Control device, control method of control device, and control program of control device

Abstract

The control device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a given length of a constraint time; an output unit that outputs content including a plurality of stages; a storage unit that stores content elements that constitute the plurality of stages, each of which includes at least either of an image and a sound, and that are used to guide a user to a given state; and a timing decision unit that decides switching timing of the plurality of stages so that a total reproduction time of the plurality of stages is equal to or less than the constraint time, the output unit outputting at least one or more content elements at each of the plurality of stages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to technology for controlling the content of prompts given to occupants of a moving vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle information providing device comprising: an information playback unit that sequentially plays multiple pieces of information that can be played back based on a playback order specified in a program schedule; an arrival time estimation unit that estimates the estimated arrival time of a vehicle (moving body) at its destination; and a playback start time calculation unit that calculates the playback start time of the final information based on the playback time of the last played information, i.e., the final information, and the estimated arrival time, and if the current time becomes the playback start time, then the playback of the final information begins.

[0003] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the timing for adjusting the reproduction of the final information at the start is disclosed, but there is no disclosure regarding the timing for appropriately adjusting the switching of each of the given multiple stages consisting of content used to guide the user to a given state, corresponding to the constraint time.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP Patent No. 4042535 Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure is made to address such a problem, and its purpose is to provide a technique that can guide a user to a given state by appropriately adjusting the switching timing of each of the given multiple stages.

[0008] The control device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a given length of constraint time; an output unit that outputs content comprising multiple stages; a storage unit that stores multiple content elements constituting the multiple stages, each content element comprising at least one of image and sound and used to guide a user to a given state; and a timing determination unit that determines the switching timing from a given stage to other stages among the multiple stages, such that the total playback time of the playback time of each of the multiple stages is less than or equal to the constraint time, wherein the output unit outputs at least one of the content elements in each of the multiple stages.

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to guide a user to a given state. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the electrical structure of the control system using the control device in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the interior space of a moving body utilizing a control device in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure in Table 1.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure in Table 2.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure in Table 3.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing of the control device involved in Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 7 This diagram shows an example of a notification screen displayed when the input / output device switches the timing for passenger notification.

[0017] Figure 8A It is a schematic representation Figure 6 The timing diagram is an example of the processing of the timing change unit in step S12 of the flowchart.

[0018] Figure 8B This diagram illustrates an example of the timing change unit's processing in step S13.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the electrical structure of the control system using the control device according to Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure in Table 4.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure in Table 5.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure in Table 6.

[0023] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing a series of interface screens displayed on the display of an input / output device.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing of the control device involved in the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0025] (The insights that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0026] Research is underway on techniques that guide users to a given state by providing them with content that includes multiple stages.

[0027] However, in order to guide the user to a given state, it is sometimes necessary to switch between multiple stages corresponding to a given time constraint, and reproduce the content of each stage at an appropriate time. Regarding this, existing technologies disclose the timing for adjusting the reproduction of the start and end information, but there is no disclosure regarding how to reproduce the content of each stage at an appropriate time by adjusting the switching timing of multiple stages. Therefore, in the aforementioned existing technologies, there is a possibility that the user cannot be guided to a given state.

[0028] To address the above issues, the following technology is disclosed.

[0029] (1) A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a constraint time of a given length; an output unit that outputs content comprising multiple stages; a storage unit that stores multiple content elements constituting the multiple stages, the content elements each comprising at least one of an image and sound and used to guide a user to a given state; and a timing determination unit that determines the switching timing from a given stage among the multiple stages to other stages, such that the total playback time of the playback time of each of the multiple stages is less than or equal to the constraint time, and the output unit outputs at least one of the content elements in each of the multiple stages.

[0030] According to this structure, by appropriately adjusting the switching timings of the given multiple stages in accordance with the constraint time, the user can be guided to a given state.

[0031] (2) In the control device described in (1) above, a lower limit reproduction time for guiding the user to a given state may be set for at least one of the plurality of stages, and the timing determination unit determines the switching timing so that the reproduction time of the limitation stage for which the lower limit reproduction time is set becomes the lower limit reproduction time or above.

[0032] According to this structure, by ensuring that the switching timing of each of the multiple stages is adjusted in a timely manner to ensure the lower limit is reproduced, the user can be guided to a given state more reliably.

[0033] (3) In the control device described in (2) above, the plurality of stages may include a final stage that is reproduced last and a final pre-stage that is reproduced before the final stage. The lower limit reproduction time is set for the final stage at least. The timing determination unit determines the switching timing from the final pre-stage to the final stage, such that the reproduction time of the final stage is above or equal to the lower limit reproduction time set for the final stage.

[0034] Since the final stage is the last stage of content reproduction, failure to guide the user to a given state during the final stage could potentially be detrimental to the user at the end of the content. For example, if the pre-final stage guides the user to a sleep state and the final stage guides them to a wakeful state, failure to guide the user to a wakeful state in the final stage could result in the user oversleeping. However, according to the structure described above, by ensuring a minimum reproduction time in the final stage, the user can be reliably guided to the given state during the final stage. This prevents any adverse effects on the user.

[0035] (4) In the control device described in (3) above, the plurality of stages may also include a preliminary stage that is reproduced before the final pre-stage, and the lower limit reproduction time of the preliminary stage is further set, and the timing determination unit determines the switching timing from the preliminary stage to the final pre-stage, such that the reproduction time of the preliminary stage is above or greater than the lower limit reproduction time set for the preliminary stage.

[0036] If the user cannot be guided to a given state during the lookup phase, it may be difficult to guide the user to the given state in the subsequent reproduction phase. However, according to the structure described above, since the lower bound reproduction time of the lookup phase is guaranteed, the user can be reliably guided to the given state during the lookup phase. Therefore, it is easier to guide the user to the given state in the subsequent phases.

[0037] (5) In the control device described in (4) above, the preliminary stage may be a relaxation stage that induces the user to a relaxed state, the final pre-stage may be a sleep stage that induces the user to a sleep state, and the final stage may be a wake-up stage that induces the user to a wake-up state.

[0038] According to this structure, since the user is guided to a relaxed state and then to a sleep state, they can fall into a deep sleep. Furthermore, according to the same structure, since the user is guided to a sleep state and then to a wakeful state, they can wake up comfortably. Thus, the user is revitalized.

[0039] (6) In any of the control devices described in (1) to (5) above, it may also include: an interface unit that receives input of the constraint time from the user and notifies the user of the switching time determined by the timing determination unit.

