Content output control device, content output control method, and recording medium

Abstract

The invention provides a content output control device, a content output control method and a recording medium. The present invention makes it possible to assist in switching content being viewed by a user riding on a moving body with a simple configuration. A content output control device (1) is provided with: a user age recognition unit (12) that recognizes the age of a user riding on a moving body (100); and a content automatic switching suggestion unit (15) that determines, on the basis of the age of the user, whether or not to output, from notification devices (50a-50c) used in the mobile body (100), content automatic switching suggestion information that suggests execution of the content automatic switching process. The content automatic switching processing is used for automatically switching the content output by the content output devices (50a-50c) used in the moving body (100) without depending on the switching operation of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content output control device, a content output control method, and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Previously, there are known technologies that utilize biophysical sensor devices to measure and identify a person's psychological state or mental representation using temporal and spatial patterns of biophysical signals, thereby clarifying cognitive workload, attention / distraction, mood, social dynamics, memory, and other information (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism that maps the entertainment functions of an in-vehicle infotainment system to cognitive workload and disables the entertainment functions when a specific workload level is reached.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-89808 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Furthermore, when a user in a vehicle is viewing content displayed on the vehicle's display device, the vehicle ride can be made more comfortable by switching to content that matches the user's psychological state. However, in the aforementioned background technology, in order to measure the user's psychological state and psychological representation, the vehicle must be equipped with biophysical sensors and complex processing is required to process the detection information of the biophysical sensors to measure the user's psychological state. This disadvantageously complicates the device structure for switching to content that is appropriate for the user. Therefore, the object of this application is to facilitate switching of content currently being viewed by a user in a mobile vehicle such as a vehicle using a simple structure.

[0008] This application aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and improve operability. Furthermore, it will further improve traffic safety and contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] As a first method for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a content output control device can be cited, which comprises: a user age recognition unit, which recognizes the age of a user riding on a mobile body; and a content automatic switching suggestion unit, which determines, based on the age of the user, whether to output content automatic switching suggestion information from a notification device used in the mobile body, which suggests executing content automatic switching processing, wherein the content automatic switching processing is used to automatically switch the content output from the content output device used in the mobile body without relying on the switching operation of the user.

[0011] In the above-mentioned content output control device, the automatic content switching suggestion unit may be configured to output the automatic content switching suggestion information from the notification device when the user's age is equal to or smaller than a first predetermined age.

[0012] In the above-mentioned content output control device, the automatic content switching suggestion unit may output the automatic content switching suggestion information from the notification device used by the driver of the mobile body when the user is less than a second specified age that is lower than the first specified age.

[0013] In the above-mentioned content output control device, it can also be constructed as follows: the content output control device includes: a destination identification unit, which identifies the destination of the mobile body; and a remaining movement time identification unit, which identifies the remaining time until the mobile body reaches the destination, that is, the remaining movement time, and the content automatic switching suggestion unit determines the timing of outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information from the notification device based on the remaining movement time.

[0014] In the above-mentioned content output control device, the content automatic switching suggestion unit prohibits the notification device from outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information when the remaining movement time is less than a predetermined time.

[0015] In the above-mentioned content output control device, when the destination identification unit fails to identify the destination of the moving body, the automatic content switching suggestion unit may determine a timing for outputting the automatic content switching suggestion information from the notification device based on the age of the user.

[0016] In the above-mentioned content output control device, it can also be constructed to have a content automatic switching control unit that executes the content automatic switching process, and when content automatic switching cancellation information indicating cancellation of the content automatic switching process is input to the input device used in the mobile body in response to the content automatic switching suggestion unit outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information from the notification device, the content automatic switching control unit does not execute the content automatic switching process.

[0017] As a second method for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a content output control method can be cited, which is executed by a computer, and the content output control method includes: a user age identification step for identifying the age of a user riding on a mobile body; and a content automatic switching recommendation step for determining, based on the age of the user, whether content automatic switching recommendation information for recommending the execution of content automatic switching processing is output from a notification device used in the mobile body, and the content automatic switching processing is used to automatically switch the content output from the content output device used in the mobile body without relying on the switching operation of the user.

