Information display device, control method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

A moving body terminal 1 or a server device 7 functions as an information presentation device and comprises a detection unit, a priority level correction unit, and a presentation control unit. The detection unit detects a plurality of spots serving as candidates for presentation. The priority level correction unit corrects the presentation priority level for each type of the plurality of spots on the basis of the number of each type of the plurality of spots. On the basis of the corrected priority level, the presentation control unit causes a presentation unit to present any of the plurality of spots.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , , ,

[0005] , The fewer the aforementioned number, the higher the value should be. , , Within the aforementioned predetermined range , , Within a predetermined range set based on the user's current location or a point specified by the user, , , ,

[0001] This disclosure relates to the presentation of information regarding spots.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for presenting information regarding spots recommended to users have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a server device that preferentially distributes to a user information on spots belonging to a genre with a high evaluation value determined according to the user's travel purpose and travel situation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The priority correction unit that performs the correction, A presentation control unit causes the presentation unit to present one of the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority, It is characterized by being an information presentation device equipped with the following features.

[0007] Claim 8 The invention described is A control method performed by a computer, Within a predetermined range set based on the user's current location or a point specified by the user, A detection process for detecting multiple candidate spots to be presented, Within the aforementioned predetermined range Based on the number of each type of the aforementioned multiple spots ,before Prioritizing the presentation of each type of information. The fewer the aforementioned number, the higher the value should be. The priority correction process to be corrected, A presentation control step in which the presentation unit presents one of the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority, The control method is characterized by having the following features.

[0008] Claim 9 The invention described is Within a predetermined range set based on the user's current location or a point specified by the user, A detection unit that detects multiple candidate spots to be presented, Within the aforementioned predetermined range Based on the number of each type of the aforementioned multiple spots ,before Prioritizing the presentation of each type of information. The fewer the aforementioned number, the higher the value should be. The priority correction unit that performs the correction, Based on the corrected priority, the presentation control unit causes the presentation unit to present one of the plurality of spots. It is a program that makes a computer function. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] An example configuration of the spot display system according to the embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] An example of a general configuration of a mobile terminal is shown. [Figure 3](A) This is an example of a table showing the relationship between the facility type, which is the top-level concept classification for spots, and the priority. (B) This is an example of a table showing the relationship between the store form type, which classifies the spots corresponding to "restaurants" among the facility types according to the difference in store form, the correction value of the priority by customization for each store form type, and the priority reflecting the correction value. (C) This is an example of a table showing the relationship between the chain store type, which classifies the spots corresponding to "family restaurants" among the store form types by each chain store, the correction value of the priority by customization for each chain store type, and the priority reflecting the correction value. [Figure 4] This is a distribution diagram of candidate spots in the first specific example. [Figure 5] This is a table showing the type number correction value for each type and the priority before and after reflecting the type number correction value in the first specific example. [Figure 6] This is a distribution diagram of candidate spots in the second specific example. [Figure 7] This is a table showing the type number correction value for each type and the priority before and after reflecting the type number correction value in the second specific example. [Figure 8] This is an example of a flowchart regarding the output of recommendation information in the embodiment. [Figure 9] This shows a configuration example of a spot presentation system according to a modified example. [Figure 10] This shows an example of the schematic configuration of a server device. [[ID=2>]]

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the information presentation device includes a detection unit that detects a plurality of candidate spots to be presented, a priority correction unit that corrects the presentation priority for each type of the plurality of spots based on the number of each type of the plurality of spots, and a presentation control unit that causes the presentation unit to present any one of the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority. With this aspect, since the information presentation device presents spots considering the number of each type of candidate spots to be presented, it is possible to prevent biased presentation of spots of the same type.

[0011] In one embodiment of the above-described information display device, the priority correction unit corrects the priority so that the fewer the number of items of each type, the higher the priority. As a result, the information display device can effectively suppress the display of information that is biased towards the same type of spot.

[0012] In another embodiment of the information presentation device described above, the priority correction unit sets a threshold value based on the maximum number of each type, and corrects the priority of the types whose number is less than or equal to the threshold value to be higher. As a result, the information presentation device can give higher priority to the presentation of spots of types that are less numerous among the candidate spots to be presented, and effectively suppress the presentation of spots of the same type.

[0013] In another embodiment of the information display device described above, the display control unit sequentially executes the process of selecting one spot from the plurality of spots in order of corrected priority during the period in which the display unit is permitted to display, and causing the display unit to display the selected spot. In this embodiment, the information display device can effectively suppress biased display of similar spots.

