Content playback device, content playback method, and content playback program

Abstract

The present invention is equipped with: a network interface (103) for receiving current perceived air temperature information for a person in a specific region from a server (300) via a communication network (400); a memory (102) for storing the perceived air temperature information and date information expressing the current date; and a CPU (101) for storing the perceived air temperature information received by the network interface (103) in the memory (102), selecting playback content from a plurality of content on the basis of the perceived air temperature information and date information, and playing back the playback content.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

[0003] , , , , ,

[0006] , The controller identifies the first seasonal information based on the current date, adjusts the first seasonal information according to the perceived temperature information, and selects the playback content based on the adjusted first seasonal information.

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content playback device, a content playback method, and a content playback program for playing back content.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that detects atmospheric pressure with an atmospheric pressure sensor and selects and plays a melody according to the weather predicted from the atmospheric pressure. With this configuration, a weather forecast can be known by playing a melody selected to image each weather.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a content playback device capable of playing back content according to a person's perceived temperature.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The content playback device in the present disclosure includes a communication interface that receives current perceived temperature information of people in a specific area from an external device via a communication network, a storage that stores date information indicating the current date and the perceived temperature information, and a controller that stores the perceived temperature information received by the communication interface in the storage, selects playback content from a plurality of contents based on the date information and the perceived temperature information, and outputs the playback content. The controller identifies the first seasonal information based on the current date, adjusts the first seasonal information according to the perceived temperature information, and selects the playback content based on the adjusted first seasonal information. .

[0006] [[ID=These general or specific embodiments may be implemented in a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or non-temporary recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or in any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and non-temporary recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The content playback device described in this disclosure can play content that corresponds to a person's perceived temperature. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a content playback system in an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content playback device in an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the correspondence between weather and content in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the correspondence between precipitation and content in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the correspondence between seasons and content in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the content playback device in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the content selection process in the embodiment. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a flowchart showing an example of the content selection process for cases other than rain and snow in the embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a flowchart showing an example of the content selection process for cases other than rain and snow in the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the correspondence between date and season in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the method for adjusting the first seasonal information in an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Knowledge that forms the basis of this disclosure) In areas where temperatures fluctuate throughout the year and where living organisms are active, seasonal changes are easily perceived. In such areas, the same season generally occurs at roughly the same time each year, thus defining the season by time of year. However, even within the same season, weather conditions can make it feel hotter or colder than the actual season. In other words, there can be a discrepancy between the season a person experiences and the season defined by time of year.

[0010] Therefore, the inventors have come up with a content playback device that can play content according to a person's perceived temperature.

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art.

[0012] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable a person skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment) The embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0014] [1-1 Structure] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a content playback system according to an embodiment. The content playback system 1 includes a content playback device 100, a speaker 200, and a server 300.

[0015] The content playback device 100 receives weather-related information regarding the weather from the server 300, selects playback content, which is audio content to be played back, based on the weather-related information, and outputs an audio signal included in the playback content to the speaker 200. The weather-related information is information regarding at least one of the current weather at a certain location and the weather forecast. Details of the weather-related information will be described later.

[0016] The speaker 200 plays back audio based on the audio signal input from the content playback device 100. The speaker 200 and the content playback device 100 are connected by an audio cable, but may be connected by other cables such as an optical digital cable or a USB cable. Further, the speaker 200 may be integrally configured with the content playback device 100. That is, the speaker 200 may be a built-in speaker included in the content playback device 100. The speaker 200 is an example of an output device that outputs content.

[0017] The server 300 stores weather-related information in its internal storage. The server 300 transmits weather-related information regarding the weather in a specific region to the content playback device 100 in response to a request from the content playback device 100. The specific region is an area including the location where the content playback device 100 is disposed among a plurality of regions. Each of the plurality of regions is an area divided into a predetermined size. The content playback device 100 and the server 300 are connected via a communication network 400.

[0018] The server 300 stores weather-related information in each of the plurality of regions. The weather-related information in each region includes weather information, precipitation information, and perceived temperature information.

[0019] Weather information refers to information indicating weather conditions such as sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy. If the weather information is related to a weather forecast, it may be in a format such as "sunny then cloudy."

[0020] Precipitation information refers to information indicating the amount of rainfall. If the weather information indicates a weather other than rain or snow, the precipitation amount is assumed to be 0 mm.

[0021] Perceived temperature information refers to subjective temperature information that people feel in each region, which differs from the actual temperature. This includes information such as "hot," "cold," and "just right." "Just right" is an example of a first-order perceived temperature, indicating that the perceived temperature information is comfortable. "Hot" is an example of a second-order perceived temperature, indicating that the perceived temperature information is hotter than comfortable, i.e., not comfortable. "Cold" is another example of a second-order perceived temperature, indicating that the perceived temperature information is colder than comfortable, i.e., not comfortable.

