Notification device, notification method, program, and notification system

Abstract

A notification device (10A) is provided with: an output unit (14) that, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, outputs notification start information and then outputs a sound based on the predetermined condition; an acquisition unit (12) that acquires notification start information output from another notification device (10B); and a control unit (13) that controls whether or not to cause the output unit (14) to output sound on the basis of the timing at which the notification start information has been obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification device, a notification method, a program, and a notification system. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for causing a home device having a voice input / output function to speak by instructing the content of speech and the timing of speech.

[0003] (Prior art literature)

[0004] (Patent Document)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-151718 Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a notification device and the like that enable output sound to be easily heard even when a notification instruction for causing sound to be output is received by a plurality of notification devices.

[0007] A notification device involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an output unit, which outputs a sound based on the prescribed condition after outputting notification start information when prescribed conditions are met; an acquisition unit, which acquires notification start information output from other notification devices; and a control unit, which controls whether the output unit outputs the sound based on the timing of acquiring the notification start information.

[0008] Furthermore, in a notification method involved in one embodiment of the present invention, when a specified condition is met, sound output processing is started, and the sound output processing is to output a sound based on the specified condition after the notification start information is output, obtain the notification start information output from other notification devices, and control whether to output the sound based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information.

[0009] Furthermore, a notification system involved in one embodiment of the present invention is a notification system comprising a server, and a first notification device and a second notification device connected to the server so as to be able to communicate, the first notification device comprising: a first receiving unit, which receives a notification instruction from the server; and a first output unit, which outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction after outputting notification start information when the first receiving unit receives the notification instruction, and the second notification device comprising: a second receiving unit, which receives the notification instruction from the server; a second output unit, which outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction when the second receiving unit receives the notification instruction; an obtaining unit, which obtains the notification start information output from the first notification device; and a control unit, which controls whether the second output unit outputs the sound based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information.

[0010] The notification device in the present disclosure enables the output sound to be easily heard even when a notification instruction for causing sound output is received by a plurality of notification devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining an overview of a notification system according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 An example of the configuration of the notification system according to the embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of notification control performed by the notification device.

[0014] Figure 4 Detailed description of the invention is a flowchart showing an example of a sound output process performed by a notification device.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of a process of determining whether to continue the sound output process.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the first example of notification control in the notification system.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the second example of notification control in the notification system.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the third example of notification control in the notification system.

[0019] Fig. 9 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the fourth example of notification control in the notification system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] (Becomes the basic knowledge of this disclosure)

[0021] As in the prior art, when a notification instruction for notifying a specified sound is received, when multiple notification devices that output the specified sound are set in the same space, multiple notification devices will output the same sound. When multiple notification devices receive a notification instruction from a server, for example, and output a sound based on the notification instruction, there are cases where the time until the sound is output is different. The main reason for the difference in time is that there is a difference in the communication speed or processing speed of the multiple notification devices. In other words, the slower the communication speed and the processing speed, the longer the time until the sound is output. In this way, when multiple notification devices output the same sound in a state where there is a difference in the time until the sound is output, it is difficult for the user to hear the sound due to the deviation in the output sound.

[0022] Thus, the inventors of the present invention have invented a notification device and the like that enable the output sound to be easily heard even when a notification instruction for causing sound output is received by a plurality of notification devices.

[0023] The notification device involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an output unit, which outputs a sound based on the prescribed condition after outputting the notification start information when the prescribed condition is satisfied; an acquisition unit, which acquires the notification start information output from other notification devices; and a control unit, which controls whether to make the output unit output the sound based on the timing of acquiring the notification start information.

[0024] In the above manner, since whether to output the sound is controlled based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information, the output of the sound can be reduced when the timing deviation from the sound output of other notification devices is large. In addition, the same sound can be output together with other notification devices when the deviation is small. Accordingly, even when the prescribed conditions are met and the sound may be output from multiple notification devices, the output sound can be easily heard.

