JP6516657B2 - Entertainment system for passenger moving object, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an entertainment system for passenger vehicles, an information processing method, and a program.

  A conventional general In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system (hereinafter referred to as a conventional system) comprises a server installed in a passenger aircraft and a plurality of display units provided in each seat of the aircraft. Each display unit is connected to a server via a cable (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-519503 (Page 1, Fig. 1 etc.)

  In the conventional system, the server and the display unit are connected by a cable in order to output various information such as contents from the server to the display unit. However, cables are required as many as the number of display units, and cable wiring becomes complicated. This complex cabling results in many failures, difficult maintenance, and in-flight space. Also, because the weight increases by the number of cables, the fuel consumption of a passenger aircraft such as a passenger aircraft is degraded.

  Then, an object of the present invention is to provide a passenger mobile entertainment system, an information processing method, and a program that can solve various problems caused by a cable connecting a server and a display unit.

  An entertainment system for a passenger moving object according to the present invention comprises at least a plurality of seat terminals for outputting at least one of video and sound, and a plurality of information terminals connected to the seat terminals. , A storage unit for storing content including at least one of video and sound, a reception unit for receiving an instruction to output the content, and a content output unit for outputting the content to the seat terminal It is an entertainment system.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to connect the server and the display unit with a cable, unlike the prior art, in the normal use of the entertainment system for passenger vehicles. Therefore, unlike the prior art, various problems caused by the cable connecting the server to the display unit can be solved. That is, according to the present invention, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to output various information such as contents stored in the server from the server to the seat terminal via the cable. The cable is not necessary for the number of seat terminals, and the cable wiring is not complicated. As a result, this complex cabling does not cause many failures, maintenance, or fill up the in-flight space (in-flight space increases). Also, since cables are not required, the weight can be reduced by the number of cables compared to the prior art, and the fuel efficiency of the passenger moving body is improved. Further, as described above, since it is not necessary to mount the server on the passenger moving body, further weight reduction can be achieved. In addition, when the server is mounted on the aircraft, there is a risk that the entire system will not function due to the server down, but such a risk can be reduced by not mounting the server. The effects of the present invention such as space expansion, weight reduction and fuel efficiency improvement thereby become particularly remarkable in a passenger moving body having a large restriction on the seat space and the aircraft weight.

  In the above configuration, the seat terminal may be provided with a storage unit that covers and stores the information terminal.

  With this configuration, by storing the information terminal in the seat terminal, it is not necessary to separately provide a space for installing the information terminal in the seat space, and the seat space can be expanded. In addition, since the information terminal is difficult to see from the passengers, it is also useful for preventing mischief and theft.

  In addition, the information terminal may be removable from the seat terminal. In this case, it can be selected for each seat whether or not entertainment (content) is provided. Further, since the failed information terminal can be removed from the seat terminal and replaced with another information terminal, maintenance becomes easy.

  In the above configuration, the information terminal may include a receiving unit that receives an instruction from an external device by wireless communication, and the content output unit may perform an operation according to the instruction.

  With this configuration, the output at the seat terminal can be controlled by the instruction.

  Further, in the above configuration, the receiving unit may receive the instruction from the external device by wireless communication in a non-handshake.

  With such a configuration, the receiving unit receives the instruction from the external device by wireless communication in a non-handshake, so that a plurality of (multiple) information terminals receive an instruction from the external device simultaneously (simultaneously) be able to. On the other hand, when performing wireless communication by handshake with a large number of information terminals and an external device, it is difficult to pair the large number of information terminals with the external device at the same time.

  In the above configuration, the instruction may be an instruction of forced output of specific content, and the content output unit may output the specific content in response to the instruction of forced output.

  With this configuration, simultaneous output (simultaneous output) of the specific content can be performed at the plurality of seat terminals according to the instruction.

  In the above configuration, when the content output unit is outputting the content when the reception unit receives the instruction of the forced output in the information terminal, an output point of the content at that time And the content output unit is configured to output the content when the content output unit is outputting the content when the reception unit receives the instruction of the forced output. After the output of the content is interrupted and the specific content is output, the output of the content may be resumed from the output point indicated by the output point information.

  With this configuration, even while the content is being output, the specific content can be forcibly output, and by holding the output point of the content, the specific content is forcibly output and interrupted. The output of content can be resumed from the output point, and the content being output can be enjoyed immediately.

  An information processing method according to the present invention is an entertainment system for a passenger moving object, comprising at least a plurality of seat terminals outputting at least one of video and sound and a plurality of information terminals connected to the seat terminals. What is claimed is: 1. An information processing method for an information terminal, comprising: storing a content including at least one of video and sound in a storage unit; receiving an instruction to output the content by a receiving unit; and outputting the content as the content And an output step of outputting from the unit to the seat terminal.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to connect the server and the display unit with a cable, unlike the prior art, in the normal use of the entertainment system for passenger vehicles. Therefore, unlike the prior art, various problems caused by the cable connecting the server to the display unit can be solved. That is, according to the present invention, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to output various information such as contents stored in the server from the server to the seat terminal via the cable. The cable is not necessary for the number of seat terminals, and the cable wiring is not complicated. As a result, this complex cabling does not cause many failures, maintenance, or fill up the in-flight space (in-flight space increases). Also, since cables are not required, the weight can be reduced by the number of cables compared to the prior art, and the fuel efficiency of the passenger moving body is improved. Further, as described above, since it is not necessary to mount the server on the passenger moving body, further weight reduction can be achieved. In addition, when the server is mounted on the aircraft, there is a risk that the entire system will not function due to the server down, but such a risk can be reduced by not mounting the server. The effects of the present invention such as space expansion, weight reduction and fuel efficiency improvement thereby become particularly remarkable in a passenger moving body having a large restriction on the seat space and the aircraft weight.

