Control device, control method for control device, and control program for control device

Abstract

This control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires a constraint time having a prescribed length; an output unit that outputs content including a plurality of phases; a storage unit that stores content elements constituting a plurality of phases, that each include at least one of a video and an audio, and that are for guiding a user to a prescribed state; and a timing decision unit that decides a switching timing of the plurality of phases such that the total reproduction time of the plurality of phases is equal to or less than the constraint time. The output unit outputs at least one of the content elements for each of the plurality of phases.

Description

Control device, control method for control device, and control program for control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for controlling content presented to passengers of a vehicle.

[0002] The technology described in Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle information providing device that includes an information playback means that plays multiple pieces of playable information in sequence based on the playback order specified in a program guide, an arrival time estimation means that estimates the estimated arrival time at which a vehicle (mobile body) will arrive at a destination, and a playback start time calculation means that calculates the playback start time of the final information, which is the information to be played last, based on the playback time and estimated arrival time, and that starts playing the final information when the current time becomes the playback start time.

[0003] The technology described in Patent Document 1 discloses adjusting the timing for starting playback of the final information, but does not disclose anything about appropriately adjusting the switching timing of each of multiple predetermined phases consisting of content for guiding the user to a predetermined state in accordance with the time constraints.

[0004] Patent No. 4042535

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a technology that can guide a user to a predetermined state by appropriately adjusting the switching timing of each of a plurality of predetermined phases.

[0006] A control device in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a constraint time of a predetermined length; an output unit that outputs content including multiple phases; a memory unit that stores multiple content elements that make up the multiple phases, each of which includes at least one of video and audio and is intended to lead a user to a predetermined state; and a timing determination unit that determines the timing of switching from a predetermined phase among the multiple phases to another phase so that the total playback time of each of the multiple phases is less than or equal to the constraint time, and the output unit outputs at least one of the content elements for each of the multiple phases.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to guide a user to a predetermined state.

[0008] 6 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control system to which the control device according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an interior space of a moving body to which the control device according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a first table. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a second table. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a third table. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an overall image of processing of the control device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed when the input / output device notifies an occupant of switching timing. FIG. 13 is a time chart showing typically an example of processing of the timing changing unit in step S12 of the flowchart of FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing typically an example of processing of the timing changing unit in step S13. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control system to which the control device according to embodiment 2 is applied. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a fourth table. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a fifth table. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a sixth table. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a series of interface screens displayed on the display of the input / output device. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of an overall image of processing of the control device according to a modified example.

[0009] (Findings that Form the Basis of the Present Disclosure) Research is underway into a technology that guides a user into a predetermined state by providing the user with content that includes multiple phases.

[0010] However, in order to guide a user to a predetermined state, it may be necessary to switch between a plurality of predetermined phases according to a time limit and play each of the contents of each phase for an appropriate length of time. In this regard, the prior art discloses adjusting the timing for starting the playback of the final information, but does not disclose anything about playing each of the contents of each phase for an appropriate length of time by adjusting the timing for switching between the plurality of phases. Therefore, the above-mentioned prior art may not be able to guide a user to a predetermined state.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the following techniques are disclosed.

[0012] (1) A control device in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a constraint time of a predetermined length; an output unit that outputs content including multiple phases; a memory unit that stores multiple content elements that make up the multiple phases, each of which includes at least one of video and audio and is intended to lead a user to a predetermined state; and a timing determination unit that determines the timing of switching from a predetermined phase among the multiple phases to another phase so that the total playback time of each of the multiple phases is less than or equal to the constraint time, and the output unit outputs at least one of the content elements for each of the multiple phases.

[0013] According to this configuration, the timing of switching between each of the predetermined plurality of phases is appropriately adjusted according to the time constraint, so that the user can be guided to a predetermined state.

[0014] (2) In the control device described in (1) above, a minimum playback time is set for at least one of the plurality of phases to bring the user into a predetermined state, and the timing determination unit may determine the switching timing so that the playback time of the restricted phase in which the minimum playback time is set is equal to or longer than the minimum playback time.

[0015] According to this configuration, the timing of switching between the multiple phases is adjusted so as to ensure the minimum playback time, so that the user can be guided to the predetermined state more reliably.

[0016] (3) In the control device described in (2) above, the multiple phases may include a final phase that is played last and a pre-final phase that is played before the final phase, the minimum playback time is set for at least the final phase, and the timing determination unit may determine the switching timing from the pre-final phase to the final phase so that the playback time of the final phase is equal to or longer than the minimum playback time set for the final phase.

[0017] Because the final phase is the last phase played in the content, if the occupant cannot be brought into a predetermined state in the final phase, the user may be disadvantaged when the content ends. For example, if the pre-final phase is intended to bring the user into a sleep state and the final phase is intended to bring the user into an awake state, the user may oversleep if the user cannot be brought into an awake state in the final phase. In contrast, the above configuration ensures a minimum playback time for the final phase, so the user can be reliably brought into a predetermined state in the final phase. This prevents the user from being disadvantaged.

[0018] (4) In the control device described in (3) above, the plurality of phases may further include a preceding phase that is played before the pre-final phase, the lower limit playback time may be further set for the preceding phase, and the timing determination unit may determine the switching timing from the preceding phase to the pre-final phase so that the playback time of the preceding phase is equal to or longer than the lower limit playback time set for the preceding phase.

[0019] If the user cannot be guided to a predetermined state in the preceding phase, it may be difficult to guide the user to the predetermined state in the phase played after the preceding phase. In contrast, with the above configuration, the minimum playback time of the preceding phase is ensured, so the user can be reliably guided to the predetermined state in the preceding phase. This makes it easier to guide the user to the predetermined state in the phase after the preceding phase.

[0020] (5) In the control device described in (4) above, the preceding phase may be a relaxation phase that induces the user into a relaxed state, the pre-final phase may be a sleep phase that induces the user into a sleep state, and the final phase may be an awakening phase that induces the user into an awakening state.

[0021] According to this configuration, the user is guided to a relaxed state and then to a sleep state, so that the user can get a good night's sleep. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the user is guided to a sleep state and then to a wakeful state, so that the user can be woken up comfortably. This can energize the user.

[0022] (6) In the control device described in any of (1) to (5) above, an interface unit may be further provided that accepts input of the constraint time from the user and notifies the user of the switching timing determined by the timing determination unit.

