Control device and program

Abstract

To reduce the stress of waiting for vehicle delivery by providing highly entertaining services to customers waiting for vehicle delivery.SOLUTION: A control device 10 includes a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device 20 of a user 21, and a control unit that acquires progress data indicating the progress of production of a vehicle ordered by the user 21, sets a character's growth level according to the progress indicated by the acquired progress data, and transmits an image of the character that changes depending on the growth level to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information providing device that provides a user with the progress status of a specific vehicle until parking. This device provides, for example, a captured image during assembly or position information during transportation to a user terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional device, the entertainment property of the service provided to customers waiting for parking is insufficient.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the stress of waiting for parking by providing a highly entertaining service to customers waiting for parking.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control device according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device, and a control unit that acquires progress status data indicating the progress status of the production of the vehicle ordered by the user, sets the growth degree of a character according to the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data, and transmits an image of the character that changes according to the growth degree to the terminal device via the communication unit. It is provided with.

[0007] The program according to the present disclosure To obtain progress data showing the production progress of vehicles ordered by users, The character's growth level is set according to the progress shown in the acquired progress data, Displaying the image of the character which changes according to the aforementioned growth stage. To have the computer perform an action that includes [this]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, providing highly entertaining services to customers awaiting delivery can reduce the stress associated with waiting for their vehicle to be delivered. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows examples of multiple steps according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures.

[0011] In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of System 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0013] The system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a control device 10 and a terminal device 20. The control device 10 can communicate with the terminal device 20 via a network 30.

[0014] In this embodiment, the control device 10 is a server computer such as a cloud server, but it may also be a general-purpose computer such as a PC, a microcomputer installed in a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a dedicated computer. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. In this embodiment, the control device 10 is operated by a vehicle manufacturer. The control device 10 may be integrated with the terminal device 20. For example, it may be a microcomputer installed in the terminal device 20.

[0015] The terminal device 20 is a computer capable of installing and executing application programs, such as a PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet. The terminal device 20 is used by the user 21.

[0016] The network 30 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. The network 30 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of this embodiment will be described.

[0018] In this embodiment, the control device 10 communicates with the terminal device 20 of the user 21. The control device 10 acquires progress status data indicating the progress status of the production of the vehicle F ordered by the user 21. The control device 10 sets the growth degree of the character according to the progress status indicated by the acquired progress status data. The control device 10 transmits an image of the character that changes according to the set growth degree to the terminal device 20 of the user 21. The terminal device 20 receives the image of the character from the control device 10. The terminal device 20 displays the received image. Thereby, the user 21 can enjoy the growth of the character while waiting for the delivery of the vehicle F.

[0019] According to this embodiment, by providing a highly entertaining service to the user 21 waiting for delivery, the stress of waiting for delivery can be reduced.

[0020] In this embodiment, the user 21 is a purchaser who orders the vehicle F and is waiting for delivery. When the user 21 orders the vehicle F, a user ID for identifying the purchaser is assigned to the user 21. Also, a VIN for specifying the vehicle F is assigned to the vehicle F. "ID" is an abbreviation of identifier. "VIN" is an abbreviation of Vehicle Identification Number. In this embodiment, the user ID and the VIN are linked to each other and stored in the control device 10. The user ID and the VIN may be stored in an external storage device.

[0021] In this embodiment, the vehicle manufacturer centrally manages the production progress of vehicle F using a dedicated server. The dedicated server is either a cloud server or an on-premise server installed at the vehicle manufacturer's facility, such as a factory. The progress data indicates the production progress of vehicle F, showing the process to which vehicle F is currently involved among the multiple processes included in the production of vehicle F, as well as the date and time when that process started. When a process starts, for example, when a tag reader installed on the line corresponding to that process in the factory reads the tag with the VIN written on it attached to vehicle F, the dedicated server records data indicating that process and the date and time when vehicle F was involved in that process as progress data. The progress data is transmitted from the dedicated server to the control device 10.

