JP7645566B2 - System and Program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system and a program that includes a control means for, for example, outputting an access message to a user and starting voice recognition.

A system has been proposed in which a character displayed on a display screen communicates with the driver to assist the driver in driving. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a system in which a user can give various instructions such as route searches and opening and closing power windows while interacting with a character. The system stores anticipated questions from users and corresponding patterns of responses from the character in a memory unit, and the character answers the user's questions while guiding the conversation to allow the character to give various instructions. Unlike simple device operation, operating the device through conversation with a personified character provides a sense of entertainment.

If the conversation between the user and the character is monotonous, for example, there is a risk that the entertainment value will fade if the conversation is repeated many times. For this reason, different conversation patterns are stored to suit multiple personality types, such as sociable, proactive, and introverted.

Patent No. 4798431

However, in the above-mentioned system, conversations with characters are conducted solely so that the user can give instructions to the system, and the character is essentially passive, answering questions from the user. As a result, it is difficult to give the character a sense of individuality that goes beyond a single function of the system.

(1) The system according to the present invention has a control means for outputting an access message to a user and starting voice recognition when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Systems installed in in-vehicle electronic devices, etc., are usually operated by the user's button operation or voice input, but by outputting messages that access the user from the system without the user's operation or input, it is possible to surprise the user and provide added value that attracts users in addition to simple convenience. In particular, in systems that display animated characters or output voice, giving the user a sense of surprise makes the characters seem more human, and can stimulate purchasing desire among users who use the system for the characters.

The "predetermined condition" may be, for example, the distance traveled or the time traveled by the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle electronic device. For example, by outputting an access message every 100 km traveled or every 3 hours traveled, it is possible to add excitement to a drive that tends to become monotonous. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the region in which the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle electronic device is traveled. For example, the location of the vehicle may be detected by a GPS installed in the vehicle, and an access message may be output when the vehicle moves from one prefecture to an adjacent prefecture. For example, the content of the access message may be a dialect or tourist information specific to that prefecture, so that the user can obtain useful information specific to that region, which can add excitement to a drive that tends to become monotonous. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the number of times the system equipped in the in-vehicle electronic device is started or the number of times the voice recognition function is used. For example, if an access message is output when the system has been started up a predetermined number of times, such as 30 times or when the voice recognition function has been used 100 times, or when the system has been started up a predetermined number of times or when the voice recognition function has been used a predetermined number of times, this can particularly encourage users to use the system or voice recognition.

The "access message for the user" may be, for example, a message requesting some kind of response from the user. The access message may be, for example, output as a speech from a character. For example, if an access message triggers a dialogue with the user, the access message may be a message requesting permission to start a dialogue, such as "Um, can I talk now?". It may also include a greeting, such as "Hello, can I talk now?". It may also include a nickname created according to the user's name that has been input in advance, such as "Yu-kun, can I talk now?". The access message may be, for example, output as voice via a speaker of the in-vehicle electronic device, or may be displayed as text or image information on the display unit of the in-vehicle electronic device.

(2) If the user's response to the access message is affirmative, the control means may initiate a dialogue with the user by outputting predetermined information and performing voice recognition of the user's response to the information.

By having the system access the user and then have a dialogue with them, a system that can easily feel impersonal can be made to feel more human, further increasing the added value of the system. Also, by starting a dialogue with the user depending on the user's response to the access message, it is possible to surprise the user, while still allowing the subsequent scenario to proceed at the user's convenience, preventing the user from feeling bothered.

By starting a dialogue only when there is a positive response from the user, it is possible to prevent the scenario from progressing on its own, which can be annoying to the user. Therefore, it is particularly useful in a system in which a character on the system side advances the dialogue based on a memorized scenario. Also, when a character is being used, it is possible to make the user feel the modesty of that character.

"Dialogue with the user" means, for example, performing voice recognition on the user's response to specific information output by the system, and outputting further information according to the content of that response. For example, the system outputs information sufficient to give the user the feeling that communication has been established. The information may be output, for example, as a character's speech.

The predetermined information constituting the dialogue may be, for example, a plurality of phrases such as a question, a thank you, or an exclamation. The plurality of phrases may, for example, include at least one question and prompt the user to give either a positive or negative response. The question may be combined with, for example, an emotional expression expressing the character's personality or a thank you, and may be a word unrelated to the original function of the system. The plurality of phrases may be output as a statement by the character. For example, a statement such as the following may be output.
・"Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a little worried."
- "I was just bored. I sometimes chat with you like this, is that too much?"
・"Thank you for using it so much. I'd like to give you a song of thanks as a gift. Is that okay?"

The system may, for example, store in advance in a storage means words and phrases that are expected as the user's response. Words and phrases may, for example, be classified as either "positive" or "negative." Positive words and phrases may, for example, be "yes," "yeah," "okay," and "nice." Negative words and phrases may, for example, be "no," "no," "that's bad," "shut up," and "no way." If the response does not correspond to any of the stored words and phrases, it may be treated as unrecognizable.

Furthermore, words and phrases expected as the user's response in the "dialogue" may be stored in advance in the storage means. The words and phrases may be classified, for example, as either "positive" or "negative." Since the information output by the system in the "dialogue" may be of multiple types, it is advisable to store more words and phrases in the "dialogue" stage than in the access message output stage.

Positive phrases include, for example, "yes," "yes," "okay," "good," "I like it," "I like it," "nice," "I know," and "I get it." Negative phrases include, for example, "no," "no," "that's not good," "shut up," "no way," "I don't like it," "I don't like it," "I don't know," "I don't know," "no," "that's not right."

The system can select the next information to output based on whether the user's response to the output information is "positive" or "negative."

If there is no response from the user to the access message, or if the response cannot be voice-recognized, a prompt message to prompt the user to respond may be output a predetermined number of times at a predetermined interval. If there is no response, the prompt message to prompt the user to respond may be, for example, "Hey, say something" or "I'll be lonely if you don't say something." If voice recognition is not possible, the message may be, for example, "What did you say? I don't know. Say it again." Also, if there is no response from the user to the prompt message within a predetermined time, an end message such as "See you next time" may be output and voice recognition may be cancelled.

(3) If the user's response to the access message is negative, the control means may output information including a notification that dialogue with the user will not be started and terminate voice recognition.

By not starting a dialogue if the user responds negatively, it is possible to prevent the scenario from progressing on its own, which would annoy the user. If a character is used, it is possible to make the user feel the modesty of that character. For example, if an access message such as "Um, can I talk now?" is output, and if the user responds negatively with "No," it is a good idea to output a statement such as "I'm sorry. Maybe next time."

