Notification device, notification method, program, and notification system

Abstract

A notification device (10A) comprises: an output unit (14) which, when a prescribed condition is satisfied, outputs notification start information and then outputs a speech based on the prescribed condition; an acquisition unit (12) which acquires notification start information outputted from another notification device (10B); and a control unit (13) which controls, on the basis of a timing when the notification start information is acquired, whether or not to allow the output unit (14) to output the speech.

Description

Notification device, notification method, program, and notification system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification device, a notification method, a program, and a notification system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for causing a home appliance having a voice input / output function to speak by instructing the content and timing of speech to the home appliance.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-151718

[0004] The present disclosure provides a notification device and the like that can make the output audio easier to hear even when a notification instruction to output audio is received by multiple notification devices.

[0005] A notification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an output unit that outputs notification start information and then outputs audio based on the specified conditions when the specified conditions are met, an acquisition unit that acquires the notification start information output from another notification device, and a control unit that controls whether or not to cause the output unit to output the audio based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

[0006] In addition, a notification method according to one aspect of the present disclosure starts an audio output process when a specified condition is met, and the audio output process is a process of outputting notification start information and then outputting audio based on the specified condition, and acquires notification start information output from another notification device and controls whether or not to output the audio based on the timing at which the notification start information was acquired.

[0007] Moreover, a notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system comprising a server, and a first notification device and a second notification device communicatively connected to the server, wherein the first notification device comprises a first receiving unit that receives a notification instruction from the server, and a first output unit that, when the first receiving unit receives the notification instruction, outputs notification start information and then outputs sound based on the received notification instruction; and the second notification device comprises a second receiving unit that receives the notification instruction from the server, and a second output unit that, when the second receiving unit receives the notification instruction, outputs sound based on the received notification instruction, an acquisition unit that acquires the notification start information output from the first notification device, and a control unit that controls whether or not to cause the second output unit to output the sound based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

[0008] The notification device according to the present disclosure can make the output audio easy to hear even when a notification instruction to output audio is received by multiple notification devices.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a notification system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a notification system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of notification control by a notification device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of audio output processing by a notification device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for determining whether to continue audio output processing. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first example of notification control in the notification system. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second example of notification control in the notification system. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third example of notification control in the notification system. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a fourth example of notification control in the notification system.

[0010] (Knowledge forming the basis of the present disclosure) As in the prior art, when multiple notification devices that output a specific sound when receiving a notification instruction to notify a specific sound are installed in the same space, the multiple notification devices will output the same sound. When multiple notification devices receive a notification instruction, for example from a server, and output sound based on the notification instruction, the time it takes to output the sound may differ. This time is caused by differences in the communication speed and processing speed of the multiple notification devices. In other words, the slower the communication speed and processing speed, the longer it takes to output the sound. In this way, when multiple notification devices output the same sound with differences in the time it takes to output the sound, there is a discrepancy in the output sound, making it difficult for the user to hear the sound.

[0011] Therefore, the inventors have come up with a notification device or the like that can make the output audio easy to hear even when a notification instruction to output audio is received by multiple notification devices.

[0012] A notification device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes an output unit that outputs notification start information and then outputs audio based on the specified conditions when the specified conditions are met, an acquisition unit that acquires the notification start information output from another notification device, and a control unit that controls whether or not to cause the output unit to output the audio based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

[0013] According to this, whether or not to output audio is controlled based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired, so that, for example, audio output can be reduced when there is a large difference in timing with respect to the audio output timing of other notification devices. Also, when the difference is small, the same audio can be output together with other notification devices. Therefore, even when predetermined conditions are met and audio can be output from multiple notification devices, the output audio can be made easier to hear.

[0014] A notification device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device according to the first aspect, wherein the notification device is communicatively connected to a server via a network, the notification device further includes a receiving unit that receives a notification instruction from the server, and the specified condition is that the receiving unit receives the notification instruction.

[0015] Therefore, even if a notification instruction to output sound is received by a plurality of notification devices and the same sound is output from a plurality of devices, the output sound can be made easier to hear.

[0016] A notification device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the audio if the timing is included in a period before the notification start information is output by the output unit.

