JP7824948B2 - Planetarium system, planetarium system control method, and planetarium system program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to planetarium systems, and more particularly to the display of operation screens for planetarium systems.

Planetariums use a projector to project the movement of constellations and stars onto a dome-shaped curved screen. Typically, a guide will explain the constellations and other images projected by the projector while operating the planetarium to advance the projected scenes.

One way to operate a planetarium is using a console device or a terminal such as a tablet. The guide can operate the projector by inputting the commands he or she wants the projector to execute into the console device or tablet. The planetarium operation screen is displayed on the display of the console device or tablet.

Regarding the operation screen of a planetarium, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-139003 (Patent Document 1) discloses a planetarium device that includes a dome screen and a projection device that projects a star field onto the dome screen, and that the projection device further includes an image control unit, an image projection unit, and an operation unit. The image control unit controls the video image projected onto the dome screen and creates an operation screen to be displayed on the operation unit. The operation screen is controlled by first obtaining the observation time and observation location during the demonstration, then referring to a data storage unit to extract, from several stored auxiliary images, an auxiliary image that is appropriate for projection at the observation time and observation location during the demonstration, and then providing an operation screen with a list of buttons that allow the user to select the extracted auxiliary image (see [Abstract]).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-139003

The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have a function for easily finding operation items that are not in the script of a planetarium program. As a result, for example, an inexperienced guide may spend a long time searching the operation screen for operation items that are not in the script of a planetarium program. Therefore, there is a need for technology that allows guides to easily find operation items that are not in the script of a planetarium program on the operation screen.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned background, and its purpose in one aspect is to provide technology that allows commentators to easily search for operation items on the operation screen, even if they are not included in the planetarium program script.

According to one embodiment, a planetarium system is provided. The planetarium system includes a display unit for displaying an operation screen for the planetarium system, an input unit for accepting input of setting information via the operation screen, a memory unit for storing one or more setting information and one or more related functions associated with the setting information or combinations of setting information, and a control unit for controlling the planetarium system. The control unit retrieves from the memory unit the related functions associated with the one or more setting information input up to now as functions that the planetarium system can execute next, and displays the operation items of the functions that the planetarium system can execute next on the display unit.

In one aspect, displaying the operation items of the next executable function on the display unit includes, based on the existence of multiple next executable functions, displaying the operation items of each of the multiple next executable functions on the display unit in a selectable manner.

In one aspect, displaying selectable operation items for multiple next executable functions on the display unit includes excluding a second related function included in the multiple next executable functions from the multiple next executable functions when a first related function is currently being executed and the second related function is not executable.

In one aspect, displaying on the display unit each of the operation items of the multiple next executable functions in a selectable manner includes displaying on the display unit each of the multiple next executable functions in order of priority based on the number of times each of the multiple next executable functions has been executed in the past or the amount of associated setting information.

In one aspect, displaying the operation items for the next executable function on the display unit includes automatically executing the next executable function when there is one next executable function and the next executable function has been executed a certain number of times or more in the past, and displaying the operation items for the next executable function on the display unit when there is one next executable function and the next executable function has not been executed a certain number of times or more in the past.

In one aspect, selecting the next executable function includes extracting one or more relevant functions related to the currently displayed content based on the setting information entered up to that point.

In one aspect, selecting the next executable function includes extracting one or more related functions that are executable after the previous input of configuration information.

In one aspect, selecting the next executable function includes extracting one or more related functions of the next executable function based on the input setting information including displaying a content object or switching display settings of a content object.

In one aspect, the memory unit further stores installation information for multiple pieces of equipment included in the planetarium system. Selecting the next executable function includes extracting one or more next executable functions based on the installation information.

In one aspect, the memory unit further stores an operating speed setting of the projector. Selecting the next executable function includes extracting one or more next executable movement setting functions based on the operating speed setting of the projector if the input setting information includes a movement command.

In one aspect, the memory unit further stores astronomical phenomenon information. Selecting the next executable function includes extracting related functions for astronomical phenomena that may occur within a certain period of time from the date and time obtained based on the input setting information.

In one aspect, displaying the operation items of the next executable function on the display unit includes highlighting the operation items of the next executable function on the display unit.

According to another embodiment, a control method for a planetarium system is provided. The control method includes the steps of accepting input of setting information via an operation screen, accessing one or more pieces of setting information and one or more related functions associated with the setting information or a combination of setting information, acquiring the related functions associated with the one or more pieces of setting information input so far as the next executable function of the planetarium system, and displaying, on a display unit, operation items for the next executable function of the planetarium system.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment, a program for causing a computer to execute the above method is provided.

In one embodiment, the guide can easily find operation items on the operation screen that are not included in the planetarium program script.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration of a planetarium system 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each projector. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the planetarium system 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting information list 400 stored in the planetarium system 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of related function master information 500 stored in the planetarium system 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of equipment installation information 600 stored in the planetarium system 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of astronomical phenomenon information 700 stored in the planetarium system 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a search process for a related function 502 by the planetarium system 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a search process for a related function 502 by the planetarium system 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a search process for a related function 502 by the planetarium system 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a search process for a related function 502 by the planetarium system 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a search process for a related function 502 by the planetarium system 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a search process for related functions 502 by the planetarium system 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seventh example of a search process for related functions 502 by the planetarium system 10. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display on an operation screen 1500 of the planetarium system 10. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display on an operation screen 1600 of the planetarium system 10. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation screen display process executed by the control device 100.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the technical concept of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

<A. Planetarium System Configuration>
First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the system configuration of the planetarium system according to the present embodiment, the hardware configuration of each projector included in the planetarium system, and the screen configuration for the guide to operate the planetarium system will be described.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a planetarium system 10 according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the planetarium system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. In some aspects, the planetarium system 10 may not have some of the configuration shown in Figure 1.