(4) The control means may output information including a notification of the end of the dialogue with the user, and may start a predetermined event after the dialogue with the user ends.

By starting a specified event after the dialogue with the user ends, i.e., the dialogue with the user serves as a trigger for starting a specified event, it is possible to stimulate the user's desire to engage in dialogue and increase their attachment to the system.

The end of the dialogue with the user may be, for example, the end of information output and the cancellation of voice recognition. The "notification of the end of the dialogue" may be, for example, a notification to the user that the dialogue with the character is ending. For example, a combination of a thank you phrase and a closing greeting may be output as the character's statement. For example, the following statement may be output:
・"Thank you. I'm happy. Please continue to use it. See you next time."
- "Really? Let's chat again."

The "predetermined event" may be, for example, new information, information about a character, or a combination of these. For example, it may be image information of a character wearing a new costume. Or, for example, it may be video information of a character singing or dancing. A plurality of predetermined events may be stored in the storage means of the system. The predetermined event to be started may be determined according to a combination of information output to the user and the user's response to that information. Alternatively, the predetermined event to be started may be determined according to seasonal conditions such as the season or annual events, or location conditions such as the area in which the vehicle is traveling.

(5) The control means may output information including a question requesting permission to start a specified event during a dialogue with the user, and if the user responds affirmatively to the information, may output information including a notification that the dialogue has ended, and may start the specified event after the dialogue has ended.

For example, if the predetermined event is a character animation, it may take time to display the entire animation, so the user is asked whether or not to display the animation before the animation is displayed, and the event starts only if the user responds that they wish to display it, making the system easy for the user to use. For example, the inquiry information requesting permission to start the predetermined event and the user's affirmative response to the information may be as follows:
・Question requesting permission to start a specific event: "I have a special dance I'd like to show you now."
Affirmative user response: "Yes,""Yup,""Okay,""Good,""Thanks"

(6) The control means may output information including a question requesting permission to start a specified event during a dialogue with the user, and if the user responds negatively to the information, may notify the user of the end of the dialogue and the conditions for starting the specified event, and terminate the dialogue.

For example, if the predetermined event is a video of a character, it may take time to display the entire video, so before the video is displayed, the user is asked whether or not to display the video, and if the user responds that they do not want it to be displayed, instead of displaying the video, the display conditions for the video are notified, allowing the user to watch the video whenever they like, making the system easy for the user to use. For example, the inquiry information requesting permission to start the predetermined event, the user's negative response to the information, and the notification of the end of the dialogue and the notification of the predetermined event start conditions may be as follows.
・Question requesting permission to start a specific event: "I have a special dance I'd like to show you now."
User's negative response: "No, I'm driving."
- Notification of the end of a conversation and the start of a specified event: "Okay. I'll put the image in the event log, so access it whenever you like. See you later."

(7) When the specified event starts, the control means may cause the display means to display the character at a size that inhibits system function.

For example, when displaying image information of a character, a specified event can give the user a big surprise by ignoring the original functions of the device, such as a radar detector or car navigation system, and instead displaying the character as if it is hijacking the screen.

Displaying at a size that impedes system functionality means, for example, displaying it so that it covers the image already being displayed on the display unit.

(8) When starting the voice recognition, the control means may cause the display means to display a mark indicating that a character is trying to listen to the user's voice.

When starting voice recognition, for example, it is a good idea to display an image of a character wearing a headset or an image of a character making a listening gesture on the display unit of the in-car electronic device. This gives the user the impression that the character is listening to their voice, making it easier for them to feel familiar with the character. It is also highly convenient as it is easy to see that the voice recognition function is operating.

(9) Even if the specified condition is satisfied, if a specified suppression condition is met, the control means may delay output of the access message until the suppression condition is no longer met.

It determines whether the user is in a situation where priority should be given to dialogue, and for example, even if a certain mileage has been exceeded, if the acceleration conditions detected from the OBD are high, the output of the access message is delayed until the acceleration conditions decrease, ensuring high safety without disrupting the user's concentration on driving.

The suppression conditions may be, for example, that route guidance, which is the original function of the system installed in the in-vehicle electronic device, is in progress, that voice recognition is in progress, that an alarm sound is being generated, that other sounds are being generated, that the vehicle is not in character display mode, that the vehicle is traveling at a speed of 100 km/h or more, etc.

According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a surprise to the user by accessing the user from the system side regardless of the user's operation. It is also possible to provide an excellent system that gives the system a human touch, increases the user's attachment to the system, and stimulates purchasing desire.

1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a portable navigation device that constitutes a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a portable navigation device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on a display unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a route display screen displayed on a display unit. 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of an example of a first interactive function realized in this embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of an example of an interaction function 2 realized in this embodiment.

[Basic configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of a navigation device 1 suitable as an electronic device constituting the system of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram thereof, and FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an example of a display form. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a portable device main body 2 and a cradle 3 as an attachment member for holding the device main body 2. The device main body 2 is attached to the cradle 3 to function as a navigation device for a vehicle, and is removed from the cradle 3 to function as a portable navigation device (PND). In this embodiment, the device main body 2 is detachable from the cradle 3, and can be installed together with the cradle 3 on the dashboard of a vehicle for use, or can be removed from the cradle 3 to use as a portable device (PND). However, the device may be a fixed type mounted on a vehicle that cannot be easily attached to or detached from the cradle 3, or may be a dedicated type for a portable device. Furthermore, the device may be realized by installing (including pre-installation) a specific application program on a portable terminal such as a mobile phone. The application program may be the system itself for performing navigation, or a program for accessing a server on which the system for performing navigation is implemented and using the system. The present invention is applicable to various types of such navigation systems.

The device body 2 is detachably attached to the cradle 3. The device body 2 is provided with a flat rectangular case body 4. A display unit 5 is arranged on the front of the case body 4, and a touch panel 8 is provided on the display unit 5 to detect which part of the display unit 5 is touched, and warning lamps 9 are provided on both sides of the front. The cradle 3 is provided with a cradle body 6 that holds the device body 2, and a base part 7 that indicates the cradle body 6 in an arbitrary posture at a predetermined position in the vehicle cabin (dashboard, etc.). The base part 7 is fixed by suction on the dashboard, etc., with a suction cup provided on the bottom surface. The base part 7 and the cradle body 6 are connected rotatably within a predetermined angle range via a connecting mechanism such as a ball joint. Because it is a ball joint, the base part 7 and the cradle body 6 can rotate and move relatively within an arbitrary angle range in three-dimensional directions, and the position is kept at an arbitrary angular position due to frictional resistance at the joint part. Therefore, the device body 2 attached to the cradle body 6 can also be placed in an arbitrary posture on the dashboard.

