Vehicle behavior reproduction device, vehicle behavior reproduction system, and vehicle behavior reproduction method

Abstract

A behavior information acquisition unit (161) acquires behavior information indicating time-series behavior of a vehicle (40). An image acquisition unit (162) acquires an image. Then, a model operation unit (163) causes a model (20) to execute an operation corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle (40) on the basis of the behavior information, and the reproduction control unit (164) causes a smartphone (30), which is a display device, to reproduce an image in synchronization with the operation of the model (20) by the model operation unit (163). The image acquisition unit (162) acquires an image corresponding to a model (20) type identified by a code reading unit (14).

Description

Vehicle behavior reproduction device, vehicle behavior reproduction system, and vehicle behavior reproduction method

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle behavior reproduction device, a vehicle behavior reproduction system, and a vehicle behavior reproduction method.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle behavior reproduction system that reproduces the behavior of an actual vehicle on a model such as a toy car for the purpose of analyzing near misses and providing entertainment to users. Specifically, in the vehicle behavior reproduction system disclosed in Patent Document 1, information on the behavior of a vehicle during travel is acquired and stored in the storage unit of a service center. Then, after travel, a turntable and a toy car placed thereon are arranged at a position facing a smartphone, and while acquiring the information stored in the service center through communication, an image of the vehicle's forward field of view is reproduced on the display of the smartphone, the posture of the vehicle is reproduced by the turntable, and the lighting and extinguishing of the brake lamp are reproduced by an LED (light-emitting diode) equipped on the toy car.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-026425

[0004] In the vehicle behavior reproduction system described in Patent Document 1, no matter what type of model (toy car) is placed on the turntable, the image of the vehicle's forward field of view reproduced on the smartphone is the same, lacking in interest, and there is a point that it cannot be said to provide sufficient entertainment to users.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle behavior reproduction device, a vehicle behavior reproduction system, and a vehicle behavior reproduction method capable of reproducing the behavior of a vehicle with enhanced entertainment.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the vehicle behavior reproduction device according to the present invention comprises a behavior information acquisition unit, an image acquisition unit, a model operation unit, a type identification unit, and a playback control unit. The behavior information acquisition unit acquires behavior information indicating the time-series behavior of the vehicle. The image acquisition unit acquires images. The model operation unit causes the model to perform operations corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle based on the behavior information. The type identification unit identifies the type of model. The playback control unit plays back images on a display device in synchronization with the model operation performed by the model operation unit. The image acquisition unit acquires images corresponding to the type of model identified by the type identification unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, by changing the display target of the image of the vehicle's forward view reproduced on the display device according to the type of model, it becomes possible to reproduce vehicle behavior that is more entertaining than in the past.

[0008] This is a front view of a vehicle behavior reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram of a vehicle behavior reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of a model of type "miniature car". This is a diagram showing an example of a model of type "miniature car with wings". This is a diagram showing an example of a model of type "clapping doll". This is a diagram showing an example of a model of type "shishiodoshi (deer scarer)". This is a plan view of a vehicle behavior reproduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of the vehicle behavior reproduction device as seen from arrow VIII in Figure 7. This is an example of an image reproduced when the identified model type is "miniature car". This is an example of an image reproduced when the identified model type is "miniature car". This is an example of an image reproduced when the identified model type is "clapping doll". This is an example of an image reproduced when the identified model type is "shishiodoshi (deer scarer)". This is a diagram showing examples of specific conditions and specific actions set for each model type. This is a diagram showing a flowchart of the behavior reproduction process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] The vehicle behavior reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Figure 1 shows a front view of the vehicle behavior reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows a block diagram. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle behavior reproduction system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 placed on a mounting surface 2, a model 20 placed on the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10, and a smartphone 30 as a display device supported by the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10. The vehicle behavior reproduction system 1 is a system that causes the model 20 to perform actions linked to the behavior of an actual vehicle 40, and plays back images on the smartphone 30 corresponding to the forward view of the vehicle 40 at that time, in synchronization with the actions of the model 20.