[0040] Based on this structure, the switching timer can be notified to the user.

[0041] (7) In any of the control devices described in (1) to (6) above, the user may be a passenger of the mobile body, the acquisition unit may also acquire the current location information of the mobile body and the destination information indicating the destination of the mobile body, and the control device may further include: a calculation unit that calculates the estimated travel time of the mobile body from the current location to the destination based on the location information and the destination information, and the acquisition unit acquires the estimated travel time as the constraint time.

[0042] According to this structure, the estimated travel time until the mobile body reaches its destination is obtained as the reference time. As described above, in this disclosure, the switching timing is determined such that the total playback time of the playback times of the various stages of the content is less than or equal to the reference time. Therefore, according to the above structure, the switching timing is set so that the playback of the content is completed within the estimated travel time. In this way, the occupant can be guided to a given state within the estimated travel time.

[0043] (8) In the control device described in (7) above, the acquisition unit may acquire the location information and the destination information whenever a given time has elapsed, the calculation unit may calculate the estimated travel time whenever the acquisition unit acquires the location information and the destination information, and the timing determination unit may change the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the multiple stages does not become longer than the estimated travel time.

[0044] Based on this structure, the estimated movement time can be updated in real time, and the switching time can be adjusted so that the content ends within the updated estimated movement time.

[0045] (9) In any of the control devices described in (1) to (8) above, the timing determination unit may shorten the reproduction time of the content element when the reproduction time of any of the plurality of stages becomes shorter than the reproduction time of the content element constituting that stage in response to the change of the switching timing.

[0046] According to this structure, by shortening the reproduction time of each stage, the content ends within the estimated movement time, thus reliably guiding the user to a given state within the estimated movement time.

[0047] (10) In any of the control devices described in (1) to (9) above, the timing determination unit may change the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the plurality of stages is not less than the estimated movement time.

[0048] This structure prevents content from ending before the user reaches their destination. This allows for a longer time to guide the user to a given state, compared to when content ends before the user reaches their destination.

[0049] (11) In any of the control devices described in (1) to (10) above, the timing determination unit may repeatedly reproduce the content element when the reproduction time of any of the plurality of stages becomes longer than the reproduction time of the content element constituting that stage in response to the change of the switching timing.

[0050] When the switching timing is changed so that the total remaining time of multiple stages does not become shorter than the estimated travel time, the playback time of a given stage may sometimes become longer than the playback time of the content elements constituting that given stage. In this case, the playback of content elements may be interrupted midway through the stage, making it difficult to guide the user to the given state. To address this, according to the structure described above, content elements are repeatedly played back during the period up to the switching stage, thus preventing interruptions in the playback of content elements midway through the stage. In this way, the user can be more reliably guided to the given state at each stage.

[0051] (12) In any of the control devices described in (1) to (11) above, each of the plurality of stages may consist of at least a first content element and a second content element different from the first content element. If the playback time of any of the plurality of stages becomes longer than the playback time of the first content element in response to a change in the switching timing, the timing determination unit may start the playback of the second content element when the playback of the first content element ends.

[0052] According to this structure, since the reproduction of the second content element begins at the end of the reproduction of the first content element, the reproduction of content elements that are interrupted midway through a stage is suppressed. As a result, the user can be more reliably guided to a given state at each stage.

[0053] (13) In the control device described in (1) to (12) above, the plurality of stages may include a final stage that is reproduced last and a final pre-stage that is reproduced before the final stage, and the timing determination unit sets the time point below the reproduction time of the estimated shift time that is the final stage as the switching timing from the final pre-stage to the final stage.

[0054] According to this structure, by adjusting the switching timing so that the switching stage transitions from the pre-final stage to the final stage at a time point below the estimated transition time of the final stage's reproduction time, the reproduction time of the final stage can be reliably ensured. This allows for more reliable guidance of the user to a given state during the final stage.

[0055] (14) In any of the control devices described in (1) to (13) above, the user is a passenger of a mobile body, and the device further includes: a content determination unit that determines recommended content to be recommended to the passenger and the reproduction time of each of the plurality of stages in the recommended content, corresponding to at least one of the location and category of the destination of the mobile body.

[0056] According to this structure, suitable content for passengers can be recommended based on at least one of the location of the destination of the mobile body and its category, and each stage can be reproduced at the appropriate reproduction time for the passengers.

[0057] (15) In any of the control devices described in (1) to (14) above, the user may be an occupant of a mobile body, and the acquisition unit may also acquire additional information, the additional information including at least one of time period information related to the time period during which the mobile body moves, seasonal information related to the season during which the mobile body moves, and weather information related to the weather on the day the mobile body moves, and further include: a content determination unit that determines, with reference to the additional information, recommended content to be recommended to the occupant and the reproduction time of each of the plurality of stages in the recommended content.

[0058] Based on this structure, suitable content for passengers can be recommended based on at least one of time period, season, and weather, and each stage can be reproduced at a time suitable for passengers.

[0059] (16) Another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method of a control device, which obtains a given length of constraint time, outputs content comprising multiple stages, stores multiple content elements constituting the multiple stages, the content elements each comprising at least one of image and sound and used to guide the user to a given state, determines the switching timing from a given stage to other stages among the multiple stages, such that the total playback time of the playback time of each of the multiple stages is less than the constraint time, and in the output of the content, at least one of the content elements is output in each of the multiple stages.

[0060] Based on this structure, a control method that achieves the same effect as the control device described above can be provided.

[0061] (17) In another aspect of this disclosure, the control program is a control program of a control device, which causes the computer to perform the following processing: obtain a given length of constraint time, output content comprising multiple stages, store multiple content elements constituting the multiple stages, the content elements each comprising at least one of image and sound and used to guide the user to a given state, determine the switching timing from a given stage to other stages among the multiple stages, such that the total playback time of the playback time of each of the multiple stages is less than the constraint time, and in the output of the content, at least one of the content elements is output in each of the multiple stages.

[0062] Based on this structure, a control program can be provided that achieves the same effect as the control device described above.

[0063] This disclosure can also realize a control system that operates through such a control program. Furthermore, it is self-evident that such a computer program can be distributed via computer-readable non-transitory recording media such as CD-ROMs or communication networks such as the Internet.

[0064] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, constituent elements, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, any constituent elements in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements. Furthermore, the contents of all embodiments can be combined.