Furthermore, one side of the case body 4 is provided with an SD memory card slot 21, into which an SD memory card 22 on which map data and the like is recorded can be inserted. This SD memory card slot 21 includes a memory card reader/writer that reads and writes information to the inserted SD memory card 22. In addition, a DC jack 10 is provided on the side of the case body 4 on which the SD memory card slot 21 is provided. The DC jack 10 is for connecting a cigarette lighter plug cord (not shown), and can be connected to the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle via the cigarette lighter plug cord to receive power.

On the other hand, on the side opposite the SD memory card slot 21, there is a power switch and a USB terminal 23. This USB terminal 23 can be used to connect to a PC and perform software application updates, etc.

The following devices and components are arranged inside the case body 4. That is, a microwave receiver 11 is arranged inside the rear side of the case body 4. The microwave receiver 11 receives microwaves of a specific frequency band, and when microwaves of the set frequency band are received, it detects the signal level of the received microwaves. Specifically, it uses the RSSI voltage, which is the signal level and corresponds to the field strength. The above-mentioned specific frequency band is, for example, a frequency band that includes the frequency of microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed measurement device.

A GPS receiver 12 that receives GPS signals and determines the current location is located inside the top side of the case body 4. An infrared communication device 14 is located inside the front side of the case body 4. The infrared communication device 14 transmits and receives data to and from a communication device that has a built-in infrared communication device, such as a mobile phone 15. A speaker 20 is also built into the case body 4.

The device of this embodiment further includes a wireless receiver 13 and a remote control receiver 16. The wireless receiver 13 receives incoming wireless signals of a specific frequency. The remote control receiver 16 communicates data with a remote control (portable device: child device) 17 and performs various settings for the device. The wireless receiver 13 receives incoming wireless signals of a specific frequency band. This specific frequency can be, for example, the wireless frequency band used by an emergency vehicle when notifying a base station of its own position.

In addition to the navigation function, the navigation device 1 of this embodiment also has a target notification function as a target notification device that notifies the driver of surrounding targets such as vehicle speed measuring devices and other traffic monitoring points. These navigation and target notification functions are stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 18 as programs executed by the computer in the control unit 18, and are realized by the computer in the control unit 18 executing these programs.

That is, the control unit 18 executes a predetermined process based on information input from the various input devices (GPS receiver 12, microwave receiver 11, wireless receiver 13, touch panel 8, infrared communication device 14, remote control receiver 16, SD memory card slot 21, USB terminal 23, etc.) and outputs predetermined information, warnings, and messages using output devices (display unit 5, warning lamp 9, speaker 20, infrared communication device 14, SD memory card slot 21, USB terminal 23, etc.). This predetermined process is for executing each of the above functions, and accesses the database 19 and SD memory card 22 as necessary.

The database 19 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or externally attached to the microcomputer. The database 19 is registered with certain landmarks, maps, and other information required to execute each function at the time of shipment, and data on landmarks added later can be updated through a specified process. This updating process can be performed, for example, by inserting an SD memory card 22 storing the additional data into the SD memory card slot unit 21 and transferring the data from the SD memory card 22 to the database 19. This data updating can also be performed using the infrared communication device 14 or a personal computer or other external device connected via the USB terminal 23.

The control unit 18 for implementing the target notification function operates as follows. That is, when the microwave receiver 11 receives the desired microwaves, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined alarm. This alarm can be a buzzer using the speaker 20, a voice output to notify the reception of microwaves (detection by a vehicle speed measuring device, etc.), the lighting of the alarm lamp 9, and the output of a message in the form of text or an image using the display unit 5.

The control unit 18 also outputs a predetermined alarm when the wireless receiver 13 receives a desired radio signal. This alarm can be a buzzer using the speaker 20, a voice output to notify the reception of microwave signals (such as the approach of an emergency vehicle), or a message in the form of text or images using the display unit 5. It is preferable that the alarm associated with this radio signal reception and the alarm associated with the microwave signal reception be in different forms.

Furthermore, the control unit 18 outputs a specified warning when the current position detected by the GPS receiver 12 and the position of a target such as a traffic monitoring point stored in the database 19 are in a specified positional relationship. Therefore, the database 19 contains information about the target to be detected (target position information including longitude and latitude, target type information, etc.), traffic safety information such as accident-prone areas and traffic crackdown information to drive more carefully and safely, and landmarks and various information useful for driving. Each piece of information is registered in association with the specific type of information (type of target, type of traffic crackdown, accident-prone areas, landmark name, etc.) and the position information.

The distance to the target when issuing an alarm can be changed for each type of target. As for the mode of the alarm, as described above, there are alarms by voice using the speaker 20 and alarms by the display unit 5. FIG. 3 shows an example of an alarm by the display unit 5. In this embodiment, since the device is a navigation device 1 and has map data as described later, the control unit 18 has a function of reading road network information around the current position and displaying a map around the current position on the display unit 5 as a basic screen. Then, the display unit 5 displays an alarm screen 70 superimposed on the currently displayed screen (here, the map around the current position). FIG. 3 shows an example of the display of the alarm screen 70 when the distance between the current position and the LH system, which is a type of speed measuring device that is one of the traffic monitoring points, becomes 500 m while the map 50 is displayed. Furthermore, a process is performed to output an alarm voice indicating the type of alarm and the distance, such as "LH system 500 m ahead", from the speaker 20.

On the other hand, the control unit 18 for implementing the navigation function operates as follows. First, the database 19 stores road network information for navigation. The information for navigation stored in this database 19 may store all information for the entire country at the time of shipment, or map data etc. may be provided for each region stored on an SD memory card 22, and the user may prepare an SD memory card 22 on which the necessary map data etc. is stored and insert it into the SD memory card slot unit 21 for use. The map data etc. stored in the SD memory card 22 may be transferred to and stored in the database 19, or the control unit 18 may access the SD memory card 22 and read it from there for use.

The control unit 18 has the function of reading road network information around the current location from the database 19, and displaying a map of the area around the current location on the display unit 5. The control unit 18 can use this road network information to search for a route from one location to another. The database 19 also includes a telephone number database that stores telephone numbers in association with the location information and names of homes, businesses, facilities, etc. that correspond to those telephone numbers, and an address database that stores addresses in association with the location information of those addresses. The database 19 also stores the location information of traffic monitoring points such as speed measuring devices along with their types.

