Content presentation device

Abstract

To provide a content presentation device for making a client waiting for vehicle delivery to feel an entertainment property without affecting a manufacturing process.SOLUTION: A content presentation device 20 includes: a communication part for communicating with a terminal device 40 used by a user 13; and a control part for, when receiving a request for instructing the start of an operation performed in the course of manufacturing a vehicle 14 ordered by the user 13 from the terminal device 40 via the communication part after the starting time of the operation, transmitting an image of the operation, which is taken during the performance of the operation, and a taken image of the same operation as the operation, which is performed on a vehicle different from the vehicle 14, to the terminal device 40 via the communication part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content presentation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that performs tasks such as bolt tightening during the vehicle production process in response to remote control from a user terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-297954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a customer is involved in the production process, there is a risk that the production line will stop until the customer performs an operation.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide entertainment to customers waiting for delivery without affecting the production process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A content presentation device according to the present disclosure includes: a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device used by a user; a control unit that, when receiving a request to instruct the start of work from the terminal device via the communication unit after a timing at which work to be performed in the process of producing the vehicle ordered by the user is to be started, transmits to the terminal device via the communication unit images of the work that were taken while the work was being performed, or images of the same work that is being performed on a vehicle other than the vehicle. Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide entertainment to customers waiting for delivery without affecting the production process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a content presentation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a content presentation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In each drawing, 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.

[0011] The configuration of a content presentation system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] The content presentation system 10 includes a content presentation device 20, an imaging device 30, and a terminal device 40. The content presentation device 20 is capable of communicating with the imaging device 30 and the terminal device 40 via a network 50.

[0013] The content presentation device 20 is a computer such as a server that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system and is installed in a facility such as a data center. The content presentation device 20 is operated by a company that produces multiple vehicles in a factory 11.

[0014] The imaging device 30 is a camera or a device equipped with a camera, which is installed on or near a line corresponding to at least one of a plurality of processes that are carried out sequentially in the production of each vehicle in the factory 11. The imaging device 30 is installed to capture images of the work Wi that is carried out in the process of producing each vehicle in the factory 11.

[0015] In this embodiment, the multiple processes include at least a pressing process, a welding process, a painting process, an assembly process, and an inspection process, which are performed in this order. The pressing process is a process for manufacturing various parts that constitute the vehicle body, as well as other parts such as doors and a hood. The welding process is a process for joining together the various parts manufactured in the pressing process to manufacture the vehicle body. The painting process is a process for painting the vehicle body manufactured in the welding process and the parts manufactured in the pressing process, such as the doors and a hood. The assembly process is a process for assembling each vehicle by attaching a power source such as an engine or a motor, parts painted in the painting process, and other parts such as an air conditioner, seats, and a steering wheel to the vehicle body painted in the painting process. The inspection process is a process for inspecting each vehicle assembled in the assembly process.

[0016] The multiple steps may further include an option installation step. For example, the option installation step may be performed before or after the inspection step. The option installation step is a step of attaching optional equipment such as a navigation device or optional parts such as decorative parts to each vehicle.

[0017] The terminal device 40 is a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet held by the user 13. Alternatively, the terminal device 40 may be a general-purpose device such as a PC installed at the user 13's home or other location. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. The terminal device 40 is used by the user 13 to view or listen to content presented by the content presentation device 20. The user 13 is a customer who has ordered a vehicle 14 and is waiting for delivery.

[0018] Network 50 may include 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. Network 50 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, 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.

[0019] An overview of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] The terminal device 40 transmits a request to the content presentation device 20 via the network 50 to instruct the start of work Wi, which is to be performed in the production process of the vehicle 14 ordered by the user 13. When the content presentation device 20 receives the request to instruct the start of work Wi from the terminal device 40 via the network 50 after the timing to start work Wi, the content presentation device 20 transmits to the terminal device 40 via the network 50 images of work Wi taken while the work Wi was being performed, or images of work identical to work Wi being performed on a vehicle other than vehicle 14. When the terminal device 40 receives the images from the content presentation device 20 via the network 50, it displays the received images. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a sense of entertainment to customers awaiting delivery without affecting the production process.

[0021] The vehicle 14 may be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 14 may be a dedicated MaaS vehicle. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0022] The configuration of the content presentation device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] The content presentation device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit .

[0024] The control unit 21 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. An example of the programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of the dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls each part of the content presentation device 20 and executes processing related to the operation of the content presentation device 20.

[0025] The storage unit 22 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. 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. ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. Flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the content presentation device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the content presentation device 20.

[0026] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module that complies with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the content presentation device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the content presentation device 20.

[0027] The functions of the content presentation device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the content presentation device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the content presentation device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the content presentation device 20. That is, the computer functions as the content presentation device 20 by executing the operations of the content presentation device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0028] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and ROMs. The program can be distributed by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs that store 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 can also be distributed by storing it in the storage of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0029] A computer temporarily stores a program stored on a portable medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device using a processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. Processing may also be executed through a so-called ASP-type service that achieves its functions by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer and includes something equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but has properties that specify computer processing falls under the category of "something equivalent to a program."

[0030] Some or all of the functions of the content presentation device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the content presentation device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0031] The operation of the content presentation device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The operation described below corresponds to the content presentation method according to this embodiment. That is, the content presentation method according to this embodiment includes steps S1 to S4 shown in Fig. 3.

[0032] In S1, the control unit 21 receives a request from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23 to instruct the start of work Wi to be performed in the process of producing the vehicle 14 ordered by the user 13. For example, when the user 13 presses a button such as a Go / Stop button on the screen of the terminal device 40, the request is transmitted from the terminal device 40 to the content presentation device 20.

[0033] As a first example, the control unit 21 receives from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23 a request to start work W1, which is performed on the vehicle 14 in the pressing process, such as cutting a steel plate and bending it in a press. As a second example, the control unit 21 receives from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23 a request to start work W2, which is performed on the vehicle 14 in the welding process, such as melting and joining parts made in the pressing process using electricity or the heat of a laser beam. As a third example, the control unit 21 receives from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23 a request to start work W3, which is performed on the vehicle 14 in the painting process, such as cleaning and automatically painting the vehicle body made in the welding process. As a fourth example, the control unit 21 receives from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23 a request to start work W4, which is performed on the vehicle 14 in the assembly process, such as manually attaching parts to the vehicle body painted in the painting process. As a fifth example, the control unit 21 receives from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23 a request to start work W5, such as a driving test, which is performed on the vehicle 14 during the inspection process. As a sixth example, the control unit 21 receives from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23 a request to start work W6, such as manual installation of optional equipment or optional parts, which is performed on the vehicle 14 during the option installation process.

[0034] In S2, the control unit 21 determines whether the request received in S1 is slow. If it is determined that the request is not slow, step S3 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request is slow, step S4 is executed. Details of step S2 are explained below.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the user 13 orders a vehicle 14, a user ID for identifying the user 13 and a VIN for identifying the vehicle 14 are linked to each other and registered in a database. "ID" is an abbreviation for "identifier." "VIN" is an abbreviation for "vehicle identification number." The database may be an internal database built in the memory unit 22, or may be an external database that the control unit 21 can access via the communication unit 23.

[0036] In this embodiment, the production progress of the vehicle 14, i.e., which process is currently being performed on the vehicle 14, is linked to the VIN and managed in a database. For example, when a certain process is started for the vehicle 14, the VIN is read from a tag, such as an RFID tag, attached to the vehicle 14 or a part of the vehicle 14 by a tag reader installed on the line corresponding to that process in the factory 11. "RFID" is an abbreviation for radio-frequency identification. The read VIN is notified to the imaging device 30 or another device. Then, the imaging device 30 or another device links a process ID for identifying that process and the current date and time to the VIN and registers them in the database.

[0037] The control unit 21 identifies a VIN linked to the user ID in the database. The control unit 21 further identifies a process ID corresponding to the most recent date and time among the dates and times linked to the identified VIN in the database, thereby identifying a process currently being performed for the vehicle 14 ordered by the user 13. If the identified process is a process that precedes the process in which the work Wi is performed, the control unit 21 determines that the request was received before the timing to start the work Wi. If the identified process is the same process in which the work Wi is performed, the control unit 21 receives captured images of the line corresponding to the process from the imaging device 30 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 analyzes the received captured images to determine whether the work Wi has already started for the vehicle 14. Known methods can be used for image analysis. Machine learning, such as deep learning, may also be used. If the control unit 21 determines that the work Wi has not yet started for the vehicle 14, it determines that the request was received before the timing to start the work Wi. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the work Wi has already started for the vehicle 14, it determines that the request was received after the timing to start the work Wi. Even if the identified process is a process that follows the process in which the work Wi is being performed, the control unit 21 determines that the request was received after the timing to start the work Wi. If it is determined that the request was received before the timing to start the work Wi, step S3 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the request was received after the timing to start the work Wi, it executes step S4.