The planetarium system 10 includes a control device 100, a terminal 101, an optical planetarium device 110, a digital planetarium device 120, and an external device 130. The optical planetarium device 110 includes an optical planetarium projector 114, a control PC (Personal Computer) 112 for the optical planetarium projector 114, and a console 113. In some aspects, some or all of the optical planetarium projector 114, the control PC 112, and the console 113 may be integrated or may be separate devices. The digital planetarium device 120 includes a digital planetarium projector 124 and a control PC 122 for the digital planetarium projector 124. The operation screen 123 may be displayed on the display of the control PC 122. In some aspects, the digital planetarium projector 124 and the control PC 122 may be integrated or may be separate devices. The optical planetarium projector 114 and the digital planetarium projector 124 are sometimes collectively referred to as "projectors." Note that the planetarium system 10 may selectively include either the optical planetarium device 110 or the digital planetarium device 120, or may include both.

The terminal 101 displays an operation screen for operating the planetarium system 10. The terminal 101 also accepts operations from the guide via the operation screen. The terminal 101 transmits a command corresponding to the accepted operation to the control device 100. The command here is a command to the projector. The control device 100 can cause the projector to perform the operation linked to the command.

As described below, the operation screen displayed on the display of the terminal 101 has a function to assist the guide's operations by, for example, displaying the operation items for the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute based on the operation history of the planetarium system 10 up to now. The next function that can be executed also includes operations that are not in the program script. For example, the guide may use the auxiliary function of the operation screen to project a panoramic image of the polar regions onto the dome when an Arctic sky is projected onto the dome, to make it easier for the audience to feel like they are in the Arctic.

In one aspect, the operation screen of terminal 101 may be the same as the operation screen displayed on the display of control PC 112 or operation screen 123 of control PC 122. In another aspect, the operation screen of terminal 101 may be the screen of a web application transmitted from control device 100, control PC 112, or control PC 122. In another aspect, terminal 101 may be a tablet, smartphone, laptop computer, desktop computer, or any other device.

The control device 100 transmits commands received from the terminal 101 to each device (projector and external device 130) or its control PC, causing each device to execute the operation associated with the command. The control device 100 communicates with multiple terminals 101 and can cause each device to execute commands received from each terminal 101. The control device 100 can also receive a program containing multiple commands from the terminal 101 or another device and control each device in accordance with the program. In some aspects, the control device 100 may be a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or any other device. The control device 100 also includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151 for executing the program, a memory 152 for temporarily expanding the program or data, and a storage 153 for saving the program or data. In some aspects, the CPU 151 may be implemented by one or more processors.

In one aspect, the control device 100 may be equipped with a display for displaying an operation screen. In this case, the display of the control device 100 may display an operation screen for sending commands to the optical planetarium device 110 and the digital planetarium device 120.

The operation screen displayed on the display of the control device 100, like the operation screen displayed on the display of the terminal 101, has a function to assist the guide in his or her operations by, for example, displaying the operation items of the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute based on the operation history of the planetarium system 10 up to now. The operation items of the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute may include operation items that are not in the program script.

The control PC 112 controls the optical planetarium projector 114. The control PC 112 receives commands for the optical planetarium projector 114 from the control device 100. The control PC 112 then transmits a control signal to the optical planetarium projector 114, causing the optical planetarium projector 114 to perform the operation associated with the command.

In certain aspects, the control PC 112 may be equipped with a display for displaying an operation screen. In this case, the display of the control device 100 may display an operation screen for controlling the optical planetarium projector 114. The operation screen of the control PC 112, like the operation screen of the terminal 101, has a function to assist the guide's operations, such as by displaying the operation items of the functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next, based on the operation history of the planetarium system 10 up to now. The operation items of the functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next may include operation items that are not in the program script.

The control PC 112 may also accept operational input from the console 113. The control PC 112 then transmits a control signal to the optical planetarium projector 114, causing the optical planetarium projector 114 to perform an operation based on the operational input from the console 113.

In one aspect, the control device 100 may have the functionality of the control PC 112. In another aspect, the optical planetarium projector 114 may have the functionality of the control PC 112. The optical planetarium projector 114 includes a number of motors and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The optical planetarium projector 114 displays constellations and the like on a dome-shaped curved screen by illuminating the LEDs. In one aspect, the optical planetarium projector 114 may use any light source, such as a filament-based light source, instead of LEDs.

The control PC 122 controls the digital planetarium projector 124. The control PC 122 receives commands for the digital planetarium projector 124 from the control device 100. The control PC 122 then transmits control signals to the digital planetarium projector 124, causing the digital planetarium projector 124 to perform the operations associated with the commands.