The control unit 18 also has a function of performing general processing of the navigation device 1. That is, the control unit 18 displays a map of the area around the current position on the display unit 5 at all times, and displays a destination setting button. When the control unit 18 detects a touch on the touch panel 8 at a position corresponding to the display position of the destination setting button, the control unit 18 performs a destination setting process. In the destination setting process, a destination setting menu is displayed on the display unit 5, and the user is prompted to select a destination setting method. The destination setting menu has a phone number search button and an address search button that prompt the user to select a destination setting method. When it detects that the phone number search button has been touched, a phone number input screen is displayed, and location information corresponding to the input phone number is obtained from the database 19. When it detects that the address search button has been touched, a selection input screen for an address is displayed, and location information corresponding to the input address is obtained from the database 19. Then, the acquired location information is set as the location information of the destination, and a recommended route from the current position to the destination is obtained based on the road network information stored in the database 19. A known method such as the Dijkstra algorithm can be used as a method for calculating this recommended route.

The control unit 18 then displays the calculated recommended route together with a map of the surrounding area. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a route 53 from a current position 51 to a destination 52 is displayed as a recommended route in a predetermined color (e.g., red). This is similar to a typical navigation system. In this embodiment, the control unit 18 compares position information on the route 53 with position information of landmarks such as traffic monitoring points stored in the database 19, and displays the positions of the traffic monitoring points, etc. located on the route 53. Note that the information provided for safe driving along the route 53 may be limited to traffic monitoring points among the various landmarks stored in the database 19.

As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a speech bubble is displayed from a position on the road, and the type of traffic monitoring point at that position stored in the database 19 is displayed in the speech bubble. For example, FIG. 4(a) is an example of a warning point search screen display, showing an example of displaying traffic monitoring points 55a to 55f. Traffic monitoring point 55a displays the letter "N" indicating an N system in the speech bubble. Traffic monitoring points 55b, 55c, and 55e display the letter "LH" indicating an LH system in the speech bubble. Traffic monitoring point 55d displays the letter "loop" indicating a loop coil in the speech bubble. Traffic monitoring point 55f displays the letter "H" indicating an H system in the speech bubble. In this way, when the touch panel 8 detects a touch at a speech bubble position in the simplified display state where letters are displayed in the speech bubble, the simplified display is switched to a detailed display as shown in FIG. 4(b). The detailed display displays the warning screen shown in FIG. 3 in the speech bubble.

As shown in FIG. 4(a), a traffic monitoring point type designation section 56 is displayed on the lower right side of the display section 5. The traffic monitoring point type designation section 56 is a section that displays buttons listing the types of traffic monitoring points present on the route 53. In the example of FIG. 4(a), a type button 57a labeled "N" indicating the N system of traffic monitoring point 55a, a type button 57b labeled "LH" indicating the LH system of traffic monitoring points 55b, 55c, and 55e, a type button 57c labeled "loop" indicating the loop coil of traffic monitoring point 55d, and a type button 57d labeled "H" indicating the H system of traffic monitoring point 55f are displayed. When the control section 18 detects a touch on the display section 5 of the type button from the touch panel 8, it inverts the display of the touched type button and switches the display mode of the traffic monitoring point corresponding to the touched type button from simple display to detailed display, or from detailed display to simple display.

The car navigation device 1 of this embodiment has a surrounding search function as a method for setting a destination (hereinafter, including intermediate points). When this surrounding search function is selected and activated, the control unit 18 extracts facilities that meet the specified conditions and are close to the current location, and displays the extracted results on the display unit 5. The user can then select one of the candidates displayed on the display unit 5 and confirm it to specify it as the destination (including intermediate points).

That is, to realize such a function, the database 19 of this embodiment stores information about each facility in association with information about the facility's classification along with its location information. The information about the facility's classification is a number of types of items that are organized by the name of the genre that each facility matches.

In this embodiment, when any of the items is specified, the control unit 18 extracts facilities that match the specified items and are close to the current location, and displays the extracted results on the display unit 5 as destination candidates. The user can select one of the candidates displayed on the display unit 5 to specify it as a destination.

When one of the items is selected, the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 and extracts facilities that exist within a reference distance (e.g., 10 km) from the current location and that match the classification of the specified item. It then draws a predetermined number of the closest facilities (e.g., 10) at the corresponding locations on the map drawn on the display unit 5, superimposing icons (marks) representing the facilities. As facility information stored in the database 19, each facility is registered in association with its own icon, and when drawing, the associated icon is read out and drawn at the specified location on the display unit 5.

If the current position is present on the map drawn on the display unit 5, a vehicle icon representing the vehicle is drawn superimposed on the position corresponding to the current position. Furthermore, when drawing icons of such facilities, numbers are added to the icons in order of proximity to the vehicle. The numbers are updated as the vehicle moves.

When the user selects a desired facility, the control unit 18 recognizes this and calculates a recommended route with the selected facility as the destination, and draws the result on the map on the display unit 5.

The control unit 18 also has a function of providing route guidance to the set destination. In other words, in response to the user's selection to start guidance, the control unit 18 sequentially detects the vehicle's position using GPS or autonomous navigation, while displaying map information showing roads, etc. on the display unit 5, and provides route guidance to the destination using images and audio.

The user's specification, selection, and other instruction input can be triggered by the control unit 18 detecting that a button showing the name of an item or function on the display unit 5, a facility icon, a selection is made by operating the remote control, or a specified voice is input.

[Interactive character function]
《Basics of interactive features》
The interactive function with the character, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described below. This interactive function is realized by the control unit 18 executing a program. The interactive function has a function for performing the original functions of the system, such as surrounding search, scale change, volume change, brightness change, etc., according to a phrase input by the user, after starting voice recognition according to an operation or input by the user, for example.

The dialogue function of this embodiment also outputs access messages from the system side, regardless of the user's operation or input, to realize dialogue with the user. This provides a surprise to the user, and adds entertainment value to the navigation device 1, which can otherwise tend to be impersonal.

<<Dialogue function example 1>>
5 shows an example of a dialogue function realized in this embodiment. The control unit 18 outputs an access message (step S02) when the access message output condition is satisfied regardless of the user's operation or input (step S01: Yes), and simultaneously starts voice recognition (step S03). Only if the user's response to the access message is positive (step S04: Yes), the control unit 18 outputs a dialogue message and starts a dialogue with the user (step S05). The dialogue consists of the output of a dialogue message by the control unit 18 and the user's response to the dialogue message. There are multiple patterns of dialogue messages, and the dialogue may end with one output and the user's response, or may be multiple outputs and user responses. When ending the dialogue, the control unit 18 outputs an end message (step S06) and ends the voice recognition (step S07).

