Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To estimate a time zone suitable for outputting content including voice.SOLUTION: An information processor is configured to output voice guidance according to a current location of a vehicle, and comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires route information indicating a travel route of the vehicle to a destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the current location of the vehicle; and an estimation unit that estimates, based on the route information, the map information and the current location information, a time zone during which the output of the voice guidance is unnecessary in a travel period during which the vehicle travels along the travel route.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an information processing apparatus having a navigation function that performs a route search from a departure point set by a driver to a destination using map information and guides a guidance route according to the search result has been proposed. Such an information processing apparatus outputs voice guidance such as route guidance (such as right and left turn guidance), traffic information (such as surrounding traffic jams, traffic regulations, accident-prone locations, etc.), and recommendation information (such as recommendations of surrounding facilities) according to the current position of the vehicle.

[0003] In the information processing apparatus as described above, there is known an information processing apparatus that outputs advertisement information at a predetermined timing and uses the advertisement fee to enable the above-described navigation function to be used for free. For example, there is known an information processing apparatus including output control means that outputs a voice advertisement by an output means at a predetermined timing that does not conflict with the output timing of voice guidance output when moving to a destination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the conventional technology described above does not necessarily allow for the prior estimation of time periods in which the output effect of content including audio can be enhanced. For example, the conventional technology simply outputs audio advertisements at predetermined times that do not conflict with the output timing of audio guidance output when traveling to a destination. Therefore, for example, audio guidance may interrupt the output of an audio advertisement, interfering with the output of the audio advertisement. Consequently, with the conventional technology described above, it is difficult to schedule the output of content including audio, such as audio advertisements, at time periods suitable for enhancing the output effect of such content.

[0006] This disclosure provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can estimate a suitable time period for outputting content including audio. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device described in claim 1 is an information processing device that outputs voice guidance according to the current location of a vehicle, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to a destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location; and an estimation unit that estimates the time period during which the vehicle travels along the travel route in which the output of voice guidance is unnecessary, based on the route information, the map information, and the current location information.

[0008] Furthermore, the information processing method described in claim 7 is an information processing method performed by an information processing device that outputs voice guidance according to the current location of a vehicle, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to a destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location; and an estimation step of estimating the time period during which the vehicle travels along the travel route in which the output of voice guidance is unnecessary, based on the route information, the map information, and the current location information.

[0009] Furthermore, the information processing program described in claim 8 causes a computer in an information processing device that outputs voice guidance according to the vehicle's current location to execute an acquisition procedure for acquiring route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to a destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location, and an estimation procedure for estimating the time period during which the vehicle travels along the travel route in which voice guidance output is not required, based on the route information, the map information, and the current location information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration of the Information Processing System] First, the configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes a content device 10 and an information processing device 100. The content device 10 and the information processing device 100 are connected to each other via a predetermined network N, either by wired or wireless communication. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 may include multiple content devices 10 and multiple information processing devices 100.

[0013] The content device 10 is a server device that distributes content including audio to the information processing device 100. For example, the content device 10 distributes audio-only content, such as audio advertisements. Alternatively, the content device 10 may distribute content including both audio and video. In the following, when simply referred to as "content," it refers to content including audio.

[0014] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device that outputs voice guidance according to the vehicle's current location. Specifically, the information processing device 100 outputs voice guidance such as route guidance (right / left turn guidance, etc.), traffic information (surrounding congestion, traffic restrictions, accident-prone areas, etc.), or recommendation information (recommendations of nearby facilities, etc.) according to the vehicle's current location. More specifically, the information processing device 100 is an information processing device equipped with navigation functionality. For example, the information processing device 100 is a stationary navigation device installed in the vehicle. However, the information processing device 100 is not limited to a navigation device; it may also be a portable terminal device such as a smartphone used by the vehicle's occupants. For example, the information processing device 100 may be a user's terminal device on which an application that implements navigation functionality is installed.

[0015] Next, an overview of the information processing according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the information processing according to the embodiment. The information processing device 100 estimates the time period during which voice guidance output is not required, within the driving period when the vehicle is traveling along the travel route, based on route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to the destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location. In Figure 2, the information processing device 100 estimates the time period during which the vehicle is traveling between two adjacent planned voice guidance output points (hereinafter referred to as output points) on the travel route as the time period during which voice guidance output is not required.