[0018] As a third method for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, there can be cited a recording medium that records a program that enables a computer to function as the following parts: a user age recognition unit that recognizes the age of a user riding on a mobile body; and a content automatic switching suggestion unit that determines, based on the age of the user, whether content automatic switching suggestion information that recommends executing content automatic switching processing is output from a notification device used in the mobile body, wherein the content automatic switching processing is used to automatically switch the content output from the content output device used in the mobile body without relying on the switching operation of the user.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the content output control device, content output control method, and recording medium described above, it is possible to assist, with a simple configuration, in switching the content being viewed by a user on a mobile object such as a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle equipped with a content output control device.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a content output control device.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a first flowchart of the content switching control process.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a second flowchart of the content switching control process.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a third flowchart of the content switching control process.

[0026] Description of Reference Numerals

[0027] 1: Content output control device; 2: ECU; 3: Navigation device; 10: Processor; 11: Biometric information acquisition unit; 12: User age recognition unit; 13: Output content switching unit; 20: Memory; 21: Program; 30: Communication unit; 40: Center display; 41: Driver's seat speaker; 42: Driver's seat microphone; 43: Driver's seat camera; 50a: Passenger seat display; 51a: Passenger seat speaker; 52a: Passenger seat microphone; 53a: Passenger seat camera; 50b: Left rear seat display; 51b: Left rear seat speaker; 52b: Left rear seat microphone; 53b: Left rear seat camera; 50c: Right rear seat display; 51c: Right rear seat speaker; 52c: Right rear seat microphone; 53: Right rear seat camera; 100: Vehicle (mobile body); 200: Communication network; 210: Content server; 211: Driving information server; U1~U4: Users. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] [1. How to use the content output control device]

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The content output control device 1 of this embodiment is used as follows. The content output control device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 100. Figure 1 , user U1 is seated in driver's seat 5, user U2 is seated in passenger seat 6, user U3 is seated in left rear seat 7, and user U4 is seated in right rear seat 8. User U3 is a young person (child, infant). Vehicle 100 corresponds to the mobile object of the present disclosure. Vehicle 100 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2 that controls the operation of vehicle 100 and a navigation device 3 that performs route guidance.

[0030] In this embodiment, vehicle 100 includes a driver's seat speaker 41 for use by user U1 (driver), a passenger seat display 50a and passenger seat speaker 51a for use by user U2, a left rear seat display 50b and left rear seat speaker 51b for use by user U3, and a right rear seat display 50c and right rear seat speaker 51c for use by user U4 as content output devices whose output is controlled by content output control device 1. Furthermore, when the ECU 2 of vehicle 100 controls driving in autonomous driving mode, which controls the driving of vehicle 100 independently of the driver's driving operations, user U1 can continuously view and listen to content displayed on center display 40. Therefore, when vehicle 100 is driving in autonomous driving mode, center display 40 also serves as a content output device for which content output is controlled by content output control device 1. Content includes content containing both video and audio, content containing only video without audio, and content containing only audio without video.

[0031] The center display 40, the driver's seat speaker 41, the passenger seat display 50a, the passenger seat speaker 51a, the left rear seat display 50b, the left rear seat speaker 51b, the right rear seat display 50c, and the right rear seat speaker 51c correspond to the notification device of the present disclosure. The driver's seat microphone 42, the passenger seat microphone 52a, the left rear seat microphone 52b, and the right rear seat microphone 52c correspond to the input device of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the center display 40, the passenger seat display 50a, the left rear seat display 50b, and the right rear seat display 50c are touch panel displays and correspond to the input device of the present disclosure.

[0032] The content output control device 1 performs wireless communication based on a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) between communication terminal 95 and smartwatch 96 worn by user U1, communication terminal 90a and smartwatch 91a worn by user U2, communication terminal 90b and smartwatch 91b worn by user U3, and communication terminal 90c and smartwatch 91c worn by user U4. Smartwatches 91a to 91c and 96 are wearable devices capable of detecting the wearer's heart rate.

[0033] The content output control device 1 performs a process for automatically switching content for each user U1-U4. This process automatically switches the content output from the content output device being used, independent of the user U1-U4's selection operation. The content output control device 1 determines whether to recommend the use of the automatic content switching process based on the age of the user U1-U4.

[0034] [2. Structure of Content Output Control Device]

[0035] Reference Figure 2 The structure of content output control device 1 will be described. Content output control device 1 is a control unit comprising a processor 10, memory 20 (recording medium), communication unit 30, and the like. Processor 10 corresponds to the computer disclosed herein. Content output control device 1 communicates with content server 210, user management server 211, and the like via communication network 200 via communication unit 30.

