Control device and non-transitory computer readable medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a control device and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that reduce anxiety in waiting for vehicle delivery by providing a high entertainment service to a customer who is waiting for vehicle delivery. A control device (10) is provided with: a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device (20) of a user (21); and a control unit that acquires progress status data indicating the progress status of the production of the vehicle ordered by the user (21), sets the length of the character in accordance with the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data, and transmits an image of the character that changes due to the length to the terminal device (20) via the communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, there is disclosed an information providing device that provides a user with the progress status of a specific vehicle until the vehicle is delivered. For example, the device provides a captured image during assembly or location information during transportation to a user terminal. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-297954 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In existing devices, the entertainment value of the services provided to customers waiting for vehicle delivery is insufficient.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the anxiety of waiting for vehicle delivery by providing highly entertaining services to customers waiting for vehicle delivery. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control device according to the present disclosure includes: a communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device; and a control unit that acquires progress status data indicating the progress of production of the vehicle ordered by the user, sets the growth level of a character corresponding to the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data, and transmits an image of the character that changes due to the growth level to the terminal device via the communication unit.

[0007] The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the present disclosure stores a program, and the program causes a computer to execute actions including the following actions: acquire progress status data indicating the progress of production of the vehicle ordered by the user; set the growth level of a character corresponding to the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data; and display an image of the character that changes due to the growth level. Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, by providing highly entertaining services to customers waiting for vehicle delivery, it is possible to reduce the anxiety of waiting for vehicle delivery. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the configuration of the system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of processes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Embodiment

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] In each figure, the same reference numerals are added to the same or corresponding parts. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0012] Refer to Figure 1 to describe the configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0013] The system 1 according to this embodiment includes a control device 10 and a terminal device 20. The control device 10 can communicate with the terminal device 20 via a network 30.

[0014] The control device 10 is a server computer such as a cloud server in this embodiment, but may also be a general-purpose computer such as a PC, a microcomputer incorporated in a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a dedicated computer. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. In this embodiment, the control device 10 is operated by a vehicle manufacturer. The control device 10 may also be integrated with the terminal device 20. For example, it may be a microcomputer incorporated in the terminal device 20.

[0015] The terminal device 20 is a computer such as a PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet that can install and run application programs. The terminal device 20 is used by the user 21.

[0016] The network 30 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination of these networks. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. The network 30 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination of these networks. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc (peer-to-peer) network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0017] Refer to Figure 1 to describe the outline of this embodiment.

[0018] In this embodiment, the control device 10 communicates with the terminal device 20 of the user 21. The control device 10 acquires progress status data indicating the progress of the production of the vehicle F ordered by the user 21. The control device 10 sets the growth level of the character according to the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data. The control device 10 sends an image of the character that changes due to the set growth level to the terminal device 20 of the user 21. The terminal device 20 receives the image of the character from the control device 10. The terminal device 20 displays the received image. Thus, the user 21 can enjoy the growth of the character during the waiting period for the delivery of the vehicle F.

[0019] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the anxiety of waiting for vehicle delivery by providing a highly entertaining service to the user 21 who is waiting for vehicle delivery.

[0020] In this embodiment, the user 21 is a purchaser who orders the vehicle F and waits for vehicle delivery. After the user 21 orders the vehicle F, a user ID for identifying the purchaser is assigned to the user 21. In addition, the vehicle F is assigned a VIN for specifying the vehicle F. "ID" is an abbreviation of identifier. "VIN" is an abbreviation of Vehicle Identification Number. In this embodiment, the user ID and the VIN are stored in the control device 10 in an associated manner. The user ID and the VIN may also be stored in an external storage device.

[0021] In this embodiment, the vehicle manufacturer uses a dedicated server to uniformly manage the progress of the production of the vehicle F. The dedicated server is a cloud server or a local server installed in a facility such as a factory of the vehicle manufacturer. The progress status data is data indicating the progress of the production of the vehicle F, representing the process to which the vehicle F currently belongs among the multiple processes included in the production of the vehicle F and indicating the date and time when the process started. At the timing when a certain process starts, for example, a tag reader installed on the production line corresponding to the process in the factory reads a tag with the VIN written on the vehicle F, and the dedicated server records the data indicating the process and the date and time when the vehicle F belongs to the process as the progress status data. The progress status data is sent from the dedicated server to the control device 10.

