Notification system, notification method, control device, and program

Abstract

A notification system (1) is provided with: an acquisition unit that acquires voice content to be notified and importance degree information relating to the degree of importance of the voice content; a first notification unit (13) that notifies the voice content; and a control unit (33) that performs a first control for controlling the notification of the voice content by the first notification unit (13) in accordance with the degree of importance determined on the basis of the degree of importance information acquired by the acquisition unit, the control unit (33) causing the first notification unit (13) to notify the voice content when the degree of importance is a first level during the first control, and causing the first notification unit (13) to notify the voice content when the degree of importance is a second level during the second control. When the degree of importance is a second level that is lower than the first level, the first notification unit (13) is not made to notify the voice content.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The following technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1. For a home device having a voice input / output function, the home device is made to speak by instructing the content of speech and the timing of speech.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

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

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a notification system or the like that can effectively notify a user of voice content.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance of the voice content; a first notification unit that notifies the voice content; and a control unit that performs first control for controlling the notification of the voice content in the first notification unit according to the importance determined based on the importance information acquired by the acquisition unit. In the first control, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify the voice content when the importance is a first level, and does not cause the first notification unit to notify the voice content when the importance is a second level lower than the first level.

[0010] Moreover, in a notification method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance of the voice content are acquired, whether to notify the voice content is determined according to the importance determined based on the importance information, and the voice content is notified based on the determination result. In the determination, it is determined to notify the voice content when the importance is a first level, and it is determined not to notify the voice content when the importance is a second level lower than the first level.

[0011] Moreover, a control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device connected to a notification device so as to be capable of communication, and the control device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires the voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance level of the voice content; and a control unit that controls the notification of the voice content in the notification device according to the importance level determined based on the importance information acquired by the acquisition unit. When the importance level is the first level, the control unit causes the notification device to notify the voice content, and when the importance level is the second level lower than the first level, the control unit does not cause the notification device to notify the voice content.

[0012] In addition, these general or specific aspects can be implemented by a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or can be implemented by any combination of a device, a method, a system, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a non-transitory recording medium.

[0013] Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0014] The notification system and the like in the present disclosure can effectively notify the user of the voice content. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the outline of the notification system according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 FIG. shows an example of the configuration of the notification system according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 FIG. is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation in the notification system.

[0018] Figure 4 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the notification control in the server.

[0019] Figure 5 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the notification control in the server.

[0020] Figure 6 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the notification control in the server according to the modification (1). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] (Forming the basis of the present disclosure)

[0022] In the prior art, a notification device makes a speech based on a speech instruction when it receives the speech instruction from a server. In this way, the notification device notifies the user by making a speech. However, when the user is speaking while doing other tasks such as viewing content, the notification made by speech will make the user feel that the work is interrupted, and the user may get annoyed by the notification made by speech. On the other hand, notification by speech is also beneficial to the user because it can be notified immediately. For example, the notification is when a home appliance owned by the user has an abnormality during operation and stops working. In this way, the notification made by speech includes content that should be notified immediately and content that is not the case.

[0023] The inventors of the present invention have studied intensively and have discovered a notification system in which notifications including contents that should be notified immediately and notifications including contents that are not so are switched, thereby making it possible to effectively give notifications to users through speech.

[0024] The notification system involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit, which acquires sound content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance of the sound content, a first notification unit, which notifies the sound content; and a control unit, which performs a first control on the notification of the sound content in the first notification unit according to the importance determined based on the importance information obtained by the acquisition unit, wherein the control unit, in the first control, causes the first notification unit to notify the sound content when the importance is at a first level, and does not cause the first notification unit to notify the sound content when the importance is at a second level lower than the first level.

[0025] In the above manner, since the user can be informed immediately of the audio content with high importance, and the audio content with low importance is not notified, it is beneficial for the user to be informed of the content notified by sound. That is, since the user can judge that the content notified by sound is important, the user can concentrate on listening to the notification by sound, thereby reducing the possibility of missing important notifications. Furthermore, since the content with low importance is not notified by sound, it is possible to suppress the interference of the user's work caused by notifying the content with low importance by sound. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively notify the user by speaking to the user.

[0026] The notification system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system based on the first aspect, wherein the control unit, in the first control, causes the first notification unit to make a sound other than a notification voice when the importance determined based on the importance information is the second level.

[0027] Accordingly, it is possible to inform the user of content with a low level of importance in a manner that does not interfere with the user's work.

[0028] The notification system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system premised on the first or second aspect. The first notification unit can also notify display content related to the voice content. In the first control, when the level of importance determined based on the importance information is the second level, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify the display content.

[0029] Accordingly, it is possible to inform the user of content with a low level of importance by displaying the content in a manner that does not interfere with the user's work.