In certain aspects, the control PC 122 may be equipped with a display for displaying the operation screen 123. The operation screen 123 is an operation screen for controlling the digital planetarium projector 124. Like the operation screen of the terminal 101, the operation screen 123 has a function to assist the guide's operations, such as by displaying operation items for functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next, based on the operation history of the planetarium system 10 up to now. The operation items for functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next may include operation items that are not in the program script. The control PC 122 transmits control signals to the digital planetarium projector 124, causing the digital planetarium projector 124 to perform operations based on operation inputs from the operation screen 123.

In one aspect, the control device 100 may include the functionality of the control PC 122. In another aspect, the digital planetarium projector 124 may include the functionality of the control PC 122. The digital planetarium projector 124 uses a projector instead of LEDs to display constellations and the like on a dome-shaped curved screen.

The external device 130 is used by connecting it to either the control device 100, the control PC 112, or the control PC 122. In some aspects, the external device 130 may be a sound system, a lighting system, an auxiliary projector, a planetarium clock, a lifter, an emergency light, an aroma generator, an audio player, or the like. The auxiliary projector may be used, for example, to announce prohibited activities inside the dome (such as eating and drinking or talking during a screening).

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each projector. The hardware configuration of a projector according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. The optical planetarium device 110 includes an equipment control unit 207, a motor control unit 208, a motor 209, an LED control unit 210, and an LED 211. In some aspects, these components may all be realized as an integrated device, or may be realized as separate devices. For example, if each component is realized as a separate device, the equipment control unit 207 corresponds to the control PC 112, and the motor control unit 208, the motor 209, the LED control unit 210, and the LED 211 correspond to the optical planetarium projector 114.

The optical planetarium device 110 projects stars, planets, the moon, constellation images, etc. onto a dome-shaped curved screen using LEDs. The equipment control unit 207 controls various devices, such as the external device 130, connected to the optical planetarium projector 114. The equipment control unit 207 also controls the motor control unit 208 and LED control unit 210 installed in the optical planetarium projector 114. The equipment control unit 207 receives commands from the control device 100 and, based on the commands, causes the various devices connected to the optical planetarium projector 114, the motor control unit 208, and the LED control unit 210 to execute the operations associated with the commands. The motor control unit 208 drives a motor 209 to operate the optical planetarium projector 114. The LED control unit 210 lights up the LEDs 211 that project images.

The digital planetarium device 120 comprises a control PC 122 and a digital planetarium projector 124. The control PC 122 comprises a digital control unit 214. The digital planetarium projector 124 comprises a projection control unit 216 and a projection unit 217.

The digital planetarium projector 124 differs from the optical planetarium projector 114 in that it uses a projector instead of LEDs and lenses. The digital control unit 214 sends control signals to the digital planetarium projector 124 based on commands received from the control device 100, thereby operating the digital planetarium projector 124. The projection control unit 216 controls the projection unit 217 based on the control signals. The projection unit 217 projects stars, planets, the moon, constellation pictures, etc. onto a screen.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the planetarium system 10. The operation screen 300 shown in Figure 3 may be displayed on any or all of the display of the terminal 101, the display of the control device 100, the display of the control PC 112, and the display of the control PC 122. In one aspect, the operation screen 300 may be installed on each device as a standalone application. In another aspect, the operation screen 300 may be provided as a web application. In this case, as an example, a web application installed on the control device 100 may provide the operation screen 300 to each device.

The operation screen 300 may display operation items 310 for one or more functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next, based on the operation history entered into the operation screen 300 by the guide. More specifically, the operation screen 300 sets setting information for the planetarium system 10 based on the operations entered into the operation screen 300 by the guide. In other words, the operation screen 300 may accept input of setting information. Furthermore, the operation screen 300 may display operation items 310 for one or more functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next, based on the operation history (setting information) up to now. Note that the operation items 310 displayed on the operation screen 300 refer to, for example, input means such as buttons for causing the planetarium system 10 to execute a certain function.

<B. Data Structure Used to Change Operation Screen>
Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 7, data that planetarium system 10 references to display operation items 310 on operation screen 300 will be described. In one aspect, the data shown in Figures 4 to 7 may be stored in storage 153 of control device 100. In another aspect, the data shown in Figures 4 to 7 may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) of any of terminal 101, control PC 112, or control PC 122. Control device 100, terminal 101, control PC 112, or control PC 122 can switch the display of operation screen 300 by referring to this data.

Figure 4 shows an example of a setting information list 400 stored by the planetarium system 10. The setting information list 400 includes setting information 401 as an item. In certain aspects, the setting information list 400 may further include information indicating the execution order of each setting information 401, such as a timestamp.

The setting information list 400 is used at least together with related function master information 500 (see FIG. 5 ), which will be described later. In a certain aspect, the setting information list 400 may be expressed as a table of a relational database, or may be expressed as a JavaScript (JSON) file.
It may also be expressed in any other data format such as Object Notation.

The setting information list 400 includes a history of setting information set in the planetarium system 10. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the following setting information has been set in the planetarium system 10: setting information 401 "March 20, 2021, 18:00," setting information 401 "Latitude 35 degrees North," setting information 401 "Longitude 135 degrees East," and setting information 401 "Winter Triangle ON." In other words, the guide performed operations on the planetarium system 10 via the operation screen 300 that correspond to the setting information included in the setting information list 400.

According to the setting information list 400, the planetarium system 10 is projecting the Winter Triangle into the sky at 35 degrees north latitude and 135 degrees east longitude at 18:00 on March 20, 2021.