[0016] Generally, information processing devices equipped with navigation functions output voice guidance when a vehicle is traveling through a designated voice guidance output point on the route (a point on the route where route guidance, traffic information, and recommendation information linked to the vehicle's location are scheduled to be output). In other words, information processing devices equipped with navigation functions do not output voice guidance while the vehicle is traveling through the section between voice guidance output points, except for sudden voice guidance caused by events such as traffic congestion due to accidents. Therefore, it can be estimated that the time period during which a vehicle is traveling through the section between voice guidance output points is a time period during which voice guidance output by the information processing device is unnecessary.

[0017] Specifically, the information processing device 100 identifies sections in the travel route where voice guidance output is unnecessary, based on route information and map information. In Figure 2, the information processing device 100 identifies the section between the first output point P1 and the second output point P2 of two adjacent voice guidance points in the travel route as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0018] Subsequently, the information processing device 100 estimates the predicted arrival time when the vehicle reaches a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary, and the predicted passing time when the vehicle passes through a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary. Then, the information processing device 100 estimates the time period from the estimated predicted arrival time to the predicted passing time as a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary. In FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 estimates the predicted arrival time t1 when the vehicle reaches the first output point P1 of two adjacent voice guidances as the predicted arrival time when the vehicle reaches a section between the first output point P1 and the second output point P2 of two adjacent voice guidances. Also, the information processing device 100 estimates the predicted passing time t2 when the vehicle passes through the second output point P2 of the voice guidance as the predicted passing time when the vehicle passes through a section between the first output point P1 and the second output point P2 of two adjacent voice guidances. Then, the information processing device 100 estimates the time period from the estimated predicted arrival time t1 to the predicted passing time t2 as a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0019] Also, the information processing device 100 receives content from the content device 10. Further, the information processing device 100 selects content with a length that falls within a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary from the received content. In FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 selects content with a length that falls within the time period from the predicted arrival time t1 to the predicted passing time t2. Also, the information processing device 100 outputs the selected content during a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary. In FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 outputs the selected content during the time period from the predicted arrival time t1 to the predicted passing time t2.

[0020] As described above, based on the route information indicating the vehicle's movement route to the destination, the map information corresponding to the movement route, and the current position information indicating the current position of the vehicle, the information processing apparatus 100 estimates a time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary within the driving period when the vehicle travels along the movement route. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can be made capable of estimating a time period suitable for outputting content including voice. Further, thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can select, for example, content that falls within a time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary, and reserve to output the selected content within the time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can output, for example, content that requires a long time for presentation, such as interactive content or news reading, at once without interruption in the middle. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 can enhance the output effect of content including voice. Also, the information processing apparatus 100 can schedule the presentation timing of an advertisement so that, for example, when presenting an advertisement, blank periods of voice information output of a predetermined time or more are included before and after the presentation of the advertisement. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can prevent the advertisement effect from decreasing due to continuous output of voice information. Alternatively, since the information processing apparatus 100 knows in advance the time period during which an advertisement can be presented, it can schedule so that an advertisement with a higher effect is presented during that time period. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 can enhance the output effect of an advertisement including voice. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 can, for example, when there is a long idle time, pick up a plurality of candidates of content that can be played during the idle time in advance, and present the candidates to the user for selection. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can enable the user to effectively utilize the idle time.

[0021] [2. Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus] Next, the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, a control unit 130, a sensor unit 140, an audio output unit 150, an input unit 160, and a display unit 170.

[0022] The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the content device 10 via a network N by wired or wireless connection and is a communication interface that manages the communication of information between it and the content device 10. When the communication unit 110 receives content from the content device 10, it outputs the received content to the control unit 130.

[0023] The sensor unit 140 is equipped with various sensors. For example, the sensor unit 140 is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The GNSS sensor uses GNSS to receive radio waves containing positioning data transmitted from navigation satellites. This positioning data is used to detect the absolute position of the vehicle from latitude and longitude information, etc. The GNSS used may be, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) or another system. The sensor unit 140 also outputs the positioning data generated by the GNSS sensor to the control unit 130.