[0030] The notification system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system premised on the first aspect. The first notification unit can also notify display content related to the voice content. In the first control, when the level of importance determined based on the importance information is the second level, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify a sound other than the voice and the display content. When the level of importance determined based on the importance information is the third level lower than the second level, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify the display content.

[0031] Accordingly, it is possible to inform the user of content with a low level of importance in a manner that does not interfere with the user's work, and it is also possible to inform the user of content with an even lower level of importance by displaying the content in a manner that does not interfere with the user's work.

[0032] The notification system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system premised on any one of the first to fourth aspects. The first notification unit can also notify display content related to the voice content. The first notification unit is provided in a first device capable of outputting sound and video. When the first device is in a state where no image is output, the control unit performs a second control to cause the first notification unit to notify the voice content regardless of the level of importance based on the importance information.

[0033] By the above method, since the user is notified by sound regardless of the level of importance when viewing or listening to content with the first device, it is possible to notify the user in a manner that does not interfere with the user's viewing or listening to the content.

[0034] The notification system according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system premised on any one of the first to fifth aspects. The notification system further includes a second notification unit that notifies the voice content and is different from the first notification unit. The first notification unit is provided in a first device capable of outputting sound and video. The second notification unit is provided in a second device capable of outputting sound. In the first control by the control unit, when the importance level is the first level, the second notification unit is further caused to notify the voice content. When the importance level is the second level, the second notification unit is caused to notify the voice content.

[0035] By the above method, the first notification unit and the second notification unit are caused to notify the voice content with a high importance level, and the second notification unit is caused to notify the voice content with a low importance level. Thus, since the second device notifies the content with a low importance level by sound, for example, even if the user is viewing video content on the first device, the user can be notified in a manner that does not interfere with the user's viewing of the video content.

[0036] In the notification method according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance level of the voice content are obtained. Whether to notify the voice content is determined according to the importance level determined based on the importance information. Based on the result of the determination, the voice content is notified. In the determination, when the importance level is the first level, it is determined to notify the voice content. When the importance level is the second level lower than the first level, it is determined not to notify the voice content.

[0037] By the above method, since the voice content with a high importance level can be immediately informed to the user without notifying the voice content with a low importance level, it can be informed to the user that the content notified by sound is beneficial to the user. That is, since the user can judge that the content notified by sound is important, the user can concentrate on listening to the notification by sound, and thus the omission of important notifications can be reduced. And since the content with a low importance level is not notified by sound, the interference with the user's operation caused by notifying the content with a low importance level by sound can be suppressed. Accordingly, the notification can be effectively made by speaking to the user.

[0038] The control device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a control device communicably connected to a notification device, the control device including: an acquisition unit that acquires the voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance of the voice content; and a control unit that controls the notification of the voice content in the notification device according to the importance determined based on the importance information acquired by the acquisition unit. When the importance is the first level, the control unit causes the notification device to notify the voice content, and when the importance is the second level lower than the first level, the control unit does not cause the notification device to notify the voice content.

[0039] With the above method, since it is possible to immediately inform the user of the voice content with a high level of importance without notifying the voice content with a low level of importance, it is possible to inform the user that the content notified by voice is beneficial to the user. That is to say, since the user can judge that the content notified by voice is important, the user can concentrate on listening to the voice notification, and thus it is possible to reduce the omission of important notifications. In addition, since the content with a low level of importance is not notified by voice, it is possible to suppress the interference with the user's operation caused by the notification of the content with a low level of importance by voice. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively notify the user through speech.

[0040] The program according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to the seventh aspect.

[0041] In addition, these general or specific aspects can be implemented by a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or can be implemented by any combination of a device, a method, a system, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a non-transitory recording medium.

[0042] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, there may be cases where unnecessary details are omitted. For example, details of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same configurations are omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly lengthy and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0043] In addition, the drawings and the following description 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 content described in the scope of the technical solution.

[0044] (Embodiment)

[0045] [1. Configuration]

[0046] Figure 1This is a diagram for explaining the outline of the notification system according to the embodiment.

[0047] Specifically, Figure 1 shows a notification device 10 and 20, a server 30, a network 60, and a router 61. The notification system 1 includes, for example, the notification devices 10 and 20 and the server 30 among these components. The notification devices 10 and 20 and the server 30 are connected 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 10 and 20 to the network 60 in a communicable manner.

[0048] The notification system 1 is a system that sends a notification instruction from the server 30 to the notification devices 10 and 20, and the notification devices 10 and 20 output a sound based on the received notification instruction to notify a user of a predetermined notification content. The server 30 sends the notification instruction to the notification devices 10 and 20 by, for example, a push notification. The notification instruction may include at least one of a sound showing the notification content (i.e., sound content), a string showing the notification content, and an image (i.e., display content). Alternatively, the notification instruction may include the sound content and not include the display content.