[0014] In another embodiment of the information display device described above, the display control unit selects a predetermined number of spots from the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority, and displays the selected predetermined number of spots in a list by the display unit. In this embodiment as well, the information display device can suitably suppress the display of spots of the same type.

[0015] In another embodiment of the information display device described above, the priority correction unit switches the priority correction on and off based on the current location of the user to whom the display unit presents the spot. In this embodiment, the information display device can accurately switch the priority correction of the display on and off.

[0016] In another embodiment of the information display device described above, the priority correction unit corrects the priority based on setting information indicating whether the correction of the priority for each type is turned on or off. In this embodiment, the information display device can accurately reflect whether or not the correction of the priority of the display is necessary for each type.

[0017] In another embodiment of the information display device described above, the detection unit detects multiple spots from spots located within a predetermined range of a point set based on the user's current location or designation, to which the display unit presents the spots. In this embodiment, the information display device can suitably identify multiple spots that are candidates for presentation.

[0018] In another embodiment of the information display device described above, the detection unit detects multiple spots from spots located within an area set based on the user's planned travel route to which the display unit presents the spots. In this embodiment as well, the information display device can suitably identify multiple spots that are candidates for presentation.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a control method performed by a computer comprises: a detection step of detecting a plurality of candidate spots to be presented; a priority correction step of correcting the presentation priority of the plurality of spots for each type based on the number of each type of spot; and a presentation control step of causing a presentation unit to present one of the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority. By performing this control method, the computer can present spots while taking into account the number of each type of candidate spot to be presented.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the presenting control program causes a computer to function as a detection unit that detects a plurality of candidate spots to be presented, a priority correction unit that corrects the priority of presenting each type of spot based on the number of each type of spot, and a presentation control unit that causes the presentation unit to present one of the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority. By executing this program, the computer can present spots while taking into account the number of each type of candidate spot to be presented. Preferably, the above program is stored in a storage medium. [Examples]

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (1) System Configuration Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a spot display system according to an embodiment. The spot display system is a system that displays information about spots and has a mobile terminal 1 that moves together with the vehicle in which the user is riding (also called the "target vehicle"). Here, "spot" refers to any place that can be set as a destination, and may be any facility or a place such as a tourist spot.

[0023] Mobile terminal 1 moves with the target vehicle and provides information about spots located around the target vehicle. In this embodiment, mobile terminal 1 selects spots to recommend to the user (also called "recommended spots") from the spots located in the area surrounding the target vehicle, based on a priority determined for each type of spot. Then, mobile terminal 1 outputs information about the recommended spots (also called "recommendation information") by voice. The recommendation information is arbitrary information to inform the user of the existence of recommended spots, and may also be advertisements related to recommended spots.

[0024] Mobile terminal 1 may be a navigation device installed in the target vehicle that provides route guidance to a set destination, or it may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by the user. Mobile terminal 1 may also be integrated into the target vehicle. Mobile terminal 1 is an example of an "information display device." The target vehicle or user is an example of a "mobile entity."

[0025] (2) Equipment configuration Figure 2 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 1. The mobile terminal 1 mainly consists of a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a control unit 14, a sensor group 15, a display unit 16, and a sound output unit 17. Each element within the mobile terminal 1 is interconnected via a bus line 10.

[0026] The communication unit 11 performs data communication with other terminals based on the control of the control unit 14. The communication unit 11 may, for example, receive update data for updating the spot information DB5 from a management server (not shown).

[0027] The storage unit 12 is composed of various types of memory, including RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and non-volatile memory (including hard disk drives, flash memory, etc.). The storage unit 12 stores programs and software (including applications installed on the mobile terminal 1) that allow the mobile terminal 1 to perform predetermined processes. The aforementioned applications may be any applications that provide content on the mobile terminal 1 to the user. The storage unit 12 is also used as working memory for the control unit 14. The programs executed by the mobile terminal 1 and other information may be stored in external devices other than the storage unit 12 that communicate with the mobile terminal 1 (including server devices), a storage medium that can be attached to or removed from the mobile terminal 1, or any other storage medium.

[0028] Furthermore, the memory unit 12 stores the spot information DB5 and the spot setting information 6.

[0029] The Spot Information DB5 is a database of spots that can be set as destinations. The Spot Information DB5 contains records representing information for each spot, and each record includes the spot name, type (category), chain store flag indicating whether or not it is a chain store, chain store name if it is a chain store, location information, various other attribute information, an audio file for describing the spot via voice output, and photographic data of the spot. In this embodiment, the types of spots are classified hierarchically by multiple layers. The Spot Information DB5 may be updated under the control of the control unit 14 based on information received by the communication unit 11 from a management server (not shown).