[0022] Figure 2An example of a plurality of processes involved in the production of vehicle F is shown. The production of vehicle F includes four processes: pre-manufacturing process, in-manufacturing process, post-manufacturing process, and delivered process. The in-manufacturing process includes sub-processes of stamping, painting, and assembly. The pre-manufacturing process is the process from when user 21 orders vehicle F until just before manufacturing starts in the factory. The in-manufacturing process is the process during which vehicle F is manufactured in the factory. The post-manufacturing process is the process until the manufacturing of vehicle F is completed and before it is delivered to user 21. The delivered process is the process after vehicle F is delivered to user 21. Vehicle F sequentially undergoes the above processes.

[0023] As an example, first, the VIN "1104" is assigned to vehicle F. At this time, the progress status data indicates the pre-manufacturing process. Then, if the manufacturing of vehicle F starts in the factory, the progress status data indicates the in-manufacturing process. If the manufacturing of vehicle F is completed, the progress status data indicates the post-manufacturing process. Finally, if vehicle F is delivered to user 21, the progress status data indicates the delivered process.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the service related to the present disclosure is provided to user 21 according to the progress status. The service related to the present disclosure is a service of providing an image of a character to user 21. The "image of a character" is an image that includes a character that changes corresponding to the growth level set according to the progress status of the production of vehicle F. The character can be predetermined or selected by user 21 from a plurality of characters. The "growth level" is the growth degree of the character in the image displayed on the terminal device 20 of user 21. The growth level is set to an initial value of 0 at the moment when vehicle F is ordered. As the processes of the production of vehicle F proceed, the value of the growth level continuously increases. The greater the value of the growth level, the more the character grows.

[0025] Refer to Figure 3 to describe the configuration of the control device 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0026] The control device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0027] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 controls each part of the control device 10 while performing processing related to the operation of the control device 10.

[0028] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache. Data used for the operation of the control device 10 and data obtained through the operation of the control device 10 are stored in the storage unit 12. In the present embodiment, the user ID of the user 21, the VIN "1104" of the vehicle F, and the progress status data of the vehicle F are stored.

[0029] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module corresponding to a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11, or a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, 5G standard. "IEEE" is the abbreviation of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "LTE" is the abbreviation of Long Term Evolution. "4G" is the abbreviation of 4th generation. "5G" is the abbreviation of 5th generation. The communication unit 13 communicates with the terminal device 20 via the network 30. The communication unit 13 receives data used in the operation of the control device 10 and also transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 10.

[0030] The functions of the control device 10 are implemented by a processor serving as the control unit 11 executing the program according to this embodiment. That is, the functions of the control device 10 are implemented by software. The program causes a computer to function as the control device 10 by causing the computer to execute the operation of the control device 10. That is, the computer functions as the control device 10 by executing the operation of the control device 10 according to the program.

[0031] The program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical storage medium, or a ROM. The transfer of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or leasing a removable medium such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is the abbreviation of Secure Digital. "DVD" is the abbreviation of digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is the abbreviation of compact disc read only memory. The program can also be transferred by storing the program in the storage space of a server and forwarding the program from the server to other computers. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0032] A computer, for example, temporarily stores a program stored on a removable medium or a program forwarded from a server in a main storage device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device through a processor and causes the processor to execute the processing according to the read program. The computer can also directly read the program from the removable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer can also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. The processing can also be executed through an ASP-type service, which can achieve functions only through execution instructions and result acquisition without forwarding the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. The program contains information for processing by an electronic computer and parts that follow the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction for the computer but has the nature of prescribing the processing of the computer belongs to the "parts that follow the program".

[0033] Some or all of the functions of the control device 10 can also be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11. That is, some or all of the functions of the control device 10 can be implemented by hardware.

[0034] Refer to Figure 4 , and describe the operation of the control device 10 according to this embodiment. The operations described below correspond to the control method according to this embodiment. That is, the control method according to this embodiment includes Figure 4 the steps S1 to S8 shown.

[0035] After a user ID is assigned to the user 21 who has ordered the vehicle F and a VIN is assigned to the vehicle F, the step of S1 starts. After Figure 4 a predetermined period such as one day has elapsed since the end of the process shown, or at other predetermined timings, the step of S1 also starts.