If the user's response to the access message is negative in step S04 (step S04: No), the control unit 18 immediately outputs an end message (step S08) and ends the voice recognition (step S09). In other words, the control unit 18 interacts with the user only if the user wishes to interact with the system.

In addition, in steps S04 and S05, if there is no response from the user or if the response cannot be voice-recognized, for example, a prompt message to prompt the user to respond may be output a predetermined number of times at a predetermined interval. If there is a response to the prompt message, the process may proceed to the subsequent step. If there is no response from the user to the prompt message within a predetermined time, an end message may be output and voice recognition may be terminated.

To realize the above-mentioned dialogue functions, the database 19 stores data such as access message output conditions (hereinafter also simply referred to as "output conditions"), access messages, recognition words for recognizing the user's voice response, dialogue messages corresponding to the recognition words, end messages, and prompt messages. In addition, data necessary for realizing the functions of the system is appropriately stored. The control unit 18 refers to the database 19 and executes the above-mentioned steps S01 to S09.

<Conditions for outputting access messages>
The access message output condition may be, for example, when the mileage, driving time, and driving area of the vehicle equipped with the navigation device 1 satisfy a predetermined condition. For example, the control unit 18 may obtain information from the vehicle's odometer and output an access message every 100 km of driving distance or every 3 hours of driving time. Also, for example, the location of the vehicle may be detected by a GPS installed in the vehicle, and an access message may be output when the vehicle moves from one prefecture to an adjacent prefecture. The access message output condition may be, for example, the number of times the system equipped in the navigation device 1 is started or the number of times the voice recognition function is used. For example, the access message may be output when the system is started for the first time, when the number of times the system is started reaches 30, or when the number of times the voice recognition function is used reaches 100, etc.

However, even if the access message output conditions are satisfied, it may not be desirable to output the access message depending on the state of the vehicle or navigation device 1. The states in which it is not desirable to output the access message can be stored in the database 19 as suppression conditions. If these suppression conditions are met even when the access message output conditions are satisfied, the control unit 18 can delay the output of the access message until the suppression conditions are no longer met.

The suppression conditions may be, for example, that the acceleration detected from the OBD is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, that route guidance is in progress, that voice recognition is in progress, that other voices are being generated, that the character display mode is not in progress, and that the vehicle is traveling at a speed of 100 km/h or more.

<Access Message>
The access message may be, for example, a message that requests some kind of response from the user. The access message may be, for example, output as a statement by the character. Subsequent messages may also be output as statements by the character. This allows the user to have a simple conversation with the character using the electronic device that is the system. The character in this embodiment is set as, for example, a girl named "Rei." The above-mentioned surrounding search and other functions can also be performed by conversation with the character. The database 19 stores "Re-tan" as a recognition word to refer to the character.

When a message is to be delivered as a character's speech, database 19 stores the character's voice data and image (including still and moving) data. Based on this image data, control unit 18 can display still and moving images of the character on display unit 5. For some response phrases, control unit 18 can use lip linking to move the mouth and body of the character displayed on display unit 5 so that the response phrase matches the output response phrase, creating a realistic feeling of the character speaking.

Furthermore, the voice and image of the character stored in the database 19 are set for multiple aspects (modes) for the same person. For example, the database 19 stores the response phrases and image data for three modes of a single person named "Rei": "Standard Rei," "Transformed Rei," and "Chibi Rei." "Standard Rei" is the basic mode for the character. "Transformed Rei" is a mode in which the clothing and hairstyle of "standard Rei" are changed. "Chibi Rei" is a mode in which the head and body are changed to make the character look more childlike. The control unit 18 outputs the voice and image of the character according to the user's selection of one of the modes.

The access message may be, for example, a message requesting permission to start a conversation, such as "Um, can I talk now?" or "Um, can I talk now?" It may also include a greeting, such as "Hello, can I talk now?" It may also include a nickname created according to the user's name that has been input in advance, such as "Yu-kun, can I talk now?" The user's name may be input, for example, from various setting screens of the system. For example, different access messages may be prepared for each output condition. The control unit 18 may output the access message as sound, for example, via the speaker 20 of the navigation device 1. It may also be displayed, for example, as text or image information on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1.

<Dialogue Message>
The dialogue message may, for example, include information sufficient to make the user feel that communication has been established. The dialogue message may, for example, be output as a statement made by the character. The information included in the dialogue message is not limited to a specific one, but may, for example, consist of a plurality of phrases such as a question, a thank you, or an exclamation. The plurality of phrases may, for example, include at least one question, and may be content that prompts the user to give either a positive or negative response. The phrase combined with the question may, for example, be an emotional expression that expresses the character's personality or a thank you, and may be a word that gives a sense of humanity that is separate from the system's original function. The plurality of phrases may, for example, be output as a statement made by the character. For example, the following statement may be output:
・Example of a conversation message: "Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried."
"I was just bored. I sometimes chat with you like this, but is it okay if I disturb you?"

When a dialogue message is output multiple times, the output message may be different depending on the content of the user's response, as shown in the following example.
・Dialogue example 1
First dialogue message: "Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried."
User response: "I like it"
Next dialogue message: "I'm happy! Can I talk to you like this again?"
・Dialogue example 2
First dialogue message: "Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried."
User response: "I don't like it"
Next dialogue message: "I see. Too bad. But can I talk to you like this again?"

The control unit 18 may output the dialogue message, for example, as audio via the speaker 20 of the navigation device 1. It may also display the dialogue message, for example, as text or image information on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1.

<Voice recognition>
When starting voice recognition, the control unit 18 preferably causes a display means, which may display text or image information, on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1 to display a mark indicating that a character is trying to listen to the user's voice.

When starting voice recognition, for example, a mark indicating that a character is listening to the user's voice may be displayed on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1. Such a mark may be, for example, an image of a character wearing a headset, or an image of a character making a gesture of listening, etc.

<Recognition words>
The recognition words are, for example, words and phrases expected as the user's response to an access message or a dialogue message described later. The recognition words may be classified into a group of "positive" words and "negative" words, for example. The control unit 18 judges whether the user's response content recognized by voice recognition is positive or negative among the stored recognition words, and judges whether to start a dialogue or to determine the content of the next dialogue message. Positive words for an access message may be, for example, "yes,""yes,""okay," or "nice." Negative words may be, for example, "no,""no,""notgood,""noisy," or "no way." The control unit 18 recognizes the user's response by voice, judges whether it is a "positive" word or a "negative" word, and performs the next process. If the response does not correspond to a stored word and phrase, it may be output as an unrecognizable word, such as "say it again?", to prompt the user to re-input.