[0025] The notification device involved in the second embodiment of the present disclosure is a notification device based on the first embodiment, wherein the notification device is connected to a server via a network so as to be able to communicate, and the notification device also has a receiving unit for receiving a notification instruction from the server, and the prescribed condition refers to the reception of the notification instruction by the receiving unit.

[0026] Thus, even if a notification instruction for outputting sound is received by a plurality of notification devices and the same sound may be output from a plurality of devices, the output sound can be easily heard.

[0027] The notification device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device based on the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the sound when the timing is included in a period before the output unit outputs the notification start information.

[0028] In the above manner, when notification start information is obtained from other notification devices before the output unit outputs the notification start information, it can be determined that there is a large timing deviation in the sound output from other notification devices, thereby reducing the output of deviated sound during the repeated period.

[0029] The notification device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the notification device based on the third aspect, wherein the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the notification start information when the timing is included in a period before the output unit outputs the notification start information.

[0030] In the above manner, when notification start information is obtained from other notification devices before the output unit outputs notification start information, it can be determined that the timing deviation of the sound output from other notification devices is large, thereby reducing the output of notification start information.

[0031] The notification device involved in the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device based on the second aspect, and when the timing is included in the period before the receiving unit receives the notification indication, the control unit does not accept the notification indication during the period from the timing until the first time passes.

[0032] In the above manner, since the notification instruction is not received during the period from when the notification start information of other notification devices is obtained until the first time has passed, even if the notification instruction is received late, the situation in which the same sound as the sound output by other notification devices is output later than that by other notification devices can be reduced.

[0033] The notification device involved in the 6th mode of the present disclosure is a notification device based on any one of the 1st to 5th modes, and the control unit causes the output unit to output the sound when the timing is included in the period from the output of the notification start information by the output unit until the second time passes.

[0034] In the above manner, when notification start information is obtained from other notification devices during the period from when the output unit outputs notification start information until the second time has passed, it can be determined that the timing deviation of the sound output from other notification devices is small, so that the same sound can be output together with other notification devices. Accordingly, the notification device and the other notification device obtain the notification start information from the other notification device, which can suppress the situation where neither party outputs sound, thereby reducing the situation where both the notification device and the other notification device do not output sound after receiving the notification instruction.

[0035] The notification device involved in the 7th mode of the present disclosure is a notification device based on any one of the 1st to 6th modes, and the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the sound when the timing is included in the period after the second time has passed since the output unit outputted the notification start information.

[0036] In the above manner, when notification start information is obtained from other notification devices after the second time has passed since the notification start information was output by the output unit, it can be determined that the timing deviation of the sound output from other notification devices is large, thereby reducing the output of the same sound.

[0037] The notification device involved in the 8th mode of the present disclosure is a notification device based on any one of the 1st to 7th modes, the output unit outputs a ringtone as the notification start information, and the acquisition unit acquires the notification start information by detecting the ringtone in the space around the notification device.

[0038] According to this, the output of the notification start information and the acquisition of the notification start information can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0039] In the notification method involved in the 9th embodiment of the present disclosure, when the specified conditions are met, the sound output processing is started, and the sound output processing is to output the sound based on the specified conditions after the notification start information is output, obtain the notification start information output from other notification devices, and control whether to output the sound based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information.

[0040] In the above manner, whether to output the sound is controlled based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information. For example, when the timing deviation of the sound output from other notification devices is large, the output of the same sound can be reduced. In addition, when the deviation is small, the same sound can be output together with other notification devices. Accordingly, even when the prescribed conditions are met and the sound may be output from multiple notification devices, the output sound can be easily heard.

[0041] A program according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to the ninth aspect.

