Content output device, content output method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To easily provide diverse types of content to users.SOLUTION: A content output device includes a feature information acquisition unit that acquires feature information related to features based on the vehicle position, a fixed phrase acquisition unit that acquires fixed phrases prepared in advance for each type of the features, and a content generation unit that generates content by inserting words contained in the acquired feature information into the fixed phrases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique that can be used in outputting content. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for providing a user with content related to a point of interest (POI) in a car navigation device, etc. Patent Document 1 proposes a method for capturing an image of an identification symbol on the outside of a vehicle and providing a user with content associated with the identification symbol. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-106968 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Until now, content was created for each POI, and the content was fixed. Also, in order to provide users with diverse content for a certain POI, it was necessary to create that much content, which took time.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its main object to easily provide a variety of content to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in the claims is a content output device that includes a feature information acquisition unit that acquires feature information related to features based on the vehicle position, a fixed phrase acquisition unit that acquires fixed phrases prepared in advance for each type of feature, and a content generation unit that generates content by inserting words contained in the acquired feature information into the fixed phrases.

[0007] The invention described in the claims is a content output method executed by a content output device, and includes a feature information acquisition process for acquiring feature information related to features based on the vehicle position, a standard phrase acquisition process for acquiring standard phrases prepared in advance for each type of feature, and a content generation process for generating content by inserting words contained in the acquired feature information into the standard phrases.

[0008] The invention described in the claims is a program executed by a content output device equipped with a computer, causing the computer to function as: feature information acquisition means for acquiring feature information related to features based on the vehicle position; fixed phrase acquisition means for acquiring fixed phrases prepared in advance for each type of feature; and content generation means for generating content by inserting words contained in the acquired feature information into the fixed phrases. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sound output device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an audio output device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a server device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a feature information table stored in the server device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a fixed phrase stored in the server device. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed in the content output device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a feature information table stored in the server device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a content output device includes a feature information acquisition unit that acquires feature information related to features based on a vehicle position, a fixed phrase acquisition unit that acquires fixed phrases prepared in advance for each type of feature, and a content generation unit that generates content by inserting words contained in the acquired feature information into the fixed phrases.

[0011] The content output device obtains feature information on features based on the vehicle position, obtains template phrases prepared in advance for each type of feature, and generates content by inserting words included in the obtained feature information into the template phrases, thereby making it possible to easily create a variety of content.

[0012] In another aspect of the content output device, a plurality of fixed phrases are prepared for each type of the feature, and the fixed phrase acquisition unit randomly selects one fixed phrase from the plurality of fixed phrases. In this aspect, the content output device can create a variety of content suited to the type of the feature.

[0013] Another aspect of the above content output device includes a storage unit that stores a feature information table including words related to features for each type of feature, the feature information acquisition unit determines a target feature within a predetermined range from the vehicle position and acquires the feature information table corresponding to the type of the target feature, and the content generation unit acquires from the feature information table the words corresponding to the target feature and words corresponding to features other than the target feature to generate the content. In this aspect, the content output device is capable of creating quiz-format content.

[0014] In another aspect of the content output device, the words corresponding to features other than the target feature are options included in the content. In this aspect, the content output device can create quiz-style content.

[0015] In another aspect of the content output device, the content generator randomly obtains words corresponding to features other than the target feature from the words included in the feature information table. In this aspect, the content output device can create a variety of quiz-style content.

[0016] Another aspect of the above content output device includes a storage unit that stores an information table including words related to features for each type of feature, the feature information table storing a plurality of categories of words for each feature, the feature information acquisition unit determines a target feature within a predetermined range from the vehicle position and acquires the feature information table corresponding to the type of the target feature, and the content generation unit acquires the plurality of categories of words corresponding to the target feature from the feature information table to generate the content. In this aspect, the content output device can easily create content including information such as the names and features of features.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a content output method executed by a content output device includes a feature information acquisition step of acquiring feature information related to features based on a vehicle position, a fixed phrase acquisition step of acquiring fixed phrases prepared in advance for each type of feature, and a content generation step of generating content by inserting words included in the acquired feature information into the fixed phrases. This makes it possible to easily create a variety of content.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a program executed by a computer causes the computer to function as a feature information acquisition means for acquiring feature information related to features based on the vehicle position, a fixed phrase acquisition means for acquiring fixed phrases prepared in advance for each type of feature, and a content generation means for generating content by inserting words included in the acquired feature information into the fixed phrases. By executing this program on a computer, the above-mentioned content output device can be realized. This program can be stored in a storage medium and handled. EXAMPLES

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] <System configuration> [Overall configuration] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an audio output system according to an embodiment. The audio output system 1 according to the embodiment includes an audio output device 100 and a server device 200. The audio output device 100 is mounted on a vehicle Ve. The server device 200 communicates with a plurality of audio output devices 100 mounted on a plurality of vehicles Ve.