In certain situations, if the same type of operation is input multiple times into the planetarium system 10, the setting information 401 may be overwritten. As an example, suppose a guide performs an operation for "35 degrees north latitude" and then an operation for "45 degrees north latitude." In this case, the planetarium system 10 may replace the setting information 401 "35 degrees north latitude" with "45 degrees north latitude." In other situations, if the same type of operation is input multiple times into the planetarium system 10, the planetarium system 10 may not overwrite the setting information 401, but may instead leave all operation histories in chronological order.

By referring to this setting information list 400 and the related function master information 500 (see Figure 5), the planetarium system 10 can select the next executable function (a function that the commentator can operate, including functions not included in the program script) from all functions provided by the planetarium system 10, and display the operation items for the selected function on the operation screen 300.

Figure 5 shows an example of related function master information 500 stored in the planetarium system 10. In some aspects, the related function master information 500 may be expressed as a relational database table or in any other data format such as JSON. The related function master information 500 includes the following items: function 501, related function 502, and number of executions 503.

Functions (or setting information) 501 is a list of all functions provided by the planetarium system 10. The guide can cause the planetarium system 10 to execute each function included in functions 501 via the operation screen 300. For example, suppose the guide causes the planetarium system 10 to execute function 501 "Orion." In this case, a record for setting information 401 "Orion" is added to the setting information list 400. In other words, setting information 401 included in setting information list 400 can also be considered a list of the history of executed functions 501. Functions 501 can also be considered a list of all setting information that can be set in the planetarium system 10.

The related functions 502 are a list of related functions that the planetarium system 10 can further execute when the function 501 of the same record is executed. As an example, suppose the planetarium system 10 receives an operation for the function 501 "Latitude 65 degrees or higher." In this case, the planetarium system 10 can further execute the related functions 502 "Polar Panorama ON" and "Aurora ON." In some situations, multiple related functions 502 may be associated with a single function 501. In other situations, one or more related functions 502 may be associated with a combination of multiple functions 501 (for example, when the function 501 "Latitude 65 degrees or higher and Aurora ON" is executed, the planetarium system 10 can further execute one or more of the optional related functions 502 associated with the function 501 "Latitude 65 degrees or higher and Aurora ON").

The number of executions 503 indicates the number of times the related function 502 has been executed in the past. In the example shown in Figure 5, "Orion Constellation Lines ON" has been executed five times in the past, and "Polar Regions Panorama ON" has been executed once in the past.

In one aspect, the execution count 503 may be the number of executions within a predetermined period (e.g., a specific period such as the past month) from the current time. In this case, a guide or maintenance personnel may set the predetermined period in the planetarium system 10 as appropriate. In another aspect, the execution count 503 may include 0 as an element. For example, if the execution count for the related function 502 "Canis Major Constellation Name ON" is 0, the value of the execution count 503 for a record including the related function 502 "Canis Major Constellation Name ON" will be 0.

The following describes the procedure by which the planetarium system 10 links the setting information list 400 with the related function master information 500, extracts the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute from all the functions that the planetarium system 10 has, and displays the operation items for the extracted function on the operation screen 300.

As a first step, the planetarium system 10 refers to the setting information list 400 and obtains all of the setting information 401 currently set in the planetarium system 10. This currently set setting information 401 means, for example, the setting information set during the screening of the current program.

As a second step, the planetarium system 10 searches the related function master information 500 for functions 501 that match the acquired setting information 401. In this example, the planetarium system 10 searches for functions 501 that correspond to the setting information 401 "March 20, 2021, 18:00," the setting information 401 "35 degrees north latitude," the setting information 401 "135 degrees east longitude," and the setting information 401 "Winter Triangle ON." Note that setting information 401 including numerical values, such as "March 20, 2021, 18:00," "35 degrees north latitude," and "135 degrees east longitude," may be associated with range-indicating functions 501, such as "March 2021," "above 35 degrees north latitude and below 65 degrees north latitude," and "above 135 degrees east longitude," respectively. From here on, it will be explained that in the second step, function 501 "March 2021", function 501 "above 35 degrees north latitude and below 65 degrees north latitude", function 501 "above 135 degrees east longitude", and function 501 "Winter Triangle ON" were searched.

In another aspect, the planetarium system 10 may acquire one or more of the latest setting information 401 included in the setting information list 400. In this case, the planetarium system 10 may use one or more of the latest setting information 401 included in the setting information list 400 as a search key for the related function master information 500. As an example, suppose that a guide performs an operation for "35 degrees north latitude" and then an operation for "45 degrees north latitude." In this case, the planetarium system 10 may select the setting information 401 "45 degrees north latitude" as the search key, rather than selecting the setting information 401 "35 degrees north latitude."

In the third step, the planetarium system 10 searches for related functions 502 associated with all of the functions 501 searched for in the second step. The functions associated with all of the functions 501 searched for in the second step are related functions 502 that the planetarium system 10 can execute next. In other words, the related functions 502 that the planetarium system 10 can execute next are candidates for functions that the guide can select next.

In this example, the planetarium system 10 searches for one or more related functions 502 associated with all of the function 501 "March 2021," the function 501 "above 35 degrees north latitude and below 65 degrees north latitude," the function 501 "above 135 degrees east longitude," and the function 501 "Winter Triangle ON." For example, related functions that are associated with the function 501 "March 2021" and the function 501 "above 35 degrees north latitude and below 65 degrees north latitude," but are not associated with "above 135 degrees east longitude" and the function 501 "Winter Triangle ON," are not included in the search results of the third step.