[0049] In addition, the notification devices 10 and 20 pre-store a plurality of notification contents, and the notification instruction may also be an instruction to cause the notification devices 10 and 20 to reproduce the sound shown in one of the plurality of notification contents stored in the notification devices 10 and 20. That is, the notification instruction may also include information specifying the notification content to be reproduced among the plurality of notification contents. The notification content in this case may include both the sound content and the display content, or may include the sound content but not the display content.

[0050] Figure 2 Shows an example of the configuration of the notification system according to the embodiment.

[0051] The notification system 1 includes the notification devices 10 and 20 and the server 30. Figure 2 In

[0052] The illustration of the router 61 is omitted. The notification devices 10 and 20 are, for example, devices owned by the same user. For example, the server 30 stores the device information of the notification devices 10 and 20 in correspondence with the user identifier of the same user. The notification device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a first notification unit 13. The notification device 10 is, for example, an example of a first device capable of outputting sound and video. The notification device 10 is, for example, a TV. The notification device 10 may also include a speaker for outputting sound and a display for outputting video. In addition, the notification device 10 may be any household appliance as long as it includes a speaker and a display.

[0053] Moreover, the notification device 10 may not have a speaker and a display, as long as it is a device capable of outputting a sound signal to a speaker or an image signal to a display. For example, the notification device 10 may also be a recorder, a set-top box, etc.

[0054] The communication unit 11 receives a notification instruction from the server 30 via the network 60. The communication unit 11 is implemented by, for example, a communication IF (Interface). The communication unit 11 can be implemented either by a wired communication interface or by a wireless communication interface. The communication unit 11 can be connected to the network 60 via a router 61 or can be connected to the network 60 via a communication line such as a mobile phone communication network.

[0055] When the communication unit 11 receives a notification instruction, the control unit 12 causes the first notification unit 13 to notify the content based on the notification instruction. When the notification instruction includes a sound content, the control unit 12 causes the first notification unit 13 to notify the sound content by sound. When the notification instruction includes a sound content and a display content, the control unit 12 causes the first notification unit 13 to notify the sound content by sound and to notify the display content by display.

[0056] Alternatively, when the notification instruction includes a reproduction instruction of a ringtone, the control unit 12 causes the first notification unit 13 to output the ringtone. And, when the notification instruction includes a sound content and a reproduction instruction of a ringtone, after causing the first notification unit 13 to output the ringtone, the control unit 12 notifies the sound content by sound. The control unit 12 is implemented by a control circuit such as a processor.

[0057] The first notification unit 13 makes a notification based on the control by the control unit 12. The first notification unit 13 has a sound output unit 13a and an image output unit 13b. When the notification of the sound content is executed by the control of the control unit 12, the sound output unit 13a reproduces the sound content and outputs the sound or the sound signal indicated by the sound content. The sound output unit 13a can be implemented either by a speaker or by a sound signal processing circuit that outputs a sound signal to a speaker and an output terminal. When the control unit 12 executes the notification of the display content, the image output unit 13b reproduces the display content and outputs the display or the display signal indicated by the display content. The image output unit 13b can be implemented either by a display or by an output image signal processing circuit that outputs a display signal to a display and an output terminal.

[0058] The notification device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a second notification unit 23. The notification device 20 is, for example, an example of a second device capable of outputting sound. The notification device 20 may also be a device capable of outputting images. The notification device 20 is, for example, a lighting device equipped with a speaker. Additionally, the notification device 20 may also be a VPA (Virtual Private Assistant) terminal such as a smart speaker, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner, etc.

[0059] The communication unit 21 receives a notification instruction from the server 30 via the network 60. The communication unit 21 is implemented by a communication IF (Interface), for example. The communication unit 21 can be implemented either through a wired communication interface or through a wireless communication interface. The communication unit 21 can be connected to the network 60 via a router 61 or can be connected to the network 60 via a communication line such as a mobile phone communication network.

[0060] When the communication unit 21 receives a notification instruction, the control unit 22 causes the second notification unit 23 to notify the content based on the notification instruction. When the notification instruction includes voice content, the control unit 12 causes the second notification unit 23 to notify the voice content by voice. When the notification instruction includes voice content and display content, the control unit 12 causes the second notification unit 23 to notify the voice content by voice. In this case, since the second notification unit 23 cannot present the display content, the control unit 22 does not cause the second notification unit 23 to notify the display content.