  A program according to the present invention is the information terminal in a passenger mobile entertainment system configured by at least a plurality of seat terminals outputting at least one of video and sound, and a plurality of information terminals connected to the seat terminals. A storage unit storing content including at least one of video and sound, a reception unit receiving an instruction to output the content, and a program for causing the computer to function as a content output unit outputting the content to the seat terminal It is.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to connect the server and the display unit with a cable, unlike the prior art, in the normal use of the entertainment system for passenger vehicles. Therefore, unlike the prior art, various problems caused by the cable connecting the server to the display unit can be solved. That is, according to the present invention, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to output various information such as contents stored in the server from the server to the seat terminal via the cable. The cable is not necessary for the number of seat terminals, and the cable wiring is not complicated. As a result, this complex cabling does not cause many failures, maintenance, or fill up the in-flight space (in-flight space increases). Also, since cables are not required, the weight can be reduced by the number of cables compared to the prior art, and the fuel efficiency of the passenger moving body is improved. Further, as described above, since it is not necessary to mount the server on the passenger moving body, further weight reduction can be achieved. In addition, when the server is mounted on the aircraft, there is a risk that the entire system will not function due to the server down, but such a risk can be reduced by not mounting the server. The effects of the present invention such as space expansion, weight reduction and fuel efficiency improvement thereby become particularly remarkable in a passenger moving body having a large restriction on the seat space and the aircraft weight.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to solve various problems caused by the cable connecting the server and the display unit.

An example of the conceptual diagram of the entertainment system for passenger vehicles according to the first embodiment An example of the external view of the seat terminal according to the first embodiment An example of the external view of the information terminal according to the first embodiment An example of a block diagram of a passenger mobile entertainment system according to the first embodiment An example of a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the entertainment system for passenger vehicles according to the first embodiment An example of a flowchart relating to details of a partial operation (forced output process) of the entertainment system for passenger vehicles according to the first embodiment

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an entertainment system for a passenger mobile object, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component which attached the same code in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description for the second time may be abbreviate | omitted.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is an example of a conceptual view of a passenger mobile entertainment system according to the present embodiment. This entertainment system for passenger vehicles is an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the present system) used for a passenger aircraft 400, and at least a plurality of seat terminals 1 corresponding to each of the plurality of seats 401 in the cabin 402. And a plurality of information terminals 2 attached to the plurality of seat terminals 1 respectively. Therefore, in the present system 100, in addition to the seat terminal 1 and the information terminal 2, an external device (not shown) (not shown) that performs forced output (see below) of specific content, and the seat terminal 1 and the information terminal 2 individually. An external electronic device to be connected may be included. In addition, the passenger plane 400 carries several to several hundreds passengers in one flight.

  The seat 401 in the first embodiment refers to an occupied space in which at least one passenger can sit in the cabin 402 of the passenger plane 400. Therefore, the seat 401 may be a seat 401 in which a plurality of seats 401 are disposed adjacent to one another as shown in FIG. 1 (A), and the surrounding is surrounded by a wall as shown in FIG. 1 (B) It may be a seat 401 having 403.

  In the passenger aircraft 400, as shown in FIG. 1 (A), a plurality of such seat units are arranged in the longitudinal direction (in the row direction) in units of three adjacent seats 401 in the horizontal direction (in the row direction). It becomes seating arrangement. In addition, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, a seat 401 whose wall is surrounded (or divided) around the seat 401 may be disposed.

  With regard to the seat terminal 1, in the case of the seat arrangement shown in FIG. 1A, the seat terminal 1 corresponding to a certain seat 401 is provided on the back surface 401 a of the front seat 401 (chair) located in front of the seat 401. In the case of the seat 401 shown in FIG. 1 (B), the seat terminal 1 is provided on a wall located in front of the seat 401. In the first embodiment, the seat terminal 1 is provided at a position easy for the user sitting on the seat 401 to view, but this is a preferable example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The installation position of the seat terminal 1 does not matter.

  The seat terminal 1 outputs at least one of video and sound. FIG. 2 shows an external view of the seat terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat terminal 1 includes a display 11 (an output unit according to the present invention) for outputting at least one of video and sound, and a touch panel 12 (the present invention for receiving an instruction regarding output by the display 11). And a connection unit 13 B for connecting the information terminal 2 to the display 11 and the touch panel 12. Regarding the relationship between the display 11 and the touch panel 12, the display 11 having the touch panel 12 is accommodated in the housing 13 of the seat terminal 1.

  In addition to the display 11, a speaker, a headphone terminal, or the like that outputs a sound other than the display 11 may be provided as an output unit. An output unit such as a speaker or a headphone terminal may be incorporated in the housing 13 or may be provided outside the housing 13. As an example of external attachment, being provided in the chair back of seat 401 which is ahead of the seat 401 concerned, an armrest of the seat 401 concerned, a headrest, etc. is mentioned. The output unit may be any device that outputs at least one of video and sound, and may be of any type or form.