Furthermore, words and phrases expected as the user's response to the dialogue message may also be stored in advance in the storage means. The words and phrases may be stored so as to be classified as either "positive" or "negative", for example. Since there are multiple types of information output by the system in the "dialogue", it is preferable to store more words and phrases in the "dialogue" stage than in the access message output stage. Depending on whether the user's response is positive or negative, the next dialogue message to be output may be selected.

Positive phrases can be, for example, "yes," "yes," "okay," "good," "I like it," "I like it," "That's nice," "I know," and "I got it." Negative phrases can be, for example, "no," "no," "that's not good," "shut up," "no," "don't like it," "don't like it," "don't know," "don't know," "that's not right." However, words such as "yes" and "no" can be positive or negative depending on the content of the question. For example, answering "no" to the question "I sometimes talk to you like this, do you mind?" is positive. Therefore, it is good to store the recognition words and classifications in association with the questions contained in each dialogue message, and control branching to either positive or negative processing based on the stored classification.

<< Closing message >>
The end message is a message that is output when the output of the dialogue message ends and the voice recognition is released. The end message may, for example, inform the user that the dialogue with the character is ending. For example, a combination of a thank you phrase and a closing greeting may be output as the character's utterance. The end message may also include a reaction to the user's response in the previous dialogue.
・Exit message example 1
Dialogue message: "Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried."
User response: "I love it"
Closing message: "Thank you. I'm happy. Please continue using it. See you next time."
・Exit message example 2
Dialogue message: "Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried."
User response: "I don't like it"
Closing message: "I'm shocked. But please keep using it. See you next time." Closing message example 3
Dialogue message: "I was bored. I sometimes talk to you like this. Do you mind if I disturb you?"
User response: "No."
Closing message: "Really? Let's chat again."

The end message is also output when the user responds negatively to the access message (step S04: No) and the dialogue is not to be started. In this case, the end message may include a notice that the dialogue with the user will not be started. The end message may also include an apology for interrupting the user and a message expressing disappointment that the user has refused to engage in the dialogue.
Example 1
Access Message: "Um, can I talk now?"
User response: "No."
Closing message: "Sorry. See you next time."
Example 2
Access Message: "Hey, can I talk to you now?"
User: "Too noisy."
Closing message: "Ugh, see you next time."

The control unit 18 may output the end message, for example, as audio via the speaker 20 of the navigation device 1. It may also display the end message, for example, as text or image information on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1.

<<Reminder message>>
The prompt message is a message that prompts the user to respond. When there is no response from the user to the access message and the dialogue message, or when the control unit 18 is unable to recognize the response by voice, the control unit 18 may output the prompt message at a predetermined interval, such as every 30 seconds, a predetermined number of times, such as three times. When there is no response, the prompt message that prompts the user to respond may be, for example, "Hey, say something" or "I'll be lonely if you don't say something." When voice recognition is unable to be performed, the prompt message may be, for example, "What did you say? I don't know. Say it again." When there is no response from the user to the prompt message within a predetermined time, the end message may be, for example, "See you next time."

<<Dialogue function example 2>>
6 shows another example of the dialogue function realized in this embodiment. In this example, the control unit 18 starts an event triggered by a dialogue with the user. Steps S11 to S15 are the same as steps S01 to S05 in FIG. 5. The control unit 18 outputs a dialogue message and then dialogues with the user, and then outputs a question requesting permission to start the event (step S16). If the user responds affirmatively to the question requesting permission to start the event (step S17: Yes), the control unit 18 outputs an end message (step S18), ends voice recognition (step S19), and then starts the event (step S20).

If the user responds negatively to the prompt for permission to start the event (step S17: No), the control unit 18 outputs an end message (step S21) and ends the voice recognition (step S22), but does not start the event thereafter and ends the process.

Events
The event may be new information, information about a character, or a combination of these. For example, it may be image information of a character wearing a new costume. Or, for example, it may be video information of a character singing or dancing. A plurality of image, video, and audio data of such events may be stored in the database 19. The control unit 18 may display the image or video of the event stored in the database 19 on the display unit 5, and output it from the speaker 20.

The event may be determined, for example, according to the access message output condition that triggered the start of the dialogue. For example, when a distance traveled of 100 km is reached, image information may be displayed of a character wearing a new outfit, and when a distance traveled of 200 km is reached, a video of the character singing and dancing may be displayed, so that the events that occur become more spectacular as the distance traveled increases.

The control unit 18 may determine a predetermined event to be started, for example, according to a combination of information output to the user, which is the content of the dialogue, and the user's response to that information. For example, dialogue messages may be output multiple times, and the event to be output may be changed according to a combination of whether the user's response to each dialogue message was positive or negative. For example, in the case of the following dialogue example 1, the event may be an image of a character dancing in a new outfit. Also, in the case of the following dialogue example 2, the event may be an image of a character wearing a new outfit but with a somewhat disappointed expression. Also, in the case of the following dialogue example 3, the character may wear the same outfit and have a depressed expression.
・Dialogue example 1
First dialogue message: "Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried."
User response: "I like it"
Next dialogue message: "I'm happy! Can I talk to you like this again?"
User response: "Okay."
・Dialogue example 2
First dialogue message: "Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried."
User response: "I don't like it"
Next dialogue message: "I see. Too bad. But can I talk to you like this again?"
User response: "Okay."
・Dialogue example 3
First dialogue message: "Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried."
User response: "I don't like it"
Next dialogue message: "I see. Too bad. But can I talk to you like this again?"
User response: "No."

The event may also be changed depending on, for example, seasonal conditions such as the season or annual events, or location conditions such as the area the vehicle is traveling in. For example, if it is spring, an image of a character standing under a cherry blossom tree may be displayed. If Valentine's Day is approaching, an image of a character holding chocolate may be displayed. If the vehicle is traveling in Yokohama, an image of a character may be displayed with the Minato Mirai district streetscape as a background.

During an event, the character displayed on the display unit 5 may be, for example, large enough to not interfere with the functions of the system. Typically, characters are often displayed so as not to interfere with the menu screen or map information, etc., displayed on the display unit 5 according to the system's functions. In contrast, during an event, the character may be displayed large enough to cover the menu screen displayed on the display unit 5.

It is preferable that the event that has been decided to start can be reviewed later when the user wishes. For example, an event log function can be provided, and the control unit 18 can record the event that has been decided to start in the event log. The user can access the event log to review the desired event.