[0036] In S1, the control unit 11 acquires progress status data. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires progress status data from a dedicated server via the communication unit 13. In this embodiment, the progress status data acquired in S1 represents Figure 2 one of the four processes. In addition, the progress status data acquired in S1 represents the date and time when the process starts.

[0037] In S2, the control unit 11 determines whether the progress status data acquired in S1 is different from the progress status data already stored in the storage unit 12. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the process shown in the progress status data acquired in S1 is different from the process shown in the progress status data already stored in the storage unit 12, that is, the progress status data acquired last time. When it is determined that the process shown in the progress status data acquired in S1 is different from the process shown in the progress status data already stored in the storage unit 12, the process proceeds to S3. Before proceeding to S3, the control unit 11 updates the progress status data already stored in the storage unit 12 with the progress status data acquired in S1. When there is no progress status data already stored in the storage unit 12, that is, when the step of S1 is first executed for the vehicle F, the process also proceeds to S3. Before proceeding to S3, the control unit 11 causes the storage unit 12 to store the progress status data acquired in S1. When it is determined that the process shown in the progress status data acquired in S1 is the same as the process shown in the progress status data already stored in the storage unit 12, the process proceeds to S6. For example, in the production of the vehicle F, when the progress status data already stored in the storage unit 12 indicates the pre-manufacturing process and the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the in-manufacturing process, the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, when the progress status data already stored in the storage unit 12 indicates the pre-manufacturing process and the progress status data acquired in S1 also indicates the pre-manufacturing process, the process proceeds to S6.

[0038] In S3, the control unit 11 sets the growth degree of the character corresponding to the progress status shown in the progress status data obtained in S1. Specifically, when the current process of the vehicle F shown in the progress status data obtained in S1 is the initial process among the multiple processes included in the production of the vehicle F, the control unit 11 sets the growth degree of the character to the initial value. The control unit 11 causes the storage unit 12 to store the data indicating the set growth degree as growth degree data. When the current process of the vehicle F shown in the progress status data obtained in S1 is the second process among the multiple processes included in the production of the vehicle F, the control unit 11 sets the growth degree of the character to the value obtained by adding a specified value to the initial value. The control unit 11 updates the growth degree data stored in the storage unit 12 with the data indicating the set growth degree. When N is an integer of 2 or more, when the current process of the vehicle F shown in the progress status data obtained in S1 is the (N + 1)-th process among the multiple processes included in the production of the vehicle F, the control unit 11 sets the growth degree of the character to the value obtained by adding a specified value to the value corresponding to the N-th process. The control unit 11 updates the growth degree data stored in the storage unit 12 with the data indicating the set growth degree. In the present embodiment, the growth degree at the time when the vehicle F is ordered is set to the initial value 0. In addition, the specified value to be added is 100. Thus, if the process of the vehicle F advances, the growth degree gradually increases to 100, 200, 300. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the in-production process, the control unit 11 sets the growth degree to 100. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the post-production process, the control unit 11 sets the growth degree to 200. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the delivered process, the control unit 11 sets the growth degree to 300.

[0039] In S4, the control unit 11 transmits, via the communication unit 13, an image of the character that has changed due to the growth degree set in S3 to the terminal device 20. Specifically, when the growth degree set in S3 is the initial value, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the growth of the character is in the first stage. When the growth degree set in S3 is a value corresponding to the Nth process, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the growth of the character is in the Nth stage. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The character can be a growing character such as a human, an animal, or a plant, and can be an actual existing character or a fictional character. As an example, when the character is a monster, the first stage of growth can be set as the egg stage, the second stage as the cub stage, the third stage as the adult stage, and the fourth stage as the stage of embarking on a journey. "Embarking on a journey" means moving from the place where the character is born, such as a nest or a home, to a distant place. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 0, the control unit 11 generates an image of an egg as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 100, the control unit 11 generates an image of a cub as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 200, the control unit 11 generates an image of an adult as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 300, the control unit 11 generates an image of an adult embarking on a journey as the image of the character. As another example, when the character is a human, the first stage of growth can also be set as the child stage, the second stage as the youth stage, the third stage as the stage of embarking on a journey, and the fourth stage as the stage of fighting. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 0, the control unit 11 generates an image of a child as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 100, the control unit 11 generates an image of a youth as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 200, the control unit 11 generates an image of a youth embarking on a journey as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 300, the control unit 11 generates an image of a youth fighting a monster as the image of the character. By receiving and displaying the image of the character by the terminal device 20, the entertainment of the service provided to the user 21 can be further enhanced.