[0023] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the switching timing.

[0024] (7) In the control device described in any of (1) to (6) above, the user is a passenger of a moving body, and the acquisition unit further acquires location information of the current location of the moving body and destination information indicating the destination of the moving body, and further includes a calculation unit that calculates an estimated travel time from the current location of the moving body to the destination based on the location information and the destination information, and the acquisition unit may acquire the estimated travel time as the constraint time.

[0025] According to this configuration, the estimated travel time until the moving object arrives at the destination is acquired as the reference time. As described above, in the present disclosure, the switching timing is determined so that the total playback time of each of the multiple playback times of the content is equal to or less than the reference time. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the switching timing is set so that playback of the content is completed within the estimated travel time. In this way, the occupant can be guided to a predetermined state within the estimated travel time.

[0026] (8) In the control device described in (7) above, the acquisition unit may acquire the location information and the destination information every time a predetermined time elapses, the calculation unit may calculate the estimated travel time every time the acquisition unit acquires the location information and the destination information, and the timing determination unit may change the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the multiple phases is not longer than the estimated travel time.

[0027] According to this configuration, the estimated travel time can be updated in real time, and the switching timing can be adjusted so that the content ends within the updated estimated travel time.

[0028] (9) In the control device described in any of (1) to (8) above, the timing determination unit may shorten the playback time of any of the plurality of phases when the playback time of the any of the phases becomes shorter than the playback time of the content element that constitutes the phase in response to changing the switching timing.

[0029] According to this configuration, the playback time of each phase is shortened so that the content ends within the estimated travel time, so that the user can be reliably guided to a predetermined state within the estimated travel time.

[0030] (10) In the control device described in any of (1) to (9) above, the timing determination unit may change the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the multiple phases is not shorter than the estimated travel time.

[0031] This configuration prevents the content from ending before the moving object arrives at the destination, allowing the user to remain in the predetermined state for a longer period of time than if the content ended before the moving object arrives at the destination.

[0032] (11) In the control device described in any one of (1) to (10) above, the timing determination unit may repeatedly play back a content element of any of the plurality of phases if the playback time of that phase becomes longer than the playback time of the content element that constitutes that phase in response to changing the switching timing.

[0033] If the switching timing is changed so that the total remaining time of multiple phases is not shorter than the estimated travel time, the playback time of a specific phase may be longer than the playback time of the content elements that make up that specific phase. In this case, playback of the content elements may be interrupted midway through the phase, making it difficult to guide the user to the desired state. In contrast, with the above configuration, content elements are repeatedly played until the phase switches, preventing playback of content elements from being interrupted midway through the phase. In this way, the user can be more reliably guided to the desired state in each phase.

[0034] (12) In the control device described in any of (1) to (11) above, each of the plurality of phases is composed of at least a first content element and a second content element different from the first content element, and the timing determination unit may start playback of the second content element when playback of the first content element is completed if the playback time of any of the plurality of phases becomes longer than the playback time of the first content element in response to changing the switching timing.

[0035] With this configuration, playback of the second content element starts when playback of the first content element ends, which prevents playback of the content element from being interrupted during a phase, thereby more reliably guiding the user to a predetermined state in each phase.

[0036] (13) In the control device described in (1) to (12) above, the multiple phases may include a final phase that is played last and a pre-final phase that is played before the final phase, and the timing determination unit may determine that the timing for switching from the pre-final phase to the final phase is the time when the estimated travel time becomes less than or equal to the playback time of the final phase.

[0037] With this configuration, the timing of the phase change is adjusted so that the phase changes from the pre-final phase to the final phase when the estimated travel time becomes equal to or shorter than the playback time of the final phase, thereby ensuring that the playback time of the final phase is sufficient. In this way, the user can be more reliably guided to a predetermined state in the final phase.

[0038] (14) In the control device described in any of (1) to (13) above, the user may be a passenger of a moving body, and the control device may further include a content determination unit that determines recommended content to be recommended to the passenger and the playback time of each of the multiple phases of the recommended content based on at least one of the location and type of the destination of the moving body.

[0039] According to this configuration, content suitable for the occupant can be recommended based on at least one of the destination position and type of the mobile body, and each phase can be played back for a playback time suitable for the occupant.

[0040] (15) In the control device described in any of (1) to (14) above, the user is a passenger of a moving body, and the acquisition unit further acquires additional information, the additional information including at least one of time zone information regarding the time zone during which the moving body is moving, seasonal information regarding the season during which the moving body is moving, and weather information regarding the weather on the day the moving body is moving, and may further include a content determination unit that refers to the additional information to determine recommended content to be recommended to the passenger and the playback time of each of the multiple phases of the recommended content.

[0041] According to this configuration, content suitable for the occupant can be recommended based on at least one of the time period, season, and weather, and each phase can be played back for a playback time suitable for the occupant.

[0042] (16) In another aspect of the present disclosure, a control method is a control method for a control device, which obtains a time constraint of a predetermined length, outputs content including multiple phases, stores multiple content elements that make up the multiple phases, each of which includes at least one of video and audio and is intended to lead a user to a predetermined state, determines a timing for switching from a predetermined phase to another phase among the multiple phases so that the total playback time of each of the multiple phases is less than or equal to the time constraint, and outputs at least one of the content elements for each of the multiple phases when outputting the content.

[0043] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a control method that can achieve the same effects as the above-mentioned control device.

[0044] (17) In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a control program is a control program for a control device that causes a computer to perform the following processing: obtain a time constraint of a predetermined length; output content including multiple phases; store multiple content elements that make up the multiple phases, each of which includes at least one of video and audio and is intended to lead a user to a predetermined state; determine the timing of switching from a predetermined phase to another phase among the multiple phases so that the total playback time of each of the multiple phases is less than or equal to the time constraint; and output at least one of the content elements for each of the multiple phases when outputting the content.

[0045] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a control program that can achieve the same effects as the above-described control device.

[0046] The present disclosure can also be realized as a control system operated by such a control program. Needless to say, such a computer program can be distributed on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0047] Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and step orders shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all of the embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0048] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a control system 1 to which a control device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. The control system 1 is a system that uses a display device 11 and an audio device 12 to create an interior environment of a vehicle 10 and provides content to an occupant P (an example of a user) ( FIG. 2 ) of the vehicle 10. The display device 11 is, for example, a monitor. However, the display device 11 may be configured as virtual reality (VR) goggles, augmented reality (AR) goggles, or a projection system including a projector and a screen, which are provided on the vehicle 10. The display device 11 may also utilize an input / output device 20, which will be described later.

