Information output device, information output method, and program

Abstract

An information output device (1) is provided with a passenger information acquiring unit (40) and an output control unit (20). The passenger information acquiring unit (40) acquires passenger information relating to a plurality of passengers in a mobile body. The output control unit (20) uses the passenger information to output air conditioning control information relating to control of air conditioning of the mobile body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information output device, an information output method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to a vehicle air conditioning system that obtains weather and temperature information for the destination from the Internet based on destination information from a navigation system, and does not perform air conditioning control that involves sudden changes until the destination is reached.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an air conditioner control device that includes a comfort information acquisition means for acquiring comfort information related to comfortable air conditions inside the vehicle cabin, a current state information acquisition means for acquiring current state information related to the current air conditions inside the vehicle cabin and the current weather conditions outside the vehicle, and an allowable time calculation means for calculating, by a predetermined calculation that compares the comfort information acquired by the comfort information acquisition means with the current state information acquired by the current state information acquisition means, an allowable time that is a period during which the operating state of the car air conditioner is allowed to be switched to a predetermined low-consumption state within a range that allows the comfortable air conditions inside the vehicle cabin to be maintained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-230270 [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-18361 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose technologies for automatically controlling air conditioning to maintain a comfortable environment inside a vehicle, but when there are multiple passengers, it is difficult to create a comfortable in-vehicle environment for all passengers because each passenger has a different sense of temperature and humidity that makes them comfortable.

[0006] One example of a problem that the present invention aims to solve is how to create a comfortable in-vehicle environment that takes into consideration multiple passengers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a passenger information acquisition unit that acquires passenger information regarding a plurality of passengers in the vehicle; The information output device includes an output control unit that uses the passenger information to output air conditioning control information related to control of the air conditioning of the moving body.

[0008] The invention described in claim 10 is The computer Acquire passenger information regarding a plurality of passengers in the vehicle; The information output method uses the passenger information to output air conditioning control information related to control of air conditioning of the moving body.

[0009] The invention described in claim 11 is On the computer, obtaining passenger information regarding a plurality of passengers in the vehicle; The program executes a procedure for outputting air conditioning control information relating to the control of the air conditioning of the vehicle using the passenger information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram for explaining functions of an information output device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information output device. [Figure 3] 4 is a flow diagram of the information output device according to the first embodiment until it outputs air conditioning control information. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating functions of an information output device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the process of outputting air conditioning control information of the information output device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining functions of an information output device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the process of outputting air conditioning control information of the information output device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining functions of an information output device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a process for outputting air conditioning control information of an information output device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] In the following description, each component of each device represents a functional block, not a hardware configuration. Each component of each device is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered around the CPU of any computer, memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the program, and a network connection interface. There are many variations in the realization method and device.

[0013] First Embodiment (Information output device 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the function of an information output device 1 according to a first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the information output device 1 is provided outside a moving body. The information output device 1 may be a so-called cloud server. In the first embodiment, the moving body is a vehicle 3.

[0014] The information output device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with an in-vehicle terminal 2 (described later) via a communication network 101. The communication network 101 includes, for example, communication over a 4G or 5G line. The information output device 1 is configured to include an external vehicle communication unit (not shown) for configuring the communication network 101.

[0015] (In-vehicle terminal 2) An in-vehicle terminal 2 is mounted on the vehicle 3. The in-vehicle terminal 2 is located inside the vehicle 3. The in-vehicle terminal 2 may be a mobile terminal or the like brought in from outside the vehicle 3, or may be installed in the vehicle 3 in advance.

[0016] The in-vehicle terminal 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the information output device 1 via a communication network 101. The communication network 101 includes, for example, communication over a 4G or 5G line. The in-vehicle terminal 2 is configured to include an external communication unit (not shown) for configuring the communication network 101.

[0017] The in-vehicle terminal 2 includes a camera unit 2a, an audio output unit 2b, an audio input unit 2c, and a position sensor unit 2d. Although not shown, the in-vehicle terminal 2 may also include a display.

[0018] The camera unit 2a has an in-camera and an out-camera (not shown). The in-camera faces the interior of the vehicle and at least the driver's seat is included in the shooting range. The in-camera shoots the interior of the vehicle so that the driver can be seen. The in-camera may also shoot the entire interior of the vehicle so that passengers (driver and passengers) can be seen. The out-camera faces outside the vehicle. The out-camera shoots the situation outside the vehicle.

[0019] The audio output unit 2b includes a speaker (not shown) and outputs at least one of mechanical voice and sound effects via the speaker.

[0020] The voice input unit 2c includes at least one microphone (not shown), and the voice uttered by the passenger is input to the voice input unit 2c through the microphone.

[0021] The position sensor unit 2d acquires the position information of the vehicle 3, for example, by using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

[0022] In the first embodiment, the vehicle 3 is equipped with an interior temperature and humidity sensor 7. The interior temperature and humidity sensor 7 generates information related to the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3. The interior temperature and humidity sensor 7 may be included in the in-vehicle terminal 2.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the vehicle 3 is equipped with an exterior temperature and humidity sensor 6. The exterior temperature and humidity sensor 6 generates information relating to the temperature and humidity outside the vehicle 3.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the vehicle 3 is provided with an air conditioning control unit 5. The air conditioning control unit 5 controls the air conditioning device(s) provided in the vehicle 3.

[0025] (Intermediate section information acquisition unit 10) The information output device 1 includes an intermediate section information acquisition unit 10, an output control unit 20, and a prediction unit 30. The intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 acquires intermediate section information. The intermediate section information is information relating to an intermediate section of a route to a destination. An intermediate section is a section (road) located on the route from the current location of the vehicle 3 to the destination. In the first embodiment, an intermediate section may be a link connecting nodes that constitute part of the map information.

