Information processing device, information processing method, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention more effectively provides information to pedestrians surrounding a vehicle.　A display content is selected on the basis of position information of a vehicle, and displayed in a state based on attitude information of the vehicle on a display disposed on the outer surface of the vehicle. For example, a display content concerned with timely display is further selected and displayed in preference to the display content based on the position information of the vehicle. Moreover, for example, a display content concerned with safety related to control of the vehicle is further selected and displayed in preference to the other display contents.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and vehicle

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a vehicle, and more particularly to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a vehicle that control content display on a display arranged on the exterior surface of a vehicle.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a captured image of the front view on a display disposed at the rear of a vehicle, and for displaying a turn signal superimposed on the captured image.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 111565

[0004] The purpose of this technology is to provide information more effectively to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle.

[0005] The concept of the present technology is an information processing device including: a content selection unit that selects first display content based on vehicle position information; and a display control unit that displays the first display content on a display arranged on the exterior surface of the vehicle in a state based on vehicle attitude information.

[0006] In the present technology, a content selection unit selects first display content based on vehicle position information. For example, the first display content may be display content showing a map including the vehicle's position. In this case, map information including the vehicle's position can be provided to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle. Furthermore, for example, the first display content may be display content showing an arrow indicating the direction of a predetermined facility based on the vehicle's position. In this case, information about what kind of facility is located in what direction from the current position can be provided to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle.

[0007] The display control unit displays the first display content on a display arranged on an outer surface of the vehicle in a state based on the vehicle's attitude information. For example, the display control unit may display the first display content on displays arranged on each of multiple outer surfaces of the vehicle in a state corresponding to each surface. In this case, the display content can be displayed in an appropriate state for pedestrians present on each of the multiple outer surfaces of the vehicle, thereby making it possible to effectively provide information.

[0008] Furthermore, for example, the display control unit may change the state of the first display content displayed on the display when the vehicle's attitude changes beyond the dead zone. This makes it possible to avoid changing the state of the display content displayed on the display each time the vehicle's attitude changes only slightly, thereby enabling the display content to be displayed stably and easily visible to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle.

[0009] In this way, with this technology, display content selected based on the vehicle's position information is displayed on a display located on the exterior of the vehicle in a state based on the vehicle's attitude information, making it possible to provide information more effectively to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle.

[0010] In the present technology, for example, the content selection unit may further select second display content related to timely display, and the display control unit may display the second display content on the display in priority to the first display content, thereby making it possible to appropriately provide timely information to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle.

[0011] In this case, for example, the second display content may be display content related to a predetermined object included in the image of the vehicle's surroundings. For example, when the vehicle is guiding a ride through a park, this predetermined object may include animals such as birds, trees, flowers, etc. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the second display content may be display content related to the weather at the vehicle's location. This weather includes temperature, humidity, rain, thunder, typhoons, tornadoes, gusts of wind, etc. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the second display content may be display content related to an emergency alert. This emergency alert may include earthquakes, missile attacks, tsunamis, etc.

[0012] In addition, in the present technology, for example, the content selection unit may select third display content related to safety that is related to vehicle control, and the display control unit may display the third display content in priority to other display content. This makes it possible to ensure the safety of pedestrians surrounding the vehicle. In this case, the display may include, for example, warning displays when the vehicle stops, starts, backs up, turns left or right, or changes course to avoid an obstacle in the vehicle's traveling direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the present technology may further include, for example, an audio output control unit that outputs audio corresponding to the display content displayed on the display. In this case, information is provided to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle by the display content as well as audio information corresponding to the display content, making it possible to provide information more effectively.

[0014] Another concept of the present technology resides in an information processing method including: a step of selecting first display content based on position information of a vehicle; and a step of displaying the first display content on a display disposed on an outer surface of the vehicle in a state based on attitude information of the vehicle.

[0015] Another concept of the present technology is a vehicle including a display arranged on an exterior surface and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device has a content selection unit that selects display content based on self-location information, and a display control unit that displays the display content on the display in a state based on self-attitude information.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device mounted on a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example display of display content selected based on vehicle position information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example display of display content selected based on vehicle position information. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining display control based on vehicle attitude information. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining display control based on vehicle attitude information. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining display control with a dead zone. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example display of timely display content. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example display of safety-related display content related to vehicle control. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control processing procedure in a display control unit. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of a computer.