[0022] Figure 2 shows an example of the multiple processes involved in the production of vehicle F. The production of vehicle F includes four processes: pre-manufacturing, in-manufacturing, post-manufacturing, and post-delivery. The in-manufacturing process includes sub-processes such as pressing, painting, and assembly. The pre-manufacturing process is the process from when user 21 orders vehicle F until manufacturing begins at the factory. The in-manufacturing process is the process while vehicle F is being manufactured at the factory. The post-manufacturing process is the process from when manufacturing of vehicle F is completed until it is delivered to user 21. The post-delivery process is the process after vehicle F has been delivered to user 21. Vehicle F proceeds through these processes in order.

[0023] For example, first, vehicle F is assigned the VIN "1104". At this point, the progress data shows the pre-manufacturing stage. Next, when manufacturing of vehicle F begins at the factory, the progress data shows the in-manufacturing stage. When manufacturing of vehicle F is completed, the progress data shows the post-manufacturing stage. Finally, when vehicle F is delivered to user 21, the progress data shows the delivered stage.

[0024] In this embodiment, the user 21 is provided with the services related to this disclosure according to the progress. The services related to this disclosure are services that provide the user 21 with images of characters. The "image of a character" is an image that includes a character that changes according to a growth level set according to the progress of production of vehicle F. The character may be predetermined, or the user 21 may select from a group of characters. The "growth level" is the degree of growth of the character in the image displayed on the user 21's terminal device 20. The growth level is initially set to 0 when vehicle F is ordered. As the production process of vehicle F progresses, the growth level value increases. The more the growth level value increases, the more the character grows.

[0025] Referring to Figure 3, the configuration of the control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0026] The control device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0027] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 controls each part of the control device 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the control device 10.

[0028] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read-only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash memory is, for example, SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions, for example, as main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The memory unit 12 stores data used for the operation of the control device 10 and data obtained through the operation of the control device 10. In this embodiment, the user ID of user 21, the VIN of vehicle F "1104", and the progress status data of vehicle F are stored.

[0029] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet®, a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11, or a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 13 communicates with the terminal device 20 via the network 30. The communication unit 13 receives data used for the operation of the control device 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 10.

[0030] The functions of the control device 10 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 11. In other words, the functions of the control device 10 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to perform the operations of the control device 10, thereby causing the computer to function as the control device 10. That is, the computer functions as the control device 10 by performing the operations of the control device 10 according to the program.

[0031] The program can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may also be distributed by storing it in server storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0032] A computer, for example, stores a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in its main memory. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory with its processor and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred to the computer from a server. Processing may also be performed by a so-called ASP-type service, which does not transfer programs from the server to the computer, but realizes its function only through execution instructions and result retrieval. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of defining the computer's processing falls under "equivalent to a program".

[0033] Some or all of the functions of the control device 10 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11. In other words, some or all of the functions of the control device 10 may be implemented by hardware.

[0034] Referring to Figure 4, the operation of the control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation described below corresponds to the control method according to this embodiment. That is, the control method according to this embodiment includes steps S1 to S8 shown in Figure 4.

[0035] Step S1 begins when user 21, who ordered vehicle F, is assigned a user ID, and vehicle F is assigned a VIN. Step S1 also begins after a predetermined period of time, such as one day, has elapsed since the completion of the flow shown in Figure 4, or at any other predetermined time.

[0036] In S1, the control unit 11 acquires progress data. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires progress data from a dedicated server via the communication unit 13. In this embodiment, the progress data acquired in S1 represents one of the four processes shown in Figure 2. The progress data acquired in S1 also indicates the date and time when that process started.

[0037] In S2, the control unit 11 determines whether the progress data acquired in S1 is different from the progress data already stored in the storage unit 12. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the process indicated by the progress data acquired in S1 is different from the process indicated by the progress data already stored in the storage unit 12, i.e., the progress data acquired previously. If it is determined that the process indicated by the progress data acquired in S1 is different from the process indicated by the progress data already stored in the storage unit 12, the process proceeds to S3. Immediately before S3, the control unit 11 updates the progress data already stored in the storage unit 12 with the progress data acquired in S1. If there is no progress data already stored in the storage unit 12, i.e., if the steps in S1 are executed for the first time for vehicle F, the process also proceeds to S3. Immediately before S3, the control unit 11 stores the progress data acquired in S1 in the storage unit 12. If it is determined that the process indicated by the progress data acquired in S1 is the same as the process indicated by the progress data already stored in the storage unit 12, the process proceeds to S6. For example, in the production of vehicle F, if the progress data already stored in the memory unit 12 indicates a pre-manufacturing process, and the progress data acquired in S1 indicates an ongoing manufacturing process, the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, if the progress data already stored in the memory unit 12 indicates a pre-manufacturing process, and the progress data acquired in S1 also indicates a pre-manufacturing process, the process proceeds to S6.