[0036] Furthermore, the content output control device 1 performs wireless communication with communication terminals 90a to 90c and 95 and smart watches 91a to 91c and 96 used in the interior of the vehicle 100 via the communication unit 30. The content output control device 1 is connected to the ECU 2, the navigation device 3, the center display 40, the driver's seat speaker 41, the driver's seat microphone 42, the driver's seat camera 43, the passenger seat display 50a, the passenger seat speaker 51a, the passenger seat microphone 52a, the passenger seat camera 53a, the left rear seat display 50b, the left rear seat speaker 51b, the left rear seat microphone 52b, the left rear seat camera 53b, the right rear seat display 50c, the right rear seat speaker 51c, the right rear seat microphone 52c, and the right rear seat camera 53c.

[0037] The memory 20 of the content output control device 1 stores a program 21 for controlling the content output control device 1 and user attribute data 22 containing attribute information of users U1 to U4 utilizing the vehicle 100. This attribute information includes age, gender, preferences, and identification information (such as facial recognition data and a unique identification code for the communication terminal being used). The processor 10 corresponds to the computer of the present disclosure.

[0038] By reading and executing program 21, processor 10 functions as automatic content switching control unit 11, user age recognition unit 12, destination recognition unit 13, remaining travel time recognition unit 14, and automatic content switching suggestion unit. The processing performed by user age recognition unit 12 corresponds to the user age recognition step in the content output control method disclosed herein, while the processing performed by automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 corresponds to the automatic content switching suggestion step in the content output control method disclosed herein.

[0039] The content automatic switching control unit 11 executes automatic content switching processing to automatically switch the content output from the content output device, independent of user selection operations. The user age recognition unit 12 identifies users U1-U4 seated in seats 5-8 by performing facial authentication based on facial image data of each user U1-U4 recorded in the user attribute data 22 and facial image portions extracted from images captured by the driver's seat camera 43, the passenger seat camera 53a, the left rear camera 53b, and the right rear camera 53c. The user age recognition unit 12 then obtains attribute information of the identified user from the user attribute data 22 to identify the age of the user seated in each seat 5-8. Alternatively, the age of each user U1-U4 can be estimated based on their image.

[0040] Furthermore, users U1 to U4 seated in seats 5 to 8 may be identified using an identification method other than facial recognition. For example, identification codes of communication terminals 90a to 90c and 95 used by users U1 to U4 may be obtained to identify users U1 to U4 seated in seats 5 to 8. Furthermore, if the attribute information of users U1 to U4 is stored in the user management server 211, the attribute information may be obtained by accessing the user management server 211 using the communication unit 30.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, if a child seat is installed in the left rear seat 7 and the user using the left rear seat 7 is the user U3, the attribute information of the user U3 may record that the seat used by the user in the vehicle 100 is the left rear seat 7. In this case, the user age recognition unit 12 can recognize the age of the user U3 sitting in the left rear seat 7 by referring to the attribute information of the user U3.

[0042] The destination identification unit 13 identifies the destination of the vehicle 100 set by the navigation device 3 through communication with the navigation device 3. The remaining travel time identification unit 14 identifies the remaining travel time until the vehicle 100 reaches the destination. The remaining travel time identification unit 14 may obtain information on the estimated time required to reach the destination calculated by the navigation device 3 through communication with the navigation device 3 to identify the remaining travel time, or may calculate the remaining travel time based on the distance to the destination and the assumed travel speed of the vehicle 100.

[0043] The content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 determines whether to suggest the use of the content automatic switching process based on the user age identified by the user age identification unit 12 and the remaining travel time identified by the remaining travel time identification unit 14. Details of this determination process will be described later.

[0044] [3. Content switching control processing]

[0045] according to Figures 3 to 5 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the steps of the content switching control process executed by the content output control device 1 when the vehicle 100 is used. Figures 3 to 5 In the flowchart, the processing for the user U3 seated in the left rear seat 7 will be described. The content output control device 1 also performs the same processing for the users U1, U2, and U4 seated in the other seats 5, 6, and 8.