<<Question for permission to start the event>>
For example, if the event is a character video, the question for permission to start the event may be, "I have a special dance. Can I show it to you now?", asking the user whether to allow the video to be displayed. Displaying all the videos may take time. By starting the event only when the user responds that they wish to see it, the system can be made user-friendly.

<< Closing message >>
As in the first interactive function example, the control unit 18 may output an end message at the timing of canceling the voice recognition. In the second interactive function example, since the end message is output after a question requesting permission to start the event, the content of the end message may be changed depending on whether the user's response to the question is positive or negative. If the user's response is positive, the end message may include a notice of the start of the event. If the user's response is negative, the end message may include an event start condition. The event start condition may be, for example, a condition that allows the user to start the event at a time convenient for the user, and may be access to an event log in which the event that the user has decided to start is recorded. An example of the end message is shown below.
・Example of a positive user response:
Asking for permission: "I have a great dance I'd like to show you. Can I show it to you now?"
User response: "Okay."
Closing message: "Thank you. I'm happy. Check it out!"
・Example of a negative user response:
Asking for permission: "I have a great dance I'd like to show you. Can I show it to you now?"
User's negative response: "No, I'm driving."
・End message: "Okay. I'll put the image in the event log, so you can access it whenever you like. See you later."

[effect]
The above-described embodiment has the following advantages.
(A) When the access message output condition is satisfied, the control unit 18 of the navigation device 1 outputs an access message to the user and starts voice recognition. The navigation device 1 is usually operated by the user's button operation or voice input, but the navigation device 1 can surprise the user by outputting a message to access the user from the device side without the user's operation or input. This can provide added value that attracts the user in addition to simple convenience. In particular, in the navigation device 1 that displays animated characters and outputs voices in functions such as route guidance, giving the user a sense of surprise makes the characters more human, and can stimulate the purchasing desire of users who use the navigation device 1 for the characters.

The access message output condition may be, for example, the distance traveled or the time traveled by the vehicle equipped with the navigation device 1. For example, by outputting an access message every 100 km traveled or every 3 hours traveled, it is possible to add excitement to a drive that tends to become monotonous. The access message output condition may be, for example, the region in which the vehicle equipped with the navigation device 1 is traveled. For example, the location of the vehicle may be detected by a GPS installed in the vehicle, and an access message may be output when the vehicle moves from one prefecture to an adjacent prefecture. By making the content of the access message a dialect or tourist information specific to that prefecture, the user can obtain useful information, and it is possible to add excitement to a drive that tends to become monotonous. The access message output condition may be, for example, the number of times the navigation device 1 is started or the number of times the voice recognition function is used. For example, by outputting an access message when the number of times the system is started reaches 30 times or when the number of times the voice recognition function is used reaches 100 times, it is possible to stimulate the desire to use the system or voice recognition.

The "access message for the user" may be, for example, a message requesting some kind of response from the user. The access message may be output, for example, as a statement by a character. For example, if an access message is used as a trigger for a dialogue with the user, the access message may be a message requesting permission to start a dialogue, such as "Um, can I talk now?". It may also include a greeting, such as "Hello, can I talk now?". It may also include a nickname created according to the user's name that has been input in advance, such as "Yu-kun, can I talk now?". The access message may be output, for example, as audio via the speaker 20 of the navigation device 1, or may be displayed as text or image information on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1.

(B) If the user's response to the access message is positive, the control unit 18 may start a dialogue with the user by outputting a dialogue message, which is a predetermined information output, and by performing voice recognition of the user's response to the dialogue message.

By accessing the user from the navigation device 1 and then having a dialogue with him/her, a device that tends to feel impersonal can be made to feel more human, further increasing the added value of the navigation device 1. In addition, by starting a dialogue with the user depending on the content of the user's response to the access message, it is possible to surprise the user, while still allowing the subsequent scenario to proceed with consideration for the user's convenience, preventing the user from feeling annoyed.

By starting a dialogue only when there is a positive response from the user, it is possible to prevent the scenario from progressing on its own, which can be annoying to the user. If a character is used, it is possible to make the user feel the modesty of that character.

"Dialogue with the user" refers to, for example, performing voice recognition of the user's response to a dialogue message output by the system, and outputting a further dialogue message depending on the content of the response. For example, the navigation device 1 may output a dialogue message sufficient to give the user the feeling that communication has been established. The dialogue message may be output, for example, as a character's statement.

The dialogue messages constituting the dialogue may be composed of a plurality of phrases, such as a question, a thank you, or an exclamation. The plurality of phrases may, for example, include at least one question, and may prompt the user to give either a positive or negative response. The questions may be combined with, for example, emotional expressions expressing the character's personality or thank you, and may be words unrelated to the system's original functions. The plurality of phrases may be output as utterances by the character. For example, the following utterances may be output:
・"Um, thank you for buying my navigation system. I wonder if you like it? I'm a little worried."
- "I was just bored. I sometimes chat with you like this, is that too much?"
・"Thank you for using it so much. I'd like to give you a song of thanks as a gift. Is that okay?"

For example, words that are expected as the user's response may be stored in advance in the database 19 of the navigation device 1. The words may be classified as either "positive" or "negative", for example. Positive words may be, for example, "yes", "yeah", "okay", and "nice". Negative words may be, for example, "no", "no", "that's bad", "shut up", and "no way". If the response does not match any of the stored words, it may be treated as unrecognizable.

Furthermore, words and phrases expected as the user's response in the "dialogue" may be stored in advance in the storage means. The words and phrases may be classified, for example, as either "positive" or "negative." Since the information output by the system in the "dialogue" may be of multiple types, it is advisable to store more words and phrases in the "dialogue" stage than in the access message output stage.

Positive phrases include, for example, "yes," "yes," "okay," "good," "I like it," "I like it," "nice," "I know," and "I get it." Negative phrases include, for example, "no," "no," "that's not good," "shut up," "no way," "I don't like it," "I don't like it," "I don't know," "I don't know," "no," "that's not right."

The navigation device 1 may select the next dialogue message to be output depending on whether the user's response to the dialogue message is "positive" or "negative."

If there is no response from the user to the access message, or if the response cannot be voice-recognized, a prompt message to prompt the user to respond may be output a predetermined number of times at a predetermined interval. If there is no response, the prompt message to prompt the user to respond may be, for example, "Hey, say something" or "I'll be lonely if you don't say something." If voice recognition is not possible, the message may be, for example, "What did you say? I don't know. Say it again." Also, if there is no response from the user to the prompt message within a predetermined time, an end message such as "See you next time" may be output and voice recognition may be cancelled.