[0017] Modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described below. The description will be given in the following order: 1. Embodiments 1-1. Example of vehicle appearance 1-2. Example of configuration of information processing device 1-3. Display example of display content selected based on vehicle position information 1-3-1. Display control based on vehicle attitude information 1-3-2. Display control with dead zone 1-4. Display example of timely display content 1-5. Display example of safety-related display content related to vehicle control 1-6. Display priority of each display content 1-7. Processing by software 2. Modified examples

[0018] 1 shows an example of the appearance of a vehicle 10 equipped with an information processing device according to the present technology. The vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle, a remotely driven vehicle driven by a remote driver, or a vehicle that is actually driven by a driver.

[0019] Displays (display units) 11 are arranged on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle 10, for example, on the front, right side, left side, and rear. The displays 11 are configured, for example, with liquid crystal panels or organic EL panels. Note that FIG. 1 only shows the displays 11 arranged on the right side and rear. Note that the displays 11 do not necessarily have to be arranged on all of the front, right side, left side, and rear surfaces, and it is sufficient that the displays 11 are arranged on at least one of the surfaces.

[0020] Although not shown, various external sensors for detecting the conditions outside the vehicle are attached to the exterior of the vehicle 10. These external sensors include cameras, radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), and the like.

[0021] The vehicle 10 is a vehicle that travels in, for example, botanical gardens, zoos, castle ruins parks, forest parks, amusement parks, shopping centers, etc., and provides various information to pedestrians. In this case, when the vehicle 10 travels at a speed similar to that of pedestrians, it is expected that the pedestrians will travel together, surrounding the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is not limited to traveling along a fixed route. When traveling along a fixed route, the vehicle 10 is configured to travel, for example, along a guide line.

[0022] Default display content such as advertisements is displayed on the display 11 arranged on the exterior surface of the vehicle 10. In addition, display content selected based on the position information of the vehicle 10 is displayed on the display 11 arranged on the exterior surface of the vehicle 10 in a state based on the attitude information of the vehicle 10. This display content is displayed in priority to the default display content such as advertisements described above. As a result, the display content selected based on the position information is always displayed in a natural state to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10, regardless of changes in the attitude of the vehicle 10, thereby providing more effective information.

[0023] For example, display content selected based on the position information of the vehicle 10 includes, for example, display content showing a map including the position of the vehicle 10, and display content showing with an arrow the direction of a predetermined facility based on the position of the vehicle 10. In this way, map information including the position of the vehicle and information on what kind of facility is in what direction from the current position are provided to pedestrians present around the vehicle.

[0024] In this case, the display content is displayed on multiple exterior surfaces, such as the rear and left and right side surfaces, in a state corresponding to each surface. In this case, the display content is displayed in an appropriate state for pedestrians present on each of the multiple exterior surfaces of the vehicle 10, thereby providing information effectively. Also, in this case, if the attitude of the vehicle 10 changes beyond the dead zone, the state of the display content displayed on the display 11 is changed. This prevents the state of the display content displayed on the display 11 from changing each time the attitude of the vehicle 10 changes only slightly, and the display content is displayed stably, making it easy to see for pedestrians present around the vehicle 10.

[0025] Furthermore, display content related to timely display is displayed on the display 11 disposed on the exterior surface of the vehicle. This display content is displayed with priority over display content selected based on the above-described position information of the vehicle 10. This allows timely information to be provided appropriately to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0026] Display content related to timely display includes display content related to a predetermined object included in the image of the vehicle's surroundings, display content related to the weather at the vehicle's location, display content related to emergency alerts, etc. Here, the predetermined object includes, for example, animals such as birds, trees, flowers, etc. when the vehicle is guiding through a park. Weather includes temperature, humidity, rain, lightning, typhoons, tornadoes, gusts of wind, etc. Emergency alerts include earthquakes, missile attacks, tsunamis, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, the display 11 disposed on the exterior surface of the vehicle displays safety-related display content related to the control of the vehicle 10. This display content is displayed in priority over other display content. This prevents accidents such as the vehicle 10 hitting pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10. In this case, the display includes, for example, warning displays when the vehicle 10 stops, starts, moves backward, turns left or right, or changes course to avoid an obstacle in the vehicle 10's traveling direction.