[0010] Model 20 reproduces the behavior of vehicle 40, and in this embodiment, the vehicle behavior reproduction system 1 can be constructed using various types of models, not just miniature cars that mimic vehicle 40. Specifically, in the vehicle behavior reproduction system 1, the behavior of vehicle 40 can be reproduced by placing any of the following models on the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10: model 20A of the type "miniature car" shown in Figure 3, model 20B of the type "miniature car with wings" shown in Figure 4, model 20C of the type "clapping doll" shown in Figure 5, and model 20D of the type "shishi-odoshi" shown in Figure 6. Figure 1 shows an example where model 20A of the type "miniature car" is placed on the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10. Note that when these models 20A to 20D are not distinguished, they are also referred to as model 20. As shown in Figure 2, the model 20 basically comprises a movable part 21, a drive unit 22, a control unit 23, a speaker 24, an LED 25, a memory 26, and a communication unit 27. In addition, each model 20 has a QR code (registered trademark) 28, which contains information to identify the type of model 20, attached to the bottom or elsewhere.

[0011] The movable parts 21 are the parts that move physically within the model 20. In the case of model 20B of the "winged miniature car" type shown in Figure 4, the left and right wing parts are the movable parts 21, and by moving the movable parts 21, model 20B can perform a flapping motion. In the case of model 20C of the "clapping doll" type shown in Figure 5, the parts that mimic the left and right arms are the movable parts 21, and by moving the movable parts 21, model 20C can perform a clapping motion. In the case of model 20D of the "shishi-odoshi" type shown in Figure 6, the part that mimics the slanted bamboo tube is the movable part 21, and by moving the movable parts 21, model 20D can perform the shishi-odoshi motion in which the bamboo tube is filled with water, the bamboo tube lowers its head and strikes a rock, and then returns to its raised position. The drive unit 22 is a relatively small motor, actuator, etc., and moves the movable parts 21 based on instructions from the control unit 23. In the case of model 20A of the "miniature car" type, there are no physically movable parts, therefore the movable part 21 and the drive unit 22 are not provided.

[0012] LEDs 25 are provided only in models 20A and 20B of the "miniature car" and "miniature car with wings" types, corresponding to various light-emitting parts on the vehicle 40, namely brake lights, turn signals, and headlights. The control unit 23 controls the on and off of LEDs 25. Note that LEDs 25 are not provided in models 20C and 20D of the "clapping doll" and "shishi-odoshi" types. In addition, the model 20 may be equipped with other light-emitting devices such as incandescent bulbs or organic EL in addition to LEDs 25. The speaker 24 is controlled by the control unit 23 and is used to reproduce the sound of the vehicle 40's horn, etc. The speaker 24 is also used to output specific sounds according to the type of model 20.

[0013] The control unit 23 performs control to reproduce the behavior of the vehicle 40. The memory 26 functions as a work area for the control unit 23 and is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The communication unit 27 is a communication device compatible with short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and communicates with the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10. The control unit 23, having received instructions from the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 via the communication unit 27, controls the drive unit 22, LED 25, and speaker 24 to cause the model 20 to perform actions corresponding to the behavior of the vehicle 40. In addition, the control unit 23 also controls the drive unit 22, LED 25, and speaker 24 to perform specific actions according to the type of model 20 when certain conditions are met in the vehicle 40.

[0014] Next, we will describe the vehicle 40 that is the target of the vehicle behavior reproduction system 1. This vehicle 40 is equipped with a vehicle information collection device 41 and a communication device 42. The vehicle information collection device 41 is also connected to the cloud server 50 via the communication device. The cloud server 50 is a server device that provides cloud services. The cloud server 50 has a database 51.

[0015] The vehicle information collection device 41 is a computer connected to the controller 43 that controls the vehicle 40, various sensors 44 installed in the vehicle 40, and a camera 45 that captures images of the view from inside the vehicle, and it collects various information about the vehicle 40 from these devices. Specifically, the vehicle information collection device 41 collects information about the behavior of the vehicle 40, such as information indicating the lighting status of the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, etc., vehicle 40 attitude information, information indicating the speed and acceleration of the vehicle 40, information indicating the open / closed status of each door of the vehicle 40, information indicating the steering status, information indicating the output of the horn sound, and vehicle 40 position information, at predetermined time intervals. In the following description, information about the behavior of the vehicle 40 will also be referred to as behavior information. The vehicle information collection device 41 also acquires images of the view in front of the vehicle 40 (i.e., images of the driver's view of the vehicle 40) captured by the camera 45 inside the vehicle 40 at predetermined time intervals. The vehicle information collection device 41 stores the collected behavioral information and images in the database 51 on the cloud server 50 via the communication device 42, associating them with the date and time of acquisition. The vehicle information collection device 41 continues to perform the above-described process, for example, while the ACC power (accessory power) of the vehicle 40 is ON.