[0024] Furthermore, the sensor unit 140 is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor. The vehicle speed sensor detects the vehicle's speed and generates vehicle speed data corresponding to that speed. The sensor unit 140 also outputs the vehicle speed data generated by the vehicle speed sensor to the control unit 130.

[0025] The memory unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or by a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. For example, the memory unit 120 stores information (information processing programs and data) used for processing in the control unit 130.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 120 includes a map information storage unit 121 and a driving information storage unit 122. The map information storage unit 121 stores various information related to maps. The driving information storage unit 122 stores driving history information that shows the vehicle's driving history. For example, the driving information storage unit 122 stores information about the roads and routes traveled by the vehicle, as well as information that associates the vehicle's position and speed information at each time point, as driving history information. Here, the information about the routes traveled stored by the driving information storage unit 122 can be any information related to the routes actually traveled by the vehicle. For example, the driving information storage unit 122 stores information about the routes traveled by the vehicle when no route is set in the navigation function of the information processing device 100. The driving information storage unit 122 also stores route information related to the route that is currently set in the navigation function of the information processing device 100.

[0027] The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in the internal memory of the information processing device 100, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), being executed using a memory area such as RAM as the working area. In the example shown in Figure 3, the control unit 130 includes a route guidance unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a specification unit 133, an estimation unit 134, and an output control unit 135.

[0028] The route guidance unit 131 executes the navigation function of the information processing device 100. Specifically, when the route guidance unit 131 receives route settings from the driver, it searches for a route to the destination set by the driver. For example, the route guidance unit 131 searches for a route from a departure point set by the driver to a destination set by the driver. For example, the route guidance unit 131 acquires information about the departure point and destination corresponding to the input operation received by the input unit 160. Subsequently, when the route guidance unit 131 has acquired information about the departure point and destination, it refers to the map information storage unit 121 to acquire map information. Subsequently, the route guidance unit 131 searches for a route from the departure point to the destination using the map information. In the example shown in Figure 2, the route guidance unit 131 searches for a route from, for example, the departure point P corresponding to the departure point set by the driver. S From the destination point P corresponding to the destination set by the driver G The system searches for a route for the vehicle to the destination. If the route guidance unit 131 only receives a destination setting from the driver, it may search for a route for the vehicle using the vehicle's current location at the time the search is started as the starting point. If the route guidance unit 131 finds a route, it may store information regarding the starting point, destination, and the search result corresponding to the route in the driving information storage unit 122.

[0029] Furthermore, when the route guidance unit 131 searches for a travel route, it proposes the search results to the driver. Also, when the driver selects one of the proposed travel routes, the route guidance unit 131 controls the voice output unit 150 to output voice guidance regarding the travel route selected by the driver.

[0030] The acquisition unit 132 acquires route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to the destination. Specifically, the acquisition unit 132 refers to the driving information storage unit 122 and acquires route information indicating the travel route selected by the driver from among the travel routes searched by the route guidance unit 131, in other words, the travel route that the vehicle will travel.

[0031] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 132 acquires map information corresponding to the travel route. Specifically, the acquisition unit 132 refers to the map information storage unit 121 and acquires map information corresponding to the travel route selected by the driver from among the travel routes searched by the route guidance unit 131. For example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires map information that includes the travel route selected by the driver.

[0032] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 132 acquires current location information indicating the vehicle's current position. Specifically, the acquisition unit 132 acquires positioning data generated by the GNSS sensor of the sensor unit 140. Subsequently, the acquisition unit 132 acquires latitude and longitude information indicating the vehicle's current position from the acquired positioning data.

