Information processing device

Abstract

To improve the visual effect of content images displayed by a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a communication unit; and a control unit that communicates with a plurality of vehicles each having a display unit that displays images to the outside via the communication unit, and causes the vehicles to display a portion of content images corresponding to the respective positions when the time during which an inter-vehicle distance among the vehicles during travel remains equal to or less than a reference distance continues for a reference time or longer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles that display images such as advertisements on the outer wall of the vehicle body are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating the time during which an image displayed on a display attached to a host vehicle can be visually recognized by a passenger of another vehicle, and displaying an advertisement edited to have a video time corresponding to the visually recognizable time on the display.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for improvement in the visual effect of the content image displayed by the vehicle.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus and the like that enables improvement in the visual effect of the content image displayed by a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus in the present disclosure includes a communication unit, and a plurality of vehicles having a display unit that displays an image outward, communicate with the communication unit, and when the time during which the inter-vehicle distance in the plurality of traveling vehicles is less than or equal to a reference distance continues for a reference time or more, the plurality of vehicles are caused to display a part of the content image corresponding to their respective positions by a control unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The information processing device described in this disclosure makes it possible to improve the visual effects of content images displayed by a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of a vehicle management system configuration. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a vehicle management system. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of server device operation. [Figure 4A] This diagram shows an example of content image layout. [Figure 4B] This diagram shows an example of content image layout. [Figure 4C] This diagram shows an example of content image layout. [Figure 5A] This diagram shows an example of content image layout. [Figure 5B] This diagram shows an example of content image layout. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below.

[0010] <Configuration of the vehicle management system> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle management system in one embodiment. The vehicle management system 1 has one or more server devices 10, one or more terminal devices 12, and multiple vehicles 13 that are connected to each other via a network 11 so as to be able to communicate information with each other. The server device 10 is, for example, a server computer that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system and functions as a server that implements various functions. The server device 10 corresponds to the "information processing device" in this embodiment. The terminal device 12 is an information processing terminal used by operators of businesses that place advertisements on the vehicles 13, and exchanges various information with the server device 10. The terminal device 12 is, for example, a personal computer. The vehicle 13 has a display unit 137 on the outer wall of the vehicle body for displaying content images such as advertisements. The vehicle 13 is, for example, a commercial vehicle such as a bus or truck, but may also be a passenger car. The vehicle 13 is equipped with communication functions and information processing functions and is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication network. Vehicle 13 may be driven by a driver, or its operation may be automated to any level (for example, any of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)). Vehicle 13 is also an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that uses battery power for at least part of the energy required for driving. Hereafter, when distinguishing between multiple vehicles 13, they will be numbered vehicle 13-n (n=1, 2, ...). Network 11 is, for example, the Internet, but may include an ad-hoc network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or other networks or any combination thereof.

[0011] In this embodiment, the vehicle management system 1 controls the display of content images by multiple vehicles 13. The server device 10 has a communication unit 101 and a control unit 103 that communicates via the communication unit. The control unit 103 communicates with multiple vehicles 13, each having a display unit 137 that displays an image to the outside, via the communication unit 101. When the distance between multiple vehicles 13 in motion remains below a reference distance for a period of time longer than a reference time, the control unit 103 causes the multiple vehicles 13 to display a portion of the content image corresponding to their respective positions. Since the content image can be displayed using a large display surface (hereinafter referred to as the combined display surface) formed by combining the display surfaces of the display units 137 of multiple vehicles 13, it is possible to improve the visual effect of the content image.

[0012] <Configuration of Server Device 10> The server device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103. The server device 10 is, for example, a single computer. Alternatively, the server device 10 may consist of two or more computers that are connected in a way that enables information communication and operate in cooperation. In that case, the configuration shown in Figure 2 can be appropriately arranged on two or more computers.

[0013] The communication unit 101 includes one or more communication interfaces. These communication interfaces are, for example, LAN interfaces. The communication unit 101 receives information used in the operation of the server device 10 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the server device 10. The server device 10 is connected to the network 11 via the communication unit 101 and communicates information with the vehicle 13 via the network 11.

[0014] The storage unit 102 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these, which function as main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The storage unit 102 stores information used for the operation of the server device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the server device 10.

[0015] The control unit 103 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processors are, for example, general-purpose processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) or dedicated processors such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuits are, for example, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). The control unit 103 controls each part of the server device 10 and performs information processing related to the operation of the server device 10.