[0065] (Implementation Method 1)

[0066] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the electrical structure of the control system 1 using the control device 100 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The control system 1 uses a display device 11 and an audio device 12 to create the environment inside the carriage of the mobile body 10 and to control the occupants P (an example of a user) of the mobile body 10. Figure 2 The system provides content. The display device 11 is, for example, a monitor. The display device 11 may consist of VR (Virtual Reality) glasses, AR (Augmented Reality) glasses, or a projection system equipped with a projector and screen, mounted on the mobile body 10. Furthermore, the display device 11 may utilize the input / output device 20 described later.

[0067] In this embodiment, "content" refers to image data, sound data, or a combination thereof that brings about a given effect to occupant P. The content includes multiple stages for guiding occupant P to a given state. Examples of stages for guiding occupant P to a given state include a relaxation stage, a sleep stage, and a wakefulness stage. A relaxation stage is a stage for inducing occupant P into a relaxed state. A sleep stage is a stage for inducing occupant P into a sleep state. A wakefulness stage is a stage for inducing occupant P into a wakefulness state. These multiple stages are sequentially provided (output) to occupant P during the playback of the content, guiding occupant P to the given state, thereby bringing about the given effect to occupant P at the end of the playback of the content. Furthermore, the types of stages are not limited to the above types; various stages can be included in the content.

[0068] In this embodiment, each of the multiple stages is composed of content elements. Each content element includes at least one of image data and sound data. In other words, content can be defined as a collection of multiple content elements corresponding to the multiple stages.

[0069] A lower limit reproduction time is set for at least one of the multiple stages to guide the occupant P of the mobile body 10 to a given state.

[0070] Multiple stages can be categorized according to their order of appearance in the content, such as the final stage, the pre-final stage, and the preceding stage. The final stage is the last stage to appear in the content. The pre-final stage appears before the final stage. The preceding stage appears before the pre-final stage.

[0071] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the interior space of a moving body 10 utilizing the control device 100 in this disclosure. The moving body 10 is, for example, an electric vehicle having a battery as a rechargeable secondary battery, the power charged from which is supplied to an electric motor (not shown) for movement. However, the moving body 10 is not limited to electric vehicles; it can also be a gasoline vehicle, a ship, an airplane, a tram, a bus, a Shinkansen bullet train, etc. Furthermore, the moving body 10 can also be a vehicle equipped with an automatic driving system. Figure 2 As shown, the interior space of the mobile body 10 includes: a driver's seat 13 for the driver of the mobile body 10 to sit in; a seat 14 located behind the driver's seat 13 for a passenger P to sit in, who rides with the driver; and a display device 11 and an audio device 12 located between the driver's seat 13 and the seat 14.

[0072] Back Figure 1 The control system 1 includes an input / output device 20 (an example of an interface unit), a current location detection unit 30, a map information storage unit 40, a storage unit 50, and a control device 100.

[0073] The input / output device 20 is an in-vehicle terminal such as a tablet computer mounted on the mobile body 10. The input / output device 20 includes a display (not shown), a processor, etc. The input / output device 20 receives destination information input from the occupant P via the display. The destination information includes the name of the destination of the mobile body 10 and information about the occupant's residence. Furthermore, the input / output device 20 receives content selections from the occupant P. Then, the input / output device 20 notifies the occupant P of the switching timing determined by the timing determination unit 104 (described later). Additionally, in Figure 1 The example shown illustrates an input / output device 20 mounted on a mobile body 10, but this is just one example; the input / output device 20 could also be comprised of application software from a portable information terminal belonging to occupant P. The portable information terminal could be a tablet computer or a smartphone.

[0074] The current location detection unit 30 detects the current location information of the mobile body 10. The current location information of the mobile body 10 includes, for example, information indicating the current residence, latitude, and longitude. The current location detection unit 30 is composed of, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor.

[0075] The map information storage unit 40 stores map information including various geographical information such as maps, place names, latitude, longitude, altitude, road information, administrative divisions, traffic signs, public transportation routes, waterways, topography, and landmarks. The map information storage unit 40 is composed of, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or an electrically erasable and rewritable ROM (EEPROM).

[0076] The control device 100 is composed of a computer including a central processing unit (CPU) and storage devices such as ROM and RAM. The control program stored in the storage device is executed by the central processing unit, and functions as an acquisition unit 101, a calculation unit 102, a timing determination unit 104, a judgment unit 105, a timing change unit 106, and an output unit 107.

[0077] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the current location information of the mobile body 10 and the destination information input by the occupant P to the input / output device 20. For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the aforementioned location information and destination information by transmitting and receiving information with the current location detection unit 30 and the input / output device 20. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the current location information of the mobile body 10 every time a given time has elapsed. The given time is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0078] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a constraint time of a given length. The acquisition unit 101 according to this embodiment acquires the initial estimated movement time, which will be described later, as the constraint time.

[0079] In addition, the acquisition unit 101 according to this embodiment acquires the speed information of the moving body 10. Specifically, the acquisition unit 101 transmits and receives information with a vehicle speed sensor or acceleration sensor (not shown) provided on the moving body 10 to acquire the speed information of the moving body 10.

[0080] The calculation unit 102 calculates the estimated travel time of the mobile body 10 from its current location to its destination based on the location information and destination information of the mobile body 10 obtained by the acquisition unit 101. Specifically, the calculation unit 102 refers to map information stored in the map information storage unit 40 and uses known path search techniques to calculate the travel path of the mobile body 10 from its starting point to its destination. Then, the calculation unit 102 calculates the estimated travel time based on the calculated travel path and the speed information of the mobile body 10.

[0081] Furthermore, the calculation unit 102 calculates the estimated travel time whenever the acquisition unit 101 acquires the current location information of the moving body 10. That is, the calculation unit 102 initially calculates the estimated travel time, and then updates the estimated travel time at any time. Hereinafter, the estimated travel time initially calculated by the calculation unit 102 is referred to as the initial estimated travel time, and the updated estimated travel time is referred to as the updated estimated travel time.

[0082] The timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing from a given stage to other stages among multiple stages. In detail, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing such that the total playback time of the playback time of each of the multiple stages becomes the initial estimated movement time (an example of a constraint time) or less.

[0083] Furthermore, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing so that the playback time of the stage (limited stage) for which a lower limit playback time is set becomes higher than or equal to the lower limit playback time. Specifically, the timing determination unit 104 according to this embodiment determines the switching timing from the final pre-stage to the final stage so that the playback time of the final stage becomes higher than or equal to the lower limit playback time set for that final stage. Furthermore, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing from the preliminary stage to the final pre-stage so that the playback time of the preliminary stage becomes higher than or equal to the lower limit playback time set for the preliminary stage.