[0021] The audio output device 100 basically performs route search processing, route guidance processing, and the like for a user who is a passenger of a vehicle Ve. For example, when a destination or the like is input by a user, the audio output device 100 transmits an upload signal S1 including position information of the vehicle Ve and information related to the specified destination to the server device 200. The server device 200 calculates a route to the destination by referring to map data, and transmits a control signal S2 indicating the route to the destination to the audio output device 100. The audio output device 100 provides route guidance to the user by audio output based on the received control signal S2.

[0022] Furthermore, the audio output device 100 provides various types of information to the user through dialogue with the user. For example, when the user makes an information request, the audio output device 100 supplies the server device 200 with an upload signal S1 including information indicating the content or type of the information request and information regarding the running state of the vehicle Ve. The server device 200 acquires and generates the information requested by the user and transmits it to the audio output device 100 as a control signal S2. The audio output device 100 provides the received information to the user by audio output.

[0023] [Audio output device] The audio output device 100 moves together with the vehicle Ve and provides route guidance mainly through audio so that the vehicle Ve travels along the guide route. Note that "route guidance mainly through audio" refers to route guidance that allows the user to grasp information necessary for driving the vehicle Ve along the guide route at least from audio alone, and does not exclude the audio output device 100 displaying a map around the current position as an auxiliary. In this embodiment, the audio output device 100 outputs various information related to driving by audio, such as at least points on the route where guidance is required (also called "guidance points"). Here, the guidance points correspond to, for example, intersections where the vehicle Ve must turn right or left, and other important passing points for the vehicle Ve to travel along the guide route. The audio output device 100 provides audio guidance related to the guidance points, such as the distance from the vehicle Ve to the next guidance point and the traveling direction at the guidance point. Hereinafter, the audio related to the guidance for the guide route will also be called "route audio guidance".

[0024] The audio output device 100 is attached, for example, to an upper portion of a windshield or on a dashboard of the vehicle Ve. The audio output device 100 may be built into the vehicle Ve.

[0025] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the audio output device 100. The audio output device 100 mainly includes a communication unit 111, a storage unit 112, an input unit 113, a control unit 114, a sensor group 115, a display unit 116, a microphone 117, a speaker 118, an outside-vehicle camera 119, and an inside-vehicle camera 120. The elements in the audio output device 100 are connected to each other via a bus line 110.

[0026] The communication unit 111 performs data communication with the server device 200 under the control of the control unit 114. The communication unit 111 may receive, for example, map data for updating a map DB (DataBase) 4 (described later) from the server device 200.

[0027] The storage unit 112 is configured with various types of memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a non-volatile memory (including a hard disk drive, a flash memory, etc.). The storage unit 112 stores programs for the audio output device 100 to execute predetermined processes. The above-mentioned programs may include an application program for providing route guidance by voice, an application program for playing music, and an application program for outputting content other than music (such as television). The storage unit 112 is also used as a working memory for the control unit 114. The programs executed by the audio output device 100 may be stored in a storage medium other than the storage unit 112.

[0028] The storage unit 112 also stores a map database (hereinafter, database will be referred to as "DB") 4. Various data necessary for route guidance is recorded in the map DB 4. The map DB 4 stores, for example, road data that represents a road network by a combination of nodes and links, and facility data that indicates facilities that are candidates for a destination, a stop-off point, or a landmark. The map DB 4 may be updated based on map information that the communication unit 111 receives from a map management server under the control of the control unit 114.

[0029] The input unit 113 is a button, a touch panel, a remote controller, etc. that is operated by the user. The display unit 116 is a display or the like that displays information based on the control of the control unit 114. The microphone 117 collects sounds inside the vehicle Ve, particularly sounds uttered by the driver, etc. The speaker 118 outputs sounds for route guidance to the driver, etc.