[0016] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by executing a control program on a processor included in the control unit 103. The control program is a program that causes a computer to execute the processing steps included in the operation of the server device 10, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program that causes a computer to function as the server device 10. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 103. In addition, the control program may be stored in a non-transient recording / storage medium readable by the server device 10, and the server device 10 may read it from the medium.

[0017] <Configuration of Terminal Device 12> The terminal device 12 includes a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a control unit 123, an input unit 125, and an output unit 126.

[0018] The communication unit 121 includes a communication module compatible with a wired or wireless LAN standard, a module compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation), etc. The terminal device 12 is connected to the network 11 via the communication unit 121 through a nearby router device or a base station of mobile communication, and performs information communication with other devices via the network 11.

[0019] The storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, a SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 122 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 122 stores information used for the operation of the control unit 123 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0020] The control unit 123 includes one or more general-purpose processors such as a CPU or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or one or more dedicated processors specialized for specific processing. Alternatively, the control unit 123 may include one or more dedicated circuits such as an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 123 operates according to a control / processing program or according to an operation procedure implemented as a circuit, thereby comprehensively controlling the operation of the terminal device 12. Then, the control unit 123 transmits and receives various information to and from the server device 10 etc. via the communication unit 121, and executes the operation according to this embodiment.

[0021] The input unit 125 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interfaces include, for example, physical keys, capacitive keys, pointing devices, touchscreens integrated with a display, cameras for capturing images or image codes, or IC card readers. The input interfaces may also include microphones for receiving voice input. The input unit 125 receives input of information used for the operation of the control unit 123 and sends the input information to the control unit 123.

[0022] The output unit 126 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interfaces are, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 126 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0023] The functions of the control unit 123 are realized by the execution of a control program by the processor included in the control unit 123. The control program is a program that causes the processor to function as the control unit 123. In addition, some or all of the functions of the control unit 123 may be realized by dedicated circuits included in the control unit 123.

[0024] <Example configuration of vehicle 13> Vehicle 13 includes a communication unit 131, a storage unit 132, a control unit 133, a positioning unit 134, an input unit 135, and an output unit 136. The output unit 136 includes a display unit 137. One or more of these units may be configured as a single control device, or they may be configured as a personal computer including a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, or a navigation device. Alternatively, each unit may be connected to communicate information via an in-vehicle network compliant with standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0025] The storage unit 132, the control unit 133, and the input unit 135 have configurations equivalent to those of the storage unit 122, the control unit 123, and the input unit 125 of the terminal device 12.

[0026] The communication unit 131 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interfaces are, for example, interfaces compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. The communication unit 131 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 133 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the control unit 133. The control unit 133 is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication base station by the communication unit 131 and communicates information with other devices via the network 11.

[0027] The positioning unit 134 includes one or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. GNSS includes, for example, at least one of GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. Based on the information acquired by the positioning unit 134, the vehicle 13's position information is obtained.

[0028] The output unit 136 includes one or more output interfaces for outputting information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123. The output interface includes, for example, a display or a speaker, and further includes a display unit 137 provided on the outside of the vehicle body. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The display unit 137 is, for example, a roughly rectangular LED (Light Emitting Diode) display with sides of several meters or more.

[0029] The control unit 133 controls the communication unit 131, storage unit 132, positioning unit 134, input unit 135, and output unit 136 while exchanging various information with these units, and also controls the operation of the vehicle 13.

[0030] <Operation of Vehicle Management System 1> Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure for the coordinated operation of the server device 10, the terminal device 12, and the vehicle 13. In Figure 2, the steps related to various information processing of the server device 10, the terminal device 12, and the vehicle 13 are executed by their respective control units 103, 123, and 133. Furthermore, the steps related to the sending and receiving of various information of the server device 10, the terminal device 12, and the vehicle 13 are executed by the respective control units 103, 123, and 133 sending and receiving information to each other via the communication units 101, 121, and 131, respectively. In the server device 10, the terminal device 12, and the vehicle 13, the control units 103, 123, and 133 respectively store the information to be processed and sent and received in the storage units 102, 122, and 132 as appropriate.

[0031] In step S20, the server device 10 acquires schedule information for each of the multiple vehicles 13. The schedule information includes the area and time period in which each vehicle 13 will travel. The schedule information may be stored in each vehicle 13 and sent from the vehicle 13 to the server device 10, or the schedule information for each vehicle 13 may be stored in the server device 10 and read by the control unit 103. Step S20 is performed, for example, once a day.

