC facility 350, the changes and appearance schedules of the characters used in the various guides can be provided, and can be provided as incentive information for the next visit.

[0213] The communication unit 110 (an example of the information acquisition unit) of the information processing device 100 acquires the character information for changing and outputting at least one of the guidance content using the character and the voice information of the character according to the number of times the vehicle C1 has visited the ABC facility 350, and the control unit 120 changes and outputs the output method of the character based on the number of times the vehicle C1 has visited the ABC facility 350. For example, Fig.19 , Fig. 20 Change the character's output method as shown.

[0214] According to this configuration, the method and content of providing information about the character are changed according to the number of visits, so that incentive information for the purpose of increasing the number of visits can be provided.

[0215] The information processing method according to the present embodiment is an information processing method that can be used to guide the path of the vehicle C1. The information processing method includes the following steps: information acquisition processing (step S503), when the vehicle C1 enters the prescribed range RG1 based on the ABC facility 350, acquiring route guidance information for guiding the path of the vehicle C1 in the ABC facility 350, facility guidance information for guiding prescribed information related to each place in the ABC facility 350, and role information for outputting the role associated with the ABC facility 350; storage processing (step S503), storing the route guidance information, facility guidance information, and role information in the storage unit; position information acquisition processing (step S505), acquiring position information in the ABC facility 350; and control processing (steps S504 to S511), causing the role to be output from the output unit 200 based on the role information, and causing at least one of the route guidance and the facility guidance to be output from the output unit 200 based on the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the position information. In addition, the program according to the present embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute these respective processes. In other words, the program according to the present embodiment is a program for causing a computer to realize each function executable by the information processing device 100 .

[0216] According to this structure, when the vehicle C1 enters the ABC facility 350, the route guidance of the parking lot P1 and the like and the facility guidance of the ABC facility 350 can be output from the output unit 200 together with the character associated with the ABC facility 350 and provided to the user U1. As a result, more appropriate information corresponding to the ABC facility 350 can be provided to the user U1 who arrives at the ABC facility 350 by the vehicle C1. In other words, an information processing method can be provided that can provide the user with useful information related to the facility that can increase the user's interest as much as possible when entering a prescribed range based on the facility. In addition, for the user U1, the consistent image of the ABC facility 350 can increase the user U1's expectations, and the user U1's emotions can be directed toward the ABC facility 350.

[0217] In addition, each processing procedure shown in this embodiment shows an example for implementing this embodiment. The order of part of each processing procedure may be changed within the scope of being able to implement this embodiment, or part of each processing procedure may be omitted or other processing procedures may be added.

[0218] In addition, each process shown in this embodiment is a process performed based on a program for causing a computer to execute each process. Therefore, this embodiment can also be grasped as an embodiment of a program for realizing the functions of executing these processes and a recording medium storing the program. For example, the program can be stored in a storage device (storage medium) of an information processing device through an update process for adding new functions to the information processing device. Thus, the updated information processing device can implement each process shown in this embodiment.

[0219] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above embodiments merely illustrate a part of application examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention to the specific structures of the above embodiments.

[0220] In addition, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-117391 filed with the Japan Patent Office on July 22, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated into this specification by reference.

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of guiding a path of a vehicle, the information processing device comprising: an information acquisition unit for acquiring, when the vehicle enters a prescribed range based on a facility, route guidance information for guiding a route of the vehicle in the facility, facility guidance information for guiding prescribed information related to each location in the facility, and role information for outputting a role associated with the facility; a storage unit that stores the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the character information; a location information acquisition unit configured to acquire location information in the facility; an output unit that outputs various information; as well as A control unit causes the output unit to output the character based on the character information, and causes the output unit to output at least one of the route guidance and the facility guidance based on the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the position information.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises a vehicle information acquisition unit configured to acquire vehicle information related to the vehicle, wherein the vehicle information includes information on whether the vehicle is stopped. The output unit includes a display unit and a voice output unit. The control unit determines whether the vehicle is stopped based on the vehicle information. If the vehicle is stopped, the control unit displays the image of the character on the display unit, and uses at least one of the image and the voice of the character to perform at least one of the route guidance and the facility guidance. If the vehicle is moving, the image of the character is not displayed, the voice of the character is output from the voice output unit, and the route guidance and the facility guidance are performed at least one of the voice of the character.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit uses at least a part of the model data of the character, display information related to the display method of the model data, action instruction information related to the action of the model data, and voice information related to the voice of the model data as the character information, so as to output the character from the output unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit changes an output method of the character output from the output unit, based on the route guidance or the facility guidance output from the output unit.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit causes the output unit to output the route guidance using the character when the vehicle travels at a predetermined position in the facility, and causes the output unit to output the facility guidance using the character when the vehicle travels at a position other than the predetermined position.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The information acquisition unit acquires the facility guidance information including planned information of the facility, the planned information of the facility being related to at least one of a future schedule of the facility and a future event of the facility, The control unit outputs at least one of the schedule and the activity from the output unit as a facility guide using a character at a timing when the vehicle leaves the facility.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The information acquisition unit acquires the character information including the character's plan information, wherein the character's plan information is related to at least one of a costume change plan of the character and an appearance plan of a new character. The control unit outputs at least one of the clothing change plan and the appearance plan as information related to the character from the output unit using the character at a timing when the vehicle leaves the facility.

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The information acquisition unit acquires the character information for changing and outputting at least one of the guidance content using the character and the voice information of the character according to the number of times the vehicle has visited the facility, The control unit changes the output form of the character and outputs the character based on the number of times the vehicle has visited the facility.

9. An information processing method capable of guiding a path of a vehicle, the information processing method comprising the following processing: information acquisition processing for acquiring, when the vehicle enters a prescribed range based on a facility, route guidance information for guiding a route of the vehicle in the facility, facility guidance information for guiding prescribed information related to each location in the facility, and role information for outputting role associated with the facility; storing the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the character information in a storage unit; Position information acquisition processing, acquiring the position information in the facility; as well as The control process causes the output unit to output the character based on the character information, and causes the output unit to output at least one of the route guidance and the facility guidance based on the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the position information.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute a route guidance process for guiding a route of a vehicle, the program causing the computer to execute the following process: information acquisition processing for acquiring, when the vehicle enters a prescribed range based on a facility, route guidance information for guiding a route of the vehicle in the facility, facility guidance information for guiding prescribed information related to each location in the facility, and role information for outputting role associated with the facility; storing the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the character information in a storage unit; Position information acquisition processing, acquiring the position information in the facility; as well as The control process causes the output unit to output the character based on the character information, and causes the output unit to output at least one of the route guidance and the facility guidance based on the route guidance information, the facility guidance information, and the position information.

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