[0030] The sensor group 115 includes an external sensor 121 and an internal sensor 122. The external sensor 121 is one or more sensors for recognizing the surrounding environment of the vehicle Ve, such as a lidar, a radar, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a sonar. The internal sensor 122 is a sensor for measuring the position of the vehicle Ve, such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, a gyro sensor, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a vehicle speed sensor, or a combination of these. Note that the sensor group 115 may include any sensor that allows the control unit 114 to directly or indirectly (i.e., by performing an estimation process) derive the position of the vehicle Ve from the output of the sensor group 115.

[0031] The exterior camera 119 is a camera that captures the outside of the vehicle Ve. The exterior camera 119 may be only a front camera that captures the view in front of the vehicle, or may include a rear camera that captures the view behind the vehicle in addition to the front camera, or may be an omnidirectional camera that can capture the entire surroundings of the vehicle Ve. On the other hand, the interior camera 120 is a camera that captures the inside of the vehicle Ve, and is provided at a position that can capture at least the area around the driver's seat.

[0032] The control unit 114 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and the like, and controls the entire audio output device 100. For example, the control unit 114 estimates the position (including the direction of travel) of the vehicle Ve based on the output of one or more sensors of the sensor group 115. Furthermore, when a destination is specified by the input unit 113 or the microphone 117, the control unit 114 generates route information indicating a guide route that is a route to the destination, and performs route guidance based on the route information, the estimated position information of the vehicle Ve, and the map DB4. In this case, the control unit 114 causes the speaker 118 to output route voice guidance. Furthermore, the control unit 114 controls the display unit 116 to display information on the music being played, video content, a map of the surroundings of the current position, and the like.

[0033] The processing executed by the control unit 114 is not limited to being realized by software using a program, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. The processing executed by the control unit 114 may be realized by using an integrated circuit programmable by a user, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this case, the program executed by the control unit 114 in this embodiment may be realized by using this integrated circuit. In this way, the control unit 114 may be realized by hardware other than a processor.

[0034] The configuration of the audio output device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and various modifications may be made to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. For example, instead of the map DB4 being stored in the storage unit 112, the control unit 114 may receive information necessary for route guidance from the server device 200 via the communication unit 111. In another example, instead of including the speaker 118, the audio output device 100 may be electrically connected to an audio output unit configured separately from the audio output device 100 or by a known communication means, thereby outputting audio from the audio output unit. In this case, the audio output unit may be a speaker provided in the vehicle Ve. In yet another example, the audio output device 100 may not include the display unit 116. In this case, the audio output device 100 may not perform any control regarding the display, and may be electrically connected to a display unit provided in the vehicle Ve or the like by wire or wirelessly, thereby causing the display unit to execute a predetermined display. Similarly, instead of including the sensor group 115, the audio output device 100 may acquire information output by a sensor provided in the vehicle Ve from the vehicle Ve based on a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0035] [Server device] The server device 200 generates route information indicating a guide route along which the vehicle Ve should travel, based on an upload signal S1 including a destination and the like received from the audio output device 100. The server device 200 then generates a control signal S2 related to information output in response to the user's information request, based on the user's information request and the traveling state of the vehicle Ve indicated in the upload signal S1 transmitted thereafter by the audio output device 100. The server device 200 then transmits the generated control signal S2 to the audio output device 100.

[0036] Furthermore, the server device 200 generates content for providing information to the user of the vehicle Ve and for dialogue with the user, and transmits the content to the audio output device 100. Information provided to the user is mainly push-type information provided from the server device 200 side, triggered by the vehicle Ve entering a predetermined driving situation. Also, dialogue with the user is basically pull-type dialogue that is initiated by a question or inquiry from the user. However, dialogue with the user may also be initiated by push-type content provision.

[0037] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the server device 200. The server device 200 mainly includes a communication unit 211, a storage unit 212, and a control unit 214. The elements in the server device 200 are connected to each other via a bus line 210.

[0038] The communication unit 211 performs data communication with external devices such as the audio output device 100 under the control of the control unit 214. The storage unit 212 is composed of various types of memory such as RAM, ROM, and non-volatile memory (including a hard disk drive, a flash memory, etc.). The storage unit 212 stores a program for the server device 200 to execute a predetermined process. The storage unit 212 also includes a map DB4.