[0016] Next, the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 will be described. The vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 causes the model 20 to perform actions corresponding to the behavior of the vehicle 40, and supports the smartphone 30 so that its touch panel 34 faces the model 20. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 has a cylindrical main body 11 and a terminal support part 12 that extends laterally from the main body.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the main body 11 has a control circuit unit 111 that constitutes the lower part and a mounting unit 112 that constitutes the upper part. The control circuit unit 111 functions as a base for mounting the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 on the mounting surface 2.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the mounting unit 112 functions as a table for placing the model 20 on its upper surface. As shown in Figure 7, the mounting unit 112 functions as a turntable that rotates in the direction of arrow R in the figure relative to the control circuit unit 111, around an axis passing through the center of the mounting unit 112. The mounting unit 112 is driven by the servo motor 18 shown in Figure 2. This allows the model 20 placed on the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 to be oriented in a desired direction. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the reading surface of the code reading unit 14, which will be described later, is exposed in the center of the mounting unit 112.

[0019] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the terminal support section 12 extends from the main body section 11 (control circuit unit 111) and supports the smartphone 30 inserted between the main body section 11 and the terminal support section 12. The terminal support section 12 has a horizontal section 12a extending laterally from the main body section 11, an inclined section 12b extending diagonally upward from the tip of the horizontal section 12a, and widened sections 12c extending laterally from both sides of the tip of the inclined section 12b. The horizontal section 12a supports the smartphone 30 inserted between the terminal support section 12 and the main body section 11 from below. The inclined section 12b supports the smartphone 30 so that the touch panel 34 of the smartphone 30 faces diagonally upward. The widened sections 12c secure an area that supports the smartphone 30 along its longitudinal direction and stabilize the posture of the smartphone 30. In addition, the widened sections 12c may be provided with members such as clips for fixing the smartphone 30, or with bumps or grooves to prevent the smartphone 30 from slipping. Since the terminal support portion 12 extends from the control circuit unit 111, the terminal support portion 12 does not rotate even when the mounting unit 112 rotates.

[0020] When starting the behavior reproduction process described later, it is necessary to set the smartphone 30 and the model 20 in the appropriate position and orientation. Specifically, the smartphone 30 should be supported by the terminal support unit 12 so that the touch panel 34 faces backward in Figure 7, and the model 20 should be set in the center of the mounting unit 112 so that it faces forward in Figure 7. Note that the surface of the mounting unit 112 may be provided with markings or other indicators to guide the position and orientation of the model 20 to be mounted.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the main body 11 of the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 is equipped with a communication unit 13, a code reading unit 14, an operation unit 15, a control unit 16, a storage unit 17, and a servo motor 18. These components will be described below.

[0022] The communication unit 13 is a communication device compliant with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and 4G. Under the control of the control unit 16, the communication unit 13 communicates wirelessly with the model 20, the smartphone 30, and the cloud server 50.

[0023] The code reading unit 14 is an optical reading device, camera, etc., with a reading surface provided on the upper surface of the mounting unit 112. The code reading unit 14 reads the QR code 28 attached to the model 20 to identify the type of model 20 and outputs the identification result to the control unit 16. The code reading unit 14 is an example of the type identification unit of the present invention. The operation unit 15 is various buttons such as a power button and operation buttons.

[0024] The control unit 16 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, etc. In the control unit 16, the CPU reads programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to comprehensively control the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10. Functionally, the control unit 16 includes a behavior information acquisition unit 161, an image acquisition unit 162, a model operation unit 163, and a playback control unit 164.

[0025] The behavior information acquisition unit 161 acquires behavior information of the vehicle 40 for a predetermined period from the database 51 of the cloud server 50 via the communication unit 13. The acquired images are temporarily stored in the storage unit 17 until the behavior reproduction process described later is completed.