[0017] According to this, if the output unit obtains notification start information from another notification device before outputting the notification start information, it can be determined that there is a large discrepancy in the timing at which the other notification device outputs audio, and it is possible to reduce the output of audio that is out of sync during an overlapping period.

[0018] A notification device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device according to the third aspect, wherein the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the notification start information if the timing is included in a period before the notification start information is output by the output unit.

[0019] According to this, if the output unit obtains notification start information from another notification device before outputting the notification start information, it can be determined that there is a large discrepancy in timing with which the other notification device outputs audio, and the output of notification start information can be reduced.

[0020] A notification device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device according to the second aspect, wherein, if the timing is included in a period before the notification instruction is received by the receiving unit, the control unit does not accept the notification instruction for a period until a first time has elapsed from the timing.

[0021] According to this, since no notification instruction is accepted between the time when notification start information is acquired from another notification device and the time when the first time period has elapsed, even if a notification instruction is received late, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the same audio as that being output by another notification device being output later than the other notification device.

[0022] A notification device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output the audio if the timing is included in the period from when the notification start information is output by the output unit until a second time has elapsed.

[0023] According to this, if notification start information is acquired from another notification device during the period from when the output unit outputs the notification start information until the second time has elapsed, it can be determined that there is a small difference in timing with which the other notification device outputs audio, and the same audio can be output together with the other notification device. This makes it possible to prevent one of the notification device and the other notification device from acquiring notification start information from the other notification device and not outputting audio from the other notification device, thereby reducing the occurrence of not outputting audio from both the notification device and the other notification device in response to a notification instruction.

[0024] A notification device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the audio if the timing is included in a period after a second time has elapsed since the output unit output the notification start information.

[0025] According to this, if notification start information is obtained from another notification device during a period after the second time has elapsed since the output unit output the notification start information, it can be determined that there is a large discrepancy in the timing at which the other notification device outputs audio, and it is possible to reduce the number of times the same audio is output.

[0026] A notification device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the output unit outputs a jingle sound as the notification start information, and the acquisition unit acquires the notification start information by detecting the jingle sound in the space around the notification device.

[0027] This makes it possible to output the notification start information and obtain the notification start information with a simple configuration.

[0028] A notification method according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure starts an audio output process when a predetermined condition is met, and the audio output process is a process of outputting notification start information and then outputting audio based on the predetermined condition, and acquires notification start information output from another notification device and controls whether or not to output the audio based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

[0029] This controls whether to output audio based on the timing at which notification start information is acquired, so that, for example, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of outputting the same audio when there is a large difference between the timing at which other notification devices output audio. Furthermore, it is possible to output the same audio together with other notification devices when the difference is small. Therefore, even when predetermined conditions are met and audio can be output from multiple notification devices, the output audio can be made easier to hear.

[0030] A program according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to the ninth aspect.

[0031] A notification system according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system comprising a server, and a first notification device and a second notification device communicatively connected to the server, wherein the first notification device comprises a first receiving unit that receives a notification instruction from the server, and a first output unit that, when the first receiving unit receives the notification instruction, outputs notification start information and then outputs sound based on the received notification instruction; the second notification device comprises a second receiving unit that receives a notification instruction from the server, and a second output unit that, when the second receiving unit receives the notification instruction, outputs sound based on the received notification instruction, an acquisition unit that acquires the notification start information output from the first notification device, and a control unit that controls whether or not to cause the second output unit to output the sound based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

[0032] According to this, whether or not to output audio is controlled based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired, so that, for example, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of outputting the same audio when there is a large difference in timing between the timing at which other notification devices output audio. Also, it is possible to output the same audio together with other notification devices when the difference is small. Therefore, even if a notification instruction to output audio is received by multiple notification devices, the output audio can be made easier to hear.

[0033] These general or specific aspects may be realized by a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized by any combination of a device, a method, a system, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a non-transitory recording medium.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0035] The inventors have provided the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0036] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a notification system according to an embodiment.

