Information provision control device, information provision method, and information provision system

Abstract

An exemplary information provision control device controls a plurality of vibrators that provide information to a user by means of vibration. When there are a plurality of pieces of information to be provided, a vibrator to be vibrated among the plurality of vibrators, and the vibration pattern and vibration timing of the aforementioned vibrator, are selected in accordance with the combination of the plurality of pieces of information, and the vibration of the plurality of vibrators is controlled.

Description

Information provision control device, information provision method, and information provision system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for providing information using vibrations.

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system that uses vibrations to notify a driver or the like of the presence and location of other vehicles, obstacles, etc. around the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses that a display, a sound, and a vibration are used as means for notifying the driver or the like of the situation around the vehicle.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-45547

[0004] A configuration that uses vibration to notify the driver of the presence and direction of other vehicles around the vehicle has the advantage that even a driver who is concentrating on understanding the surrounding situation for safe driving is likely to notice the notification. However, notification of information by vibration has issues such as the amount of information being smaller than, for example, notification by display, and the difficulty of notifying multiple pieces of information that occur simultaneously due to differences in the characteristics of vision, hearing, and touch (vibration detection). To address this issue, if information is selected, such as by notifying only high-priority information, there is a concern that the amount of information that cannot be notified will increase.

[0005] Furthermore, in vehicles and the like, a configuration is sometimes adopted in which the seat in which the user sits vibrates in conjunction with the provision of entertainment such as music or video games in order to enhance the sense of realism. In this case, when entertainment is being provided, the vibrations from the entertainment interfere with the notification of information by vibration to call attention. Thus, when providing information (information notification) by vibration, there is a problem with the information provision method when there is information to be provided at the same time.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can provide appropriate information by making use of the characteristics of vibration.

[0007] An exemplary information provision control device of the present disclosure is a device that controls multiple vibrators that provide information to a user by vibration, and when there is multiple information to provide, selects a vibrator from the multiple vibrators to vibrate, as well as its vibration pattern and vibration timing, depending on the combination of the multiple information, and controls the vibration of the multiple vibrators.

[0008] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, appropriate information can be provided by making use of the characteristics of vibration.

[0009] a block diagram showing the general configuration of an information provision system; a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a seat having a plurality of vibrators; a block diagram showing the general configuration of an information provision control device; a diagram showing an example of a notification information table; a diagram showing the relationship between the characteristics of notification information and vibration classification; a diagram showing a specific example for realizing vibration with a sense of movement; a diagram showing the relationship between the characteristics of entertainment information and vibration classification; a flowchart showing an example of the general flow of an information provision control method; a flowchart showing a detailed example of information provision processing by adjustment control; a flowchart showing an example of the flow of vibration processing executed by an information provision control device; a diagram showing an example of a data table for vibration control; a diagram showing an example of a setting table relating vibration classification and vibration location; a schematic diagram showing information notification in which notification timings of the second embodiment overlap; a diagram showing a schematic change in vibration pattern due to differences in vibration parameters; a diagram showing an example of a vibration location setting table

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1. Information Providing System> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information providing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the information providing system 100 is a vehicle information providing system applied to a vehicle, but this is merely an example. The information providing system of the present disclosure can also be applied to other uses, such as games and driving training devices.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the information provision system 100 includes an information provision control device 1, a notification information device 2, an entertainment information device 3, a vibrator 4, a display device 5, and an audio output device 6.

[0013] The information provision control device 1 performs a wide range of control operations related to the provision of information to users of the information provision system 100. In this embodiment, the users of the information provision system 100 are vehicle occupants, and preferably, the vehicle occupants include the driver. The information provision control device 1 also controls the provision of information by vibration using a plurality of vibrators 4. The information provision control device 1 also controls the provision of information using a display device 5 and an audio output device 6. The information provision control device 1 is mounted on a vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied. However, at least some of the functions of the information provision control device 1 may be functions of a server device that is capable of communicating with communication equipment mounted on the vehicle via a communication line such as the Internet. Details of the information provision control device 1 will be described later. As will be understood from the following description, the provision of information includes the notification of information.

[0014] The notification information device 2 is connected to the information provision control device 1 via a wired or wireless connection so as to be able to communicate with the information provision control device 1. The notification information device 2 outputs information to be notified to the occupants (such as the driver) of the vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied to the information provision control device 1. The information to be notified to the occupants of the vehicle includes, for example, information about the situation around the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling, information about vehicle abnormalities such as breakdowns, or information about route guidance. The notification information device 2 may be configured to generate the notification information itself, or may be configured to obtain the notification information via a communication line such as the Internet. The information provision system 100 may include one or more notification information devices 2.

[0015] In this embodiment, the notification information device 2 is mounted on a vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied, similar to the information provision control device 1. The notification information device 2 is, for example, a danger monitoring device, a navigation device, or a drive recorder. Note that at least some of the functions of the notification information device 2 may be functions of a server device that is provided so as to be able to communicate with a communication device mounted on the vehicle via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0016] The entertainment information device 3 is communicably connected to the information provision control device 1 via a wired or wireless connection. The entertainment information device 3 outputs entertainment information such as music, movies, games, or virtual experiences to the information provision control device 1 for the occupants of the vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied. The entertainment information device 3 is a device that outputs, for example, audio and video obtained by playing an information recording medium such as a DVD, or audio and video of external content obtained via a network such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the entertainment information output from the entertainment information device 3 may include vibration information so that a vibration experience can be provided when content such as music, movies, or games is played.

[0017] In this embodiment, the entertainment information device 3 is mounted on a vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied, similar to the information provision control device 1. However, at least some of the functions of the entertainment information device 3 may be functions of a server device that is provided so as to be able to communicate with a communication device mounted on the vehicle via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0018] The vibrator 4 is controlled by the information provision control device 1 and enables provision of information by vibration. Specifically, the information provision system 100 includes a plurality of vibrators 4. In this embodiment, the plurality of vibrators 4 enables provision of information by vibration to an occupant (preferably the driver) of a vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied. The plurality of vibrators 4 are arranged in positions where the occupant of the vehicle can feel the vibration. In this embodiment, the information provision system 100 includes a seat 7 (see FIG. 2 described later) arranged in the vehicle. The plurality of vibrators 4 are arranged in the seat 7.

[0019] The seat 7 on which the multiple vibrators 4 are arranged is preferably the driver's seat where the driver sits, but may be a seat other than the driver's seat, such as a passenger seat or a rear seat. Furthermore, multiple seats in a vehicle may be the seats 7 on which the multiple vibrators 4 are arranged. Furthermore, the multiple vibrators 4 may be arranged on a vehicle occupant, such as a driver. In particular, the multiple vibrators 4 may be arranged on clothing, such as a vest, worn by the vehicle occupant. In other words, the multiple vibrators 4 may be configured as a wearable device.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a seat 7 having a plurality of vibrators 4. In Fig. 2, arrow X indicates the front-rear direction, arrow Y indicates the left-right direction, and arrow Z indicates the up-down direction. The +X side is the front side, the +Y side is the right side, and the +Z side is the upper side. As shown in Fig. 2, the seat 7 has a seat portion 71 and a backrest portion 72. In this embodiment, the seat portion 71 and the backrest portion 72 are separate members.

[0021] The seat portion 71 supports the buttocks and thighs of an occupant sitting on the seat 7. The seat portion 71 has a surface member that forms its surface, and a buffer member (cushion member) provided inside the surface member. The backrest portion 72 extends upward so as to intersect with the upper surface of the seat portion 71, and supports the back of an occupant sitting on the seat 7. The backrest portion 72 has a surface member that forms its surface, and a buffer member provided inside the surface member.

[0022] Four vibrators 4a to 4d are arranged on the seat 71. More specifically, the four vibrators 4a to 4d are embedded inside the seat 71. The four vibrators 4a to 4d are arranged inside the cushioning material of the seat 71. The four vibrators 4a to 4d may also be arranged on the surface of the seat 71. The four vibrators 4a to 4d may also be attached to the upper surface of the seat 71.

[0023] The first vibrator 4a is disposed on the rear right side of the seat 71. The second vibrator 4b is disposed on the front right side of the seat 71. The third vibrator 4c is disposed on the rear left side of the seat 71. The fourth vibrator 4d is disposed on the front left side of the seat 71. In a plan view from above, the first vibrator 4a and the second vibrator 4b are disposed on a line extending in the front-rear direction, and the third vibrator 4c and the fourth vibrator 4d are disposed on a line extending in the front-rear direction. In a plan view from above, the first vibrator 4a and the second vibrator 4b and the third vibrator 4c and the fourth vibrator 4d are disposed symmetrically with respect to a bisector that bisects the seat 71 in the left-right direction.