[0022] Server 300 periodically acquires subjective information from multiple terminals owned by multiple users residing in each region, indicating the subjective temperature perceived by the users of those terminals. Using the multiple subjective information acquired in the most recent period and a predetermined algorithm, it identifies information indicating the subjective temperature that is predicted to be perceived by the majority of users residing in each region during that period, as perceived temperature information. For this reason, Server 300 maintains real-time perceived temperature information for each region.

[0023] Content playback system 1 is an example of a content playback system. Content playback device 100 is an example of a content playback device. Speaker 200 is an example of a speaker device. Server 300 is an example of a server device.

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the content playback device in Embodiment 1. The content playback device 100 includes a CPU 101, a memory 102, a network I / F 103, and an audio I / F 104.

[0025] Memory 102 consists of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Memory 102 is a storage medium (i.e., storage) that stores date information, multiple contents, weather-related information received from server 300, and programs executed by CPU 101.

[0026] Network I / F 103 is an interface for communication with external devices such as Server 300. Network I / F 103 may be an interface for wireless communication, such as a wireless LAN interface or a Bluetooth® interface. Network I / F 103 may also be an interface for wired communication, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a wired LAN interface. Network I / F 103 is not limited to the above and may also be a communication interface for transmitting data with external devices via the communication network 400.

[0027] The audio interface 104 is an interface that outputs the audio signals contained in the content to the speaker 200.

[0028] The CPU 101 implements various functions by executing programs stored in memory 102. Based on weather-related information and date information, the CPU 101 selects one content from multiple contents stored in memory 102 to be played. The CPU 101 outputs the audio signal contained in the selected playback content to the speaker 200 via the audio interface 104.

[0029] Date information is information indicating the current date (year, month, day). Date information may also include the current time. The CPU 101 constantly updates the date information to the current date and stores it in memory 102. The date information stored in memory 102 may be updated by a controller other than the CPU 101.

[0030] Each of the multiple content items includes an audio signal. The audio signal included in each content item may be an audio signal of music, an audio signal of ambient sounds such as birdsong, insect sounds, rain, or wind, or an audio signal of silence. Each of the multiple content items may be classified into multiple categories.

[0031] Figure 3 shows an example of the correspondence between weather and content in an embodiment. For example, each of the multiple content items may be classified in relation to one of the following weather conditions: sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy, as shown in Figure 3. The weather conditions for classification may also include other weather conditions besides sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy, such as sunny followed by cloudy.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of the correspondence between precipitation and content in the embodiment. For example, rain-related content, which is classified in relation to rain among multiple contents, may be further classified in relation to precipitation, as shown in Figure 4.

[0033] Figure 5 shows an example of the correspondence between seasons and content in the embodiment. For example, each of the sunny content items, which are classified in association with weather other than rain and snow (i.e., sunny and cloudy), may be classified in association with one of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as shown in Figure 5.

[0034] The CPU 101 receives multiple content items in advance from an external device via the communication network 400 and stores them in the memory 102. Alternatively, the CPU 101 may read multiple content items from an external storage device connected to an external interface (not shown) and store them in the memory 102, or it may perform so-called streaming reception, receiving them sequentially via the communication network 400 when outputting to the speaker 200, as described later.

[0035] Additionally, the CPU 101 retrieves weather-related information from the server 300 and stores it in memory 102.

[0036] Server 300 maintains weather-related information for each location. Content playback device 100 maintains location information in memory 102 for the location where it is positioned. The CPU 101 of content playback device 100 transmits location information to server 300 and requests the acquisition of weather-related information. In response to the request, server 300 transmits weather-related information corresponding to the location information received from content playback device 100 to content playback device 100. In this way, content playback device 100 acquires weather-related information corresponding to the stored location information. Alternatively, the CPU 101 of content playback device 100 may receive weather-related information for all locations from server 300, then identify the weather-related information corresponding to the location information and store it in memory 102.

[0037] CPU 101 is an example of a controller. Memory 102 is an example of storage. Network I / F 103 is an example of a communication I / F. Network I / F 103 is an example of an input I / F. Audio I / F 104 is an example of an output I / F.

[0038] [1-2 Operation] The operation of the content playback device 100, configured as described above, will be explained below.

[0039] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the content playback device 100 in the embodiment.

[0040] CPU 101 executes the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6 at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes).

[0041] The network interface 103 of the content playback device 100 receives weather-related information corresponding to the location information of the location where the content playback device 100 is located from the server 300 via the communication network 400 (S101). As a result, the CPU 101 acquires weather-related information for a specific region.

[0042] Next, the CPU 101 determines (selects) one piece of content from among the multiple pieces of content stored in memory 102 to be played back, based on weather-related information and date information indicating the current date (S102).

[0043] Next, the CPU 101 outputs the audio signal contained in the selected playback content to the speaker 200 (S103).

[0044] Next, we will describe the content selection process in step S102.

[0045] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the content selection process (step S102) in the embodiment.

[0046] The CPU 101 obtains weather information from the weather-related information it has read and determines whether the weather indicated by the weather information is rain or not (S111).

