Control device and program

Abstract

To reduce the stress of waiting for vehicle delivery by providing highly entertaining services to customers waiting for vehicle delivery.SOLUTION: A control device 10 includes a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device 20 of a user 21, and a control unit that acquires progress data indicating the progress of production of a vehicle ordered by the user 21, sets a character's growth level according to the progress indicated by the acquired progress data, and transmits an image of the character that changes depending on the growth level to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information providing device that provides a user with the progress status of a specific vehicle until parking. This device provides, for example, a captured image during assembly or position information during transportation to a user terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional device, the entertainment property of the service provided to customers waiting for parking is insufficient.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the stress of waiting for parking by providing a highly entertaining service to customers waiting for parking.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0007] The program according to the present disclosure Obtaining progress data indicating the progress of production of a vehicle ordered by a user, Setting the growth degree of a character according to the progress indicated by the obtained progress data, Displaying an image of the character that changes according to the growth degree, and causing a computer to execute operations including the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, by providing a highly entertaining service to customers waiting for vehicle delivery, the stress of waiting for vehicle delivery can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0011] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

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

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

[0015] The terminal device 20 is a computer capable of installing and executing application programs, such as a PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet. The terminal device 20 is used by the user 21.

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

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of this embodiment will be described.

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

[0019] According to this embodiment, by providing a highly entertaining service to the user 21 waiting for vehicle delivery, the stress of waiting for vehicle delivery can be reduced.

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

[0021] In this embodiment, the vehicle manufacturer uses a dedicated server to centrally manage the progress of the production of the vehicle F. The dedicated server is a cloud server or an on-premise server installed in a facility such as a factory of the vehicle manufacturer. The progress status data is data indicating the process in which the vehicle F is currently involved among a plurality of processes included in the production of the vehicle F as the progress status of the production of the vehicle F, and indicating the date and time when the process was started. When a certain process is started, for example, a tag reader installed on a line corresponding to the process in a factory reads a tag with a VIN written thereon attached to the vehicle F, and the dedicated server records data indicating the process and the date and time when the vehicle F was involved in the process as progress status data. The progress status data is transmitted from the dedicated server to the control device 10.

[0022] An example of multiple processes included in the production of vehicle F is shown in FIG. 2. The production of vehicle F includes four processes: a pre-manufacturing process, an in-manufacturing process, a post-manufacturing process, and a delivered process. The in-manufacturing process includes the sub-processes of pressing, painting, and assembly. The pre-manufacturing process is a process from when the user 21 orders vehicle F until production at the factory begins. The in-manufacturing process is a process while vehicle F is being manufactured at the factory. The post-manufacturing process is a process until production of vehicle F is completed and before it is delivered to user 21. The delivered process is a process after vehicle F is delivered to user 21. Vehicle F progresses through these processes in order.

[0023] As an example, first, a VIN of "1104" is assigned to vehicle F. At this point, the progress status data indicates a pre-manufacturing process. Next, when production of vehicle F begins at the factory, the progress status data indicates a manufacturing process. When production of vehicle F is completed, the progress status data indicates a post-manufacturing process. Finally, when vehicle F is delivered to user 21, the progress status data indicates a delivered process.

[0024] In this embodiment, the service according to the present disclosure is provided to user 21 according to the progress status. The service according to the present disclosure is a service that provides an image of a character to user 21. The "image of a character" is an image including a character that changes according to the degree of growth set according to the progress status of the production of vehicle F. The character may be predetermined or may be selected by user 21 from a plurality of them. The "degree of growth" is the degree of growth of the character in the image displayed on terminal device 20 of user 21. The degree of growth is set to an initial value of 0 when vehicle F is ordered. As the production process of vehicle F progresses, the value of the degree of growth increases. The character grows as the value of the degree of growth increases.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

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

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

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

[0029] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is a module compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11, or a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 13 communicates with the terminal device 20 via the network 30. The communication unit 13 receives data used for the operation of the control device 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 10.

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

[0031] The program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The distribution of the program is carried out, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be stored in the server's storage and distributed by transferring the program from the server to other computers. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0032] The computer stores, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server, once, in the main memory device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory device with the processor and executes the processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may directly read the program from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may sequentially execute the processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. The processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that realizes the function only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. The program includes information for use in the processing by an electronic computer that conforms to the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the property of defining the processing of the computer corresponds to "what conforms to the program".