[0024] Four vibrators 4e to 4h are arranged on the backrest portion 72. Specifically, the four vibrators 4e to 4h are embedded inside the backrest portion 72. The four vibrators 4e to 4h are arranged inside the buffer member of the backrest portion 72. The four vibrators 4e to 4h may also be arranged on the surface of the backrest portion 72. The four vibrators 4e to 4h may also be attached to the front surface of the backrest portion 72.

[0025] The fifth vibrator 4e is arranged on the upper right side of the backrest 72. The sixth vibrator 4f is arranged on the lower right side of the backrest 72. The seventh vibrator 4g is arranged on the upper left side of the backrest 72. The eighth vibrator 4h is arranged on the lower left side of the backrest 72. In a plan view from the front, the fifth vibrator 4e and the sixth vibrator 4f are arranged on a line extending in the vertical direction, and the seventh vibrator 4g and the eighth vibrator 4h are arranged on a line extending in the vertical direction. In a plan view from the front, the fifth vibrator 4e and the sixth vibrator 4f and the seventh vibrator 4g and the eighth vibrator 4h are arranged symmetrically with respect to the bisector that bisects the backrest 72 in the left-right direction.

[0026] The eight vibrators 4a to 4h are arranged so that vibrations are transmitted to an occupant sitting in the seat 7. The first to fourth vibrators 4a to 4d are arranged so that vibrations are transmitted to the buttocks and thighs of an occupant sitting on the seat portion 71. Specifically, the first to fourth vibrators 4a to 4d are arranged so that they are located below the right rear, right front, left rear, and left front parts of the buttocks of an occupant sitting in the seat 7. The fifth to eighth vibrators 4e to 4h are arranged so that vibrations are transmitted to the back of the occupant located in front of the backrest portion 72. Specifically, the fifth to eighth vibrators 4e to 4h are arranged so that they are located at the upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left parts of the back of the occupant sitting in the seat 7.

[0027] The eight vibrators 4a to 4h are vibrators of the same type (same configuration). However, different types of vibrators may be used for the four vibrators 4a to 4d arranged in the seat portion 71 and the four vibrators 4e to 4h arranged in the backrest portion 72. The vibrators 4 may be, for example, vibrators with an electric / magnetic circuit configuration in which the diaphragm of a speaker (with a structure suitable for acoustic conversion) is replaced with a diaphragm suitable for vibration transmission, or vibrators with a configuration using a piezoelectric element.

[0028] The number and positions of the vibrators 4 arranged on the seat 71 and the backrest 72 may be changed as appropriate from the configuration of this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the vibrators 4 are arranged on both the seat 71 and the backrest 72, but this is merely an example. Alternatively, the vibrators 4 may be arranged on only one of the seat 71 and the backrest 72.

[0029] Returning to Fig. 1 , the display device 5 is controlled by the information provision control device 1 to provide information by display. The number of display devices 5 may be one or more. The multiple display devices 5 may be different types of devices. In this embodiment, the display device 5 is placed in a position where the display content is easily visible to an occupant (preferably the driver) of a vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied.

[0030] The display device 5 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device arranged on the dashboard of the vehicle. The display device 5 is also, for example, a head-up display (HUD) that projects information on the windshield of the vehicle. The display device 5 is also, for example, an indicator light arranged on an instrument panel, a rearview mirror, a side mirror, or the like. The display device 5 may be part of a stationary or portable navigation device mounted on the vehicle. The display device 5 may also be a display input device having an input function such as a touch panel.

[0031] The audio output device 6 is controlled by the information provision control device 1 to enable provision of information by audio. The number of audio output devices 6 may be one or more. In this embodiment, the audio output device 6 is a speaker disposed in a position where the audio can be easily heard by the occupants of the vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied.

[0032] The control devices included in the information providing system 100 can be configured by combining various devices in accordance with the form and characteristics of the product to which the system is applied.

[0033] 2. Information provision control device> [2-1. Device configuration] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information provision control device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that Fig. 3 shows components necessary for explaining the features of the embodiment, and omits the description of general components. As shown in Fig. 3, the information provision control device 1 includes a controller 11 and a memory 12. The information provision control device 1 is a so-called computer device, and includes an input / output unit (not shown) in addition to the controller 11 and the memory 12.

[0034] The controller 11 is configured to include an arithmetic circuit that performs arithmetic processing. More specifically, the arithmetic circuit is configured to include a processor. The processor is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 11 may be configured to include one processor or multiple processors. When the controller 11 is configured to include multiple processors, the processors only need to be able to communicate with each other.

[0035] The memory 12 is configured to include volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The volatile memory is specifically RAM (Random Access Memory). The nonvolatile memory is specifically ROM (Read Only Memory). The nonvolatile memory may also be a flash memory, a hard disk drive, or the like. The nonvolatile memory stores a computer-readable program (computer program) 121 and data.

[0036] The functions of the controller 11 are realized by the processor executing arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs 121 stored in the memory 12. The number of programs 121 that realize the functions of the controller 11 may be one or more. In this embodiment, the programs 121 stored in the memory 12 include an information provision control program that causes a computer to execute a control method for providing information using vibration.

[0037] The program 121 stored in the memory 12 may be provided by, for example, a computer-readable nonvolatile recording medium. The nonvolatile recording medium may be, for example, the nonvolatile memory described above, an optical recording medium (for example, an optical disk), a magneto-optical recording medium (for example, a magneto-optical disk), a USB memory, or an SD card. As another example, the program 121 may be configured to be provided from a program providing server via a communication line such as the Internet (a so-called configuration provided by download).

[0038] The functions of the controller 11 may be realized by an arithmetic circuit executing arithmetic processing according to a program, i.e., by software, but may also be realized by other methods. At least some of the functions of the controller 11 may be realized using, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). That is, at least some of the functions of the controller 11 may be realized by hardware using a dedicated IC or the like. At least some of the functions of the controller 11 may also be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0039] 3, in this embodiment, the controller 11 includes, as its functional units, an information acquisition unit 111, a delivery method determination unit 112, a vibration processing unit 113, a display processing unit 114, and a sound processing unit 115. Note that each of the functional units 111 to 115 is a conceptual component. A function performed by one component may be distributed among multiple components. Furthermore, functions possessed by multiple components may be integrated into one component.

[0040] The information acquisition unit 111 acquires information from outside the information provision control device 1. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires notification information from a notification information device 2. The information acquisition unit 111 also acquires entertainment information from an entertainment information device 3.

[0041] The provision method determination unit 112 determines the information provision method based on the classification, content, etc. of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. The information provision method to be determined includes which means to use for providing the information. In this embodiment, the information provision means include vibration, display, and sound, and it is determined which of these will be used to provide the information. If the information provision means is vibration, the information is provided using the vibrator 4. If the information provision means is display, the information is provided using the display device 5. If the information provision means is sound, the information is provided using the sound output device 6.

[0042] The number of information providing means used for one piece of information is not limited to one, and may be multiple. Furthermore, the determined information providing method may include which of multiple occupants in the vehicle the information is to be provided to. For example, the determined information providing method may include providing the information only to the driver of the vehicle.

[0043] For example, when the information to be provided is entertainment information, the provision method determination unit 112 may determine to use a provision method that is pre-determined depending on the entertainment information. In other words, when the information to be provided is entertainment information, the provision method determination unit 112 may determine the information provision method in accordance with an instruction from the entertainment information device 3.

[0044] For example, if the entertainment information is music, only sound may be determined as the means for providing information. Note that, when the entertainment information is music, there is a type of content that provides vibrations synchronized with the music in order to provide an experience similar to that of a live music venue. When such content is played, sound and vibration may be determined as the means for providing information. Furthermore, for example, when content such as a movie or a game is played as information provision, display and sound may be determined as the means for providing information, or display, sound, and vibration may be determined as the means for providing information.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, when the information to be provided is notification information, the provision method determination unit 112 may determine the provision means to be used for providing the information based on the suitability classification (notification suitability classification) of the notification information. For example, the notification information in a vehicle may be information that is preferably notified only to the driver of the vehicle, for example, to avoid causing anxiety to passengers. Examples of such information that is preferably notified only to the driver include safety-related information (safety-related information) such as inter-vehicle distance, sudden braking, collisions when turning right or left, or warnings regarding obstacle detection. When the notification information is safety-related information, the provision method determination unit 112 may determine the information provision means to be vibration or display so that the information is notified only to the driver of the vehicle. When the notification information is information other than safety-related information (non-safety-related information), the provision method determination unit 112 may determine the information provision means to include voice because the information may be notified to passengers of the vehicle.