[0026] In the first embodiment, route information to the destination is generated by inputting the destination into a navigation device mounted on the vehicle 3. Note that the route information to the destination may be automatically generated by a behavior estimation engine predicting the route information using route information that the passengers regularly use.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the midway section information includes at least one of weather forecast information, humidity information, temperature information, traffic congestion information, altitude information, map information, and sunshine information for the midway section.

[0028] The weather forecast information for the intermediate section is information about the weather forecast for the intermediate section, and includes information such as sunny, rainy, cloudy, snowy, thunder, and foggy weather for the intermediate section. The weather forecast information for the intermediate section is generated by an external system and is updated as needed. In the first embodiment, the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 acquires the weather forecast information from the external system.

[0029] The humidity information in the intermediate section is information relating to the humidity in the intermediate section, and includes, for example, information such as the percentage of humidity in the intermediate section. In the first embodiment, the humidity information in the intermediate section is generated by an external system and is updated as needed. In the first embodiment, the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 acquires the humidity information from the external system.

[0030] The temperature information for the intermediate section is information about the temperature for the intermediate section, and includes information such as the temperature in °C for the intermediate section. In the first embodiment, the temperature information for the intermediate section is generated by an external system and is updated as needed. In the first embodiment, the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 acquires the temperature information from the external system.

[0031] The congestion information in the intermediate section is information about congestion in the intermediate section, and includes information about the length of the congestion in meters and the degree of congestion (how congested it is). The congestion information in the intermediate section is generated by an external system and is updated as needed. In the first embodiment, the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 receives information about congestion in the intermediate section from the external system. Traffic congestion information Get.

[0032] The altitude information for the intermediate section is information about the altitude of the intermediate section (height measured from a reference surface (e.g., sea level)) and includes information about the altitude of the intermediate section in meters. The altitude information for the intermediate section is stored in an external database. In the first embodiment, the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 acquires the altitude information from the external database.

[0033] The map information for the intermediate section is information about a map including the intermediate section, and includes, for example, information about the locations of tunnels, rural roads, areas with heavy snowfall, and mountains. The map information for the intermediate section is stored in an external database. In the first embodiment, the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 acquires the map information from the external database.

[0034] The sunshine information for the intermediate section is information about sunshine for the intermediate section, and includes, for example, information about the duration of sunshine and the degree of sunshine for the intermediate section (such as the time between which the degree of sunshine is highest in the intermediate section). In the first embodiment, the sunshine information for the intermediate section is generated using at least one of weather forecast information for the intermediate section, sunshine direction information about the direction of sunshine, sunshine time information about the time of sunshine, and terrain information about the terrain.

[0035] The terrain information for the intermediate section is information about the terrain around the intermediate section, and includes information indicating how much obstruction there is to the sunlight shining on the intermediate section. The terrain information may be generated from three-dimensional map information, or may be generated using image information generated by the camera unit 2a.

[0036] For example, the amount of sunshine and the degree of sunshine in the intermediate section (sunshine information) may be generated using weather forecast information indicating that the intermediate section will be sunny, sunshine direction information in the intermediate section, and topographical information in the intermediate section.

[0037] In the first embodiment, a sunshine information generating unit (not shown) may generate the sunshine information, and the midway section information acquiring unit 10 may acquire the sunshine information from the sunshine information generating unit. Note that the midway section information acquiring unit 10 may generate the sunshine information.

[0038] (output control unit 20) The output control unit 20 uses the intermediate section information to output air conditioning control information. The air conditioning control information is information related to the control of the air conditioning of the vehicle 3 traveling along the route. Air conditioning is air conditioning, and involves adjusting the air temperature, humidity, airflow, cleanliness, etc. according to the purpose. Control of the air conditioning of the vehicle 3 is control to adjust the air environment inside the vehicle 3. Specifically, the content of this control includes, for example, control of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3, and the air volume of the air conditioning equipment (air conditioner) inside the vehicle 3.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the output control unit 20 causes the in-vehicle terminal 2 to output the air conditioning control information by voice. The output control unit 20 may also cause the air conditioning control unit 5 to output the air conditioning control information as a signal that controls the air conditioning equipment in the vehicle 3. The output control unit 20 may also cause the air conditioning control information to be output to a display mounted in the vehicle 3.

[0040] For example, when the vehicle is about to travel on a sunny road (sunshine information), the output control unit 20 may cause the in-vehicle terminal 2 to output information to lower the temperature inside the vehicle 3 as air conditioning control information, such as, "We will be traveling on a sunny road for a while, so why don't you lower the temperature inside the vehicle?"

[0041] As another example, when traveling up a mountain road (map information, altitude information), the output control unit 20 may use this information (map information, altitude information) to cause the in-vehicle terminal 2 to output, by voice, air conditioning control information, information to reduce the air volume of the air conditioning equipment in the vehicle 3 (or to increase the set temperature inside the vehicle), such as "We are about to travel up a mountain road at a high altitude, so would you like us to reduce the air volume?" In this way, the output control unit 20 uses intermediate section information (sunshine information, map information, altitude information, etc.) to output air conditioning control information.

[0042] (Outside air intake information) In the first embodiment, the output control unit 20 may output outside air intake information as at least a part of the air conditioning control information. The outside air intake information is information related to the intake of outside air. In the first embodiment, the outside air intake information is information related to the intake of outside air from an air conditioning device provided in the vehicle 3.