[0084] The determination unit 105 determines whether the updated estimated movement time is the total of the remaining stage reproduction time.

[0085] Furthermore, the determination unit 105 determines whether the reproduction position of the current stage is close to the reproduction position of the next stage. In other words, the determination unit 105 determines whether the switching timing to the next stage is reached within a given time. The given time is, for example, 1 minute.

[0086] The timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing, so that the total remaining time of multiple stages becomes longer than the estimated update movement time.

[0087] Furthermore, if the playback time of any of the multiple stages becomes shorter than the playback time of the content element constituting that stage in response to a change in the timing, the timing change unit 106 shortens the playback time of that content element.

[0088] In addition, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing, so that the total remaining time of multiple stages becomes shorter than the estimated update movement time.

[0089] Furthermore, if the playback time of any of the multiple stages becomes longer than the playback time of the content element constituting that stage in response to a change in the timing, the timing change unit 106 causes the content element to be repeatedly played.

[0090] In addition, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the switching stage from the pre-final stage to the final stage occurs at the point when the estimated update movement time becomes shorter than the reproduction time of the final stage.

[0091] Furthermore, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing, so that the total remaining time of multiple stages becomes shorter than the estimated update movement time.

[0092] The output unit 107 outputs a control signal for reproducing, at least one of the display device 11 and the audio device 12, the content determined by the content determination unit 103, at each of the multiple stages.

[0093] The storage unit 50 is composed of any rewritable device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The storage unit 50 according to this embodiment includes a content element storage unit 51 and a table storage unit 52.

[0094] The content element storage unit 51 stores the aforementioned multiple content elements.

[0095] The table storage unit 52 stores tables 1 through 3 (TB3). The following description of each table will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] Figure 3This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of Table 1 (TB1). Table 1 (TB1) stores the correspondence between content elements and stages. In this example, Table 1 (TB1) stores content elements A and B corresponding to the "relaxation stage." That is, it stores the case where content elements A and B can constitute the relaxation stage. Furthermore, Table 1 (TB1) stores the case where content element C corresponds to the "sleep stage," and content element D corresponds to the "wake-up stage."

[0097] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of the data structure of Table 2 (TB2). Table 2 (TB2) stores the lower and upper limits of the reproduction time set for each stage. The upper limit of the reproduction time is the maximum permissible time for guiding the occupant P of the mobile body 10 to a given state. In this example, Table 2 (TB2) stores the case where the lower limit of the reproduction time for the relaxation stage is 9 minutes and the upper limit of the reproduction time is 15 minutes. Furthermore, it stores the case where no lower or upper limit of the reproduction time is set for the sleep stage. Moreover, it stores the case where the lower limit of the reproduction time for the awakening stage is 5 minutes and no upper limit of the reproduction time is set.

[0098] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of the data structure of Table 3 (TB3). It shows the specific structure of the content stored in Table 3 (TB3), the order of the stages constituting the content, the proportion of each stage's playback time relative to the overall playback time of the content, and the overall playback time of the content. In this example, Table 3 (TB3) stores content such as Scenario A, which consists of a relaxation stage, a sleep stage, and a wake-up stage. Furthermore, Table 3 (TB3) stores content such as Scenario A where the relaxation stage is played first, followed by the sleep stage, and finally the wake-up stage. That is, in content such as Scenario A, the relaxation stage is equivalent to the preliminary stage, the sleep stage to the final pre-stage, and the wake-up stage to the final stage. Furthermore, Table 3 (TB3) stores content such as Scenario A where the proportion of the relaxation stage's playback time relative to the overall playback time of Scenario A is set to 30%, the sleep stage's playback time to 50%, and the wake-up stage's playback time to 20%. Finally, Table 3 (TB3) stores content such as Scenario A where the overall playback time is 40 minutes.

[0099] Additionally, Table 3 (TB3) can also store the specific reproduction time of the storage stage. For example, such as... Figure 5As shown, Table 3 (TB3) stores the overall reproduction time relative to content like scenario B, while the reproduction time of a given phase like phase A accounts for X%, the reproduction time of phase B (different from phase A) accounts for Y%, and the reproduction time of phase C (different from both phases A and B) is Z seconds.

[0100] refer to Figure 6 To explain the processing of the control device 100 configured as described above. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing of the control device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0101] In step S1, the input / output device 20 receives destination information. Here, we assume the destination is the home of passenger P. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the destination information (passenger P's home) and the current location information of the mobile vehicle 10. Then, the calculation unit 102 calculates the initial estimated travel time of the mobile vehicle 10 from its current location to passenger P's home. Here, we will describe an example where the calculation result of the calculation unit 102 determines the initial estimated travel time to be 30 minutes. Next, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the aforementioned initial estimated travel time as a constraint time.

[0102] In step S2, the input / output device 20 accepts content selection. Here, an example of occupant P selecting content for scenario A will be described. Furthermore, an example will be described where the sleep phase of scenario A consists of content element A, the relaxation phase consists of content element C, and the wakefulness phase consists of content element D.

[0103] In step S3, the timing determination unit 104 refers to Table TB3 (3rd table) to determine the switching timing. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Table 3 (TB3) stores the following: relative to the overall playback time of content like Scenario A, the proportion of playback time in the relaxation phase is set to 30%, the proportion in the sleep phase is set to 50%, and the proportion in the wakefulness phase is set to 20%. Furthermore, as... Figure 5As shown, the overall playback time for content like scenario A is 40 minutes. In this case, the timing determination unit 104 allocates the overall playback time (40 minutes) proportionally to the playback time of each stage as specified in Table 3 TB3 (30%, 50%, 20%), setting the playback time for the relaxation stage to 12 minutes, the playback time for the sleep stage to 20 minutes, and the playback time for the wakefulness stage to 8 minutes. That is, the timing determination unit 104 determines the first switching time for switching from the relaxation stage to the sleep stage 12 minutes after the start of the relaxation stage playback, and determines the second switching time for switching from the sleep stage to the wakefulness stage 20 minutes after the start of the sleep stage playback.

