JP2025126318A - Information processing device, information processing method and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To support so that an application for providing the content information to be reproduced and outputted in a vehicle can be appropriately set for outputting.SOLUTION: An information processing device 200, which reproduces and outputs content information acquired from an application capable of providing the content information to a moving body, includes: an acquisition part 231 for acquiring result information on the reproduction output of the content information; a generation part 232 for analyzing the result information acquired by the acquisition part 231 and generating utilization information used for the output setting of the content information by the application; and an output part 233 for outputting the utilization information generated by the generation part 232 to the application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Technology has been known to output information such as warning information, route guidance information, road traffic information, tourist information, and advertising information as audio information to drivers while they are driving a vehicle.

However, if the playback and output timing of these pieces of audio information overlaps, it may become difficult to hear or may interfere with driving. Therefore, a system has been proposed that schedules the playback and output timing of these pieces of audio information so that they do not interfere with each other.

JP 2013-221837 A

However, one example of the problem with the above-mentioned conventional technology is that it may not be possible to provide support for appropriate output settings for applications that provide content information to be played back and output in a vehicle.

For example, the above-mentioned prior art merely selects, from among the various combinations of playback orders for audio information when there is a risk of interference between the playback of multiple pieces of audio information, the playback order that results in the least degree of loss due to non-playback or delayed playback; it does not mention or suggest the existence of an application that provides the audio information or the provision of information to the application.

Therefore, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not necessarily support appropriate output settings for applications that provide content information to be played and output in a vehicle.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program that can assist applications that provide content information to be played and output in a vehicle in appropriately setting output settings.

The information processing device of claim 1 is an information processing device that reproduces and outputs content information acquired from an application capable of providing content information to a mobile object, and is characterized by having an acquisition unit that acquires performance information including output performance information indicating whether the content information has been reproduced and output, a generation unit that analyzes the performance information acquired by the acquisition unit and generates usage information used by the application to set the output of the content information, and an output unit that outputs the usage information generated by the generation unit to the application.

The information processing method of claim 11 is an information processing method executed by an information processing device that reproduces and outputs content information obtained from an application capable of providing content information to a mobile object, and is characterized by including an acquisition step of acquiring performance information including an output performance indicating whether the content information has been reproduced and output; a generation step of analyzing the performance information obtained by the acquisition step and generating usage information used by the application to set the output of the content information; and an output step of outputting the usage information generated by the generation step to the application.

The information processing program of claim 12 is an information processing program executed by an information processing device that causes content information acquired from an application capable of providing content information to be played and output to a mobile object, and is characterized in that it causes a computer included in the information processing device to function as: an acquisition means that acquires performance information including an output performance indicating whether the content information has been played and output; a generation means that analyzes the performance information acquired by the acquisition means and generates usage information used by the application to set the output of the content information; and an output unit that outputs the usage information generated by the generation means to the application.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the information matching process. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the travel information database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of information processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing modifications corresponding to the information processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an overview of an information processing procedure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a determination process procedure included in the information processing procedure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a performance information database according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an overall image of an information processing procedure focusing on output results. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an overall image of an information processing procedure focusing on advertising performance. FIG. 15 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device.

Below, a description will be given of a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the following embodiments, the term "vehicle" can be interpreted as "moving body," "driving conditions" as "moving conditions," and "driving speed" as "moving speed." Furthermore, expressions such as "playing and outputting in a vehicle" include the meaning of "playing and outputting to a terminal device traveling with the vehicle." Furthermore, expressions such as "the vehicle controls output to play and output content information" include the meaning of output control to a terminal device and the provision (output) of content information to the user of the vehicle.

1. Introduction
Examples of terminal devices that travel with a vehicle include terminal devices installed in the vehicle (e.g., in-vehicle devices) and terminal devices such as smartphones owned by users (e.g., vehicle passengers, including the driver), and applications that provide various types of content to such terminal devices are known.

For example, there are applications that assist users in driving by providing content information tailored to the vehicle's driving conditions and the situation of the user driving the vehicle, or content information that provides route guidance based on various inputs (e.g., text input or voice input). There are also applications that assist users in driving more comfortably by providing various content information such as tourist guides, store guides, advertising information, and other useful information as the vehicle moves.

Here, applications may be classified into specific types depending on the categories of content information they can provide. For example, applications related to ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) provide content information categorized as "warnings" or "cautions," and are therefore classified as "ADAS" or "safety support." On the other hand, applications related to various types of guidance (e.g., route guidance, tourist information, etc.) provide content information categorized as "guidance," and are therefore classified as "guidance support." Furthermore, applications related to store information (e.g., store advertisements) provide content information categorized as "advertising," and are therefore classified as "advertising provision."

The application also passes the content information it wishes to provide to the user to an information matching engine (more specifically, a computer equipped with an information matching engine), which will be described later, and plays back and outputs the content information via the information matching engine. At this time, the application assigns meta information to the content information, including range information indicating the range to be played back and output, category information indicating the category of the content information, and the length (playback time) of the content information.

Range information indicating the range within which content information should be played back corresponds to condition information that specifies the geographical range, time range, vehicle travel distance range, vehicle pass area range, vehicle speed range, etc. within which content information should be played back, and that conditions content information to be played back within that range. The following embodiments will be described focusing on area information (an example of range information) indicating the geographical range within which content information should be played back, but the information processing according to the embodiments can also be applied to ranges other than geographical ranges, i.e., time range, vehicle travel distance range, vehicle pass area range, and vehicle speed range.

Furthermore, when each application sets a geographic range in this way, some or all of the geographic ranges may overlap between applications. This can result in interference between playback and output of content information corresponding to the overlapping geographic ranges. Furthermore, since the content information is configured as an audio message, taking into account that the intended user is a vehicle occupant, interference in playback and output could interfere with driving. For this reason, a computer equipped with an information matching engine determines the appropriate output order and timing under the control of the information matching engine. Furthermore, as the driving conditions of a vehicle change constantly while in motion, such a computer predicts the driving conditions and prioritizes the content information to be played and output in order to optimize it.

In addition, depending on the determined priority and output order, some content information may be discarded without being played back. For this reason, applications may attempt to dynamically control (output settings) the range in which their content information is played back as efficiently as possible. A computer equipped with an information matching engine can also support the application in setting the output by providing feedback to the application based on performance information regarding playback output.

[2. About the System]
Next, a system including the above-described application and a computer equipped with an information matching engine will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an information processing system Sy as an example of a system according to an embodiment. Information processing according to an embodiment, which will be described later, is realized by the information processing system Sy.

(Regarding the terminal device 10)
The terminal device 10 (edge terminal) is an information processing terminal used by a user (a passenger in a vehicle). The terminal device 10 may be, for example, a stationary in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, or a portable terminal device (for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a PDA, or the like) owned by the user. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 is assumed to be an in-vehicle device.

In the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device 10 is provided in a vehicle VE1 driven by the user U1, and plays back and outputs content information in accordance with output control by a computer equipped with an information matching engine. For example, the terminal device 10 has a notification unit (output unit) and outputs content information from this notification unit. For example, the notification unit may be a speaker or a display screen, and the terminal device 10 plays back and outputs content information in the form of a voice message (audio content) via the speaker. The notification unit may also be a display screen, and the terminal device 10 can display information supporting the content of the audio content on the display screen.

In addition, various applications such as an ADAS app, navigation app, music app, delivery app, insurance app, etc. may be installed on the terminal device 10 at the user's discretion, and such applications can transmit user information, including account information and setting information set by the user, to the cloud computer CCP2 described below.

The application installed in the terminal device 10 may be an application for an edge terminal that corresponds to an application that provides content information in the form of a voice message along with range information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "app according to the embodiment"), or it may be any application different from the app according to the embodiment.

(About the edge computer ECP1)
The edge computer ECP1 is a computer that performs data processing (edge processing) near the terminal device 10, and includes a situation assessment engine E30-1 and an information matching engine E100-1. In addition, according to the example of Fig. 1, the edge computer ECP1 is provided with an application AP1x (e.g., application AP11, application AP12, application AP13, etc.) as an application according to the embodiment.

In the example of FIG. 1, application AP1x is provided inside edge computer ECP1, but application AP1x may also be independent of edge computer ECP1. In such a case, for example, information processing system Sy may further include a server device (app server) corresponding to application AP1x, while edge computer ECP1 may not have application AP1x internally.

Furthermore, because application AP1x is an app that provides content information that requires more urgent output to the user, it is incorporated into edge computer ECP1 located near terminal device 10. This allows the content information provided by application AP1x to be played back and output with a shorter time lag in accordance with the driving conditions of vehicle VE1. For this reason, application AP1x may be, for example, an app related to ADAS, and provides content information categorized as "warnings" or "cautions."

The edge computer ECP1 may also have a general-purpose proxy application, as shown in Figure 1.

(About Cloud Computer CCP2)
The cloud computer CCP2 is a computer that exists on the cloud side and provides various types of information, for example, in a push format, and has a situation assessment engine E30-2 and an information matching engine E100-2 built in. Also, according to the example of Fig. 1, the cloud computer CCP2 is provided with an application AP2x (for example, application AP21, application AP22, application AP23, etc.) as an application according to the embodiment.

In the example of FIG. 1, application AP2x is provided inside cloud computer CCP2, but application AP2x may also be independent of cloud computer CCP2. In such a case, for example, information processing system Sy may further include a server device (application server) corresponding to application AP2x, while cloud computer CCP2 may not have application AP2x internally.