[0026] The image acquisition unit 162 acquires images of the forward view of the vehicle 40 for a predetermined period of time from the database 51 of the cloud server 50 via the communication unit 13. At this time, the image acquisition unit 162 selects a type of processing corresponding to the type of model 20 identified by the code reading unit 14 from the database 51 as needed, and corrects the image based on the selected type of processing. In other words, the image acquisition unit 162 acquires images corresponding to the type of model 20. The acquired and processed images are temporarily stored in the storage unit 17 until the behavior reproduction process described later is completed.

[0027] Here, we will explain the image processing performed by the image acquisition unit 162 with an example. For example, if the identified type is "miniature car," the playback control unit 164 displays the acquired image as is on the touch panel 34 of the smartphone 30 without any processing, as shown in Figure 9A. For example, if the identified type is "miniature car with wings," the playback control unit 164 processes the acquired image by overlaying images of converging lines and clouds onto the background area other than the road shown in the acquired image, as shown in Figure 9B. This makes it possible to reproduce an image that gives a sense of speed, as if the model 20B is flying through the air at high speed.

[0028] For example, if the identified type is a "clapping doll," the playback control unit processes the acquired image by overlaying festival stall-like objects and words such as "lively" and "bustling" onto the background area, as shown in Figure 9C. This allows for the playback of an image that depicts the model 20C running through a lively atmosphere.

[0029] For example, if the identified type is a "shishi-odoshi" (deer scarer), the playback control unit processes the image by overlaying an image of a rock object onto the background area of ​​the acquired field of view image, as shown in Figure 9D. This allows for the playback of an image that makes it appear as if the model 20D is moving through a calm and peaceful environment.

[0030] Returning to Figure 2, the model operation unit 163 causes the model 20 on the mounting unit 112 to perform actions corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle 40, based on the acquired behavior information. This makes it possible to reproduce the behavior of the vehicle 40 in the model 20. Specifically, the model operation unit 163 causes the model 20 to perform actions corresponding to the behavior of the vehicle 40 by controlling the servo motor 18 to rotate the mounting unit 112, thereby changing the angle of the model 20, or by sending control signals from the communication unit 13 to the model 20 to control the lighting and extinguishing of the LED 25 on the model 20, the operation of the movable parts 21, and the output from the speaker 24.

[0031] Furthermore, the model operation unit 163 causes the model 20 to perform a specific action when certain conditions related to the vehicle 40 are met while the model 20 is performing an action corresponding to the vehicle's behavior. These specific conditions and the content of the specific action are set for each type of model 20, as shown in the table in Figure 10.

[0032] For example, when a model 20B of the type "miniature car with wings" is placed on the mounting unit 112, the model operation unit 163 determines, based on the acquired behavioral information, whether a specific condition is met, that the acceleration of the vehicle 40 is above a threshold. If this specific condition is met, the model operation unit 163 causes the model 20B to perform a flapping motion, which involves moving the left and right wings, which are movable parts 21, back and forth for a certain period of time, and outputting the sound of a bird flapping its wings from the speaker 24.

[0033] For example, when a model 20C of the "clapping doll" type is placed on the mounting unit 112, the model operation unit 163 analyzes the acquired behavioral information and image information to determine whether certain conditions are met, such as when the vehicle 40 yields to other vehicles or pedestrians, when another vehicle flashes its hazard lights as a thank you, or when the vehicle 40 stops at a stop sign. If these specific conditions are met, the model operation unit 163 causes the model 20C to perform a clapping action, which involves moving the left and right arms, which are the movable parts 21, for a certain period of time as if clapping, and outputting clapping sounds from the speaker 24.

[0034] For example, when a model 20D of the "shishiodoshi" type is placed on the mounting unit 112, the model operation unit 163 analyzes acquired behavioral information and image information to determine whether a specific condition is met, namely that the fatigue level of the vehicle 40 occupants has decreased to a threshold level or lower. If this specific condition is met, the model operation unit 163 causes the model 20D to perform a specific action: moving the bamboo tube, which is the movable part 21, and outputting the sound of the bamboo tube hitting a rock from the speaker 24. This can provide a relaxing effect on the user.

[0035] Returning to Figure 2, the playback control unit 164 plays back images of the vehicle's forward view, which have been processed according to the type of model 20 acquired by the image acquisition unit 162, on the smartphone 30 in synchronization with the movement of the model 20 by the model operation unit 163.