[0104] In step S4, the timing determination unit 104 determines whether the total reproduction time of the reproduction times of the multiple stages is less than or equal to the initial estimated travel time (constraint time). If the total reproduction time of the reproduction times of the multiple stages is less than or equal to the initial estimated travel time ("Yes" in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6. If the total reproduction time of the reproduction times of the multiple stages is greater than the initial estimated travel time ("No" in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0105] In this example, since the total reproduction time of each stage (40 minutes) is longer than the constraint time (30 minutes), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0106] In step S5, in order to re-determine the switching timing, a process is performed that does not change the proportion of the playback time for each stage of content A (30%, 50%, 20%), but instead shortens (compresses) the playback time of content A from 40 minutes to 30 minutes. Specifically, the constraint time (30 minutes) is proportionally allocated according to the proportion of the playback time for each stage as specified in Table 3 TB3 (30%, 50%, 20%), with the playback time for the relaxation stage set at 9 minutes, the playback time for the sleep stage set at 15 minutes, and the playback time for the wakefulness stage set at 6 minutes.

[0107] In step S6, the timing determination unit 104 refers to Figure 4Table TB2 shown determines whether the playback time for each stage is set within the range of the lower and upper playback times. Specifically, the timing determination unit 104 determines whether the playback time allocated to each stage is above the lower playback time and below the upper playback time set for each stage. If the playback time for each stage is set within the range of the lower and upper playback times ("Yes" in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If the playback time for each stage is not set within the range of the lower and upper playback times ("No" in step S6), the process returns to step S5.

[0108] In this example, by resetting the switching timing in step S5, the reproduction times for the relaxation phase and the awakening phase are set to 9 minutes and 5 minutes, respectively. In this case, the reproduction time for the relaxation phase (9 minutes) satisfies the condition that the lower limit reproduction time (9 minutes) for the relaxation phase is above and the upper limit reproduction time (15 minutes) is below. Furthermore, the reproduction time for the awakening phase (5 minutes) satisfies the condition that the lower limit reproduction time (5 minutes) for the awakening phase is above. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0109] Furthermore, if in step S5 the process of shortening (compressing) the reproduction time ratio of each stage of content A is not changed, and in step S6 the process becomes "No" and returns to step S5, the timing determination unit 104 randomly determines the switching timing of each stage, so that the total reproduction time of each stage is within the limit of the constraint time, and the reproduction time of each stage is within the range of the lower limit reproduction time and the upper limit reproduction time.

[0110] In step S7, the output unit 107 begins reproducing the content. Specifically, in step S7, the output unit 107 generates a control signal for causing at least one of the display device 11 and the audio device 12 to reproduce the content of scene A. Then, upon receiving the control signal, at least one of the display device 11 and the audio device 12 begins reproducing the content of scene A.

[0111] At this time, the input / output device 20 obtains the switching timing determined by the timing determination unit 104 and notifies the occupant P of the switching timing. Figure 7 This is an example of a notification screen 21 displayed when the input / output device 20 notifies the occupant P of a timed switching mechanism. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, notification screen 21 includes a first scale A1 indicating the first switching timing and a second scale A2 indicating the second switching timing. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, notification screen 21 displays the playback time for each of the relaxation, sleep, and wakefulness stages.

[0112] In step S8, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the current location information of the moving body 10.

[0113] In step S9, the calculation unit 102 calculates the estimated travel time of the mobile body 10 based on the current location information of the mobile body 10 and the destination information obtained in step S1. That is, the calculation unit 102 calculates and updates the estimated travel time.

[0114] In step S10, the determination unit 105 determines whether the estimated shift time (updated estimated shift time) updated in step S9 is less than or equal to the total reproduction time of the remaining stages. If the estimated shift time is determined to be less than or equal to the total reproduction time of the remaining stages ("Yes" in step S10), the process proceeds to step S13. If the estimated shift time is longer than the total reproduction time of the remaining stages ("No" in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0115] In step S11, the determination unit 105 determines whether the current reproduction position will reach the next stage reproduction position within a given time. The given time is, for example, 1 minute. If the current reproduction position reaches the next stage reproduction position within the given time ("Yes" in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. If the current reproduction position will not reach the next stage reproduction position within the given time ("No" in step S11), the process returns to step S8.

[0116] In step S12, the timing change unit 106 decides to repeat the process. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 8A Let's explain the process in step S12. Figure 8A This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the timing change unit 106 in step S12. The upper horizontal axis in the diagram represents the time from the start of the sleep stage to the end of the wakefulness stage. The lower horizontal axis in the diagram represents the update estimated shift time. Figure 8A The diagram shows TM1 as the first switching time from the relaxation stage to the sleep stage, and TM2 as the second switching time from the sleep stage to the wakefulness stage. TMR represents the repetition location set for repeatedly reproducing sleep stages, and TMN represents the current repetition location. T1 represents the remaining repetition time for each stage. Figure 8AAs shown, at the time point of step S12, the current playback position TMN is close to the distance of the second switching timing TM2. That is, the second switching timing TM2 is imminent, and the current playback position will reach the playback position of the next stage within a given time. At this time, if the estimated movement time T2 is longer than the playback time T1 of the remaining stage ("No" in step S10) and the sleep stage ends and the wake-up stage begins in the second switching timing TM2, there is a possibility that the content will end before the mobile body 10 reaches its destination. Such a situation may occur where the movement of the mobile body 10 takes longer than originally planned. Therefore, in such a case, that is, when the case is "No" in step S10 and "Yes" in step S11, the timing change unit 106... Figure 8A As shown, the current playback position TMN is returned to the repeated playback location TM. Therefore, since the content element C constituting the sleep phase is repeatedly output, the playback time of the sleep phase is prolonged, and thus, the second switching timing TM2 is delayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the content from ending before the moving body 10 reaches its destination.

[0117] Furthermore, this explanation uses the process of switching from the sleep stage to the wake stage as an example, but the same process is applied when switching from the relaxation stage to the wake stage.

[0118] In step S13, the timing change unit 106 switches the stage to the next stage. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 8B Let's explain the process in step S13. Figure 8B This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the timing change unit 106 in step S13. The upper horizontal axis in the diagram represents the time from the start of the playback of the sleep stage to the end of the playback of the wake stage. The lower horizontal axis in the diagram represents the update estimated shift time. Figure 8B TM1 represents the first transition timing from the relaxation stage to the sleep stage, and TM2 represents the second transition timing from the sleep stage to the wake stage. TMN represents the current playback position. T1 represents the length of the remaining playback time for the stage. T2 represents the length of the updated estimated movement time. Figure 8B As shown, the current playback position TMN is not immediately before the second switching time TM2 ("No" in step S11), but the estimated movement time T2 is updated to below the playback time T1 of the remaining stage. Therefore, if the sleep stage is not immediately ended and the awakening stage is not started, the content cannot be completed before the mobile body 10 reaches its destination. Such a situation may occur if the movement takes less time than originally intended. To address this, the timing change unit 106 updates the estimated movement time T2 to below the playback time T1 of the awakening stage at a time point ("Yes" in step S10), such as Figure 8BAs shown, the current playback position TMN is advanced to the second switching time TM2. This shortens (ends) the playback time of the content element C constituting the sleep phase, and the awakening phase begins. Since the timing of the end of the awakening phase coincides with the timing of the arrival of the mobile body 10 at its destination, the content can end when the mobile body 10 arrives at its destination.