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

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operations described below correspond to the control method according to the present embodiment. That is, the control method according to the present embodiment includes the steps of S1 to S8 shown in FIG. 4.

[0035] When a user ID is assigned to the user 21 who has ordered the vehicle F and a VIN is assigned to the vehicle F, the step of S1 is started. After the flow shown in FIG. 4 ends, when a predetermined period such as one day has elapsed, or at other predetermined timings, the step of S1 is also started.

[0036] In S1, the control unit 11 acquires progress status data. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires the progress status data from a dedicated server via the communication unit 13. In the present embodiment, the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates any one of the four processes in FIG. 2. Further, the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the date and time when the process was started.

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

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

[0039] In S4, the control unit 11 transmits, via the communication unit 13, an image of a character that changes according to the growth degree set in S3 to the terminal device 20. Specifically, when the growth degree set in S3 is the initial value, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the growth of the character is in the first stage. When the growth degree set in S3 is a value corresponding to the Nth step, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the growth of the character is in the Nth stage. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The character may be a real thing or an imaginary thing as long as it grows, such as a human, an animal, or a plant. As an example, when the character is a monster, the first stage of growth may be the egg stage, the second stage may be the cub stage, the third stage may be the adult stage, and the fourth stage may be the stage of departure. "Departure" means moving to a place away from the place where the character was born and raised, such as a nest or a house. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 0, the control unit 11 generates an image of an egg as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 100, the control unit 11 generates an image of a cub as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 200, the control unit 11 generates an image of an adult as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 300, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the adult is on a journey as the image of the character. As another example, when the character is a human, the first stage of growth may be the child stage, the second stage may be the youth stage, the third stage may be the stage of departure, and the fourth stage may be the stage of battle. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 0, the control unit 11 generates an image of a child as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 100, the control unit 11 generates an image of a youth as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 200, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the youth is on a journey as the image of the character. For example, when the growth degree set in S3 is 300, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the youth is fighting a monster as the image of the character. By the terminal device 20 receiving and displaying the image of the character, the entertainment property of the service provided to the user 21 can be further enhanced.

[0040] In S5, the control unit 11 transmits a vehicle image of the vehicle F to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13 according to the progress status indicated by the progress status data acquired in S1. The vehicle image is an image of the vehicle F taken in each process of the production of the vehicle F. The vehicle image is taken by a camera installed in the factory and stored in a dedicated server. There may be a plurality of vehicle images. Specifically, when the current process of the vehicle F indicated by the progress status data acquired in S1 is the first process among the plurality of processes included in the production of the vehicle F, the control unit 11 acquires, from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13, the vehicle image taken in the first process. When the current process of the vehicle F indicated by the progress status data acquired in S1 is the Nth process among the plurality of processes included in the production of the vehicle F, the control unit 11 acquires, via the communication unit 13, the vehicle image taken in the Nth process. The control unit 11 transmits the acquired vehicle image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. However, after the vehicle F is delivered, the control unit 11 does not perform the step of S5. As an example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the pre-production process, the control unit 11 transmits, to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13, the vehicle image taken in the pre-production process. The vehicle image taken in the pre-production process is, for example, an image of the materials used in the production of the vehicle F. When the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the in-production process, the control unit 11 transmits, to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13, the vehicle image taken in the in-production process. The vehicle image taken in the in-production process is, for example, an image of the vehicle F when the vehicle F has passed through three sub-processes of pressing, painting, and assembly. When the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the post-production process, the control unit 11 transmits, to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13, the vehicle image taken in the post-production process. The vehicle image taken in the post-production process is, for example, an image of the vehicle F when vehicle options are installed, or an image of the vehicle F at the delivery location. When the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the delivered process, the control unit 11 does not perform the step of S5. By receiving and displaying the vehicle image on the terminal device 20, the user 21 can view the actual production status of the vehicle F.

[0041] After S5, the flow shown in FIG. 4 ends.