[0040] In S5, the control unit 11 transmits the vehicle image of the vehicle F to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13 in accordance with the progress status indicated by the progress status data obtained in S1. The vehicle image is an image of the vehicle F taken in each process of the production of the vehicle F. The vehicle image is taken by a camera installed in the factory and stored in a dedicated server. The vehicle image may be multiple. Specifically, when the current process of the vehicle F indicated by the progress status data obtained in S1 is the initial process among the multiple processes included in the production of the vehicle F, the control unit 11 obtains the vehicle image taken in the initial process from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. When the current process of the vehicle F indicated by the progress status data obtained in S1 is the Nth process among the multiple processes included in the production of the vehicle F, the control unit 11 obtains the vehicle image taken in the Nth process via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 transmits the obtained vehicle image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. However, after the vehicle F is delivered, the control unit 11 does not perform the steps of S5. As an example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits the vehicle image taken in the pre-manufacturing process to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The vehicle image taken in the pre-manufacturing process is, for example, an image obtained by photographing the materials used in the manufacture of the vehicle F. When the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the in-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits the vehicle image taken in the in-manufacturing process to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The vehicle image taken in the in-manufacturing process is, for example, an image obtained by photographing the vehicle F when it passes through the three sub-processes of stamping, painting, and assembly. When the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits the vehicle image taken in the post-manufacturing process to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The vehicle image taken in the post-manufacturing process is, for example, an image obtained by photographing the vehicle F when installing vehicle options, or an image obtained by photographing the vehicle F at the vehicle delivery site. When the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the delivered process, the control unit 11 does not perform the steps of S5. By receiving and displaying the vehicle image by the terminal device 20, the user 21 can see the actual production status of the vehicle F.

[0041] After S5, Figure 4 The shown process ends.

[0042] In S6, the control unit 11 calculates the elapsed period. The "elapsed period" is the number of days from the start date of the current process to the date when the progress status data is obtained in S1. Specifically, the control unit 11 obtains, from the storage unit 12, the data indicating the date and time of the start of the current process included in the progress status data. The control unit 11 calculates the number of days from the start date of the current process indicated by the obtained data to the date when the progress status data is obtained in S1 as the elapsed period. For example, when the start date of the current pre-manufacturing process is February 19, 2023, and the date when the progress status data is obtained in S1 is March 15, 2023, the control unit 11 calculates the elapsed period as 24 days.

[0043] In S7, for the period during which the progress status shown in the progress status data obtained in S1 does not change, the control unit 11 sets the growth value every time a specified period elapses. Specifically, if the elapsed period calculated in S6 is an integer multiple of the specified period, the control unit 11 sets the growth value of the character to the value obtained by adding the specified value to the value stored in the storage unit 12. However, if the added value is greater than or equal to the growth value set for the next process, the control unit 11 does not add the specified value. The specified period may be different for each process. As an example, the specified period is 30 days for the pre-manufacturing process, 1 day for the in-manufacturing process, and 2 days for the post-manufacturing process. The specified value is 10. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 29 days, the control unit 11 keeps the growth value unchanged at 0. If the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 30 days, then the elapsed period is 1 times the specified period of 30 days, and the control unit 11 sets the growth value to 10. If the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 60 days, then the elapsed period is 2 times the specified period of 30 days, and the control unit 11 sets the growth value to 20. However, even if the elapsed period calculated in S6 for the pre-manufacturing process is an integer multiple of 30 days, the control unit 11 does not increase the growth value to 100 or more. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the in-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 1 day, the control unit 11 sets the growth value of the character to 110. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 1 day, the control unit 11 keeps the growth value unchanged at 200. When the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 2 days, the control unit 11 sets the growth value of the character to 210.