[0039] The control unit 214 includes a CPU, a GPU, and the like, and controls the entire server device 200. The control unit 214 also executes a program stored in the storage unit 212 to operate together with the audio output device 100 and executes route guidance processing and information provision processing for the user. For example, the control unit 214 generates route information indicating a guidance route or a control signal S2 related to information output in response to an information request from the user, based on an upload signal S1 received from the audio output device 100 via the communication unit 211. Then, the control unit 214 transmits the generated control signal S2 to the audio output device 100 via the communication unit 211.

[0040] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server device 200. The server device 200 functionally includes a feature information acquisition unit 221, a fixed phrase acquisition unit 222, and a content generation unit 223. The server device 200 is an example of a content output device.

[0041] The server device 200 acquires current vehicle position information (hereinafter referred to as "own vehicle position") from the audio output device 100. The own vehicle position includes information such as latitude and longitude.

[0042] The feature information acquisition unit 221 of the server device 200 determines a POI (hereinafter, also referred to as a "target feature") within a predetermined range from the vehicle position based on the acquired latitude and longitude information of the vehicle position. Then, the feature information acquisition unit 221 acquires a feature information table (described later) from the map DB 4. The feature information acquisition unit 221 outputs the feature information table to the fixed phrase acquisition unit 222 and the content generation unit 223.

[0043] The feature information table is a table including words and sentences related to POIs (hereinafter also referred to as "features"). The feature information table is created in advance for each type of feature and stored in the map DB 4. After determining the target feature, the feature information acquisition unit 221 acquires the feature information table corresponding to the type of the target feature from the map DB 4.

[0044] 5 shows an example of a feature information table, which includes latitude and longitude, feature type, feature name, and features.

[0045] "Latitude and longitude" indicates the location of the feature. "Feature type" classifies features by type. "Feature type" includes rivers, stations, roads, etc. For example, if the target feature is Arakawa River, the feature type is a river, and if the target feature is Machiya Station, the feature type is a station. "Feature name" is the name of the feature, and "characteristics" is a word or sentence that expresses the characteristics of the feature. Figure 5 is a feature information table when the feature type is a river, and the type of management classification under the River Act is shown as an example of a characteristic. Note that there may be multiple characteristics, and for example, a column may be added to the feature information table to add a value such as the width of the river.

[0046] The fixed phrase acquisition unit 222 acquires a fixed phrase, described later, from the map DB 4 based on the feature information table acquired from the feature information acquisition unit 221. The fixed phrase acquisition unit 222 outputs the acquired fixed phrase to the content generation unit 223. The content generation unit 223 generates content based on the feature information table acquired from the feature information acquisition unit 221 and the fixed phrase acquired from the fixed phrase acquisition unit 222. The content generation unit 223 outputs the generated content to the audio output device 100. The audio output device 100 outputs the content acquired from the content generation unit 223 to the user as audio.

[0047] A fixed phrase is data on which a content is based. One or more fixed phrases are created in advance for each type of feature and stored in the map DB 4. The fixed phrase acquisition unit 222 refers to the type of feature based on the feature information table acquired from the feature information acquisition unit 221, and acquires a fixed phrase corresponding to the type of feature. Note that if there are multiple fixed phrases corresponding to the type of feature, the fixed phrase acquisition unit 222 randomly selects one fixed phrase from the multiple fixed phrases.

[0048] Fig. 6(A) shows an example of a template. The template includes a fixed section where a predetermined wording is maintained, and a variable section where the wording changes depending on the target feature, etc. In Fig. 6(A), the type of feature is a river, and template sentences 1 to 3 corresponding to rivers are shown. The [name of feature] and [characteristics] of template sentences 1 to 3 are variable sections, and the other parts are fixed sections.

[0049] Fig. 6(B) shows an example of content. The content is generated by the content generation unit 223 inserting words and sentences included in the feature information table into the variable part of the fixed phrase. Examples 1 to 3 in Fig. 6(B) are content examples when the target feature is "Arakawa River", and are generated by the content generation unit 223 inserting words included in the feature information table of Fig. 5 into the variable part of the fixed phrase of Fig. 6(A).