[0028] Although not shown, a speaker (audio output unit) is also provided on the exterior of the vehicle 10. The speaker outputs audio corresponding to the display content shown on the display 11. This allows pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10 to be provided with information by the display content as well as audio corresponding to the display content, thereby providing information more effectively.

[0029] 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 100 mounted on a vehicle. The information processing device 100 includes a position information acquisition unit 101, an attitude information acquisition unit 102, a recognition unit 103, a vehicle control unit 104, a content storage unit 105, a communication unit 106, a content selection unit 107, a display control unit 108, and an audio output control unit 109.

[0030] The location information acquisition unit 101 acquires location information indicating the location of the vehicle 10. This location information acquisition unit 101 is configured, for example, with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, which is a device that receives signals from artificial satellites and converts the signals into information on the latitude and longitude of the receiving point.

[0031] The attitude information acquisition unit 102 acquires attitude information indicating the attitude (direction of travel, tilt in the forward / backward direction, and tilt in the left / right direction) of the vehicle 100. This attitude information acquisition unit 102 is configured using, for example, a direction sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc. Note that if the vehicle 10 travels along a predetermined route and is equipped with an information storage unit that stores information on the correspondence relationship between position and attitude, the attitude of the vehicle 10 can be obtained based on the position of the vehicle 10 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 101 by using the information on the correspondence relationship between position and attitude.

[0032] The recognition unit 103 performs a predetermined recognition process based on the detection outputs of the various sensors of the exterior sensor unit 13. For example, in order to display display content related to a predetermined object included in the image of the surroundings of the vehicle 10 as display content related to the timely display described above, the recognition unit 103 performs a process of recognizing a predetermined object based on the camera output or distance measurement sensor output included in the detection output of the exterior sensor unit 13. Furthermore, for example, the recognition unit 103 recognizes obstacles (including people) present in the traveling direction of the vehicle 10 based on the camera output or distance measurement sensor output included in the detection output of the exterior sensor unit 13.

[0033] The vehicle control unit 104 controls the traveling of the vehicle 10 based on automatic driving control, remote driving operation, driving operation by the driver, etc. In this case, the vehicle control unit 104 also references the recognition results of obstacles present in the traveling direction recognized by the above-mentioned recognition unit 103, and controls the starting, stopping, backing up, direction change, etc. of the vehicle 10.

[0034] The content storage unit 105 stores various display contents. For example, the content storage unit 105 stores default display contents such as advertisements. Furthermore, for example, the content storage unit 105 stores display contents associated with the position of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, for example, the content storage unit 105 stores display contents related to timely displays, such as display contents for displaying text describing a specific object included in a peripheral image, display contents for informing pedestrians of the weather at the position of the vehicle 10, and display contents for informing pedestrians of emergency alerts. Furthermore, for example, the content storage unit 105 stores display contents for displaying warnings related to the control of the vehicle 10.

[0035] The communication unit 106 acquires various information and various display contents from an external server via a network, for example, the Internet. The various information includes the above-mentioned information related to weather and emergency alerts. The various display contents may be the same as the display contents stored in the above-mentioned content storage unit 105. When the communication unit 106 acquires display contents from an external server, it is also possible to configure the device without the above-mentioned content storage unit 105.

[0036] The content selection unit 107 selects display content to be displayed on the displays 11 (front display 11F, left display 11L, right display 11R, rear display 11B). The content selection unit 107 selects default display content such as advertisements, for example, based on time information. The content selection unit 107 also selects display content (first display content) based on the location information of the vehicle 10 from the location information acquisition unit 101.

[0037] The content selection unit 107 also selects display content (second display content) related to timely display based on the recognition result of a predetermined object included in the peripheral image of the vehicle 10 by the recognition unit 103, and information such as weather and emergency news acquired from an external server by the communication unit 106. The content selection unit 107 also selects display content (third display content) related to safety that is relevant to the control of the vehicle 10, based on control information from the vehicle control unit 104.