[0119] Furthermore, this explanation uses the process of switching from the sleep stage to the wake stage as an example, but the same process is applied when switching from the relaxation stage to the wake stage.

[0120] Furthermore, in step S13, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the playback time of each stage does not become shorter than the lower limit playback time set for each stage. For example, if the playback time of the relaxation stage is shortened by changing the first switching timing, the first switching timing is changed within the limit that the playback time of the relaxation stage will not become shorter than the lower limit playback time of the relaxation stage.

[0121] Furthermore, in step S13, if the timing switch cannot be performed at the same time point as the estimated movement time and the awakening stage, the timing change unit 106 can shorten the awakening stage's replay time within a limit that does not become shorter than the lower limit of the awakening stage's replay time.

[0122] In step S14, the determination unit 105 determines whether the current stage is the final stage. If the current stage is the final stage ("Yes" in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. If the current stage is not the final stage ("No" in step S14), the process returns to step S8.

[0123] In step S15, the determination unit 105 determines whether the mobile body 10 has reached its destination. If the mobile body 10 has reached its destination ("Yes" in step S15), the process ends. If the mobile body 10 has not reached its destination ("No" in step S15), the process returns to step S14.

[0124] As explained above, according to Embodiment 1, the timing determination unit 104 determines to switch the timing so that the total playback time of the playback times of the multiple stages becomes less than or equal to the initial estimated travel time. At this time, the timing determination unit 104 determines to switch the timing so that the playback time of each stage becomes longer than the lower limit playback time set for each stage. In this way, since the playback time of each stage becomes longer than or equal to the lower limit playback time, the occupant P can be guided to a given state.

[0125] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the timing change unit 106 extends or shortens the playback time of multiple stages so that the total playback time of the multiple stages does not become longer or shorter than the estimated update travel time. That is, the switching timing of each stage is adjusted so that the timing of the end of content playback coincides with the timing of the arrival of the mobile body 10 at the destination. Therefore, compared with the case where the content ends before the mobile body 10 arrives at the destination, the occupant P can be guided to the given state in a longer time. In addition, compared with the case where the content has not ended when the mobile body 10 arrives at the destination, the occupant P can be guided to the given state more reliably.

[0126] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the playback time of each stage does not become shorter than the lower limit playback time of each stage. In this way, the occupant P can be guided to a given state more reliably.

[0127] (Implementation Method 2)

[0128] In Embodiment 2, recommended content is presented to the occupant P based on at least one of the location and category of the destination of the mobile body 10. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted.

[0129] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the electrical structure of the control system 1A using the control device 100A according to Embodiment 2. (See diagram below.) Figure 9 As shown, the control device 100A includes a content determination unit 103.

[0130] The content determination unit 103 determines the recommended content to be recommended to the occupant P and the reproduction time of each of the multiple stages in the recommended content, based on at least one of the location and category of the destination of the mobile body 10.

[0131] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the data structure of the fourth table TB4 stored in the table storage unit 52 according to Embodiment 2. The fourth table TB4 stores the appropriate playback time for each item. The appropriate playback time is the time considered effective in bringing a given effect to the occupant P.

[0132] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of Table 5 (TB5). Table 5 (TB5) stores usage pattern tags associated with each piece of content. Usage pattern tags are identifiers used to indicate the specific details of the content being represented and are associated with it. Additionally, multiple usage pattern tags can be associated with a single piece of content.

[0133] Figure 12This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of Table 6 (TB6). Table 6 (TB6) stores the categories of destinations pre-registered by passenger P, and the usage pattern tags associated with those destinations. For example, Table 6 (TB6) stores destinations registered under the categories "Home," "Company," and "Customer." It also stores, for example, the association of usage pattern tags such as "Travel for Work," "Going Home," and "Going to Work" with destinations under the category "Home."

[0134] Figure 13 This diagram shows a series of interface screens D1 to D5 displayed on the display of the input / output device 20. These interface screens D1 to D5 are displayed to the occupant P, for example, during the processing of step S2 in Figure 8. The steps for the input / output device 20 to display each interface screen D1 to D5 will be described below.

[0135] First, the input / output device 20 displays the first interface screen D1 as the start screen.

[0136] Next, the input / output device 20 displays a second interface screen D2, which includes a destination input button B1 and a playback time selection button B2. Here, the case where occupant P selects (inputs) the destination input button B1 will be described. Furthermore, an example of the case where occupant P selects the playback time selection button B2 will be described later in embodiment 3.

[0137] Next, the input / output device 20 displays a third interface screen D3 for occupant P to input their destination. Here, an example of occupant P inputting their own home as the destination is explained.

[0138] If the input / output device 20 receives a destination input, the content determination unit 103 determines whether the destination input by the occupant P is the destination registered in Table 6 TB6. Here, if... Figure 12 As shown, destinations categorized as "home" are registered in Table 6 (TB6). In this case, the content determination unit 103 refers to Table 6 (TB6) to confirm the association between usage mode tags such as "going home" and "night" and destinations categorized as "home." Furthermore, the calculation unit 102 calculates the estimated travel time to home. Here, the estimated travel time is calculated to be 30 minutes.

[0139] Next, the content determination unit 103 refers to Table 5 (TB5) and extracts content that is associated with the usage mode tag corresponding to the usage mode tag associated with the destination. As described above, since usage mode tags such as "home" and "night" are associated with destinations in the category of "home," the content determination unit 103 extracts content associated with either the usage mode tag "home" or "night." Figure 11 As shown, usage pattern tags such as "movement at work," "going to work," and "night" are associated with content in scenario A, while usage pattern tags such as "going home" and "night" are associated with content in scenario B. Therefore, the content decision unit 103 extracts scenario A and scenario B.

[0140] Next, the content decision unit 103 determines the content to recommend to occupant P based on the estimated travel time and appropriate playback time. As described above, the estimated travel time is 30 minutes. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, Table 4 (TB4) stores the case where the appropriate playback time for content like Scenario A is 30 minutes, and the case where the appropriate playback time for content like Scenario B is 50 minutes. Therefore, in this case, the content decision unit 103 determines Scenario A as the recommended content.