[0061] Alternatively, when the notification instruction includes an instruction to reproduce a ringtone, the control unit 22 causes the second notification unit 23 to output the ringtone. And when the notification instruction includes voice content and an instruction to reproduce a ringtone, after causing the second notification unit 23 to output the ringtone, the control unit 22 notifies the voice content by voice. The control unit 22 is implemented by a control circuit such as a processor.

[0062] The second notification unit 23 makes a notification based on the control by the control unit 22. The second notification unit 23 has a sound output unit 23a. When the notification of the voice content is executed under the control of the control unit 22, the sound output unit 23a reproduces the voice content and outputs the sound or sound signal indicated by the voice content. The sound output unit 23a can be implemented either by a speaker or by an output sound signal processing circuit and output terminals that output a sound signal to the speaker.

[0063] The server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33. The server 30 is an example of a control device.

[0064] The communication unit 31 transmits and receives information to and from the notification devices 10 and 20 via the network 60. Specifically, the communication unit 31 sends a notification instruction to the notification devices 10 and 20. The communication unit 31 can be implemented, for example, either by a wired communication interface or by a wireless communication interface.

[0065] As the transmission destinations of the notification instructions, the storage unit 32 stores information indicating the addresses of the notification devices 10 and 20. The storage unit 32 can also store multiple notification instructions when the notification instruction includes a notification content composed of voice data. The storage unit 32 associates the device information of each of the notification devices 10 and 20 with the user identifier of the same user and stores them. The storage unit 32 can also store the device information of one or more notification devices owned by each user for each of the multiple users. The device information can also include information indicating the addresses of the notification devices 10 and 20. The storage unit 32 can also store the notification history of notifications sent to the notification devices 10 and 20.

[0066] The control unit 33 controls the communication unit 31 to send a specified notification instruction to the notification devices 10 and 20 when a specified condition in the server 30 is satisfied. The satisfaction of the specified condition in the server 30 means, for example, that it can be a specified time, or receiving a specified message, or performing a specified operation a specified number of times. In other words, the control unit 33 controls the communication unit 31 to send one notification instruction corresponding to this condition to the notification devices 10 and 20 when one of the multiple conditions in the server 30 is satisfied.

[0067] For example, multiple conditions are respectively associated with multiple contents. The control unit 33 selects the content corresponding to the condition as the content of the scheduled notification when one of the multiple conditions is satisfied. Then, the control unit 33 obtains the content of the selected scheduled notification and the importance information related to the importance of the content from the storage unit 32. The content of the scheduled notification includes at least the voice content among the voice content and the display content.

[0068] Multiple contents associated with multiple conditions are stored in the storage unit 32. Each of the multiple contents can also be associated with and stored with the importance information related to the importance of the corresponding content. The importance information is information indicating the importance. The importance is classified, for example, into three levels: the first level (high importance), the second level (medium importance), and the third level (low importance) in the order of decreasing importance.

[0069] In addition, the importance level information may also be information used to determine the importance level. The importance level information may also be information indicating the category of the content. In this case, the categories of the content are associated with the importance levels respectively, and the category information indicating the categories associated with the importance levels may also be stored in the storage unit 32. Multiple contents are respectively associated with the categories so that classification can be performed within the categories. Accordingly, the control unit 33 can determine the importance level of the content according to the category of the content.

[0070] Alternatively, the importance level information may also be information indicating the category of the conditions corresponding to the content. In this case, multiple conditions associated with multiple contents may also be associated with the categories. Accordingly, when one condition is satisfied, the control unit 33 can determine the content associated with this condition, and can determine the importance level associated with the category associated with this condition as the importance level of the determined content.

[0071] Each of the multiple conditions may also be a condition based on personal information such as user information indicating the attributes of the user or preference information indicating the preferences of the user. The attributes of the user are demographic data information, such as the user's age group, gender, residential area, annual income, married / unmarried, having children / not having children, occupation classification, workplace, educational background, etc. The preference information of the user is information indicating the fields of the user's interests and hobbies. For example, a user's preferences are games, game consoles, game strategy methods, baseball, American football, skiing, cameras, audio equipment, recorders, LCD TVs, high-definition TVs, videos, SNS (Social Networking Service), music, coffee, recipes, cars, car exteriors, travel, travel bags, road maps, raising children, interior decoration, gardens, etc.

[0072] For example, when the category of the content for which the condition is satisfied matches or is similar to the user's attributes or preference information, the importance level of the content for which the condition is satisfied may be set to a high importance level. On the contrary, when the category of the content for which the condition is satisfied does not match or is not similar to the user's attributes or preference information, the importance level of the content for which the condition is satisfied may be set to a low importance level. And it may also be that, as the importance level of the content for which the condition is satisfied, it is set in such a way that the higher the similarity obtained by comparing the category of the content for which the condition is satisfied with the user's attributes or preference information, the higher the importance level.