[0047] If the CPU 101 determines that the weather information indicates rain (Yes in S111), it obtains precipitation information from the read weather-related information and selects rain-appropriate content according to the precipitation information (S112). Here, "the weather information indicates rain" in this embodiment includes cases where the weather is rain, rain followed by sunshine, rain followed by cloudy, storm, thunderstorm, sleet, etc. The CPU 101 refers to the table shown in Figure 4 to select content according to the precipitation amount and sets it as the playback content. For example, if the precipitation information indicates a precipitation of 5 mm, the CPU 101 selects rain-appropriate content 2.

[0048] If CPU 101 determines that the weather information indicates that the weather is not rain (No in S111), it then determines whether the weather information indicates that the weather is snow or not (S113).

[0049] If the CPU 101 determines that the weather information indicates snow (Yes in S113), it selects snow-related content (S114). Here, "the weather information indicates snow" in this embodiment includes cases where the weather is snow, snow followed by sunshine, snow followed by cloudy, heavy snow, etc. The audio signal included in the snow-related content may be a silent audio signal.

[0050] If the CPU 101 determines that the weather information indicates that the weather is not snow (No in S113), it determines the content through the process described later (S115). In other words, if the CPU 101 determines that the weather information indicates neither rain nor snow, it executes the process in step S115.

[0051] If CPU 101 determines that the weather information indicates neither rain nor snow, it identifies the season as the first season information based on the date information. Next, CPU 101 adjusts the first season information based on the perceived temperature information included in the weather-related information to identify the second season information, and selects playback content based on the second season information. The detailed processing flow is described below.

[0052] Figures 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing the flow of the playback content selection process (processing in step S115) in cases other than rain and snow in the embodiment.

[0053] The CPU 101 reads and obtains the date information stored in memory 102, and identifies the season corresponding to the date information as the first season information (S121).

[0054] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the correspondence between dates indicated by date information and seasons. The CPU 101 refers to the table shown in Figure 9 to identify the season corresponding to the date indicated by the date information as the first season information. In this embodiment, if the season is summer or winter, the CPU 101 refers to the table shown in Figure 9 to further identify whether it is the first half or second half of that season (summer or winter). For example, if the date indicated by the date information is June 1st, the CPU 101 identifies the season as summer and the first half of summer as the first season information.

[0055] Next, the CPU 101 identifies the adjusted second season information based on the identified first season information and the perceived temperature information included in the weather-related information, and selects the playback content. The CPU 101 also determines the temporal direction for adjusting the first season information based on whether the date information falls within a predetermined range within a year, adjusts the first season information based on the perceived temperature information to identify the second season information, and selects the playback content based on the second season information. The temporal direction for adjusting the first season information includes advancing the season and moving the season backward. Here, advancing the season means selecting a later season in a chronological order where the seasons are arranged in a cyclical sequence such as spring, summer, autumn, winter, spring, summer, ... Conversely, moving the season backward means selecting an earlier season in a chronological order where the seasons are arranged in a cyclical sequence such as spring, summer, autumn, winter, spring, summer, ... Specifically, the CPU 101 identifies the adjusted second season information by executing the processes described in steps S122 to S150, and selects playback content based on the second season information.

[0056] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the method for adjusting the first seasonal information in the embodiment. Hereafter, using Figure 10, an example of the process for realizing the processes of steps S122 to S150 described later will be explained.

[0057] When the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," and the current date falls within the first period of the year, which includes the latter half of summer to the first half of winter, the CPU 101 identifies the second season as the season that is temporally further back than the first season information, limited to within the first period. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," and the current date falls within the first period, if the first season information is summer and the period is in the latter half, the CPU 101 identifies summer as the second season information, limited to the first period starting from the latter half of summer. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," and the current date falls within the first period, if the first season information is autumn, the CPU 101 identifies summer, which is one season back from autumn, as the second season information. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," and the current date falls within the first period, if the first season information is winter and the period is in the first half, the CPU 101 identifies autumn, which is one season back from winter, as the second season information.

[0058] When the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," CPU 101 identifies the second season as the season that is further ahead in time than the first season information, limited to the second period, if the current date falls within the second period, which includes the latter half of winter to the first half of summer. For example, if the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," and the current date falls within the second period, and the first season information is winter and the period is in the latter half, CPU 101 identifies spring, which is one season after winter, as the second season information. For example, if the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," and the current date falls within the second period, and the first season information is spring, CPU 101 identifies summer, which is one season after spring, as the second season information. For example, if the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," and the current date falls within the second period, and the first season information is summer and the period is in the first half, CPU 101 identifies summer as the second season information, limited to the second period ending in the first half of summer.

[0059] The first period is characterized by a tendency for temperatures (e.g., daily average temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and weekly moving average temperature) to decrease as the days progress. The second period is characterized by a tendency for temperatures (e.g., daily average temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and weekly moving average temperature) to increase as the days progress.