[0030] Spot setting information 6 is the setting information necessary to determine the recommended spot. Spot setting information 6 includes recommended spot type information and priority information. Recommended spot type information indicates the type of spot to be selected as a recommended spot. Priority information indicates the priority (recommendation level) to present each type of spot that is a candidate for selection as a recommended spot. Therefore, if there are multiple spots that are candidates for recommended spots, the recommendation information for the spot with the higher priority will be output with priority.

[0031] The spot setting information 6 may be updated, for example, based on input by the user via the input unit 13, or based on the user's activity history of the target vehicle. The activity history may include visit history (which may also be destination setting history) and search history.

[0032] Furthermore, the memory unit 12 also stores information about the output permission area, which is the area where the output of recommendation information for each spot is permitted. The output permission area is an area set to encompass the location of the spot. The mobile terminal 1 outputs recommendation information for a spot via voice when the current location of the target vehicle is within the output permission area set for that spot. Typically, the mobile terminal 1 outputs recommendation information for the approaching spot via voice during the period when the target vehicle is approaching within a distance set for each spot. The output permission area may be set differently for each spot by storing information about the output permission area in the record for each spot in the spot information DB5, or it may be set uniformly for all spots.

[0033] Mobile terminal 1 identifies spots within a predetermined range based on the target vehicle's current location as candidate recommendation spots (also referred to as "candidate spots"), and outputs recommendation information for a candidate spot via voice if the target vehicle's current location is within the permitted output area of ​​a candidate spot. If the target vehicle's current location is within the permitted output area of ​​multiple candidate spots, mobile terminal 1 sequentially selects the recommendation spots in order of priority for presentation as recommendation spots, and outputs the recommendation information for the selected recommendation spots via voice. Furthermore, even if there are candidate spots that have not yet output recommendation information, mobile terminal 1 will not output recommendation information for spots where the target vehicle's current location is outside the permitted output area.

[0034] Thus, the mobile terminal 1 determines the output permission period, which is the period during which recommendation information for recommendation spots can be output, depending on whether the target vehicle's current location is within the output permission area. Then, the mobile terminal 1 sequentially executes the process of outputting recommendation information for candidate spots that are within the output permission period. As a result, candidate spots with lower priority are less likely to have recommendation information output.

[0035] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 1 performs route guidance for the target vehicle, the storage unit 12 may include various data necessary for route guidance. For example, the storage unit 12 may further store a map database (DB) which is data necessary for displaying a map based on a predetermined location such as the current location of the target vehicle. In this case, the map database may include, for example, road data that represents the road network using combinations of nodes and links.

[0036] The input unit 13 is a user interface that accepts user input, and examples of the input unit 13 include buttons, touch panels, remote controllers, and voice input devices. The display unit 16 displays information based on the control of the control unit 14. Examples of the display unit 16 include displays and projectors. The sound output unit 17 outputs sound based on the control of the control unit 14. Examples of the sound output unit 17 include speakers. In this embodiment, the sound output unit 17 is an example of a "presentation unit".

[0037] The sensor group 15 includes various sensors that perform sensing of the state of the target vehicle or the environment outside the vehicle. The sensor group 15 has an external sensor 18 and an internal sensor 19. The external sensor 18 is one or more sensors for recognizing the surrounding environment of the target vehicle, such as a camera, lidar, radar, ultrasonic sensor, infrared sensor, or sonar. The internal sensor 19 is a sensor for determining the vehicle's position, such as a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, gyro sensor, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), vehicle speed sensor, or a combination thereof. The sensor group 15 only needs to have sensors from which the control unit 14 can directly or indirectly derive the position of the target vehicle from the output of the sensor group 15 (i.e., by performing estimation processing).

[0038] The control unit 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and other components, and controls the entire mobile terminal 1. The control unit 14 functions as a "detection unit," a "priority correction unit," a "presentation control unit," and a computer that executes programs.

[0039] Furthermore, the processing performed by the control unit 14 is not limited to being implemented by software through a program, but may also be implemented by a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Additionally, the processing performed by the control unit 14 may be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program executed by the control unit 14 in this embodiment may be implemented using this integrated circuit.