[0038] The display control unit 108 reads the display content selected by the content selection unit 107 from the content storage unit 105 or obtains it from an external server via the communication unit 106, and displays it on the displays 11 (front display 11F, left display 11L, right display 11R, rear display 11B).

[0039] The audio output control unit 109 reads audio content corresponding to the display content displayed on the display 11 (front display 11F, left display 11L, right display 11R, rear display 11B), for example, from the content storage unit 105 or obtains it from an external server via the communication unit 106, and outputs the audio from the speaker 12.

[0040] "1-3. Display example of display content selected based on vehicle position information" Figure 3(a) shows an example in which display content selected based on the vehicle 10's position information is displayed on the display 11 of the vehicle 10. In this display example, an arrow indicates the direction of the toilet relative to the position of the vehicle 10. In this case, the content is displayed on multiple external displays 11 (only the rear and right side displays 11 are shown in the display example of Figure 3(a)) in a manner corresponding to each surface. In other words, in this case, the direction of the arrow changes on each surface. This allows pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10 to easily and accurately recognize the direction of the toilet based on the display on the display 11 on the surface on which they are located.

[0041] FIG. 3( b) also shows an example in which display content selected based on the vehicle 10's location information is displayed on the display 11 of the vehicle 10. In this display example, arrows indicate the directions of shops, restaurants, entrance gates, and roller coasters relative to the vehicle 10's location. In this case, the content is displayed on multiple exterior displays 11 (only the rear and right side displays 11 are shown in the display example of FIG. 3( b)) in a manner corresponding to each surface. In other words, in this case, the direction of the arrow indicating each facility changes on each surface. This allows pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10 to easily and accurately recognize the direction of each facility based on the display on the display 11 on the surface on which they are located.

[0042] FIG. 4( a) also shows an example in which display content selected based on the vehicle 10's location information is displayed on the display 11 of the vehicle 10. In this display example, an arrow indicates the direction of a store offering a limited-time sale on ice cream, relative to the vehicle's location. In this case, the content is displayed on multiple exterior displays 11 (only the rear and right-side displays 11 are shown in the display example of FIG. 4( a) ) in a manner corresponding to each surface. In other words, in this case, the direction of the arrow indicating the store offering the limited-time sale on ice cream changes on each surface. This allows pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10 to easily and accurately recognize the direction of the store offering the limited-time sale on ice cream, based on the display on the display 11 on the surface on which they are located.

[0043] 4(b) also shows an example in which display content selected based on the position information of the vehicle 10 is displayed on the display 11 of the vehicle 10. In this display example, a map (here, a map of the zoo) including the position (current location) of the vehicle 10 is displayed. In this case, the map is displayed on multiple external displays 11 (only the rear and right side displays 11 are shown in the display example of FIG. 4(b)) in a state corresponding to each surface. In other words, in this case, the orientation of the map is changed on each surface. This allows pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10 to easily and accurately read the map based on the display on the display 11 on the surface on which they are located.

[0044] "1-3-1. Display control based on vehicle attitude information" When the display control unit 108 displays the display content selected based on the position information of the vehicle 10 on the displays 11 (front display 11F, left display 11L, right display 11R, rear display 11B), the display content is displayed in a state based on the attitude information of the vehicle 10 from the attitude information acquisition unit 102. This allows the display content selected based on the position information to be displayed in a natural state to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10 regardless of changes in the attitude of the vehicle 10, thereby providing more effective information.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows an example of a display state based on the attitude information of the vehicle 10. This example corresponds to the display example of FIG. 4(a) described above. In this case, if the orientation of the vehicle 10 relative to the store is as shown in FIG. 5(a2), FIG. 5(b2), or FIG. 5(c2), the display on the display 11 of the vehicle 10 will be as shown in FIG. 5(a1), FIG. 5(b1), or FIG. 5(c1), respectively. In this case, the direction of the arrow indicating the direction of the store changes depending on the orientation of the vehicle 10. Note that the orientation of the text is always displayed in the same state so that it is easy for pedestrians to read.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows another example of a display state based on the attitude information of the vehicle 10. This example corresponds to the display example of FIG. 4(b) described above. In this case, if the orientation of the vehicle 10 is as shown in FIG. 6(a2), FIG. 6(b2), or FIG. 6(c2), the display on the display 11 of the vehicle 10 will be as shown in FIG. 6(a1), FIG. 6(b1), or FIG. 6(c1), respectively. In this case, the orientation of the map (park map) changes depending on the orientation of the vehicle 10. Note that the orientation of the text and animals is always displayed in the same state without rotating, so that pedestrians can easily read them.