[0060] When the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," CPU 101 identifies a season that is temporally further ahead than the first season information, within the limits of the first season information, if the current date falls within the first period, which includes the latter half of summer to the first half of winter. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," and the current date falls within the first period, if the first season information is summer and the period is in the latter half, CPU 101 identifies autumn, one season after summer, as the second season information. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," and the current date falls within the first period, if the first season information is autumn, CPU 101 identifies winter, one season after autumn, as the second season information. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," and the current date falls within the first period, if the first season information is winter and the period is in the first half, CPU 101 identifies winter as the second season information, within the limits of the first period ending in the first half of winter.

[0061] When the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," CPU 101 identifies the second season as the season that is chronologically further back in time than the first season information, limited to the second season, if the current date falls within the second period, which includes the latter half of winter to the first half of summer. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," and the current date falls within the second period, if the first season information is winter and the period is in the latter half, CPU 101 identifies winter as the second season information, limited to the second period which begins in the latter half of winter. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," and the current date falls within the second period, if the first season information is spring, CPU 101 identifies winter, which is one season back from spring, as the second season information. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," and the current date falls within the second period, if the first season information is summer and the period is in the first half, CPU 101 identifies spring, which is one season back from summer, as the second season information.

[0062] Thus, when the perceived temperature information indicates a second perceived temperature other than a comfortable first perceived temperature (e.g., hot), the CPU 101 determines different temporal directions for adjusting the seasons in the first and second periods. When the perceived temperature information indicates a second perceived temperature other than a comfortable first perceived temperature (e.g., hot), and the current date indicated by the date information is included in the first period of the year, the CPU 101 identifies either a season that is temporally advanced compared to the first season information, or a season that is temporally backward compared to the first season information, as the second season information. Furthermore, when the perceived temperature information indicates a second perceived temperature other than a comfortable first perceived temperature (e.g., hot), and the current date indicated by the date information is included in a second period different from the first period of the year, the CPU 101 identifies the other of a season that is temporally advanced compared to the first season information, or a season that is temporally backward compared to the first season information, as the second season information.

[0063] When the perceived temperature information indicates "just right," and the current date falls within the first half of summer or the first half of winter, CPU 101 identifies the season that is time-shifted from the first season as the second season information. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "just right," and the current date falls within the first half of summer, CPU 101 identifies spring as the second season information because the first season information is summer, which is one season before summer. For example, when the perceived temperature information indicates "just right," and the current date falls within the first half of winter, CPU 101 identifies autumn as the second season information because the first season information is winter, which is one season before winter.

[0064] When the perceived temperature information indicates "just right," CPU 101 identifies the second season as the season that is time-shifted from the first season information, if the current date falls in the latter half of summer or the latter half of winter. For example, if the perceived temperature information indicates "just right" and the current date falls in the latter half of summer, CPU 101 identifies autumn as the second season information because the first season information is summer, which is one season after summer. For example, if the perceived temperature information indicates "just right" and the current date falls in the first half of winter, CPU 101 identifies spring as the second season information because the first season information is winter, which is one season after winter.

[0065] Returning to the explanation of Figure 8A.

[0066] The CPU 101 determines whether the first seasonal information identified in step S121 is spring or not (S122).

[0067] If the CPU 101 determines that the first seasonal information is spring (Yes in S122), it obtains perceived temperature information from the weather-related information it has read and determines whether the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," "just right," or "cold" (S123).

[0068] Next, if the perceived temperature information indicates "hot" (in S123, "hot"), the CPU 101 identifies summer as the second season information, which is one season ahead of spring, the season identified as the first season information (S124).

[0069] Then, CPU101 selects summer-themed content (S125) and terminates processing.

[0070] Furthermore, if the perceived temperature information indicates that it is "just right" (in S123, it selects spring content corresponding to the spring identified as the first seasonal information (S126), and terminates processing. In this case, the CPU 101 may also identify spring, the season identified as the first seasonal information, as the second seasonal information, and select spring content corresponding to the spring in the second seasonal information.

[0071] Furthermore, if the perceived temperature information indicates "cold" (in S123, "cold"), the CPU 101 identifies winter as the second season information, which is one season back from spring, the first season information identified (S127).

[0072] Then, CPU101 selects winter-specific content (S128) and terminates processing.

[0073] Thus, in the processing of steps S122 to S128, if the CPU 101 determines that the season indicated by the date information is spring, it decides the direction to adjust the first season information: if the perceived temperature information indicates "hot", advance the season by one year; if it indicates "cold", move the season back by one year. The CPU 101 then adjusts the first season information based on the perceived temperature information to determine the second season information.

[0074] If CPU 101 determines that the first season information is not spring (No in S122), it then determines whether the first season information is summer or not (S129).

[0075] If the CPU 101 determines that the first seasonal information is summer (Yes in S129), it obtains perceived temperature information from the weather-related information it has read and determines whether the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," "just right," or "cold" (S130).

[0076] Next, if the perceived temperature information indicates "hot" (in S130, "hot"), the CPU 101 selects summer content corresponding to the summer identified as the first season information (S136) and terminates processing. In this case, the CPU 101 may also identify summer, the season identified as the first season information, as the second season information and select summer content corresponding to the summer of the second season information.