[0037] 1 shows notification devices 10A and 10B, a server 20, a network 60, and a router 61. Of these components, for example, notification system 1 includes notification devices 10A and 10B and server 20. Notification devices 10A and 10B and server 20 are connected to each other via network 60 so that they can communicate with each other. Router 61 is a device that mediates communication between notification devices 10A and 10B and network 60.

[0038] The notification system 1 is a system in which a server 20 transmits a notification instruction to the notification devices 10A, 10B, and the notification devices 10A, 10B output audio based on the received notification instruction, thereby notifying the user of predetermined notification content. The server 20 transmits the notification instruction to the notification devices 10A, 10B, for example, by push. The notification instruction may include audio indicating the notification content. Furthermore, the notification devices 10A, 10B may store multiple notification contents in advance, and the notification instruction may be an instruction to have the notification devices 10A, 10B play audio indicating one of the multiple notification contents stored in the notification devices 10A, 10B. In other words, the notification instruction may include information specifying the notification content to be played out of the multiple notification contents.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a notification system according to an embodiment.

[0040] The notification system 1 includes notification devices 10A and 10B and a server 20. The router 61 is not shown in Fig. 2 . The notification devices 10A and 10B are, for example, devices owned by the same user. For example, the server 20 stores the device information for each of the notification devices 10A and 10B in association with the user identifier of the same user.

[0041] Notification device 10A includes a receiving unit 11, an acquiring unit 12, a control unit 13, and an output unit 14. Notification device 10A is, for example, a home appliance that can provide notifications by voice. The home appliance may be a VPA (Virtual Private Assistant) terminal such as a smart speaker, or may be an autonomous vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a TV, or the like.

[0042] The receiving unit 11 receives a notification instruction from the server 20 via the network 60. The receiving unit 11 is realized, for example, by a communication IF (Interface). The receiving unit 11 may be realized by a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. The receiving unit 11 does not have to be connected to the network 60 via the router 61, and may be connected to the network 60 via a communication line such as a mobile phone communication network.

[0043] The acquisition unit 12 acquires notification start information output from another notification device (i.e., notification device 10B). The acquisition unit 12 may acquire the notification start information by detecting a jingle sound in the space surrounding the notification device 10A. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 12 may acquire the notification start information by detecting a sound other than the jingle sound in the space surrounding the notification device 10A. The sound other than the jingle sound may be a sound other than a sound based on a predetermined condition in the notification device 10A, for example, a sound notifying the user that a voice notification will be made. For example, the acquisition unit 12 may detect a sound as a jingle sound when it detects a sound that is included in a predetermined frequency band and is louder than a predetermined sound pressure for a predetermined period of time or longer. The acquisition unit 12 may acquire the notification start information by receiving a predetermined wireless signal such as a Bluetooth signal. When detecting a jingle sound, the acquisition unit 12 may be implemented by a microphone. When receiving a predetermined wireless signal, the acquisition unit 12 may be implemented by a wireless communication interface.

[0044] The control unit 13 controls whether to cause the output unit 14 to output sound based on the timing at which the notification start information output from the other notification device is acquired. Specifically, the control unit 13 may not cause the output unit 14 to output sound if the timing at which the notification start information output from the other notification device is acquired is included in the period before the notification start information is output by the output unit 14. In this case, the control unit 13 may not cause the output unit 14 to output the notification start information.

[0045] Furthermore, if the timing at which notification start information output from another notification device is acquired is included in the period before the receiving unit 11 receives a notification instruction, the control unit 13 may not accept a notification instruction for a period of time from the timing until a first time has elapsed. The first time is, for example, a time based on the playback time of audio played in response to the notification instruction. The first time may be, for example, a time equal to or longer than the longest playback time of multiple notification contents. This allows the control unit 13 to accept the next notification instruction after audio playback has finished on the other notification device.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 13 may cause the output unit 14 to output a sound if the timing at which the notification start information output from another notification device is acquired is included in the period from when the notification start information is output by the output unit 14 until a second time has elapsed. The second time may be, for example, a time period shorter than 0.5 seconds.

[0047] In addition, the control unit 13 may not cause the output unit 14 to output audio if the timing at which the notification start information output from another notification device is acquired is included in the period after the second time has elapsed since the notification start information was output by the output unit 14.