[0047] "1-3-2. Display control with dead zone" Furthermore, when the display control unit 108 displays the display content selected based on the position information of the vehicle 10 on the display 11 in a state based on the attitude information of the vehicle 10 as described above, if the attitude of the vehicle 10 changes beyond the dead zone, the display control unit 108 changes the state of the display content displayed on the display 11.

[0048] For example, when the orientation of the vehicle 10 is in the orientation d1 shown in Figure 7(a), a predetermined angular range centered on the orientation d1 is set as the dead zone. The angular range of this dead zone may be fixed or may be changeable. In this state, although not shown in the figure, the display on the display 11 corresponds to the orientation d1.

[0049] When the orientation of the vehicle 10 changes from the state shown in Fig. 7(a) to orientation d2 shown in Fig. 7(b), orientation d2 is within the dead zone, and therefore the display on the display 11 remains the same as that of orientation d1. On the other hand, when the orientation of the vehicle 10 changes from the state shown in Fig. 7(a) to orientation d3 shown in Fig. 7(c), orientation d3 exceeds the dead zone, and therefore the display on the display 11 changes to that corresponding to orientation d3. In this case, a predetermined angular range centered on orientation d3 is set as a new dead zone.

[0050] In this way, by providing a dead zone in the display control based on the attitude information of the vehicle 10, it is possible to avoid changes in the state of the display content displayed on the display 11 each time the attitude of the vehicle 10 changes slightly, making it possible to display the display content stably and making it easy to see for pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0051] "1-4. Display Example of Timely Display Content" FIG. 8 shows an example of timely display content displayed on the display 11 of the vehicle 10. In this display example, a text describing the type of bird, etc., is superimposed on an image (captured image) that includes a bird as a predetermined object included in the peripheral image of the vehicle 10. In this example, the text is displayed only on the rear display 11 (11B), but it may also be displayed on the other displays 11 in the same manner. This allows pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10 to recognize the presence of a bird in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 and to easily obtain information about the bird. Note that while this example shows a case in which the predetermined object included in the peripheral image is a bird, a similar display can be performed and similar effects can be obtained even if the predetermined object is another animal, plant, or the like.

[0052] 9(a) also shows an example of timely display content displayed on the display 11 of the vehicle 10. In this display example, information related to the temperature as weather at the location of the vehicle 10 is displayed. FIG. 9(b) also shows an example of timely display content displayed on the display 11 of the vehicle 10. In this display example, information related to an earthquake warning as an emergency alert is displayed.

[0053] "1-5. Display example of safety-related display content related to vehicle control" Fig. 10 shows an example in which safety-related display content related to the control of the vehicle 10 is displayed on the display 11 of the vehicle 10. In this display example, a warning display indicating that the vehicle 10 will stop is displayed. Note that in this example, the warning display is displayed only on the rear display 11 (11B), but it may also be displayed on the other display 11 in the same way.

[0054] "1-6. Regarding the display priority of each display content" As described above, the content selection unit 107 appropriately selects default display content such as advertisements, display content based on the location information of the vehicle 10, display content related to timely display, display content related to safety in connection with the control of the vehicle 10, etc., and the display control unit 108 displays these display contents on the display 11.

[0055] In this embodiment, the display priority of safety-related display content related to the control of the vehicle 10 is set to the highest, followed by display content related to timely display, display content based on the location information of the vehicle 10, and default display content such as advertisements is set to the lowest. This is set based on, for example, the urgency or necessity of the display.