[0046] exist Figure 3 In step S1, the user age recognition unit 12 performs facial recognition based on the image captured by the left rear camera 53b to identify the user U3. In the next step S2, the user age recognition unit 12 obtains the user U3 from the user attribute data 22 (refer to Figure 2 ) Obtain the attribute information of the user U3 and identify the age of the user U3 contained in the attribute information.

[0047] In the next step S3, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 determines whether the age of the user U3 is less than a first predetermined age (e.g., 10 years old). Then, if the age of the user U3 is less than the first predetermined age, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 advances the processing to step S4. On the other hand, if the age of the user U3 is greater than the first predetermined age, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 advances the processing to step S5. Figure 4 Step S16 is executed and the content switching control process is ended. In this case, the content automatic switching process is not executed.

[0048] exist Figure 3 In step S4, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 determines whether the age of the user U3 is less than the second specified age (for example, 4 years old). The second specified age is set to an age lower than the first specified age. Then, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 enters the process into step S5 when the age of the user U3 is less than the second specified age, and enters the process into step S6 when the age of the user U3 is more than the second specified age. Figure 5 Step S50.

[0049] exist Figure 3 In step S5, the destination recognition unit 13 determines whether the destination of the vehicle 100 has been set by the navigation device 3. If the destination has been set, the destination recognition unit 13 proceeds to step S6; if the destination has not been set, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S6, as described above, the remaining travel time recognition unit 14 identifies the remaining travel time to the destination.

[0050] In the next step S7, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 determines whether the remaining travel time is less than a predetermined time (e.g., several minutes to several tens of minutes). Then, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 proceeds to step S8 if the remaining travel time is greater than the predetermined time, and proceeds to step S9 if the remaining travel time is less than the predetermined time. Figure 4 Step S16.

[0051] In step S8 , the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 displays a display confirmation screen 300 on the left rear seat monitor 50 b as shown in the dialog box B1 , asking whether to display the automatic content switching suggestion screen.

[0052] Alternatively, the inquiry as to whether to display the automatic content switching suggestion screen can be made by voice output from the left rear seat speaker 51b. In this case, the voice output corresponds to the automatic content switching suggestion information disclosed herein. A "display" button 301 and a "hide display" button 302 are displayed on the display confirmation screen 300.

[0053] Through the subsequent loop processing of step S9 and step S2, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 determines in step S9 whether the "display" button 301 is selected by the operation of the left rear seat display 50b, and in step S20 determines whether the "non-display" button 302 is operated by the operation of the left rear seat display 50b. Then, when the "display" button 301 is operated, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 advances the processing from step S9 to step S20. Figure 4 In step S10, when the "Hide" button 302 is operated, the process proceeds from step S20 to step S21. Figure 4 Step S16. The operation of the "do not display" button 302 is equivalent to the input of the content automatic switching cancellation information of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a process corresponding to a case where the user U3 is a child whose age is less than the second predetermined age and therefore it is difficult for him to perform a touch operation on the left rear seat monitor 50b. Figure 5 Steps S50 to S52 are the same as those described above. Figure 3 The same process is performed as in steps S5 to S7. Figure 5 In step S50, the destination recognition unit 13 determines whether the destination of the vehicle 100 has been set by the navigation device 3. If the destination has been set, the destination recognition unit 13 proceeds to step S51; if the destination has not been set, the destination recognition unit 13 proceeds to step S53. In step S51, as described above, the remaining travel time recognition unit 14 identifies the remaining travel time to the destination.

[0055] In the next step S52, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 determines whether the remaining time for moving is less than a predetermined time (e.g., several minutes to several tens of minutes). Then, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 proceeds to step S53 if the remaining time for moving is greater than the predetermined time, and proceeds to step S54 if the remaining time for moving is less than the predetermined time. Figure 4 Step S16.

[0056] In step S53, the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 displays a confirmation screen 320 on the center display 40, asking whether to display the automatic content switching suggestion screen, as shown in the dialog box B3. Alternatively, the inquiry regarding whether to display the automatic content switching suggestion screen may be made by voice output from the driver's seat speaker 41.

[0057] A "display" button 321 and a "hide display" button 322 are displayed on the display confirmation screen 320. Thus, the user U1 as the driver is not asked to display the content automatic switching suggestion screen on the left rear seat display 50b, but not the user U3 sitting in the left rear seat 7.