[0046] When determining the information providing method based on the type of notification information, the providing method determination unit 112 may use, for example, a notification information table stored in the memory 12. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the notification information table 122.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the notification information table 122 includes the following items: notification information ID, content, suitability classification, and characteristics.

[0048] The "notification information ID" is identification information that identifies each piece of notification information. The "notification information ID" functions as the primary key of the notification information table 122. A data record is generated for each notification information ID. The data record stores information corresponding to each notification information ID, such as "content," "aptitude classification," and "characteristics."

[0049] "Content" is information indicating the specific content of the notification information. Specific contents of the notification information include, for example, warnings about being hit by other vehicles when turning right or left, warnings about the distance between the vehicle and other vehicles, warnings about obstacles around the vehicle, guidance on turning right or left in navigation, the distance to the destination, traffic congestion information, or weather. Note that "notification" shown in FIG. 4 indicates, for example, an information notification to notify the driver that information notification will follow. In the example shown in FIG. 4, "notification" is classified into multiple categories according to the difference in the content of the notification given after the "notification" notification.

[0050] The "aptitude classification" is information indicating the classification of persons to whom notification information is appropriate. In the example shown in FIG. 4, considering that the recipients of the information notification are the vehicle occupants, the "aptitude classification" is "driver" or "everyone." "Driver" indicates that it is appropriate to notify only the driver of the information. "Everyone" indicates that it is appropriate to notify all occupants of the information. For example, the above-mentioned safety-related information is classified as the driver. Also, for example, the above-mentioned non-safety-related information is classified as the everyone. Note that the types and number of aptitude classifications may be changed as appropriate.

[0051] "Characteristics" is information indicating the characteristics of the content of the notification information. In particular, "characteristics" is information indicating the characteristics that determine the vibration classification when the notification information is notified by vibration. In the example shown in FIG. 4, "characteristics" are classified into "sense of direction," "sense of movement," or "simple." Note that "sense of movement" is a characteristic possessed by information that includes at least one of a sense of distance and a sense of speed. "Simple" is a characteristic possessed by information that does not have a sense of direction or a sense of movement.

[0052] For example, if the notification information is a warning about the left side of the vehicle, the notification information contains information related to the direction, such as the left side, and therefore its characteristic is "sense of direction." Also, if the notification information is a warning about the approach of another vehicle, the information contains information related to the distance and speed of the other vehicle, and therefore its characteristic is "sense of movement." Also, if the notification information is information (awareness) intended to provide advance notice before the information is displayed, the information does not contain any particular sense of direction or movement, and therefore its characteristic is "simple."

[0053] For example, the provision method determination unit 112 determines the information provision method as follows using the notification information table 122 configured as described above. If the notification information ID of the acquired notification information is "IF01," "IF02," or "IF03," the provision method determination unit 112 determines to notify only the driver of the information using at least one of vibration and display because the "aptitude classification" is "driver." Furthermore, for example, if the notification information ID of the acquired notification information is "IF04," the provision method determination unit 112 determines to notify the information using at least voice because the "aptitude classification" is "everyone."

[0054] The notification information table 122 stored in the memory 12 is appropriately created by a designer, developer, or the like based on experiments, etc., so as to obtain an appropriate information notification impression. For example, by outputting a notification information ID from the notification information device 2 to the information acquisition unit 111, the content of the information, etc. can be identified according to the notification information ID. If the notification information device 2 does not output a notification information ID, the notification information ID of the information acquired by the information provision control device 1 (information acquisition unit 111) may be derived based on the information output from the notification information device 2. The content of the information acquired from the notification information device 2 can be identified according to the derived notification information ID. To derive the notification information ID, for example, a conversion table prepared in advance may be used. Alternatively, a conversion table for the notification information ID may be provided in the notification information device 2, where conversion to the notification information ID is performed, and the notification information ID obtained by the conversion may be output to the information provision control device 1.

[0055] A similar table is also created for entertainment information. For example, an information ID is output from the entertainment information device 3 to the information acquisition unit 111, and the content of the information, etc. can be identified according to the information ID. If an information ID is not output from the entertainment information device 3, the information ID of the information acquired by the information provision control device 1 (information acquisition unit 111) may be derived based on the information output from the entertainment information device 3. The content of the information acquired from the entertainment information device 3 can be identified according to the derived information ID. For example, data analysis of output vibration and sound may be used to derive the information ID. Furthermore, if the entertainment information is VR (Virtual Reality), position data of a vibration-generating object, etc. may be used to derive the information ID.

[0056] When it is decided to provide information using vibration, the vibration processing unit 113 generates vibration output timing and a vibration signal for each vibrator 4 according to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111. Furthermore, the vibration processing unit 113 outputs a vibration signal to each vibrator 4 at the generated output timing. Each vibrator 4 vibrates according to the vibration signal output by the vibration processing unit 113.

[0057] Specifically, the vibration processing unit 113 generates a vibration signal so that the vibration form corresponds to the vibration classification determined by the characteristics of the information. The relationship between the characteristics of the information and the vibration classification, which is predetermined in this embodiment, will be described below.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the characteristics of notification information and vibration classifications. The characteristics of the notification information in FIG. 5 are the same as the "characteristics" in FIG. 4. The diagrams shown in the vibration classification column in FIG. 5 are diagrams illustrating vibration forms corresponding to the vibration classifications. The vibration forms are assumed to be those of the seat 71 as an example, and the "+X" and "+Y" directions in the diagram represent the same directions as the "+X" and "+Y" directions in FIG. 2. The circles in the diagrams showing the vibration forms represent the vibrator 4, and hatched circles indicate that the vibrator 4 is vibrating. In the diagrams showing the vibration forms, the open arrows indicate that the position where the vibration is felt is moving. As shown in FIG. 5, the vibration classifications include a first classification, a second classification, and a third classification.

[0059] If the characteristic of the notification information is "directional sense," it is preferable that the vibration used to notify the information also has a directional sense so as to raise awareness of the directional sense. For this reason, vibrations in the first category are considered to have a directional sense. A person (such as a driver) who receives a directional sense vibration can intuitively recognize the directional information that the notification information is trying to convey. For example, suppose the notification information is a warning to change lanes to the right. In this case, by vibrating only the right vibrator 4 of the four vibrators 4 as shown in the vibration configuration, the person sitting on the seat 71 can intuitively recognize that there is another vehicle to the right that requires attention. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 5, both of the two vibrators 4 arranged in front and behind the right side are used to indicate that it is the right side, but only one of them may be used.

[0060] When the characteristic of the notification information is a "sense of movement," it is preferable that the vibration used to notify the information also has a sense of movement so as to make the driver aware of the sense of movement. For this reason, vibrations in the second category are considered to be vibrations with a sense of movement. A person (such as a driver) who receives a vibration with a sense of movement can intuitively recognize the sense of movement of the vehicle that the notification information is trying to convey. For example, a person who receives a vibration with a sense of movement can intuitively recognize that the distance to another vehicle is short or that the other vehicle is rapidly approaching. For example, if the notification information is a warning to change lanes to the right, and a vibration with a sense of movement is generated using the right vibrator 4 of the four vibrators 4, as in the vibration form shown in the figure, the person can intuitively recognize that there is an approaching vehicle on the right side.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of how vibrations that give the feeling of movement can be achieved. FIG. 6 illustrates a case in which a seat 71 is provided with four vibrators 4a to 4d, and a person sitting on the seat 71 feels vibrations that give the feeling of movement. In FIG. 6, the vibrators 4 with hatching inside the circle indicate that they vibrate. Furthermore, black circles in the figure indicate the locations where the person sitting on the seat 71 feels vibrations (vibration sensing positions). Furthermore, three seats 71 are shown in FIG. 6, which indicate how the vibration state of the seat 71 changes along the time axis indicated by the arrows. The example shown in FIG. 6 utilizes the fact that by generating vibrations of different vibration intensities in multiple vibrators 4, the user's vibration sensing position can be set to a position corresponding to the vibration intensities among the multiple vibrators 4.