  In addition to the touch panel 12, a unit that can perform an input instruction other than the touch panel 12 may be provided as an input unit, such as a button, a key, or a switch. An input unit such as a button, a key, or a switch may be provided on the housing 13 or may be provided outside the housing 13. As an example of external attachment, the remote control etc. which become another body with the housing | casing 13 are mentioned. The input unit may be any device as long as it accepts an instruction on output from the output unit, and the type and the form thereof are not limited.

  By the way, in the first embodiment, a recess 401b for housing the seat terminal 1 is formed on the back of the seat of the seat 401, and the seat terminal 1 is usually a recess when the display 11 and the touch panel 12 are exposed. It is stored in 401b.

The upper end portion of the housing 13 of the seat terminal 1 is engaged with the recess 401 b via a hinge (not shown), and the seat terminal 1 is rotatably held by the seat 401 by this engagement. Then, in the seat terminal 1 rotatably held by the seat 401, the lower end portion of the housing 13 becomes a free end and rotates with respect to the seat 401, and the lower end portion of the housing 13 is pulled out or pushed in It can be done . Also, the lower end portion of the seat terminal 1 of the housing 13 is formed with housing portion 13A for housing covering the information terminal 2, the opening 13Aa of the housing portion 13A, covered by a removable lid 13C It is The storage unit 13A is exposed by opening and closing the lid 13C. The lid 13C is exposed in a state where the lower end portion of the seat terminal 1 (the lower end portion of the housing 13) is pulled by rotating the seat terminal 1, and the lower end portion of the seat terminal 1 The lid 13C is covered by the inner surface of the recess 401b in a state where the lower end portion 13 of the cover 13 is pushed in). Therefore, in a state where the lower end portion (lower end portion of the housing 13) of the seat terminal 1 is pushed in, the information terminal 2 stored in the storage portion 13A is hidden by the lid 13C and a user (a customer who is a passenger of the passenger plane 400) I can not see you. This makes it possible to prevent the information terminal 2 from being stolen.

  At the back of the storage portion 13A, a connection portion (for example, a female connector of USB or HDMI (registered trademark: the same applies hereinafter)) for engaging and connecting a connection portion 20B (described later) on the information terminal 2 side is provided. An output unit such as the display 11 or the like and an input unit such as the touch panel 12 are connected to the connection unit 13B via a bus (not shown).

  The connection units 20B and 13B may be connectors of other types besides the USB or HDMI connector, and may be wirelessly connected (in particular, near field wireless communication is preferable). In the case of wireless connection, no connector is required, and it is only necessary to provide a space in which the information terminal 2 can be stored. In the case of wireless connection, a physical connection such as a connector may be used as power supply to the information terminal 2.

  Moreover, regarding the storage unit 13A, a sensor (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of the information terminal 2 may be provided in the vicinity of the opening 13Aa of the storage unit 13A. In this case, the antitheft effect of the information terminal 2 is obtained.

  The information terminal 2 is, as shown in FIG. 3A, formed in a small stick-shaped casing 20A, and a connection unit (for example, a male connector of USB or HDMI) that fits the connection unit 13B on the seat terminal 1 side. ) 20B is provided.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the housing 26A accommodates the MPU 26, the memory 27, the wireless communication module 28, and the like. The MPU 26, the memory 27, and the wireless communication module 28 are connected to the connection unit 20 B via the bus 29.

  The housing 20A has a size and a shape that fit in the storage 13A formed in the housing 13 of the seat terminal 1.

  When the information terminal 2 is stored in the storage unit 13A, the male connector (connecting unit 20B) of the information terminal 2 and the female connector (connecting unit 13B) of the seat terminal 1 are engaged and connected. An interface for connecting the terminal 2 to the input / output unit (display 11, touch panel 12) of the seat terminal 1 is realized.

Incidentally, the housing 2 0A information terminal 2 side to be accommodated housing portion 13A and to the seat terminal 1 side, for example, may be a cube, etc., if storage and removal of the housing portion 13A, the shape is not limited .

  In addition, the information terminal 2 is not usually provided with an output unit that outputs at least one of video and sound and an input unit that receives an instruction related to the output by the output unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one of the unit and the input unit may be provided. For example, an information processing terminal having an input / output unit such as a smartphone or a tablet can be used as the information terminal 2.

  Moreover, the seat terminal 1 may not be installed in all the seats 401 of the passenger aircraft 400, and the information terminal 2 may not be attached to all the seat terminals 1.

  Furthermore, the passenger assigned the seat 401 having the seat terminal 1 can select whether or not to use the IFE, and the information terminal 2 is engaged with the seat terminal 1 of the passenger's seat 401 not using the IFE. There is no need to connect. Moreover, you may use the common seat terminal 1 with respect to several groups by making several passengers into one group.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a block diagram of the information terminal 2. The information terminal 2 includes a storage unit 20, a reception unit 21, a reception unit 22, a processing unit 23, and a content output unit 24. The processing unit 23 includes an acquisition unit 231, an accumulation unit 232, and a holding unit 233.