[0048] The control unit 13 is realized by a control circuit such as a processor.

[0049] When a predetermined condition in the notification device is satisfied, the output unit 14 outputs notification start information and then outputs sound based on the predetermined condition. The predetermined condition in the notification device is, for example, the receiving unit 11 receiving a notification instruction. In other words, when the receiving unit 11 receives a notification instruction from the server 20, the output unit 14 outputs the notification start information and then outputs sound based on the received notification instruction. The output unit 14 may also output a jingle sound as the notification start information, or may output a sound other than a jingle sound as the notification start information. In this case, the output unit 14 is realized by a speaker. The output unit 14 may also output a predetermined wireless signal such as a Bluetooth signal as the notification start information. In this case, the output unit 14 is realized by a speaker and a communication IF.

[0050] The notification device 10B has the same configuration as the notification device 10A, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] The server 20 includes a communication unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , and a control unit 23 .

[0052] Communication unit 21 exchanges information with notification devices 10A and 10B via network 60. Specifically, communication unit 21 transmits notification instructions to notification devices 10A and 10B. Communication unit 21 may be realized, for example, by a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0053] The storage unit 22 stores information indicating the destinations of the notification devices 10A and 10B as destinations of the notification instructions. When the notification instructions include notification content consisting of audio data, the storage unit 22 may store multiple notification instructions. The storage unit 22 stores device information for each of the notification devices 10A and 10B in association with the user identifier of the same user. The storage unit 22 may store device information for one or more notification devices owned by each of multiple users. The device information may include information indicating the destinations of the notification devices 10A and 10B. The storage unit 22 may store a notification history for the notification devices 10A and 10B.

[0054] The control unit 23 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit a predetermined notification instruction to the notification devices 10A, 10B when a predetermined condition in the server 20 is satisfied. The predetermined condition in the server 20 may be satisfied, for example, when a predetermined time arrives, when predetermined information is received, or when a predetermined operation is performed a predetermined number of times.

[0055] [2. Operation] Next, the operation of the notification device 10A will be described. Note that the operation of the notification device 10B is similar, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of notification control by a notification device.

[0057] The notification device 10A determines whether or not a notification instruction has been received from the server 20 via the network 60 (S1).

[0058] If the notification device 10A determines that it has received a notification instruction from the server 20 via the network 60 (Yes in S1), it executes step S2, and if it determines that it has not received a notification instruction from the server 20 via the network 60 (No in S1), it returns to step S1.

[0059] In step S2, the notification device 10A starts the audio output process (S2).

[0060] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a voice output process by a notification device.

[0061] As described above, the audio output process is started when it is determined that a notification instruction has been received from the server 20 via the network 60 (Yes in S1).

[0062] When the audio output process is started, the notification device 10A outputs notification start information (S11).

[0063] The notification device 10A outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction (S12).

[0064] The audio output process may be continued or stopped depending on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining whether or not to continue the audio output process.

[0066] The notification device 10A determines whether or not notification start information has been acquired (S21).

[0067] If the notification device 10A determines that it has acquired the notification start information (Yes in S21), it executes step S22, and if it determines that it has not acquired the notification start information (No in S21), it executes step S25.

[0068] In step S22, the notification device 10A determines whether the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is within a predetermined period (S22). The predetermined period is the period from when the notification start information is output by the notification device 10A until the second time has elapsed.

[0069] If the notification device 10A determines that the timing at which the notification start information was acquired falls within the predetermined period (Yes in S22), it executes step S23, and if the notification device 10A determines that the timing at which the notification start information was acquired does not fall within the predetermined period (No in S22), it executes step S24. Note that cases where the timing at which the notification start information was acquired does not fall within the predetermined period include cases where the timing is included in the period before the notification start information is output by the notification device 10A, and cases where the timing is included in the period after a second time has elapsed since the notification start information was output by the notification device 10A.

[0070] In step S23, the notification device 10A outputs a sound based on the notification instruction (S23). In this case, the notification device 10A executes steps S11 and S12 to continue the sound output process.