In one aspect, the planetarium system 10 may search for related functions 502 associated with any one of the functions 501 searched for in the second step. In the present embodiment, the planetarium system 10 may search for related functions 502 associated with any one of the functions 501 "March 2021," 501 "above 35 degrees north latitude and below 65 degrees north latitude," 501 "above 135 degrees east longitude," or 501 "Winter Triangle ON."

In a fourth step, the planetarium system 10 displays on the operation screen 300 the operation items of the function that the planetarium system 10 can execute next. The function that the planetarium system 10 can execute next refers to one or more related functions 502 included in the search results of the third step described above. In one aspect, the planetarium system 10 may highlight the operation items of the function that the planetarium system 10 can execute next on the operation screen 300. In another aspect, the planetarium system 10 may display the operation items of the function that the planetarium system 10 can execute next on the operation screen 300 using a pop-up or the like. In yet another aspect, the planetarium system 10 may sort the operation items of the function that the planetarium system 10 can execute next in order of priority according to the number of executions 503 and display them on the operation screen 300. In yet another aspect, if there is a related function 502 whose number of executions 503 is equal to or greater than a certain number, the planetarium system 10 may automatically execute the related function 502. Furthermore, if there is a related function 502 whose execution count 503 is less than a certain number, the planetarium system 10 may display the operation item of the related function 502 on the operation screen 300 instead of automatically executing it.

As mentioned above, the operation items for the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute may include operation items that are not included in the script of the planetarium system 10's program. For example, suppose the planetarium system 10 is projecting a program showing the Arctic night sky. At this time, the commentator can select an operation item displayed on the operation screen 300 (an operation item that is not in the program's script) to project a panoramic image of the polar regions onto the dome, creating a sense of realism and entertaining the audience.

In another aspect, the planetarium system 10 may hide a function that the planetarium system 10 cannot execute next on the operation screen 300 based on the current setting information 401. Alternatively, if the planetarium system 10 receives an operation for a function that the planetarium system 10 cannot execute next (such as an operation to load a projection image while another projection image is being loaded), the planetarium system 10 may ignore the operation. In other words, if the planetarium system 10 is currently executing a first function (such as loading a projection image), and a second related function (such as loading a projection image) included in the multiple next executable functions is not executable, the planetarium system 10 may exclude the second related function from the multiple next executable functions.

Figure 6 shows an example of equipment installation information 600 stored by the planetarium system 10. The equipment installation information 600 includes identification information for the equipment or peripheral equipment included in the planetarium system 10, as well as installation information for these pieces of equipment. By referencing the equipment installation information 600 in addition to the setting information list 400 and related function master information 500, the planetarium system 10 can search in more detail for the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute.

The equipment installation information 600 includes the following items: equipment 601, installation information 602, and related functions 603. The equipment 601 includes the name or identification information of the equipment included in the planetarium system 10 or its peripheral equipment. The installation information 602 may include information on the presence or absence of each piece of equipment, its installation location, size, type, shape, or a combination of these. The related functions 603 include one or more related functions that can be executed by the planetarium system 10, which are associated with the combination of the equipment 601 and the installation information 602. For example, the related functions 603 of the first record will include one or more related functions that can be executed by the planetarium system 10 when the equipment 601 is an "optical planetarium device" and the installation information 602 is "present."

In the third step described with reference to FIG. 5, the planetarium system 10 can further refer to the equipment installation information 600 to narrow down the functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next. For example, suppose the functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next, searched for in the third step, include the related function 502 "aroma generation." In this case, the planetarium system 10 can further refer to the equipment installation information 600 to determine whether the related function 502 "aroma generation" is executable based on the current equipment. In some aspects, in the third step described with reference to FIG. 5, the planetarium system 10 can predict the functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next by referring only to the equipment installation information 600 and the related function master information 500.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of astronomical phenomenon information 700 stored by the planetarium system 10. The astronomical phenomenon information 700 includes information on past astronomical phenomena, astronomical phenomena that occur periodically, and astronomical phenomena predicted to occur in the future. By referencing the astronomical phenomenon information 700 in addition to the setting information list 400 and related function master information 500, the planetarium system 10 can display functions related to special events (astronomical phenomena) related to the currently screening program on the operation screen. This allows the commentator to entertain the audience with special events (astronomical phenomena) that are not in the program script.

Astronomical phenomenon information 700 includes the following items: astronomical phenomenon 701, location 702, date and time 703, and related function 704. Astronomical phenomenon 701 includes the name or identification information of the astronomical phenomenon. Location 702 may include information about the location where the astronomical phenomenon can be observed or the location where the astronomical phenomenon occurred. Date and time 703 includes the date and time when the astronomical phenomenon occurred. Related function 704 includes one or more related functions executable by planetarium system 10 that are associated with the combination of astronomical phenomenon 701, location 702, and date and time 703.

For example, suppose a planetarium system 10 is screening a program on May 26, 2022. In this case, the planetarium system 10 may refer to the astronomical phenomenon information 700 to search for the astronomical phenomenon 701 "total lunar eclipse" observed one year ago on date and time 703 "2021/5/26 17:20-23:00" and display operation items for related functions related to the total lunar eclipse on the operation screen 300. The guide can select the displayed operation item to display the total lunar eclipse observed last year on the dome. This allows the audience to enjoy a special experience (such as a special event that occurred in the past) that is not part of the program script. In some cases, the planetarium system 10 may predict the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute in the third step described with reference to FIG. 5 by referring only to the astronomical phenomenon information 700 and the related function master information 500.