[0036] The memory unit 17 is a non-volatile flash memory or the like, and stores the information necessary for the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 to perform processing. For example, the memory unit 17 stores behavior information and images for a predetermined period of time acquired from the cloud server 50. The servo motor 18 rotates the mounting unit 112 based on instructions from the control unit 16.

[0037] Next, the smartphone 30 will be described. The smartphone 30 has an application installed that is specifically for reproducing the behavior of the vehicle 40. Through the functions of this application, it connects to the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 and reproduces an image of the forward view of the vehicle 40 in synchronization with the movements corresponding to the behavior of the vehicle 40 by the model 20. The smartphone 30 also functions as the user interface for the vehicle behavior reproduction system 1. As shown in Figure 2, the smartphone 30 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a touch panel 34, as configurations related to the present invention.

[0038] The control unit 31 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the entire smartphone 30. The memory unit 32 is a non-volatile flash memory, etc., and stores the application program described above. Images received from the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 are also temporarily stored in the memory unit 32. The communication unit 33 communicates with the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 wirelessly under the control of the control unit 31.

[0039] The touch panel 34 displays various images based on the control of the control unit 31. The touch panel 34 also accepts user input and outputs a signal corresponding to the received input to the control unit 31. When the behavior of the vehicle 40 is being reproduced on the model 20 in front, the touch panel 34 synchronously plays back an image of the view in front of the vehicle 40.

[0040] Next, the operation of the behavior reproduction process performed by the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 configured as described above will be explained in accordance with the flowchart in Figure 11. It is assumed that the cloud server 50's database 51 already stores a sufficient amount of vehicle behavior information and images for a given period by the vehicle information collection device 41. For example, the behavior reproduction process is started when a user operates the touch panel 34 of a smartphone 30 to launch an application for behavior reproduction processing, specifies the period for which to reproduce the behavior (reproduction period) from the application's screen, and instructs the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 to start the process.

[0041] First, the control unit 16 of the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 displays on the touch panel 34 of the smartphone 30 a message instructing the code reader 14 to read the QR code 28 attached to the model 20 whose behavior is to be reproduced, a message instructing the user to place the model 20, whose QR code 28 has been read, on the mounting unit 112 in the correct orientation, and a message instructing the user to set the smartphone 30 on the terminal support unit 12. Following these messages, the user has the code reader 14 read the QR code 28 attached to the model 20. The code reader 14 obtains identification information corresponding to the type of model 20 from the QR code 28. As a result, the control unit 16 identifies the type of model 20 (step S101). Alternatively, the QR code 28 may be attached to the bottom surface of the model 20 so that the code reader 14 automatically reads the QR code 28 when the model 20 is placed on the mounting unit 112.

[0042] Next, the control unit 16 acquires behavioral information of the vehicle 40 for the recall period and an image of the front of the vehicle from the database 51 (step S102). Then, the control unit 16 processes the acquired image according to the type of model 20 that was identified (step S103).

[0043] Next, the control unit 16, based on the acquired behavioral information, sequentially causes the model 20 to execute actions corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle 40 for the duration of the reproduction period (step S104). As a result, the on / off states of the various lights of the vehicle 40 during the reproduction period are reproduced moment by moment by the LEDs 25 of the model 20, and the horn sound output from the vehicle 40's horn is reproduced moment by moment by the speaker 24 of the model 20. Note that if a model 20 without LEDs 25 is installed, the state of the vehicle 40's lights will not be reproduced. In addition, the control unit 16 controls the servo motor 18 so that the angle of the vehicle 40 during the reproduction period is reproduced moment by moment by the mounting unit 112.

[0044] Further, the control unit 16 sequentially plays back, on the touch panel 34 of the smartphone 30, the images processed according to the type of the model 20 in step S103 so as to synchronize with the operation of the model 20 according to the behavior of the vehicle 40 in step S104 (step S105). Steps S104 and S105 in the flowchart are processes performed in parallel.

[0045] Further, while executing the operation in step S104, the control unit 16 determines whether or not a specific condition set for each type of the model 20 holds as in the table shown in FIG. 10 (step S106). If the specific condition does not hold (step S106; NO), the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the specific condition holds (step S106; Yes), the control unit 16 causes the model 20 to execute a specific operation set for each identified type of the model 20 (step S107).