[0056] The flowchart in Fig. 11 shows an example of a processing procedure for display control in the display control unit 108. First, the display control unit 108 starts processing in step ST1. Next, in step ST2, the display control unit 108 determines whether or not there is a display related to safety that is related to the control of the vehicle 10. If there is a display related to safety that is related to the control of the vehicle 10, the display control unit 108 displays display content related to safety that is related to the control of the vehicle 10 in step ST3. Thereafter, the display control unit 108 returns to the processing of step ST2.

[0057] Furthermore, if there is no safety-related display related to the control of the vehicle 10 in step ST2, the display control unit 108 determines in step ST4 whether there is a timely display. If there is a timely display, the display control unit 108 displays the timely display content in step ST5. Thereafter, the display control unit 108 returns to the processing of step ST2.

[0058] Furthermore, if there is no timely display in step ST4, the display control unit 108 determines in step ST6 whether there is a display based on the position of the vehicle 10. If there is a display based on the position of the vehicle 10, the display control unit 108 displays the display content based on the position of the vehicle 10 in step ST7. Thereafter, the display control unit 108 returns to the processing of step ST2.

[0059] Furthermore, if there is no display based on the position of the vehicle 10 in step ST6, the display control unit 108 displays default display content such as an advertisement in step ST8. Thereafter, the display control unit 108 returns to the processing of step ST2.

[0060] "1-7. Processing by Software" The processing in the information processing device 100 described above can be performed by hardware, but can also be performed by software. When a series of processes is performed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed from a recording medium into a computer that is built into dedicated hardware, or into, for example, a general-purpose computer that can perform various functions by installing various programs.

[0061] 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 600. The computer 600 has a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a bus 604, an input / output interface 605, an input unit 606, an output unit 607, a storage unit 608, a drive 609, a connection port 610, and a communication unit 611. Note that the hardware configuration shown here is an example, and some of the components may be omitted. Furthermore, the computer 600 may further include components other than those shown here.

[0062] The CPU 601 functions as, for example, an arithmetic processing device or a control device, and controls the overall operation or part of the operation of each component based on various programs recorded in the ROM 602 , the RAM 603 , the storage unit 608 , or the removable recording medium 701 .

[0063] The ROM 602 is a means for storing programs to be read into the CPU 601, data to be used for calculations, etc. The RAM 603 temporarily or permanently stores, for example, the programs to be read into the CPU 601 and various parameters that change as appropriate when the programs are executed.

[0064] The CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603 are connected to one another via a bus 604. On the other hand, various components are connected to the bus 604 via an input / output interface 605.

[0065] The input unit 606 may be, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, a lever, etc. Furthermore, the input unit 606 may also be a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote control) that is capable of transmitting control signals using infrared rays or other radio waves.

[0066] The output unit 607 is a device capable of visually or audibly notifying the user of acquired information, such as a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD, or organic EL, an audio output device such as a speaker or headphones, a printer, a mobile phone, or a facsimile.

[0067] The storage unit 608 is a device for storing various types of data. For example, the storage unit 608 may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device.

[0068] The drive 609 is a device that reads information recorded on a removable recording medium 701 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or writes information to the removable recording medium 701 .

[0069] The removable recording medium 701 is, for example, a DVD, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, an HD DVD, various semiconductor storage media, etc. Of course, the removable recording medium 701 may also be, for example, an IC card equipped with a contactless IC chip, an electronic device, etc.

[0070] The connection port 610 is a port for connecting an external device 502, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, an IEEE 1394 port, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), an RS-232C port, or an optical audio terminal. Note that "HDMI" is a registered trademark. The external device 702 is, for example, a printer, a portable music player, a digital camera, a digital video camera, or an IC recorder.

[0071] The communication unit 611 is a communication device for connecting to the network 703, such as a communication card for wired or wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WUSB (Wireless USB), a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various types of communication.

[0072] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0073] As described above, in the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 2, display content selected based on the position information of the vehicle 10 is displayed on the display 11 arranged on the exterior surface of the vehicle 10 in a state based on the attitude information of the vehicle 10, making it possible to provide information more effectively to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0074] In addition, in the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 2, display content related to timely display is displayed on the display 11 arranged on the exterior surface of the vehicle 10 in priority to display content selected based on the location information of the vehicle 10, making it possible to provide timely information appropriately to pedestrians surrounding the vehicle.