[0038] In a first example, step S3 is executed when a request is received before the timing to start operation W1 in the pressing process, and step S4 is executed when a request is received after the timing to start operation W1 in the pressing process. In a second example, step S3 is executed when a request is received before the timing to start operation W2 in the welding process, and step S4 is executed when a request is received after the timing to start operation W2 in the welding process. In a third example, step S3 is executed when a request is received before the timing to start operation W3 in the painting process, and step S4 is executed when a request is received after the timing to start operation W3 in the painting process. In a fourth example, step S3 is executed when a request is received before the timing to start operation W4 in the assembly process, and step S4 is executed when a request is received after the timing to start operation W4 in the assembly process. In a fifth example, step S3 is executed when a request is received before the timing to start operation W5 in the inspection process, and step S4 is executed when a request is received after the timing to start operation W5 in the inspection process. In the sixth example, step S3 is executed if a request is received before the timing of starting work W6 in the optional construction process, and step S4 is executed if a request is received after the timing of starting work W6 in the optional construction process.

[0039] In S3, the control unit 21 causes a display device that displays instructions to a worker performing the work Wi to display an instruction to start the work Wi via the communication unit 23. The display device is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescent. The control unit 21 may cause a robot performing the work Wi to start the work Wi via the communication unit 23. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may cause a management device used by a manager who manages the production progress of each vehicle to output an instruction to start the work Wi via the communication unit 23. The management device may be, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, a general-purpose device such as a PC, or a dedicated device in the factory 11. When the work Wi starts, the control unit 21 receives a first image from the imaging device 30 via the communication unit 23. The first image is an image of the work Wi captured in real time by the imaging device 30 while the work Wi is being performed. This captured image is, for example, a video. The control unit 21 transmits the received first image to the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23. Upon receiving the first image from the content presentation device 20, the terminal device 40 displays the received first image to the user 13.

[0040] In S4, the control unit 21 receives a second image from the imaging device 30 via the communication unit 23. The second image is a photographed image of the work Wi captured by the imaging device 30 while the work Wi was being performed and stored in storage. This photographed image is, for example, a video. The storage may be an internal storage secured in the memory unit 22 or an external storage accessible by the control unit 21 via the communication unit 23. The second image may be a photographed image of the same work Wi captured in real time by the imaging device 30 while the same work Wi was being performed on a vehicle other than the vehicle 14. This photographed image is, for example, a video. The "vehicle other than the vehicle 14" is preferably one that looks the same as the vehicle 14, such as the same model as the vehicle 14. The second image may be a photographed image of the same work Wi captured by the imaging device 30 while the same work Wi was being performed on a vehicle other than the vehicle 14 and stored in storage. This photographed image is, for example, a video. The control unit 21 transmits the received second image to the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23. Upon receiving the second image from the content presentation device 20, the terminal device 40 displays the received second image to the user 13.

[0041] The operation shown in FIG. 3 is executed every time a request is sent from the terminal device 40.

[0042] The control unit 21 may refer to the database to predict the timing when the work Wi will be started and notify the user 13 of the predicted timing in advance. For example, the control unit 21 may cooperate with a calendar application installed on the terminal device 40 to automatically set a schedule or a task.

[0043] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Two or more steps shown in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order, instead of being executed in chronological order as described, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 10 Content Presentation System 11 Factory 13 users 14 vehicles 20 Content presentation device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Imaging device 40 Terminal Equipment 50 Network

Claims

[Claim 1] a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device used by a user; a control unit that, when receiving a request to instruct the start of work from the terminal device via the communication unit after a timing at which work to be performed in the process of producing the vehicle ordered by the user is to be started, transmits to the terminal device via the communication unit images of the work that were taken while the work was being performed, or images of the same work that is being performed on a vehicle other than the vehicle. A content presentation device comprising:

Images