[0049] In this embodiment, content refers to video data, audio data, or a combination of these that provides a predetermined effect to the occupant P. The content includes multiple phases, each of which is intended to lead the occupant P to a predetermined state. Examples of phases for leading the occupant P to a predetermined state include a relax phase, a sleep phase, and an awake phase. The relax phase is a phase for leading the occupant P to a relaxed state. The sleep phase is a phase for leading the occupant P to a sleep state. The awake phase is a phase for leading the occupant P to an awake state. These multiple phases are sequentially provided (output) to the occupant P as the content is played, leading the occupant P to a predetermined state, and thereby providing the occupant P with a predetermined effect when the playback of the content ends. Note that the types of phases are not limited to those described above, and various phases may be included in the content.

[0050] In this embodiment, each of the multiple phases is composed of content elements. The content elements include at least one of video data and audio data as constituent elements. In other words, content can be said to be a collection of multiple content elements corresponding to multiple phases.

[0051] At least one of the plurality of phases has a lower limit playback time set to bring the occupant P of the vehicle 10 into a predetermined state.

[0052] The multiple phases can be classified into a final phase, a pre-final phase, and a preceding phase according to the order of playback in the content. The final phase is the last phase to be played in the content. The pre-final phase is the phase that is played before the final phase. The preceding phase is the phase that is played before the pre-final phase.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interior space of a mobile body 10 to which a control device 100 according to the present disclosure is applied. The mobile body 10 is an electric vehicle that has a battery, such as a rechargeable secondary battery, and moves by supplying power charged in the battery to an electric motor (not shown). However, the mobile body 10 is not limited to an electric vehicle, and may be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a ship, an airplane, a train, a bus, a bullet train, or the like. The mobile body 10 may also be a vehicle equipped with an autonomous driving system. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the interior space of the mobile body 10 includes a driver's seat 13 for the driver of the mobile body 10, a seat 14 located behind the driver's seat 13 for a passenger P riding with the driver, and a display device 11 and an audio device 12 located between the driver's seat 13 and the seat 14.

[0054] Returning to FIG. 1 , the control system 1 includes an input / output device 20 (an example of an interface unit), a current location detection unit 30 , a map information storage unit 40 , a storage unit 50 , and a control device 100 .

[0055] The input / output device 20 is an in-vehicle terminal such as a tablet computer mounted on the vehicle 10. The input / output device 20 includes a display, a processor, and the like (not shown). The input / output device 20 accepts input of destination information from the occupant P through the display. The destination information is information including the place name and address of the destination of the travel of the vehicle 10. The input / output device 20 also accepts content selection from the occupant P. Furthermore, the input / output device 20 notifies the occupant P of the switching timing determined by the timing determination unit 104 (described later). Note that, in the example of FIG. 1 , the input / output device 20 is mounted on the vehicle 10, but this is just one example, and the input / output device 20 may be configured as application software on the portable information terminal of the occupant P. The portable information terminal is a tablet computer or a smartphone.

[0056] The current location detection unit 30 detects location information of the current location of the mobile object 10. The location information of the current location of the mobile object 10 includes, for example, information indicating the address, latitude, and longitude of the current location. The current location detection unit 30 is configured by, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor.

[0057] The map information storage unit 40 stores map information including various geographical information such as maps, place names, latitude, longitude, altitude, road information, administrative divisions, traffic signs, public transportation routes, waterways, topography, landmarks, etc. The map information storage unit 40 is configured, for example, by a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an electrically erasable and rewritable ROM (EEPROM), etc.

[0058] The control device 100 is composed of a computer including a central processing unit (CPU) and storage devices such as ROM and RAM, and functions as an acquisition unit 101, a calculation unit 102, a timing determination unit 104, a judgment unit 105, a timing change unit 106, and an output unit 107 by the central processing unit executing a control program stored in the storage device.

[0059] The acquisition unit 101 acquires location information of the current location of the mobile body 10 and destination information input by the occupant P to the input / output device 20. For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the location information and destination information by transmitting and receiving information between the current location detection unit 30 and the input / output device 20. The acquisition unit 101 also acquires the location information of the current location of the mobile body 10 every time a predetermined time period has elapsed. The predetermined time period is, for example, 10 seconds.

[0060] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a constraint time of a predetermined length. The acquisition unit 101 according to this embodiment acquires an initial estimated travel time, which will be described later, as the constraint time.

[0061] In addition, the acquisition unit 101 according to this embodiment acquires speed information of the moving body 10. Specifically, the acquisition unit 101 transmits and receives information to and from a vehicle speed sensor or an acceleration sensor (not shown) provided in the moving body 10, and acquires the speed information of the moving body 10.

[0062] The calculation unit 102 calculates an estimated travel time from the current location of the mobile object 10 to the destination based on the location information of the current location of the mobile object 10 and the destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 101. Specifically, the calculation unit 102 refers to the map information stored in the map information storage unit 40 and calculates the travel route of the mobile object 10 from the departure point of the mobile object 10 to the destination using a known route search technique. Then, the calculation unit 102 calculates the estimated travel time based on the calculated travel route and speed information of the mobile object 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the calculation unit 102 calculates the estimated travel time each time the acquisition unit 101 acquires location information of the current location of the mobile object 10. That is, the calculation unit 102 first calculates the estimated travel time and then updates the estimated travel time as needed. Hereinafter, the estimated travel time first calculated by the calculation unit 102 is referred to as an initial estimated travel time, and the updated estimated travel time is referred to as an updated estimated travel time.

[0064] The timing determination unit 104 determines the timing of switching from a predetermined phase to another phase among the plurality of phases. Specifically, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing so that the total playback time of each of the plurality of phases is equal to or less than an initial estimated movement time (an example of a constraint time).

[0065] Furthermore, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing so that the playback time of the phase (restricted phase) for which a minimum playback time is set is equal to or longer than the minimum playback time. More specifically, the timing determination unit 104 according to this embodiment determines the switching timing from the pre-final phase to the final phase so that the playback time of the final phase is equal to or longer than the minimum playback time set for the final phase. Furthermore, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing from the preceding phase to the pre-final phase so that the playback time of the preceding phase is equal to or longer than the minimum playback time set for the preceding phase.