[0033] The identification unit 133 identifies sections in the vehicle's upcoming travel route where voice guidance output is unnecessary, based on the route information and map information acquired by the acquisition unit 132. Specifically, the identification unit 133 identifies sections between two adjacent voice guidance output points in the vehicle's upcoming travel route where voice guidance output is unnecessary. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies each voice guidance output point in the travel route based on the route information and map information. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies output points for voice guidance related to route guidance, such as right and left turn guidance, based on the route information and map information. The identification unit 133 also identifies output points for voice guidance related to traffic information, such as accident-prone areas, based on the route information and map information. Furthermore, the identification unit 133 identifies output points for voice guidance related to recommendation information, such as recommendations for surrounding facilities, based on the route information and map information. Subsequently, the identification unit 133 identifies each voice guidance output point in the vehicle's upcoming travel route based on the current location information.

[0034] Next, when the identification unit 133 identifies each output point for voice guidance along the route the vehicle will travel, it identifies the section between two adjacent voice guidance output points along the route the vehicle will travel. For example, when the identification unit 133 identifies the first voice guidance output point (first output point) and the second voice guidance output point (second output point) along the route the vehicle will travel, it identifies the section between the first output point and the second output point as the section between the two adjacent voice guidance output points. Also, when the identification unit 133 identifies the second voice guidance output point (second output point) and the last voice guidance output point (third output point) along the route the vehicle will travel, it identifies the section between the second output point and the third output point as the section between the two adjacent voice guidance output points.

[0035] The estimation unit 134 estimates the time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary, based on route information, map information, and current location information. Specifically, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the section identified by the identification unit 133 where voice guidance output is unnecessary. Subsequently, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated passing time when the vehicle passes through the section identified by the identification unit 133 where voice guidance output is unnecessary. Then, the estimation unit 134 estimates the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time as a time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0036] More specifically, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the section between two adjacent voice guidance output points identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the starting point of the section between two adjacent voice guidance output points identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the distance traveled from the vehicle's current location to the starting point of the section identified by the identification unit 133, based on route information, map information, and current location information. Subsequently, the estimation unit 134 estimates the travel time from the current location to the starting point of the section (hereinafter also referred to as the first travel time) by dividing the estimated travel distance by the vehicle's travel speed (e.g., average speed). Furthermore, if the estimation unit 134 has estimated the first travel time, it estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the starting point of the section by adding the first travel time to the current time.

[0037] Next, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated time at which the vehicle will pass through a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary, as identified by the identification unit 133. More specifically, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated time at which the vehicle will pass through a section between two adjacent voice guidance output points identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated time at which the vehicle will pass the end point of the section between two adjacent voice guidance output points identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the distance traveled from the vehicle's current position to the end point of the section identified by the identification unit 133, based on route information, map information, and current position information. Next, the estimation unit 134 estimates the travel time from the current position to the end point of the section (hereinafter also referred to as the second travel time) by dividing the estimated distance traveled by the vehicle's speed (e.g., average speed). Furthermore, if the estimation unit 134 estimates the second travel time, it estimates the expected time of passing the end point of the section by adding the second travel time to the current time.

[0038] The output control unit 135 controls the output of content. Specifically, the output control unit 135 acquires content from the communication unit 110. Next, the output control unit 135 selects content from the acquired content that falls within the time period in which the voice guidance output estimated by the estimation unit 134 is unnecessary. Hereafter, "the time period in which the voice guidance output is unnecessary as estimated by the estimation unit 134" may be referred to as "the time period estimated by the estimation unit 134." Also, hereafter, "the length of the time period in which the voice guidance output is unnecessary as estimated by the estimation unit 134" may be referred to as "the length of the time period estimated by the estimation unit 134." For example, the output control unit 135 compares the length of the time period estimated by the estimation unit 134 with the playback time of each acquired content and selects content from the acquired content whose playback time is shorter than the length of the time period estimated by the estimation unit 134. For example, the output control unit 135 may select an advertisement from the long version and short version of the audio advertisement that fits within the duration. Next, the output control unit 135 controls the audio output unit 150 to output the audio included in the selected content during the time period estimated by the estimation unit 134. If the selected content includes video, the output control unit 135 controls the display unit 170 to display the video included in the selected content during the time period estimated by the estimation unit 134.