[0040] The configuration of the mobile terminal 1 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and various modifications may be made to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, instead of the storage unit 12 storing the spot information DB5, the control unit 14 may receive information equivalent to the spot information DB5 from a management server (not shown) via the communication unit 11. In another example, at least one of the input unit 13, the display unit 16, and the sound output unit 17 may be provided in the target vehicle as an external device of the mobile terminal 1, and the generated signals may be supplied to the mobile terminal 1. Also, at least some of the sensors in the sensor group 15 may be sensors installed in the target vehicle. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 may acquire information output by the sensors installed in the target vehicle from the target vehicle based on a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0041] (3) Spot setting information Next, I will provide supplementary information regarding spot setting information 6.

[0042] Figure 3(A) is an example of a table showing the relationship between the facility type, which is the highest level of classification for a spot, and its priority. Figure 3(B) is an example of a table showing the relationship between the store type, which classifies spots that fall under the "restaurant" facility type according to differences in store format, the priority adjustment value due to customization for each store type, and the priority reflecting that adjustment value. Figure 3(C) is an example of a table showing the relationship between the chain store type, which classifies spots that fall under the "family restaurant" store type according to chain store format, the priority adjustment value due to customization for each chain store type, and the priority reflecting that adjustment value. Hereafter, the priority adjustment value due to customization (i.e., the priority adjustment value specified by user input) will also be referred to as the "customization adjustment value".

[0043] In Figure 3(A), the filled-in facility types indicate facility types that are not registered as target types for recommended spots in the recommended spot type information. Here, based on user actions, it is assumed that "restaurants" and "entertainment facilities" are registered as target types for recommended spots in the recommended spot type information, while other facility types such as "retail stores," "sports facilities," "parks," "tourist spots," and "theme parks" are not registered as target types for recommended spots in the recommended spot type information. The recommended spot type information may be updated not only based on user actions but also based on the user's behavior history (visit history, search history, etc.). In addition, the recommended spot type information may include information indicating whether or not types at a lower level than facility types are target types for recommended spots.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(A), the priority information in the spot setting information 6 records a priority from "1" to "5" for each facility type. Here, since the user frequently visits spots corresponding to "tourist spots" and rarely goes to spots corresponding to "sports facilities," the priority information is generated so that "tourist spots" have the highest priority and "sports facilities" have the lowest priority, based on the user's operation or behavior history. Also, as shown in Figure 3(B), for store type types that are subtypes of the facility type "restaurant," a customization correction value is set in the range of "-1" to "+2" to individually adjust the priority of the corresponding facility type "restaurant" (here, "2"). Here, since the user frequently uses spots corresponding to "family restaurants" and "bakeries" among restaurants and rarely goes to spots corresponding to "Japanese food," the priority information is generated so that "family restaurants" and "bakeries" have the highest customization correction value (+2) and "Japanese food" has the lowest customization correction value (-1), based on the user's operation or behavior history. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(C), for the chain store types that are subcategories of the store type "family restaurant," a customization correction value is set in the range of "-1" to "+1" to individually adjust the priority of the corresponding facility type "family restaurant" (in this case, "4"). In this case, since the user frequently uses spots corresponding to "Jonathan" and "Barmeyon" among restaurants and rarely goes to spots corresponding to "Steak no Pon," priority information is generated based on the user's operation or behavior history so that "Jonathan" and "Barmeyon" have the highest customization correction value (+1) and "Steak no Pon" has the lowest customization correction value (-1).

[0045] Thus, the priority information in spot setting information 6 registers the priority for each type at each hierarchical level, which is set according to the operation or behavior history of the target user (including customized correction values).

[0046] (4) How to determine recommended spots Next, the determination of recommended spots will be explained. In general, the control unit 14 identifies candidate spots based on the area determined based on the location of the target vehicle (also called the "target area"), and corrects the priority determined by the priority information based on the number of identified candidate spots of each type. Then, the control unit 14 determines the recommended spot according to the priority corrected based on the number of candidate spots of each type, and outputs the recommendation information for the determined recommended spot by voice. In this way, the control unit 14 effectively suppresses the repeated presentation of spots of the same type.

[0047] First, let's explain how to determine the target area. The control unit 14 sets the target area based on the current position of the target vehicle, which is identified based on the output signals of the sensor group 15. In this case, the control unit 14 defines the target area as, for example, the range that is within a predetermined distance from the current position of the target vehicle.