[0073] Each of multiple conditions can also be set to be different according to the importance level of the corresponding content established for the corresponding condition in each time period of a day. For example, it can also be that when a certain condition is satisfied in the morning time period, the importance level of the content corresponding to this condition is the first level, and when this condition is satisfied in the noon time period, the importance level of the content corresponding to this condition is the second level.

[0074] As described above, the control unit 33 determines the importance level based on the obtained importance level information. Then, the control unit 33 performs the first control to control the notification of the sound content in the notification devices 10 and 20 according to the determined importance level. In the first control, when the importance level of the content to be notified is the first level, the control unit 33 causes the notification device 10 to notify the sound content included in the content to be notified. In this case, the control unit 33 can also cause the notification device 20 to notify this sound content.

[0075] In the first control, when the importance level of the content to be notified is a level lower than the first level (the second level or the third level), the control unit 33 does not cause the notification device 10 to notify the sound content included in the content to be notified. In this case, the control unit 33 can also cause the notification device 10 to notify a sound other than the sound. For example, the control unit 33 can cause the notification device 10 to notify a ringtone. And in this case, for example, the control unit 33 can also cause the notification device 10 to notify the display content included in the content to be notified. And in this case, the control unit 33 can also cause the notification device 20 to notify the sound content included in the content to be notified.

[0076] Alternatively, in the first control, when the importance level of the content to be notified is the second level, the control unit 33 causes the notification device 10 to notify the ringtone and the display content, and when the importance level is the third level, the control unit 33 causes the notification device 10 to notify the display content. When the importance level is the third level, the control unit 33 does not cause the notification device 10 to notify the ringtone. In this case, the control unit 33 can also not cause the notification device 10 to notify the display content.

[0077] [2. Operation]

[0078] Next, the operation in the notification system 1 will be described.

[0079] Figure 3 It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation in the notification system.

[0080] First, the server 30 performs notification control (S1). The details of the notification control will be described later.

[0081] Based on notification control, the server 30 sends a notification instruction to the notification device 10 (S2) and sends a notification instruction to the notification device 20 (S3).

[0082] The notification device 10 makes a notification based on the notification instruction received from the server 30 (S4).

[0083] Similarly, the notification device 20 makes a notification based on the notification instruction received from the server 30 (S5).

[0084] The notification instruction sent from the server 30 in step S2 may be the same as or different from the notification instruction sent from the server 30 in step S3.

[0085] Figure 4 And Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of notification control in the server.

[0086] The server 30 determines whether a specified condition is satisfied for a specific user (S11).

[0087] If the server 30 determines that the specified condition is satisfied (Yes in S11), it executes step S12. If it determines that the specified condition is not satisfied (No in S11), it returns to step S11.

[0088] In step S12, the server 30 selects the content that satisfies the specified condition (S12).

[0089] Next, the server 30 determines the importance level of the selected content based on the content (S13).

[0090] Next, the server 30 determines whether a specific user has registered multiple notification devices (S14). That is, the server 30 determines whether a specific user owns multiple notification devices.

[0091] If the server 30 determines that a specific user has registered multiple notification devices (Yes in S14), it executes step S15. If it determines that a specific user has not registered multiple notification devices (No in S14), it executes step S19.

[0092] In step S15, the server 30 determines whether the importance level is level 1, level 2, or level 3 (S15).

[0093] When the importance level of the server 30 is level 1 (i.e., "level 1" in S15), step S16 is executed. When the importance level is level 2 (i.e., "level 2" in S15), step S17 is executed. When the importance level is level 3 (i.e., "level 3" in S15), step S18 is executed.

[0094] In step S16, the server 30 instructs all the notification devices 10 and 20 to give notifications by sound (S16). Specifically, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone, as well as an instruction for notifying the sound content and the display content, to the notification device 10. Further, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone and an instruction for notifying the sound content to the notification device 20.

[0095] In step S17, the server 30 instructs the notification device 10 to reproduce the ringtone and prompt the notification of the display content, and instructs the notification device 20 to give notifications by sound (S17). Specifically, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone and an instruction for notifying the display content to the notification device 10. Further, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone and an instruction for notifying the sound content to the notification device 20.

[0096] In step S18, the server 30 instructs the notification device 10 to prompt the notification of the display content, and instructs the notification device 20 to give notifications by sound (S18). Specifically, the server 30 sends an instruction for notifying the display content to the notification device 10. Further, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone and an instruction for notifying the sound content to the notification device 20.

[0097] In step S19, the server 30 determines whether the importance level is level 1, level 2, or level 3 (S19).