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

[0043] In S7, the control unit 11 sets the growth rate every time a predetermined period elapses, even during a period when there is no change in the progress status indicated by the progress status data acquired in S1. Specifically, when the elapsed period calculated in S6 is equal to an integer multiple of the predetermined period, the control unit 11 sets the growth rate of the character to a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the value stored in the storage unit 12. However, if the value after addition is equal to or greater than the growth rate set in the next process, the control unit 11 does not add the predetermined value. The predetermined period may vary for each process. As an example, the predetermined period is 30 days in the pre-manufacturing process, 1 day in the manufacturing process, and 2 days in the post-manufacturing process. The predetermined value is 10. For example, if the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 29 days, the control unit 11 keeps the growth rate at 0. When the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 becomes 30 days, the elapsed period is equal to 1 times the predetermined period of 30 days, and the control unit 11 sets the growth rate to 10. When the elapsed period calculated in S6 becomes 60 days, the elapsed period is equal to 2 times the predetermined period of 30 days, and the control unit 11 sets the growth rate to 20. However, in the pre-manufacturing process, even if the elapsed period calculated in S6 is equal to an integer multiple of 30 days, the control unit 11 does not add to a growth rate of 100 or more. For example, if the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 1 day, the control unit 11 sets the growth rate of the character to 110. For example, if the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 1 day, the control unit 11 keeps the growth rate at 200. When the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 2 days, the control unit 11 sets the growth rate of the character to 210.

[0044] In S8, the control unit 11 transmits, via the communication unit 13, an image of a character that is the same as the image transmitted in S4 and changes according to the growth degree set in S7 to the terminal device 20. Specifically, when the growth degree set in S7 is between the initial value and the value corresponding to the second step, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the growth of the character has advanced a little in the first stage. When the growth degree set in S7 is between the value corresponding to the Nth step and the value corresponding to the (N + 1)th step, the control unit 11 generates an image in which the growth of the character has advanced a little in the Nth stage. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the growth degree set in S7 is 10, the control unit 11 generates, as an image of the character, an image with one crack in the eggshell. For example, when the growth degree set in S7 is 20, the control unit 11 generates, as an image of the character, an image with two cracks in the eggshell or an image in which one crack in the eggshell has become a little larger. For example, when the growth degree set in S7 is 110, the control unit 11 generates, as an image of the character, an image in which the cub has become a little larger, for example, an image of a baby becoming a child. For example, when the growth degree set in S7 is 210, the control unit 11 transmits, as an image of the character, an image in which the adult animal has become a little larger. Even during a period when there is no change in the progress of the production of the vehicle F, by advancing the growth of the character every time a certain period elapses, it is possible to reduce the stress of the user 21 waiting for the delivery of the vehicle when a delay occurs in the production of the vehicle F.

[0045] After S8, the flow shown in FIG. 4 ends.

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

[0047] According to the present embodiment, by providing a highly entertaining service to the user 21 waiting for vehicle delivery, the stress of waiting for vehicle delivery can be reduced.

[0048] As a modification of this embodiment, the control unit 11 may acquire color data indicating the body color of the vehicle F. When the painting is completed, the control unit 11 may change the color of the character in the character image to the color corresponding to the body color indicated by the acquired color data. The color data is stored in advance in a dedicated server, for example. The progress status data is data that further indicates the sub-process to which the vehicle F currently belongs when the process to which the vehicle F currently belongs is the manufacturing process. In S2, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the sub-process of assembly, which is the next sub-process after painting, the control unit 11 determines that the painting is completed. Since the process remains in the manufacturing state even when the sub-process advances from painting to assembly, the process proceeds from S2 to S6, S7, and then S8. In S8, the control unit 11 acquires the color data from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 generates an image in which the color of the character is changed to the color corresponding to the body color indicated by the acquired color data as the character image. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the sub-process indicated by the progress status data acquired in S1 has changed from painting to assembly, it acquires data indicating the body color "silver" of the vehicle F from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. When the growth degree set in S7 is 110, the control unit 11 generates an image in which at least a part of the body of the cub, which has become a little larger, for example, a cub that has become a child, has been changed to silver. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. By changing the color of the character in accordance with the timing when the body color of the vehicle F changes, the entertainment property of the service provided to the user 21 can be further enhanced. The color of the character may be changed to the same color as the body color of the vehicle F, or may be changed to a color in the same color system as the body color of the vehicle F.