Furthermore, application AP2x may be an app that provides content information that does not require immediate output to the user. For this reason, application AP2x is incorporated into a cloud computer CCP2 on the cloud side, which is separate from terminal device 10. For this reason, application AP2x may be, for example, an app related to guidance support or advertising provision, and provides content information categorized as "guidance" or "advertising."

(Specific examples of information processing)
Next, specific examples of processes performed by the application, the situation assessment engine, and the information matching engine according to the embodiment will be described. In the following, the content information will be described as audio content. The content information is not limited to audio content, but may also be, for example, video content.

First, a specific example of processing by an application according to the embodiment will be described. Since the processing content is the same for both application AP1x and AP2x, application AP1x will be used as an example.

Application AP1x personalizes the audio content provided to each user based on the user's usage history. Furthermore, application AP1x performs processing to determine the content of the audio message to respond with based on the content of the utterances input by the user, so as to enable dialogue with the user. Application AP1x can also determine the audio content to be provided to the user and the content of the audio message to respond to the user, based on the user's situation.

In addition, application AP1x performs generation processing to generate audio content. For example, application AP1x determines the category of audio content to be played back based on data received from situation assessment engine E30-1 (or situation assessment engine E30-2 in the case of application AP2x), and generates audio content with content belonging to the determined category.

For example, application AP1x generates audio content based on the vehicle's driving situation ascertained by situation assessment engine E30-1. Note that the audio content generated by the generation process may be, for example, text data that will ultimately serve as the basis for the audio message to be notified to the user, and may define the content of the audio message that is later converted into audio data. In other words, application AP1x is not limited to generating audio data as audio content, but may also generate other types of data that will serve as the basis for the audio message as audio content.

Application AP1x can also specify the timing for playing and outputting audio content. For example, application AP1x can generate range information indicating the range within which audio content is permitted to be played and output, using the geographic range, time range, vehicle mileage range, vehicle passing area range, or vehicle speed range within which the audio content should be played and output. In such cases, application AP1x sends audio content with meta information including the range information to information matching engine E100-1 (information matching engine E100-2 in the case of application AP2x), thereby requesting (reserving) that the terminal device 10 play and output the audio content under the conditions indicated by the range information.

Next, we will explain a specific example of processing by the situation assessment engine. Since the processing content is the same for both situation assessment engines E30-1 and E30-2, we will explain the situation assessment engine E30-1 as an example.

The situation assessment engine E30-1 performs situation assessment processing, which is an analytical process for assessing the vehicle's driving conditions. For example, the situation assessment engine E30-1 senses the vehicle's driving conditions based on sensor information obtained from various sensors. Note that the sensors referred to here may be, for example, sensors provided in the vehicle or sensors possessed by the terminal device 10, and examples include acceleration sensors, gyro sensors, magnetic sensors, GPS, cameras, microphones, etc.

For example, the situation assessment engine E30-1 can perform the following series of analytical processes. For example, the situation assessment engine E30-1 performs sensing based on sensor information acquired from the above sensors and performs base analysis by using the sensing results as core elements. In the base analysis, the situation assessment engine E30-1 extracts necessary data using the core elements as information sources and converts and processes the extracted data. Next, the situation assessment engine E30-1 performs high-level analysis using the converted and processed data. In the high-level analysis, the situation assessment engine E30-1 analyzes specific driving conditions based on the converted and processed data. For example, the situation assessment engine E30-1 analyzes the vehicle's driving conditions, such as whether it is traveling on a straight road or turning, driving speed, direction of travel, and traffic congestion.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the situation assessment engine E30-2 may use statistical information obtained by statistical processing of logs related to driving conditions and user operations in its situation assessment processing.

Next, a specific example of processing by the information matching engine will be described. Since the processing content is the same for both information matching engines E100-1 and E100-2, the information matching engine E100-1 will be used as an example. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the information matching engine E100-1 has a request manager function and a response manager function.

The request manager function accepts requests from application AP1x (application AP2x in the case of information matching engine E100-2) and performs queuing according to the accepted request. Note that the request here may be an output request requesting that the generated audio content be played back and output, and is sent, for example, including the audio content. The request manager function also queues the accepted audio content in the content buffer.

The response manager function performs output decision processing in accordance with rules. For example, the response manager function performs output decision processing in accordance with an output decision algorithm. More specifically, the response manager function determines the priority and output order for the audio content reserved for output, based on driving information indicating the driving situation grasped by the situation assessment engine E30-1 (or situation assessment engine E30-2 in the case of the information matching engine E100-2) and range information included in the request. The response manager function then controls the terminal device 10 to play and output the audio content in the output order according to the determined priority.

[3. Information processing flow]
Next, the flow of information processing (information processing according to the embodiment) realized by the information processing system Sy will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Here, a situation is assumed in which audio content is played back and output to a user U1 driving a vehicle VE1 via a terminal device 10 corresponding to an in-vehicle device of the vehicle VE1. In this situation, the terminal device 10 transmits sensor information detected by its own sensor to the edge computer ECP1 as needed.

In this state, the flow of information originating from the edge computer ECP1 is shown first. When the situation assessment engine E30-1 possessed by the edge computer ECP1 acquires sensor information transmitted from the terminal device 10, it performs situation assessment processing to grasp the driving state of the vehicle VE1. For example, the situation assessment engine E30-1 performs detailed situation assessment processing by carrying out a series of analytical processes, including sensing using the sensor information, base analysis using the sensing results as core elements, and higher-level analysis using data obtained as a result of the base analysis.

The situation assessment engine E30-1 then transmits driving information indicating the driving conditions grasped by the situation assessment process to the user that will use the driving information. For example, the situation assessment engine E30-1 transmits the driving information to the information matching engine E100-1, application AP1x, and situation assessment engine E30-2. Note that the driving conditions referred to here may be, for example, the position, driving speed, and direction of travel of the vehicle VE1.

When application AP1x acquires driving information from the situation assessment engine E30-1, it performs a generation process to generate audio content based on the acquired driving information. For example, application AP1x generates audio content based on the driving conditions of vehicle VE1 based on the driving information acquired from situation assessment engine E30-1. Application AP1x also generates range information indicating the range within which the audio content is permitted to be played back, using the geographic range, time range, driving distance range of vehicle VE1, passing area range of vehicle VE1, or vehicle speed range within which the audio content should be played back, and assigns meta information including the generated range information to the audio content. Application AP1x then inputs the audio content with the assigned meta information to information matching engine E100-1.

When the situation assessment engine E30-2 acquires driving information from the situation assessment engine E30-1, it performs situation assessment processing to assess the driving status of the vehicle VE1 based on the acquired driving information. For example, the driving information acquired from the situation assessment engine E30-1 is stored in a predetermined database owned by the cloud computer CCP2. This database may also store logs related to user operations, and the situation assessment engine E30-2 performs statistical processing on the driving information and operation logs that have been accumulated so far, and uses statistical information indicating the results of the statistical processing and external data acquired from outside to perform situation assessment processing to assess the driving status of the vehicle VE1.

Note that the external data referred to here is data that can only be obtained because it exists in the cloud, and is data that is useful for understanding driving conditions. Examples of external data include weather information indicating weather conditions, traffic information indicating traffic conditions, and road information indicating road conditions. Of course, external data is not limited to these examples.

The situation assessment engine E30-2 then transmits driving information indicating the driving conditions grasped by the situation assessment process to the user that will use the driving information. For example, the situation assessment engine E30-2 transmits the driving information to the information matching engine E100-2 and the application AP2x. Note that the driving conditions referred to here may be, for example, the position, driving speed, and direction of travel of the vehicle VE1.

In addition, situation assessment processing is performed between situation assessment engines E30-1 and E30-2, and information consistency processing is performed between applications AP1x and AP2x. In response to this, information consistency processing is performed between information consistency engines E100-2 and E100-1. For example, information consistency processing is performed between information consistency engines E100-2 and E100-1 to ensure that the optimal combination of audio content among the output candidate audio content generated by the generation processing is output in the optimal order.

For example, each piece of audio content generated by the generation process is associated with area information (an example of range information) as meta-information indicating the geographical range within which it should be played. Therefore, in the information consistency process, a playback output priority is calculated for each piece of audio content based on driving information indicating the driving conditions grasped by the situation assessment process. In addition, in the information consistency process, the output order of the combination of audio content according to priority is determined based on the playback time, area information, and driving information of each piece of audio content. Then, output control is performed so that the audio content included in this combination is played back in the determined output order so as not to interfere with each other.

In some cases, audio content may be associated with area information, as meta information, that indicates the geographic location or geographic range where playback output should end. In such cases, the information matching process may determine the output start timing for starting playback output based on the playback time of each of the multiple audio content items and the area information.

Below, an example of information matching processing and output control processing based on the results of the information matching processing will be explained using the example in Figure 1.

First, the information matching engine E100-2 performs output decision processing in accordance with area information (rules) that correspond to each piece of audio content input from the application AP2x and indicate the geographical range within which the content should be played. For example, the response manager function of the information matching engine E100-2 performs output decision processing in accordance with an output decision algorithm.

More specifically, the response manager function determines the priority and output order in which the audio content scheduled for output will actually be output, taking into account driving information indicating the driving situation grasped by the situation assessment engine E30-2 and the playback time of each audio content. For example, the response manager function determines the output order for a combination of audio content according to priority. Note that the response manager function may also perform output decision processing using user information sent from an application inserted in the terminal device 10, as shown in Figure 1.

The information matching engine E100-2 then outputs the information determined by the response manager function to the edge computer ECP1 as information corresponding to the output judgment result. The information output to the edge computer ECP1 is input to the information matching engine E100-1 via the edge computer ECP1's general-purpose proxy application.