[0141] Finally, the content determination unit 103 determines the reproduction time of each stage included in scenario A. In this example, the content determination unit 103 refers to... Figure 5 Table 3 (TB3) shows that the reproduction time for the relaxation phase is set at 9 minutes, the reproduction time for the sleep phase is set at 15 minutes, and the reproduction time for the wakefulness phase is set at 6 minutes.

[0142] Next, the input / output device 20 displays the fifth interface screen D5, which prompts the occupant P with the recommended content determined by the content determination unit 103. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the fifth interface screen D5 includes a scenario A button B3 for occupant P to select scenario A. Then, if the input / output device 20 accepts the selection of scenario A button B3 in the fifth interface screen D5, the control device 100A begins... Figure 6 The processing after step S3. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown, the fifth interface screen D5 may include a Scene B button B4 for occupant P to select Scene B. Furthermore, as... Figure 13 As shown, the fifth interface screen D5 may include an auto-select button B5. When the auto-select button B5 is selected, the content determination unit 103 determines the recommended content, i.e., scenario A, as the content to be provided to the occupant P.

[0143] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, an example was described in which the category corresponding to the destination of the mobile body 10 is associated using pattern tags. However, the association can also be established using pattern tags corresponding to the location of the destination of the mobile body 10. For example, when the distance between the current location and the destination is far, "long-distance travel" and the like can be associated using pattern tags.

[0144] As described above, according to embodiment 2, content suitable for occupant P can be recommended based on at least one of the location and category of the destination of the mobile body 10, and each stage can be reproduced at a reproduction time suitable for occupant P.

[0145] (Implementation Method 3)

[0146] In Embodiment 3, the acquisition unit 101 acquires additional information, and the content determination unit 103 determines the recommended content based on this additional information. Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as in Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted. Additionally, in Embodiment 3, the block diagrams use… Figure 9 .

[0147] The acquisition unit 101 according to embodiment 3 acquires additional information. The additional information includes at least one of the following: time period information related to the time period during which the mobile body 10 moves, seasonal information related to the season during which the mobile body 10 moves, and weather information related to the weather on the day the mobile body 10 moves.

[0148] The content determination unit 103 in Implementation 3 refers to additional information to determine the recommended content to be recommended to the occupant P, as well as the reproduction time of each of the multiple stages in the recommended content.

[0149] The input / output device 20 involved in Embodiment 3 is the same as that in Embodiment 2, and displays... Figure 12 The series of interface screens D1 to D5 are shown. Here, on the second interface screen D2, the occupant P selects (inputs) the playback time selection button B2.

[0150] When the input / output device 20 receives a selection (input) from the playback time selection button B2, it displays a fourth interface screen D4 for the playback time of the received content (an example of a time constraint). Here, we will explain the case where "20 minutes" is entered as the playback time. Alternatively, the playback time can be manually set by the occupant P, or a pre-defined playback time such as 20 minutes, 40 minutes, or 60 minutes can be selected. In this case, the playback time option is displayed on the fourth interface screen D4.

[0151] If the input / output device 20 receives the playback time, the acquisition unit 101 acquires additional information. For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires time period information indicating that the current season is "winter".

[0152] Next, the content determination unit 103 refers to Table 5 (TB5) and extracts the content associated with the usage mode tags corresponding to the additional information. Specifically, the content determination unit 103 extracts the content associated with usage mode tags such as "winter". For example... Figure 11 As shown, the usage pattern tag "winter" is associated with content such as "scenario B". Therefore, the content decision unit 103 extracts "scenario B".

[0153] Finally, the content decision-making department references 103. Figure 5 The third table TB3 shown is used to determine the reproduction time of each stage contained in "Scenario B".

[0154] Then, the input / output device 20 displays a fifth interface screen D5, which includes a scenario B button B4 for occupant P to select scenario B.

[0155] As described above, according to embodiment 3, suitable content can be recommended to occupant P based on at least one of the time period during which the mobile body 10 moves, the season, and the weather, and each stage can be reproduced at a reproduction time suitable for occupant P.

[0156] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 3, even if the destination of the moving body 10 is not input, the recommended content can still be determined.

[0157] The present disclosure can be adapted to the following variations.

[0158] (1) In Implementation 1, an example was described in which content includes multiple stages, each of which is composed of content elements. Specifically, the following example was described: a single piece of content, such as scenario A, is composed of content element A constituting a relaxation stage, content element C constituting a sleep stage, and content element D constituting a wakefulness stage, and these content elements are output sequentially by switching stages. However, a single piece of content can also be composed of a single content element. Specifically, a single piece of content can be composed of a single content element containing a first scene corresponding to content element A, a second scene corresponding to content element B, and a third scene corresponding to content element C. In this case, the aforementioned first scene, second scene, third scene, and so on, are equivalent to the "multiple stages" involved in Implementation 1.

[0159] In this modified example, the timing determination unit 104 determines the playback start position for each scene. For example, the time point for starting the playback of the first scene is set at the first playback start position, and the time point for starting the playback of the second scene is set at the second playback start position. The first playback start position corresponds to the first switching timing mentioned above, and the second playback start position corresponds to the second switching timing mentioned above. Furthermore, the timing determination unit 104 sets a repeat playback position for each scene. The repeat playback position corresponds to the repeat playback location mentioned above.

[0160] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing of the control device involved in this variation.

[0161] Figure 14 The processing of steps S101 to S109 is due to... Figure 6 The processing of steps S1 to S9 is essentially the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0162] In step S110, the determination unit 105 determines whether the estimated movement time is longer than the total reproduction time of the remaining scenes.

[0163] In step S111, the determination unit 105 determines whether the current playback position will reach the playback position of the next scene within a given time. The given time is, for example, 1 minute. If the current playback position reaches the playback position of the next scene within the given time (if "yes" in step S111), the process proceeds to step S12. If the current playback position will not reach the playback position of the next scene within the given time (if "no" in step S111), the process returns to step S108.

[0164] In step S112, the timing change unit 106 returns the current playback position to the repeated playback position and repeatedly plays the scene currently being played, so that the total remaining time of the content does not become shorter than the estimated movement time.

[0165] In step S113, the timing change unit 106 starts the reproduction of the next scene. Specifically, in step S113, at a time point below the total of the remaining scene reproduction time when the estimated movement time becomes content, the reproduction of the given scene ends, and the reproduction of the next scene begins.