[0062] As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 6 , when only the first vibrator 4a is vibrated, the person sitting on the seat 71 feels the vibration at the rear right side of the seat 71. As shown in the middle diagram of FIG. 6 , when the first vibrator 4a and the second vibrator 4b are vibrated with the same phase and intensity, the person sitting on the seat 71 feels the vibration at a position midway between the first vibrator 4a and the second vibrator 4b in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 6 , when only the second vibrator 4b is vibrated, the person sitting on the seat 71 feels the vibration at the front right side of the seat 71. For this reason, by generating three vibration states in sequence at regular time intervals as shown in FIG. 6 , the person sitting on the seat 71 can feel the vibration moving from rear to front. In other words, the person sitting on the seat 71 can be given a vibration that gives the feeling of movement. Note that, although the position where the person sitting on the seat 71 feels the vibration is three in the example shown in FIG. 6 , two or four or more positions may be used.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 5 , if the notification information has a "simple" characteristic that does not provide a sense of direction or movement, it is preferable that the vibration used to notify the information notify the user notify the user of the information notify the user of the direction or movement. For this reason, the third category of vibration is a vibration that provides a sensation different from the first and second categories. This configuration allows for the generation of vibrations that simply provide awareness. The third category of vibration may be configured, for example, to simultaneously vibrate all of the multiple vibrators 4. For example, when providing information via display, all four vibrators 4 may be vibrated simultaneously, as shown in the vibration configuration in the figure, to alert the user to the information notification via the display. Since the user does not feel a sense of direction or movement, they can intuitively recognize that the vibration is simply for the purpose of providing awareness.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the characteristics of entertainment information and vibration classification. The diagrams shown in the vibration classification column in Fig. 7 are diagrams illustrating vibration forms corresponding to the vibration classification, and are shown under the same assumption as in Fig. 5. A description of this same assumption will be omitted.

[0065] When the entertainment information has the characteristic of "making the viewer feel a sense of direction," it is preferable that the vibration used to provide the entertainment information also have a sense of direction in order to make the viewer aware of the direction. For this reason, when it is necessary to "make the viewer feel a sense of direction" when providing entertainment information, vibrations of the first category, which are vibrations with a sense of direction, are used. An example of a case where it is necessary to "make the viewer feel a sense of direction" when providing entertainment information is when a vibration experience is provided from one direction. A specific example is when, in virtual driving, the viewer is made to feel that a vehicle is present in a specific direction. For example, when the specific direction is the right side, only the right vibrator 4 of the four vibrators 4 is vibrated, as shown in the vibration form in the figure.

[0066] When the entertainment information has the characteristic of "creating a sense of movement," it is preferable that the vibrations used to provide the entertainment information also have a sense of movement so as to make the user aware of the movement. For this reason, when it is necessary to "create a sense of movement" when providing entertainment information, vibrations of the second category, which are vibrations that create a sense of movement, are used. An example of a case where it is necessary to "create a sense of movement" when providing entertainment information is when a vibration experience that penetrates the body is provided. A specific example is when a user is provided with a virtual experience of a loud explosive sound, such as fireworks. For example, when it is desired to experience a loud explosive sound only on the right side, a vibration that creates a sense of movement is generated using the right vibrator 4 of the four vibrators 4, as shown in the vibration configuration in the figure.

[0067] When the entertainment information has the characteristic of being "sensed with the whole body," it is preferable not to make the user aware of a sense of direction or movement. For this reason, when it is necessary to "sense the whole body" when providing entertainment information, vibrations of the third category, which impart a sensation different from those of the first and second categories, are used. The vibrations of the third category are preferably in a form in which all of the multiple vibrators 4 are vibrated simultaneously. An example of a case in which it is necessary to "sense the whole body" when providing entertainment information is when providing an experience similar to listening to music at a live music venue. In this case, for example, a form in which all four vibrators 4 are vibrated simultaneously is used, as shown in the figure.

[0068] In this embodiment, the vibration processing unit 113 (information provision control device 1) generates vibration output timings and vibration signals for multiple pieces of information whose provision timings overlap, according to characteristics that determine the vibration classification of each piece of information.The vibration processing unit 113 (information provision control device 1) then outputs the generated vibration signals according to the generated output timings.In this way, it is possible to provide a large amount of information by effectively utilizing multiple vibrators 4.Details of the process of providing multiple pieces of information whose provision timings by vibration overlap will be described later.

[0069] Returning to Fig. 3, when it is determined that information is to be provided by display, the display processing unit 114 generates a display signal according to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111 and outputs the generated display signal to the display device 5. The display device 5 displays or lights up an image according to the display signal output from the display processing unit 114. Note that the display by the display processing unit 114 alone may not be enough for the vehicle occupants to notice that information is provided by display. For this reason, when information is provided by display, it is preferable that an audio notification or a vibration notification is also provided to make the occupants aware of the display.

[0070] When it is determined that information is to be provided using audio, the audio processing unit 115 generates an audio signal according to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 111, and outputs the generated audio signal to the audio output device 6. The audio output device 6 outputs audio according to the audio signal output from the audio processing unit 115. In addition to the information provided by audio, information may be provided by display or vibration.

[0071] Note that information notification using vibration, which is a type of information provision, may be performed as a supplement to the voice notification. In this case, the volume of the voice notification may be lowered compared to when the supplement is not performed. This configuration can prevent the voice notification from being performed at a high volume. By not making the volume of the voice notification unnecessarily loud, it is possible to prevent the passengers in the vehicle from feeling uneasy. On the other hand, since the information can be communicated to a person (such as the driver) who wishes to convey the content of the voice notification by vibration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a situation in which the information to be communicated is not conveyed to the intended person.

[0072] [2-2. Device Operation] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a general flow of an information provision control method executed by the information provision control device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process illustrated in FIG. 8 may be started, for example, when each device constituting the information provision system 100 is activated and available for use. Note that activation of each device constituting the information provision system 100 may be initiated by turning on the power of a vehicle to which the information provision system 100 is applied. The process illustrated in FIG. 8 may be started at an appropriate timing after each device constituting the information provision system 100 is activated and available for use. Once the process illustrated in FIG. 8 has been terminated, it may be repeatedly executed if there is no particular reason for termination. An example of a reason for termination is when a vehicle occupant issues an instruction to stop or terminate information provision.

[0073] In step S1, the controller 11 (information acquisition unit 111) determines whether or not it has acquired information to be provided to the vehicle occupant. The information to be provided to the vehicle occupant includes notification information output from the notification information device 2 and entertainment information output from the entertainment information device 3. If information to be provided to the vehicle occupant has been acquired (Yes in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2. If information to be provided to the vehicle occupant has not been acquired (No in step S1), the process of step S1 is repeated.

[0074] In step S2, the controller 11 (information acquisition unit 111) determines whether there is other information whose provision timing overlaps. Information whose provision timing overlaps may be, for example, notification information or notification information and entertainment information. Specifically, the notification timing of danger information and the notification of route guidance information may overlap. Furthermore, the notification timing of danger information and the provision of content (entertainment information) may overlap. If there is other information whose provision timing overlaps (Yes in step S2), processing proceeds to the next step S3. If there is no other information whose provision timing overlaps (No in step S3), processing proceeds to step S4.

[0075] In step S3, the controller 11 performs information provision through adjustment control for the plurality of pieces of information. Through adjustment control, the plurality of pieces of information are provided at adjusted timings and by adjusted methods. Details of adjustment control will be described later. Once information provision through adjustment control has been performed, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0076] In step S4, the controller 11 provides one piece of information without adjustment control. In this case, the provision method determination unit 112 determines the provision method in accordance with a predetermined procedure without making any particular adjustment to the provision method. Then, according to the determined provision method, at least one of the vibration processing unit 113, the display processing unit 114, and the audio processing unit 115 executes processing to provide the information. For one piece of information, the information may be provided by only one of vibration, display, and audio, or by multiple methods. When the information is provided without adjustment control, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0077] In step S5, the controller 11 determines whether the information provision is complete. Depending on the content and type of information, it may be necessary to repeatedly provide the information. For example, notification of danger information (such as the presence of an approaching vehicle) may need to be repeated until the danger state is resolved or until the notification target (such as the driver) recognizes the danger. Furthermore, for example, in the case of content playback, the information provision may take a long time. In other words, the information provision may not be completed immediately. The process of step S5 is provided taking such points into consideration, and is performed at an appropriate time after the processes of steps S3 and S4 are executed. If the information provision is complete (Yes in step S5), the process shown in FIG. 8 is temporarily terminated. If the information provision is not complete (No in step S5), the process returns to step S2.