[0050] For example, Example 1 in FIG. 6(B) is a content generated using Template 1 in FIG. 6(A). Template 1 is a template for route guidance, and is composed of the sentence "Crossed [characteristic], [name of feature]." The characteristic of the target feature and the name of the target feature are inserted into [characteristic] and [name of feature] of Template 1. In Example 1, the content generating unit 223 inserts "Class 1 river," which is a characteristic of the target feature, and "Arakawa River," which is the name of the target feature, into [characteristic] and [name of feature] of Template 1, respectively. This generates the content for route guidance, "Crossed [Class 1 river], [Arakawa River]."

[0051] Example 2 in FIG. 6(B) is content generated using template 2 in FIG. 6(A). Template 2 is a template in the form of a quiz, and consists of a question section of "What was the river we just passed? Number 1: [name of feature], number 2: [name of feature]," and an answer section of "The correct answer is [name of feature]." Note that the [name of feature] in the question section of template 2 is inserted with the name of the target feature and names of features other than the target feature as options for the quiz. The [name of feature] in the answer section of template 2 is inserted with the name of the target feature as the correct answer to the quiz.

[0052] In Example 2, the content generation unit 223 inserts the name of the target feature, "Arakawa", and the name of a feature other than the target feature, "Tonegawa", into the [Feature Name] in the question part of template 2. The content generation unit 223 also inserts the name of the target feature, "Arakawa", into the [Feature Name] in the answer part of template 2. This generates quiz-style content such as "What was the river we just passed? Number 1: [Arakawa], Number 2: [Tonegawa]," and "The correct answer is [Arakawa]."

[0053] In Example 2 in FIG. 6(B), the name of the target feature, "Arakawa River," and the name of a feature other than the target feature, "Tone River," are inserted in the [Feature Name] of the question part of template 2, but the name of the feature other than the target feature is randomly selected from the feature information table of FIG. 5. The content generation unit 223 randomly obtains one feature name other than the target feature from the feature name column of the feature information table, and inserts it into the [Feature Name] of the question part of template 2. As a result, in addition to "Tone River," "Irumagawa River" or "Etchujima River" may be inserted as the name of a feature other than the target feature in the [Feature Name] of the question part of template 2, making it possible to vary the quiz options.

[0054] The question portion of template 2 in Fig. 6(A) has two [name of place], and in example 2 in Fig. 6(B), the place names are inserted in the order of "No. 1 [Arakawa], No. 2 [Tonegawa]", but the order in which the place names are inserted is determined randomly by the content generation unit 223. This makes it possible to change the order of the options in the quiz.

[0055] Example 3 in FIG. 6(B) is a content generated using template 3 in FIG. 6(A). Template 3 is a template in the form of a quiz, and consists of a question section, "Is the [name of the feature] you just passed [characteristic]?" and an answer section, "The correct answer is [characteristic]." Note that the name of the target feature is inserted into [name of feature] in the question section, and the characteristics of the target feature or features other than the target feature are inserted into [characteristic] in the question section as options for the quiz. Also, the characteristics of the target feature are inserted into [characteristic] in the answer section as the correct answer to the quiz.

[0056] In Example 3, the content generation unit 223 inserts the feature name of the target feature, "Arakawa River", into the [Feature Name] of the question part of template 3, and inserts "Class 2 River", a feature of a feature other than the target feature, into the [Characteristics] of the question part of template 3. The content generation unit 223 also inserts "Class 1 River", a feature of the target feature, into the [Characteristics] of the answer part of template 3. This generates quiz-style content such as "Is the [Arakawa River] we just passed a [Class 2 River]?" and "The correct answer is [Class 1 River]."

[0057] In Example 3 of FIG. 6(B), the content generation unit 223 inserts "second-class river", which is a feature of a feature other than the target feature, into [Feature] in the question part of template 3, and the word inserted into [Feature] is selected at random from the feature information table of FIG. 5. The content generation unit 223 randomly acquires one feature of a feature from the feature column of the feature information table and inserts it into [Feature] in the question part of template 3. As a result, in addition to "second-class river", "first-class river" may be inserted into [Feature] in the question part of template 3, making it possible to vary the content of the quiz.

[0058] In the case of quiz-style content such as examples 2 and 3 in FIG. 6B, the content generating unit 223 first outputs only the question part of the question part and the answer part to the audio output device 100. The audio output device 100 outputs the question part acquired from the content generating unit 223 to the user as a voice. After that, when the user answers the question part, the content generating unit 223 outputs the answer part to the audio output device 100. At this time, if the user answers correctly, the content generating unit 223 may add a message "Your answer is correct" before the answer part and output it to the audio output device 100, or may output only the message "Your answer is correct" to the audio output device 100. In addition, if the user answers incorrectly, the content generating unit 223 may add a message "Your answer is incorrect" before the answer part and output it to the audio output device 100.