In another aspect, the planetarium system 10 may search for the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute by appropriately combining all or part of the setting information list 400, related function master information 500, equipment installation information 600, and astronomical phenomenon information 700. The planetarium system 10 may display on the operation screen 300 the operation items of the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute.

In another aspect, the planetarium system 10 may receive input for the related function master information 500, equipment installation information 600, and astronomical phenomenon information 700 in advance from outside via a network, touch panel, keyboard, etc.

<C. Operational Example of Planetarium System 10>
8 to 16, an example of the flow of the planetarium system 10 searching for the next executable function will be described. In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 16, the planetarium system 10 references some or all of the setting information list 400, related function master information 500, equipment installation information 600, and astronomical phenomenon information 700.

In certain aspects, the planetarium dome may display videos, images, panoramic images, and full-dome videos. As an example, the videos may include images of the sky or outer space generated by an astronomical simulator installed in the planetarium system 10. The astronomical simulator may operate as software on the hardware shown in Figures 1 or 2, or may be implemented as hardware installed in the planetarium system 10. The images may include any image other than the video generated by the astronomical simulator that is displayed based on the operation of a guide, etc. The panoramic image may include a ground view displayed on the dome's perimeter, etc. The full-dome video may include any image other than the video generated by the astronomical simulator that is displayed across the entire dome based on the operation of a guide, etc.

Figure 8 shows a first example of a search process for related functions 502 by the planetarium system 10. Assume that the planetarium system 10 moves to an Arctic latitude and projects an image 800 of an aurora at a polar latitude onto the dome. Note that the movement of the planetarium system 10 means the movement of the coordinate system displayed on the dome.

In this case, as an example, the planetarium system 10 may search for the function of displaying a panoramic image of the North Pole on the dome as the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, and display the operation items for that function on the operation screen 300. The guide can select the operation item for the function of displaying a panoramic image of the North Pole on the dome that is displayed on the operation screen 300, and project the panoramic image 810 of the North Pole onto the dome.

To perform the above process, as an example, the planetarium system 10 references the setting information list 400 and acquires setting information 401 such as "Latitude * degrees" and "Aurora display ON." Then, based on the acquired setting information 401, the planetarium system 10 may search the related function master information 500 for a function that displays a panoramic image of the North Pole on the dome as the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute.

Figure 9 shows a second example of a search process for related functions 502 by the planetarium system 10. Assume that the planetarium system 10 is projecting an image of the Tokyo sky.

In this case, as an example, the planetarium system 10 may search for the function of displaying a panoramic image of Tokyo on the dome as the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, and display the operation items for that function on the operation screen 300. The commentator can select the operation item for the function of displaying a panoramic image of Tokyo on the dome that is displayed on the operation screen 300, thereby projecting panoramic images 900, 910 of Tokyo onto the dome. This allows the commentator to provide the audience with a thoughtful service that is not included in the program script.

To perform the above process, as an example, the planetarium system 10 references the setting information list 400 and acquires setting information 401 such as "Tokyo sky display ON." Then, based on the acquired setting information 401, the planetarium system 10 may search the related function master information 500 for a function that displays a panoramic image of Tokyo on the dome as the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute.

Figure 10 shows a third example of a search process for related functions 502 by the planetarium system 10. Assume that the planetarium system 10 receives a command to start the process of reading data for projecting a full-dome image 1000 onto the dome.

In this case, as an example, the planetarium system 10 may search for a function that automatically turns the projector dimmer (a mechanism for adjusting brightness) fully open as the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute. In this case, the planetarium system 10 may automatically execute the function to turn the projector dimmer fully open based on the fact that the function to turn the projector dimmer fully open has been used a certain number of times or more within a certain period of time in the past. Furthermore, the planetarium system 10 may display an operation item for the function to turn the projector dimmer fully open on the operation screen 300 based on the fact that the function to turn the projector dimmer fully open has been used less than a certain number of times within a certain period of time in the past.

To perform the above process, as an example, the planetarium system 10 references the setting information list 400 and acquires setting information 401 such as "Full sky image display ON." Then, based on the acquired setting information 401, the planetarium system 10 can search the related function master information 500 for a function that turns the projector dimmer fully on as the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute. Furthermore, the planetarium system 10 can also search for the number of executions 503 of the function that turns the projector dimmer fully on.

Figure 11 shows a fourth example of a search process for related functions 502 by the planetarium system 10. Suppose the planetarium system 10 switches the image projected onto the dome from image 1100 of looking up at the sky from Earth to image 1110 of taking off into space.

In this way, for example, when the content projected onto the dome is switched, the planetarium system 10 may, as an example, search for the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, such as the function of loading and playing background music, or the function of emitting and stopping aroma, and display the operation items for these functions on the operation screen 300.