[0098] When the importance level of the server 30 is level 1 (i.e., "level 1" in S19), step S20 is executed. When the importance level is level 2 (i.e., "level 2" in S19), step S21 is executed. When the importance level is level 3 (i.e., "level 3" in S19), step S22 is executed.

[0099] In step S20, the server 30 performs the first notification instruction (S20). In the first notification instruction, when among the notification devices owned by a specific user, there is only a device (such as the notification device 10) that can prompt both sound and video, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone, as well as a notification instruction for sound content and display content, to the notification device 10. In the first notification instruction, when among the notification devices owned by a specific user, there is only a device (such as the notification device 20) that can prompt sound but not video, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone and a notification instruction for sound content to the notification device 20.

[0100] In step S21, the server 30 performs the second notification instruction (S21). In the second notification instruction, when among the notification devices owned by a specific user, there is only a device (such as the notification device 10) that can prompt both sound and video, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone and a notification instruction for display content to the notification device 10. In the second notification instruction, when among the notification devices owned by a specific user, there is only a device (such as the notification device 20) that can prompt sound but not video, the server 30 sends a notification instruction including an instruction for reproducing a ringtone to the notification device 20. Additionally, the notification instruction sent to the notification device 20 may further include sound content.

[0101] In step S22, the server 30 performs the third notification instruction (S22). In the third notification instruction, when among the notification devices owned by a specific user, there is only a device (such as the notification device 10) that can prompt both sound and video, the server 30 sends a notification instruction including display content to the notification device 10. In the third notification instruction, when among the notification devices owned by a specific user, there is only a device (such as the notification device 20) that can prompt sound but not video, the server 30 sends a notification instruction including an instruction for reproducing a ringtone to the notification device 20.

[0102] In this way, the server 30 decides whether to notify sound content in each of the notification devices 10 and 20 according to the importance level determined based on the importance level information. Then, the server 30 notifies the sound content based on the determined result.

[0103] [3. Effects, etc.]

[0104] The notification system 1 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit (control unit 33), a first notification unit 13, and a control unit 33. The acquisition unit acquires the voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance level of the voice content. The first notification unit 13 notifies the voice content. The control unit 33 performs first control for controlling the notification of the voice content in the first notification unit 13 according to the importance level determined based on the importance information acquired by the acquisition unit. In the first control, the control unit 33 causes the first notification unit 13 to notify the voice content when the importance level is the first level, and does not cause the first notification unit 13 to notify the voice content when the importance level is the second level lower than the first level.

[0105] In the above manner, since it is possible to immediately inform the user of the voice content with a high level of importance without notifying the voice content with a low level of importance, it is possible to inform the user that the content notified by voice is beneficial to the user. That is to say, since the user can judge that the content notified by voice is important, the user can concentrate on listening to the voice notification, and thus it is possible to reduce the omission of important notifications. And since the content with a low level of importance is not notified by voice, it is possible to suppress the interference with the user's operation caused by notifying the content with a low level of importance by voice. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively notify the user through speech.

[0106] Moreover, in the notification system 1 according to this embodiment, in the first control, when the importance level determined based on the importance information is the second level, the control unit 33 causes the first notification unit 13 to notify a sound other than the voice.

[0107] Thereby, it is possible to inform the user of the content with a low level of importance in a manner that does not interfere with the user's operation.

[0108] Furthermore, in the notification system 1 according to this embodiment, the first notification unit 13 can also notify the display content related to the voice content. In the first control, when the importance level determined based on the importance information is the second level, the control unit 33 causes the first notification unit 13 to notify the display content.

[0109] Thereby, it is possible to inform the user of the content with a low level of importance by displaying the content in a manner that does not interfere with the user's operation.

[0110] Also, in the notification system 1 according to the present embodiment, the first notification unit 13 can also notify display content related to the voice content. In the first control, when the importance level determined based on the importance level information is the second level, the control unit 33 causes the first notification unit 13 to notify a sound other than the voice and the display content. When the importance level determined based on the importance level information is the third level lower than the second level, the control unit 33 causes the first notification unit 13 to notify the display content.

[0111] Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user of content with a low importance level in a manner that does not interfere with the user's operation, and it is also possible to display the content to the user in a manner that does not interfere with the user's operation to notify the user of content with an even lower importance level.

[0112] Moreover, the notification system 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a second notification unit 23. The second notification unit 23 is a notification unit that notifies the voice content and is different from the first notification unit 13. The first notification unit 13 is provided in the first device (notification device 10) capable of outputting sound and video. The second notification unit 23 is provided in the second device (notification device 20) capable of outputting sound. In the first control, when the importance level is the first level, the control unit 33 further causes the second notification unit 23 to notify the voice content. When the importance level is the second level, the control unit 33 causes the second notification unit 23 to notify the voice content. When the importance level is the second level, the control unit 33 does not cause the first notification unit 13 to notify the voice content.