The information matching engine E100-2 performs output judgment processing in accordance with the area information (rules) corresponding to the audio content input from the application AP1x and the audio content indicated by the combination input from the information matching engine E100-2 as the output judgment result. For example, the response manager function of the information matching engine E100-1 performs output judgment processing in accordance with an output judgment algorithm.

More specifically, the response manager function determines the final priority and output order for the audio content scheduled for output, taking into consideration the driving information indicating the driving situation grasped by the situation grasp engine E30-1, the playback time of each audio content, and the information determined by the information matching engine E100-2 (priority, output order). For example, the response manager function determines the output order for a combination of audio content according to priority.

The information matching engine E100-2 then controls the terminal device 10 to play and output the audio content in the output order determined by the priority. In accordance with this output control, the terminal device 10 plays and outputs the audio content included in the combinations determined by the priority in order so as not to interfere with each other.

Note that, according to the example of FIG. 1, the information matching engine E100-2 can also control the LED of the terminal device 10 to emit light according to the category, so that the user can recognize, for example, to which category the audio content currently being played and output belongs. Also, according to the example of FIG. 1, the information matching engine E100-2 can also control the display of the terminal device 10 to display information supporting the content of the audio content on the display screen.

4. Specific examples of information matching processing
Next, the information matching process performed by the information matching engine will be described in more detail using a specific example. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the information matching process. Figure 2 shows a scene in which the information matching process is performed by the information matching engine E100-1.

Figure 2 shows an example in which application AP11, an ADAS-related application residing on edge computer ECP1, generates audio content C111 (safety support information C111) with the message "Watch out for people jumping out into the street," and reserves (requests) playback output by sending an output request to information matching engine E100-1 requesting playback output of the generated audio content C111.

Figure 2 also shows an example in which application AP21, a guidance support-related application residing on cloud computer CCP2, generates audio content C211 (tourist information C211) with the message "Turn right ahead," and reserves (requests) playback output by sending an output request to information matching engine E100-1 requesting playback output of the generated audio content C211.

Figure 2 also shows an example in which application AP22, an advertising-related application residing on cloud computer CCP2, generates audio content C221 (store advertisement C221) with the message "Up ahead, there's a three-star restaurant..." and reserves (requests) playback output by sending an output request to information matching engine E100-1 requesting playback output of the generated audio content C221.

Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 2, the request manager function of the information matching engine E100-1 performs queuing in response to output requests received from applications AP11, AP21, and AP22. For example, the request manager function queues audio content C111, C211, and C221, which were received together with the output requests, in the content buffer.

The response manager function of the information matching engine E100-1 also performs output decision processing in accordance with rules. For example, the response manager function performs output decision processing in accordance with an output decision algorithm. More specifically, the response manager function determines the priority and output order of each audio content to be output and in what order based on the driving information indicating the driving situation grasped by the situation assessment engine E30-1, the area information included in the output request, and the playback time of each audio content scheduled for output. The response manager function then determines the output order for combinations of audio content according to the determined priority. The response manager function also controls the terminal device 10 to play and output the audio content corresponding to the combination in the determined output order.

5. Information Processing Device According to the Embodiment
1 shows an example in which information processing according to the embodiment is performed between an edge computer ECP1 and a cloud computer CCP2. From here, the following first and second embodiments will be described, in which a computer having an information matching engine E100-1 or an information matching engine E100-2 is used as an information processing device according to the embodiment.

The information processing device according to the embodiment may be a server device corresponding to the edge computer ECP1, or a server device corresponding to the cloud computer CCP2. Furthermore, the information processing device according to the embodiment may be a single server device configured by integrating the functions of the edge computer ECP1 and the functions of the cloud computer CCP2.

Furthermore, in the following description, the information processing device according to the first embodiment will be referred to as information processing device 100, and the information processing device according to the second embodiment will be referred to as information processing device 200.

In the first embodiment, a playback output priority is calculated for each of the multiple content information items using area information corresponding to each of the multiple content information items, the area information indicating the geographical area in which the content information items should be played back, the playback time for each of the multiple content information items, and driving information related to the vehicle's driving conditions. In addition, in the first embodiment, the output order for playing back the multiple content information items to the vehicle is determined according to the calculated priority.

In addition, in the second embodiment, feedback is provided to the application based on performance information regarding the playback output of content information.

5-1. First embodiment
From here, information processing according to the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, of the information processing according to the above-described embodiments, information processing performed by the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

5-1-1. Configuration of information processing device
First, an information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, an application APx, and a control unit 130.

(Regarding the communication unit 110)
The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network via a wired or wireless connection, and transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 10, for example.

(Regarding the storage unit 120)
The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 120 has a content database 121 (content buffer) and a driving information database 122.

(Regarding the content database 121)
The content database 121 stores various types of information related to content information. An example of the content database 121 according to the first embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. In the example of Fig. 4, the content database 121 has items such as "application ID,""contentID,""contentdata,""category,""metainformation," and "range information."

"App ID" indicates identification information that identifies an application (an application that can provide content information) according to an embodiment. "Content ID" indicates identification information that identifies content information (audio content) generated by the application indicated by the "App ID".

"Content data" is content information generated by the application indicated by the "app ID." "Category" indicates the category to which the content information generated by the application indicated by the "app ID" belongs. "Categories" include warnings, cautions, guidance, advertisements, entertainment, etc.

"Meta information" is attached to this content information, including range information indicating the range within which the content information should be played back, category information indicating the category of the content information, and the length (playback time) of the content information.

"Range information" corresponds to condition information that conditions the range within which content information should be played back (the acceptable range within which content information should be played back). For example, one example of "range information" is area information that indicates the geographic range within which content information should be played back. Other examples of "range information" include the time range within which content information should be played back, the vehicle's travel distance range, the vehicle's passing area range, and the vehicle's speed range. Note that "range information" may be set by the application according to the embodiment.

In other words, the example in Figure 4 shows an example in which an application (application AP11) identified by app ID "AP11" has generated content information (content information C111) identified by content ID "C111" and consisting of data #111.

The example in Figure 4 also shows that content information C111 is classified into the category "Warning" based on the content indicated by data #111.

In the example of Figure 4, meta information #111 is assigned to content information C111, and this meta information #111 includes area information indicating that the geographical area in which content information C111 should be played back is geographical area #111.

Note that in the example in Figure 4, conceptual symbols such as "#111" are used for simplicity, but in reality, valid information corresponding to each item is entered.

(Regarding the driving information database 122)
The travel information database 122 stores travel information relating to the travel status of the vehicle. An example of the travel information database 122 according to the first embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, the travel information database 122 has items such as "vehicle ID,""number of passengers,""terminalID,""time," and "travel information."

"Vehicle ID" indicates identification information that identifies the vehicle. "Number of passengers" indicates the number of passengers riding in the vehicle identified by the "Vehicle ID".

"Terminal ID" indicates identification information that identifies the terminal device 10 (on-board device) installed in the vehicle identified by the "Vehicle ID".

"Time" indicates the date and time when the "Driving Information" was acquired. "Driving Information" is the driving status of the vehicle identified by the "Vehicle ID," and indicates the driving status at the date and time indicated by "Time." Driving status also indicates, for example, whether the vehicle is driving on a straight road or not, whether it is turning, driving speed, driving position, direction of travel, and traffic congestion status.

(About application APx)
Returning to FIG. 3, application APx corresponds to application AP1x or AP2x according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG.

(Regarding the control unit 130)
The control unit 130 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like using RAM as a work area to execute various programs (e.g., the information processing program according to the embodiment) stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 100. The control unit 130 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 130 is equipped with an information matching engine E100. The information matching engine E100 corresponds to the information matching engine E100-1 or E100-2 described in FIG. 1. The information matching engine E100 includes a request manager function E101 and a response manager function E102.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the request manager function E101 may include a request reception unit and a queuing unit. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the response manager function E102 includes a first acquisition unit 131, a second acquisition unit 132, an identification unit 133, a prediction unit 134, a detection unit 135, a calculation unit 136, a determination unit 137, an output control unit 138, and an information control unit 139.

(Regarding the first acquisition unit 131)
The first acquisition unit 131 acquires driving information relating to the driving situation of the vehicle. For example, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires driving information indicating the driving situation of the vehicle grasped by the situation assessment process performed by the situation assessment engine E30-1 (E30-2).

(Regarding the second acquisition unit 132)
The second acquisition unit 132 acquires area information corresponding to each of a plurality of pieces of content information, the area information indicating a geographical range in which the content information should be played back. For example, the second acquisition unit 132 acquires area information indicating a geographical range in which content information having a time range (playback time) should be played back from start to finish. For example, the area information is included in meta information and transmitted by the application APx together with the content information. Therefore, the second acquisition unit 132 can also acquire area information by acquiring content information input by the application APx.

(Regarding the identification unit 133)
The identification unit 133 identifies a destination vehicle to which the content information is to be distributed, based on driving information related to the vehicle's driving status. The destination vehicle to which the content information is to be distributed refers to the destination terminal device 10 to which the content information is to be distributed. The driving information here may be driving information acquired by the first acquisition unit 131.

In addition, the identification unit 133 may identify the destination vehicle from among the vehicles traveling on the road to be processed based on the driving information of each vehicle traveling on the road to be processed, or may identify the destination vehicle based on statistical information (statistical driving conditions) obtained from the driving information corresponding to each vehicle that has previously traveled on the road to be processed.