[0038] In S3, the control unit 11 sets the character's growth level according to the progress data obtained in S1. Specifically, if the current process of vehicle F indicated by the progress data obtained in S1 is the first of several processes included in the production of vehicle F, the control unit 11 sets the character's growth level to its initial value. The control unit 11 stores the data indicating the set growth level as growth level data in the storage unit 12. If the current process of vehicle F indicated by the progress data obtained in S1 is the second of several processes included in the production of vehicle F, the control unit 11 sets the character's growth level to the initial value plus a predetermined value. The control unit 11 updates the growth level data stored in the storage unit 12 with the data indicating the set growth level. When N is an integer of 2 or more, if the current process of vehicle F indicated by the progress data obtained in S1 is the (N+1)th process included in the production of vehicle F, the control unit 11 sets the character's growth level to the value corresponding to the Nth process plus a predetermined value. The control unit 11 updates the growth rate data stored in the storage unit 12 with data indicating the set growth rate. In this embodiment, the growth rate at the time vehicle F is ordered is set to an initial value of 0. The predetermined value to be added is 100. Therefore, as the vehicle F progresses through the manufacturing process, the growth rate increases to 100, 200, 300, and so on. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the manufacturing in progress, the control unit 11 sets the growth rate to 100. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing stage, the control unit 11 sets the growth rate to 200. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the delivery stage, the control unit 11 sets the growth rate to 300.

[0039] In S4, the control unit 11 transmits an image of the character, which changes according to the growth stage set in S3, to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. Specifically, if the growth stage set in S3 is the initial value, the control unit 11 generates an image of the character in the first stage of growth. If the growth stage set in S3 is the value corresponding to the Nth process, the control unit 11 generates an image of the character in the Nth stage of growth. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The character can be a real thing or a fictional thing, as long as it grows, such as a human, animal, or plant. For example, if the character is a monster, the first stage of growth may be the egg stage, the second stage the juvenile stage, the third stage the adult stage, and the fourth stage the departure stage. "Departure" means moving to a place far away from the place where the character was born and raised, such as a nest or home. For example, if the growth stage set in S3 is 0, the control unit 11 generates an image of an egg as the character image. For example, if the growth level set in S3 is 100, the control unit 11 generates an image of a young animal as the character image. For example, if the growth level set in S3 is 200, the control unit 11 generates an image of an adult animal as the character image. For example, if the growth level set in S3 is 300, the control unit 11 generates an image of an adult animal on a journey as the character image. As another example, when the character is human, the first stage of growth may be the child stage, the second stage the youth stage, the third stage the journey stage, and the fourth stage the battle stage. For example, if the growth level set in S3 is 0, the control unit 11 generates an image of a child as the character image. For example, if the growth level set in S3 is 100, the control unit 11 generates an image of a youth as the character image. For example, if the growth level set in S3 is 200, the control unit 11 generates an image of a youth going on a journey as the character image. For example, if the growth level set in S3 is 300, the control unit 11 generates an image of a young man fighting a monster as the character image. By having the terminal device 20 receive and display the character image, the entertainment value of the service provided to the user 21 can be further enhanced.