To perform the above processing, for example, the planetarium system 10 references the setting information list 400 and acquires setting information 401 such as "Takeoff/Landing" and "Change of Projected Content." In some situations, the planetarium system 10 may determine that content has changed when the video being played changes. In this case, setting information 401 such as "Content Change" may be added to the setting information list 400 when the video being played changes. Based on the acquired setting information 401, the planetarium system 10 may then search the related function master information 500 for the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, such as a background music loading and playback function or an aroma generation and stopping function, and display the operation items for these functions on the operation screen 300. In some situations, the planetarium system 10 may automatically execute the background music loading and playback process or the aroma generation and stopping function based on the execution count 503.

Figure 12 shows a fifth example of the search process for related functions 502 by planetarium system 10. Assume that the seating in the venue where planetarium system 10 is installed is arranged in a concentric circle. In this case, planetarium system 10 can change the display content so that the video or image is not difficult to see for certain audience members by referring to equipment installation information 600, which has seating information and the like input in advance. For example, planetarium system 10 may project image 1200 onto the dome to display the same celestial body at multiple locations on the dome.

To perform the above processing, as an example, the planetarium system 10 may refer to the equipment installation information 600 in addition to the setting information list 400 to obtain seat installation information 602. Then, based on the obtained setting information 401 and seat installation information 602, the planetarium system 10 may search the related function master information 500 for a function that projects onto the dome an image 1200 for displaying the same celestial body at multiple locations on the dome as the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, and display the operation items for that function on the operation screen 300.

Figure 13 shows a sixth example of the search process for the related function 502 by the planetarium system 10. Assume that the planetarium system 10 has set a destination and started moving from its current location. Moving here refers to moving the image on the dome from the currently projected position to the set destination. For example, if the current location is Earth and the destination is set to Mars, the planetarium system 10 moves the image projected on the dome from Earth to Mars. Images 1300, 1310, and 1320 are frames of the image moving from Earth to Mars.

In this case, the planetarium system 10 may, for example, calculate, from the distance traveled, a moving speed at which the audience will not experience motion sickness. The planetarium system 10 may then search for a function to set the calculated moving speed as the next executable related function 502, and display the operation items for that function on the operation screen 300. In this way, the planetarium system 10 may suppress the rapid movement of stars in the background of the image, thereby preventing the audience from experiencing motion sickness.

To perform the above process, as an example, the planetarium system 10 references the setting information list 400 and acquires setting information 401, such as "Destination is Mars" and "Movement." Then, based on the acquired setting information 401, the planetarium system 10 searches the related function master information 500 for a setting function for the calculated movement speed as the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, and displays the operation items for that function on the operation screen 300. In some aspects, the planetarium system 10 may automatically execute the setting function for the calculated movement speed based on the number of executions 503. In other aspects, the planetarium system 10 may further store the operation speed setting in storage 153. In this case, the planetarium system 10 may calculate or select the movement speed based on the operation speed setting.

Figure 14 shows a seventh example of a search process for related functions 502 by the planetarium system 10. Suppose a total solar eclipse is scheduled to occur in Japan within one month from today. In such a case, the planetarium system 10 may refer to the astronomical phenomenon information 700 and display an operation item for the total solar eclipse display function on the operation screen 300 as a function for showing a special event to the audience. This allows the guide to perform operations via the operation screen 300 to have the planetarium system 10 display the total solar eclipse.

When the planetarium system 10 displays a total solar eclipse on the dome, a deviation of just a few degrees in latitude or longitude can cause the sun to disappear. Furthermore, the size of the sun as seen by the audience at the time and date of a total solar eclipse is fixed. Therefore, the planetarium system 10 can perform operations such as expanding the viewing angle around the sun to show phenomena such as a diamond ring to the audience. For example, the planetarium system 10 can display an operation item for the function of expanding the viewing angle around the sun on the operation screen 300 to enlarge the total solar eclipse image 1400 and change it to image 1410.

To execute the above process, as an example, the planetarium system 10 references the setting information list 400 and acquires setting information 401 such as "total solar eclipse." Then, based on the acquired setting information 401, the planetarium system 10 searches the related function master information 500 for a total solar eclipse display function and a function for expanding the viewing angle around the sun as functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next, and may display the operation items for these functions on the operation screen 300. In some situations, the planetarium system 10 may automatically execute the total solar eclipse display function and the function for expanding the viewing angle around the sun based on the execution count 503.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the operation screen 1500 of the planetarium system 10. The operation screen 1500 is another example of the operation screen 300, and can be displayed on any or all of the display of the terminal 101, the display of the control device 100, the display of the control PC 112, and the display of the control PC 122. In one aspect, the operation screen 1500 may be installed on each device as a standalone application. In another aspect, the operation screen 1500 may be provided as a web application.

The operation screen 1500 may highlight an operation item 1510 of the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, obtained from the related function master information 500. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the operation screen 1500 highlights an operation item 1510 that includes a function to display the "constellation picture," "constellation lines," and "constellation name" of Orion.

In some situations, the guide may select a function other than the operation item 1510 highlighted on the operation screen 1500. The planetarium system 10 may highlight the operation item 1510 of the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, but does not need to lock the operation of other functions.

In another aspect, the planetarium system 10 may highlight the operation item 1510 of the function that the planetarium system 10 can execute next, while locking the operation of other functions.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the operation screen 1600 of the planetarium system 10. The operation screen 1600 is another example of the operation screen 300, and can be displayed on any or all of the display of the terminal 101, the display of the control device 100, the display of the control PC 112, and the display of the control PC 122. In one aspect, the operation screen 1600 may be installed on each device as a standalone application. In another aspect, the operation screen 1600 may be provided as a web application.