[0078] 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the information provision process by adjustment control, which is a detailed example of the process of step S3 in FIG.

[0079] In step S31, the controller 11 (provision method determination unit 112) determines a provision method for the information that is the subject of the acquired information provision. The provision method is determined based on the content, type, etc. of the information. However, unlike the provision method determination process performed in the process of step S4, which does not perform adjustment control, here, if it is not necessary for the provision means (vibration, display, audio) to be the same for information that is provided at the same time, the provision method is adjusted accordingly.

[0080] For example, as described above, it is preferable to notify only the driver of safety-related information, such as warnings about collisions when turning left, using vibration to avoid notifying passengers. However, if there are no passengers, audio notification is acceptable. For this reason, if the timing of vibration notifications overlaps and there are no passengers, one of the information may be audio notification, so that the information is not provided in the same manner. The presence or absence of a passenger may be determined, for example, using information from a camera capturing images of the interior of the vehicle or information from a weight sensor installed in the seat. Furthermore, for example, if the timing of audio notifications overlaps as a result of normal judgment, a decision may be made to change one of the notifications from audio to vibration, regardless of whether the information is safety-related or non-safety-related. Once the information provision method is determined, the process proceeds to the next step S32.

[0081] In step S32, the controller 11 (delivery method determination unit 112) determines whether there is information with overlapping delivery means. If there is information with overlapping delivery means (Yes in step S32), the process proceeds to step S34. If there is no information with overlapping delivery means (No in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0082] In step S33, the controller 11 simultaneously provides information that overlaps in timing using different providing means. Because the providing means are different, simultaneous provision of information can be easily performed. A person who has simultaneously received information can distinguish and understand the content of each piece of provided information. When information is provided by vibration, the vibration processing unit 113 executes the processing. When information is provided by display, the display processing unit 114 executes the processing. When information is provided by voice, the voice processing unit 115 executes the processing. When the processing of step S33 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 9 ends, and the processing proceeds to step S5 shown in FIG. 8.

[0083] In step S34, the controller 11 (the provision method determination unit 112) determines whether information can be provided simultaneously using overlapping provision methods. For example, if the provision method is audio and the information can be provided using different audio output devices 6, it is determined that simultaneous provision is possible. Furthermore, if the provision method is display and the information can be provided using different display devices 5, or if the display screen can be divided into multiple sections for information provision, it is determined that simultaneous provision is possible. Furthermore, if the provision method is vibration and the information can be provided using multiple vibrators 4, or if the information can be distinguished even by a composite vibration obtained by combining the vibrations of each piece of information, it is determined that simultaneous provision is possible. A detailed example of simultaneous provision of different pieces of information using vibration will be described later. If it is determined that simultaneous provision of information is possible (Yes in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35. If it is determined that simultaneous provision of information is not possible (No in step S34), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0084] In step S35, the controller 11 simultaneously provides information with overlapping provision timings using the same provision means. For example, audio notifications with different content are simultaneously output from different audio output devices 6. For example, a light indicating a danger on the display device 5 provided on the side mirror and route guidance on a monitor provided in the vehicle cabin are simultaneously emitted. For example, a vibration synchronized with music and a vibration indicating a danger are simultaneously emitted. A detailed example of the simultaneous provision of different information by vibration will be described later. When the processing of step S35 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 9 ends, and the processing proceeds to step S5 shown in FIG. 8.

[0085] In step S36, the controller 11 provides the information with overlapping timings at different times using the same providing means. The information with overlapping timings is provided with different times using vibration, display, or sound. For example, when it is difficult to distinguish the information using a synthesized vibration that is used to simultaneously provide the information with overlapping timings, the information is provided with different times. When the processing of step S36 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 9 ends, and the processing proceeds to step S5 shown in FIG. 8.

[0086] When staggering the output timing of multiple pieces of information that overlap in provision timing, it is preferable to set the output order according to the priority of the information. This allows the more important the information to be provided earlier. In other words, the higher the priority of the information, the more preferably it is output first. It is preferable that information notifying danger be set with a higher priority than other information. For example, it is preferable that the safety-related information described above be set with a higher priority than non-safety-related information. Furthermore, the notification information table 122 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured to have items such as "risk level" and "priority" so that the priority of information notification can be easily determined from the table information.

[0087] [2-3. Details of Vibration-Related Operations] Next, detailed examples of vibration-related operations of the information provision control device 1 will be described.

[0088] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of vibration processing executed by the information provision control device 1. The processing shown in Fig. 10 is started when the information provision control device 1 determines to provide information using vibration. This determination is made by the provision method determination unit 112. For example, when information is provided using vibration in step S4 of Fig. 8 or steps S33, 35, and 36 of Fig. 9, the processing shown in Fig. 10 is executed.

[0089] In step S101, the vibration processing unit 113 generates vibration output timing. The output timing is determined mainly according to the information acquired from the notification information device 2 and the entertainment information device 3. However, in this embodiment, when providing information using vibration for multiple pieces of information whose provision timings overlap, as described above, it is determined whether the provision timings of the multiple pieces of information are to be the same or staggered. For this reason, the output timing is generated taking this point into consideration. In this embodiment, whether the output timings are to be the same or staggered is determined taking into consideration the characteristics of the information (characteristics that determine the vibration classification). For this reason, it can be said that the information provision control device 1 generates vibration output timing according to the characteristics of the information. Once the output timing is generated, the process proceeds to the next step S102.

[0090] In step S102, the vibration processing unit 113 generates vibration signals that vibrate the multiple vibrators 4. The vibration signals are determined mainly according to the information acquired from the notification information device 2 and the entertainment information device 3. As described above, vibration classifications are determined according to the characteristics of the information, and vibration signals are generated according to the corresponding vibration classifications. From this perspective, it can be said that the information provision control device 1 generates vibration signals for the multiple vibrators 4 according to the characteristics of the information. As described above, in this embodiment, information provision using vibration for multiple pieces of information may be performed at the same time. When multiple pieces of information are provided using vibration at the same time, vibration signals for the multiple vibrators 4 are generated taking into consideration the relationship between the pieces of information. This point will be described later. Once the vibration signals are generated, processing proceeds to the next step S103.

[0091] In this embodiment, the provision of information by vibration using the multiple vibrators 4 is performed in a vehicle. In a vehicle, vibrations of the vehicle itself (vehicle vibrations) occur due to the shape of the road surface and engine vibrations. The presence of such vehicle vibrations may make it difficult for vehicle occupants to sense vibrations generated by the vibrators 4. Taking this into consideration, it is preferable to adjust the vibration signal in accordance with the vehicle vibrations generated in the vehicle when generating the vibration signal. This improves the ability to distinguish between vehicle vibrations and vibrations for providing information, thereby improving the ease with which information provided using vibrations is conveyed to occupants.

[0092] For example, the characteristics of vehicle vibration or the resulting vibration of the vehicle occupants can be measured or estimated using an acceleration sensor mounted on the vehicle. The vibration characteristics obtained by measurement or the like can be used to adjust the vibration signal that vibrates the vibrator 4. For example, the vibration intensity of the vibration signal may be made greater than the vibration intensity of the vehicle vibration. As another example, the frequency of the vibration signal may be set to a frequency different from the vibration frequency of the vehicle vibration. As another example, the vibration signal may be controlled so that the vibration generated by the vibration signal has a sense of movement. Such control can be achieved, for example, by creating in advance a data table showing the relationship between the vibration intensity of the vehicle vibration and the intensity adjustment value of the vibration signal, and a data table showing the relationship between the vibration frequency of the vehicle vibration and the set frequency value of the vibration signal, and then generating a vibration signal according to the vehicle vibration situation based on the data table. Alternatively, this can be achieved by creating in advance an arithmetic expression that calculates a vibration generation parameter using the vehicle vibration situation as a parameter, and then generating a vibration signal using the arithmetic expression.

[0093] In step S103, the vibration processing unit 113 determines whether the output timing generated in step S101 has arrived. If it is determined that the output timing has arrived (Yes in step S103), the process proceeds to the next step S104. If it is determined that the output timing has not arrived (No in step S103), the process of step S103 is repeated.

[0094] In step S104, the vibration processing unit 113 outputs the vibration signal generated in step S102 to the corresponding vibrators 4. As a result, the plurality of vibrators 4 vibrate in response to the vibration signal, and information is provided to the information recipient (the driver, etc.) by vibration. Note that the vibration signal referred to here also includes a vibration signal with zero signals that do not substantially generate vibration.