[0066] The determination unit 105 determines whether the updated estimated travel time is equal to or less than the total playback time of the remaining phases.

[0067] The determination unit 105 also determines whether the playback position of the current phase is located just before the playback position of the next phase. In other words, the determination unit 105 determines whether the timing to switch to the next phase will arrive within a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute.

[0068] The timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the plurality of phases is not longer than the updated estimated travel time.

[0069] Furthermore, when the playback time of any of the multiple phases becomes shorter than the playback time of the content element that constitutes that phase in response to changing the switching timing, the timing change unit 106 shortens the playback time of that content element.

[0070] Furthermore, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the plurality of phases does not become shorter than the updated estimated travel time.

[0071] Furthermore, when the playback time of any of the plurality of phases becomes longer than the playback time of the content element that constitutes the phase in response to the change in the switching timing, the timing change unit 106 repeatedly plays back the content element.

[0072] Furthermore, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the phase switches from the pre-final phase to the final phase at the point in time when the updated estimated travel time becomes shorter than the playback time of the final phase.

[0073] Furthermore, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the plurality of phases does not become shorter than the updated estimated travel time.

[0074] The output unit 107 outputs a control signal for causing at least one of the display device 11 and the audio device 12 to reproduce the content determined by the content determining unit 103 for each of a plurality of phases.

[0075] The storage unit 50 is configured by any rewritable device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage unit 50 according to this embodiment includes a content element storage unit 51 and a table storage unit 52.

[0076] The content element storage unit 51 stores the above-mentioned plurality of content elements.

[0077] The table storage unit 52 stores a first table TB1 to a third table TB3. Each table will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0078] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the first table TB1. The first table TB1 stores the correspondence between content elements and phases. In this example, the first table TB1 stores that content element A and content element B correspond to the "relaxation phase." In other words, the first table TB1 stores that content element A and content element B can constitute the relaxation phase. The first table TB1 also stores that content element C corresponds to the "sleep phase" and that content element D corresponds to the "wake phase."

[0079] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the second table TB2. The second table TB2 stores a minimum playback time and a maximum playback time set for each phase. The maximum playback time is the maximum allowable time for guiding the occupant P of the vehicle 10 to a predetermined state. In this example, the second table TB2 stores that the minimum playback time for the relax phase is 9 minutes and the maximum playback time is 15 minutes. It also stores that no minimum playback time or maximum playback time is set for the sleep phase. It also stores that the minimum playback time for the wake phase is 5 minutes and the maximum playback time is not set.

[0080] FIG. 5 shows an example of the data configuration of the third table TB3. The third table TB3 stores the specific content configuration, the order of each phase that constitutes the content, the proportion of the playback time of each phase to the overall playback time of the content, and the overall playback time of the content. In this example, the third table TB3 stores that a content called Scenario A is composed of a Relax phase, a Sleep phase, and a Wake phase. The third table TB3 also stores that, for the content called Scenario A, the Relax phase is played first, then the Sleep phase, and finally the Wake phase. That is, for the content called Scenario A, the Relax phase corresponds to the preceding phase, the Sleep phase corresponds to the pre-final phase, and the Wake phase corresponds to the final phase. The third table TB3 also stores that, for the overall playback time of the content called Scenario A, the proportion of the playback time of the Relax phase is set to 30%, the proportion of the playback time of the Sleep phase is set to 50%, and the proportion of the playback time of the Wake phase is set to 20%. Furthermore, the third table TB3 stores that the total playback time of the content called Scenario A is 40 minutes.

[0081] The third table TB3 may store specific playback times for the phases. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the third table TB3 may store that the playback time of a specific phase, called Phase A, accounts for X% of the total playback time of a content called Scenario B, the playback time of Phase B, which is different from Phase A, accounts for Y% of the total playback time, and the playback time of Phase C, which is different from Phase A and Phase B, is Z seconds.

[0082] The processing of the control device 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an overall image of the processing of the control device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0083] In step S1, the input / output device 20 accepts destination information. Here, it is assumed that the home of the occupant P is input as the destination. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the address of the home of the occupant P as the destination information, and acquires location information of the current location of the mobile body 10. Then, the calculation unit 102 calculates an initial estimated travel time from the current location of the mobile body 10 to the home of the occupant P. Here, an example will be described in which the calculation by the calculation unit 102 reveals that the initial estimated travel time is 30 minutes. Next, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the initial estimated travel time as the constraint time.

[0084] In step S2, the input / output device 20 accepts the selection of content. Here, an example will be described in which the occupant P selects the content of scenario A. Also, here, an example will be described in which the sleep phase of the content called scenario A is composed of content element A, the relax phase is composed of content element C, and the wake phase is composed of content element D.

[0085] In step S3, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing by referring to the third table TB3. As shown in Fig. 5, the third table TB3 stores the following information: the proportion of the playback time of the relax phase is set to 30%, the proportion of the playback time of the sleep phase is set to 50%, and the proportion of the wake phase is set to 20% of the total playback time of the content "Scenario A." Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the total playback time of the content "Scenario A" is 40 minutes. In this case, the timing determination unit 104 proportionally allocates the total playback time of the content (40 minutes) according to the proportions of the playback time of each phase (30%, 50%, 20%) defined in the third table TB3, thereby determining the playback time of the relax phase to 12 minutes, the playback time of the sleep phase to 20 minutes, and the playback time of the wake phase to 8 minutes. That is, the timing determination unit 104 determines the point when 12 minutes have elapsed since the start of playback of the relax phase as the first switching timing for switching from the relax phase to the sleep phase, and determines the point when 20 minutes have elapsed since the start of playback of the sleep phase as the second switching timing for switching from the sleep phase to the wakefulness phase.

[0086] In step S4, the timing determination unit 104 determines whether the total playback time of the respective playback times of the plurality of phases is equal to or less than the initial estimated travel time (constraint time). If the total playback time of the respective playback times of the plurality of phases is equal to or less than the initial estimated travel time (Yes in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6. If the total playback time of the respective playback times of the plurality of phases is longer than the initial estimated travel time (No in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0087] In this example, the total playback time of each phase (40 minutes) is longer than the time limit (30 minutes), so the process proceeds to step S5.