  The storage unit 20 has an information terminal identifier (for example, an IP address, a MAC address, etc.) for identifying the information terminal 2 and a seat identifier for identifying the seat 401 provided with the seat terminal 1 engaged and connected to the information terminal 2. (For example, a seat number such as "16F") is stored.

  The storage unit 20 also stores content including at least one of video and sound.

  Content refers to video, sound, or digital data (MPEG, AVI, etc.) combining them. Specifically, the content is, for example, content for entertainment (entertainment) such as a movie, a game or BGM, a content for explanation regarding equipment of the in-flight 402, a countermeasure in case of emergency, etc. (one of the specific content in the present invention Content prepared in advance. Alternatively, for example, the content may be content transmitted in real time from a communication device (one of the external devices 300 according to the present invention) installed in a cockpit or a crew room, such as an in-flight announcement. Alternatively, for example, content such as news broadcasted in real time via a broadcast satellite or the like may be used.

  The storage unit 20 also stores output related information, which will be described later.

  The receiving unit 21 receives an instruction to output content. An instruction to output content is input via, for example, the touch panel 12.

  The instruction received by the reception unit 21 is an instruction to output entertainment content or explanatory content, and is an instruction based on an operation performed by the passenger via the touch panel 12 of the seat terminal 1. The indication comprises a content identifier that identifies the content. However, there is no limitation on the content of the instruction and the entity that issues the instruction.

  The receiving unit 22 receives an instruction from the external device 300 by wireless communication. In the first embodiment, the receiving unit 22 receives an instruction from the external device 300 by wireless communication in a non-handshake.

  The external device 300 is a device outside the passenger mobile entertainment system 100, and as the external device 300, a communication device mounted on the passenger aircraft 400 is listed. The external device 300 may be a server other than the communication device mounted on the passenger aircraft 400, or may be another communication device (not shown) or a server provided outside the passenger aircraft 400, for example, a control tower, etc. There is no restriction on the installation location.

  Further, with regard to wireless communication with the external device 300, wireless communication by non-handshake is used. In the first embodiment, communication using the advertising mode using Bluetooth (registered trademark; hereinafter referred to as BT) is forcibly specified unilaterally to each information terminal 2 from the external device 300 based on preset conditions. Send instructions to output content. In addition, by using wireless communication in non-handshake, it is possible to simultaneously send an instruction to simultaneously output specific content to a large number of information terminals 2.

  The instruction received by the receiving unit 22 is usually an instruction for forced output of specific content, and is an instruction based on an operation performed by a pilot or a crew via an input unit (not shown: touch panel etc.) of the communication device. The indication comprises a content identifier that identifies the content.

  In addition, the conditions set in advance for outputting the specific content are items that need to be always transmitted to the passengers in relation to the operation and safety of the passenger aircraft, and the passenger aircraft 400 takes off as the contents of the preset conditions and the forced output. The required business information (for example, the handling instruction of the life-saving device etc.) to be flowed forward, the emergency notification information to be flown in case of emergency, the coping method information etc. (seat belt wearing instruction etc.) are listed.

  The processing unit 23 executes various processes described later according to the instruction received by the receiving unit 21 or the instruction received by the receiving unit 22.

In addition, the processing unit 23 creates output related information regarding the output of the content by the content output unit 24 described later. The output related information includes a content identifier for identifying the content output by the content output unit 24, information on the number of times the content has been output, and the like. The generated output related information is stored in the storage unit 20 by the processing unit 23 in pair with the seat identifier identifying the seat 401 corresponding to the seat terminal 1 to which the information terminal 2 is attached.

  The acquisition unit 231 acquires the content. Acquisition means, for example, acquisition from a server mounted on the passenger aircraft 400 or installed from a server installed on the ground (such as an airport), reception from a communication device mounted on the airliner 400 or installed on the ground (such as an airport), via broadcast satellites. Such as receiving broadcasts. The timing of acquisition from the server is, for example, from landing to the airport until takeoff, and the timing of reception from the communication device or reception of broadcast is, for example, in flight, but it does not matter.

  The storage unit 232 stores the content acquired by the acquisition unit 231 in the storage unit 20.

  The holding unit 233 holds output point information indicating the output point of the content at that time when the content output unit 24 is outputting the content when the reception unit 22 receives the instruction of the forced output.

  The output point information is, for example, a frame number or a time stamp related to the frame being output.

  The content output unit 24 outputs the content stored in the storage unit 20 via the connection units 13B and 20B and the output unit (display 11) of the seat terminal 1.

  The content output unit 24 performs an operation according to the instruction received by the reception unit 21 or the instruction received by the reception unit 22.

  The content output unit 24 receives entertainment content (for example, a movie, BGM, game, etc.) or explanation content (for example, in-flight equipment) corresponding to the content identifier included in the instruction according to the instruction from the passenger received by the reception unit 21. Output the explanation etc. and the handling instruction etc. of the life-saving device. That is, the content output according to the instruction received by the reception unit 21 is usually content other than the specific content, but may include the specific content.

  In addition, the content output unit 24 responds to the instruction of the forced output received by the reception unit 22 based on the operation of the pilot or the crew, the specific content corresponding to the content identifier included in the instruction (for example, the handling instruction of the lifesaving device, Output instructions on how to handle emergency situations, in-flight announcements, etc.).

  The content output unit 24 interrupts the output of the content when the receiving unit 22 is outputting the content when the receiving unit 22 receives the instruction of the forced output, and after the specific content is output, the holding unit 233 The output of the content is resumed from the output point indicated by the held output point information.