[0032] In step S21, the server device 10 sends operation information to the terminal device 12. The operation information includes information on the area in which multiple vehicles 13 are operating and the advertising fees for each time period. The advertisement is displayed as a content image on a combined display surface formed by the display units 137 of multiple vehicles 14. The advertising fee is set to increase, for example, according to the size of the combined display surface or the number of vehicles 14 that form the combined display surface. The advertising fee may also be increased or decreased according to the attributes of the area and the time period. For example, it is presumed that more consumers will be exposed to the advertisement in areas, time periods, or combinations of areas and time periods with high population density, so it is possible to set the advertising fee higher.

[0033] In step S22, the server device 10 receives advertising application information from the terminal device 12. The advertising application information includes identification information that identifies the business operator and its financial information, information specifying the area and time period in which the vehicle 13 will operate, and data of content images for the advertisement. The terminal device 12 outputs the operation information received from the server device 10 by displaying it, etc., and sends the advertising application information to the server device 10 in response to an operation by the business operator for advertising application.

[0034] In step S23, the server device 10 determines the content image for each group of vehicles 14. The server device 10 associates content images with each group of vehicles 14 that are traveling in the same area at the same time, according to the advertising application. If multiple content images have been applied for a single group of vehicles 14, the server device 10 prioritizes the multiple content images, for example, by the order of application or by the amount of advertising fee, and associates the content image with the highest priority with the group of vehicles 14. Alternatively, the server device 10 can derive the aspect ratio of a roughly rectangular combined display surface and select content images on the condition that they match the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio can be classified, for example, as either vertical or horizontal. For example, the server device 10 has previously stored information on the display surface generated by the display unit 137 for each vehicle 14 in the storage unit 102, and can use this information to derive the aspect ratio of the planned combined display surface.

[0035] When the operation of the vehicles 14 begins, in step S25, the server device 10 acquires the location information of each vehicle 14. Each vehicle 14 sends its current location information to the server device 10 at an arbitrary interval, for example, every few tens of microseconds to a few seconds.

[0036] In step S26, the server device 10 generates a display instruction for the content image for each vehicle 14 and sends the instruction to each vehicle 14. A detailed procedure for step S26 is shown in Figure 3.

[0037] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure of the server device 10 related to the generation of display instructions for content images. Each step in Figure 3 is executed by the control unit 103.

[0038] In step S30, the control unit 103 acquires the position information of each vehicle 14 for each set of vehicles 14. The control unit 103 reads the position information sent from each vehicle 14 and stored in the memory unit 102.

[0039] In step S31, the control unit 103 determines whether the distance between vehicles 14 is below a standard. The control unit 103 derives the distance between vehicles from the difference in the positions of the vehicles 14 and compares it with the standard. The distance between vehicles may be the front-to-back distance when multiple vehicles 14 are traveling in a column, or the left-to-right distance when multiple vehicles 14 are traveling in parallel. When multiple vehicles 14 are traveling in a column, a combined display surface is formed by the display units 137 on the sides of each vehicle 14, and when multiple vehicles 14 are traveling in parallel, a combined display surface is formed by the display units 137 on the rear surfaces of each vehicle 14. The standard is a distance that is large enough to ensure the safe driving of the vehicles 14, and small enough that a combined display surface can be formed by the display surfaces of the display units 137. The control unit 103 can use the standard for when multiple vehicles 14 are in a column, or the standard for when multiple vehicles 14 are in parallel. If the following distance is below the standard (Yes in step S31), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S32. If the following distance is not below the standard (No in step S31), the control unit 103 terminates the procedure shown in Figure 3.

[0040] In step S32, the control unit 103 determines whether a reference time has elapsed while the distance between the vehicles 14 is below a reference value. The reference time is arbitrarily set to tens of seconds to several tens of seconds, which is sufficient time to display the content image on the combined display surface. If the reference time has elapsed (Yes in step S32), the control unit 103 proceeds to step S33; if the reference time has not elapsed (No in step S32), the control unit 103 returns to step S31.

[0041] In step S33, the control unit 103 allocates content images to the display surfaces of the multiple vehicles 14. The control unit 103 allocates a portion of the content image to each vehicle 14 according to the position of each vehicle 14.