[0088] In step S5, in order to re-determine the switching timing, a process is performed to shorten (compress) the playback time of content A from 40 minutes to 30 minutes without changing the playback time ratio (30%, 50%, 20%) of each phase of content A. Specifically, by proportionally allocating the constraint time (30 minutes) according to the playback time ratio (30%, 50%, 20%) of each phase defined in the third table TB3, the playback time for the relax phase is determined to be 9 minutes, the playback time for the sleep phase to be 15 minutes, and the playback time for the wake phase to be 6 minutes.

[0089] In step S6, the timing determination unit 104 refers to the second table TB2 shown in FIG. 4 and determines whether the playback time of each phase is set within the range between the minimum playback time and the maximum playback time. Specifically, the timing determination unit 104 determines whether the playback time assigned to each phase is equal to or greater than the minimum playback time and equal to or less than the maximum playback time set for that phase. If the playback time of each phase is set within the range between the minimum playback time and the maximum playback time (Yes in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If the playback time of each phase is not set within the range between the minimum playback time and the maximum playback time (No in step S6), the process returns to step S5.

[0090] In this example, the playback times for the relax phase and wake phase are set to 9 minutes and 5 minutes, respectively, by resetting the switching timing in step S5. In this case, the playback time for the relax phase (9 minutes) satisfies the condition that it is equal to or greater than the minimum playback time for the relax phase (9 minutes) and equal to or less than the maximum playback time for the wake phase (15 minutes). Furthermore, the playback time for the wake phase (5 minutes) satisfies the condition that it is equal to or greater than the minimum playback time for the wake phase (5 minutes). Therefore, processing proceeds to step S7.

[0091] In step S5, after the process of shortening (compressing) the playback time of each phase of content A without changing the proportion of the playback time, if step S6 returns No and the process returns to step S5, the timing determination unit 104 randomly determines the switching timing of each phase so that the total playback time of each phase does not exceed the constraint time and so that the playback time of each phase is within the range of the lower limit playback time and the upper limit playback time.

[0092] In step S7, output unit 107 starts playing the content. Specifically, in step S7, output unit 107 generates a control signal for causing at least one of display device 11 and audio device 12 to play the content of scenario A. Then, at least one of display device 11 and audio device 12 that has received the control signal starts playing the content of scenario A.

[0093] At this time, the input / output device 20 acquires the switching timing determined by the timing determination unit 104 and notifies the occupant P of the switching timing. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 21 displayed by the input / output device 20 when notifying the occupant P of the switching timing. As shown in Fig. 7, the notification screen 21 includes a first scale A1 indicating the first switching timing and a second scale A2 indicating the second switching timing. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the notification screen 21 displays the playback times for each of the relax phase, sleep phase, and wake phase.

[0094] In step S8, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the location information of the current location of the mobile object 10.

[0095] In step S9, the calculation unit 102 calculates an estimated travel time of the mobile object 10 based on the location information of the current location of the mobile object 10 and the destination information acquired in step S1. That is, the calculation unit 102 calculates an updated estimated travel time.

[0096] In step S10, the determination unit 105 determines whether the estimated travel time updated in step S9 (updated estimated travel time) is less than or equal to the total playback time of the remaining phases. If the updated estimated travel time is less than or equal to the total playback time of the remaining phases (Yes in step S10), the process proceeds to step S13. If the updated estimated travel time is longer than the total playback time of the remaining phases (No in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0097] In step S11, the determination unit 105 determines whether the current playback position will reach the playback position of the next stage within a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute. If the current playback position will reach the playback position of the next stage within the predetermined time (Yes in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. If the current playback position will not reach the playback position of the next stage within the predetermined time (No in step S11), the process returns to step S8.

[0098] In step S12, the timing change unit 106 determines to perform repeat playback. The processing in step S12 will be described below with reference to FIG. 8A. FIG. 8A is a time chart schematically illustrating an example of the processing performed by the timing change unit 106 in step S12. The upper horizontal axis in the diagram represents the time from the start of the sleep phase to the end of the wake phase. The lower horizontal axis in the diagram represents the updated estimated travel time. TM1 in FIG. 8A represents the first switching timing from the relax phase to the sleep phase, and TM2 represents the second switching timing from the sleep phase to the wake phase. TMR represents the repeat playback point set for repeatedly playing back the sleep phase, and TMN represents the current playback position. T1 represents the playback time of the remaining phase. As shown in FIG. 8A, at the time of step S12, the distance between the current playback position TMN and the second switching timing TM2 is short. In other words, the second switching timing TM2 is approaching, and the current playback position will reach the playback position of the next stage within a predetermined time. In this case, even if the updated estimated travel time T2 is longer than the playback time T1 of the remaining phase (No in step S10), if the sleep phase is ended and the wake phase is started at the second switching timing TM2, the content may end before the moving object 10 arrives at the destination. This situation occurs when the moving object 10 takes longer to travel than originally expected. Therefore, when this case occurs, i.e., when No in step S10 and Yes in step S11 occur, the timing change unit 106 returns the current playback position TMN to the repeat playback point TMR, as shown in FIG. 8A . This causes the content element C that constitutes the sleep phase to be repeatedly output, extending the playback time of the sleep phase and delaying the second switching timing TM2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the content from ending before the moving object 10 arrives at the destination.

[0099] Although the processing when switching from the sleep phase to the wake phase has been described as an example here, the same processing is performed when switching from the relax phase to the wake phase.

[0100] In step S13, the timing change unit 106 switches the phase to the next phase. The processing in step S13 will be described below with reference to FIG. 8B . FIG. 8B is a time chart schematically illustrating an example of the processing performed by the timing change unit 106 in step S13. The upper horizontal axis in the diagram represents the time from when playback of the sleep phase starts to when playback of the wake phase ends. The lower horizontal axis in the diagram represents the updated estimated movement time. TM1 in FIG. 8B represents the first switching timing from the relax phase to the sleep phase, and TM2 represents the second switching timing from the sleep phase to the wake phase. TMN represents the current playback position. T1 represents the length of the playback time of the remaining phase. T2 represents the length of the updated estimated movement time. As shown in FIG. 8B , the current playback position TMN is not located immediately before the second switching timing TM2 (No in step S11), but the updated estimated movement time T2 is less than or equal to the playback time T1 of the remaining phase. Therefore, if the sleep phase is not immediately ended and the wake phase is not started, the content will not be completed before the moving object 10 arrives at the destination. This situation occurs when the travel time is shorter than initially expected. Therefore, when the updated estimated travel time T2 becomes equal to or shorter than the playback time T1 of the wake phase (Yes in step S10), the timing change unit 106 advances the current playback position TMN to the second switching timing TM2, as shown in FIG. 8B . This shortens (ends) the playback time of the content element C that constitutes the sleep phase, and the wake phase begins. In this way, the end of the wake phase and the arrival of the moving object 10 at the destination are synchronized, so the content can be completed when the moving object 10 arrives at the destination.