For example, the identification unit 133 extracts vehicles whose travel direction is a destination point according to the content information (e.g., a facility that is the target of advertising in the content information) based on the travel information, and identifies the extracted vehicles as destination vehicles. In this regard, for example, the identification unit 133 can identify vehicles that are predicted to reach the geographical range indicated by the area information in the future based on the travel information, and extract the identified vehicles as vehicles whose travel direction is the destination point.

Furthermore, for example, the identification unit 133 may extract vehicles traveling in the lane on the side where the target point corresponding to the content information is located, based on the driving information, and identify the extracted vehicles as the distribution destination vehicles.

(Regarding the prediction unit 134)
The prediction unit 134 predicts the vehicle's travel status within a geographical range based on the travel information. For example, the prediction unit 134 updates the prediction result by repeating the prediction of the vehicle's travel status within a geographical range, which is the travel status at a predetermined timing in the future, over time.

The driving information may include direction information indicating the vehicle's traveling direction, and the prediction unit 134 updates the predicted direction of travel by repeatedly predicting the vehicle's traveling direction at a predetermined timing based on the direction information as time passes.

The driving information may also include lane information indicating the vehicle's driving lane, and the prediction unit 134 updates the predicted driving lane by repeatedly predicting the vehicle's driving lane at predetermined timings based on the lane information over time.

The driving information may also include speed information regarding the vehicle's speed, and the prediction unit 134 updates the position prediction results by repeating vehicle position predictions at predetermined timings based on the speed information over time.

The driving information may also include traffic congestion information related to the vehicle, and the prediction unit 134 updates the predicted position result by repeatedly predicting the vehicle's position at a predetermined timing based on the traffic congestion information over time.

The travel information may also include speed information regarding the vehicle's speed within a geographical range, and the prediction unit 134 may predict the vehicle's travel speed at a specified timing as a travel status based on the speed information. For example, the prediction unit 134 may also predict the vehicle's travel speed at a specified timing based on traffic congestion information.

(Regarding the detection unit 135)
The detection unit 135 detects overlap between the geographical ranges indicated by the pieces of area information acquired by the second acquisition unit. For example, the detection unit 135 detects the extent of overlap between areas by comparing the geographical ranges indicated by the pieces of area information.

(Regarding the calculation unit 136)
The calculation unit 136 calculates the priority of reproduction output for each of the plurality of content information based on the prediction result by the prediction unit 134 .

For example, the calculation unit 136 calculates the playback output priority for each of the multiple content information based on the most recent prediction result among the prediction results obtained over time.

For example, in a situation where predictions of the traveling direction are repeated over time and the prediction results are updated, the calculation unit 136 calculates the playback output priority for each of the multiple pieces of content information based on the latest traveling direction. Furthermore, for example, in a situation where predictions of the traveling lane are repeated over time and the prediction results are updated, the calculation unit 136 calculates the playback output priority for each of the multiple pieces of content information based on the latest traveling lane.

Furthermore, for example, in a situation where predictions of driving positions are repeated over time and the prediction results are updated, the calculation unit 136 calculates the priority of playback output for each of the multiple pieces of content information based on the latest driving positions.Furthermore, for example, in a situation where predictions of driving speeds are repeated over time and the prediction results are updated, the calculation unit 136 calculates the priority of playback output for each of the multiple pieces of content information based on the latest driving speed.

The calculation unit 136 can calculate a higher priority for content information that is more highly relevant to the prediction result by the prediction unit 134 among multiple pieces of content information. For example, suppose the prediction unit 134 predicts that the vehicle will turn right at a specific timing. In this case, the calculation unit 136 can calculate a higher priority for content information that advertises a store located at the destination where the vehicle will turn right.

(Regarding the determination unit 137)
The determination unit 137 determines the output order when a plurality of pieces of content information are reproduced and output to the vehicle.

In one aspect, the determination unit 137 determines the output order when the multiple pieces of content information are to be played back and output to the vehicle based on the playback time of each piece of content information and area information. For example, the determination unit 137 determines the output order in which the multiple pieces of content information can be played back and output in order without interfering with each other when the predetermined timing arrives, based on the driving conditions of the vehicle in a geographical area, which is the driving conditions at a predetermined timing in the future.

For example, when the detection unit 135 detects overlapping areas, the determination unit 137 determines an output order that allows multiple pieces of content information to be played back and output in order without interfering with each other at a specified timing, based on the relationship between the detected overlapping areas and the playback times of each piece of content information corresponding to the geographical range that includes the overlapping areas.

For example, when the detection unit 135 detects an overlap of areas, the determination unit 137 determines the output order by further using driving information related to the driving conditions of vehicles present in a geographical range including the detected overlap. For example, when the detection unit 135 detects an overlap of areas, the determination unit 137 calculates a distance traveled by the vehicle in accordance with the playback time of the content information based on the vehicle's driving speed at a predetermined timing predicted from the speed information and the playback time of each piece of content information corresponding to the geographical range, and determines the output order based on the relationship between the calculated distance and the overlap. Also, when the detection unit 135 detects an overlap of areas, the determination unit 137 calculates a distance traveled by the vehicle in accordance with the playback time of the content information based on the vehicle's driving speed at a predetermined timing predicted from traffic congestion information and the playback time of each piece of content information corresponding to the geographical range, and determines the output order based on the relationship between the calculated distance and the overlap.

More specifically, based on the distance and relationship, the determination unit 137 extracts from the plurality of pieces of content information combinations that will enable the plurality of pieces of content information to be played back and output in order without interfering with each other at a predetermined timing, and determines the output order for the extracted combinations. For example, the determination unit 137 further uses priorities calculated from meta information assigned to each piece of content information to extract combinations from the plurality of pieces of content information, and determines the output order for the extracted combinations according to their priorities.

In another aspect, the determination unit 137 determines the output order when multiple pieces of content information are to be played back and output to the vehicle, based on the driving information and area information. For example, the determination unit 137 uses the prediction result obtained by the prediction unit 134 based on the driving information to determine the output order in which multiple pieces of content information can be played back and output in order without interfering with each other when a predetermined timing arrives. For example, the determination unit 137 uses the driving speed predicted by the prediction unit 134 based on speed information and traffic congestion information to determine the output order in which multiple pieces of content information can be played back and output in order without interfering with each other when a predetermined timing arrives.

If the detection unit 135 detects overlapping areas, the determination unit 137 determines the output order based on the relationship between the detected overlapping areas and the travel speed predicted by the prediction unit. For example, if the detection unit 135 detects overlapping areas, the determination unit 137 determines the output order based on the vehicle travel speed in the geographical area that includes the detected overlapping area, among the travel speeds predicted by the prediction unit 134, and the relationship between the overlapping areas.

More specifically, when the detection unit 135 detects an overlap of areas, the determination unit 137 calculates the distance the vehicle will travel in accordance with the playback time of the content information based on the driving speed in the geographical range including the overlap and the playback time of each piece of content information corresponding to the geographical range, and determines the output order based on the relationship between the calculated distance and the overlap.

As an example, the determination unit 137 extracts combinations from the plurality of pieces of content information that can be played back and output in order without interfering with each other at a predetermined timing based on the distance and relationship, and determines the output order for the extracted combinations. For example, the determination unit 137 further uses priorities calculated from meta information assigned to each piece of content information to extract combinations from the plurality of pieces of content information, and determines the output order for the extracted combinations according to the priorities.

In yet another aspect, the determination unit 137 determines the output order when multiple pieces of content information are to be played back and output to the vehicle, according to the priority calculated by the calculation unit 136. For example, the determination unit 137 determines the output order, according to the priority, that allows multiple pieces of content information to be played back and output in order without interfering with each other when a predetermined timing arrives.

(Regarding the output control unit 138)
The output control unit 138 performs output control so that the content information to be output is played back and output in the vehicle in accordance with the priority and output order determined by the determination unit 137. For example, the output control unit 138 performs output control on the terminal device 10 so that the content information to be output is played back and output in the output order according to the priority determined by the determination unit 137. For example, the output control unit 138 delivers the content information to be output to a destination vehicle (specifically, a terminal device 10 provided in the destination vehicle, or a terminal device 10 owned by a user of the destination vehicle).

(Regarding the information control unit 139)
When a combination that allows multiple pieces of content information to be played back and output in sequence without interfering with each other is extracted and there is content information excluded from the combination, the information control unit 139 estimates whether or not a margin area of grace will remain in the geographical range corresponding to the excluded content information even when the playback and output of the content information included in the combination is completed, and if it estimates that a margin area will remain, it acquires content information controlled to a playback time according to the margin area as additional content information to be played back and output in the margin area.

5-1-2. Specific example of information processing according to the first embodiment
From here, a specific example of information processing (decision processing) according to the first embodiment will be shown using Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of information processing according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 describes information processing (pattern 1) according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 describes information processing (patterns 2 and 3) according to the first embodiment.

Furthermore, Figures 6 and 7 show a determination process for determining the output order when content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 are played back and output to vehicle VE1 (from the MAP in Figure 6) traveling on road RD1 toward target point G1.

Furthermore, in the examples of Figures 6 and 7, vehicle VE1 is traveling on road RD1 at a speed of 60 km/h, and because a geographical range has been set for road RD1, content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 are candidate content information for output.

Furthermore, according to the examples of Figures 6 and 7, content information C111 has a playback time of 15 seconds, and geographical range #111 on road RD1 is attached as meta information. In other words, the geographical range #111 in which content information C111 should be played back exists on road RD1. Furthermore, content information C121 has a playback time of 15 seconds, and geographical range #121 on road RD1 is attached as meta information. In other words, the geographical range #121 in which content information C121 should be played back exists on road RD1.