[0048] Next, the identification of candidate spots will be explained. The control unit 14 extracts records of spots existing within the target area from the spot information DB5 and recognizes the type of spot from the extracted records. Then, based on the recommended spot type information in the spot setting information 6, the control unit 14 determines the type of spot that is the target of the recommended spot, and determines the spots that belong to the determined type as candidate spots. In this case, for example, the control unit 14 identifies as candidate spots any spot that belongs to one of the recommended types indicated by the recommended spot type information among the various spots existing within the target area.

[0049] Next, we will explain the correction of priority based on the number of candidate spots of each type. The control unit 14 aggregates the candidate spots by type at the same hierarchical level and corrects the priority of each candidate spot based on the spot setting information 6 based on the number of candidate spots for each type. In this case, the control unit 14 corrects the priority so that types with fewer candidate spots have a higher priority. In other words, the control unit 14 corrects the priority of types with fewer candidate spots to be relatively higher than the priority of types with many candidate spots. Hereafter, the priority correction value based on the number of candidate spots for each type will also be called the "type count correction value".

[0050] The control unit 14 then selects candidate spots as recommended spots in order of priority after correction using the type number correction value, and sequentially outputs the recommendation information of the selected candidate spots as audio during the period in which the current location is within the output permission area of ​​the candidate spots. The control unit 14 generates the recommendation information by referring to the record in the spot information DB5 corresponding to the recommended spot.

[0051] In this way, by determining recommended spots based on a priority that reflects a correction value for the number of categories, it is possible to prevent the frequent output of recommendation information for spots of the same genre, thereby effectively reducing the annoyance experienced by users who receive recommendation information for spots of the same genre.

[0052] Here, we will explain specific examples (first example, second example) of priority correction based on the number of candidate spots for each type, assuming that the information corresponding to the table shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(C) is stored in the storage unit 12 as spot setting information 6.

[0053] Figure 4 is a distribution map of candidate spots in the first specific example. Figure 5 is a table showing the type number correction value for each type and the priority before and after reflecting the type number correction value in the first specific example. In the first specific example, the control unit 14 defines the range within a predetermined distance from the current position of the target vehicle as the target area, and identifies spots within the defined target area whose facility type is "restaurant" as candidate spots. In this way, if the recommended spot type information indicates multiple facility types that are the target of the recommended spots (in this case, "restaurant" and "entertainment facility"), the control unit 14 may select any one facility type and define spots corresponding to the selected facility type as candidate spots.

[0054] The control unit 14 then counts the number of candidate spots for each type of store that classifies the selected facility type "restaurant". In this case, as shown in Figure 4, there are 7 "fast food" stores, 5 "family restaurants", 1 "bakery", and 1 "cafe".

[0055] The control unit 14 then determines a type count correction value based on the number of candidate spots for each store type obtained through aggregation. Here, as an example, the control unit 14 sets a threshold (i.e., 7 / 4) that is 1 / 4 of the number of spots for the type with the largest number of candidate spots, sets the type count correction value for priority of types with a number of candidate spots below this threshold (in this case, "cafe" and "bakery") to "+1", and sets the type count correction value for other types to "0". The above threshold is an example of a "threshold determined based on the maximum number for each type".

[0056] Alternatively, the control unit 14 may increase the type count correction value in stages as the number of candidate spots decreases. Furthermore, the control unit 14 may set the type count correction value to a negative value for types where the number of candidate spots exceeds a predetermined value.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 5, the corrected priority of "bread" is the highest at "5". Therefore, if there are multiple candidate spots that are within the output permission period, the control unit 14 designates the candidate spot corresponding to "bread" as the recommended spot to be presented preferentially and outputs its recommendation information. After outputting the recommendation information for the candidate spot corresponding to "bread", the control unit 14 outputs the recommendation information for the candidate spot corresponding to "cafe" or "family restaurant", which has the next highest corrected priority after "bread". If there are types with the same corrected priority, the control unit 14 may designate the type with the highest type number correction value (in this case, "cafe") as the recommended spot preferentially among the types with the same corrected priority, or it may randomly select a recommended spot from the types with the same corrected priority.

[0058] Figure 6 is a distribution map of candidate spots in the second specific example. Figure 7 is a table showing the type number correction value for each type and the priority before and after reflecting the type number correction value in the second specific example. In the second specific example, the control unit 14 identifies spots within the target area whose type is "family restaurant" as candidate spots. In this way, the control unit 14 may select any lower-level type belonging to the facility type designated as the target of the recommended spot based on the recommended spot type information, and define spots corresponding to the selected type as candidate spots.