[0071] In step S24, the notification device 10A does not output sound based on the notification instruction (S24). In other words, the notification device 10A does not execute step S12 to stop the sound output process. If the notification device 10A has started executing step S11, it may continue step S11 and stop the sound output process when step S11 is completed, or it may stop the sound output process in the middle of step S11.

[0072] In step S25, the notification device 10A continues the audio output process (S25). That is, the notification device 10A executes the audio output process until steps S11 and S12 are completed.

[0073] Next, an example of the operation of the notification system 1 will be described.

[0074] 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first example of notification control in the notification system. The first example shows a control example in which a jingle sound is detected from notification device 10A before notification device 10B plays the jingle sound. In the first example, notification device 10A processes the notification instruction and plays the jingle sound before notification device 10B.

[0075] The server 20 transmits a notification instruction to the notification devices 10A and 10B (S31).

[0076] The notification device 10A receives the notification instruction, plays a jingle sound (S32), and performs notification by outputting a sound based on the notification instruction (S33).

[0077] The notification device 10B detects the jingle sound played by the notification device 10A before receiving the notification instruction or before processing the notification instruction and playing the jingle sound (S34). As a result, the notification device 10B determines No in step S22, and does not output sound based on the notification instruction.

[0078] 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second example of notification control in the notification system. Similar to the first example, the second example illustrates a control example in which a jingle sound is detected from notification device 10A before notification device 10B plays the jingle sound. Similarly to the first example, the second example illustrates a case in which notification device 10A processes the notification instruction and plays the jingle sound before notification device 10B. The second example is different from the first example.

[0079] Steps S31 to S34 are the same as in the first example, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0080] After step S34, notification device 10B does not accept a notification instruction for a certain period of time (S35). In other words, if the timing at which notification start information output from another notification device is acquired is included in the period before the notification instruction is received by receiving unit 11, notification device 10B does not accept a notification instruction for a period of time from the timing at which notification start information output from another notification device is acquired until a first time period has elapsed.

[0081] 7, due to differences in communication speed and processing speed, the timing at which the notification instruction transmitted from the server 20 is received by the notification device 10B may be later than the timing at which the notification instruction is received by the notification device 10A. In this way, if a notification instruction is received between the time when notification start information output from another notification device is acquired and the time when the first time period has elapsed, the notification device 10B does not receive the notification instruction, thereby reducing the possibility of the notification device 10A outputting the same sound at a different timing than the time at which the notification device 10B outputs the sound.

[0082] 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third example of notification control in the notification system. The third example shows a control example when notification device 10B plays a jingle sound and then detects the jingle sound played by notification device 10A. The third example is an example of a case where the difference Δt between the timing at which the jingle sound is played by notification device 10A and the timing at which the jingle sound is played by notification device 10B is less than threshold value t_th.

[0083] Steps S31 to S33 are the same as in the first example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] The notification device 10B plays a jingle sound (S36) and then detects the jingle sound (S37). The difference Δt between the timing at which the jingle sound is played by the notification device 10A and the timing at which the jingle sound is played by the notification device 10B is less than the threshold value t_th, so the determination in step S22 is Yes. Therefore, the notification device 10B issues a notification by outputting a sound based on the notification instruction (S38).

[0085] 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a fourth example of notification control in the notification system. Similar to the third example, the fourth example illustrates a control example in which a jingle sound played by notification device 10A is detected after notification device 10B plays a jingle sound. The fourth example illustrates a case in which the difference Δt between the timing at which the jingle sound is played by notification device 10A and the timing at which the jingle sound is played by notification device 10B is greater than threshold value t_th.

[0086] Steps S31 to S33 are the same as in the first example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] The notification device 10B plays a jingle sound (S36) and then detects the jingle sound (S37). The difference Δt between the timing at which the jingle sound is played by the notification device 10A and the timing at which the jingle sound is played by the notification device 10B is greater than the threshold value t_th, so the result of step S22 is No. Therefore, the notification device 10B does not output any sound based on the notification instruction.

[0088] In addition, if the difference Δt between the timing at which the jingle sound is played in notification device 10A and the timing at which the jingle sound is played in notification device 10B is the same as the threshold value t_th, the processing of the third example may be executed, or the processing of the fourth example may be executed.