[0042] Figures 4A to 4C show examples of content image allocation. Figure 4B shows an example where the content image 40 shown in Figure 4A is allocated to vehicles 13-1 and 13-2 that are arranged in a vertical line, and Figure 4C shows an example where it is allocated to vehicles 13-1 and 13-2 that are arranged in parallel. As shown in Figure 4B, when vehicles 13-1 and 13-2 are arranged in a vertical line, the control unit 103 allocates the content image 40 to display partial content images 40-1 and 40-2, which are obtained by dividing the content image 40 into left and right halves, respectively. Also, as shown in Figure 4C, when vehicles 13-1 and 13-2 are arranged in parallel, the control unit 103 allocates the content image 40 to display partial content images 40-1 and 40-2, which are obtained by dividing the content image 40 into left and right halves, respectively.

[0043] Returning to Figure 3, in step S35, the control unit 103 sends a display instruction for the content image to each of the multiple vehicles 14. The display instruction includes data for a portion of the assigned content image. The display instruction also includes information on which display surface should display a portion of the content image, such as distinguishing between the left and right sides and the rear surface. The control unit 103 then completes the procedure shown in Figure 3.

[0044] Returning to Figure 2, in step S27, each vehicle 13 displays a portion of the content image based on a display instruction sent from the server device 10. As shown in Figure 4B or Figure 4C, vehicles 13-1 and 13-2 each display content images 40-1 and 40-2, respectively, so that the entire content image 40 is displayed on the combined display surface formed by the display units 127 of each vehicle 13-1 and 13-2.

[0045] In step S28, the server device 10 processes the billing for advertising fees related to the display of content images. The server device 10 uses the identification information of the business operator that applied for advertising placement and, in cooperation with the server that manages the business operator's financial account, executes the billing process.

[0046] In step S29, the server device 10 sends the result of the billing process to the terminal device 12, and the procedure shown in Figure 2 is completed.

[0047] By following the procedure described above, each component of the vehicle management system 1 will function, making it possible to improve the visual effect of the content images displayed by the vehicle.

[0048] <Variation> Figures 5A and 5B show examples of content image allocation in modified examples. The content image 50 shown in Figure 5A is a moving image that includes an object 51 moving from right to left in the drawing. As shown in Figure 5B, when vehicles 13-1 and 13-2 are traveling in a line according to the direction of movement 52 indicated by the arrows, the control unit 103 allocates the content images to be displayed on each display unit 127, for example, by dividing the content image 50 into left and right sections, resulting in partial content images 50-1 and 50-2. In this case, the content images 50-1 and 50-2 are allocated so that the direction of movement 52 of vehicles 13-1 and 13-2 and the direction of movement of object 51 are opposite to each other. The control unit 103 derives the direction of movement of object 51 from the content image 50, and derives the direction of movement of vehicles 13-1 and 13-2 from the change in their positions over time. By doing so, the sense of speed in the movement of object 51 is emphasized when a stationary observer views the content image 50 as a whole. Alternatively, the direction of movement of object 51 may be the same as the direction of movement 52 of vehicles 13-1 and 13-2. By doing so, it becomes possible to stably observe the movement of object 51 when the observer is moving in the same direction as the direction of movement 52 of vehicles 13-1 and 13-2.

[0049] As described above, embodiments have been explained based on various drawings and examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each means, each step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means, steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1. Vehicle Management System 10 Server devices 11 Network 12 Terminal devices 13 vehicles 101, 121, 131 Communications Department 102, 122, 132 storage section 103, 123, 133 Control Unit 125, 135 Input section 126, 136 Output section 134 Positioning Unit 137 Display section

Claims

1. Communications Department and, A control unit communicates with multiple vehicles, each having a display unit that displays an image to the outside, and when the distance between the multiple vehicles in motion remains below a standard distance for a standard time or longer, the control unit causes the multiple vehicles to display a portion of a content image corresponding to their respective locations. It has, When the content image to be displayed on the display unit on the side of the plurality of vehicles includes a moving object within the content image, the control unit allocates a portion of the content image to the plurality of vehicles such that the moving object moves along the direction of movement of the plurality of vehicles. Information processing device.

2. In claim 1, The control unit selects a content image with a higher priority from among multiple content images as the content image to be displayed on the multiple vehicles. Information processing device.

3. In claim 1, The control unit selects from a plurality of content images a content image corresponding to the aspect ratio of the display surface formed by the display units of the plurality of vehicles as a content image to be displayed on the plurality of vehicles. Information processing device.

4. In claim 1, The control unit selects from a plurality of content images a content image corresponding to the section or time period in which the plurality of vehicles are traveling, as a content image to be displayed on the plurality of vehicles. Information processing device.

Images