[0101] Although the processing when switching from the sleep phase to the wake phase has been described as an example here, the same processing is performed when switching from the relax phase to the wake phase.

[0102] In step S13, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the playback time of each phase does not become shorter than the lower limit playback time set for that phase. For example, when changing the first switching timing so that the playback time of the relax phase becomes shorter, the first switching timing is changed to the extent that the playback time of the relax phase does not become shorter than the lower limit playback time of the relax phase.

[0103] Furthermore, in step S13, if the phase cannot be switched at the point when the estimated movement time and the playback time of the awakening phase become simultaneous, the timing change unit 106 may shorten the playback time of the awakening phase as long as it does not become shorter than the lower limit playback time of the awakening phase.

[0104] In step S14, the determination unit 105 determines whether the current phase is the final phase. If the current phase is the final phase (Yes in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. If the current phase is not the final phase (No in step S14), the process returns to step S8.

[0105] In step S15, the determination unit 105 determines whether the moving object 10 has arrived at the destination. If the moving object 10 has arrived at the destination (Yes in step S15), the process ends. If the moving object 10 has not arrived at the destination (No in step S15), the process returns to step S14.

[0106] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing so that the total playback time of each of the multiple phases is equal to or less than the initial estimated travel time. At this time, the timing determination unit 104 determines the switching timing so that the playback time of each phase is longer than the minimum playback time set for that phase. In this way, the playback time of each phase is equal to or longer than the minimum playback time, and therefore the occupant P can be guided to a predetermined state.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the timing change unit 106 extends or shortens the playback times of the multiple phases so that the total playback time of the multiple phases is neither longer nor shorter than the updated estimated travel time. That is, the timing of switching between each phase is adjusted so that the timing at which the playback of the content ends coincides with the timing at which the moving body 10 arrives at the destination. Therefore, compared to when the content ends before the moving body 10 arrives at the destination, the occupant P can be led to the predetermined state for a longer period of time. Furthermore, compared to when the content has not ended when the moving body 10 arrives at the destination, the occupant P can be led to the predetermined state more reliably.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the timing change unit 106 changes the switching timing so that the playback time of each phase does not become shorter than the minimum playback time of each phase. In this way, the occupant P can be guided to the predetermined state more reliably.

[0109] (Embodiment 2) In embodiment 2, recommended content is presented to the occupant P according to at least one of the location and type of the destination of the moving body 10. In embodiment 2, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] 9 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a control system 1A to which a control device 100A according to Embodiment 2 is applied. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 100A includes a content determination unit 103.

[0111] The content determination unit 103 determines the recommended content to be recommended to the occupant P and the playback time of each of the multiple phases of the recommended content, depending on at least one of the location and type of the destination of the moving body 10.

[0112] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a fourth table TB4 stored in the table storage unit 52 according to the second embodiment. The fourth table TB4 stores an appropriate playback time for each content. The appropriate playback time is a time that is considered effective in providing a predetermined effect to the occupant P.

[0113] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the fifth table TB5. The fifth table TB5 stores a usage pattern label associated with each piece of content. The usage pattern label is an identifier associated with the content to indicate the specific situation in which the content is played. Note that multiple usage pattern labels may be associated with one piece of content.

[0114] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the sixth table TB6. The sixth table TB6 stores the types of destinations registered in advance by the occupant P and the usage pattern labels associated with the destinations. For example, the sixth table TB6 stores that a destination of the type "home", a destination of the type "company", and a destination of the type "business partner" have been registered. Furthermore, the sixth table TB6 stores that the destination of the type "home" is associated with the usage pattern labels "travel during work", "going home", and "going to work".

[0115] 13 is a diagram showing a series of interface screens D1 to D5 displayed on the display of the input / output device 20. These interface screens D1 to D5 are presented to the occupant P when, for example, the processing of step S2 in FIG. 8 is performed. Below, a procedure for the input / output device 20 to display each of the interface screens D1 to D5 will be described.

[0116] First, the input / output device 20 displays the first interface screen D1, which is a start screen.

[0117] Next, the input / output device 20 displays a second interface screen D2 including a destination input button B1 and a playback time selection button B2. Here, a case where the occupant P selects (inputs) the destination input button B1 will be described. Note that an example where the occupant P selects the playback time selection button B2 will be described later in the third embodiment.

[0118] Next, the input / output device 20 displays a third interface screen D3 for prompting the occupant P to input a destination. Here, an example will be described in which the occupant P inputs his / her home as the destination.

[0119] When the input / output device 20 accepts the input of a destination, the content determination unit 103 determines whether the destination input by the occupant P is a destination registered in the sixth table TB6. Here, as shown in FIG. 12 , a destination of the type "home" is registered in the sixth table TB6. In this case, the content determination unit 103 refers to the sixth table TB6 and confirms that the destination of the type "home" is associated with the usage pattern labels "return home" and "night." At this time, the calculation unit 102 also calculates the estimated travel time to home. Here, it is assumed that the estimated travel time is calculated to be 30 minutes.

[0120] Next, the content determining unit 103 refers to the fifth table TB5 and extracts content associated with a usage pattern label corresponding to the usage pattern label associated with the destination. As described above, the usage pattern labels "going home" and "night" are associated with the destination of the type "home," so the content determining unit 103 extracts content associated with either the usage pattern label "going home" or "night." As shown in FIG. 11 , the content called scenario A is associated with the usage pattern labels "traveling during work," "going to work," and "night," and the content called scenario B is associated with the usage pattern labels "going home" and "night." Therefore, the content determining unit 103 extracts scenario A and scenario B.

[0121] Next, the content determination unit 103 determines content to recommend to occupant P based on the estimated travel time and the appropriate playback time. As described above, the estimated travel time is 30 minutes. As shown in FIG. 10 , the fourth table TB4 stores that the appropriate playback time for content called Scenario A is 30 minutes, and that the appropriate playback time for content called Scenario B is 50 minutes. Therefore, in this case, the content determination unit 103 determines Scenario A as the recommended content.