[0077] Furthermore, if the perceived temperature information indicates something other than "hot" (in S130, it indicates "not hot"), the CPU 101 determines whether the first season information is summer and the period is in the first half of summer, that is, whether the season is in the first half of summer (S131). Note that if the perceived temperature information indicates something other than "hot," it means that the perceived temperature information indicates "just right" or "cold."

[0078] If CPU 101 determines that the season is the first half of summer (Yes in S131), it identifies spring as the second season information, which is one season back from summer, the season identified as the first season information (S132).

[0079] Then, CPU101 selects spring-themed content to correspond to spring (S133).

[0080] Furthermore, if CPU 101 determines that the season is the latter half of summer (No in S131), it identifies autumn as the second season information, which is one season ahead of summer, the season identified as the first season information (S134).

[0081] Then, CPU101 selects autumn-themed content to correspond to the autumn season (S135).

[0082] Furthermore, in step S130, if the perceived temperature information indicates "just right" rather than "hot," then, similar to when the perceived temperature information indicates "cold," spring or autumn, which are cooler seasons than summer, are identified as the second season information. This is because when the perceived temperature information indicates "just right," it is presumed that even though it is summer, it is not hot, meaning the user feels cool and not like it is summer.

[0083] Next, we will move on to the explanation of Figure 8B.

[0084] If CPU 101 determines that the first seasonal information is not summer (No in S129), it then determines whether the first seasonal information is autumn or not (S137).

[0085] If the CPU 101 determines that the first seasonal information is autumn (Yes in S137), it obtains perceived temperature information from the weather-related information it has read and determines whether the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," "just right," or "cold" (S138).

[0086] Next, if the perceived temperature information indicates "hot" (in S138, "hot"), the CPU 101 identifies summer as the second season information, which is one season back from autumn, the first season information identified (S139).

[0087] Then, CPU101 selects summer-themed content (S140) and terminates processing.

[0088] Furthermore, if the perceived temperature information indicates that it is "just right" (in S138, it indicates "just right"), the CPU 101 selects autumn content corresponding to the autumn identified as the first seasonal information (S141) and terminates processing. In this case, the CPU 101 may also identify autumn, the season identified as the first seasonal information, as the second seasonal information and select autumn content corresponding to the autumn of the second seasonal information.

[0089] Furthermore, if the perceived temperature information indicates "cold" (in S138, "cold"), the CPU 101 identifies winter as the second season information, which is one season ahead of autumn, the season identified as the first season information (S142).

[0090] Then, CPU101 selects winter-specific content (S143) and terminates processing.

[0091] Thus, in the processing of steps S137 to S143, if the CPU 101 determines that the season indicated by the date information is autumn, it decides to adjust the first season information in the following direction: if the perceived temperature information indicates "hot", it will move the season back by one year; if it indicates "cold", it will move the season forward by one year. The CPU 101 then adjusts the first season information based on the perceived temperature information to determine the second season information.

[0092] If CPU101 determines that the first seasonal information is not autumn (No in S137), it determines that the first seasonal information is winter.

[0093] Next, the CPU 101 obtains perceived temperature information from the weather-related information it has read and determines whether the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," "just right," or "cold" (S144).

[0094] If the perceived temperature information indicates "cold" (in S144, "cold"), CPU 101 selects winter content corresponding to the winter identified as the first season information (S150) and terminates processing. In this case, CPU 101 may also identify winter of the season identified as the first season information as the second season information and select winter content corresponding to the winter of the second season information.

[0095] If the perceived temperature information indicates something other than "cold" (in S144, it indicates "something other than cold"), CPU 101 determines whether the first season information is winter and the period is the first half of winter, that is, whether the season is the first half of winter (S145).

[0096] If CPU 101 determines that the season is the first half of winter (Yes in S145), it identifies autumn as the second season information, which is one season back from winter, the season identified as the first season information (S146).

[0097] Then, CPU101 selects autumn-themed content to correspond to the autumn season (S147).

[0098] Furthermore, if CPU 101 determines that the season is the latter half of winter (No in S145), it identifies spring as the second season information, which is one season ahead of winter, the season identified as the first season information (S148).

[0099] Then, CPU101 selects spring-themed content to correspond to spring (S149).

[0100] Furthermore, in step S144, if the perceived temperature information indicates "just right" rather than "cold," then, similar to when the perceived temperature information indicates "hot," spring or autumn, which are warmer seasons than winter, are identified as the second season information. This is because when the perceived temperature information indicates "just right," it is presumed that the user does not feel cold even though it is winter, meaning that the user feels warm and it does not feel like winter.

[0101] As explained above, the CPU 101 identifies the first season information based on the date information, adjusts the first season information based on the perceived temperature information to identify the second season information, and selects playback content based on the second season information.

[0102] [1-3 Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the content playback device 100 includes a network I / F 103 that receives current perceived temperature information of people in a specific area from an external device via a communication network 400, a memory 102 that stores date information indicating the current date and the perceived temperature information, and a CPU 101 that stores the perceived temperature information received by the network I / F 103 in the memory 102 and selects and outputs playback content from multiple content based on the date information and the perceived temperature information.