[0095] (2-3-0. Method using a data table) Vibration control similar to the processing methods shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10 can also be realized using a data table. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table 125 for vibration control, which is a matrix data table with information types (such as the notification information ID in Figure 4) as two parameters (vertical and horizontal axis data). Note that the values ​​of the two parameters include all information types output by the notification information device 2, which is the information provider, and the entertainment information device 3.

[0096] 11, the vertical axis parameter values ​​are the information IDs IF01 to IF01, and the horizontal axis parameter values ​​are the information IDs IF01 to IF01, and the cell values ​​are vibration control parameters P(IFm, IFn). The vibration control parameters P(IFm, IFn) represent the vibrator to be used, the vibration pattern, and the vibration timing for each of the corresponding types of information (IFm, IFn). If there are multiple information notification IFm, IFn (existing at the same timing), the vibration control parameters P(IFm, IFn) for the (IFm, IFn) cells in data table 125 are read out, and vibration control is performed.

[0097] Specifically, when information notification IF01 and IF02 occur at the same timing, the vibration control parameters (information IF01: vibrators used V01, V02, vibration pattern P01, timing T1; information IF02: vibrators used V05, V06, vibration pattern P05, timing T2) of the (IF01, IF02) cell in data table 125 are read out, and vibration control is performed using these vibration control parameters. Note that while data table 125 is a data table that corresponds to two types of information notification at the same timing, if three or more types of information are to be supported, the number of dimensions of the data table may be increased (e.g., a three-dimensional table), or processing may be performed such as selecting information to be notified by vibration (e.g., selecting information to be notified first) according to the priority of the information.

[0098] Below, several examples of a method for simultaneously providing multiple pieces of information that are provided at the same time using vibration will be disclosed.

[0099] (2-3-1. First Example) In the first example, it is assumed that the provision of multiple pieces of information with overlapping timing is multiple information notifications. This situation occurs when multiple pieces of notification information are output from the notification information device 2 to the information provision control device 1 at the same time.

[0100] In this embodiment, the information provision control device 1 uses the vibrator 4 differently among the multiple information notifications based on the difference in the member on which the vibrator 4 is disposed. This allows the person receiving the vibration to feel the vibration in a clearly different location, making them aware of the presence of multiple pieces of information. As a result, the person receiving the vibration can recognize the notification content for each of the multiple information notifications.

[0101] As described above, the vibration classification is determined by the characteristics of the notification information (see FIG. 5 : Characteristics section). In this embodiment, the vibration classification determines in advance which component the vibrator 4 will be used on. That is, the content of the notification information (notification information ID) determines which vibrator 4 will be used. The content of the notification information determines which vibrator 4 will be used. Here, the vibrators 4 are grouped (grouped by the component on which the vibrator is placed), and the vibrator 4 to be used is determined for each group. Differences between the components on which the vibrators 4 are placed vary depending on the component's position, installation state (direction), and contact sensation of the component itself. Therefore, the differences between vibrations generated by vibrators placed on different components are relatively easy to distinguish. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a setting table 123 that associates vibration classifications with vibration locations (component on which the vibrator is placed). The first category of vibrations, which indicate a sense of direction, and the second category of vibrations, which indicate a sense of movement, are generated using the first to fourth vibrators 4 a to 4 d (see FIG. 2 ) placed on the seat 71 according to the setting table 123. Furthermore, third-class vibrations that do not give a sense of direction or movement are generated using fifth to eighth vibrators 4e to 4h (see FIG. 2) arranged on the backrest 72 in accordance with a setting table 123. It is preferable that the settings of the setting table 123 can be changed by the user (vehicle occupant) as needed.

[0102] Here, let us assume that the notification information with overlapping notification timings is first information using vibrations of the first category (or second category) and second information using vibrations of the third category. The vibration category is determined by the characteristics of the information, as described above. In this case, by using the vibrator 4 according to the settings shown in FIG. 12 , the first information (first category) and the second information (third category) are notified using vibrations at clearly different locations. Specifically, the first information (first category) is notified by vibrations in the seat portion 71, and the second information (third category) is notified by vibrations in the backrest portion 72. As a result, even if the notification timings overlap, the person receiving the notification can reliably distinguish and recognize each piece of notification information.

[0103] That is, when the notification information with overlapping notification timings is the first information (first category) and the second information (third category), it is determined in step S34 of Fig. 9 that the information can be provided simultaneously. As a result, the first information and the second information are notified with overlapping notification timings. By using different vibrators 4 based on the difference in the member on which the vibrators 4 are arranged, it is possible to generate vibrations in clearly different locations, so that the person notified of the information can distinguish and recognize the notification information.

[0104] In addition, when the notification information with overlapping notification timings is information that uses vibration of the first category and information that uses vibration of the second category, it is determined to use the vibrators 4 arranged on the same member according to the setting table 123. In this embodiment, in such a case, it is determined that simultaneous notification using vibration is not possible. As a result, for example, the two pieces of notification information are notified with a time lag. Instead of notifying information with a time lag, a configuration may be adopted in which different means of providing information (audio or display) are used.

[0105] 12, the seat 71 is used when the vibration classification is the first and second classifications, and the backrest 72 is used when the vibration classification is the third classification, but this is merely an example. Alternatively, the backrest 72 may be used when the vibration classification is the first and second classifications, and the seat 71 may be used when the vibration classification is the third classification. In this case, the vibrators 4 can be used differently in the same manner as described above.

[0106] 12 , simultaneous notifications may be made by using different vibrators 4 based on the difference in the member on which the vibrators 4 are arranged. For example, one possible setting is to use vibration of the seat portion 71 to notify the driver of information about vehicles or obstacles (vehicles to be warned, etc.) that are present on the left and right sides of the vehicle, and vibration of the backrest portion 72 to notify the driver of information about vehicles to be warned behind (or in front of and behind) the vehicle. In this case, too, the information notifying the driver of the presence of vehicles to be warned on the left and right sides of the vehicle and the information notifying the driver of the presence of vehicles to be warned behind (or in front of and behind) the vehicle can be simultaneously notified because the vibration locations for the information notification can be clearly different.

[0107] (2-3-2. Second Example) In the second example, similar to the first example, it is assumed that the provision of a plurality of pieces of information whose provision timing overlaps is a plurality of information notifications.

[0108] In this embodiment, the information provision control device 1 uses different vibration patterns generated by vibration signals for multiple information notifications. With this configuration, it is possible to provide multiple pieces of information in a distinguishable manner by overlapping the timing of notifications, without using different locations (components) for generating vibrations as in the first embodiment.

[0109] In the first embodiment, notification of information using vibrators 4 arranged on the same member (such as the seat 71) is determined to be impossible to notify simultaneously. However, in the second embodiment, even when vibrators 4 arranged on the same member are used, if multiple sets of vibrators 4 vibrating with different vibration patterns are provided so that multiple pieces of information can be transmitted in a distinguishable manner, it is determined to be possible to notify simultaneously. Note that the second embodiment is not intended to exclude a form in which information with overlapping notification timing is notified by vibrating vibrators 4 arranged on different members.

[0110] 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating information notifications with overlapping notification timings in the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, the vibrators 4 with hatching inside the circle indicate that they vibrate. The black circles in the figure indicate the locations where a person sitting on the seat 71 feels the vibration. The waveforms shown below the seat 71 in the figure are the waveforms of the vibration signals that vibrate each vibrator 4.

[0111] 13, it is assumed that multiple information notifications with overlapping notification timings are performed using multiple vibrators 4a to 4d arranged on the seat 71. It is also assumed that the multiple information notifications with overlapping notification timings are third information that generates vibrations using the right-side vibrators 4a and 4b and fourth information that generates vibrations using the left-side vibrators 4c and 4d. The third information is, for example, information that notifies the driver that another vehicle is present on the right. The fourth information is, for example, information that notifies the driver that another vehicle is present on the left.

[0112] 13, the vibration patterns are different between the third information and the fourth information by using different frequencies for the vibration signals SG1 and SG2 that cause the vibrator 4 to vibrate. Note that in the seat portion 71 shown in FIG. 13, the difference in frequency is expressed by different types of hatching applied to the vibrator 4. Because the vibration frequencies of the vibrators 4a and 4b on the right side and the vibration frequencies of the vibrators 4c and 4d on the left side are different, a person who receives information notifications simultaneously using vibration can distinguish and recognize each information notification.