[0089] 3. Effects, etc. Notification device 10A according to the present embodiment is communicatively connected to server 20 via network 60, and includes receiving unit 11, output unit 14, acquisition unit 12, and control unit 13. Receiving unit 11 receives a notification instruction from server 20. When receiving unit 11 receives a notification instruction, output unit 14 outputs notification start information and then outputs sound based on the received notification instruction. Acquisition unit 12 acquires notification start information output from another notification device 10B. Control unit 13 controls whether or not to cause output unit 14 to output sound, based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

[0090] This controls whether to output audio based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired, so that, for example, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of outputting the same audio when there is a large difference between the timing at which the other notification devices 10B output audio. Furthermore, it is possible to output the same audio together with the other notification devices 10B when there is a small difference. Therefore, even when a notification instruction to output audio is received by multiple notification devices 10A, 10B, the output audio can be made easier to hear.

[0091] In the notification device 10A of this embodiment, the control unit 13 does not cause the output unit 14 to output sound if the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is included in the period before the notification start information is output by the output unit 14.

[0092] According to this, if the output unit 14 obtains notification start information from another notification device 10B before outputting the notification start information, it can be determined that there is a large discrepancy in timing with which the other notification device 10B outputs audio, and it is possible to reduce the output of the same audio.

[0093] In the notification device 10A of this embodiment, the control unit 13 does not have to cause the output unit 14 to output the notification start information if the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is included in the period before the notification start information is output by the output unit 14.

[0094] According to this, if the output unit 14 obtains notification start information from another notification device 10B before outputting the notification start information, it can be determined that there is a large discrepancy in timing with which the other notification device 10B outputs audio, and the output of notification start information can be reduced.

[0095] In the notification device 10A of this embodiment, if the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is included in the period before the notification start information is output by the output unit, the control unit 13 will not accept a notification instruction until a first time has elapsed from the above timing.

[0096] According to this, since no notification instruction is accepted between the time when notification start information is acquired from the other notification device 10B and the time when the first time has elapsed, even if a notification instruction is received late, it is possible to reduce the possibility of outputting the same audio as that being output by the other notification device 10B later than the other notification device 10B.

[0097] In the notification device 10A of this embodiment, the control unit 13 causes the output unit 14 to output audio if the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is included in the period from when the notification start information is output by the output unit 14 until the second time has elapsed.

[0098] According to this, if notification start information is acquired from another notification device 10B during the period from when the notification start information is output by the output unit 14 until the second time has elapsed, it can be determined that there is a small difference in timing with which the other notification device 10B outputs sound, and the same sound can be output together with the other notification device 10B. This makes it possible to prevent one of the notification devices 10A and the other notification device 10B from acquiring notification start information from the other notification device and not outputting sound from the other notification device, thereby reducing the occurrence of not outputting sound from both the notification device 10A and the other notification device 10B in response to a notification instruction.

[0099] In the notification device 10A of this embodiment, the control unit 13 does not cause the output unit 14 to output sound if the timing at which the notification start information is acquired is included in the period after a second time has elapsed since the notification start information was output by the output unit 14.

[0100] According to this, if notification start information is obtained from another notification device 10B during a period after the second time has elapsed since the output unit 14 output the notification start information, it can be determined that there is a large discrepancy in the timing at which the other notification device 10B outputs audio, and it is possible to reduce the number of times the same audio is output.

[0101] In notification device 10A according to the present embodiment, output unit 14 outputs a jingle sound as notification start information. Acquisition unit 12 acquires the notification start information by detecting the jingle sound in the space around notification device 10A.

[0102] This makes it possible to output the notification start information and obtain the notification start information with a simple configuration.

[0103] [4. Modifications] (1) In the above embodiment, notification devices 10A and 10B are communicatively connected to server 20 via network 60. However, this is not limiting, and notification devices 10A and 10B may not be communicatively connected to server 20. Furthermore, notification devices 10A and 10B may not be connected to network 60. In this case, when a predetermined condition for the notification device is satisfied, output unit 14 of notification device 10A and 10B may output notification start information and then output a sound based on the predetermined condition. The predetermined condition for the notification device may include multiple conditions. The multiple conditions may include, for example, the arrival of a predetermined time, the receipt of a predetermined operation from a user, and the execution of a predetermined action a predetermined number of times. The predetermined condition for the notification device may be satisfied if one of the multiple conditions is satisfied. The sound based on the predetermined condition for the notification device may be a sound associated with each of the multiple conditions.