  Also, instead of interrupting the output of the content and outputting the specific content as described above, the content output unit 24 outputs the specific content by another means (for example, displaying a telop etc.) while outputting the content. It is also good.

The transmitting unit 25 stores the storage unit at a predetermined timing, for example, each time the content output unit 24 outputs the content, or when the passenger aircraft 400 lands at the destination airport and the service of the system 100 is finished. A pair of the output related information and the seat identifier stored in 20 is transmitted to an external device 300 such as a server mounted on the passenger aircraft 400 or installed on the ground (for example, an airport).

  In the external device 300, a process of receiving and storing a pair of a seat identifier and output related information may be performed. Furthermore, statistical processing such as calculation of the number of outputs for each content and calculation of a copyright fee based thereon may be performed based on the set of pairs of the seat identifier and the output related information thus accumulated. Alternatively, charging processing such as pay per view (PPV) for each seat passenger is also possible.

  If the headphones used by the passenger at the seat 401 are wireless headphones capable of near field communication such as BT, the content output unit 24 can output content via the transmitter 25 and the wireless headphones. As a result, passengers are freed from the hassle of headphone cords.

  In addition, as described above, when the lid 13C is provided in the opening 13Aa of the storage 13A of the seat terminal 1 and the sensor is provided in the vicinity of the opening 13Aa, the transmitting unit 25 outputs the signal from the sensor The signal may be acquired via the seat terminal 1 and transmitted to the external device 300 such as a server mounted on the passenger aircraft 400 in pair with the seat identifier. In this case, the output of the sensor can prevent the information terminal 2 from being stolen.

  In the external device 300, the seat 401 where the removal of the lid 13C has been performed is specified based on the pair of the seat identifier and the state signal, and the information regarding the specified seat 401 is output. Good. As a result, it becomes possible for a crew member to take measures such as checking to the seat 401, and the theft of the information terminal 2 can be prevented in advance.

  The storage unit 20 is realized by a non-volatile recording medium or a volatile recording medium.

  The processing unit 23, the acquisition unit 231, the storage unit 232, and the holding unit 233 can be generally realized by the MPU 26, the memory 27, and the like. Typically, the processing procedure of the processing unit 23 and the like is realized by software, and the software is stored in a storage medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (a dedicated circuit).

  Next, the operation of the present system 100 will be described using the flowcharts of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 together with a specific example.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the present system 100. This operation starts when the seat terminal 1 is powered on with the information terminal 2 attached to the seat terminal 1.

  Specifically, a passenger boarding a passenger aircraft 400 equipped with the present system 100 can select, for example, the presence or absence of IFE on the HP screen of the airline that reserves the seat 401. PPV can also be selected with IFE.

  The information terminal 2 is removed from the seat terminal 1 corresponding to the seat 401 reserved by the passenger who has selected no IFE. However, the information terminal 2 may be attached, and when the passenger aircraft 400 has a server, the server controls the power supply of each corresponding seat terminal 1 according to the selection of the presence or absence of IFE by each passenger. It is also good.

  When the boarding of the passenger on the passenger plane 400 is completed, the seat terminal 1 for each seat 401 is turned on. The information terminal 2 mounted on the seat terminal 1 receives supply of power from the seat terminal 1 via the connection parts 13B and 20B, and is activated.

  (Step S301) First, the processing unit 23 resets the flag F relating to the output operation of the content output unit 24 (initializes to “0”).

  (Step S302) Next, the processing unit 23 determines whether an end event such as a power off operation or an interrupt of another process has occurred. If the end event has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S303. If the end event has occurred, the operation ends.

  (Step S303) The processing unit 23 determines whether the flag F is "1". If the flag F is not "1", the process proceeds to step S304. If the flag F is "1", the process proceeds to step S307.

  After activation, the passenger can operate the touch panel 12 (input unit) or the like of the seat terminal 1 for himself, select a desired content, and issue an output instruction.

  (Step S304) The processing unit 23 determines whether the receiving unit 21 receives an instruction for content selection and output. If the receiving unit 21 receives an instruction for content selection and output, the process proceeds to step S305, and if not received, the process proceeds to step S308.

  (Step S305) The content output unit 24 starts an operation of outputting the selected content via the display 11 (output unit) of the seat terminal 1.

  (Step S306) When the output of the content is started in accordance with the instruction received by the reception unit 21, the processing unit 23 sets the flag F to “1”. Thereafter, the process returns to step S302.

  (Step S307) The processing unit 23 determines whether or not the output of the content by the content output unit 24 is completed. When the output of the content by the content output unit 24 is completed, the process returns to step S301. When the output of the content is not completed, the process proceeds to step S308.

  During flight, for example, if the airframe becomes swaying or the like, the communication device (external device 300) in the cockpit or the crew room instructs the in-flight announcement instruction "Please wear a seat belt". send. At this time, in each information terminal 2, the receiving unit 22 simultaneously receives the instruction of the forced output from the external device 300 by the wireless communication in the non-handshake.

If the receiving unit 22 receives an instruction to forcibly output a specific content such as the above-mentioned in-flight announcement while the content is being output, the holding unit 233 outputs, from the content output unit 24, output point information indicating the output point of the content at the present time. While acquiring and holding in an internal memory or the like, the content output unit 24 interrupts the output of the content and executes the forced output of the specific content such as the above-mentioned in-machine announcement.