[0043] For example, when the vehicle is about to travel through a cold, snowy region (weather forecast information, temperature information), the output control unit 20 may cause the in-vehicle terminal 2 to output, by voice, information to the effect that outside air from the vehicle 3 will be taken into the vehicle 3 as outside air intake information, such as, "We are about to travel through a cold region, so would you like us to take in outside air to prevent condensation?"

[0044] (Prediction Section 30) The prediction unit 30 uses the midway section information to predict the degree of influence of the midway section on at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3. The degree of influence of the midway section on at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3 refers to, for example, how much influence the vehicle 3 will have on changes in temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3 when the vehicle 3 passes through the midway section (for example, how many degrees Celsius the temperature inside the vehicle 3 will change, or how much the humidity will change by). For example, since there is generally a high possibility that the temperature inside the vehicle 3 will drop when passing through a tunnel, if there is a tunnel in the midway section, it is predicted that the degree of influence of the midway section on the temperature inside the vehicle 3 will be large.

[0045] The prediction unit 30 uses the predicted result of the degree of influence to determine whether the intermediate section will cause a predetermined standard change in at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3. For example, if the prediction unit 30 predicts that the temperature inside the vehicle 3 will drop by about 2°C because the vehicle 3 will be traveling along a mountain road for a while, the prediction unit 30 uses this prediction result to determine whether the intermediate section (mountain road) will cause a predetermined standard change in at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3. More specifically, if a comfortable temperature range inside the vehicle 3 is pre-stored in the storage unit 4 and the current temperature inside the vehicle 3 exceeds or falls below the comfortable temperature range, the prediction unit 30 may determine that the temperature should be changed by the predetermined standard. For example, if the comfortable temperature range is 24.5 to 25.5°C and the current temperature inside the vehicle 3 (obtained by the interior temperature and humidity sensor 7) is 25°C, passing through a mountain road will cause the temperature inside the vehicle 3 to drop by 2°C, falling below the comfortable temperature range, and the prediction unit 30 determines that the temperature should be changed by the predetermined standard.

[0046] In the first embodiment, when the prediction unit 30 determines, using the prediction result of the prediction unit 30, that an intermediate section will cause a predetermined standard change in at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3, the output control unit 20 outputs air conditioning control information. Details will be described in the operation example of the first embodiment.

[0047] (Hardware configuration example) 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information output device 1. The information output device 1 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0048] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0049] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0050] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0051] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information output device 1 (for example, the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10, the output control unit 20, and the prediction unit 30). The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as the memory unit 4.

[0052] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information output device 1 to various input / output devices.

[0053] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information output device 1 to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The network interface 1060 may be connected to the network wirelessly or by wire. The information output device 1 may communicate with the in-vehicle terminal 2 via the network interface 1060.

[0054] (Operation example of the first embodiment) 3 is a flow diagram showing the process up to when the information output device 1 according to the first embodiment outputs air conditioning control information. The flow up to when the information output device 1 outputs air conditioning control information will be described using FIG.

[0055] In step S100, for example, when a driver inputs a destination into a navigation device installed in a vehicle and a route from the current location to the destination is generated, the information output device 1 (mid-way section information acquisition unit 10) acquires the generated route information.

[0056] In step S110, the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 uses the route information to acquire intermediate section information (weather forecast information, humidity information, temperature information, traffic congestion information, altitude information, map information, sunshine information, etc. for the intermediate section). For example, the acquired information includes traffic congestion information indicating that a 1-km traffic jam has occurred in a certain intermediate section (hereinafter referred to as a first intermediate section) included in the route, and sunshine information (intermediate section information) indicating that the first intermediate section is a sunny rural road (in other words, direct sunlight is likely to hit cars or people) and the sunshine hours are relatively long.

[0057] In step S120, the prediction unit 30 acquires the temperature (and humidity) inside the vehicle 3 via the interior temperature and humidity sensor 7 (for example, 25° C.).

[0058] In step S130, the prediction unit 30 uses the midway section information acquired in step S110 to predict the degree of influence of the midway section on at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3. In step S110, the prediction unit 30 has acquired information that congestion has occurred in the first midway section and that the first midway section is a sunny section with long hours of sunshine. Therefore, for example, using this information (driving at low speed in congestion on a sunny road), the prediction unit 30 predicts that the degree of influence of the first midway section on the temperature inside the vehicle 3 will be large (or that the first midway section will increase the temperature inside the vehicle 3 by 3°C).

[0059] In step S140, the prediction unit 30 uses the predicted result of the influence degree in step S130 to determine whether the first intermediate section will cause a predetermined standard change in at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3. If the prediction unit 30 determines that the first intermediate section will cause a predetermined standard change (YES in step S140), the process proceeds to step S150. For example, if the comfortable temperature range inside the vehicle 3 is preset to a range of 24.5 to 25.5°C, the current temperature inside the vehicle 3 acquired in step S120 is 25°C. In step S130, it is predicted that the first intermediate section will increase the temperature inside the vehicle 3 by 3°C. Therefore, the interior temperature of the vehicle 3 is predicted to be 28°C during the first intermediate section. In such a case, the prediction unit 30 may determine that the first intermediate section will cause a predetermined standard change in the temperature inside the vehicle 3.

[0060] In step S150, the output control unit 20 outputs air conditioning control information. In the first embodiment, the output control unit 20 outputs the air conditioning control information before the vehicle 3 reaches or passes through a section (first section) that is to be changed based on a predetermined standard. For example, before the vehicle 3 reaches the first section, the output control unit 20 outputs air conditioning control information such as, "We are entering a sunny section with traffic congestion. Would you like to lower the air conditioning temperature?" The passenger (driver) may then listen to the air conditioning control information and manually adjust the air conditioning equipment. Note that the driver may respond to the air conditioning control information with, for example, "Yes, please lower the temperature," and the information output device 1 may automatically control the air conditioning control unit 5 to maintain the temperature inside the vehicle 3 at a comfortable temperature (e.g., 25°C).