[0044] In S8, the control unit 11 transmits, via the communication unit 13, an image of a character that is the same as the character in the image transmitted in S4 and that changes due to the growth degree set in S7, to the terminal device 20. Specifically, when the growth degree set in S7 is between the initial value and the value corresponding to the second process, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the growth of the character slightly progresses in the first stage. When the growth degree set in S7 is between the value corresponding to the Nth process and the value corresponding to the (N + 1)th process, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the growth of the character slightly progresses in the Nth stage. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the growth degree set in S7 is 10, the control unit 11 generates an image in which one crack appears on the eggshell as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S7 is 20, the control unit 11 generates an image in which two cracks appear on the eggshell, or an image in which the one crack that has appeared on the eggshell slightly enlarges, as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S7 is 110, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the cub slightly enlarges, for example, changes from a baby to a child, as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S7 is 210, the control unit 11 transmits an image in which the adult animal slightly enlarges as the image of the character. During the period when the progress of the production of the vehicle F does not change, by also making the growth of the character progress every certain period, it is possible to reduce the anxiety of the user 21 waiting for the delivery of the vehicle F when the production of the vehicle F is delayed.

[0045] After S8, Figure 4 the process shown ends.

[0046] As described above, in S1 to S8, the control unit 11 acquires progress status data indicating the progress of the production of the vehicle F ordered by the user 21. The control unit 11 sets the growth degree of the character according to the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data. The control unit 11 transmits an image of the character that changes due to the set growth degree to the terminal device 20 of the user 21. The terminal device 20 displays the received image. Thereby, the user 21 can enjoy the growth of the character while waiting for the delivery of the vehicle F.

[0047] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the anxiety of waiting for vehicle delivery by providing a highly entertaining service to the user 21 who is waiting for vehicle delivery.

[0048] As a modification of this embodiment, the control unit 11 may also acquire color data representing the body color of the vehicle F. After the painting is completed, the control unit 11 may change the color of the character in the image of the character to a color corresponding to the body color shown in the acquired color data. The color data is, for example, pre-stored in a dedicated server. The progress status data is data that also shows the sub-process to which the vehicle F currently belongs when the process to which the vehicle F currently belongs is a manufacturing process. In S2, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the assembly sub-process, which is the next sub-process after painting, the control unit 11 determines that the painting is completed. Even if the sub-process progresses from painting to assembly, since the process is still in manufacturing, the process advances from S2 to S6, S7, and then to S8. In S8, the control unit 11 acquires the color data from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 generates an image in which the color of the character is changed to a color corresponding to the body color shown in the acquired color data, as the image of the character. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, if the control unit 11 recognizes that the sub-process shown in the progress status data acquired in S1 has changed from painting to assembly, it acquires data representing the body color "silver" of the vehicle F from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. When the growth degree set in S7 is 110, the control unit 11 generates an image in which at least a part of the body of a cub that has slightly grown, for example, changed from a baby to a toddler, is changed to silver. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. By changing the color of the character in correspondence with the timing of the change in the body color of the vehicle F, the entertainment of the service provided to the user 21 can be further enhanced. The color of the character may be changed to the same color as the body color of the vehicle F, or may also be changed to a color of the same series as the body color of the vehicle F.

[0049] As another modification of the present embodiment, the production of the vehicle F may also include option installation. The control unit 11 may also acquire vehicle option data indicating one or more vehicle options ordered by the user 21. After the option installation is completed, the control unit 11 may also transmit, as an image of the character, an image in which the character is equipped with a prop corresponding to the vehicle option indicated by the acquired vehicle option data. The vehicle option data is, for example, pre-stored in a dedicated server. The progress status data is data that also shows whether the installation of each vehicle option ordered by the user 21 on the vehicle F has been completed. In S4 or S8, the control unit 11 acquires the vehicle option data from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. Based on the progress status data acquired in S1, the control unit 11 determines the vehicle options for which the option installation has been completed among the vehicle options indicated by the acquired vehicle option data. The control unit 11 generates an image in which the character is equipped with a prop corresponding to the determined vehicle option, as an image of the character. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. As an example, it is assumed that the vehicle options ordered by the user 21 are an in-vehicle navigation system and an ETC on-vehicle unit. The option installation of the in-vehicle navigation system is included in the in-production process, and the option installation of the ETC on-vehicle unit is included in the post-production process. "ETC" is an abbreviation for electronic toll collection system. For example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the in-production process, if the control unit 11 identifies the completion of the installation of the in-vehicle navigation system based on the progress status data, it generates an image in which a cub is equipped with a sword as a prop corresponding to the in-vehicle navigation system. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the post-production process, if the control unit 11 identifies the completion of the installation of the ETC on-vehicle unit based on the progress status data, it generates an image in which an adult animal is equipped with a shield as a prop corresponding to the ETC on-vehicle unit in addition to a sword as a prop corresponding to the in-vehicle navigation system. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. By making the character equipped with props corresponding to the timing when the options of the vehicle F are equipped, the entertainment of the service provided to the user 21 can be further enhanced.