Furthermore, content information C211 has a playback time of 30 seconds, and geographical range #211 on road RD1 is attached as meta information. In other words, geographical range #211 in which content information C211 should be played back exists on road RD1. Further, content information C221 has a playback time of 30 seconds, and geographical range #221 on road RD1 is attached as meta information. In other words, geographical range #221 in which content information C221 should be played back exists on road RD1.

Here, pattern 1 shows an example in which the output order is determined so that the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 can be played back in order without interfering with each other, without considering the priority between the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221, based on the distance traveled by the vehicle VE1 according to the playback time of each piece of content information and the relationship between the overlapping areas of each geographical range.

The playback time of content information C111 is "15 seconds," so the distance traveled by vehicle VE1 traveling at "60 km/h" during this time is "250 m." Furthermore, the playback time of content information C121 is "15 seconds," so the distance traveled by vehicle VE1 traveling at "60 km/h" during this time is "250 m."

Furthermore, since the playback time of content information C211 is "30 seconds," the distance traveled by vehicle VE1 traveling at "60 km/h" during this time is "500 m." Further, since the playback time of content information C221 is "30 seconds," the distance traveled by vehicle VE1 traveling at "60 km/h" during this time is "500 m."

Also, according to the example in Figure 6, the detection unit 135 detects area overlaps by comparing geographical ranges #111, #121, #211, and #221. As a result, the detection unit 135 detects four overlaps, as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 6: geographical range #121-#221, geographical range #121-#211-#221, geographical range #211-#221, and geographical range #111-#211.

In this state, the determination unit 137 determines the output order based on distance and overlap relationships, allowing the content information to be played back and output in order without interfering with each other, based on the prerequisite that content information C111 is played back and output within geographical range #111, content information C121 is played back and output within geographical range #121, content information C211 is played back and output within geographical range #211, and content information C221 is played back and output within geographical range #221, depending on the driving conditions of vehicle VE1.

As a result, according to the example of pattern 1 in Figure 6, the determination unit 137 can determine the output order as follows: content information C221 (No. 1) → C121 (No. 2) → C111 (No. 3) → C211 (No. 4).

Furthermore, the determination unit 137 can determine, for each piece of content information C111, C121, C211, and C221, which geographical range will actually be played back and output.

Specifically, the determination unit 137 determines the range position within geographic range #111 in which content information C111 will actually be played back. According to the example of pattern 1 in FIG. 6, the determination unit 137 can determine range position #11-1, which does not overlap with the range positions of other content information, as the range position in which content information C111 will actually be played back. Furthermore, the distance width indicating range position #11-1 may correspond to the distance of 250 m traveled by vehicle VE1 traveling at 60 km/h in response to a playback time of 15 seconds.

The determination unit 137 also determines the range position within the geographic range #121 in which the content information C121 will actually be played back. According to the example of pattern 1 in FIG. 6, the determination unit 137 can determine range position #12-1, which does not overlap with the range positions of other content information, as the range position in which the content information C121 will actually be played back. The distance width indicating range position #12-1 may correspond to the distance of 250 m traveled by the vehicle VE1 traveling at 60 km/h in response to a playback time of 15 seconds.

The determination unit 137 also determines the range position within geographic range #211 in which content information C211 will actually be played back. According to the example of pattern 1 in FIG. 6, the determination unit 137 can determine range position #21-1, which does not overlap with the range positions of other content information, as the range position in which content information C211 will actually be played back. The distance width indicating range position #21-1 may correspond to the distance of 500 m traveled by vehicle VE1 traveling at 60 km/h in response to a playback time of 30 seconds.

The determination unit 137 also determines the range position within geographic range #221 in which content information C221 will actually be played back. According to the example of pattern 1 in FIG. 6, the determination unit 137 can determine range position #22-1, which does not overlap with the range positions of other content information, as the range position in which content information C221 will actually be played back. The distance width indicating range position #22-1 may correspond to the distance of 500 m traveled by vehicle VE1 traveling at a speed of 60 km/h in response to a playback time of 30 seconds.

Next, pattern 2 will be described using Figure 7. In pattern 2, the priority of content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 is taken into consideration, and an example is shown in which an output order is determined that allows content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 to be played back in order without interfering with each other, based on the distance traveled by vehicle VE1 according to the playback time of each piece of content information and the relationship between the overlapping areas of each geographical range. Note that, apart from taking priority into consideration, the conditions are set in the same way as pattern 1, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

For example, the prediction unit 134 predicts the driving conditions of vehicle VE1 at a predetermined time in the future within a geographical range consisting of geographical ranges #111, #121, #211, and #221, based on driving information indicating the current driving conditions (which may be statistical driving information obtained from driving condition history). The calculation unit 136 calculates the playback output priority for each piece of content information based on the prediction results.

In the example of pattern 2 in FIG. 7, the calculation unit 136 has at least calculated that content information C121 has a higher priority than content information C221. As in pattern 1, the determination unit 137 determines the output order based on distance and overlap relationships, in which the content information can be played back and output in order without interfering with each other, based on the prerequisite that content information C111 is played back and output within geographical range #111, content information C121 is played back and output within geographical range #121, content information C211 is played back and output within geographical range #211, and content information C221 is played back and output within geographical range #221, in accordance with the travel of vehicle VE1.

However, in this case, unlike the example of pattern 1, the determination unit 137 determines the overall output order so that content information C121 is output earlier than content information C221, as shown in FIG. 7. For example, the determination unit 137 can determine the output order as follows: content information C121 (No. 1) → C221 (No. 2) → C111 (No. 3) → C211 (No. 4).

Next, pattern 3 will be explained using Figure 7. Pattern 3 also shows an example in which the output order is determined taking into account the priority among the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221, but the priority differs from the example of pattern 2.

Here, in the example of pattern 3 in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the calculation unit 136 has at least calculated that content information C211 has a higher priority than content information C111. As in pattern 1, the determination unit 137 determines the output order in which the content information can be played back and output in order without interfering with each other, based on the distance and overlap relationships, on the premise that content information C111 is played back and output within geographical range #111, content information C121 is played back and output within geographical range #121, content information C211 is played back and output within geographical range #211, and content information C221 is played back and output within geographical range #221, depending on the travel of vehicle VE1.

However, in this case, unlike the example of pattern 1, the determination unit 137 determines the overall output order so that content information C211 is output earlier than C111, as shown in FIG. 7. For example, the determination unit 137 can determine the output order as follows: content information C221 (No. 1) → C121 (No. 2) → C211 (No. 3) → C111 (No. 4).

5-1-3. Modification of information processing according to the first embodiment
Next, the processing performed by the information control unit 139 will be described using Fig. 8 as a modified example of the content described in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing modifications corresponding to the information processing according to the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 8, for the convenience of explaining the processing performed by the information control unit 139, the geographical range #211 corresponding to the content information C211 is narrower than in Fig. 6.

For example, the determination unit 137 extracts combinations that allow the content information to be played back and output in order without interfering with each other, based on the relationship between overlapping areas between geographical ranges and the distance traveled by the vehicle VE1 according to the playback time of each piece of content information. The determination unit 137 then determines, from among the extracted combinations, a combination whose order corresponds to the priority calculated by the calculation unit 136 as the content information to be output, and determines the order of the combination as the output order. This determination process may result in some content information being excluded from the combination, i.e., not being extracted as the content information to be output.

Here, Figure 8 shows an example in which content information C211 has been excluded from content information C111, C121, C211, and C221. In this example, content information C221, C121, and C111 are played back in this order, but it is estimated that a marginal margin area MAR will remain in the geographical range #211 corresponding to the excluded content information C211 when playback of content information C111, which is last in the output order, is completed. When it is estimated that a marginal margin area MAR will remain, the information control unit 139 acquires content information controlled to a playback time according to the marginal area MAR as additional content information to be played back in the marginal area MAR.

For example, if a short version of the excluded content information C211, which has the same content but a shorter playback time, has been registered in advance in the storage unit, the information control unit 139 can acquire this short version of the content information C211 as additional content information to be played back and output in the margin area MAR. In such a case, the output control unit 138 can play back and output the short version of the content information C211 when the playback and output of the content information C111 ends and the vehicle VE1 enters the margin area MAR.

When it is estimated that a blank area MAR will remain, the information control unit 139 may dynamically generate a short version that has the same content as the excluded content information C211 but a shorter playback time. When it is estimated that a blank area MAR will remain, the information control unit 139 may also control the playback time of the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 to be shorter than the current playback time so that all of the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 is played and output. For example, the information control unit 139 may shorten the playback time of all of the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221, or may shorten the playback time of at least one of the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221.

5-1-4. Information Processing Procedure According to the First Embodiment
Next, the procedure of information processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an overview of the procedure of information processing according to the first embodiment.

First, the second acquisition unit 132 recognizes which road is the target road from among the many candidate roads (step S101). Using the example of Figure 6, it is assumed that the second acquisition unit 132 recognizes road RD1 as the target road.

Next, the second acquisition unit 132 acquires, from the area information input by each application, area information for which a geographical range is set on road RD1 recognized in step S101 (step S102). Similarly, using the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the second acquisition unit 132 has acquired, as area information for which a geographical range is set on road RD1, area information corresponding to geographical range #111 set as meta information by application AP11, area information corresponding to geographical range #121 set as meta information by application AP12, area information corresponding to geographical range #211 set as meta information by application AP21, and area information corresponding to geographical range #221 set as meta information by application AP22.