[0166] As explained above, according to this variation, even if the content consists of a single content element, the same effect as that described in Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0167] (2) In Implementation 1, an example was described in which multiple stages are each composed of a single content element. However, multiple stages may also be composed of at least a first content element and a second content element different from the first content element. For example, the relaxation stage may be composed of at least content element A (an example of the first content element) and content element B (an example of the second content element) different from content element A.

[0168] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, it was explained that when the playback time of any one of the multiple stages becomes longer than the playback time of the content element constituting that stage, the content element is repeatedly played back. On the other hand, in this modified example, when the playback time of any one of the multiple stages becomes longer than the playback time of the first content element, the timing change unit 106 can start the playback of the second content element when the playback of the first content element ends. For example, if the playback time of the relaxation stage is longer than the playback time of content element A, the playback of content element B can start when the playback of content element A ends.

[0169] In this way, by suppressing the reproduction of interrupted content elements in the middle of the stage, the crew member P can be guided to a given state more reliably in each stage. That is, the same effect as in implementation method 1 can be obtained.

[0170] (3) In Implementation 1, an example of setting a lower limit reproduction time for the relaxation stage and the wakefulness stage was described, but a lower limit reproduction time can also be set for the sleep stage. That is, a lower limit reproduction time can also be set for all stages.

[0171] (4) In Embodiment 1, it is described that the control device 100 includes a timing determination unit 104 and a timing change unit 106, but it may also exclude the timing change unit 106 and have the timing determination unit 104 perform the processing performed by the timing change unit 106 instead.

[0172] Industrial availability

[0173] The technology disclosed herein is useful in the field of controlling the content presented to the occupants of a moving vehicle.

Claims

1. A control device comprising: The acquisition part, which acquires a given length within a specified time limit; The output section, whose output includes content from multiple stages; A storage unit that stores multiple content elements constituting the plurality of stages, each content element comprising at least one of image and sound and used to guide the user to a given state; and The timing determination unit determines the switching timing from a given stage to other stages among the plurality of stages, such that the total reproduction time of the reproduction times of the plurality of stages is less than or equal to the constraint time. The output unit outputs at least one of the content elements in each of the plurality of stages.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, A lower limit reproduction time is set for at least one of the plurality of stages to guide the user to a given state. The timing determination unit determines the switching timing, such that the reproduction time of the limitation stage with the set lower limit reproduction time becomes above the lower limit reproduction time.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, The multiple stages include a final stage that is reproduced last, and a final pre-stage that is reproduced prior to the final stage. At least the lower limit reproduction time is set for the final stage. The timing determination unit determines the switching timing from the final pre-stage to the final stage, such that the reproduction time of the final stage is above or equal to the lower limit reproduction time set for the final stage.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein, The multiple stages also include a preceding stage that is reproduced before the final preceding stage. The lower limit of the reproduction time is further set for the aforementioned preliminary stage. The timing determination unit determines the switching timing from the preliminary stage to the final pre-stage, such that the reproduction time of the preliminary stage is above or equal to the lower limit reproduction time set for the preliminary stage.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein, The preliminary stage is a relaxation stage that induces the user to a relaxed state, the final pre-stage is a sleep stage that induces the user to a sleep state, and the final stage is a wakefulness stage that induces the user to a conscious state.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control device further includes an interface unit that receives input of the constraint time from the user and notifies the user of the switching timing determined by the timing determination unit.

7. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The user is a passenger in the mobile vehicle. The acquisition unit also acquires the current location information of the mobile body and the destination information indicating the destination of the mobile body. The control device further includes a calculation unit that calculates the estimated travel time of the mobile body from its current location to its destination based on the location information and the destination information. The acquiring unit obtains the estimated movement time as the constraint time.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein, The acquisition unit acquires the location information and the destination information every time a given time has elapsed. The calculation unit calculates the estimated travel time each time the acquisition unit acquires the location information and the destination information. The timing determination unit changes the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the multiple stages does not become longer than the estimated movement time.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, If, in response to a change in the switching timing, the playback time of any of the plurality of stages becomes shorter than the playback time of the content element constituting that stage, the timing determination unit shortens the playback time of that content element.

10. The control device according to claim 7, wherein, The timing determination unit changes the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the multiple stages does not become shorter than the estimated movement time.

11. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, If, in response to a change in the switching timing, the playback time of any of the plurality of stages becomes longer than the playback time of the content element constituting that stage, the timing determination unit causes the content element to be repeatedly played.

12. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of stages consists of at least a first content element and a second content element different from the first content element. If the playback time of any of the plurality of stages becomes longer than the playback time of the first content element in response to a change in the switching timing, the timing determination unit starts the playback of the second content element when the playback of the first content element ends.

13. The control device according to claim 7, wherein, The multiple stages include a final stage that is reproduced last, and a final pre-stage that is reproduced prior to the final stage. The timing determination unit sets the time point below the estimated shift time that becomes the reproduction time of the final stage as the switching time from the final pre-stage to the final stage.

14. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The user is a passenger in the mobile vehicle. The control device further includes a content determination unit that determines recommended content to the occupant and the playback time of each of the plurality of stages in the recommended content, corresponding to at least one of the location of the destination of the mobile body and the category thereof.

15. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The user is a passenger in the mobile vehicle. The acquiring department also acquires additional information. The additional information includes at least one of the following: time period information related to the time period during which the mobile body moves, seasonal information related to the season during which the mobile body moves, and weather information related to the weather on the day the mobile body moves. The control device further includes a content determination unit that determines, with reference to the additional information, recommended content to be recommended to the occupant and the reproduction time of each of the plurality of stages in the recommended content.

16. A control method for a control device, Obtain the given time constraint. The output contains content from multiple stages. The system stores multiple content elements constituting the various stages, each content element comprising at least one of image and sound and used to guide the user to a given state. The timing for switching from a given stage to other stages is determined such that the total reproduction time of the individual reproduction times of the multiple stages is less than or equal to the constraint time. In the output of the content, at least one of the content elements is output in each of the plurality of stages.

17. A control program for a control device that causes a computer to perform the following processing: Obtain the given time constraint. The output contains content from multiple stages. The system stores multiple content elements constituting the various stages, each content element comprising at least one of image and sound and used to guide the user to a given state. The timing for switching from a given stage to other stages is determined such that the total reproduction time of the individual reproduction times of the multiple stages is less than or equal to the constraint time. In the output of the content, at least one of the content elements is output in each of the plurality of stages.

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