[0042] The notification system involved in the 11th embodiment of the present disclosure is a notification system comprising a server, and a first notification device and a second notification device connected to the server so as to be able to communicate, the first notification device comprising: a first receiving unit, which receives a notification instruction from the server; and a first output unit, which outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction after outputting notification start information when the first receiving unit receives the notification instruction, and the second notification device comprising: a second receiving unit, which receives the notification instruction from the server; a second output unit, which outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction when the second receiving unit receives the notification instruction; an obtaining unit, which obtains the notification start information output from the first notification device; and a control unit, which controls whether the second output unit outputs the sound based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information.

[0043] In the above manner, whether to output the sound is controlled based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information. For example, when the timing deviation of the sound output from other notification devices is large, the same sound can be reduced. In addition, when the deviation is small, the same sound can be output together with other notification devices. Accordingly, even when the notification instruction for outputting the sound is received by multiple notification devices, the output sound can be easily heard.

[0044] In addition, these general or specific methods can be implemented by devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, or non-temporary recording media such as computer-readable CD-ROMs, or by any combination of devices, methods, systems, integrated circuits, computer programs, and non-temporary recording media.

[0045] The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming too lengthy and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0046] In addition, the drawings and the following descriptions are provided by the inventors of the present invention to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the contents described in the scope of the technical claims.

[0047] (Implementation Method)

[0048] [1. Composition]

[0049] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining an overview of a notification system according to an embodiment.

[0050] Specifically, in Figure 1 1 shows notification devices 10A and 10B, a server 20, a network 60, and a router 61. The notification system 1 includes, for example, notification devices 10A and 10B and a server 20 among these components. The notification devices 10A and 10B and the server 20 are connected to each other via the network 60 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The router 61 is a device that mediates the connection of the notification devices 10A and 10B to the network 60 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0051] The notification system 1 is a system that sends a notification instruction to the notification device 10A, 10B through the server 20, and the notification device 10A, 10B outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction, thereby notifying the user of the specified notification content. The server 20 sends the notification instruction to the notification device 10A, 10B, for example, by a push prompt. The notification instruction may also include a sound showing the notification content. In addition, the notification device 10A, 10B stores a plurality of notification contents in advance, and the notification instruction may also be an instruction to make the notification device 10A, 10B reproduce the sound shown in one of the plurality of notification contents stored in the notification device 10A, 10B. That is, the notification instruction may also include information specifying the notification content to be reproduced among the plurality of notification contents.

[0052] Figure 2 An example of the configuration of the notification system according to the embodiment is shown.

[0053] The notification system 1 includes notification devices 10A and 10B, and a server 20. Figure 2 In the figure, the router 61 is omitted. The notification devices 10A and 10B are, for example, devices owned by the same user. For example, the server 20 associates the device information of each of the notification devices 10A and 10B with the user identifier of the same user and stores them.

[0054] The notification device 10A includes a receiving unit 11, an acquiring unit 12, a control unit 13, and an output unit 14. The notification device 10A is, for example, a home appliance that can make notifications by sound. The home appliance can be a VPA (Virtual Private Assistant) terminal such as a smart speaker, or an autonomous vacuum cleaner, refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner, television, etc.

[0055] The receiving unit 11 receives the notification instruction from the server 20 via the network 60. The receiving unit 11 is implemented by, for example, a communication IF (Interface). The receiving unit 11 can be implemented by a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. The receiving unit 11 can be connected to the network 60 via a router 61 or via a communication line such as a mobile phone communication network.

[0056] The acquisition unit 12 acquires the notification start information output from another notification device (i.e., the notification device 10B). The acquisition unit 12 may also acquire the notification start information by detecting a ringtone in the space surrounding the notification device 10A. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 12 may also acquire the notification start information by detecting sounds other than the ringtone in the space surrounding the notification device 10A. Sounds other than the ringtone may be sounds other than sounds based on the specified conditions in the notification device 10A, for example, sounds used to inform the user that notifications will be made with the sound in the future. For example, the acquisition unit 12 may also detect a sound as a ringtone when a sound included in a specified frequency band and having a sound pressure greater than a specified sound pressure is detected for more than a specified time. The acquisition unit 12 may also acquire the notification start information by receiving a specified wireless signal such as a Bluetooth signal. In the case of detecting a ringtone, the acquisition unit 12 is implemented by a microphone. In the case of receiving a specified wireless signal, the acquisition unit 12 may also be implemented by a wireless communication interface.