[0039] The audio output unit 150 includes a speaker and converts the digital audio signal input from the control unit 130 into an analog audio signal by D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion, and outputs audio corresponding to the analog audio signal from the speaker. Specifically, the audio output unit 150 outputs audio guidance such as route guidance (right / left turn guidance, etc.), traffic information (surrounding congestion, traffic restrictions, accident-prone areas, etc.), or recommendation information (recommendations of nearby facilities, etc.) according to the vehicle's current location, in accordance with the control unit 130.

[0040] Furthermore, the audio output unit 150 outputs audio included in the content selected by the output control unit 135, in accordance with the control of the output control unit 135. Specifically, the audio output unit 150 outputs audio included in the content selected by the output control unit 135 during the time period estimated by the estimation unit 134.

[0041] The input unit 160 receives various operations from the user. For example, the input unit 160 may accept various operations from the user via a display surface (e.g., display unit 170) using a touch panel function. For example, the input unit 160 accepts input operations from the vehicle driver regarding information about the departure point and destination. The input unit 160 may also accept various operations from buttons provided on the information processing device 100, or from a keyboard or mouse connected to the information processing device 100.

[0042] Furthermore, the input unit 160 includes a voice recognition function (for example, a microphone) and recognizes the user's voice. The input unit 160 may also accept various operations from the user based on the user's voice.

[0043] The display unit 170 is a display screen realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. The display unit 170 displays various information according to the control of the control unit 130. For example, the display unit 170 displays the travel route and map information proposed by the route guidance unit 131. The display unit 170 also displays video included in the content selected by the output control unit 135 according to the control of the output control unit 135. For example, the display unit 170 displays video included in the content selected by the output control unit 135 at a time period estimated by the estimation unit 134. If a touch panel is used in the information processing device 100, the input unit 160 and the display unit 170 are integrated. In the following description, the display unit 170 may be referred to as the screen.

[0044] [3. Information Processing Flow] Next, the procedure for information processing according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of information processing according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, the acquisition unit 132 of the information processing device 100 acquires route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to the destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location (step S1). The identification unit 133 of the information processing device 100 identifies sections in the travel route where voice guidance output is unnecessary based on the route information and map information (step S2). The estimation unit 134 of the information processing device 100 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle will reach the section where voice guidance output is unnecessary, and the estimated passing time when the vehicle will pass through the section where voice guidance output is unnecessary, and estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is a time period where voice guidance output is unnecessary (step S3).

[0045] [4. Variations] The processing according to the above-described embodiment may be carried out in various other forms besides those described above.

[0046] [4-1. Estimation of periods when vehicles are not moving] In the embodiment described above, the identification unit 133 identified a section between two adjacent voice guidance output points on the travel route as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary. However, the sections identified by the identification unit 133 as sections where voice guidance output is unnecessary are not limited to this. Specifically, the identification unit 133 identifies a section on the travel route where the vehicle does not move as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary. Generally, while the vehicle is traveling through a section where it does not move, the change in the vehicle's position is small, so it can be estimated that this is a time period when voice guidance is not output (i.e., voice guidance output is unnecessary).

[0047] [4-1-1. Estimating the time of day when traffic congestion is likely] Generally, congested sections are considered to be sections where vehicles cannot move. The identification unit 133 identifies congested sections on the travel route as sections where voice guidance output is unnecessary. Specifically, the acquisition unit 132 acquires congestion information near the vehicle's current location from, for example, a server that manages traffic information, via the communication unit 110. Based on the route information, map information, current location information, and congestion information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the identification unit 133 identifies congested sections on the travel route to be traveled.

[0048] The estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the congested section identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the starting point of the congested section identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the distance traveled from the vehicle's current location to the starting point of the congested section identified by the identification unit 133, based on route information, map information, and current location information. Subsequently, the estimation unit 134 estimates the travel time from the current location to the starting point of the congested section (hereinafter also referred to as the third travel time) by dividing the estimated travel distance by the vehicle's travel speed (e.g., average speed). Furthermore, if the estimation unit 134 has estimated the third travel time, it estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the starting point of the congested section by adding the third travel time to the current time.