[0113] However, as long as it is possible to distinguish and recognize notification information with overlapping notification timings, the configuration for differentiating the vibration patterns may be realized by a configuration other than a configuration for differentiating the frequencies. The configuration for differentiating the vibration patterns may be realized, for example, by differentiating the intensities or vibration waveforms. Note that the example shown in FIG. 13 is an example in which the frequencies and intensities of the vibration signals SG1 and SG2 are different from each other. The configuration for differentiating the movement patterns may be realized by a configuration in which one does not give a sense of movement and the other gives a sense of movement. Furthermore, the configuration for differentiating the vibration patterns may be realized by a configuration in which at least two of the above-mentioned configurations are combined.

[0114] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing changes in vibration patterns due to differences in vibration parameters. As shown in FIG. 14, changes in intensity can be achieved by expanding or contracting the vibration signal SG in the amplitude direction. Changes in frequency can be achieved by expanding or contracting the vibration signal SG in the time direction. Changes in time length can be achieved by changing the number of connections of the vibration signal SG. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, changes in the pattern of the vibration signal SG can be achieved by changing the vibration waveform itself.

[0115] Furthermore, when setting different vibration patterns, it is preferable to set vibration patterns according to the difference in priority among multiple information notifications. This configuration can prevent important information from being overlooked. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the vibration on the right side, which has a higher priority for information notification, has a higher vibration intensity. This difference in intensity allows the person notified by vibration to intuitively recognize which information is important. Note that in the seat portion 71 shown in FIG. 13, the larger the black circle, the greater the vibration intensity.

[0116] The priority of information may be determined by factors other than the vibration intensity. For example, the priority may be determined by the acceleration of the vibration, the change in the vibration intensity or the vibration acceleration over time, the change in the vibration position over time, or the perspective of the vibration position.

[0117] (2-3-3. Third Example) The third example assumes a case where the provision of multiple pieces of information with overlapping provision timing includes information notification and entertainment information provision. For example, when entertainment information is provided using vibration, a case where driving-related attention information is notified using vibration is assumed. The provision of entertainment information using vibration may be the provision of a vibration experience during playback of content such as music, movies, or games. Furthermore, the provision of entertainment information using vibration may be the provision of vibration to emphasize driving sounds during electric driving, etc.

[0118] In this embodiment, the information provision control device 1 uses the vibrator 4 differently between providing information notification and providing entertainment information based on the difference in the member on which the vibrator 4 is disposed. This allows the location of vibration felt by the person receiving the vibration to be clearly different depending on the type of information, allowing the person receiving the vibration to distinguish between notification information and entertainment information. As a result, the person receiving the vibration can understand information such as a warning while enjoying the entertainment information.

[0119] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a vibration location setting table 124. In this embodiment, the vibration location setting table 124 shown in FIG. 15 is used to selectively use the vibrators 4 based on the components on which the vibrators 4 are disposed, enabling multiple pieces of information to be simultaneously provided by vibration. According to the table 124 shown in FIG. 15, information notification is performed using the vibrators 4a to 4d disposed in the seat portion 71. Entertainment information is provided using the vibrators 4e to 4g disposed in the backrest portion 72. As a result, even if the timing of providing these two pieces of information overlaps, the person to whom the information is provided can recognize the notification information while enjoying the entertainment information.

[0120] The vibrators 4e to 4g arranged on the backrest 72 may be used to notify information, and the vibrators 4a to 4d arranged on the seat 71 may be used to provide entertainment information.

[0121] As described above, the vibration classification of entertainment information is also determined by its characteristics, as in the case of notification information (see FIG. 7). For this reason, the vibration locations (vibrator placement members) may be differentiated between information notification and entertainment information provision by using the setting table 123 that associates the vibration classification with the vibration locations shown in the first embodiment.

[0122] For example, when the timing of providing information using vibrations of the first category (or second category) and entertainment information using vibrations of the third category overlap, the information can be provided in the seat 71 and the entertainment information can be provided in the backrest 72. As another example, when the timing of providing information using vibrations of the third category and entertainment information using vibrations of the first category (or second category) overlap, the information can be provided in the backrest 72 and the entertainment information can be provided in the seat 71. In these cases, since it is possible to distinguish between the vibration locations (components on which the vibrators 4 are arranged) and provide both types of information simultaneously through vibration,

[0123] (2-3-4. Fourth Example) In the fourth example, similar to the third example, it is assumed that the provision of a plurality of pieces of information whose provision timing overlaps includes information notification and entertainment information provision.

[0124] In this embodiment, the vibration conditions for the vibrations for providing entertainment information are adjusted. The adjustment of the vibration conditions is the adjustment of the parameters of the vibration signal. More specifically, when combining the vibrations (vibration signals) for providing entertainment information and the vibrations (vibration signals) for notifying information in order to provide information simultaneously, the vibration conditions for the vibrations for providing entertainment information are adjusted. The adjustment of the vibration conditions is an adjustment that minimizes a decrease in the quality of the entertainment information provided and improves the distinguishability of the information notification. By adjusting the vibration conditions in this way, it is possible to simultaneously provide the vibrations for notifying information and the vibrations for providing entertainment information in a distinguishable manner, without using different locations (components) for generating vibrations as in the third embodiment.

[0125] Specifically, the adjustment of the vibration conditions is a reduction in the vibration intensity of all vibrators 4 used for providing entertainment information, or a reduction in the vibration intensity of some of the vibrators 4. Specifically, some of the vibrators 4 are vibrators 4 used for information notification. Furthermore, the reduction in vibration intensity is specifically a reduction in relative intensity based on the vibration intensity for information notification. By adjusting the vibration conditions in this way, it is possible to make the information notification easier to understand while minimizing the reduction in the quality of entertainment information provision.

[0126] For example, assume that the four vibrators 4a to 4d (see FIG. 2) on the seat 71 are simultaneously vibrating to provide entertainment information that is felt throughout the entire body, and vibrations are generated to notify the user of the presence of a vehicle on the right. In this case, the vibrations notifying the user of the presence of a vehicle on the right are vibrations generated by the two right-side vibrators 4a and 4b (either one of them is acceptable). That is, the vibrations generated by the two right-side vibrators 4a and 4b are a combination of the vibrations for providing entertainment information and the vibrations for notifying information. To make the vibrations for notifying information easier to grasp, the intensity of the vibrations for providing entertainment information is reduced for at least the two right-side vibrators 4a and 4b of the four vibrators 4a to 4d. In this case, to compensate for the overall reduction in the vibrations for providing entertainment information, processing may be performed to enhance low-frequency components (e.g., a frequency band below 50 Hz) in the sound for providing entertainment information. Furthermore, the vibration intensity of the vibrations for entertainment information may be increased for vibrators other than the vibrators 4a and 4b that generate vibrations for information other than entertainment information.

[0127] In order to improve the discernibility of information, the degree to which the vibration intensity is reduced may be determined appropriately through experiments, etc. The degree to which the vibration intensity is reduced may be set by the user. For example, the user may be able to select one of a plurality of preset levels according to their preference.

[0128] Furthermore, it is preferable that the reduced vibration intensity is restored to the original vibration intensity upon completion of the information notification. The completion of the information notification is, for example, the point in time when the person receiving the information notification recognizes the notification. The recognition of the information notification may be determined using the biometric information, gestures, voice, or gaze of the person to be notified.

[0129] The information provision control device 1 may also perform a correction process for the audio signal to compensate for the decrease in the intensity of the vibration for providing entertainment information. Specifically, the information provision control device 1 may perform a process for increasing the signal level (intensity) of the audio signal in the frequency band used for the vibration for providing entertainment information (the audio signal for providing entertainment information). By performing such a correction process, it is possible to minimize the decrease in the quality of the entertainment information provided.

[0130] (2-3-5. Fifth Example) In the fifth example, similar to the third and fourth examples, it is assumed that the provision of a plurality of pieces of information whose provision timing overlaps includes information notification and provision of entertainment information.

[0131] In this embodiment, the information provision control device 1 adjusts at least one of the frequency and waveform of the vibration for the information notification. Specifically, when combining the vibration for providing entertainment information and the vibration for the information notification for simultaneous provision of information, the frequency and waveform of the vibration for the information notification are adjusted to improve the distinguishability of the information notification.

[0132] With this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously provide distinguishable vibrations for information notification and vibrations for entertainment information without reducing the intensity of the vibrations for entertainment information, as in Example 4. However, the reduction in the intensity of the vibrations for entertainment information in Example 4 and the adjustment of the frequency, etc., of the vibrations for information notification in Example 5 may be performed simultaneously.