[0057] The control unit 13 controls whether to cause the output unit 14 to output sound based on the timing at which the notification start information output from the other notification device is obtained. Specifically, when the timing at which the notification start information output from the other notification device is obtained is included in the period before the notification start information output by the output unit 14, the control unit 13 may not cause the output unit 14 to output sound. In this case, the control unit 13 may not cause the output unit 14 to output the notification start information.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 13 may not accept the notification instruction during the period from the timing until the first time has passed, when the timing at which the notification start information output from the other notification device is obtained is included in the period before the notification instruction is received by the receiving unit 11. The first time is, for example, a time based on the reproduction time of the sound reproduced according to the notification instruction. The first time may also be, for example, a time longer than the longest reproduction time among a plurality of notification contents. Accordingly, the control unit 13 can accept the next notification instruction after the sound reproduction in the other notification device ends.

[0059] Furthermore, control unit 13 may cause output unit 14 to output sound when the timing of obtaining notification start information output from another notification device is included in the period from when output unit 14 outputs notification start information until the second time has passed. The second time may be, for example, a time shorter than 0.5 seconds.

[0060] Furthermore, when the timing at which the notification start information outputted from another notification device is obtained is included in the period after the second time has passed since the output unit 14 outputted the notification start information, the control unit 13 may prevent the output unit 14 from outputting the sound.

[0061] The control unit 13 is implemented by a control circuit such as a processor.

[0062] When a prescribed condition in the notification device is satisfied, the output unit 14 outputs a sound based on the prescribed condition after outputting the notification start information. The prescribed condition in the notification device is, for example, the reception of a notification instruction by the receiving unit 11. That is, when the receiving unit 11 receives a notification instruction from the server 20, the output unit 14 outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction after outputting the notification start information. Furthermore, the output unit 14 may output a ringtone as the notification start information, or may output a sound other than a ringtone as the notification start information. In this case, the output unit 14 is implemented by a speaker. Furthermore, the output unit 14 may also output a prescribed wireless signal such as a Bluetooth signal as the notification start information. In this case, the output unit 14 is implemented by a speaker and a communication IF.

[0063] Since the notification device 10B has the same configuration as the notification device 10A, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] The server 20 includes a communication unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , and a control unit 23 .

[0065] The communication unit 21 transmits and receives information to and from the notification devices 10A and 10B via the network 60. Specifically, the communication unit 21 transmits a notification instruction to the notification devices 10A and 10B. The communication unit 21 may be implemented by, for example, a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0066] As the destination of the notification instruction, the storage unit 22 stores information indicating the address of the notification device 10A, 10B. The storage unit 22 may also store a plurality of notification instructions when the notification instruction includes notification content consisting of sound data. The storage unit 22 associates and stores the device information of each notification device 10A, 10B with the user identifier of the same user. The storage unit 22 may also store, for each of a plurality of users, the device information of one or more notification devices owned by each user. The device information may also include information indicating the address of the notification device 10A, 10B. The storage unit 22 may also store a notification history of notifications made to the notification devices 10A, 10B.

[0067] The control unit 23 controls the communication unit 21 to send a specified notification instruction to the notification devices 10A and 10B when a specified condition in the server 20 is satisfied. The specified condition in the server 20 is satisfied, for example, when a specified time has arrived, when specified information has been received, or when a specified operation has been performed a specified number of times.

[0068] [2. Work]

[0069] Next, the operation of the notification device 10A will be described. In addition, since the operation of the notification device 10B is the same as that of the notification device 10A, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of notification control performed by the notification device.