[0050] As another modification of the present embodiment, the control unit 11 may also transmit, in accordance with the progress status indicated by the progress status data, additional option data indicating vehicle options that the user 21 can add to the order to the terminal device 20. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the initial process, the control unit 11 transmits, as the additional option data, data of unordered vehicle options that can be installed starting from the second process to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. When the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the Nth process, the control unit 11 transmits, as the additional option data, data of unordered vehicle options that can be installed starting from the (N + 1)th process to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. When there are no unordered vehicle options that can be installed starting from the (N + 1)th process, the control unit 11 may transmit, as the additional option data, a message indicating that there are no vehicle options that can be added to the order to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. As an example, it is assumed that the user 21 can add vehicle options such as body parts and floor mats after ordering vehicle F. Since the body parts are installed during the manufacturing process, they can be added to the order during the pre-manufacturing process. In addition, since the floor mats are installed during the post-manufacturing process, they can be added to the order during the pre-manufacturing process and the manufacturing process. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits, as the additional option data, data indicating the body parts and the floor mats to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits, as the additional option data, data indicating the floor mats to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits a message such as "Unable to order vehicle options", which is a message indicating that there are no vehicle options that the user 21 can add to the order, to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. By displaying the received vehicle option data on the terminal device 20, the user 21 can easily add vehicle options to the order.

[0051] As another modification of the present embodiment, the control unit 11 may also transmit an image of the character to vehicle F after the vehicle delivery is completed. Specifically, when the progress status data obtained in S1 indicates the delivered process, the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle delivery is completed and transmits the image generated in S4 to vehicle F via the communication unit 13. Vehicle F may display this image on the multimedia screen of vehicle F. By displaying the image of the grown character on the screen of vehicle F, the user 21 can feel a sense of belonging to vehicle F immediately after the vehicle is delivered.

[0052] As another modification example of the present embodiment, the control unit 11 may also transmit the image of the character to the server that controls other games via the communication unit 13. In addition, the control unit 11 may also transmit vehicle option data indicating the vehicle options ordered by the user 21, and strengthen the character with the vehicle options represented by the vehicle option data. The character is, for example, a horse. For example, the control unit 11 may transmit the image of the grown horse to the server of the game that controls the breeding of racehorses, so that the grown horse can participate in the race. In addition, for example, the control unit 11 may further transmit vehicle option data of "engine starter function" as the vehicle option indicating the vehicle options ordered by the user 21, thereby making the horse faster. Thus, the entertainment of the service can be further improved.

[0053] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Regarding the two or more steps described in the flowchart that are executed in time series according to the description, it can be replaced with parallel execution or executed in a different order according to the processing ability of the device that executes each step or according to necessity. In addition, changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Description of reference numerals

[0054] 1 System 10 Control device 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 13 Communication unit 20 Terminal device 21 User 30 Network.

Claims

1. A control device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device; and The control unit obtains progress status data indicating the progress status of the production of the vehicle ordered by the user, sets the growth degree of the character according to the progress status indicated by the obtained progress status data, and transmits the image of the character that changes due to the growth degree to the terminal device via the communication unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit sets the growth degree every time a predetermined period of time elapses while the progress status does not change.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The production of the vehicle comprises painting, The control unit acquires color data indicating a body color of the vehicle, and after the painting is completed, changes the color of the character in the image to a color corresponding to the body color indicated by the acquired color data.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The production of said vehicle includes option construction, The control unit also acquires vehicle option data representing vehicle options ordered by the user, and after the option construction is completed, sends an image of the character equipped with props corresponding to the vehicle option shown in the acquired vehicle option data as an image of the character.

5. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program, The program causes the computer to perform actions including the following actions: acquiring progress status data indicating the progress status of production of a vehicle ordered by a user; setting the character's growth level according to the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data; and An image of the character that changes due to the growth is displayed.

Images