[0059] [Processing flow] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a process performed in the server device 200. This process is realized by the control unit 214 of the server device 200 shown in Fig. 3 executing a program prepared in advance. This process is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals during route guidance by the audio output device 100.

[0060] First, the feature information acquisition unit 221 acquires the vehicle position from the audio output device 100 (step S11). Next, the feature information acquisition unit 221 determines a target feature based on the vehicle position, and acquires a feature information table corresponding to the type of the target feature from the map DB 4 (step S12). The feature information table includes the latitude and longitude of the feature, the type of the feature, the feature name, and the features' characteristics. Next, the fixed phrase acquisition unit 222 refers to the type of feature from the feature information table, and acquires a fixed phrase corresponding to the type of the feature (step S13). Note that if there are multiple fixed phrases corresponding to the type of feature, the fixed phrase acquisition unit 222 randomly selects one fixed phrase from the multiple fixed phrases.

[0061] Next, the content generation unit 223 generates content by using the feature names and features included in the feature information table acquired from the feature information acquisition unit 221 and the fixed phrase acquired from the fixed phrase acquisition unit 222 (step S14). The content generation unit 223 transmits the generated content to the audio output device 100 (step S15). The audio output device 100 provides the received content to the user by audio output.

[0062] If the content generated by the content generating unit 223 is quiz-format content and there is an answer from the user to the quiz (step S16: Yes), the content generating unit 223 transmits the correct answer to the quiz to the audio output device 100 (step S17), and then the process ends. On the other hand, if the content generated by the content generating unit 223 is not quiz-format content and does not require an answer from the user, or if the content is quiz-format content but there is no answer from the user (step S16: No), the process ends after a predetermined time has elapsed. Note that if the content is quiz-format content but there is no answer from the user, the content generating unit 223 may transmit the correct answer to the audio output device 100 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0063] [Variations] (Variation 1) The server device 200 may determine the content of the template depending on the timing of outputting the content, such as whether to output the content before the vehicle passes the target feature or after the vehicle passes the target feature. For example, when outputting the content before the vehicle passes the Arakawa River, which is the target feature, the server device 200 outputs the content "Is the [Arakawa River] that we will pass now a [class B river]?". On the other hand, when outputting the content after the vehicle passes the Arakawa River, which is the target feature, the server device 200 outputs the content "Is the [Arakawa River] that we just passed a [class B river]?". In this way, the server device 200 may create template phrases including words related to time, such as "from now on" or "just now", in advance, and select an appropriate template phrase depending on the timing of outputting the content.

[0064] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the server device 200 provides the user with content related to rivers, but the content to be provided is not limited to this, and the server device 200 can generate content in any field. FIG. 8 shows another example of a feature information table. FIG. 8 is a feature information table showing regions and their specialty products. The server device 200 creates in advance fixed phrases corresponding to specialty products, such as "The specialty product of [name of feature] is [characteristic]" or "Speaking of [name of feature], [characteristic] is famous." As a result, the server device 200 can generate content related to specialty products, such as "The specialty product of [Kawagoe City] is [Kawagoe sweet potato]" or "Speaking of [Utsunomiya City], [gyoza] is famous" using the feature information table of FIG. 8 and the above fixed phrases.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and can be supplied to a control unit, which is a computer. The non-transitory computer readable medium includes various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (Random Access Memory)).

[0066] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and corrections that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical ideas. In addition, the disclosures of the above cited patent documents and the like are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 4 Database 100 Audio output device 200 Server device 111, 211 Communications Department 112, 212 Storage section 113 Input section 114, 214 Control section 115 Sensor Group 116 Display section 117 Mike 118 Speaker 119 Exterior Camera 120 In-car camera 221 Feature Information Acquisition Department 222 Fixed phrase acquisition part 223 Content Generation Department

Claims

[Claim 1] a feature information acquisition unit that acquires feature information related to features based on a vehicle position; a template acquisition unit for acquiring a template prepared in advance for each type of the feature; a content generating unit that generates content by inserting words included in the acquired feature information into the template; A content output device comprising:

Images