[0103] Therefore, it is possible to output optimal content as playback content that corresponds to the perceived temperature of the environment when a person goes outside in a specific area. Thus, by outputting playback content, it is possible to inform people of a perceived temperature that is less likely to cause discomfort when they go outside.

[0104] Furthermore, in the content playback device 100, the CPU 101 identifies first season information based on the current date, adjusts the first season information based on perceived temperature information to identify second season information, and selects playback content based on the second season information.

[0105] Therefore, it is possible to output optimal content as playback content that corresponds to the perceived season when a person goes out into the outdoor environment in a specific region. Thus, by outputting playback content, it is possible to inform people of the season that will feel less jarring when they go out into the outdoor environment.

[0106] Furthermore, in the content playback device 100, when the perceived temperature information indicates a second perceived temperature other than a comfortable first perceived temperature, and the current date is included in the first period of the year, the CPU 101 identifies either a season that is temporally advanced compared to the first season information, or a season that is temporally backward compared to the first season information, as the second season information. Also, when the perceived temperature information indicates a second perceived temperature other than a comfortable first perceived temperature, and the current date indicated by the date information is included in a second period that is different from the first period of the year, the CPU 101 identifies either a season that is temporally advanced compared to the first season information, or a season that is temporally backward compared to the first season information, as the second season information.

[0107] Therefore, it is possible to identify the appropriate season as a second seasonal information that indicates the perceived season when selecting playback content.

[0108] Furthermore, in the content playback device 100, the first period is the period from the latter half of summer to the first half of winter, and the second period is the period from the latter half of winter to the first half of summer. If the current date falls within the first period, the CPU 101 identifies the second season as the season that is temporally further back than the first season information, up to the limit of the first period, if the second perceived temperature is perceived as hotter than the first perceived temperature. If the current date falls within the second period, the CPU 101 identifies the second season as the season that is temporally further forward than the first season information, up to the limit of the second period, if the second perceived temperature is perceived as hotter than the first perceived temperature.

[0109] Therefore, it is possible to identify the appropriate season as a second seasonal information that indicates the perceived season when selecting playback content.

[0110] Furthermore, in the content playback device 100, the first period is the period from the latter half of summer to the first half of winter, and the second period is the period from the latter half of winter to the first half of summer. If the current date falls within the first period, the CPU 101 identifies the season that is temporally advanced from the first season information, up to the limit of the first period, as the second season information, if the second perceived temperature is a temperature that is perceived as colder than the first perceived temperature. If the current date falls within the second period, the CPU 101 identifies the season that is temporally backward from the first season information, up to the limit of the second period, as the second season information.

[0111] Therefore, it is possible to identify the appropriate season as a second seasonal information that indicates the perceived season when selecting playback content.

[0112] Furthermore, in the content playback device 100, when the perceived temperature information indicates a comfortable first perceived temperature, and the current date falls within the first half of summer or the first half of winter, the CPU 101 identifies a season that is temporally earlier than the first season information as the second season information. When the perceived temperature information indicates a comfortable first perceived temperature, and the current date falls within the second half of summer or the second half of winter, the CPU 101 identifies a season that is temporally earlier than the first season information as the second season information.

[0113] Therefore, it is possible to identify the appropriate season as a second seasonal information that indicates the perceived season when selecting playback content.

[0114] Furthermore, in the content playback device 100, each of the multiple content items is classified in association with one of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The CPU 101 selects the content that is classified in association with the season indicated by the second seasonal information from among the multiple content items as the content to be played. Therefore, from among the content classified in association with one of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, the content that is classified in association with the season corresponding to a person's perceived temperature can be selected as the content to be played.

[0115] Furthermore, in the content playback device 100, the network interface 103 also receives weather information regarding the weather in a specific area. The CPU 101 stores the weather information in the memory 102. If the weather information indicates either rain or snow, the CPU 101 selects the content corresponding to the rain or snow indicated by the weather information from among multiple content items to be played. If the weather information indicates something other than rain or snow, the CPU 101 selects the content to be played from among multiple content items based on the date information and perceived temperature information.

[0116] Therefore, it is possible to output content optimized for the weather as playback content. Furthermore, when the weather is not rain or snow, it is possible to output content optimized for the perceived temperature that a person would feel when they go outside in a specific area.

[0117] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in the above embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0118] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the content playback device 100 selects playback content from a plurality of content based on date information and perceived temperature information, and outputs the audio signal contained in the playback content. In other words, although an example in which the playback content includes an audio signal was described, the playback content may also include a video signal. The content playback device of this disclosure may be configured to output the video signal contained in the selected playback content, or it may be configured to output both the video signal and the audio signal contained in the selected playback content. That is, in the content playback system of this disclosure, each of the plurality of content includes a video signal. The content playback device is equipped with a video interface. The video interface is an interface that outputs a video signal to an external display. The CPU outputs the video signal contained in the selected playback content to the display via the video interface. The display may be configured integrally with the content playback device.