The second acquisition unit 132 also acquires content information associated with each piece of area information acquired in step S102 as content information for output candidates (step S103). In the above example, the second acquisition unit 132 acquires content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 as content information for output candidates.

The first acquisition unit 131 also acquires driving information related to the vehicle's driving conditions (step S104). For example, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires driving information indicating the driving conditions as they are grasped at any time by the situation assessment engine E30-1 (E30-2). For example, the first acquisition unit 131 may acquire driving information indicating the driving conditions of a vehicle currently driving on road RD1, a vehicle currently driving near road RD1, or a vehicle predicted to enter road RD1 in the future.

Next, the identification unit 133 identifies a destination vehicle to which the content information will be distributed based on the driving information acquired in step S104 (step S105). For example, the identification unit 133 can extract vehicles traveling in the lane on the same side as the destination vehicle corresponding to each of the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 based on the driving information, and identify the extracted vehicles as destination vehicles. Furthermore, the identification unit 133 can extract vehicles traveling in the lane on the same side as the destination vehicle corresponding to each of the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221 based on the driving information, and identify the extracted vehicles as destination vehicles. In the example of FIG. 6, the identification unit 133 identifies vehicle VE1 as the destination vehicle based on the destination vehicle being destination point G1. Of course, the identification unit 133 may identify multiple destination vehicles, but for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed here that the identification unit 133 has identified one vehicle VE1.

In this state, the prediction unit 134 determines whether the vehicle VE1 has approached the geographical range indicated by the area information acquired in step S102 (step S106). For example, the prediction unit 134 determines whether the vehicle VE1 has approached the geographical range consisting of geographical ranges #111, #121, #211, and #221. While the prediction unit 134 determines that the vehicle VE1 has not approached the geographical range (step S106; No), it waits until it can determine that the vehicle VE1 has approached the geographical range.

On the other hand, if the prediction unit 134 determines that vehicle VE1 has approached the geographical range (step S106; Yes), it sets a future timing for predicting the driving conditions of vehicle VE1 (step S107). In other words, the prediction unit 134 determines at what future timing the driving conditions of vehicle VE1 will be predicted. As an example, the prediction unit 134 may set a timing a predetermined time after the present time (for example, 30 seconds from now) as the future timing, and in this case, performs a prediction process to predict the driving conditions of vehicle VE1 at this timing. Hereinafter, the timing set in step S107 will be referred to as the "set timing."

Next, the prediction unit 134 predicts the driving conditions of the vehicle VE1 at the set timing based on the current driving information using a loop described below (step S108).

Here, the prediction unit 134 repeats a prediction process that predicts the driving conditions at the set timing as time passes, using a loop described below. Therefore, if the prediction unit 134 has already predicted the driving conditions at the set timing from the driving information at that time before the current time, it updates the previous prediction result with the current prediction result (the prediction result based on the prediction in step S108) (step S109).

Next, the detection unit 135 detects area overlap between the geographical ranges indicated by each piece of area information (step S110). Specifically, the detection unit 135 compares geographical ranges #111, #121, #211, and #221, respectively, to detect the extent of overlap between which areas in geographical ranges #111, #121, #211, and #221.

From here, we will explain the processing flow when area overlap is detected between geographical ranges #111, #121, #211, and #221 (Step S110: Yes).

The calculation unit 136 calculates the playback output priority for each of the output candidate content information (content information C111, C121, C211, C221) based on the current prediction result (latest prediction result) predicted in step S108 (step S111).

For example, the calculation unit 136 may calculate a higher priority for content information that advertises facilities (e.g., stores) in a direction that is closer to the traveling direction of the vehicle VE1 at the set timing. Also, for example, the calculation unit 136 may calculate a higher priority for content information that advertises facilities that are located on the driving lane side of the vehicle VE1 at the set timing. Also, for example, the calculation unit 136 may calculate a higher priority for content information that advertises facilities that are closer to the position of the vehicle VE1 at the set timing. Thus, the calculation unit 136 can calculate a higher priority for content information that is more highly relevant to the prediction result by the prediction unit 134, among the content information C111, C121, C211, and C221.

Next, the determination unit 137 determines the output order of the combinations of output candidate content information (content information C111, C121, C211, C221) in accordance with the priorities calculated in step S111, i.e., which combinations of content information to play and output in the vehicle and in what order (step S112). For example, the determination unit 137 extracts combinations that allow the content information to be played and output in order without interfering with each other, based on the relationship between the overlapping areas detected in step S111 and the distance traveled by the vehicle VE1 according to the playback time of each piece of content information. The determination unit 137 then determines, from the extracted combinations, the combination that corresponds to the order based on the priorities calculated by the calculation unit 136 as the content information to be output, and determines the order of the combinations as the output order.

In addition, in step S112, the determination unit 137 may also determine, for each piece of content information to be output, the range position within the geographical range corresponding to that content information in which that content information will actually be played back and output.

Next, the output control unit 138 controls the output so that the content information included in the combination (content information to be output) is played back and output in the output order determined in step S112 when the set timing arrives (step S113). For example, the output control unit 138 controls the output of the terminal device 10 so that the content information to be output is played back and output in the output order according to the priority determined by the determination unit 137 and at the range position.

Here, the prediction unit 134 determines whether the set timing set in step S107 has elapsed (step S114). If the prediction unit 134 determines that the set timing has elapsed (step S114; Yes), it returns to step S107 and sets a new timing, thereby repeating the processing from step S107 onwards.

On the other hand, if the prediction unit 134 determines that the set timing has not elapsed (step S114; No), it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the prediction was made in step S108 (step S115). For example, the prediction unit 134 determines whether 5 seconds have elapsed since the prediction was made in step S108.

If the prediction unit 134 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the prediction was made in step S108 (step S115; No), it waits until it can determine that the predetermined time has elapsed. On the other hand, if the prediction unit 134 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S115; Yes), it returns to step S108.

Next, we will explain the processing flow when no area overlap is detected between geographical ranges #111, #121, #211, and #221 (Step S110: No).

In this example, for each piece of output candidate content information (content information C111, C121, C211, C221), the determination unit 137 determines the range position within the geographical range corresponding to that content information in which that content information will actually be played back (step S116).

When the set timing arrives, the output control unit 138 controls the terminal device 10 to play and output the content information for each output candidate at the range position determined in step S116 (step S117).

5-1-5. Decision Processing Procedure
Next, the procedure of the determination process performed in step S112 of Fig. 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the determination process included in the information processing procedure according to the first embodiment.

For example, the determination unit 137 acquires content information corresponding to the geographical range including the overlap detected in step S110 from the content information of the output candidates (content information C111, C121, C211, C221) (step S201).

The determination unit 137 also acquires the travel speed of the vehicle VE1 at the set timing from among the travel speeds (an example of travel conditions) predicted by the prediction unit 134 within the geographical range that includes the overlap detected in step S110 (step S202).

Then, for each piece of content information that is an output candidate, the determination unit 137 calculates the distance the vehicle will travel in accordance with the playback time based on the playback time of that content information and the driving speed acquired in step S202 (step S203).

Next, the determination unit 137 extracts combinations that allow the output candidate content information to be played back in order without interfering with each other, based on the relationship and distance of the overlaps detected in step S110 (step S204).

Then, the determination unit 137 determines the extracted combination, sorted in accordance with the priority, as the content information to be output, and determines the sorting order of that combination as the output order (step S205).

Furthermore, for each content to be output that is included in the combination extracted in step S204, the determination unit 137 determines the range position within the geographical range corresponding to the content information in which the content information will actually be played back and output (step S206).

[5-1-6. Summary]
The information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment acquires area information corresponding to each of a plurality of pieces of content information, the area information indicating a geographical range in which the content information should be played and output. The information processing device 100 then determines the output order of the plurality of pieces of content information to be played and output to a vehicle based on the playback time of each piece of content information and the area information. According to the information processing device 100, each piece of content information associated with a geographical range in which the content information should be played and output can be played and output from the vehicle in order without interfering with each other within the geographical range.

In addition, the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment acquires driving information relating to the vehicle's driving conditions, and also acquires area information corresponding to each of a plurality of pieces of content information, which area information indicates the geographical range in which the content information should be played and output. The information processing device 100 then determines the output order for playing and outputting the plurality of pieces of content information from the vehicle based on the driving information and the area information. With this information processing device 100, each piece of content information associated with a geographical range in which it should be played and output can be played and output from the vehicle in order without interfering with each other within that geographical range.

The information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment also acquires driving information relating to the vehicle's driving conditions, and also acquires area information corresponding to each of a plurality of pieces of content information, indicating a geographical range in which the content information should be played back. The information processing device 100 then predicts the vehicle's driving conditions within that geographical range based on the driving information, and calculates a playback output priority for each of the plurality of pieces of content information based on the prediction results. The information processing device 100 then determines the output order for playing back and outputting the plurality of pieces of content information to the vehicle, based on the calculated priorities. Such an information processing device 100 can optimize the playback output of content information in response to changes in the driving conditions by predicting the vehicle's driving conditions.

5-2. Second embodiment
Up to this point, the first embodiment has been described. From here, information processing according to the second embodiment will be described. Specifically, information processing performed by the information processing device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described.

5-2-1. Configuration of information processing device
First, an information processing device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the information processing device 200 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 220, an application APx, and a control unit 230. Descriptions of processing units that are assigned the same reference numerals as those in the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

(Regarding the storage unit 220)
The storage unit 220 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 220 further has a performance information database 223 in addition to the content database 121 and the driving information database 122.