  When the forcible output is completed, the content output unit 24 resumes the output of the interrupted content based on the output point information stored in the internal memory or the like of the storage unit 233. This allows the passenger to view the continuation of the content that was being viewed before the forced output. Such forced output processing is performed in the following procedure.

  (Step S308) The processing unit 23 determines whether the receiving unit 22 has received an instruction for forced output of specific content. When the receiving unit 22 receives the instruction to forcibly output the specific content, the process proceeds to step S309, and when it is not received, the process proceeds to step S310.

  (Step S309) The content output unit 24 executes forced output processing in accordance with the instruction received by the reception unit 22. When the forced output is completed, the process returns to step S302.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart regarding details of a partial operation (forced output process) of the present system 100.

  (Step S401) The processing unit 23 determines whether the flag F is "1". If the flag F is “1”, the process proceeds to step S402. If the flag F is not “1”, the process proceeds to step S403.

  (Step S402) The holding unit 233 acquires, from the content output unit 24, output point information indicating a current output point of content, and holds the output point information in, for example, an internal memory.

  (Step S403) The content output unit 24 interrupts the output of the content.

  (Step S404) The content output unit 24 starts forced output of the specific content.

  (Step S405) The processing unit 23 determines whether or not the forcible output of the specific content by the content output unit 24 has been completed or the receiving unit 22 has received a stop instruction. If the forcible output of the specific content by the content output unit 24 is complete or the receiving unit 22 receives a stop instruction, the process proceeds to step S406, and the same determination is repeated if neither completion nor reception is performed.

  (Step S406) The processing unit 23 determines again whether the flag F is "1". If the flag F is "1", the process proceeds to step S407. If the flag F is not "1", the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S407) The content output unit 24 resumes the output of the content based on the output point information stored in the internal memory or the like of the storage unit 233.

  Thereafter, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  While the power is on, the acquisition unit 231 can acquire content at an arbitrary timing by communication with the external device 300, reception of a broadcast, or the like.

  (Step S310) The processing unit 23 determines whether the acquisition unit 231 has acquired the content. If the acquiring unit 231 acquires the content, the process proceeds to step S311. If the acquiring unit 231 does not acquire the content, the process returns to step S302.

  (Step S311) The storage unit 232 stores the content acquired by the acquisition unit 231 in the storage unit 20. Thereafter, the process returns to step S301.

  When the output of the content by the content output unit 24 is completed, the transmitting unit 25 transmits the pair of the output related information on the output of the content and the seat identifier to the external device 300 installed on the passenger aircraft 400 or installed on the ground. It may be sent.

  That is, in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6, when it is determined YES in step S310, that is, it is determined that the content output by the content output unit 24 is completed, the following step S312 may be performed.

  (Step S312) The transmission unit 25 acquires the output related information and the seat identifier related to the output of the content from the storage unit 20, and a pair of the seat identifier and the output related information is the external device 300 mounted on the passenger plane 400. Send to (or an external device installed on the ground). After transmission of the pair of output related information and seat identifier, the process returns to step S301.

  However, the step S312 may be executed at an appropriate timing, not only when it is determined that the output of the content is completed, but, for example, when it is determined that the end event has occurred in the step S302.

  The external device 300 stores pairs of output related information and a seat identifier, and performs statistical processing based on the stored pairs of output related information and a seat identifier. A charging process may be performed on a passenger who has selected a PPV.

  When the passenger aircraft 400 arrives at the destination airport and the passenger's getting off is completed, the power of the seat terminal 1 for each seat 401 is turned off. Then, preparation for the next flight, for example, attachment / detachment of the information terminal 2 to / from the seat terminal 1 is performed. The content may be acquired from another external device when the information terminal 2 is connected to another external device installed in the airport or the like while the passenger plane 400 is landing at the airport.

  When the lid 13C of the storage unit 13A storing the information terminal 2 is opened while the power of the seat terminal 1 is in the on state, the processing unit 23 of the information terminal 2 opens the opening 13Aa of the storage unit 13A. It may be detected that the lid 13C is opened based on a state signal from a sensor provided in the vicinity. Then, when the external device 300 is mounted on the passenger plane 400, the pair of the state signal and the seat identifier is transmitted to the external device 300 via the transmission unit 25, and the output unit of the seat terminal 1 is For example, it is also possible to output a warning message such as "You can not remove the information terminal" or a warning sound such as "Peep". In addition, when the external device 300 is not mounted in the passenger aircraft 400, the processing unit 23 may only output a warning message or a warning sound.

  Specifically, in the flowcharts of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, if it is determined NO in step S310, that is, it is determined that the acquisition unit 231 has not acquired the content, the following steps S313 and S314 may be performed.

  (Step S313) The processing unit 23 determines whether the lid 13C of the storage unit 13A is opened (or removed) based on the status signal from the sensor provided in the vicinity of the opening 13Aa of the storage unit 13A. Determine. If it is determined that the lid 13C is opened, the process proceeds to step S314. If it is determined that the lid 13C is not opened, the process returns to step S302.

  (Step S314) The transmission unit 25 transmits the state signal to the external device 300 mounted on the passenger plane 400 in a pair with the seat identifier stored in the storage unit 20. Thereafter, the process returns to step S302.