[0071] The notification device 10A determines whether a notification instruction has been received from the server 20 via the network 60 ( S1 ).

[0072] When the notification device 10A determines that a notification instruction has been received from the server 20 via the network 60 ("Yes" in S1), it executes step S2, and when it determines that no notification instruction has been received from the server 20 via the network 60 ("No" in S1), it returns to step S1.

[0073] In step S2, the notification device 10A starts a sound output process (S2).

[0074] Figure 4 Detailed description of the invention is a flowchart showing an example of a sound output process performed by a notification device.

[0075] As described above, the audio output process is started when it is determined that a notification instruction has been received from the server 20 via the network 60 (YES in S1 ).

[0076] When the sound output process starts, the notification device 10A outputs notification start information (S11).

[0077] The notification device 10A outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction ( S12 ).

[0078] In addition, the sound output process is continued as it is, or the process is suspended according to the timing when the notification start information is obtained.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of a process of determining whether to continue the sound output process.

[0080] The notification device 10A determines whether notification start information has been obtained ( S21 ).

[0081] When the notification device 10A determines that the notification start information has been obtained (Yes in S21 ), it executes step S22 , and when it determines that the notification start information has not been obtained (No in S21 ), it executes step S25 .

[0082] In step S22, the notification device 10A determines whether the timing at which the notification start information is obtained is included in a predetermined period (S22). The predetermined period is a period from when the notification device 10A outputs the notification start information until the second time elapses.

[0083] When the notification device 10A determines that the timing at which the notification start information is obtained is included in the prescribed period ("Yes" in S22), step S23 is executed. When the notification device 10A determines that the timing at which the notification start information is obtained is not included in the prescribed period ("No" in S22), step S24 is executed. In addition, the case where the timing at which the notification start information is obtained is not included in the prescribed period includes: the case where the timing is included in the period before the notification device 10A outputs the notification start information; and the case where the timing is included in the period after the second time has passed since the notification device 10A outputs the notification start information.

[0084] In step S23, the notification device 10A outputs a sound based on the notification instruction (S23). In this case, since the notification device 10A continues the sound output process, steps S11 and S12 are executed.

[0085] In step S24, the notification device 10A does not output the sound based on the notification instruction (S24). That is, since the notification device 10A stops the sound output process, step S12 is not executed. The notification device 10A may continue to execute step S11 if the execution of step S11 has already started, stop the sound output process at the end of step S11, or stop the sound output process in the middle of step S11.

[0086] In step S25, the notification device 10A continues the sound output process (S25). That is, the notification device 10A performs the sound output process until steps S11 and S12 are completed.

[0087] Next, an operation example of the notification system 1 will be described.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the first example of notification control in the notification system. The first example shows a control example in which the notification device 10B detects the ringtone from the notification device 10A before reproducing the ringtone. In the first example, the notification device 10A processes the notification instruction and reproduces the ringtone before the notification device 10B.

[0089] The server 20 transmits a notification instruction to the notification devices 10A and 10B ( S31 ).

[0090] The notification device 10A receives the notification instruction, reproduces a ring tone ( S32 ), and outputs a notification based on the sound of the notification instruction ( S33 ).

[0091] Before receiving the notification instruction or processing the notification instruction and reproducing the ringtone, the notification device 10B detects the ringtone reproduced by the notification device 10A (S34). Accordingly, the notification device 10B does not output the sound based on the notification instruction because the determination in step S22 is "No".

[0092] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the second example of notification control in the notification system. The second example shows a control example in which the notification device 10B detects the ringtone from the notification device 10A before reproducing the ringtone, as in the first example. In the second example, as in the first example, the notification device 10A processes the notification instruction and reproduces the ringtone before the notification device 10B. The second example is different from the first example.