(Regarding the performance information database 223)
The performance information database 223 stores performance information related to the reproduction output of content information. Here, Fig. 12 shows an example of the performance information database 223 according to the second embodiment. In the example of Fig. 12, the performance information database 223 has items such as "category,""appID,""contentID,""rangeinformation," and "performance information." Furthermore, according to the example of Fig. 12, the "performance information" has items such as "output tag,""output date and time,""rangeposition,""output destination vehicle information,""other content output information," and "conversion information."

"Category" indicates the category to which the content information identified by the corresponding "Content ID" belongs.

"App ID" indicates identification information that identifies an application (an application that can provide content information) according to an embodiment. "Content ID" indicates identification information that identifies content information (audio content) generated by the application indicated by the "App ID".

"Range information" corresponds to condition information that conditions the range within which content information should be played back (the acceptable range within which content information should be played back). For example, one example of "range information" is area information that indicates the geographic range within which content information should be played back. Other examples of "range information" include the time range within which content information should be played back, the vehicle's travel distance range, the vehicle's passing area range, and the vehicle's speed range. Note that "range information" may be set by the application according to the embodiment.

"Performance information" refers to various performance information related to the playback output of content information. Specifically, examples of performance information include items such as "output tag," "output date and time," "range position," "destination vehicle information," "other content output information," and "conversion information."

In the first embodiment, it was explained that some content information may be discarded without being played back depending on the priority and output order. The "output tag" is information that indicates whether the content information identified by the corresponding "content ID" was played back or discarded without being played back. For example, the output tag "○" is associated with the "content ID" of content information that was played back. On the other hand, the output tag "×" is associated with the "content ID" of content information that was discarded without being played back. The example in Figure 12 shows an example in which content information C111 was played back, while content information C112 and C211 were not played back.

"Output date and time" indicates information related to the date and time when the content information identified by the "Content ID" was played and output. In the example of Figure 12, content information C111 was played and output at output date and time #111.

"Range position" is information that indicates the range position at which the content information identified by the "Content ID" was actually played back within the geographic range indicated by the "Range information." The example in Figure 12 shows that content information C111 was actually played back within geographic range #111 at range position #111.

"Destination vehicle information" is information that indicates the destination vehicle (terminal device 10) to which the content information identified by the "content ID" has been distributed so that it can be played back. The example in Figure 12 shows that content information C111 has been distributed to vehicle #111.

"Other content output information" indicates information about other content that is preferentially played and output in place of content information identified by "content ID" when that content information is discarded without being played and output. In the example of Figure 12, output information #112 is shown as information about other content that is preferentially played and output in place of content information C112, which was not played and output.

"Conversion information" is information that indicates how much content information identified by a "content ID" contributed to a user's conversion of the advertising target. For example, "conversion information" may be the conversion rate of content information identified by a "content ID." In the example of Figure 12, content information C111 is an example of the conversion rate indicated by conversion information #111.

Although not shown in the example of FIG. 12, the performance information database 223 may store information other than "conversion information" as long as the information is capable of evaluating advertising effectiveness. For example, the performance information database 223 may store various advertising evaluation values.

(Regarding the control unit 230)
11 , the control unit 230 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like executing various programs (for example, the information processing program according to the embodiment) stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 200 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 230 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 230 further includes a performance acquisition unit 231, a generation unit 232, an output unit 233, a selection unit 234, and a proposal unit 235.

(Regarding the performance acquisition unit 231)
The performance acquisition unit 231 acquires performance information related to the playback output of content information. As described above, content information is associated with range information indicating the range to be played back. Therefore, the performance acquisition unit 231 acquires performance information related to the playback output within the range indicated by the range information.

The performance acquisition unit 231 can also acquire performance information indicating output performance, which is the performance of content information being played and output in a vehicle. Note that the output performance referred to here may be, for example, the "output tag," "output date and time," "range position," "destination vehicle information," and "other content output information" from the performance information database 223.

The performance acquisition unit 231 can also acquire performance information indicating advertising performance resulting from the playback and output of content information in the vehicle. Note that the advertising performance referred to here may be, for example, "conversion information" from the performance information database 223.

(Regarding the generation unit 232)
In one aspect, the generation unit 232 generates information to be output to an application based on the performance information acquired by the performance acquisition unit 231. For example, the generation unit 232 generates, as the information to be output, information indicating an output result depending on whether the content information was played back or output or was discarded without being played back or output, based on the performance information.

For example, if the performance information indicates that the content information has been played back in the corresponding geographical range, the generation unit 232 generates, as information to be output, information indicating the range position within the geographical range in which the content information was actually played back.

On the other hand, when the performance information indicates that the content information was discarded without being played back in the corresponding geographical range, the generation unit 232 identifies, from among the other content information, content information that was played back in priority over the content information in this geographical range, based on performance information corresponding to other content information different from the content information in question. The generation unit 232 then generates, as information to be output, information indicating the output result for the identified content information. Note that the generation unit 232 may generate, as information to be output, identification information capable of identifying the application that provided the identified other content information, and information indicating the range position within the geographical range where the other content information was actually played back. The generation unit 232 may also analyze the reason why the identified other content information was played back in priority, for example, based on range information or meta information, and generate, as information to be output, information indicating the analysis results.

Furthermore, for example, the generation unit 232 may calculate the advertising effect (e.g., conversion rate) resulting from the output of content information based on behavioral information about the user of the output destination vehicle to which the content information is played and output, and thereby generate output target information that includes information related to the calculated advertising effect. For example, the generation unit 232 may calculate the advertising effect for each piece of content information, and thereby generate output target information that includes comparison information that allows the advertising effect to be compared between applications that provide content information.

In another aspect, the generation unit 232 analyzes the performance information acquired by the performance acquisition unit 231 and generates usage information to be used for setting the output of content information by the application.

For example, the generation unit 232 analyzes the performance information to predict the distribution probability that content information will be distributed to a vehicle as an output target based on the output performance, and generates information indicating the predicted distribution probability as usage information. For example, the generation unit 232 predicts the distribution probability that content information will be distributed to a vehicle as one of the content information to be output as an output target to be played and output in sequence when the predetermined timing arrives, based on the vehicle's driving conditions at a predetermined future timing, which are driving conditions predicted from the driving information, and the output performance indicated by the performance information. The generation unit 232 may also generate usage information that further includes location information indicating the location where this distribution probability is predicted to occur, or time information indicating the time when this distribution probability is predicted to occur. The generation unit 232 may also calculate the risk level at a predetermined timing based on the driving information, and generate usage information that further includes information indicating the calculated risk level.

Furthermore, for example, the generation unit 232 may analyze the performance information by calculating the advertising appeal of the content information at a predetermined time in the future based on the advertising performance indicated by the performance information, and generate information indicating the calculated appeal as usage information.

(Regarding the output unit 233)
The output unit 233 outputs (provides) the information to be output, generated by the generation unit, to an application. For example, the output unit 233 outputs the usage information generated by the generation unit 232 to the application. For example, the output unit 233 outputs information indicating the delivery probability predicted by the generation unit 232 to the application. Furthermore, the output unit 233 outputs information indicating the advertising appeal calculated by the generation unit 232 to the application.

(Regarding the performance acquisition unit 231, the generation unit 232, and the output unit 233)
The performance acquisition unit 231 acquires performance information classified by category to which the content information belongs as performance information. The generation unit 232 analyzes the performance information classified into each category to generate usage information used for output settings of the content information by an application, and the output unit 233 outputs the usage information generated by analyzing the performance information classified into the category to an application that has provided the content information belonging to the category.

(Regarding the selection unit 234)
The content information is associated with meta information including at least one of range information indicating a range to be played back, category information indicating a category to which the content belongs, and time information indicating a playback time, and the selection unit 234 selects an application according to a predetermined situation related to the vehicle based on this meta information. For example, the selection unit 234 selects an application according to a driving situation of the vehicle based on the meta information. Furthermore, for example, the selection unit 234 may select an application according to a situation of a user of the vehicle based on the meta information.

(Regarding the proposal unit 235)
The suggestion unit 235 suggests to the application selected by the selection unit 234 that content information having content corresponding to a predetermined situation related to the vehicle be provided as content information to be played and output in a vehicle corresponding to the predetermined situation. For example, the suggestion unit 235 suggests to the application selected by the selection unit 234 that content information having content corresponding to a driving situation be provided as content information to be played and output in a vehicle corresponding to the driving situation. Also, for example, the suggestion unit 235 suggests to the application selected by the selection unit 234 that content information having content corresponding to a situation of a user of the vehicle be provided as content information to be played and output in a vehicle corresponding to the user's situation.

For this reason, the selection unit 234 selects the optimal application depending on the vehicle's driving conditions and the vehicle user's situation. For example, suppose vehicle VE1, which has been traveling on a national highway, enters a narrow side street in a residential area. On the narrow side street, user U1 of vehicle VE1 is required to drive more carefully. Therefore, in such a case, the selection unit 234 can select, for example, an ADAS-related application AP11. Then, the suggestion unit 235 suggests to application AP11 that, for example, content information encouraging the user to drive slowly and be careful of pedestrians suddenly appearing outside the road be provided as content information to be played and output by vehicle VE1.

Also, for example, suppose that vehicle VE1 is circling an urban area during the lunch hour, and therefore it is estimated that user U1 of vehicle VE1 is looking for a place to take a lunch break. In this case, the selection unit 234 can select an application AP22 related to providing advertisements. Then, the suggestion unit 235 suggests to application AP22 that it provide content information advertising stores located in this urban area as content information to be played and output by vehicle VE1.