[0049] Next, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated time at which the vehicle will pass through the congested section identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated time at which the vehicle will pass the end point of the congested section identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the travel time required for the vehicle to move through the congested section (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth travel time) based on the congestion information. Next, if the estimation unit 134 has estimated the fourth travel time, it estimates the estimated time at which the vehicle will pass the end point of the congested section by adding the fourth travel time to the estimated arrival time at the start point of the congested section. Next, the estimation unit 134 estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is a time period during which voice guidance output is not required.

[0050] [4-1-2. Estimating the time of day when passing through congested intersections] Generally, sections passing through congested intersections are considered sections where vehicles do not move. The identification unit 133 identifies specific intersections in the travel route as sections where voice guidance output is unnecessary. Specifically, the acquisition unit 132 acquires statistical information (hereinafter also referred to as statistical information) regarding the required passage time for each intersection with traffic lights from, for example, a server that manages traffic information, via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire statistical information by vehicle direction of travel as statistical information regarding the required passage time for each intersection. Based on the route information, map information, current location information, and statistical information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the identification unit 133 identifies intersections in the travel route to be traveled that require more than a predetermined time to pass through, as specific intersections.

[0051] The estimation unit 134 estimates the expected arrival time of the vehicle when it reaches a specific intersection identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the distance traveled from the vehicle's current location to the specific intersection identified by the identification unit 133 based on route information, map information, and current location information. Subsequently, the estimation unit 134 estimates the travel time from the current location to the specific intersection (hereinafter also referred to as the fifth travel time) by dividing the estimated distance traveled by the vehicle's travel speed (e.g., average speed). Furthermore, if the estimation unit 134 has estimated the fifth travel time, it estimates the expected arrival time of the vehicle when it reaches the specific intersection by adding the fifth travel time to the current time.

[0052] Next, the estimation unit 134 estimates the expected time of passage when the vehicle will pass through the specific intersection identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the required passage time for the vehicle to pass through the specific intersection identified by the identification unit 133 based on statistical information. For example, the estimation unit 134 obtains statistical values ​​of the required passage time for the specific intersection as the required passage time for the vehicle to pass through the specific intersection identified by the identification unit 133. Also, if the estimation unit 134 has estimated the required passage time, it estimates the expected time of passage when the vehicle will pass through the specific intersection identified by the identification unit 133 by adding the required passage time to the expected arrival time to reach the specific intersection. Next, the estimation unit 134 estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the expected passage time is a time period when voice guidance output is not required.

[0053] [4-2. Estimation of the time period during which the vehicle will be driven in an automated driving section] In the embodiment described above, the identification unit 133 identified a section between two adjacent voice guidance output points on the travel route as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary. However, the sections identified by the identification unit 133 as sections where voice guidance output is unnecessary are not limited to this. Specifically, the identification unit 133 identifies an automated driving section on the travel route as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary. Generally, while a vehicle is driving autonomously in an automated driving section, the driver is not driving, so it can be estimated that this is a time period when voice guidance output such as route guidance and traffic information is unnecessary.

[0054] The identification unit 133 identifies the automated driving sections in the travel route as sections where voice guidance output is unnecessary. Specifically, the acquisition unit 132 acquires map information including the automated driving sections. Based on the route information and map information acquired by the acquisition unit 132, the identification unit 133 identifies the automated driving sections in the travel route to be driven.

[0055] The estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle will reach the automated driving section identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the travel distance from the vehicle's current location to the starting point of the automated driving section identified by the identification unit 133, based on route information, map information, and current location information. Subsequently, the estimation unit 134 estimates the travel time from the current location to the starting point of the automated driving section (hereinafter also referred to as the sixth travel time) by dividing the estimated travel distance by the vehicle's travel speed (e.g., average speed). Furthermore, if the estimation unit 134 has estimated the sixth travel time, it estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle will reach the starting point of the automated driving section by adding the sixth travel time to the current time.

[0056] The estimation unit 134 estimates the expected time when the vehicle will pass through the automated driving section identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the expected time when the vehicle will pass the end point of the automated driving section identified by the identification unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the distance traveled from the vehicle's current location to the end point of the automated driving section identified by the identification unit 133, based on route information, map information, and current location information. Next, the estimation unit 134 estimates the travel time from the current location to the end point of the automated driving section (hereinafter also referred to as the seventh travel time) by dividing the estimated travel distance by the vehicle's speed (e.g., average speed). If the estimation unit 134 has estimated the seventh travel time, it estimates the expected time when the vehicle will pass the end point of the automated driving section by adding the seventh travel time to the current time. Subsequently, the estimation unit 134 estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is a time period during which voice guidance output is not required.