[0093] Since steps S31 to S34 are the same as those in the first example, description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] After step S34, the notification device 10B does not accept the notification instruction for a certain period of time (S35). That is, when the timing at which the notification device 10B obtains the notification start information output from another notification device is included in the period before the notification instruction is received by the receiving unit 11, the notification device 10B does not accept the notification instruction during the period from the above timing until the first time has passed.

[0095] For example, Figure 7As shown, the notification instruction sent from the server 20 may be received by the notification device 10B later than the notification device 10A due to differences in communication speed and processing speed. Thus, when a notification instruction is received during the period from the timing of obtaining notification start information output from another notification device until the first time has passed, the notification device 10B does not receive the notification instruction, thereby reducing the output of the same sound in a state where the timing of the sound output by the notification device 10A is deviated.

[0096] Figure 8 1 is a sequence diagram for explaining the third example of notification control in the notification system. The third example shows a control example in which the notification device 10B detects the ringtone reproduced by the notification device 10A after reproducing the ringtone. The third example is an example in which the difference Δt between the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10A and the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10B is smaller than the threshold value t_th.

[0097] Since steps S31 to S33 are the same as those in the first example, description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] The notification device 10B reproduces the ringtone (S36), and then detects the ringtone (S37). The notification device 10B determines "Yes" in step S22 because the difference Δt between the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10A and the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10B is smaller than the threshold value t_th. Thus, the notification device 10B performs a notification for outputting a sound based on the notification instruction (S38).

[0099] Fig. 9 1 is a sequence diagram for explaining the fourth example of notification control in the notification system. The fourth example shows a control example in which the notification device 10B detects the ringtone reproduced by the notification device 10A after reproducing the ringtone, as in the third example. The fourth example is an example in which the difference Δt between the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10A and the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10B is larger than the threshold value t_th.

[0100] Since steps S31 to S33 are the same as those in the first example, description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The notification device 10B reproduces the ringtone (S36), and then detects the ringtone (S37). The notification device 10B determines "No" in step S22 because the difference Δt between the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10A and the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10B is greater than the threshold value t_th. Therefore, the notification device 10B does not output the sound based on the notification instruction.

[0102] When the difference Δt between the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10A and the timing of the ringtone reproduction in the notification device 10B and the threshold t_th are the same, either the processing of the third example or the processing of the fourth example may be executed.

[0103] [3. Effects, etc.]

[0104] The notification device 10A involved in this embodiment is a notification device 10A connected to the server 20 via the network 60 so as to be able to communicate, and includes a receiving unit 11, an output unit 14, an acquisition unit 12, and a control unit 13. The receiving unit 11 receives a notification instruction from the server 20. When the receiving unit 11 receives the notification instruction, the output unit 14 outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction after outputting the notification start information. The acquisition unit 12 obtains the notification start information output from another notification device 10B. The control unit 13 controls whether to make the output unit 14 output a sound based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information.

[0105] In the above manner, whether to output the sound is controlled based on the timing of obtaining the notification start information. For example, when the timing deviation of outputting the sound with other notification devices 10B is large, the output of the same sound can be reduced. In addition, when the deviation is small, the same sound can be output together with other notification devices 10B. Thus, even when the notification instruction for outputting the sound is received by multiple notification devices 10A and 10B, the output sound can be easily heard.

[0106] In the notification device 10A according to the present embodiment, when the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is included in a period before the notification start information is output by the output unit 14 , the control unit 13 does not cause the output unit 14 to output sound.

[0107] In this way, when the notification start information is obtained from other notification devices 10B before the output unit 14 outputs the notification start information, it can be determined that the timing difference in outputting sound with other notification devices 10B is large, so that the output of the same sound can be reduced.

[0108] In the notification device 10A according to the present embodiment, when the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is included in a period before the notification start information output by the output unit 14 , the control unit 13 does not cause the output unit 14 to output the notification start information.

[0109] As described above, when the notification start information is obtained from other notification devices 10B before the output unit 14 outputs the notification start information, it can be determined that the timing difference in sound output from other notification devices 10B is large, thereby reducing the output of notification start information.