  The external device 300 may identify the seat 401 from which the lid 13C has been removed and the like based on the pair of the seat identifier and the status signal, and may output information about the identified seat 401. As a result, it becomes possible for a crew member to take measures such as checking to the seat 401, and the theft of the information terminal 2 can be prevented in advance.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, at least the plurality of seat terminals 1 and the plurality of information terminals 2 connected to the seat terminal 1 are provided, and the information terminal 2 includes at least one of video and sound. Cable wiring is simplified by the present system 100 including the storage unit 20 in which the content to be stored is stored, the reception unit 21 for receiving an instruction to output the content, and the content output unit 24 that outputs the content to the seat terminal 1 Is possible.

  According to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to connect the server and the display unit with a cable in the normal use of the present system 100 unlike the prior art. Therefore, unlike the prior art, various problems caused by the cable connecting the server to the display unit can be solved. That is, according to the first embodiment, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to output various information such as contents stored in the server from the server to the seat terminal 1 through the cable. There is no need for cables as many as the number of seat terminals 1 and cable wiring will not be complicated. As a result, this complex cabling does not cause many failures, maintenance, or fill up the in-flight space (in-flight space increases). In addition, since cables are not required, the weight can be reduced by the number of cables compared to the prior art, and the fuel efficiency of the passenger plane 400 is improved. Further, as described above, since it is not necessary to mount the server on the passenger aircraft 400, further weight reduction can be achieved. Further, when a server is mounted on the aircraft, there is a risk that the entire system 100 will not function due to the server down, but such a risk can also be reduced by not mounting the server. The effects such as the space expansion, the weight reduction, and the fuel consumption improvement by the same according to the first embodiment become particularly remarkable in the passenger plane 400 where the restriction on the seat space and the aircraft weight is large.

  Further, in the above configuration, since the seat terminal 1 is provided with the storage section 13A that covers and stores the information terminal 2, the information terminal 2 can be stored in the seat terminal 1 by storing the information terminal 2 in the seat terminal 1. There is no need to provide a separate installation space, and the seating space can be expanded. Further, by making the information terminal 2 removable from the seat terminal 1, it is possible to select, for each seat 401, whether or not entertainment (content) is provided. Further, since the failed information terminal 2 can be removed from the seat terminal 1 and replaced with another information terminal 2, maintenance becomes easy.

  Further, in the above configuration, the information terminal 2 is provided with the receiving unit 22 that receives an instruction from the external device 300 by wireless communication, and the content output unit 24 performs an operation according to the instruction, thereby instructing The output of the seat terminal 1 can be controlled.

  Further, in the above configuration, the instruction is an instruction of forced output of the specific content, and the content output unit 24 outputs the specific content in response to the instruction of forced output, whereby the plurality of seat terminals 1 are identified by the instruction. It can do simultaneous output of contents.

  In addition, since the receiving unit 22 receives an instruction from the external device 300 by wireless communication in a non-handshake, a plurality of (multiple) information terminals 2 simultaneously (simultaneously) issue the same instruction from the external device 300. Can receive On the other hand, when performing wireless communication by handshake with a large number of information terminals 2 and an external device, it is difficult to pair the large number of information terminals 2 with the external device at the same time. An instruction can not be received from the device 300.

  Further, the instruction from the external device 300 is an instruction of forced output of the specific content, and the content output unit 24 outputs the specific content in response to the instruction of forced output. In the seat terminal 1 of the present invention, simultaneous output (simultaneous output) of specific content can be performed.

  Further, in the above configuration, when the content output unit 24 is outputting the content when the receiving unit 22 receives the instruction of the forced output, the information terminal 2 outputs the output point of the content at that time. A holding unit 233 for holding point information is provided, and the content output unit 24 interrupts the output of the content when the content output unit 24 is outputting the content when the reception unit 22 receives the instruction of the forced output Then, after outputting the specific content, by restarting the output of the content from the output point indicated by the output point information, the specific content can be forcibly output even during the output of the content, and further, the output point of the content By holding out the output of interrupted content by forcing specific content to be output It can be resumed from, you can enjoy immediately the content in the output.

  Further, in the above configuration, by further including an acquisition unit 231 for acquiring the content and an accumulation unit 232 for accumulating the content acquired by the acquisition unit 231 in the storage unit 20, accumulation of various contents and thus output are possible. Become.

Second Embodiment
The entertainment system for passenger vehicles according to the second embodiment is an in-train entertainment system (ITE) system used for trains, particularly high-speed trains such as Shinkansen and TGV.

  The difference between the ITE according to the first embodiment and the IFE according to the second embodiment is whether the target of the passenger moving object is a passenger plane or a train, and the configuration and operation of the present system 100 are the same. And, the inboard 402 of the passenger aircraft 400 and the inside of a train, particularly in a high-speed train such as a Shinkansen, have different seating capacities, except for the number of passengers. Therefore, the detailed description and drawing of this system 100 by a train are omitted.

  Therefore, also in the second embodiment, a conceptual view of the entertainment system 100 for a passenger mobile shown in FIG. 1, an external view of the seat terminal 1 shown in FIG. 2, an external view of the information terminal 2 shown in FIG. The block diagram of the information terminal 2 shown in FIG. 4 and the flowchart of the entertainment system 100 for passenger vehicles shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are used.