[0049] As another modification of the present embodiment, the production of the vehicle F may include option installation. The control unit 11 may further acquire vehicle option data indicating one or more vehicle options ordered by the user 21. When the option installation is completed, the control unit 11 may transmit, as the character's image, an image in which the character wears an item corresponding to the vehicle option indicated by the acquired vehicle option data. The vehicle option data is stored in advance in a dedicated server, for example. The progress status data is data that further indicates whether or not the installation on the vehicle F has been completed for each vehicle option ordered by the user 21. In S4 or S8, the control unit 11 acquires the vehicle option data from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 determines, from the progress status data acquired in S1, the vehicle options for which the option installation has been completed among the vehicle options indicated by the acquired vehicle option data. The control unit 11 generates, as the character's image, an image in which the character wears an item corresponding to the determined vehicle option. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. As an example, assume that the vehicle options ordered by the user 21 are an original navigation system and an on-vehicle ETC unit, and the option installation of the original navigation system is included in the in-production process, and the option installation of the on-vehicle ETC unit is included in the post-production process. "ETC" is an abbreviation for electronic toll collection system. For example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the in-production process, if the control unit 11 recognizes from the progress status data that the installation of the original navigation system has been completed, the control unit 11 generates an image in which a cub wears a sword as an item corresponding to the original navigation system. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the post-production process, if the control unit 11 recognizes from the progress status data that the installation of the on-vehicle ETC unit has been completed, in addition to the sword which is an item corresponding to the original navigation system, the control unit 11 generates an image in which an adult wears a shield as an item corresponding to the on-vehicle ETC unit. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13.By equipping the character with an item in accordance with the timing when the option of the vehicle F is installed, the entertainment of the service provided to the user 21 can be further enhanced.

[0050] As yet another modification example of the present embodiment, the control unit 11 may transmit additional option data indicating vehicle options that the user 21 can order additionally to the terminal device 20 according to the progress status indicated by the progress status data. For example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the first process, the control unit 11 transmits, as the additional option data, data indicating unordered vehicle options that can be installed in the second process and subsequent processes to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. When the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the Nth process, the control unit 11 transmits, as the additional option data, data indicating unordered vehicle options that can be installed in the (N + 1)th process and subsequent processes to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. When there are no unordered vehicle options that can be installed in the (N + 1)th process and subsequent processes, the control unit 11 may transmit, as the additional option data, a message indicating that there are no vehicle options that can be added to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. As an example, it is assumed that the user 21 can order additional vehicle options for body parts and floor mats even after ordering vehicle F. Since the body parts are installed in the manufacturing process, they can be ordered additionally during the pre-manufacturing process. Also, since the floor mats are installed in the post-manufacturing process, they can be ordered additionally during the pre-manufacturing process and the manufacturing process. For example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits, as the additional option data, data indicating body parts and floor mats to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits, as the additional option data, data indicating floor mats to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits, as a message indicating that there are no vehicle options that the user 21 can order additionally, a message such as "No vehicle options can be ordered" to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. By displaying the vehicle option data received by the terminal device 20, it becomes easier for the user 21 to order additional vehicle options.

[0051] As yet another modification of the present embodiment, the control unit 11 may transmit an image of the character to the vehicle F when the vehicle parking is completed. Specifically, when the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates a vehicle parked state, the control unit 11 may determine that the vehicle parking is completed and transmit the image generated in S4 to the vehicle F via the communication unit 13. The vehicle F may display this image on the multimedia screen of the vehicle F. By displaying the image of the grown character on the screen of the vehicle F, the user 21 can be made to feel attachment to the vehicle F immediately after the vehicle parking.

[0052] As yet another modification of the present embodiment, the control unit 11 may further transmit an image of the character to a server that controls another game via the communication unit 13. Further, the control unit 11 may further transmit vehicle option data indicating the vehicle options ordered by the user 21, and the character may become stronger according to the vehicle options indicated by the vehicle option data. The character is, for example, a horse. For example, the control unit 11 may transmit an image of the grown horse to a server that controls a game of raising racehorses so that the grown horse can participate in a race. Also, for example, the control unit 11 may further transmit vehicle option data indicating the "engine starter function", which is a vehicle option ordered by the user 21, and thereby the horse may become even faster. Thereby, the entertainment property of the service can be further enhanced.

[0053] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in time series according to the description, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing capabilities of the device that executes the steps, or as necessary. Other changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1 System 10 Control Device 11 Control Unit 12 Storage Unit 13 Communication section 20 Terminal device 21 User 30 Network

Claims

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

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the growth degree every time a predetermined period elapses even during a period when there is no change in the progress status.

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

4. The production of the vehicle includes optional work, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further acquires vehicle option data indicating the vehicle options ordered by the user, and when the optional work is completed, transmits, as the image of the character, an image in which the character wears an item corresponding to the vehicle option indicated by the acquired vehicle option data.

5. A program for causing a computer to execute operations including: acquiring progress status data indicating the progress of production of the vehicle ordered by the user; setting the growth degree of a character according to the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data; and displaying an image of the character that changes according to the growth degree.

Images