[0040] In S5, the control unit 11 transmits a vehicle image of vehicle F to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13, according to the progress status indicated by the progress data acquired in S1. The vehicle image is an image of vehicle F taken at each stage of vehicle F's production. The vehicle image is taken by a camera installed in the factory and stored on a dedicated server. There may be multiple vehicle images. Specifically, if the current stage of vehicle F indicated by the progress data acquired in S1 is the first of several stages included in the production of vehicle F, the control unit 11 acquires a vehicle image taken at the first stage from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. If the current stage of vehicle F indicated by the progress data acquired in S1 is the Nth stage of several stages included in the production of vehicle F, the control unit 11 acquires a vehicle image taken at the Nth stage via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 transmits the acquired vehicle image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. However, after vehicle F is delivered, the control unit 11 does not perform the step in S5. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates a pre-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits a vehicle image taken in the pre-manufacturing process to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The vehicle image taken in the pre-manufacturing process is, for example, an image of the materials used in the manufacture of vehicle F. If the progress data acquired in S1 indicates an in-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits a vehicle image taken in the in-manufacturing process to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The vehicle image taken in the in-manufacturing process is, for example, an image of vehicle F taken when it has passed through three sub-processes: pressing, painting, and assembly. If the progress data acquired in S1 indicates a post-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits a vehicle image taken in the post-manufacturing process to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The vehicle image taken in the post-manufacturing process is, for example, an image of vehicle F taken when vehicle options are installed, or an image of vehicle F taken at the delivery location. If the progress data acquired in S1 indicates a delivered process, the control unit 11 does not perform step S5. By receiving and displaying vehicle images on the terminal device 20, the user 21 can see the actual production status of vehicle F.

[0041] After S5, the flow shown in Figure 4 ends.

[0042] In S6, the control unit 11 calculates the elapsed period. The "elapsed period" is the number of days from the start date of the current process to the date on which the progress data was acquired in S1. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires data from the storage unit 12 that indicates the date and time the current process started, which is included in the progress data. The control unit 11 calculates the elapsed period as the number of days from the start date of the current process to the date on which the progress data was acquired in S1, as indicated by the acquired data. For example, if the start date of the current pre-manufacturing process is February 19, 2023, and the date on which the progress data was acquired in S1 is March 15, 2023, the control unit 11 calculates that the elapsed period is 24 days.

[0043] In S7, the control unit 11 sets the growth level every predetermined period, even if there is no change in the progress status indicated by the progress data acquired in S1. Specifically, when the elapsed period calculated in S6 becomes an integer multiple of the predetermined period, the control unit 11 sets the character's growth level to a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the value stored in the memory unit 12. However, if the value after the addition is greater than or equal to the growth level to be set in the next process, the control unit 11 does not add the predetermined value. The predetermined period may differ for each process. For example, the predetermined period is 30 days for the pre-manufacturing process, 1 day for the in-manufacturing process, and 2 days for the post-manufacturing process. The predetermined value is 10. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 29 days, the control unit 11 leaves the growth level at 0. When the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the pre-manufacturing process and the elapsed period calculated in S6 is 30 days, the elapsed period becomes equal to 1 times the predetermined period of 30 days, and the control unit 11 sets the growth level to 10. If the elapsed time calculated in S6 is 60 days, the elapsed time becomes equal to twice the predetermined period of 30 days, and the control unit 11 sets the growth rate to 20. However, even if the elapsed time calculated in S6 in the pre-manufacturing process becomes equal to an integer multiple of 30 days, the control unit 11 does not add to the growth rate beyond 100. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the in-manufacturing process and the elapsed time calculated in S6 is 1 day, the control unit 11 sets the character's growth rate to 110. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process and the elapsed time calculated in S6 is 1 day, the control unit 11 leaves the growth rate at 200. If the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process and the elapsed time calculated in S6 is 2 days, the control unit 11 sets the character's growth rate to 210.

[0044] In S8, the control unit 11 transmits an image of the same character as the image transmitted in S4, but which changes according to the growth stage set in S7, to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. Specifically, if the growth stage set in S7 is between the initial value and the value corresponding to the second process, the control unit 11 generates an image of the character that has grown slightly in the first stage. If the growth stage set in S7 is between the value corresponding to the Nth process and the value corresponding to the (N+1)th process, the control unit 11 generates an image of the character that has grown slightly in the Nth stage. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, if the growth stage set in S7 is 10, the control unit 11 generates an image of the character with one crack in the eggshell. For example, if the growth stage set in S7 is 20, the control unit 11 generates an image of the character with two cracks in the eggshell, or an image of the eggshell with one crack that has grown slightly larger. For example, if the growth level set in S7 is 110, the control unit 11 generates an image of the character showing the young animal having grown a little, for example, from a baby to a child. For example, if the growth level set in S7 is 210, the control unit 11 sends an image of the character showing the adult animal having grown a little. Even during periods when there is no change in the production progress of vehicle F, the character's growth is advanced at regular intervals, thereby reducing the stress on the user 21 while waiting for delivery if there is a delay in the production of vehicle F.