[0058] By looping through the following steps S54 and S60, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 determines in step S54 whether the "display" button 321 has been selected by operating the center display 40, and in step S60 determines whether the "non-display" button 322 has been operated by operating the center display 40. Then, when the "display" button 321 has been operated, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 advances the processing from step S54 to step S60. Figure 4 In step S10, when the "Hide" button 322 is operated, the process proceeds from step S60 to step S70. Figure 4 Step S16. The operation of the "do not display" button 322 is equivalent to the input of the content automatic switching cancellation information of the present disclosure.

[0059] exist Figure 4 In step S10 , the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 determines the display timing of the automatic content switching suggestion screen based on, for example, the following first and second conditions.

[0060] First condition: When the vehicle 100's destination is set, the left rear seat display 50b displays an automatic content switching suggestion screen at intervals set based on the remaining travel time. The longer the remaining travel time, the longer the interval. For example, if the remaining travel time is 30 minutes, the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 sets the interval to 10 minutes; if the remaining travel time is 1 hour, the interval is set to 20 minutes.

[0061] Second Condition: If the vehicle 100's destination is not set, the left rear seat display 50b displays an automatic content switching suggestion screen each time an interval time set based on the age of the user U3 elapses. The younger the user U3, the shorter the interval time. For example, the automatic content information switching suggestion unit 15 sets the interval time to 15 minutes when the user U3 is 11 years old, and to 3 minutes when the user U3 is 4 years old.

[0062] In the next step S11, when the time comes to switch content, the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 advances the process to step S12. In step S12, the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 displays an automatic content switching suggestion screen 310 on the left rear seat display 50b, suggesting a content switch, as shown in dialog box B2. A "Yes" button 311 and a "No" button 312 are displayed on the automatic content switching suggestion screen 310.

[0063] Through the subsequent loop processing of steps S13 and S30, the automatic content switching control unit 11 determines in step S13 whether the "Yes" button 311 is selected by the operation of the left rear seat display 50b, and determines in step S30 whether the "No" button 312 is operated by the operation of the left rear seat display 50b.

[0064] Then, when the "Yes" button 311 is selected, the automatic content switching control unit 11 advances the process from step S13 to step S14, switches the content displayed on the left rear seat monitor 50b, and then advances the process to step S15. In this case, the automatic content switching control unit 11 may select the next content to be displayed based on the user U3's age, gender, preferences, etc., which can be identified from the user U3's attribute information. Alternatively, the automatic content switching control unit 11 may determine the user U3's viewing status of the content based on biometric information of the user U3, such as the user U3's gaze direction, facial expression, and movements, which can be identified from the image of the user U3 captured by the left rear seat camera 53b, or the user U3's heart rate detected by the smartwatch 91b, and select the next content to be displayed based on the viewing status. For example, if the user U3 is estimated to be bored with the content based on the user U3's gaze direction or a decrease in heart rate, the content may be switched to a different type of content from the previously displayed content.

[0065] If the "No" button 312 is selected, the automatic content switching control unit 11 advances the process from step S30 to step S15. In this case, the content is not switched at this switching opportunity. In step S15, the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 determines whether the vehicle 100 has finished driving. If so, the process advances to step S15 and ends the content switching control process. On the other hand, if the vehicle 100 continues driving, the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 advances the process to step S11 and repeats the processes of steps S11 to S15 and S30.

[0066] [4. Other Implementation Methods]

[0067] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is exemplified as the mobile object of the present disclosure. However, the present invention is also applicable to other types of mobile objects (such as aircraft and ships) in which passengers can view and listen to content output from a content output device.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the content output control device 1 outputs content from the displays 50a to 50c, 40 and the speakers 51a to 51c, 41 included in the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the content may be output from the displays and speakers of the communication terminals 90a to 90c, 95 via wireless communication with the communication terminals 90a to 90c, 95.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the content output control device 1 is shown as being included in the vehicle 100. However, the content output control device of the present disclosure may also be configured as a function of the content server 210 or the like. In this case, the age information of a user riding in the vehicle 100 is transmitted from the vehicle 100 to the content server 210, and the content server 210 determines whether to output the content automatic switching suggestion screen from the content output device used in the vehicle 100.