[0119] Furthermore, the playback content may include a control signal that controls the operation of a fragrance output device that outputs one of several types of fragrances. The content playback device of this disclosure may be configured to output a control signal that causes the fragrance output device to release one selected fragrance as playback content. That is, in the content playback system of this disclosure, each of the multiple contents includes a control signal. The content playback device is equipped with an output I / F. The output I / F is an interface that outputs a control signal to an external fragrance output device. The CPU outputs the control signal included in the selected playback content to the fragrance output device via the output I / F. The fragrance output device is equipped with a plurality of tanks containing the source liquids of multiple types of fragrances, and a sprayer provided in each of the plurality of tanks for spraying the liquid from the tank, or a valve that connects the tank to the space outside the fragrance output device. The fragrance output device receives a control signal and releases the fragrance from one of the plurality of tanks to the outside space by controlling the sprayer or valve of the tank corresponding to the received control signal. Multiple tanks may have six tanks: one for rain, one for snow, one for spring, one for summer, one for autumn, and one for winter.

[0120] In the above embodiment, as an example, a configuration was described in which the weather information is classified into rain, snow, and other cases, and content is selected according to this classification. However, the content playback device of this disclosure may also select content by making other classifications from the acquired weather information. For example, the content playback device may classify the weather information indicated by the weather information into sunny, cloudy, rain, sleet, and snow, and select content according to each.

[0121] In the above embodiment, as an example, when the weather information indicates rain, content is selected by applying the precipitation and content table in Figure 4 to the precipitation information. However, the content playback device of this disclosure may freely determine the contents of the precipitation and content table. For example, the table may be set to display content 1 for rain if the rainfall is 10 mm or less, content 2 for rain if the rainfall is more than 10 mm but 20 mm or less, and content 3 for rain if the rainfall is more than 20 mm.

[0122] In the above embodiment, when the weather information indicates rain, content was selected by applying the precipitation amount and content table in Figure 4 to the precipitation amount information. However, the content playback device of this disclosure may select one rain-specific content when the weather information indicates rain, and control the playback volume of the audio signal included in the rain-specific content according to the precipitation amount information. More specifically, the playback volume of the audio signal may be increased as the precipitation amount information increases.

[0123] In the above embodiment, as an example, a configuration was described in which perceived temperature information is classified into "hot," "just right," and "cold," and content is selected according to this classification. However, the content playback device of this disclosure may include other classifications as the perceived temperature information it acquires. For example, the perceived temperature information may include "extreme heat," "hot," "warm," "cool," "cold," and "extreme cold," and the content playback device may select content according to each of these classifications.

[0124] In the above embodiment, as an example, a configuration was described in which the season is identified from spring, summer, autumn, and winter based on date information, the season is adjusted according to the perceived temperature information, and playback content is selected according to the adjusted season. The content playback device of this disclosure may also adjust the date information based on the perceived temperature information to identify the adjusted date information, and select playback content from multiple contents based on the date indicated by the adjusted date information. For example, if the date indicated by the date information is February 1st and the perceived temperature information is "cold", the content playback device may leave the date information as is and select winter content corresponding to February 1st. If the date indicated by the date information is February 1st and the perceived temperature information is "other than cold" (for example, "just right" or "warm"), the adjusted date may be set to March 1st and spring content corresponding to March 1st may be selected.

[0125] In the above embodiment, as an example, a configuration was described in which the season is identified from spring, summer, autumn, and winter based on date information, the season is adjusted according to the perceived temperature information, and playback content is selected according to the adjusted season. However, the content playback device of this disclosure may also directly select playback content from a table that can uniquely determine playback content from date information and perceived temperature information, according to the acquired date information and perceived temperature information. For example, the content playback device may select winter content if the date indicated by the date information is February and the perceived temperature information is "cold," and spring content if the date indicated by the date information is February and the perceived temperature information is "other than cold."

[0126] In the above embodiment, as an example, a configuration was described in which the CPU 101 receives multiple content items via the communication network 400 and stores them in the memory 102. However, the content playback device of this disclosure may be configured to store multiple content items in the memory 102 in advance.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the content playback device 100, which is an example of a content playback device, is described as being composed of a single device, and the content playback device 100 is configured to include an audio I / F, a network I / F, memory, and a CPU. The content playback device may be composed of multiple devices. For example, a weather information acquisition device equipped with a network I / F, memory, and a CPU may be connected to a content playback device equipped with an output I / F, a network I / F, memory, and a CPU. In other words, the functions of the content playback device may be divided and composed of multiple devices.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the weather-related information transmitted to the content playback device 100 is assumed to be weather-related information relating to a specific region including the location where the content playback device 100 is installed, but it is not limited to this. The weather-related information transmitted to the content playback device 100 may be weather-related information relating to a region different from the region including the location where the content playback device 100 is installed. Specifically, such weather-related information may be weather-related information relating to a region pre-set by the user. For example, even if the content playback device 100 is installed in Osaka, if the region of the weather-related information set by the user is set to Tokyo, the server 300 will transmit Tokyo's weather-related information to the content playback device 100. As a result, the content playback device 100 can select and play content according to the current weather-related information for Tokyo, and the user can virtually experience the current weather in Tokyo.