[0045] After S8, the flow shown in Figure 4 ends.

[0046] As described above, in steps S1 to S8, the control unit 11 acquires progress data indicating the production status of vehicle F ordered by user 21. The control unit 11 sets the character's growth level according to the progress indicated by the acquired progress data. The control unit 11 transmits an image of the character, which changes according to the set growth level, to user 21's terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 displays the received image. This allows user 21 to enjoy watching the character grow while waiting for the delivery of vehicle F.

[0047] According to this embodiment, by providing highly entertaining services to users 21 waiting for their vehicle to be delivered, the stress of waiting for delivery can be reduced.

[0048] As a modification of this embodiment, the control unit 11 may acquire color data indicating the body color of the vehicle F. Once painting is complete, the control unit 11 may change the color of the character in the character image to the color corresponding to the body color indicated by the acquired color data. The color data is stored in advance on a dedicated server, for example. The progress data is data that further indicates the sub-process to which the vehicle F is currently involved, if the process to which the vehicle F is currently involved is a manufacturing process. In S2, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the assembly sub-process, which is the next sub-process after painting, the control unit 11 determines that painting is complete. Even if the sub-process progresses from painting to assembly, the process remains in manufacturing, so the process proceeds from S2 to S6, S7, and then to S8. In S8, the control unit 11 acquires color data from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 generates an image of the character in which the color of the character has been changed to the color corresponding to the body color indicated by the acquired color data. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, when the control unit 11 recognizes that the sub-process indicated by the progress data acquired in S1 has changed from painting to assembly, it acquires data indicating the vehicle F's body color as "silver" from a dedicated server via the communication unit 13. If the growth level set in S7 is 110, the control unit 11 generates an image in which at least part of the body of a slightly larger, for example, a young animal that has grown from a baby to a child, has changed color to silver. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. By changing the character's color in accordance with the timing of the change in the vehicle F's body color, the entertainment value of the service provided to the user 21 can be further enhanced. The character's color may be changed to the same color as the vehicle F's body color, or to a similar color to the vehicle F's body color.

[0049] In another modification of this embodiment, the production of vehicle F may include optional installation. The control unit 11 may further acquire vehicle option data indicating one or more vehicle options ordered by user 21. When the optional installation is completed, the control unit 11 may transmit an image of the character wearing the item corresponding to the vehicle option indicated by the acquired vehicle option data as the character's image. The vehicle option data is stored in advance, for example, on a dedicated server. Progress data further indicates whether the installation on vehicle F has been completed for each vehicle option ordered by user 21. In S4 or S8, the control unit 11 acquires the vehicle option data from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. From the progress data acquired in S1, the control unit 11 determines which vehicle options indicated by the acquired vehicle option data have had their optional installation completed. The control unit 11 generates an image of the character wearing the item corresponding to the determined vehicle option as the character's image. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. As an example, suppose that the vehicle options ordered by user 21 are a genuine navigation system and an ETC onboard unit, and the installation of the genuine navigation system option is included in the in-manufacturing process, and the installation of the ETC onboard unit option is included in the post-manufacturing process. "ETC" is an abbreviation for electronic toll collection system. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the in-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 recognizes from the progress data that the installation of the genuine navigation system has been completed, and generates an image of the young beast wearing a sword as an item corresponding to the genuine navigation system. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates the post-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 recognizes from the progress data that the installation of the ETC onboard unit has been completed, and generates an image of the adult beast wearing a shield as an item corresponding to the ETC onboard unit, in addition to the sword, which is an item corresponding to the genuine navigation system. The control unit 11 transmits the generated image to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13.By equipping the character with items at the same time that vehicle F's options are equipped, the entertainment value of the service provided to user 21 can be further enhanced.