[0113] In the above manner, the first notification unit 13 and the second notification unit 23 are caused to notify the voice content with a high importance level, and the second notification unit 23 is caused to notify the voice content with a low importance level. Accordingly, since the second device notifies the content with a low importance level by voice, for example, even if the user is viewing or listening to video content on the first device, it is possible to notify the user in a manner that does not interfere with the user's viewing or listening to the video content.

[0114] [4. Modification Example]

[0115] (1) In the notification system 1 related to the above-described embodiment, it is also possible that when the notification device 10 is in a state where no image is output, the control unit 33 performs second control to cause the notification device 10 to notify the sound content included in the content of the predetermined notification regardless of the importance level based on the importance level information. In this case, the communication unit 31 may either regularly obtain the status information indicating the status of the notification device 10 from the notification device 10 or request the status information from the notification device 10 at the timing of notifying the content of the predetermined notification to obtain the status information from the notification device 10. The control unit 33 determines whether the notification device 10 is in a state of outputting an image based on the status information obtained by the communication unit 31. The status information is information indicating whether the notification device 10 is in a state of outputting an image. For example, the status information may also be information indicating whether the notification device 10 is in a standby state. "Being in a standby state" at least indicates a state where the notification device 10 does not output an image.

[0116] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing an example of notification control in the server related to the modification (1).

[0117] The server 30 determines whether a specified condition is satisfied for a specific user (S31).

[0118] When the server 30 determines that the specified condition is satisfied (Yes in S31), it executes step S32, and when it determines that the specified condition is not satisfied (No in S31), it returns to step S31.

[0119] In step S32, the server 30 selects the content that satisfies the specified condition (S32).

[0120] The server 30 obtains the status information of the notification device 10 from the notification device 10 (S33).

[0121] The server 30 determines whether the notification device 10 is in a state of outputting an image based on the status information (S34).

[0122] When the server 30 determines that the notification device 10 is in a state of outputting an image (Yes in S34), it executes step S35, and when it determines that the notification device 10 is in a state where no image is output (No in S34), it executes step S40.

[0123] In step S35, the server 30 determines the importance level of the content based on the content selected in step S32 (S35).

[0124] Next, the server 30 determines whether the importance level is level 1 or level 2 or level 3 (S36).

[0125] When the importance level of the server 30 is level 1 (\"level 1\" in S36), step S37 is executed. When the importance level is level 2 (\"level 2\" in S36), step S38 is executed. When the importance level is level 3 (\"level 3\" in S36), step S39 is executed.

[0126] In step S37, the server 30 gives a first notification instruction (S37). In the first notification instruction, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone, as well as an instruction for notifying the sound content and the display content, to the notification device 10.

[0127] In step S38, the server 30 gives a second notification instruction (S38). In the second notification instruction, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone and an instruction for notifying the display content to the notification device 10.

[0128] In step S39, the server 30 gives a third notification instruction (S39). In the third notification instruction, the server 30 sends an instruction for notifying the display content to the notification device 10.

[0129] In step S40, the server 30 sends an instruction for reproducing a ringtone, as well as an instruction for notifying the sound content and the display content, to the notification device 10 (S40).

[0130] In this way, in the notification system 1 according to the modification example (1), the first notification unit 13 can also notify the display content related to the sound content. The first notification unit 13 is provided in the first device (notification device 10) capable of outputting sound and video. When the first device is in a state where no image is output, the control unit 33 performs a second control to cause the first notification unit 13 to notify the sound content regardless of the importance level based on the importance level information.

[0131] In the above manner, since the user is notified by sound regardless of the importance level when viewing or listening to the content with the first device, the user can be notified without interfering with the user's viewing or listening to the content.

[0132] (2) In the notification system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, although the control unit 33 selects one piece of content to be notified from among a plurality of pieces of content, it is not limited thereto. When one of a plurality of conditions is satisfied, the content of the predetermined notification may be generated based on a rule previously associated with the condition.

[0133] (3) In the notification system 1 described in the above embodiment, although the notification device 10 reproduces the sound content if the notification instruction includes sound content and reproduces the display content if the notification instruction includes display content, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be that the notification instruction always includes sound content and display content, and further includes information indicating whether to notify the sound content and information indicating whether to notify the display content. In this way, the notification device 10 can also be based on the information indicating whether to notify the sound content and the information indicating whether to notify the display content, and switch between notifying and not notifying the sound content included in the notification instruction and the display content included in the notification instruction to execute.

[0134] [5. Other]

[0135] In addition, in the above embodiment, each component may be constituted by dedicated hardware or implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may 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 implementing the system, information terminal, server, imaging device, etc. of the above embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the illustrated flowchart.