[0046] Then, when the operation corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle 40 and the playback of the image for the reproduction period are completed (step S108; Yes), the behavior reproduction process ends. If the operation corresponding to the behavior and the playback of the image are not completed (step S108; No), the process returns to step S104.

[0047] As described above, in the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 according to the present embodiment, the behavior information acquisition unit 161 acquires behavior information indicating the time-series behavior of the vehicle 40, and the image acquisition unit 162 acquires an image corresponding to the view in front of the vehicle 40. Further, the image acquisition unit 162 processes the acquired image according to the type of the model 20 identified by the code reading unit 14. That is, the image acquisition unit 162 acquires an image corresponding to the type of the model 20. Then, based on the behavior information, the model operation unit 163 causes the model 20 to execute an operation corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle 40, and the reproduction control unit 164 causes the smartphone 30 to reproduce the image processed according to the type of the model 20 so as to be synchronized with the operation of the model 20 by the model operation unit 163. As a result, since the display mode of the reproduced image can be varied according to the type of the model 20 to be reproduced, the variety of displays increases, and it becomes possible to reproduce the behavior of the vehicle 40 with higher entertainment than before. Also, for the reproduction of behavior for the purpose of analyzing near misses, by causing the model 20A of the type "mini car" to reproduce the behavior, the image can be reproduced as it is without being processed, or in a situation where the user's mood is down, by causing the model 20C of the type "clapping doll" to reproduce the behavior, an image processed into a lively atmosphere can be reproduced to relieve the depressed mood. Thus, the user can select the model 20 to be reproduced according to the application.

[0048] Also, in the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 according to the present embodiment, when causing the model 20 to execute an operation corresponding to the behavior of the vehicle 40, if a specific condition set for each type of the model 20 is satisfied, it becomes possible to cause the model 20 to execute a specific operation set for each type of the model 20. That is, not only the operation for reproducing the behavior of the vehicle 40 but also the unique operation according to the type of the model 20 can be caused to be executed by the model 20, so that it becomes possible to reproduce the behavior of the vehicle 40 with higher entertainment.

[0049] (Variations) This invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, parts of the above embodiments can be omitted or replaced, or arbitrary configurations can be added. Also, the hardware configuration, functional configuration, flowchart, etc. shown in the above embodiments are examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0050] For example, the playback control unit 164 of the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 may correct the image reproduced on the smartphone 30 based on the behavior of the vehicle 40. Specifically, the playback control unit 164 may correct the road in the reproduced image to curve according to the steering angle of the vehicle 40 indicated by the acquired behavior information. In this way, the orientation of the model 20 and the direction of the road in the image reproduced on the smartphone 30 can be accurately matched. In addition, when reproducing the behavior of the model 20B of type "winged miniature car", the playback control unit 164 may increase or decrease the number of clouds and converging lines (see Figure 9B) attached to the reproduced image according to the speed of the vehicle 40. In this way, the sense of speed of the vehicle 40 can be easily perceived visually by the user.

[0051] For example, in the above embodiment, the image captured by the camera 45 of the vehicle 40 was played back on the smartphone 30 as an image corresponding to the forward view of the vehicle 40, but an image different from the image captured by the camera 45 may be played back. For example, as an image corresponding to the forward view of the vehicle 40, guidance images displayed on a car navigation system may be played back on the smartphone 30. Furthermore, the smartphone 30 may play back images corresponding to the right view of the vehicle 40, images corresponding to the left view, etc., without being limited to the forward view. In addition, images other than those corresponding to the view may be played back on the smartphone 30 in synchronization with the movement of the model 20. For example, the image acquisition unit 162 of the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 may acquire pre-prepared images such as an image of the sky if the identified type of model 20 is a "winged miniature car", an image of a food stall if it is a "clapping doll", or an image of a Japanese garden if it is a "shishi-odoshi", and the playback control unit 164 may play them back on the smartphone 30.

[0052] For example, in the above embodiment, images were played on a smartphone 30, but images may be played on a display device other than a smartphone 30. For example, images may be played on a tablet device, a portable game console, etc. Alternatively, images may be played on a display device that is integrally provided with the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10.