[0061] If the prediction unit 30 determines that the first intermediate section should not be changed by the predetermined standard (NO in step S140), the process ends.

[0062] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information output device 1 includes the intermediate section information acquisition unit 10 and the output control unit 20. By acquiring information (weather forecast information, sunshine information, etc.) that may affect the temperature (humidity) inside the vehicle 3 in the intermediate section ahead of the vehicle 3 and outputting air conditioning control information based on this information, the driver can predict changes in the temperature inside the vehicle 3 and adjust the air conditioning before the temperature inside the vehicle 3 changes.

[0063] Conventionally, weather forecasts and temperature information (spot information) at the vehicle's destination and intermediate points have been used, but attention has not been paid to information on the intermediate sections of the vehicle to the destination (intermediate section information in the first embodiment). In the first embodiment, by using information on the intermediate sections (intermediate section information), it is possible to accurately predict changes in temperature, humidity, etc. inside the vehicle 3. This allows the driver to accurately predict changes in temperature inside the vehicle 3, and accurately predicts changes in temperature inside the vehicle 3 in advance. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a comfortable environment inside the vehicle when traveling to the destination.

[0064] Furthermore, the information output device 1 further includes a prediction unit 30, and when the prediction unit 30 predicts that the intermediate section will cause a predetermined standard change in at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3, the output control unit 20 outputs air conditioning control information. This makes it possible to more accurately predict changes in temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3.

[0065] Furthermore, the output control unit 20 outputs the air conditioning control information before the moving object reaches or passes through the intermediate section where the predetermined standard change is made. This makes it possible to more effectively maintain a comfortable environment inside the vehicle while traveling to the destination.

[0066] Furthermore, the midway section information includes at least one of weather forecast information on the midway section, humidity information on humidity, temperature information on temperature, congestion information on congestion, altitude information on altitude, map information on maps, and sunshine information on sunshine, thereby enabling more accurate prediction of changes in temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3.

[0067] Furthermore, the sunshine information for the intermediate section includes weather forecast information for the intermediate section, sunshine direction information regarding the sunshine direction, sunshine time information regarding the sunshine time, and the like. time This allows for more accurate prediction of changes in temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 3.

[0068] Furthermore, the output control unit 20 outputs outside air intake information as at least a part of the air conditioning control information, thereby more effectively maintaining a comfortable environment inside the vehicle while traveling to the destination.

[0069] Second Embodiment 4 is a block diagram for explaining the functions of the information output device 1 according to the second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the information output device 1 according to the second embodiment does not have the midway section information acquisition unit 10, but instead includes a passenger information acquisition unit 40. The function of the output control unit 20 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0070] (Passenger information acquisition unit 40) The passenger information acquisition unit 40 according to the second embodiment acquires passenger information. The passenger information is information relating to multiple passengers in the vehicle 3. The multiple passengers include the driver and passengers. The passenger information is information relating to passengers and may affect the air conditioning environment in the vehicle 3. The passenger information is information which may affect the temperature or humidity in the vehicle 3.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the occupant information includes occupant status information. The occupant status information is information relating to the status of the occupant. The occupant status information includes information such as where the occupant is sitting in the vehicle 3, whether the occupant looks hot (cold), whether the occupant is in the sun, what the temperature of the occupant is, and how much of the occupant's skin is exposed. The occupant information acquisition unit 40 may acquire the occupant status information using image information captured and generated by the camera unit 2a, and temperature information acquired from a seat or a wearable device.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the passenger information further includes passenger attribute information. The passenger attribute information is information relating to the attributes of the passenger. The passenger attribute information includes information such as the passenger's gender, nationality, residential area, age, whether the passenger is a child (newborn, infant, toddler, elementary school student, etc.), whether the passenger is an adult, and body shape (whether slightly obese or thin).

[0073] The passenger information acquisition unit 40 may acquire passenger attribute information using image information captured and generated by the camera unit 2 a. Specifically, for example, a facial image of the passenger and passenger attribute information linked to the facial image may be stored in advance in the storage unit 4, and when the facial image generated by the camera unit 2 a matches the pre-stored facial image, the passenger information acquisition unit 40 may acquire the passenger attribute information linked to the pre-stored facial image, thereby acquiring the passenger attribute information.

[0074] As another method, for example, the passenger's terminal ID and passenger attribute information linked to the terminal ID may be stored in advance in the memory unit 4, and if the passenger's terminal ID acquired in a specified manner matches the pre-stored terminal ID, the passenger information acquisition unit 40 may acquire the passenger attribute information linked to the pre-stored terminal ID.

[0075] Passenger attribute information is linked to the air conditioning characteristics of each passenger. For example, women tend to dislike direct wind, elderly people tend to get cold easily so it is preferable to focus on warming their fingertips and toes, men prefer to feel a strong breeze, and North Americans, regardless of gender, prefer to feel a strong breeze.

[0076] The output control unit 20 according to the second embodiment uses passenger information to output air conditioning control information relating to the control of the air conditioning of the vehicle 3. The definition of "control of the air conditioning of the vehicle 3" and the output mode of the air conditioning control information (audio output, signal output, screen output, etc.) are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0077] For example, if a passenger is sitting in the passenger seat of vehicle 3 and the passenger seat is in good sunlight (in other words, it tends to be exposed to direct sunlight), the output control unit 20 may use passenger status information indicating that the passenger seat is in strong sunlight to output information to the in-vehicle terminal 2 as air conditioning control information to lower the temperature inside the vehicle based on the sunlight exposure of the seat where the passenger is located, such as, "The passenger seat side is in strong sunlight, so why don't you lower the temperature inside the vehicle a little?"