[0057] [4-3. Others] In any of the embodiments and modifications described above, the estimation unit 134 may exclude the core time (mealtime) during which recommendation information is output from the time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0058] [5. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment is an information processing device that outputs voice guidance according to the current location of a vehicle, and comprises an acquisition unit 132 and an estimation unit 134. The acquisition unit 132 acquires route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to the destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location. Based on the route information, map information, and current location information, the estimation unit 134 estimates the time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary while the vehicle is traveling along the travel route.

[0059] This enables the information processing device 100 to estimate a suitable time period for outputting content including audio. Furthermore, this allows the information processing device 100 to select content that falls within a time period when audio guidance is not required, and to schedule the output of the selected content during that time period. This enables the information processing device 100 to output content that requires a long presentation time, such as interactive content or news readings, in a single, uninterrupted stream. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can enhance the effectiveness of outputting content including audio. Additionally, when displaying advertisements, the information processing device 100 can schedule the timing of advertisement presentations so that there are gaps of a predetermined length of time before and after the advertisement presentation where audio information is not output. This prevents the advertisement from becoming less effective due to the continuous output of audio information. Alternatively, since the information processing device 100 knows in advance the time periods during which advertisements can be displayed, it can schedule advertisements that are more effective when presented during those time periods to be displayed during those times. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can enhance the effectiveness of advertisements that include audio. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can, for example, pre-select multiple content options that can be played during a long period of free time, and present these options to the user for selection. This allows the information processing device 100 to enable the user to make effective use of their free time.

[0060] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 further includes a identification unit 133. The identification unit 133 identifies sections in the travel route where voice guidance output is unnecessary, based on route information and map information. The estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle will reach the section where voice guidance output is unnecessary, and the estimated passing time when the vehicle will pass through the section where voice guidance output is unnecessary, and estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0061] As a result, the information processing device 100 can identify sections in the travel route where voice guidance output is unnecessary, and thereby appropriately estimate the time period during which the vehicle travels through such sections as a time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0062] Furthermore, the identification unit 133 identifies the section between two adjacent voice guidance output points on the travel route as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary. The estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the section between the two adjacent voice guidance output points, and the estimated passing time when the vehicle passes through the section between the two adjacent voice guidance output points, and estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0063] As a result, the information processing device 100 can identify the section between two adjacent voice guidance output points on the travel route as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary, and thereby appropriately estimate the time period during which the vehicle travels through the section between two adjacent voice guidance output points as a time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0064] Furthermore, the identification unit 133 identifies congested sections in the travel route that are currently experiencing traffic congestion, as sections where voice guidance output is unnecessary. The estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle will reach the congested section and the estimated passing time when the vehicle will pass through the congested section, and estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0065] As a result, the information processing device 100 can identify congested sections along the travel route where voice guidance output is unnecessary, thereby appropriately estimating the time periods when a vehicle is traveling through congested sections as time periods when voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0066] Furthermore, the identification unit 133 identifies specific intersections in the travel route as sections where voice guidance output is unnecessary. The estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle will reach the specific intersection, and based on the estimated arrival time and statistical values ​​of the time required to pass through the specific intersection, estimates the estimated time when the vehicle will pass through the specific intersection, and estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated time of passage is a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0067] As a result, the information processing device 100 can appropriately estimate the time period during which a vehicle passes a specific intersection as a time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary, by identifying a specific intersection in the travel route as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0068] Furthermore, the identification unit 133 identifies the automated driving section in the travel route as a section where voice guidance output is unnecessary. The estimation unit 134 estimates the estimated arrival time when the vehicle will reach the automated driving section and the estimated passing time when the vehicle will pass through the automated driving section, and estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is a time period when voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0069] As a result, the information processing device 100 can identify the automated driving sections in the travel route as sections where voice guidance output is unnecessary, and thereby appropriately estimate the time period during which the vehicle travels in the automated driving section as a time period during which voice guidance output is unnecessary.