[0122] Finally, the content determination unit 103 determines the playback time for each phase included in scenario A. In this example, the content determination unit 103 refers to the third table TB3 shown in Fig. 5 and determines the playback time for the relax phase to be 9 minutes, the playback time for the sleep phase to be 15 minutes, and the playback time for the wake phase to be 6 minutes.

[0123] Next, the input / output device 20 displays a fifth interface screen D5 for presenting the recommended content determined by the content determination unit 103 to the occupant P. As shown in FIG. 13 , the fifth interface screen D5 includes a scenario A button B3 for prompting the occupant P to select the content of scenario A. When the input / output device 20 accepts selection of the scenario A button B3 on the fifth interface screen D5, the control device 100A starts the processing from step S3 onward in FIG. 6 . Note that, as shown in FIG. 13 , the fifth interface screen D5 may also include a scenario B button B4 for prompting the occupant P to select scenario B. Also, as shown in FIG. 13 , the fifth interface screen D5 may also include a leave-it-alone button B5. When the leave-it-alone button B5 is selected, the content determination unit 103 determines scenario A, which is the recommended content, as the content to be provided to the occupant P.

[0124] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which a usage pattern label is associated with the type of destination of the mobile body 10, but a usage pattern label may also be associated with the location of the destination of the mobile body 10. For example, if the distance between the current location and the destination is long, a usage pattern label such as "long distance travel" may be associated.

[0125] As described above, according to embodiment 2, content suitable for occupant P can be recommended based on at least one of the location and type of the destination of the mobile body 10, and each phase can be played back at a playback time suitable for occupant P.

[0126] (Embodiment 3) In embodiment 3, the acquisition unit 101 acquires additional information, and the content determination unit 103 determines recommended content based on the additional information. In embodiment 3, the same components as in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In embodiment 3, the block diagram of FIG. 9 is used.

[0127] The acquisition unit 101 according to the third embodiment acquires additional information. The additional information includes at least one of time zone information relating to the time zone during which the mobile object 10 travels, season information relating to the season during which the mobile object 10 travels, and weather information relating to the weather on the day during which the mobile object 10 travels.

[0128] The content determining unit 103 according to the third embodiment refers to the additional information to determine the content to be recommended to the occupant P and the playback time of each of the multiple phases of the recommended content.

[0129] The input / output device 20 according to the third embodiment displays a series of interface screens D1 to D5 shown in Fig. 12, similarly to the case of the second embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the occupant P selects (inputs) the playback time selection button B2 on the second interface screen D2.

[0130] Upon receiving the selection (input) of the playback time selection button B2, the input / output device 20 displays the fourth interface screen D4 for receiving the content playback time (an example of a time constraint). Here, a case will be described in which "20 minutes" is input as the content playback time. Note that the content playback time may be set manually by the occupant P, or may be selected from predetermined content playback times such as 20 minutes, 40 minutes, or 60 minutes. In this case, playback time options may be displayed on the fourth interface screen D4.

[0131] When the input / output device 20 receives the playback time, the acquisition unit 101 acquires additional information. For example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires time zone information indicating that the current season is "winter."

[0132] Next, the content determining unit 103 refers to the fifth table TB5 and extracts content associated with a usage pattern label corresponding to the additional information. Specifically, the content determining unit 103 extracts content associated with a usage pattern label "winter." As shown in FIG. 11 , the content "scenario B" is associated with a usage pattern label "winter." Therefore, the content determining unit 103 extracts "scenario B."

[0133] Finally, the content determining unit 103 refers to the third table TB3 shown in FIG. 5 to determine the playback time of each phase included in "scenario B."

[0134] Then, the input / output device 20 displays a fifth interface screen D5 including a scenario B button B4 for allowing the occupant P to select scenario B.

[0135] As described above, according to embodiment 3, appropriate content can be recommended to occupant P based on at least one of the time of day, season, and weather during which the mobile body 10 is traveling, and each phase can be played back at a playback time that is appropriate for occupant P.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, recommended content can be determined even if the destination of the moving object 10 has not been input.

[0137] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0138] (1) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which content includes multiple phases, each of which is composed of a content element. Specifically, an example was described in which one piece of content, called scenario A, is composed of content element A constituting a relax phase, content element C constituting a sleep phase, and content element D constituting a wake phase, and these content elements are output sequentially by switching the phase. However, one piece of content may also be composed of a single content element. Specifically, one piece of content may be composed of a single content element that includes a first scene corresponding to content element A, a second scene corresponding to content element B, and a third scene corresponding to content element C. In this case, the multiple scenes, such as the first scene, second scene, and third scene, correspond to the "multiple phases" in the first embodiment.

[0139] In this modified example, the timing determination unit 104 determines the playback start position of each scene. For example, the time point when playback of the first scene starts is set as the first playback start position, and the time point when playback of the second scene starts is set as the second playback start position. The first playback start position corresponds to the first switching timing described above, and the second playback start position corresponds to the second switching timing described above. Furthermore, the timing determination unit 104 sets a repeat playback position for each scene. The repeat playback position corresponds to the repeat playback point described above.

[0140] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of an overall image of the processing of the control device according to this modification.

[0141] The processing from step S101 to step S109 in FIG. 14 is substantially the same as the processing from step S1 to step S9 in FIG. 6, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] In step S110, the determination unit 105 determines whether the estimated movement time is longer than the total playback time of the remaining scenes.

[0143] In step S111, the determination unit 105 determines whether the current playback position will reach the playback position of the next scene within a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute. If the current playback position will reach the playback position of the next scene within the predetermined time (Yes in step S111), the process proceeds to step S12. If the current playback position will not reach the playback position of the next scene within the predetermined time (No in step S111), the process returns to step S108.

[0144] In step S112, the timing change unit 106 returns the current playback position to the repeat playback position so that the total remaining time of the content does not become shorter than the estimated movement time, and repeatedly plays back the currently played scene.

[0145] In step S113, the timing change unit 106 starts the playback of the next scene. Specifically, in step S113, when the estimated movement time becomes equal to or less than the total playback time of the remaining scenes of the content, the timing change unit 106 ends the playback of the predetermined scene and starts the playback of the next scene.