[0078] As another example, if a woman is riding as a passenger in the rear seat of vehicle 3, output control unit 20 may use passenger attribute information indicating that the passenger in the rear seat is a woman to output information to in-vehicle terminal 2 as air conditioning control information to reduce the air conditioning airflow, such as "Would you like to turn down the air conditioning around the rear seat?"

[0079] (Operation example of the second embodiment) 5 is a flow diagram showing the process up to when the information output device 1 according to the second embodiment outputs air conditioning control information. The flow up to when the information output device 1 outputs air conditioning control information will be described using FIG.

[0080] In step S200, the passenger information acquisition unit 40 acquires passenger attribute information (passenger information). The passenger information acquisition unit 40 may acquire the ID of a terminal owned by the passenger through the terminal, and acquire the passenger attribute information in the manner described above. In the second embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the passenger information acquisition unit 40 acquires, as passenger attribute information, that the driver is an adult male, an adult female is in the passenger seat, and an elderly female and an infant are in the back seat.

[0081] In step S210, the passenger information acquisition unit 40 acquires passenger status information (passenger information) using the image information generated by the camera unit 2 a. In the second embodiment, for example, the passenger information acquisition unit 40 acquires information that an elderly woman in the back seat looks cold as passenger status information.

[0082] In step S220, the output control unit 20 outputs air conditioning control information using at least one of the passenger attribute information acquired in step S200 and the passenger status information acquired in step S210.

[0083] For example, the output control unit 20 may use the passenger status information acquired in step S210 (information indicating that an elderly woman in the back seat looks cold) to output air conditioning control information by voice, such as "Would you like to turn up the temperature around the back seat?" The passenger (driver) may then listen to the air conditioning control information and manually adjust the air conditioning equipment. Note that when the driver responds to the air conditioning control information by saying, "Yes, please turn up the temperature," the information output device 1 may automatically control the air conditioning control unit 5 to turn up the temperature of the air conditioner that blows air around the back seat.

[0084] As another example, the output control unit 20 may use the passenger attribute information acquired in step S200 (information that an adult female is sitting in the passenger seat) to output air conditioning control information by voice, such as "Would you like to reduce the airflow volume on the passenger seat side only?" Then, when the driver responds to the air conditioning control information with a response such as "Yes, please reduce it," the information output device 1 may automatically control the air conditioning control unit 5 to reduce the airflow volume on the passenger seat, thereby adjusting the airflow volume on the passenger seat (such as reducing the airflow volume on the passenger seat and maintaining it as it is on the driver's seat).

[0085] In the second embodiment, the hardware configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information output device 1 includes the passenger information acquisition unit 40 and the output control unit 20. By outputting air conditioning control information using information about multiple passengers, it is possible to control the air conditioning while taking into consideration the circumstances (attributes, conditions) of each of the multiple passengers. As a result, it is possible to create a comfortable in-vehicle environment that takes into consideration the multiple passengers.

[0087] Furthermore, the passenger information includes passenger status information about the passenger's status. This allows for effective estimation of whether the passenger feels comfortable with the in-vehicle environment (temperature, humidity, airflow, etc.). This allows for more effective creation of a comfortable in-vehicle environment that takes multiple passengers into consideration.

[0088] Furthermore, the passenger information includes passenger attribute information related to the attributes of the passengers. This allows the output of air conditioning control information to take into account the characteristics according to the passenger attributes. This makes it possible to more effectively create a comfortable in-vehicle environment that takes into account multiple passengers.

[0089] <Third embodiment> 6 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the information output device 1 according to the third embodiment. The information output device 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that at least a part of the contents of the passenger information is different. Furthermore, unlike the second embodiment, the information output device 1 according to the third embodiment further includes a detection unit 50.

[0090] (Attribute temperature information, appropriate temperature information) The occupant information according to the third embodiment includes attribute temperature information. The attribute temperature information is information relating to temperatures suitable for each attribute of the occupant. The temperature suitable for each attribute of the occupant is also the average (statistical value) of temperatures at which occupants of a certain attribute feel comfortable. For example, the temperature suitable for an adult male is 24.5 to 25.5°C, for an elderly woman it is 25.5 to 26.5°C, and for an infant it is 23.5 to 24.5°C. The attribute temperature information is linked to the occupant attribute information and may be stored in advance in the storage unit 4. When the occupant information acquisition unit 40 according to the third embodiment acquires the occupant attribute information, it may simultaneously acquire the attribute temperature information stored in advance in the storage unit 4.

[0091] Furthermore, the occupant information according to the third embodiment includes appropriate temperature information. The appropriate temperature information is information generated based on predetermined rules using the attribute temperature information of each of the multiple occupants. The appropriate temperature information is temperature information generated in consideration of the attributes (attribute temperature information) of the multiple occupants. The appropriate temperature information is temperature information generated in consideration of the attributes of the multiple occupants so that everyone can be as comfortable as possible. The appropriate temperature information is also temperature information that harmonizes the attribute temperature information of the multiple occupants. In the third embodiment, the occupant information acquisition unit 40 may calculate and generate the appropriate temperature information using the attribute temperature information of each of the multiple occupants.