[0070] Alternatively, the content output control device of the present disclosure can be implemented as a function of an application (app) within communication terminals 90a to 90c, 95. In this case, the communication terminal's built-in camera captures the user, performs facial recognition to identify the user's age, and determines whether to automatically switch a suggestion screen related to the content being output from the communication terminal's display and speakers. This allows the content output control device of the present disclosure to be implemented within the communication terminal itself. Alternatively, the communication terminal's application can be used to switch the content being output from displays 50a to 50c, 50 and speakers 51a to 51c, 41 of vehicle 100 by communicating between the vehicle 100's ECU 2 and the communication terminal.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the destination recognition unit 13 and the remaining travel time recognition unit 14 are provided, and the automatic content switching suggestion unit 15 determines whether to display the automatic content switching suggestion image based on the remaining travel time of the vehicle 100. In other embodiments, the destination recognition unit 13 and the remaining travel time recognition unit 14 may be omitted, and the automatic content switching suggestion image may be determined based solely on the user's age.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the content automatic switching suggestion unit 15 is configured so that the user can Figure 3 The processing of step S8, step S9, step S20 and Figure 5 The process of step S53, step S54, and step S60 is used to select whether to display the content automatic switching suggestion screen. As another embodiment, these processes may be omitted and the content automatic switching suggestion screen may be displayed without depending on the user's selection.

[0073] in addition, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the content output control device 1 according to the main processing contents for easy understanding of the present invention. The structure of the content output control device 1 can also be constructed by other division methods. In addition, the processing of each component can be performed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Figures 3 to 5 The processing of each component shown may be executed by one program or by a plurality of programs.

[0074] [5. Structures Supported by the Above-mentioned Embodiments]

[0075] The above-mentioned embodiment is a specific example of the following structure.

[0076] (Structure 1) A content output control device comprising: a user age recognition unit that recognizes the age of a user riding on a mobile body; and a content automatic switching suggestion unit that determines, based on the age of the user, whether to output content automatic switching suggestion information from a notification device used in the mobile body that suggests executing content automatic switching processing, wherein the content automatic switching processing is used to automatically switch content output from a content output device used in the mobile body without relying on a switching operation by the user.

[0077] According to the content output control device of configuration 1, it is possible to assist in switching the content output from the content output device by a simple configuration of determining whether to output content automatic switching recommendation information based on the age of the user riding the moving body.

[0078] (Configuration 2) The content output control device according to Configuration 1, wherein the content automatic switching suggestion unit outputs the content automatic switching suggestion information from the notification device when the user is under a first predetermined age.

[0079] According to the content output control device of structure 2, when the user is young and it is assumed that the user's concentration on the content is easily interrupted, content automatic switching suggestion information is output to suggest the execution of content automatic switching processing, thereby preventing the user from getting bored with viewing and listening to the content.

[0080] (Structure 3) A content output control device according to Structure 2, wherein the content automatic switching recommendation unit outputs the content automatic switching recommendation information from the notification device used by the driver in the mobile body when the user's age is below a second specified age that is lower than the first specified age.

[0081] According to the content output control device of configuration 3, when the user is a child and it is assumed that the user has difficulty in determining whether to use the automatic content switching process, the automatic content switching suggestion information is output to the driver, thereby promoting the use of the automatic content switching process.

[0082] (Structure 4) A content output control device according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the content output control device comprises: a destination identification unit that identifies the destination of the moving body; and a remaining movement time identification unit that identifies the remaining time until the moving body reaches the destination, i.e., the remaining movement time, and the content automatic switching suggestion unit determines the timing of outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information from the notification device based on the remaining movement time.

[0083] According to the content output control device of configuration 4, for example, it is possible to determine the timing for outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information so that the content after switching is outputted within the remaining time for movement.

[0084] (Configuration 5) The content output control device according to Configuration 4, wherein the content automatic switching suggestion unit prohibits the notification device from outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information when the remaining travel time is less than a predetermined time.

[0085] According to the content output control device of the fifth configuration, it is possible to prevent the output of the content switched by the content automatic switching process from being terminated midway due to a short remaining movement time.

[0086] (Structure 6) A content output control device according to Structure 4 or 5, wherein, when the destination of the mobile body is not identified by the destination identification unit, the content automatic switching suggestion unit determines the timing of outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information from the notification device based on the age of the user.

[0087] According to the content output control device of configuration 6, it is assumed that the duration of concentration on viewing content varies depending on age. Therefore, by determining the timing of outputting automatic content switching suggestion information according to age, it is expected that content can be switched before the user's concentration is interrupted.