[0050] In yet another modification of this embodiment, the control unit 11 may transmit additional option data to the terminal device 20 indicating vehicle options that the user 21 can order, depending on the progress status indicated by the progress status data. For example, if the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the first process, the control unit 11 transmits data indicating unordered vehicle options that can be installed in the second process and beyond as additional option data to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. If the progress status data acquired in S1 indicates the Nth process, the control unit 11 transmits data indicating unordered vehicle options that can be installed in the N+1th process and beyond as additional option data to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. If there are no unordered vehicle options that can be installed in the N+1th process and beyond, the control unit 11 may transmit a message indicating that there are no additional vehicle options to be ordered as additional option data to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. As an example, suppose that user 21 can order additional vehicle options such as body parts and floor mats even after ordering vehicle F. Since body parts are installed in the manufacturing process, additional orders can be placed during the pre-manufacturing process. Furthermore, since floor mats are installed in a post-manufacturing process, additional orders can be placed between the pre-manufacturing and in-manufacturing processes. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates a pre-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits data indicating body parts and floor mats as additional option data to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates an in-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits data indicating floor mats as additional option data to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. For example, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates a post-manufacturing process, the control unit 11 transmits a message to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13 indicating that there are no vehicle options that user 21 can order additionally, such as "Vehicle options cannot be ordered." By displaying the received vehicle option data, the terminal device 20 makes it easier for user 21 to order additional vehicle options.

[0051] In yet another modification of this embodiment, the control unit 11 may transmit an image of the character to the vehicle F once the vehicle delivery is complete. Specifically, if the progress data acquired in S1 indicates that the vehicle delivery is complete, the control unit 11 may determine that the vehicle delivery is complete and transmit the image generated in S4 to the vehicle F via the communication unit 13. The vehicle F may display this image on its multimedia screen. By displaying an image of the grown-up character on the vehicle F's screen, the user 21 can feel an attachment to the vehicle F immediately after delivery.

[0052] In yet another variation of this embodiment, the control unit 11 may further transmit the character image to a server that controls another game via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 may also further transmit vehicle option data indicating the vehicle options ordered by the user 21, and the character may become stronger according to the vehicle options indicated in the vehicle option data. The character is, for example, a horse. For example, the control unit 11 may transmit an image of a grown horse to a server that controls a game of raising racehorses, so that the grown horse can participate in races. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 11 may further transmit vehicle option data indicating the "engine starter function," which is a vehicle option ordered by the user 21, and the horse may become even faster. This can further enhance the entertainment value of the service.

[0053] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1 System 10 Control device 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 20 Terminal devices 21 users 30 Networks

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with the user's terminal device, A control unit acquires progress data indicating the production progress of a vehicle ordered by the user, sets the growth level of a character according to the progress indicated by the acquired progress data, and transmits an image of the character that changes according to the growth level to the terminal device via the communication unit. Equipped with, The production of the aforementioned vehicle includes painting, The control unit acquires color data indicating the body color of the vehicle, and when the painting is completed, the control device changes the color of the character in the image to a color corresponding to the body color indicated by the acquired color data.

2. A communication unit that communicates with the user's terminal device, A control unit acquires progress data indicating the production progress of a vehicle ordered by the user, sets the growth level of a character according to the progress indicated by the acquired progress data, and transmits an image of the character that changes according to the growth level to the terminal device via the communication unit. Equipped with, The control unit is a control device that sets the growth rate at predetermined intervals, even during periods when there is no change in the progress status.

3. A communication unit that communicates with the user's terminal device, A control unit acquires progress data indicating the production progress of a vehicle ordered by the user, sets the growth level of a character according to the progress indicated by the acquired progress data, and transmits an image of the character that changes according to the growth level to the terminal device via the communication unit. Equipped with, The production of the aforementioned vehicles includes optional modifications. The control unit further acquires vehicle option data indicating vehicle options ordered by the user, and when the option installation is completed, transmits an image of the character wearing the item corresponding to the vehicle option indicated by the acquired vehicle option data as an image of the character.

4. To obtain progress data showing the production progress of vehicles ordered by users, The character's growth level is set according to the progress shown in the acquired progress data, Displaying the image of the character which changes according to the aforementioned growth stage. To have the computer perform an action that includes, The production of the aforementioned vehicle includes painting, The aforementioned operation is, To obtain color data indicating the body color of the aforementioned vehicle, Once the painting is complete, the color of the character in the image is changed to the color corresponding to the body color indicated by the acquired color data. A program that further includes the following.

Images