[0053] For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 acquired vehicle behavior information and forward view images from the database 51 of the cloud server 50, but it may also acquire them directly from the vehicle information collection device 41 without going through the cloud server 50. In this case, it is necessary to configure the database 51 in the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10. Alternatively, the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 may be fixed to the dashboard of the vehicle 40, and the model 20 may reproduce the actions corresponding to the behavior of the vehicle 40 in real time.

[0054] For example, in the above embodiment, the type of model 20 was identified by reading the QR code 28 attached to the model 20 with the code reader 14. However, the method of identifying the type of model 20 is not limited to this. For example, the type of model 20 may be identified by reading other codes such as barcodes. For example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag containing identification information corresponding to the type may be attached to the model 20, and the type of model 20 may be identified by reading the RFID tag, or the identification information corresponding to the type of model 20 may be stored in the memory 26 (for example, ROM) of the model 20.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the control unit 16 of the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 executes a program to realize each function, but the control unit 16 may also be configured with dedicated hardware to realize each function.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 16 of the vehicle behavior reproduction device 10 may be configured to realize each function by distributing a control program for executing the operations of the above embodiment on a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), or memory card, and installing the program on a computer. In cases where each function is realized through a division of labor between the OS (Operating System) and the application, or through cooperation between the OS and the application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the recording medium.

[0057] The present invention allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. In other words, the scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent significance of disclosure are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

[0058] 1 Vehicle behavior reproduction system, 2 Mounting surface, 10 Vehicle behavior reproduction device, 11 Main body, 111 Control circuit unit, 112 Mounting unit, 12 Terminal support part, 12a Horizontal part, 12b Inclined part, 12c Widening part, 13 Communication part, 14 Code reading part, 15 Operation part, 16 Control unit, 161 Behavior information acquisition part, 162 Image acquisition part, 163 Model operation part, 164 Playback control unit, 17 Memory part, 18 Servo motor, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D Model, 21 Movable part, 22 Drive part, 23 Control unit, 24 Speaker, 25 LED, 26 Memory, 27 Communication part, 28 QR code, 30 Smartphone, 31 Control unit, 32 Memory part, 33 Communication part, 34 Touch panel, 40 Vehicle, 41 Vehicle information collection device, 42 Communication device, 43 Controller, 44 Sensor, 45 Camera, 50 Cloud server, 51 Database, R Arrow.

Claims

1. A vehicle behavior reproduction device comprising: a behavior information acquisition unit that acquires behavior information indicating the time-series behavior of a vehicle; an image acquisition unit that acquires an image; a model operation unit that causes a model to perform an action corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle based on the behavior information; a type identification unit that identifies the type of the model; and a playback control unit that plays the image on a display device in synchronization with the operation of the model by the model operation unit, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires an image corresponding to the type of model identified by the type identification unit.

2. The vehicle behavior reproduction device according to claim 1, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires an image corresponding to the type of model by processing an image corresponding to the field of view of the vehicle according to the type of model.

3. The vehicle behavior reproduction device according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction control unit corrects the image to be reproduced based on the behavior of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle behavior reproduction device according to claim 1, wherein the model operating unit causes the model to perform a specific operation when a specific condition is met while the operation is being performed on the model, and the specific condition and the content of the specific operation are set for each type of model.

5. A vehicle behavior reproduction system comprising a model, a vehicle behavior reproduction device, and a display device, wherein the vehicle behavior reproduction device comprises: a behavior information acquisition unit that acquires behavior information indicating the time-series behavior of a vehicle; an image acquisition unit that acquires an image; a model operation unit that causes the model to perform an operation corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle based on the behavior information; a type identification unit that identifies the type of the model; and a playback control unit that plays the image on the display device in synchronization with the operation of the model by the model operation unit, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires an image corresponding to the type of model identified by the type identification unit.

6. A method for reproducing vehicle behavior, comprising: acquiring behavior information indicating the time-series behavior of a vehicle; identifying the type of model; acquiring an image corresponding to the identified type of model; causing the model to perform an action corresponding to the time-series behavior of the vehicle based on the behavior information; and reproducing the image in synchronization with the action of the model performed.

Images