[0059] The control unit 14 then counts the number of candidate spots for each chain store type that classifies the selected store type "family restaurant". In this case, as shown in Figure 6, there are 4 "Skylam" stores, 3 "Jonathan" stores, 1 "Barmeyon" store, and 1 "Steak no Pon" store.

[0060] The control unit 14 then determines a type count correction value based on the number of candidate spots for each type of chain store obtained through aggregation. Here, as an example, the control unit 14 sets a threshold (i.e., 4 / 3) that is 1 / 3 of the number of spots for the type with the largest number of candidate spots, sets the type count correction value for priority of types with a number of candidate spots below this threshold (in this case, "Barmeyon" and "Steak no Pon") to "+1", and sets the type count correction value for other types to "0". The above threshold is an example of a "threshold determined based on the maximum number for each type".

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 7, the corrected priority of "Bermeyon" is "6," which is the highest. Therefore, if there are multiple candidate spots that are within the output permission period, the control unit 14 designates the candidate spot corresponding to "Bermeyon" as the recommended spot that should be presented preferentially, and outputs its recommendation information. After outputting the recommendation information for the candidate spot corresponding to "Bermeyon," the control unit 14 outputs the recommendation information for the candidate spot corresponding to "Jonathan," which has the next highest corrected priority after "Bermeyon."

[0062] According to the first and second specific examples, the annoyance users experience from frequently receiving recommendation information about spots of the same genre can be effectively reduced.

[0063] (5) Processing flow Figure 8 is an example of a flowchart relating to the output of recommendation information executed by the control unit 14 in this embodiment. The control unit 14 repeatedly executes the processes shown in the flowchart.

[0064] First, the control unit 14 recognizes the type of spot located within the target area, which is set based on the current location of the target vehicle, by referring to the spot information DB5 (step S101). Then, the control unit 14 identifies candidate spots from the spots located within the target area (step S102). In this case, the control unit 14 identifies spots that correspond to the type determined based on the recommended spot type information in the spot setting information 6 as candidate spots from among the spots located within the target area.

[0065] Then, the control unit 14 corrects the priority for each type indicated by the priority information in the spot setting information 6 based on the number of candidate spots for each type when the candidate spots are classified by type at the same hierarchical level (step S103). Then, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there are candidate spots during the output permission period (step S104). In this case, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the current position of the target vehicle is within the output permission area set for each candidate spot. If it is determined that there are no candidate spots during the output permission period (step S104; No), the flowchart processing is terminated.

[0066] Then, if it is determined that there are candidate spots available during the output permission period (step S104; Yes), the control unit 14 determines a recommended spot based on the priority corrected in step S103 and outputs the recommendation information for the determined recommended spot via voice (step S105). At this time, the control unit 14 stores the recommended spot for which the recommendation information was output via voice in a way that allows for identification.

[0067] Subsequently, the control unit 14 returns to step S104 to determine whether there are any candidate spots that have not yet output recommendation information and are within the output permission period. If there are candidate spots within the output permission period, the control unit 14 proceeds to step S105 and repeatedly performs the process of outputting the recommendation information of the recommended spots determined based on the corrected priority as audio. Alternatively, after outputting the recommendation information of the recommended spots as audio in step S105, the control unit 14 may return to step S101 and perform the setting of the target area, selection of candidate spots, and correction of priority again. In this case, the control unit 14 may exclude the spots from which recommendation information has been output from the list of candidate spots.

[0068] (6) Variant Next, we will describe some suitable modifications of the above-described embodiments. The following modifications may be applied in combination to the above-described embodiments.

[0069] (Variation 1) A server device that communicates data with the mobile terminal 1 may perform at least a portion of the processing performed by the mobile terminal 1.

[0070] Figure 9 shows an example configuration of a spot display system according to Modification 1. The spot display system includes a mobile terminal 1A and a server device 7. The mobile terminal 1A and the server device 7 communicate data via a communication network 3.

[0071] Mobile terminal 1A has the same configuration as mobile terminal 1 described in the above embodiment (see Figure 2). However, if the server device 7 performs processing based on the spot information DB5 and spot setting information 6, mobile terminal 1A does not need to have the spot information DB5 and spot setting information 6. Mobile terminal 1A then transmits an upload signal to the server device 7, which includes the information output by the sensor group 15 and the input information input by the input unit 13.

[0072] The server device 7 generates output instruction data that instructs the mobile terminal 1A to display or output audio based on the upload signal etc. received from the mobile terminal 1A, and transmits the generated output instruction data to the mobile terminal 1. For example, the server device 7 executes the flowchart shown in Figure 8 based on the upload signal etc. received from the mobile terminal 1A.