[0110] In the notification device 10A according to the present embodiment, when the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is included in the period before the output unit outputs the notification start information, the control unit 13 does not accept a notification instruction during the period from the timing until the first time elapses.

[0111] In the above manner, since the notification instruction is not received from the time when the notification start information from other notification devices 10B is obtained until the first time has passed, even if the notification instruction is received late, the situation in which the same sound as the sound output by other notification devices 10B is output later than that by other notification devices 10B can be reduced.

[0112] In the notification device 10A according to the present embodiment, when the timing at which the notification start information is obtained is included in the period from when the output unit 14 outputs the notification start information until the second time elapses, the control unit 13 causes the output unit 14 to output sound.

[0113] In the above manner, when the notification start information is obtained from other notification devices 10B during the period from when the notification start information is output by the output unit 14 until the second time has passed, it can be determined that the timing difference in outputting the sound from other notification devices 10B is small, and the same sound can be output together with other notification devices 10B. Accordingly, one of the notification devices 10A and the other notification device 10B obtains the notification start information from the other notification device, so that the situation where neither of them outputs the sound can be suppressed, thereby reducing the situation where the notification device 10A and the other notification device 10B do not output the sound after receiving the notification instruction.

[0114] In the notification device 10A according to the present embodiment, the control unit 13 does not cause the output unit 14 to output sound when the timing at which the notification start information is obtained is not included in the period after the second time has passed since the output unit 14 outputted the notification start information.

[0115] In this way, when notification start information is obtained from other notification devices 10B after the second time has passed since the notification start information was output by the output unit 14, it can be determined that the timing difference in sound output from other notification devices 10B is large, thereby reducing the output of the same sound.

[0116] In the notification device 10A according to the present embodiment, the output unit 14 outputs a ring tone as the notification start information. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the notification start information by detecting the ring tone in the space around the notification device 10A.

[0117] According to this, the output of the notification start information and the acquisition of the notification start information can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0118] [4. Modifications]

[0119] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the notification devices 10A and 10B are set to be connected to the server 20 via the network 60 so as to be able to communicate, the present invention is not limited thereto and the notification devices 10A and 10B may also be connected to the server 20 so as to be able to communicate. Furthermore, the notification devices 10A and 10B may not be connected to the network 60. In this case, the output unit 14 of the notification devices 10A and 10B may also output a sound based on the prescribed condition after outputting the notification start information when the prescribed condition in the notification device is satisfied. The prescribed condition in the notification device includes a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions include, for example, the following: the arrival of a predetermined time; acceptance of a predetermined operation from a user; and a predetermined number of times a predetermined task is performed. The prescribed condition in the notification device may be satisfied when only one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied. The sound based on the prescribed condition in the notification device may be a sound corresponding to each of the plurality of conditions.

[0120] (2) In the above embodiment, when the sounds output by the notification devices 10A and 10B are repeated during the reproduction of the sounds, although they are regarded as the same sound because they are sounds based on the same notification instruction, the present invention is not limited to this and they may be different sounds. Even when different sounds are reproduced during the repetition, since the notification devices 10A and 10B output the notification start information before reproducing the sounds, it is possible to control whether to output the sounds based on the timing when the notification start information is obtained, as in the above embodiment.

[0121] [5. Others]

[0122] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, each component can be constituted by dedicated hardware or implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component can also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software for the system, information terminal, server, camera device, etc. that implements the above-mentioned embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowchart shown in the figure.

[0123] In addition, the following cases are also included in the present disclosure.

[0124] (1) Specifically, each of the above-mentioned devices is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. The microprocessor operates according to the computer program, so that each device realizes its own function. Here, the computer program is a combination of multiple command codes that issue instructions to the computer in order to realize a specified function.

[0125] (2) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above-mentioned devices may be constituted by a system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is a multifunctional LSI in which multiple components are integrated and manufactured on a single chip, and specifically is a computer system constituted by a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The microprocessor operates according to the computer program, so that the system LSI realizes its functions.