[0092] The predetermined rule includes at least one of calculating an average value of temperatures appropriate for each attribute of the occupants (temperatures at which the occupants feel comfortable) and giving priority to a specific attribute. "Giving priority to a specific attribute" means that priorities are set in advance for the attributes of the occupants (stored in the memory unit 4), and the temperature is set according to the attribute temperature information of the attribute with the highest priority among the occupants in the vehicle 3. For example, if there are an adult male, an adult female, and an infant in the vehicle 3, and the infant has the highest priority, the appropriate temperature information may be generated according to the attribute temperature information of the infant (e.g., 23.5 to 24.5°C).

[0093] (Detection unit 50) The detection unit 50 detects a change in the number of passengers in the vehicle 3. The detection unit 50 may detect a change in the number of passengers in the vehicle 3 or a change in the number of passengers, for example, by using image information generated by the camera unit 2a. In the third embodiment, when the detection unit 50 detects a change in the number of passengers or a change in the number of passengers, the appropriate temperature information is generated.

[0094] (Operation example of the third embodiment) 7 is a flow diagram showing the process up to when the information output device 1 according to the third embodiment outputs air conditioning control information. The flow up to when the information output device 1 outputs air conditioning control information will be described using FIG.

[0095] In step S300, the occupant information acquisition unit 40 acquires, as occupant information, occupant attribute information and attribute temperature information linked to the occupant attribute information. In the third embodiment, the occupant information acquisition unit 40 acquires, as occupant attribute information, that the driver is an adult male and that an adult female and an infant are riding in the back seat, and acquires attribute temperature information linked to the occupant attribute information (e.g., attribute temperature information of adult male: 24.5 to 25.5°C, attribute temperature information of adult female: 26.0 to 27.0°C, attribute temperature information of infant: 23.5 to 24.5°C).

[0096] In step S310, the occupant information acquisition unit 40 generates appropriate temperature information using the attribute temperature information of multiple occupants (adult male, adult female, infant), and acquires the appropriate temperature information. Specifically, for example, if the predetermined rule is to calculate an average value of temperatures appropriate for each of the occupant attributes, the average value (appropriate temperature) of the attribute temperature information of the three occupants, adult male, adult female, and infant, is calculated, and the appropriate temperature information is generated (in the above example, the appropriate temperature is approximately 24.7°C to approximately 25.7°C).

[0097] Next, in step S320, the information output device 1 acquires the temperature inside the vehicle 3 via the interior temperature and humidity sensor 7 (for example, 26° C.).

[0098] Next, in step S330, the information output device 1 determines whether the temperature inside the vehicle 3 satisfies a predetermined criterion. For example, if the current temperature inside the vehicle 3 is not within the range of the appropriate temperature information generated in step S310, the information output device 1 determines that the predetermined criterion is not satisfied. For example, if the current temperature inside the vehicle 3 is within the range of the appropriate temperature information generated in step S310, the information output device 1 determines that the predetermined criterion is satisfied.

[0099] If the information output device 1 determines in step S330 that the predetermined criterion is met (YES in step S330), the process may end. If the information output device 1 determines in step S330 that the predetermined criterion is not met (NO in step S330), the process proceeds to step S340. In the third embodiment, the temperature inside the vehicle 3 (26°C) acquired in step S320 exceeds the appropriate temperature range (approximately 24.7°C to approximately 25.7°C) generated in step S310 (does not meet the predetermined criterion), so the process proceeds to step S340.

[0100] Then, in step S340, the output control unit 20 outputs air conditioning control information. For example, the output control unit 20 may use the appropriate temperature information acquired in step S310 to output air conditioning control information by voice, such as "Shall we lower the temperature a little so that it is comfortable for everyone?" After step S340, the process ends.

[0101] In the third embodiment, the processing of Fig. 7 may be executed when the detection unit 50 detects a change in the passengers aboard the vehicle 3. In this way, when the detection unit 50 detects a change in the passengers, the appropriate temperature information may be generated.

[0102] 7, the passenger information acquisition unit 40 may acquire passenger condition information (passenger information) (for example, an adult female feels hot) and further use the passenger condition information to generate appropriate temperature information. In this case, for example, if the attribute temperature information of a normal adult female is 26.0 to 27.0°C, the attribute temperature information may be set to 25.0 to 26.0°C using information that the adult female feels hot (passenger condition information).

[0103] As described above, according to this embodiment, the occupant information according to the third embodiment includes attribute temperature information related to temperatures suitable for each of the occupant's attributes. By using information related to temperatures suitable for each of the multiple occupants' attributes, it is possible to effectively estimate temperatures that the multiple occupants find comfortable. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively create a comfortable in-vehicle environment that takes the multiple occupants into consideration.

[0104] Furthermore, the passenger information includes appropriate temperature information generated based on a predetermined rule using multiple pieces of attribute temperature information, which allows for more effective estimation of temperatures at which multiple passengers feel comfortable.

[0105] Furthermore, the predetermined rule includes at least one of calculating an average temperature suitable for each attribute of the occupants and prioritizing a specific attribute, thereby enabling the attribute temperature information of multiple occupants to be effectively harmonized.

[0106] Furthermore, when the detection unit 50 detects a change in the number of passengers, appropriate temperature information is generated. If the number of passengers increases or changes, the appropriate temperature will change. By generating appropriate temperature information when the detection unit 50 detects a change in the number of passengers, appropriate temperature information can be generated with high accuracy.

[0107] <Fourth embodiment> 8 is a block diagram for explaining the functions of the information output device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Unlike the second embodiment, the information output device 1 according to the fourth embodiment further includes a passenger identification unit 60 and an utterance information acquisition unit 70.