[0073] Figure 10 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the server device 7. The server device 7 mainly consists of a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a control unit 64. Each element within the server device 7 is interconnected via a bus line 60.

[0074] The communication unit 61 performs data communication with external devices such as the mobile terminal 1A based on the control of the control unit 64. The storage unit 62 is composed of various types of memory, including RAM, ROM, and non-volatile memory (including hard disk drives and flash memory). The storage unit 62 stores programs for the server device 7 to perform predetermined processes. The storage unit 62 also includes the spot information DB 5 and spot setting information 6. The control unit 64 includes a CPU, GPU, etc., and controls the entire server device 7. The control unit 64 also executes the programs stored in the storage unit 62 to perform the necessary processes to output recommendation information to the mobile terminal 1A.

[0075] Thus, in this modified example, the mobile terminal 1A can suitably output recommendation information based on the information received from the server device 7. In this modified example, the server device 7 is an example of an "information presentation device".

[0076] (Modification 2) Instead of outputting the spot recommendation information via the sound output unit 17, the control unit 14 may display the spot recommendation information. In this modified example, the display unit 16 is an example of a "presentation unit".

[0077] In this case, for example, the control unit 14 may determine a predetermined number of recommended spots based on the priority corrected by the number of types correction value, and display a list of recommendation information for the determined predetermined number of recommended spots. In this case, the control unit 14 generates a list such that recommended spots with higher priority corrected by the number of types correction value are higher up in the list. Even in this case, the control unit 14 can effectively suppress bias in the types of spots that display recommendation information on the list. In another example, the control unit 14 sequentially selects recommended spots one by one in order of priority corrected by the number of types correction value, and displays the recommendation information for the selected recommended spots for a predetermined time. In this case, the control unit 14 repeatedly determines recommended spots and outputs recommendation information. Even in this case, the control unit 14 can effectively suppress bias in the types of spots that display recommendation information.

[0078] (Variation 3) When a route to a destination is set, the control unit 14 may set the target area based on the set route instead of based on the current location of the target vehicle. In this case, the control unit 14 may set the target area to be within a predetermined distance (for example, within 500m from the road) from the road corresponding to the set route, i.e., the route the user plans to travel. In this case, an area with a predetermined width to the left and right of the set route is set as the target area, and recommended spots are determined according to a priority corrected based on the number of candidate spots of each type that exist around the route to the destination. Even in this case, the control unit 14 can prevent frequently outputting recommendation information for spots of the same genre that exist along the route, thereby effectively reducing the annoyance of the user who receives recommendation information for spots of the same genre.

[0079] (Modification 4) Instead of setting the target area based on the current location of the target vehicle, the control unit 14 may set the target area based on a location specified by the user via the input unit 13 (also called the "user-specified location"). In this case, the control unit 14 may set the target area to an area within a predetermined distance from the user-specified location, or it may be an administrative division at the prefectural, municipal, or town level to which the user-specified location belongs. Even in this case, the control unit 14 can suitably determine the target area for selecting candidate spots.

[0080] (Variation 5) The control unit 14 may generate setting information for turning priority correction based on the number of types correction value on and off based on input to the input unit 13 and store it in the storage unit 12. Then, the control unit 14 performs priority correction based on the number of types correction value only when the setting for priority correction based on the number of types correction value is turned on.

[0081] In this case, when the setting for priority correction based on the number of types correction value is turned on, the control unit 14 executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8. On the other hand, when the setting for priority correction based on the number of types correction value is turned off, the control unit 14 does not execute step S103 of the flowchart, and in step S105, it determines the recommended spot based on the priority information indicated by the priority information of the spot setting information 6.

[0082] (Experimental variation 6) The control unit 14 may automatically switch the setting of priority correction based on the number of vehicle types on or off depending on whether the current location of the target vehicle is within the user's living area (i.e., the area near the user's home that the user frequently visits).

[0083] For example, if the control unit 14 determines that the target vehicle's current location is within the user's living area, it sets the priority correction based on the number of categories correction value to ON so that recommendation information for similar spots is not output frequently. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines that the target vehicle's current location is outside the user's living area, such as when the user is traveling, it sets the priority correction based on the number of categories correction value to OFF so that local specialties such as local cuisine can be identified. The living area may be an area specified by the user via the input unit 13, an area determined based on the user's activity history, or the area to which the user's home belongs (for example, the prefecture where the user's home is located). Information regarding the living area is stored in the memory unit 12, etc.