[0129] As described above, embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology in this disclosure. For this purpose, accompanying drawings and a detailed description have been provided.

[0130] Therefore, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed descriptions may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, provided that they illustrate the technology described above. For this reason, the mere presence of these non-essential components in the attached drawings and detailed descriptions should not be immediately assumed to mean that they are essential.

[0131] Furthermore, since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial applicability]

[0132] The content playback device described in this disclosure is effective for playing content based on weather-related information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 1. Content Playback System 100 Content Playback Devices 101 CPU 102 memory 103 Network I / F 104 Audio Interface 200 speakers 300 servers 400 Communication Networks

Claims

1. A communication interface that receives current perceived temperature information of people in a specific area from an external device via a communication network, A storage device that stores date information indicating the current date and the aforementioned perceived temperature information, The system includes a controller that stores the perceived temperature information received by the communication interface in the storage, selects playback content from a plurality of content based on the date information and the perceived temperature information, and outputs the playback content, The controller identifies first seasonal information based on the current date, adjusts the first seasonal information according to the perceived temperature information, and selects the playback content based on the adjusted first seasonal information. Content playback device.

2. The controller is Determine whether the perceived temperature information corresponds to the first seasonal information. If the perceived temperature information corresponds to the first seasonal information, the playback content is selected based on the first seasonal information. If the perceived temperature information does not correspond to the first seasonal information, the first seasonal information is adjusted to identify the second seasonal information. Based on the second seasonal information, select the playback content. The content playback device according to claim 1.

3. The controller, when the perceived temperature information indicates a second perceived temperature other than a comfortable first perceived temperature, If the current date falls within the first period of a year, the second seasonal information is determined to be either a season that is temporally advanced compared to the first seasonal information, or a season that is temporally backward compared to the first seasonal information. If the current date falls within a second period of the year that is different from the first period, the second seasonal information is to identify the other of the seasons that are temporally advanced compared to the first seasonal information and the seasons that are temporally backward compared to the first seasonal information. The content playback device according to claim 2.

4. The first period mentioned above is the period that includes the latter half of summer to the first half of winter. The second period mentioned above is the period that includes the latter half of winter and the first half of summer. The aforementioned controller, If the current date falls within the first period, and the second perceived temperature is perceived as hotter than the first perceived temperature, then the second seasonal information is identified as a season that is temporally further back than the first seasonal information, limited to within the first period. If the current date falls within the second period, and the second perceived temperature is perceived as hotter than the first perceived temperature, then the second seasonal information will be defined as a season that is temporally advanced beyond the first seasonal information, limited to within the second period. The content playback device according to claim 3.

5. The first period mentioned above is the period that includes the latter half of summer to the first half of winter. The aforementioned second period includes the period from the latter half of winter to the first half of summer. The aforementioned controller, If the current date falls within the first period, and the second perceived temperature is colder than the first perceived temperature, then the second seasonal information is identified as a season that is temporally advanced beyond the first seasonal information, limited to within the first period. If the current date falls within the second period, and the second perceived temperature is colder than the first perceived temperature, then the second seasonal information is identified as a season that is temporally further back than the first seasonal information, limited to within the second period. The content playback device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The controller, when the perceived temperature information indicates a comfortable first perceived temperature, If the current date falls within the first half of summer or the first half of winter, the season that is further back in time than the first season information is identified as the second season information. If the current date falls within the latter half of summer or the latter half of winter, the season that is further ahead in time than the first seasonal information is identified as the second seasonal information. A content playback device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. Each of the aforementioned contents is categorized and associated with one of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The controller selects the content from among the multiple contents that is classified in relation to the season indicated by the second seasonal information as the content to be played. A content playback device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. A communication interface that receives current perceived temperature information of people in a specific area from an external device via a communication network, A storage device that stores date information indicating the current date and the aforementioned perceived temperature information, The system includes a controller that stores the perceived temperature information received by the communication interface in the storage, selects playback content from a plurality of content based on the date information and the perceived temperature information, and outputs the playback content, The controller adjusts the date information based on the perceived temperature information and selects the playback content based on the date indicated by the adjusted date information. Content playback device.

9. The communication interface further receives weather information relating to the weather in the specific region. The aforementioned controller, The aforementioned weather information is stored in storage. If the weather information indicates either rain or snow, select the content from the multiple contents that corresponds to either rain or snow indicated by the weather information as the playback content. If the weather information indicates something other than rain or snow, the playback content is selected from the multiple content items based on the date information and the perceived temperature information. A content playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The system receives current perceived temperature information from an external device via a communication network, and Based on date information indicating the current date and the aforementioned perceived temperature information, select playback content from multiple content options. Output the aforementioned playback content, In the selection process described above, the first seasonal information is identified based on the current date, the first seasonal information is adjusted according to the perceived temperature information, and the playback content is selected based on the adjusted first seasonal information. How to play content.

11. A content playback program for causing a computer to execute the content playback method described in claim 10.

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