[0088] (Structure 7) A content output control device according to any one of Structures 1 to 6, wherein the content output control device has a content automatic switching control unit that performs the content automatic switching process, and when content automatic switching cancellation information indicating cancellation of the content automatic switching process is input to an input device used in the mobile body in response to the content automatic switching suggestion unit outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information from the notification device, the content automatic switching control unit does not perform the content automatic switching process.

[0089] According to the content output control device of the seventh configuration, it is possible to execute the automatic content switching process after confirming the user's intention.

[0090] (Structure 8) A content output control method, which is executed by a computer, wherein the content output control method includes: the content output control method includes: a user age identification step for identifying the age of a user riding on a mobile body; and a content automatic switching recommendation step for determining, based on the age of the user, whether content automatic switching recommendation information for recommending execution of content automatic switching processing is output from a notification device used in the mobile body, the content automatic switching processing being used to automatically switch content output from a content output device used in the mobile body without relying on a switching operation by the user.

[0091] By executing the content output control method of configuration 8 on a computer, the same operational effects as those of the content output control device of configuration 1 can be obtained.

[0092] (Structure 9) A recording medium having recorded thereon a program causing a computer to function as: a user age recognition unit for recognizing the age of a user riding on a mobile body; and a content automatic switching suggestion unit for determining, based on the age of the user, whether content automatic switching suggestion information for suggesting execution of content automatic switching processing is output from a notification device used in the mobile body, wherein the content automatic switching processing is for automatically switching content output from a content output device used in the mobile body without depending on a switching operation by the user.

[0093] By executing the program of structure 9 on a computer, the structure of the content output control device of structure 1 can be realized.

Claims

1. A content output control device comprising: a user age recognition unit that recognizes the age of a user riding the moving vehicle; and A content automatic switching suggestion unit determines, based on the age of the user, whether content automatic switching suggestion information suggesting execution of content automatic switching processing is output from a notification device used in the mobile body, wherein the content automatic switching processing is used to automatically switch the content output from the content output device used in the mobile body without relying on the switching operation of the user.

2. The content output control device according to claim 1, wherein: The automatic content switching suggestion unit outputs the automatic content switching suggestion information from the notification device when the user is at or below a first predetermined age.

3. The content output control device according to claim 2, wherein: The automatic content switching suggestion unit outputs the automatic content switching suggestion information from the notification device used by a driver of the mobile object when the user's age is equal to or smaller than a second predetermined age that is lower than the first predetermined age.

4. The content output control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The content output control device comprises: a destination identification unit that identifies a destination of the mobile body; and a remaining travel time recognition unit for recognizing the remaining time until the moving body reaches the destination, that is, the remaining travel time; The automatic content switching suggestion unit determines a timing for outputting the automatic content switching suggestion information from the notification device based on the remaining travel time.

5. The content output control device according to claim 4, wherein: The automatic content switching suggestion unit prohibits the notification device from outputting the automatic content switching suggestion information when the remaining travel time is less than a predetermined time.

6. The content output control device according to claim 4, wherein: When the destination identifying unit fails to identify the destination of the moving body, the automatic content switching suggestion unit determines a timing for outputting automatic content switching suggestion information from the notification device based on the age of the user.

7. The content output control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The content output control device includes a content automatic switching control unit that executes the content automatic switching process. In a case where content automatic switching cancellation information indicating cancellation of the content automatic switching process is input to the input device used in the mobile body in response to the content automatic switching suggestion unit outputting the content automatic switching suggestion information from the notification device, the content automatic switching control unit does not perform the content automatic switching process.

8. A content output control method, executed by a computer, wherein: The content output control method includes: a user age identification step of identifying the age of a user riding on the moving body; and A content automatic switching recommendation step determines, based on the age of the user, whether content automatic switching recommendation information that recommends executing content automatic switching processing is output from a notification device used in the mobile body, wherein the content automatic switching processing is used to automatically switch the content output from the content output device used in the mobile body without relying on the switching operation of the user.

9. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program causing a computer to function as: a user age recognition unit that recognizes the age of a user riding the moving vehicle; and A content automatic switching suggestion unit determines, based on the age of the user, whether content automatic switching suggestion information suggesting execution of content automatic switching processing is output from a notification device used in the mobile body, wherein the content automatic switching processing is used to automatically switch the content output from the content output device used in the mobile body without relying on the switching operation of the user.

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