[0084] Thus, according to this modified example, the control unit 14 can appropriately set the on / off status of priority correction based on the type number correction value based on the current position of the target vehicle.

[0085] (Example 7) The control unit 14 may automatically switch the setting of priority correction based on the number of vehicle types correction value on or off depending on whether the target vehicle's current location is in an urban area or not.

[0086] For example, if the control unit 14 determines that the target vehicle's current location is within an urban area, it sets the priority correction based on the number of categories correction value to ON so that recommendation information for similar spots is not output frequently. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines that the target vehicle's current location is outside an urban area, it sets the priority correction based on the number of categories correction value to OFF so that local specialties such as local cuisine can be identified. Information indicating areas that are urban is stored in advance, for example, in the memory unit 12.

[0087] Thus, even with this modified configuration, the control unit 14 can appropriately set the priority correction based on the number of vehicle types correction value to be on or off based on the current position of the target vehicle.

[0088] (Variation 8) The control unit 14 may generate on / off setting information for each type of spot for priority correction based on the number of types correction value based on input to the input unit 13 and store it in the storage unit 12.

[0089] In this case, in step S103 of the flowchart in Figure 8, the control unit 14 calculates a type count correction value for the types for which the above setting is turned on, and does not calculate a type count correction value for the types for which the above setting is turned off. Then, in step S105, the control unit 14 corrects the priority of the types for which a type count correction value has been calculated based on the type count correction value, and determines the recommendation spot based on the corrected priority.

[0090] As described above, the mobile terminal 1 or server device 7 functions as an information presentation device and includes a detection unit, a priority correction unit, and a presentation control unit. The detection unit detects a plurality of spots that are candidates for presentation. The priority correction unit corrects the presentation priority of each type of spot based on the number of each type of spot in the plurality of spots. The presentation control unit causes the presentation unit to present one of the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority. This makes it possible to suitably determine the spot to be presented based on the number of each type of spot.

[0091] In each of the embodiments described above, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium and supplied to a control unit, which is a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable medium include magnetic storage medium (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage medium (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)).

[0092] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention naturally includes the full disclosure, including the claims, and various modifications and alterations that those skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical idea. Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents and other references is incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. 1A Mobile Terminal 3. Communication Network 5 Spot Information Database 7 Server equipment 11, 61 Communications Department 12, 62 Memory section 13 Input section 14, 64 Control Unit 15 Sensor Groups 16 Display 17. Sound output section

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects a plurality of candidate spots to present within a predetermined range set based on the user's current location or a point specified by the user, A priority correction unit adjusts the presentation priority for each type based on the number of each type of the plurality of spots within the predetermined range, so that the priority of the type with fewer spots is higher. A presentation control unit causes the presentation unit to present one of the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority, An information display device equipped with the following features.

2. The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the priority correction unit sets a threshold value based on the maximum number of each type, and corrects the priority of the type for which the number of each type is less than or equal to the threshold value to be higher.

3. The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the presentation control unit sequentially performs the process of selecting one spot from the plurality of spots in order of corrected priority during the period in which presentation by the presentation unit is permitted, and causing the presentation unit to present the selected spot.

4. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit selects a predetermined number of spots from the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority, and displays the selected predetermined number of spots in a list by the display unit.

5. The information presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the priority correction unit switches the priority correction on and off based on the user's current location.

6. The information presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the priority correction unit corrects the priority based on setting information indicating the setting of on and off priority correction for each type.

7. The information presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection unit detects a plurality of spots from spots located within an area set based on the user's planned travel route to which the presentation unit presents the spots.

8. A control method performed by a computer, A detection step of detecting multiple candidate spots to present within a predetermined range set based on the user's current location or a point specified by the user, A priority correction step is performed to adjust the priority of presentation for each type based on the number of each type of spot within the predetermined range, such that the priority of presentation for each type is higher for types with fewer spots. A presentation control step in which the presentation unit presents one of the plurality of spots based on the corrected priority, A control method having

9. A detection unit that detects a plurality of candidate spots to be presented within a predetermined range set based on the user's current location or a point specified by the user, A priority correction unit adjusts the presentation priority for each type based on the number of each type of the plurality of spots within the predetermined range, so that the priority of the type with fewer spots is higher. Based on the corrected priority, the presentation control unit causes the presentation unit to present one of the plurality of spots. A program that makes a computer function.

10. A storage medium characterized by storing the program described in claim 9.

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