[0075] In addition, in the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 2, safety-related display content related to the control of the vehicle 10 is displayed on the display 11 arranged on the exterior surface of the vehicle 10 in priority to other display content, making it possible to ensure the safety of pedestrians surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0076] 2. Modifications Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above-described effects.

[0078] The present technology may also be configured as follows: (1) An information processing device including: a content selection unit that selects first display content based on vehicle position information; and a display control unit that displays the first display content on a display arranged on an outer surface of the vehicle in a state based on attitude information of the vehicle. (2) The information processing device described in (1), wherein the first display content is display content showing a map including the position of the vehicle. (3) The information processing device described in (1), wherein the first display content is display content that indicates with an arrow the direction of a predetermined facility based on the position of the vehicle. (4) The information processing device described in any of (1) to (3), wherein the display control unit displays the first display content on displays arranged on each of a plurality of outer surfaces of the vehicle in a state corresponding to each surface. (5) The information processing device described in any of (1) to (4), wherein the display control unit changes the state of the first display content displayed on the display when the attitude of the vehicle changes beyond a dead zone. (6) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the content selection unit further selects second display content related to timely display, and the display control unit displays the second display content on the display in priority over the first display content. (7) The information processing device according to (6), wherein the second display content is display content related to a predetermined object included in a peripheral image of the vehicle. (8) The information processing device according to (6), wherein the second display content is display content related to weather at the position of the vehicle. (9) The information processing device according to (6), wherein the second display content is display content related to emergency news. (10) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the content selection unit selects third display content related to safety associated with control of the vehicle, and the display control unit displays the third display content in priority over other display content. (11) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10), further comprising an audio output control unit that outputs audio corresponding to the display content displayed on the display.(12) An information processing method comprising the steps of: selecting first display content based on vehicle position information; and displaying the first display content on a display arranged on an exterior surface of the vehicle in a state based on attitude information of the vehicle. (13) A vehicle comprising: a display arranged on an exterior surface; and an information processing device, the information processing device having: a content selection unit that selects display content based on self-position information; and a display control unit that displays the display content on the display in a state based on self-attitude information.

[0079] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle 11 Display 11F Front display 11L Left display 11R Right display 11B Rear display 12 Speaker 13 Vehicle exterior sensor unit 100 Information processing device 101 Position information acquisition unit 102 Attitude information acquisition unit 103 Recognition unit 104 Vehicle control unit 105 Content storage unit 106 Communication unit 107 Content selection unit 108 Display control unit 109 Audio output control unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a content selection unit that selects a first display content based on vehicle position information; and a display control unit that displays the first display content on a display arranged on the exterior of the vehicle in a state based on vehicle attitude information.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first display content is a display content showing a map including the position of the vehicle.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first display content is a display content that indicates with an arrow the direction in which a predetermined facility is located based on the vehicle's position.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the first display content on displays arranged on a plurality of exterior surfaces of the vehicle in a state corresponding to each of the exterior surfaces.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit changes a state of the first display content displayed on the display when the attitude of the vehicle changes beyond a dead zone.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the content selection unit further selects a second display content related to timely display, and the display control unit displays the second display content on the display in priority to the first display content.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the second display content is display content relating to a predetermined object included in an image of the surroundings of the vehicle.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the second display content is display content relating to weather at the vehicle's location.

9. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the second display content is display content relating to an emergency news report.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the content selection unit selects a third display content related to safety in relation to control of the vehicle, and the display control unit displays the third display content in priority to other display content.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an audio output control unit that outputs audio corresponding to the display content displayed on the display.

12. An information processing method comprising the steps of: selecting a first display content based on vehicle position information; and displaying the first display content on a display arranged on the exterior of the vehicle in a state based on vehicle attitude information.

13. A vehicle comprising a display arranged on its exterior and an information processing device, the information processing device having a content selection unit that selects display content based on self-location information, and a display control unit that displays the display content on the display in a state based on self-attitude information.

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