[0133] In detail, the frequency of the vibration for information notification is set to a frequency that deviates from the frequency of the vibration for providing entertainment information. Specifically, the frequency of the vibration for providing entertainment information is detected, and a vibration signal is generated with a frequency component that deviates from the detected frequency. The frequency of the vibration for information notification may be set to a frequency that deviates from the main frequency of the vibration for providing entertainment information. Furthermore, the vibration waveform of the vibration for information notification is set to a vibration waveform that is different from the vibration waveform of the vibration for providing entertainment information. For example, the vibration waveform of the vibration for information notification is set to a simple vibration waveform such as a sine wave.

[0134] For the various vibration controls described above, for example, a data table showing each control content (type of vibrator to be used, parameters determining the vibration pattern, etc.) for each information provision (notification) pattern is created in advance as appropriate using experiments, etc. Then, by using the data in the data table to generate a vibration signal and outputting the generated vibration signal to the corresponding vibrator, various vibration controls can be realized.

[0135] 3. Points to Note: Various modifications may be made to the various technical features disclosed in the detailed description of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. Furthermore, multiple embodiments, examples, and modifications disclosed in the detailed description of the present invention may be combined to the extent possible.

[0136] <4. Supplementary Notes> The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications.

[0137] The present disclosure can have the following configurations (1) to (18).

[0138] (1) An information provision control device that controls a plurality of vibrators that provide information to a user by vibration, and that, when there is a plurality of pieces of information to provide, selects a vibrator to vibrate from the plurality of vibrators, and the vibration pattern and vibration timing of the vibrator, in accordance with a combination of the plurality of pieces of information, and controls the vibration of the plurality of vibrators.

[0139] (2) The information provision control device according to (1), wherein a vibrator to be vibrated is allocated for each piece of information provided.

[0140] (3) The information provision control device according to (2), wherein the plurality of vibrators are installed in the seat and back of a vehicle seat, and only one of the vibrators installed in the seat or the back is assigned to provide each of the plurality of pieces of information.

[0141] (4) The information provision control device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein different vibration timings are set for providing each of the plurality of pieces of information.

[0142] (5) The information provision control device according to (4), wherein the vibration timing for providing information with a higher priority is set to be earlier than the vibration timing for providing information with a lower priority.

[0143] (6) The information provision control device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a different vibration pattern is used for providing each of the plurality of pieces of information.

[0144] (7) The information provision control device according to (6), wherein the vibration for providing information with a higher priority is a vibration pattern with a higher vibration intensity.

[0145] (8) The information provision control device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the user's vibration sensing position is set to be different for each of the plurality of pieces of information provided.

[0146] (9) The information provision control device according to (8), wherein a vibration sensing position of the user is moved.

[0147] (10) The information provision control device according to (8) or (9), wherein vibrations of different vibration intensities are generated in the plurality of vibrators, and the user's vibration sensing position is set to a position among the plurality of vibrators according to the vibration intensities.

[0148] (11) An information provision control device as described in (3), wherein vibrations corresponding to information that includes a position component that does not move among the plurality of pieces of information are generated by a vibrator installed in the backrest, and vibrations corresponding to information that includes a movement component among the plurality of pieces of information are generated by a vibrator installed in the seat.

[0149] (12) The information provision control device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein, when each of the plurality of pieces of information includes entertainment information, vibration for the entertainment information is adjusted during a period in which the information is provided at an overlapping time.

[0150] (13) The information provision control device according to (12), wherein a vibration intensity of a vibration generated by a vibrator for generating vibrations in response to information other than entertainment information is reduced.

[0151] (14) The information provision control device according to (13), wherein a vibration intensity of a vibration for the entertainment information is increased in a vibrator other than a vibrator that generates vibration for information other than the entertainment information.

[0152] (15) The information provision control device according to (13) or (14), wherein the audio level of the low frequency range is increased in audio reproduction of the entertainment information during a period when the provision timings overlap.

[0153] (16) A method for providing information to a user by vibrations of a plurality of vibrators, the method comprising: when there are a plurality of pieces of information to be provided, selecting a vibrator to be vibrated from the plurality of vibrators, and a vibration pattern and vibration timing thereof according to a combination of the plurality of pieces of information, and controlling the vibration of the plurality of vibrators.

[0154] (17) An information provision system comprising: a seat arranged in a vehicle; a plurality of vibrators arranged in the seat; and an information provision control device that controls the plurality of vibrators to provide information to a user by vibration, wherein when there is a plurality of pieces of information to provide, the information provision control device selects a vibrator to vibrate from the plurality of vibrators, and a vibration pattern and vibration timing thereof, in accordance with a combination of the plurality of pieces of information, and controls the vibration of the plurality of vibrators.

[0155] (18) An information provision control program that causes a computer to execute a process of: in a control process for providing information to a user by vibrations of a plurality of vibrators, when there are a plurality of pieces of information to be provided, selecting a vibrator to be vibrated from the plurality of vibrators, and the vibration pattern and vibration timing thereof, according to a combination of the plurality of pieces of information.

[0156] 1... Information provision control device 4... Vibrator 4a... First vibrator 4b... Second vibrator 4c... Third vibrator 4d... Fourth vibrator 4e... Fifth vibrator 4f... Sixth vibrator 4g... Seventh vibrator 4h... Eighth vibrator 7... Seat 121... Program (information provision control program) 100... Information provision system

Claims

1. An information provision control device that controls a plurality of vibrators that provide information to a user by vibration, and when there is a plurality of pieces of information to provide, selects a vibrator to be vibrated from the plurality of vibrators, as well as a vibration pattern and vibration timing, in accordance with a combination of the plurality of pieces of information, and controls the vibration of the plurality of vibrators.

2. The information provision control device according to claim 1, further comprising: an oscillator for vibrating is allocated for each piece of information provided.

3. An information provision control device as described in claim 2, wherein the plurality of vibrators are installed in the seat and backrest of a vehicle seat, and only one of the vibrators installed in the seat or the vibrator installed in the backrest is assigned to provide each of the plurality of pieces of information.

4. The information provision control device according to claim 1, wherein a different vibration timing is set for each of the plurality of pieces of information provided.

5. The information provision control device according to claim 4, wherein the vibration timing when providing information with a higher priority is set to be earlier than the vibration timing when providing information with a lower priority.

6. The information provision control device according to claim 1, wherein a different vibration pattern is used for each of the plurality of pieces of information provided.

7. The information provision control device according to claim 6, wherein the vibration for providing information having a higher priority is a vibration pattern having a higher vibration strength.

8. The information provision control device according to claim 1, wherein the user's vibration sensing position is set to be different for each of the plurality of pieces of information provided.

9. The information provision control device according to claim 8, which moves the user's vibration sensing position.

10. An information provision control device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein vibrations of different vibration intensities are generated in the plurality of vibrators, and the user's vibration sensing position is set to a position among the plurality of vibrators according to the vibration intensities.

11. An information provision control device as described in claim 3, wherein vibrations corresponding to information including a position component that does not move among the plurality of pieces of information are generated in a vibrator installed in the backrest, and vibrations corresponding to information including a movement component among the plurality of pieces of information are generated in a vibrator installed in the seat.

12. An information provision control device as described in claim 1, wherein when each of the plurality of pieces of information includes entertainment information, vibration for the entertainment information is adjusted during a period in which the information is provided at the same time.

13. The information provision control device according to claim 12, wherein a vibration intensity of a vibrator that generates vibrations in response to information other than entertainment information is reduced.

14. The information provision control device according to claim 13, further comprising: a vibrator other than the vibrator generating vibrations for information other than entertainment information, the vibration strength of the vibrations for the entertainment information being increased.

15. An information provision control device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, which increases the audio level in the low frequency range in the audio reproduction of said entertainment information during the period when the provision timings overlap.

16. A method for providing information to a user through vibrations caused by a plurality of vibrators, comprising the steps of: when there is a plurality of pieces of information to be provided, selecting a vibrator to be vibrated from among the plurality of vibrators, and a vibration pattern and vibration timing thereof according to a combination of the plurality of pieces of information, and controlling the vibration of the plurality of vibrators.

17. An information provision system comprising: a seat arranged in a vehicle; a plurality of vibrators arranged on the seat; and an information provision control device that controls the plurality of vibrators to provide information to a user by vibration, wherein when there is a plurality of pieces of information to provide, the information provision control device selects which of the plurality of vibrators to vibrate, as well as the vibration pattern and vibration timing thereof, in accordance with a combination of the plurality of pieces of information, and controls the vibration of the plurality of vibrators.

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