[0108] (Passenger Identification Unit 60) The passenger identification unit 60 identifies the passenger. Specifically, for example, the passenger identification unit 60 may identify the passenger (recognize who the passenger is) using a facial image generated by the camera unit 2a. Alternatively, for example, the passenger identification unit 60 may acquire the ID of the passenger's terminal to identify the passenger.

[0109] The occupant information according to the fourth embodiment includes occupant temperature information. The occupant temperature information is information relating to a temperature suitable for an occupant identified by the occupant identification unit 60. The occupant temperature information includes, for example, information such as a temperature suitable for one occupant (a temperature that the occupant feels comfortable) being 24 to 25°C, and a temperature suitable for another occupant (a temperature that the occupant feels comfortable) being 24.5 to 25.5°C.

[0110] The occupant information acquisition unit 40 may acquire occupant temperature information, for example, in the following manner: A facial image of the occupant and occupant temperature information linked to the facial image may be stored in advance in the storage unit 4, and if the facial image generated by the camera unit 2a and identified by the occupant identification unit 60 matches the pre-stored facial image, the occupant information acquisition unit 40 may acquire the occupant temperature information linked to the pre-stored facial image.

[0111] As another method, for example, the passenger's terminal ID and passenger temperature information linked to the terminal ID may be stored in advance in the memory unit 4, and if the passenger's terminal ID identified by the passenger identification unit 60 matches the pre-stored terminal ID, the passenger information acquisition unit 40 may acquire the passenger temperature information linked to the pre-stored terminal ID.

[0112] (Utterance information acquisition unit 70) In the fourth embodiment, the speech information acquisition unit 70 acquires speech information from the voice input unit 2c. The speech information is information related to the passengers' speech regarding temperature. For example, if one of the passengers utters, "It's an especially hot day today," the voice information "It's an especially hot day today" is input to the voice input unit 2c, and the speech information acquisition unit 70 acquires speech information related to the voice information from the voice input unit 2c. The output control unit 20 then further uses the speech information to output air conditioning control information. Specific control will be described later.

[0113] (Operation example of the fourth embodiment) 9 is a flow diagram showing the process up to when the information output device 1 according to the fourth embodiment outputs air conditioning control information. The flow up to when the information output device 1 outputs air conditioning control information will be described using FIG.

[0114] In step S400, the occupant information acquisition unit 40 acquires occupant temperature information as occupant information. For example, the following description will be given assuming that there are an adult male and an adult female occupant. Even if the temperature at which an adult male feels comfortable is 24.5 to 25.5°C and the temperature at which an adult female feels comfortable is 26.0 to 27.0°C, if the occupant temperature information of the currently occupant male is 23 to 24°C (stored in the memory unit 4) and the occupant temperature information of the currently occupant female is 25 to 26°C (stored in the memory unit 4), the occupant information acquisition unit 40 acquires the occupant temperature information of the currently occupant male (23 to 24°C) and the occupant temperature information of the currently occupant female (25 to 26°C) as the occupant temperature information.

[0115] In step S410, the occupant information acquisition unit 40 may generate appropriate temperature information using occupant temperature information of multiple occupants and acquire the appropriate temperature information. The method of generating the appropriate temperature information (taking an average, prioritizing a specific attribute, etc.) is the same as that described in the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, for example, the appropriate temperature information of 24°C to 25°C may be generated by calculating the average value of the occupant temperature information of the adult female and the adult male.

[0116] In step S420, similar to the third embodiment, the information output device 1 acquires the temperature inside the vehicle 3 via the interior temperature and humidity sensor 7 (for example, 26° C.).

[0117] Step S430 is also the same as in the third embodiment, and the information output device 1 determines whether the temperature inside the vehicle 3 satisfies a predetermined standard. The determination method is also the same as in the third embodiment.

[0118] If the information output device 1 determines in step S430 that the predetermined criterion is met (YES in step S430), the process ends. If the information output device 1 determines in step S430 that the predetermined criterion is not met (NO in step S430), the process proceeds to step S440. In the fourth embodiment, the temperature inside the vehicle 3 acquired in step S420 (26°C) exceeds the appropriate temperature range (24°C to 25°C) generated in step S410, so the process proceeds to step S440.

[0119] Then, in step S440, as in the third embodiment, the output control unit 20 outputs air conditioning control information. For example, the output control unit 20 may use the appropriate temperature information acquired in step S410 to output air conditioning control information by voice, such as "Would you like to lower the temperature by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius so that it is comfortable for both of you?". After step S440, the process ends.

[0120] Note that step S400 may be followed by a step in which the utterance information acquisition unit 70 acquires utterance information. For example, if the adult male utters something like, "It's much hotter than usual today. I can't stop sweating," the utterance information acquisition unit 70 may acquire the utterance as utterance information and change (adjust) the occupant temperature information of the adult male from 23-24°C to 22-23°C. The adjusted occupant temperature information may then be used to generate appropriate temperature information in step S410. In this way, the output control unit 20 may further use the utterance information to output air-conditioning control information.

[0121] Furthermore, the processes from step S410 to step S430 may not be performed, and the output control unit 20 may output air conditioning control information using only the passenger temperature information.

[0122] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information output device 1 according to the fourth embodiment further includes the occupant identification unit 60, and the occupant information includes occupant temperature information related to a temperature suitable for the occupant identified by the occupant identification unit 60. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the temperature at which the occupant feels comfortable.

[0123] Furthermore, the information output device 1 according to the fourth embodiment further includes an utterance information acquisition unit 70, and the output control unit 20 outputs air conditioning control information by further using the utterance information, thereby enabling more accurate estimation of the temperature at which the passenger feels comfortable.