  The description of the configuration, operation, and effects described in the first embodiment may also be used in the second embodiment, for example, by replacing the passenger plane with a train, the cabin 402 with a car, the airport with a station, etc. Ru.

  (Other embodiments)

  The entertainment system for passenger vehicles according to another embodiment is an in-car entertainment system used for a bus. Also in the present embodiment, the description described in FIGS. 1 to 6 and the first embodiment is incorporated as in the second embodiment. However, the passenger plane is replaced with a bus, the cabin 402 is replaced with a car, the airport is replaced with a bus terminal, and so on.

  The entertainment system for passenger vehicles according to another embodiment is an in-vehicle entertainment system used for a ship. Also in the present embodiment, the description described in FIGS. 1 to 6 and the first embodiment is incorporated as in the second embodiment. However, the passenger aircraft is replaced by ship, the inside of the aircraft 402 is inboard, the airport is in port, and so on.

  Still other embodiments of the entertainment system for passenger vehicles may be used for any passenger vehicle having a plurality of seats.

  In each of the above embodiments, the external device 300 may be one of the components of the entertainment system 100 for passenger vehicles. In this case, there is no cable connection between the external device 300 and the information terminal 2 or the seat terminal 1 in normal use.

  The processing in each embodiment may be realized by software. Then, this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Also, the software may be distributed by being recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Software that implements the information processing apparatus in each embodiment is a program that causes the computer (the MPU 26 and the memory 27 or the like) of the information terminal 2 to function as the above-described units.

  In the above program, in the transmission step of transmitting information, the reception step of receiving information, etc., processing performed by hardware, for example, processing performed by a modem or interface card in transmission step (line only with hardware Not included).

  Moreover, the computer that executes the program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means (such as the transmitter 25 and the receiver 22) existing in one apparatus may be physically realized by one medium.

  In each of the above embodiments, each process (each function) may be realized by centralized processing by a single device (system), or realized by distributed processing by a plurality of devices. It may be done.

  It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible, which are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, various problems caused by the cable connecting the server and the display unit can be solved. As a result, the space within the passenger moving body can be expanded, failure can be reduced, and maintenance can be facilitated. In addition, the weight of the passenger moving body can be reduced to eliminate the cable, and as a result, the fuel consumption can be improved. Therefore, the present invention is useful as an entertainment system for passenger vehicles.

100 Passenger Mobile Entertainment System (IFE)
1 seat terminal 2 information terminal 11 display (output unit)
12 Touch panel (input unit)
13A Storage section 13B, 20B Connection section (female side connector, male side connector)
13C Lid 20 Storage Unit 21 Reception Unit 22 Reception Unit 24 Content Output Unit 231 Acquisition Unit 232 Storage Unit 233 Holding Unit 300 External Device

Claims (6)

An entertainment system for passenger vehicles,
At least a plurality of seat terminals for outputting at least one of video and sound, and a plurality of information terminals connected to the seat terminals,
The information terminal includes a storage unit that stores content including at least one of video and sound, a reception unit that receives an instruction to output the content, a content output unit that outputs the content to the seat terminal, and an external device a receiver for receiving by wireless communication instructions from is provided,
The content output unit performs an operation according to the instruction received by the reception unit, and when the instruction received by the reception unit is an instruction for forced output of the specific content, the specific content is output according to the instruction for forced output Entertainment system for passenger vehicles that outputs   The entertainment system for a passenger mobile body according to claim 1, wherein the seat terminal is provided with a storage unit that covers and stores the information terminal. The entertainment system for a passenger mobile body according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the receiving unit receives an instruction from the external device by wireless communication in a non-handshake . In the information terminal, when the content output unit is outputting the content when the reception unit receives the instruction of the forced output, output point information indicating the output point of the content at that time is displayed. A holding unit for holding is provided,
The content output unit interrupts the output of the content when the content output unit is outputting the content when the reception unit receives the instruction of the forced output, and outputs the specific content. The entertainment system for a passenger mobile body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output of the content is resumed from the output point indicated by the output point information . It is an information processing method in the information terminal of an entertainment system for a passenger moving object, which comprises at least a plurality of seat terminals outputting at least one of video and sound and a plurality of information terminals connected to the seat terminal. ,
Storing the content including at least one of video and sound in the storage unit;
An accepting step of accepting an instruction to output the content by an accepting unit;
An output step of outputting the content from the content output unit to the seat terminal ;
Receiving the instruction from the external device by the receiving unit by wireless communication;
The output step performs an operation according to the instruction received in the reception step, and when the instruction received in the reception step is an instruction for forced output of specific content, the specific content is output according to the instruction for forced output. Information processing method to output . A computer of the information terminal in a passenger mobile entertainment system comprising at least a plurality of seat terminals for outputting at least one of video and sound, and a plurality of information terminals connected to the seat terminals;
A storage unit for storing content including at least one of video and sound;
A receiving unit that receives an instruction to output the content;
A content output unit that outputs the content to the seat terminal;
It functions as a receiver that receives instructions from an external device by wireless communication,
The content output unit performs an operation according to the instruction received by the reception unit, and when the instruction received by the reception unit is an instruction of forced output of the specific content, the specific content is output according to the instruction of the forced output Program for outputting.

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