[0126] (3) A part or all of the components constituting each of the above-mentioned devices may be constituted by an IC card or a single module that can be attached to or detached from each device. The IC card or the module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or the module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The microprocessor operates according to a computer program, so that the IC card or the module realizes its respective functions. The IC card or the module may also be tamper-resistant.

[0127] (4) The present disclosure may be the methods shown above, a computer program for implementing these methods by a computer, or a digital signal composed of the computer program.

[0128] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium recording the computer program or the digital signal, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be implemented as the digital signal recorded on these recording media.

[0129] Furthermore, the present disclosure may transmit the computer program or the digital signal via an electronic communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, data broadcasting, and the like.

[0130] Furthermore, the present disclosure may be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the above-mentioned computer program, and the microprocessor operates according to the computer program.

[0131] Furthermore, the program or the digital signal may be recorded in the recording medium and transmitted, or the program or the digital signal may be transmitted via the network or the like, thereby being executed by another independent computer system.

[0132] (5) The above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be combined respectively.

[0133] The present disclosure is useful as a notification device or the like that enables easy listening of output sound even when a notification instruction for outputting sound is received by a plurality of notification devices.

[0134] Explanation of symbols

[0135] 1Notification system

[0136] 10A, 10B Notification Device

[0137] 11Receiving Department

[0138] 12 Obtained

[0139] 13. Control Unit

[0140] 14 Output section

[0141] 20 servers

[0142] 21 Ministry of Communications

[0143] 22 Storage unit

[0144] 23. Control Department

[0145] 60 Network

[0146] 61 router

Claims

1. A notification device comprising: an output unit that outputs a sound based on the prescribed condition after outputting the notification start information when a prescribed condition is satisfied; an acquisition unit that acquires notification start information output from another notification device; as well as The control unit controls whether to cause the output unit to output the sound based on the timing at which the notification start information is obtained.

2. The notification device according to claim 1, The notification device is connected to the server via a network so as to be able to communicate, The notification device further includes a receiving unit for receiving a notification instruction from the server. The predetermined condition refers to the reception of the notification instruction by the receiving unit.

3. The notification device according to claim 1, The control unit prevents the output unit from outputting the sound when the timing is included in a period before the output unit outputs the notification start information.

4. The notification device according to claim 3, The control unit does not cause the output unit to output the notification start information when the timing is included in a period before the output unit outputs the notification start information.

5. The notification device according to claim 2, The control unit does not accept the notification instruction during a period from the timing until a first time period elapses, when the timing is included in a period before the reception unit receives the notification instruction.

6. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The control unit causes the output unit to output the sound when the timing is included in a period from when the output unit outputs the notification start information until a second time period elapses.

7. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The control unit prevents the output unit from outputting the sound when the timing is included in a period after a second time has passed since the output unit outputted the notification start information.

8. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The output unit outputs a ring tone as the notification start information, The acquisition unit acquires the notification start information by detecting a ring tone in a space around the notification device.

9. A notification method, wherein: When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a sound output process is started, wherein the sound output process is a process of outputting a sound based on the predetermined condition after the notification start information is output. Get the notification start information output from other notification devices, Whether or not to output the sound is controlled based on the timing at which the notification start information is obtained.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to claim 9.

11. A notification system comprising a server, and a first notification device and a second notification device connected to the server so as to be communicable. The first notification device comprises: a first receiving unit configured to receive a notification instruction from the server; and a first output unit that outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction after outputting notification start information when the first receiving unit receives the notification instruction; The second notification device comprises: a second receiving unit, receiving the notification instruction from the server; a second output unit that outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction when the second receiving unit receives the notification instruction; an acquisition unit that acquires notification start information output from the first notification device; as well as The control unit controls whether to cause the second output unit to output the sound based on the timing at which the notification start information is obtained.

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