[0146] As described above, according to this modification, even when the content is made up of a single content element, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0147] (2) In the first embodiment, an example in which each of the multiple phases is composed of a single content element has been described. However, each of the multiple phases may be composed of at least a first content element and a second content element different from the first content element. For example, the relax phase may be composed of at least content element A (an example of the first content element) and content element B (an example of the second content element) different from content element A.

[0148] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example was described in which content elements are repeatedly played back when the playback time of one of the multiple phases becomes longer than the playback time of the content elements that make up that phase as a result of changing the switching timing. On the other hand, in this modified example, when the playback time of one of the multiple phases becomes longer than the playback time of the first content element as a result of changing the switching timing, the timing change unit 106 simply starts playing the second content element when the playback of the first content element ends. For example, if the playback time of the relax phase is longer than the playback time of content element A, the playback of content element B can be started when the playback of content element A ends.

[0149] In this way, interruption of playback of content elements during a phase is suppressed, and the occupant P can be more reliably guided to a predetermined state in each phase. In other words, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0150] (3) In the first embodiment, an example in which a minimum playback time is set for the relax phase and the wake phase has been described, but a minimum playback time may be set for the sleep phase. In other words, a minimum playback time may be set for all phases.

[0151] (4) In embodiment 1, the control device 100 is described as including a timing determination unit 104 and a timing modification unit 106. However, it may not include the timing modification unit 106, and the timing determination unit 104 may instead perform the processing that would be performed by the timing modification unit 106.

[0152] The technology of the present disclosure is useful in the technical field of controlling content presented to passengers of a vehicle.

Claims

1. A control device, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a constraint time of a predetermined length; an output unit that outputs content including a plurality of phases; a storage unit that stores a plurality of content elements constituting the plurality of phases, each of which includes at least one of video and audio and guides a user to a predetermined state; and a timing determination unit that determines a switching timing from a predetermined phase to another phase among the plurality of phases such that a total playback time of playback times of the respective phases of the plurality of phases is equal to or less than the constraint time, wherein the output unit outputs at least one or more of the content elements for each of the plurality of phases.

2. A lower limit playback time for guiding the user to a predetermined state is set for at least one of the plurality of phases, and the timing determination unit determines the switching timing such that a playback time of a restricted phase in which the lower limit playback time is set is equal to or greater than the lower limit playback time. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of phases include a final phase that is played last and a penultimate phase that is played before the final phase, the lower limit playback time is set at least for the final phase, and the timing determination unit determines the switching timing from the penultimate phase to the final phase such that a playback time of the final phase is equal to or greater than the lower limit playback time set for the final phase. The control device according to claim 2.

4. The plurality of phases further include a preceding phase that is played before the penultimate phase, the lower limit playback time is further set for the preceding phase, and the timing determination unit determines the switching timing from the preceding phase to the penultimate phase such that a playback time of the preceding phase is equal to or greater than the lower limit playback time set for the preceding phase. The control device according to claim 3.

5. The preceding phase is a relaxation phase that induces the user to a relaxed state, the penultimate phase is a sleep phase that induces the user to a sleeping state, and the final phase is an awakening phase that induces the user to an awakening state. The control device according to claim 4.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an interface unit that receives an input of the restricted time from the user and notifies the user of the switching timing determined by the timing determination unit.

7. The user is a passenger of a moving body, the acquisition unit further acquires position information of the current location of the moving body and destination information indicating the destination of the moving body, and further includes a calculation unit that calculates an estimated travel time from the current location of the moving body to the destination based on the position information and the destination information, and the acquisition unit acquires the estimated travel time as the restricted time. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The acquisition unit acquires the position information and the destination information every time a predetermined time elapses, the calculation unit calculates the estimated travel time every time the acquisition unit acquires the position information and the destination information, and the timing determination unit changes the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the plurality of phases does not become longer than the estimated travel time. The control device according to claim 7.

9. When the reproduction time of any one of the plurality of phases becomes shorter than the reproduction time of the content element constituting the phase in response to the timing determination unit changing the switching timing, the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 shortens the reproduction time of the content element.

10. The timing determination unit changes the switching timing so that the total remaining time of the plurality of phases does not become shorter than the estimated travel time. The control device according to claim 7.

11. When the reproduction time of any one of the plurality of phases becomes longer than the reproduction time of the content element constituting the phase in response to the timing determination unit changing the switching timing, the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 repeatedly reproduces the content element.

12. Each of the plurality of phases is composed of at least a first content element and a second content element different from the first content element. When the playback time of any one of the plurality of phases becomes longer than the playback time of the first content element in response to changing the switching timing, the timing determination unit starts playing the second content element when the playback of the first content element ends. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. The plurality of phases include a final phase that is played last and a penultimate phase that is played before the final phase. The timing determination unit sets the point in time when the estimated travel time becomes less than or equal to the playback time of the final phase as the switching timing from the penultimate phase to the final phase. The control device according to claim 7.

14. The user is a passenger of the moving body. Further, a content determination unit is provided that determines recommended content to be recommended to the passenger and the playback time of each of the plurality of phases in the recommended content according to at least one of the position and type of the destination of the moving body. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

15. The user is a passenger of the moving body. The acquisition unit further acquires additional information. The additional information includes at least one of time zone information regarding the time zone in which the moving body moves, season information regarding the season in which the moving body moves, and weather information regarding the weather on the day when the moving body moves. Further, a content determination unit is provided that determines recommended content to be recommended to the passenger and the playback time of each of the plurality of phases in the recommended content with reference to the additional information. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

16. A control method for a control device, the method comprising: obtaining a constraint time of a predetermined length; outputting content including a plurality of phases; storing content elements that constitute the plurality of phases, each of which includes at least one of video and audio and guides a user to a predetermined state; determining a switching timing from a predetermined phase to another phase among the plurality of phases such that a total playback time of playback times of the respective phases of the plurality of phases is equal to or less than the constraint time; and outputting at least one of the content elements for each of the plurality of phases in the output of the content.

17. A control program for a control device, the program causing a computer to perform a process of: obtaining a constraint time of a predetermined length; outputting content including a plurality of phases; storing content elements that constitute the plurality of phases, each of which includes at least one of video and audio and guides a user to a predetermined state; determining a switching timing from a predetermined phase to another phase among the plurality of phases such that a total playback time of playback times of the respective phases of the plurality of phases is equal to or less than the constraint time; and outputting at least one of the content elements for each of the plurality of phases in the output of the content.

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