The selection unit 234 may also select the most suitable application based on the rank assigned to the application, the user's preferences, or the user's behavioral history. For example, if it is determined from the user's past behavioral history that the user U1 often stops at ramen restaurants while driving the vehicle VE1, the selection unit 234 may select the advertisement provision-related application AP22. Furthermore, if there are multiple advertisement provision-related applications, the selection unit 234 may select, for example, the application with the higher rank.

5-2-2. Information Processing Procedure According to the Second Embodiment
Next, the procedure of information processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an overview of the information processing procedure focusing on the output record. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an overview of the information processing procedure focusing on the advertising record.

First, we will explain Figure 13. The result acquisition unit 231 determines whether it is time to output information for an arbitrary application APx among the applications according to the embodiment (step S301). While the result acquisition unit 231 determines that it is not time to output information for application APx (step S301; No), it waits until it can determine that it is time to output information for application APx.

On the other hand, if the performance acquisition unit 231 determines that it is time to output information to application APx (step S301; Yes), it acquires performance information related to the playback output of content information provided by application APx (step S302). For example, the performance acquisition unit 231 acquires performance information related to the playback output of content information provided by application APx from the performance information database 223.

Next, the generation unit 232 recognizes the driving conditions of the distribution destination vehicle at the set timing (from Figure 9), which are predicted from the driving information (step S303).

Furthermore, based on the output performance indicated by the performance information acquired in step S302 and the driving conditions in step S303, the generation unit 232 predicts the distribution probability that the content information of application APx will be distributed to the destination vehicle as one of the content information to be output to be played back and output in sequence when the set timing is reached (step S304). For example, the generation unit 232 can predict the distribution probability that the content information of application APx will be distributed to the destination vehicle based on the history of performance information obtained from the distribution of similar content information similar to the content information of application APx. As an example, the generation unit 232 may predict the distribution probability by inputting the performance information acquired in step S302 into a prediction model learned from the distribution performance of similar content information.

Furthermore, similar content information here may be, for example, other content information with a similar category to the content information of application APx, other content information with a similar playback time to the content information of application APx, other content information with a similar geographical range to the content information of application APx, etc.

Next, the generation unit 232 generates information indicating the delivery probability as usage information (step S305). Then, the generation unit 232 outputs the generated usage information so that it is provided to the application APx (step S306).

Next, FIG. 14 will be described. The result acquisition unit 231 determines whether it is time to output information for any application APx among the applications according to the embodiment (step S401). While it determines that it is not time to output information for application APx (step S401; No), the result acquisition unit 231 waits until it can determine that it is time to output information for application APx.

On the other hand, if the performance acquisition unit 231 determines that it is time to output information to application APx (step S401; Yes), it acquires performance information related to the playback output of content information provided by application APx (step S402). For example, the performance acquisition unit 231 acquires performance information related to the playback output of content information provided by application APx from the performance information database 223.

Next, the generation unit 232 recognizes the driving conditions of the destination vehicle at the set timing (from Figure 9), which are predicted from the driving information (step S403).

The generation unit 232 also calculates the advertising appeal of the content information of application APx at a set timing based on the advertising performance indicated by the performance information acquired in step S402 and the driving conditions of step S403 (step S404). For example, the generation unit 232 can calculate the advertising appeal of the content information of application APx at a set timing based on conversion information of similar content information that is similar to the content information of application APx. As an example, the generation unit 232 may calculate the advertising appeal (e.g., conversion rate) by inputting the performance information acquired in step S402 into a prediction model learned from the conversion information of similar content information.

Next, the generation unit 232 generates information indicating the advertising appeal as usage information (step S405). Then, the generation unit 232 outputs the generated usage information so that it is provided to the application APx (step S406).

[5-2-3. Summary]
The information processing device 200 according to the second embodiment is an information processing device that reproduces and outputs content information acquired from an application capable of providing content information (an application according to the embodiment) to a vehicle. The information processing device 200 acquires performance information related to the reproduction and output of the content information, analyzes the acquired performance information, and generates usage information used for setting the output of the content information by the application. The information processing device 200 then outputs the generated usage information to the application. The information processing device 200 can assist the application that provides the content information to be reproduced and output in the vehicle in appropriately setting the output.

6. Hardware Configuration
The information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and the information processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment described above are realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in FIG. 15. The information processing apparatus 100 will be described below as an example. FIG. 15 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing apparatus 100. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, a HDD 1400, a communication interface (I/F) 1500, an input/output interface (I/F) 1600, and a media interface (I/F) 1700.

The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls each component. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

HDD 1400 stores programs executed by CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. Communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a specified communication network and sends it to CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by CPU 1100 to other devices via a specified communication network.

The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input/output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input/output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to output devices via the input/output interface 1600.

Media interface 1700 reads programs or data stored on recording medium 1800 and provides them to CPU 1100 via RAM 1200. CPU 1100 loads the programs from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1200 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded programs. Recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes programs loaded onto the RAM 1200, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 130. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via a specified communications network.

Furthermore, for example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 200 in the second embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 230 by executing a program loaded onto the RAM 1200.

[7. Other]
Furthermore, among the processes described in each of the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

Furthermore, the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate to the extent that the processing content is not contradictory.

The above describes in detail some of the embodiments of the present application based on the drawings, but these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

Furthermore, the "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be interpreted as "means" or "circuit." For example, a decision unit can be interpreted as a decision means or a decision circuit.

Sy Information processing system 100 Information processing device 120 Storage unit 121 Content database 122 Travel information database 130 Control unit 131 First acquisition unit 132 Second acquisition unit 133 Identification unit 134 Prediction unit 135 Detection unit 136 Calculation unit 137 Determination unit 138 Output control unit 139 Information control unit 200 Information processing device 220 Storage unit 223 Performance information database 230 Control unit 231 Performance acquisition unit 232 Generation unit 233 Output unit 234 Selection unit 235 Proposal unit

Claims (12)

An information processing device that reproduces and outputs content information acquired from an application capable of providing content information to a mobile object,
an acquisition unit that acquires performance information including an output performance indicating whether the content information has been reproduced and output;
a generation unit that analyzes the performance information acquired by the acquisition unit and generates usage information that is used for setting output of the content information by the application;
an output unit that outputs the usage information generated by the generation unit to the application. the performance information includes performance information indicating an output performance, which is a performance of the content information being reproduced and output on the mobile object;
the generation unit, as an analysis of the performance information, predicts a delivery probability that the content information will be delivered to the mobile body as an output target based on the output performance, and generates information indicating the predicted delivery probability as the usage information;
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs information indicating the distribution probability to the application. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the generation unit predicts a distribution probability that the content information will be distributed to the mobile body as one of the content information to be output to be played and output in sequence when the specified timing arrives, based on the movement status of the mobile body at a specified timing in the future and the output performance indicated by the performance information, which is a movement status predicted from movement information regarding the movement status of the mobile body. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the generation unit generates the usage information further including location information indicating a location where the delivery probability is predicted to occur, or time information indicating a time where the delivery probability is predicted to occur. The information processing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the generation unit calculates a degree of risk at the predetermined timing based on the movement information, and generates the usage information further including information indicating the calculated degree of risk. the performance information includes performance information indicating an advertising performance resulting from the content information being reproduced and output at the mobile object,
the generation unit, as an analysis of the performance information, calculates an appeal of the content information as an advertisement at a predetermined timing in the future based on the advertising performance indicated by the performance information, and generates information indicating the calculated appeal as the usage information;
6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs information indicating the appeal to the application. the acquiring unit acquires, as the performance information, performance information classified by category to which the content information belongs;
the generation unit analyzes performance information classified into each of the categories to generate usage information to be used for output setting of the content information by the application;
The information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the output unit outputs usage information generated by analyzing performance information classified into the category to an application that provided the content information belonging to the category. The content information is associated with meta information including at least one of range information indicating a range to be reproduced, category information indicating a category to which the content belongs, and time information indicating a reproduction time,
a selection unit that selects an application according to a predetermined situation related to the mobile object based on the meta information;
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a suggestion unit that suggests to the application selected by the selection unit that content information corresponding to the predetermined situation be provided as content information to be played back and output in the mobile object corresponding to the predetermined situation. the selection unit selects an application according to a movement status of the moving object based on the meta information;
The information processing device according to claim 8 , wherein the suggestion unit suggests to the application selected by the selection unit to provide content information having details corresponding to the movement status as content information to be played back and output in the moving object corresponding to the movement status. the selection unit selects an application according to a situation of the user of the mobile object based on the meta information;
The information processing device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the suggestion unit suggests to the application selected by the selection unit to provide content information having content corresponding to the user's situation as content information to be played back and output in the mobile object corresponding to the user's situation. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that reproduces and outputs content information acquired from an application capable of providing content information to a mobile object, the method comprising:
an acquisition step of acquiring performance information including an output performance indicating whether the content information has been reproduced and output;
a generating step of analyzing the performance information acquired by the acquiring step and generating usage information to be used for setting output of the content information by the application;
an output step of outputting the usage information generated in the generation step to the application. An information processing program executed by an information processing device that reproduces and outputs content information acquired from an application capable of providing content information to a mobile object,
The computer included in the information processing device
an acquisition means for acquiring performance information including an output performance indicating whether the content information has been reproduced and output;
a generating means for analyzing the performance information acquired by the acquiring means and generating usage information to be used for setting output of the content information by the application;
and an output unit that outputs the usage information generated by the generation unit to the application.