[0104] (2) In the above embodiment, when the audio output by notification devices 10A and 10B overlaps in playback period, the audio is the same audio because it is audio generated by the same notification instruction. However, this is not limited to this, and the audio may be different. Even in a situation where different audio is played during an overlapping period, notification devices 10A and 10B output notification start information before playing the audio. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, whether or not to output the audio can be controlled based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

[0105] [5. Other] In the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program appropriate for that component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the system, information terminal, server, camera device, etc. of the above embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowcharts shown in the figures.

[0106] The following cases are also included in this disclosure:

[0107] (1) Specifically, each of the above devices is a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. Each device achieves its function when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program. Here, a computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands to a computer to achieve a specified function.

[0108] (2) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components on a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system configured to include a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating in accordance with the computer program.

[0109] (3) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as an IC card or a standalone module that can be attached to each device. The IC card or module may be a computer system configured with a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with a computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0110] (4) The present disclosure may be embodied as the above-described methods, a computer program for implementing these methods on a computer, or a digital signal comprising the computer program.

[0111] The present disclosure may also be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be a digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0112] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be applied to transmitting the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0113] The present disclosure may also be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0114] The program or the digital signal may also be implemented by another independent computer system by recording it on the recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring it via the network or the like.

[0115] (5) The above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined with each other.

[0116] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is useful as a notification device that can make the output audio easier to hear even when a notification instruction to output audio is received by multiple notification devices.

[0117] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Notification system 10A, 10B Notification device 11 Receiving unit 12 Acquisition unit 13 Control unit 14 Output unit 20 Server 21 Communication unit 22 Storage unit 23 Control unit 60 Network 61 Router

Claims

1. A notification device comprising: an output unit that outputs notification start information when a specified condition is satisfied, and then outputs a sound based on the specified condition; an acquisition unit that acquires notification start information output from another notification device; and a control unit that controls whether or not to cause the output unit to output the sound based on the timing at which the notification start information is acquired.

2. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification device is communicatively connected to a server via a network, the notification device further comprises a receiving unit that receives a notification instruction from the server, and the specified condition is that the receiving unit receives the notification instruction.

3. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the sound if the timing is included in a period before the notification start information is output by the output unit.

4. The notification device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the notification start information if the timing is included in a period before the notification start information is output by the output unit.

5. The notification device of claim 2, wherein the control unit does not accept the notification instruction for a period until a first time has elapsed from the timing when the timing is included in a period before the notification instruction is received by the receiving unit.

6. A notification device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output the sound when the timing is included in the period from when the notification start information is output by the output unit to when a second time has elapsed.

7. A notification device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit does not cause the output unit to output the sound if the timing is included in a period after a second time has elapsed since the notification start information was output by the output unit.

8. A notification device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output unit outputs a jingle sound as the notification start information, and the acquisition unit acquires the notification start information by detecting a jingle sound in the space around the notification device.

9. A notification method comprising: starting an audio output process when a specified condition is satisfied; outputting notification start information and then outputting audio based on the specified condition; acquiring notification start information output from another notification device; and controlling whether or not to output the audio based on the timing of acquiring the notification start information.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to claim 9.

11. A notification system comprising a server, and a first notification device and a second notification device communicatively connected to the server, wherein the first notification device comprises: a first receiving unit that receives a notification instruction from the server; and a first output unit that, when the first receiving unit receives the notification instruction, outputs notification start information and then outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction; and the second notification device comprises: a second receiving unit that receives the notification instruction from the server; and a second output unit that, when the second receiving unit receives the notification instruction, outputs a sound based on the received notification instruction; an acquisition unit that acquires the notification start information output from the first notification device; and a control unit that controls whether or not to cause the second output unit to output the sound based on the timing when the notification start information is acquired.

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