[0136] In addition, the following cases are also included in the present disclosure.

[0137] (1) Specifically, each of the above devices is a computer system constituted by a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk unit. By the microprocessor working according to the computer program, each device realizes its respective function. Here, the computer program is composed of a combination of a plurality of command codes that issue instructions to the computer in order to realize a prescribed function.

[0138] (2) Part or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be constituted by one system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is a super multi-functional LSI in which a plurality of components are integrally manufactured on one chip. Specifically, it is a computer system including a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. By the microprocessor working according to the computer program, the system LSI realizes its function.

[0139] (3) Part or all of the constituent elements of each of the above-described devices may be constituted by an IC card or a single module that can be attached to and detached from each device. The IC card or the module is a computer system constituted by a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or the module may include the above-described super multifunctional LSI. The IC card or the module operates according to a computer program by a microprocessor, thereby realizing their respective functions. The IC card or the module may also have tamper resistance.

[0140] (4) The present disclosure may also be the method shown above. And it may be a computer program for implementing these methods by a computer, and may also be a digital signal constituted by the computer program.

[0141] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be a computer-readable recording medium that records the computer program or the digital signal, and the recording medium is, for example, 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. And it may also be the digital signal recorded on these recording media.

[0142] Furthermore, the present disclosure may transmit and transfer 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, etc.

[0143] Furthermore, the present disclosure may be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, and the memory stores the above computer program, and the microprocessor operates according to the computer program.

[0144] And it may be transmitted by recording the program or the digital signal on the recording medium, or by transmitting the program or the digital signal via the network, etc., and thereby can be executed by an independent other computer system.

[0145] (5) The above-described embodiments and the above-described modification examples may be combined respectively.

[0146] Industrial Applicability

[0147] The present disclosure is useful as a notification system or the like that can effectively notify a user of voice content.

[0148] Reference Signs

[0149] 1 Notification system

[0150] 10, 20 Notification device

[0151] 11, 21, 31 Communication unit

[0152] 12, 22, 33 Control Unit

[0153] 13 First Notification Unit

[0154] 13a, 23a Sound Output Unit

[0155] 13b Image Output Unit

[0156] 23 Second Notification Unit

[0157] 32 Storage Unit

[0158] 60 Network

[0159] 61 Router

Claims

1. A notification system, The notification system includes: An acquisition unit that acquires the voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance level of the voice content; A first notification unit that notifies the voice content; and A control unit that performs first control to control the notification of the voice content in the first notification unit according to the importance level determined based on the importance information acquired by the acquisition unit. In the first control, When the importance level is the first level, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify the voice content. When the importance level is the second level lower than the first level, the control unit does not cause the first notification unit to notify the voice content.

2. The notification system according to claim 1, In the first control, when the importance level determined based on the importance information is the second level, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify a sound other than the voice.

3. The notification system according to claim 1, The first notification unit is further capable of notifying display content related to the voice content. In the first control, when the importance level determined based on the importance information is the second level, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify the display content.

4. The notification system according to claim 1, The first notification unit is further capable of notifying display content related to the voice content. In the first control, When the importance level determined based on the importance information is the second level, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify a sound other than the voice and the display content. When the importance level determined based on the importance information is the third level lower than the second level, the control unit causes the first notification unit to notify the display content.

5. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first notification unit is further capable of notifying display content related to the voice content. The first notification unit is provided in a first device capable of outputting sound and video. When the first device is in a state where no image is output, the control unit performs second control to cause the first notification unit to notify the voice content regardless of the importance level based on the importance information.

6. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The notification system further includes a second notification unit, which is a notification unit different from the first notification unit and notifies the voice content. The first notification unit is provided in a first device capable of outputting sound and video. The second notification unit is provided in a second device capable of outputting sound. In the first control, When the importance level is the first level, the control unit further causes the second notification unit to notify the voice content. When the importance level is the second level, the control unit causes the second notification unit to notify the voice content.

7. A notification method, in which The voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance level of the voice content Determine whether to notify the voice content according to the importance level determined based on the importance information Notify the voice content based on the result of the determination In the determination When the importance level is the first level, determine to notify the voice content When the importance level is the second level lower than the first level, determine not to notify the voice content 8. A control device is a control device connected to a notification device so as to be able to communicate The control device includes An acquisition unit that acquires the voice content of a predetermined notification and importance information related to the importance level of the voice content; and A control unit that controls the notification of the voice content in the notification device according to the importance level determined based on the importance information acquired by the acquisition unit The control unit When the importance level is the first level, causes the notification device to notify the voice content When the importance level is the second level lower than the first level, does not cause the notification device to notify the voice content 9. A program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to claim 7

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