[0124] Although the embodiments and examples have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0125] In the first embodiment, the sunshine information for the intermediate section may be stored in an external database (or may be generated in advance using a probe car, etc.). In this case, the sunshine information may be stored in advance as statistical values ​​for each road and each date and time.

[0126] In the first embodiment, the outside air intake information may be information that prompts the intake of outside air by opening the windows of the vehicle 3. In this case, the output control unit 20 may not output the outside air intake information in any of the following cases: when the vehicle is in a place with a lot of exhaust gas, when the vehicle is in a place with a lot of noise, when the vehicle is traveling on a highway, when it is raining or snowing, or when music is being output inside the vehicle 3.

[0127] In the third embodiment, the detection unit 50 may acquire information relating to a change (addition) of a passenger in advance, and the output control unit 20 may use the information relating to the change in the passenger to output air conditioning control information to change the set temperature before the passenger gets in. By prompting the passenger to change the set temperature in advance, the passenger can be welcomed in a comfortable state (even if the set temperature is changed, the temperature inside the vehicle does not change immediately).

[0128] There are two methods for acquiring information relating to changes in passengers in advance, for example: 1. A method of inferring from passenger routine behavior (predicting passenger changes (additions) from routine behavior such as a wife picking up her child from the station every day) 2. A method of inferring from a transportation application (such as a taxi dispatch application) (when a user calls a taxi using a taxi dispatch application, this information is used to predict a change (addition) in passengers. Furthermore, passenger information (attributes and optimal temperature) is pre-registered in the taxi dispatch application, and using this information, the output control unit 20 may output air conditioning control information to change the set temperature before the passenger gets in.)

[0129] Below, examples of reference forms are added. 1. A passenger information acquisition unit that acquires passenger information regarding a plurality of passengers in a vehicle; an output control unit that uses the passenger information to output air conditioning control information related to control of air conditioning of the moving body. 2. In the information output device described in 1., An information output device, wherein the passenger information includes passenger status information regarding the passenger's status. 3. In the information output device described in 1. or 2., An information output device, wherein the passenger information includes passenger attribute information relating to the attributes of the passenger. 4. In the information output device described in 3., An information output device, wherein the passenger information includes attribute temperature information regarding temperatures suitable for each of the passenger's attributes. 5. In the information output device described in 4., An information output device, wherein the passenger information includes appropriate temperature information generated based on a predetermined rule using a plurality of pieces of attribute temperature information. 6. In the information output device described in 5., The predetermined rule includes at least one of calculating an average temperature suitable for each of the attributes of the occupant and giving priority to a specific attribute. 7. In the information output device according to 5. or 6., A detection unit that detects a change in a passenger riding on the moving body is further provided, When the detection unit detects the change, the appropriate temperature information is generated. 8. In the information output device according to any one of 1. to 7., Further, a passenger identification unit is provided to identify the passenger, An information output device, wherein the occupant information includes occupant temperature information relating to a temperature suitable for the occupant identified by the occupant identification unit. 9. In the information output device described in 8., further comprising an utterance information acquisition unit that acquires utterance information related to the occupant's utterance regarding temperature, The output control unit further uses the speech information to output the air conditioning control information. 10. The computer Acquire passenger information regarding a plurality of passengers in the vehicle; An information output method that uses the passenger information to output air conditioning control information related to control of air conditioning of the moving body. 11. On the computer, obtaining passenger information regarding a plurality of passengers in the vehicle; A program for executing a procedure for outputting air conditioning control information relating to control of the air conditioning of the vehicle using the passenger information.

[0130] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-085650, filed May 24, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Information output device 2. In-vehicle terminal 3 vehicles 4 Storage section 10. Intermediate section information acquisition unit 20 Output control section 30 Prediction Department 40 Passenger Information Acquisition Department 50 Detection unit 60 Passenger Identification Unit 70 Speech information acquisition unit

Claims

1. An information output device comprising: a passenger information acquisition unit that acquires passenger information regarding multiple passengers in a moving body; and an output control unit that uses the passenger information to output air conditioning control information related to the control of the air conditioning of the moving body.

2. An information output device according to claim 1, wherein the passenger information includes passenger status information relating to the status of the passenger.

3. An information output device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the passenger information includes passenger attribute information relating to attributes of the passenger.

4. An information output device according to claim 3, wherein the passenger information includes attribute temperature information relating to temperatures suitable for each of the attributes of the passenger.

5. An information output device according to claim 4, wherein the passenger information includes appropriate temperature information generated based on a predetermined rule using a plurality of the attribute temperature information.

6. An information output device as described in claim 5, wherein the predetermined rule includes at least one of calculating an average temperature suitable for each of the attributes of the occupant and giving priority to a specific attribute.

7. An information output device as described in claim 5, further comprising a detection unit that detects a change in a passenger aboard the moving object, and when the detection unit detects the change, the appropriate temperature information is generated.

8. An information output device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a passenger identification unit that identifies the passenger, and the passenger information includes passenger temperature information regarding a temperature suitable for the passenger identified by the passenger identification unit.

9. An information output device as described in claim 8, further comprising an utterance information acquisition unit that acquires utterance information relating to the occupant's utterance regarding temperature, and the output control unit further uses the utterance information to output the air conditioning control information.

10. An information output method in which a computer acquires passenger information regarding multiple passengers in a vehicle, and uses the passenger information to output air conditioning control information related to the control of the air conditioning of the vehicle.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the steps of: acquiring passenger information regarding multiple passengers in a vehicle; and using the passenger information to output air conditioning control information related to the control of the air conditioning in the vehicle.