[0070] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the above embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 100. The computer 1000 includes a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0071] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, controlling various components. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0072] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends it to the CPU1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0073] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and input devices such as keyboards via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600. Note that an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or, given the significant computing power required, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) may be used instead of the CPU 1100.

[0074] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0075] For example, when computer 1000 functions as an information processing device 100, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing programs loaded onto RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0076] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0077] [7. Other] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0078] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0079] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1. Information Processing System 10 Content Device 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Map Information Storage Unit 122 Driving Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Route guidance section 132 Acquisition Department 133 Specific section 134 Estimation Department 135 Output Control Unit 140 Sensor section 150 Audio output section 160 Input section 170 Display section

Claims

1. An information processing device that outputs voice guidance according to the current location of the vehicle, An acquisition unit that acquires route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to the destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location. An estimation unit that estimates the time period during which the vehicle travels along the aforementioned route information, map information, and current location information in which the output of the voice guidance is not required, An output control unit selects content that falls within a time period when the estimated voice guidance output is unnecessary, and controls the output of the content. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The system further includes a specification unit that identifies sections in the travel route where the output of voice guidance is unnecessary, based on the aforementioned route information and map information. The estimation unit, The estimated arrival time of the vehicle when it reaches the section where the voice guidance output is unnecessary, and the estimated passing time of the vehicle when it passes through the section where the voice guidance output is unnecessary are estimated, and the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is estimated to be the time period when the voice guidance output is unnecessary. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The specified part is, As a section where the output of the aforementioned voice guidance is unnecessary, the section between two adjacent voice guidance output points on the travel route is identified. The estimation unit, The estimated arrival time when the vehicle reaches the section between the two adjacent voice guidance output points, and the estimated passage time when the vehicle passes through the section between the two adjacent voice guidance output points are estimated, and the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passage time is estimated to be a time period when the voice guidance output is unnecessary. The information processing apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The specified part is, As sections where the output of the aforementioned voice guidance is unnecessary, the congested sections in the travel route are identified, The estimation unit, The estimated arrival time of the vehicle when it will reach the congested section and the estimated passing time of the vehicle when it will pass through the congested section are estimated, and the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is estimated to be a time period during which the output of the voice guidance is unnecessary. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.

5. The specified part is, As a section where the output of the aforementioned voice guidance is unnecessary, a specific intersection in the travel route is identified, The estimation unit, The system estimates the estimated arrival time of the vehicle when it will reach the specific intersection, estimates the estimated passing time of the vehicle when it will pass the specific intersection based on the estimated arrival time and statistical values ​​of the time required to pass through the specific intersection, and estimates that the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is a time period when the output of the voice guidance is unnecessary. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The specified part is, The automated driving sections in the travel route are identified as sections where the output of the aforementioned voice guidance is unnecessary. The estimation unit, The estimated arrival time of the vehicle when it reaches the automated driving section and the estimated passing time of the vehicle when it passes through the automated driving section are estimated, and the time period from the estimated arrival time to the estimated passing time is estimated to be a time period during which the output of the voice guidance is unnecessary. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. An information processing method performed by an information processing device that outputs voice guidance according to the current location of a vehicle, An acquisition step of acquiring route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to the destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location, An estimation step of estimating the time period during which the vehicle travels along the aforementioned route information, map information, and current location information in which the output of the voice guidance is not required; An output control step includes selecting content that falls within a time period when the estimated voice guidance output is unnecessary, and controlling the output of the content, An information processing method characterized by including

8. The computer in the information processing device that outputs voice guidance according to the vehicle's current location, A procedure for acquiring route information indicating the vehicle's travel route to a destination, map information corresponding to the travel route, and current location information indicating the vehicle's current location. An estimation procedure for estimating the time period during which the vehicle travels along the aforementioned route, map information, and current location information, in which the output of the voice guidance is not required; An output control procedure that selects content that falls within a time period when the estimated voice guidance output is unnecessary, and controls the output of the content, An information processing program to execute an action.

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