(C) If the user's response to the access message is negative, the control unit 18 may output an end message including a notice that dialogue with the user will not begin, and end the voice recognition.

By not starting a dialogue if the user responds negatively, it is possible to prevent the scenario from progressing on its own, which would annoy the user. If a character is used, it is possible to make the user feel the modesty of that character. For example, if an access message such as "Um, can I talk now?" is output, and if the user responds negatively with "No", it is a good idea to output a statement such as "I'm sorry. Maybe next time."

(D) The control unit 18 may output an end message during dialogue with the user and start the event after ending the dialogue with the user.

By starting an event after the dialogue with the user ends, i.e., the dialogue with the user serves as a trigger for starting the event, it is possible to stimulate the user's desire to engage in dialogue and increase their attachment to the navigation device 1.

The end of the dialogue with the user may be, for example, the end of the dialogue message output and the cancellation of the voice recognition. The end message, which is the notification of the end of the dialogue, may be, for example, a message that notifies the user that the dialogue with the character is ending. For example, a combination of a thank you phrase and a closing greeting may be output as the character's statement. For example, the following statement may be output:
・"Thank you. I'm happy. Please continue to use it. See you next time."
- "Really? Let's chat again."

The event may be, for example, new information, information about a character, or a combination of these. For example, it may be image information of a character wearing a new costume. Or, for example, it may be video information of a character singing or dancing. A plurality of events may be stored in the database 19 of the navigation device 1. The event to be started may be determined according to a combination of information output to the user and the user's response to that information. Alternatively, the event to be started may be determined according to seasonal conditions such as the season or annual events, or location conditions such as the area in which the vehicle is traveling.

(E) In a dialogue with the user, the control unit 18 outputs a query requesting permission to start the event, and if the user responds affirmatively to the query, outputs an end message and starts the event after the dialogue ends.

For example, if the predetermined event is a character animation, it may take time to display the entire animation, so before displaying the animation, the user is asked whether or not to display the animation, and the event is started only if the user responds that he or she wishes to display it, thereby making it possible to provide a user-friendly navigation device 1. For example, the question requesting permission to start the event and the user's affirmative response to the question may be as follows:
・Question requesting permission to start a specific event: "I have a special dance I'd like to show you now."
Affirmative user response: "Yes,""Yup,""Okay,""Good,""Thanks"

(F) In a dialogue with the user, the control unit 18 outputs a question requesting permission to start an event, and if the user responds negatively to the question, outputs an end message including a notification of the end of the dialogue and a notification of a specified event start condition, and ends the dialogue.

For example, if an event is a character animation, it may take time to display the entire animation, so before the animation is displayed, the user is asked whether or not to display the animation, and if the user responds that they do not want it to be displayed, instead of displaying the animation, the display conditions for the animation are notified, allowing the user to watch the animation whenever they like, making the system easy for the user to use. For example, the question requesting permission to start the event, the user's negative response to the question, the end message, and the event start conditions may be as follows:
- A question asking for permission to start an event: "I have a special dance that I'm saving. Can I show it to you now?"
User's negative response: "No, I'm driving."
・End message: "Okay. I'll leave the image in the event log, so you can access it whenever you like. See you later."

(G) When an event starts, the control unit 18 may display the character on the display unit 5 at a size that disrupts system functions. For example, when displaying image information of a character, the event may ignore the original functions of a radar detector or car navigation system and display the character as if it is hijacking the screen, thereby providing a great surprise to the user. Displaying at a size that disrupts system functions may, for example, be displayed so as to cover an image already being displayed on the display unit 5.

(H) When starting voice recognition, the control unit 18 may display a mark on the display unit 5 indicating that a character is trying to listen to the user's voice.

When voice recognition begins, for example, an image of a character wearing a headset or an image of a character making a listening gesture may be displayed on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1. This gives the user the impression that the character is listening to their voice, making it easier for them to feel familiar with the character. In addition, it is easy to visually confirm that the voice recognition function is operating, making it highly convenient.

(I) Even if the access message output condition is satisfied, if a specific suppression condition is met, the control unit 18 may delay output of the access message until the suppression condition is no longer met.

It determines whether the user is in a situation where priority should be given to dialogue, and for example, even if a certain mileage has been exceeded, if the acceleration conditions detected from the OBD are high, the output of the access message is delayed until the acceleration conditions decrease, ensuring high safety without disrupting the user's concentration on driving.

The suppression conditions may be, for example, that route guidance, which is an original function of the system installed in the navigation device 1, is in progress, that voice recognition is in progress, that an alarm sound is being generated, that other sounds are being generated, that the device is not in character display mode, that the vehicle is traveling at a speed of 100 km/h or more, etc.

[Other embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following aspects can also be configured.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a navigation device was used as the electronic device that constitutes the system, but this is not limited to this. For example, other in-vehicle electronic devices such as a radar detector or a drive recorder that has a target notification function separate from the navigation device may also be used. In addition, the functions described in the above embodiment can be implemented by installing a dedicated application on a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet.

The system may include an electronic device and a server, the electronic device may have a wireless communication function connected to the Internet, such as a mobile phone network such as 4G or LTE, or a wireless LAN, the server may be connected to the Internet, and the server may transmit an output instruction for an access message to the electronic device, and the electronic device may output the access message based on this output instruction. For example, the server may transmit an output instruction for an access message to the electronic device including information on the contents of the access message, and when the electronic device receives the output instruction in S11 of FIG. 6, it may output the access message in S12. In particular, the server may receive information from other servers or other electronic devices, and when the information matches a predetermined output condition for each access message, it may transmit an output instruction to the electronic device including information on the contents of the access message that matches the output condition.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Navigation device 2 Device body 3 Cradle 4 Case body 5 Display unit 6 Cradle body 7 Base unit 8 Touch panel 9 Alarm lamp 10 DC jack 11 Microwave receiver 12 GPS receiver 13 Wireless receiver 14 Infrared communication device 15 Mobile phone 16 Remote control receiver 17 Remote control 18 Control unit 19 Database 20 Speaker 21 Slot unit for SD memory card 22 SD memory card 23 USB terminal

Claims (2)

A system having a function of initiating a predetermined event after a user interaction,
The system is characterized by having a function of displaying a character so as not to obstruct a menu screen displayed on a display means according to the functions of the system, and having a function of displaying the character at a size large enough to cover the menu screen displayed on the display means when the specified event begins. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to claim 1 .

Images