The operation screen 1600 changes the display of the operation items for the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute, obtained from the related function master information 500, according to priority. The planetarium system 10 can determine the priority of each function based on the number of times each function is executed 503 or the number of setting information 401 to which each function is linked, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the operation screen 1600 preferentially displays operation items 1610 (which may be a group of operation items) including the functions "Orion Lines ON," "Orion Picture ON," and "Orion Name ON." Furthermore, the operation screen 1600 can also display operation items for functions related to the operation item 1610 (e.g., functions related to the display of constellations and stars, etc.).

D. Flowchart
Next, the internal processing procedure of control device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 24. In one aspect, CPU 151 may load a program for performing the processing of Figures 17 to 24 from storage 153 into memory 152 and execute the program. In another aspect, some or all of the processing may be realized as a combination of circuit elements configured to perform the processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device 100.
In step S1705, the control device 100 repeatedly executes the processes from step S1710 onwards while the guide continues to operate the planetarium system 10.

In step S1710, the control device 100 performs a determination of specific conditions. The processing of step S1710 will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 23. The flowcharts shown in Figures 18 to 23 may be executed as subroutines of the processing of step S1710. In one aspect, the control device 100 may execute any one of the flowcharts shown in Figures 18 to 23 as a subroutine of the processing of step S1710. In another aspect, the control device 100 may execute all of the flowcharts shown in Figures 18 to 23 in series as subroutines of the processing of step S1710. In another aspect, the control device 100 may execute any combination of the flowcharts shown in Figures 18 to 23 in series as subroutines of the processing of step S1710.

In step S1715, the control device 100 determines candidate functions. The candidate functions are candidates for functions to be displayed as operation items on the operation screen. The candidate functions also include one or more related functions 502 obtained from the related function master information 500.

In step S1720, the control device 100 determines whether the candidate functions displayed on the operation screen are executable based on the current state of the planetarium system 10. If the control device 100 determines that the candidate functions displayed on the operation screen are executable based on the current state of the planetarium system 10 (YES in step S1720), it transfers control to step S1725. If not (NO in step S1720), the control device 100 transfers control to step S1735.

In step S1725, the control device 100 determines whether there are two or more function candidates. If the control device 100 determines that there are two or more function candidates (YES in step S1725), it transfers control to step S1730. If not (NO in step S1725), the control device 100 transfers control to step S1740.

In step S1730, the control device 100 displays the operation items of the candidate functions (operation items of the functions that the planetarium system 10 can execute next) on the operation screen. If there are multiple candidate functions, the control device 100 displays each of the multiple candidate function operation items on the operation screen so that they can be selected.

In step S1735, the control device 100 determines whether the operation of the planetarium system 10 has ended. If the control device 100 determines that the operation of the planetarium system 10 has ended, the control device 100 ends the processing. If not, the control device 100 transfers control to step S1710. Note that the processing of step S1735 may instead be performed in step S1705.

In step S1740, the control device 100 determines whether there is one function candidate. If the control device 100 determines that there is one function candidate (YES in step S1740), it transfers control to step S1745. If not (NO in step S1740), i.e., if there are zero function candidates, the control device 100 transfers control to step S1735.

In step S1745, the control device 100 determines whether the number of times the function candidate has been executed in a specific period is a certain number or less. If the control device 100 determines that the number of times the function candidate has been executed in a specific period is a certain number or less (YES in step S1745), it transfers control to step S1730. If not (NO in step S1745), the control device 100 transfers control to step S1750.

In step S1750, the control device 100 automatically executes the candidate function.
18 is a diagram showing a first example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. The subroutine shown in FIG. 18 corresponds to the processing described with reference to FIG.

In step S1810, the control device 100 acquires the operation history for the planetarium system 10 (such as moving to Arctic latitude and projecting an image 800 of the aurora at polar latitude onto the dome). The operation history is a history of operations input by the guide into the planetarium system 10 via the operation screen. Based on receiving the operation, the planetarium system 10 adds setting information 401 corresponding to the operation to the setting information list 400. In other words, acquiring the operation history means acquiring setting information 401 corresponding to the operation history from the setting information list 400.

In step S1820, the control device 100 determines whether there is a function related to the operation history. More specifically, the control device 100 searches the related function master information 500 using the acquired setting information 401 as a search key to determine whether there is a related function 502 that can be executed next. If the control device 100 determines that there is a function related to the operation history (YES in step S1820), it transfers control to step S1830. If not (NO in step S1820), the control device 100 ends processing of the subroutine.

In step S1830, the control device 100 predicts candidate functions (such as a function to display a panoramic image of the North Pole on a dome) by obtaining functions related to the operation history from the related function master information 500. In one aspect, the control device 100 may transfer control to step S1715 after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 18. In another aspect, the control device 100 may serially execute other subroutines after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 18.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing a second example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. The subroutine shown in Figure 19 corresponds to the processing described with reference to Figure 10.

In step S1910, the control device 100 acquires setting information 401 stored in the planetarium system 10 (such as starting the data reading process for projecting a full-dome image onto the dome).

In step S1920, the control device 100 determines whether there is a next function that can be set. More specifically, the control device 100 searches the related function master information 500 using the acquired setting information 401 as a search key to determine whether there is a next related function 502 that can be executed. If the control device 100 determines that there is a function related to the operation history (YES in step S1920), it transfers control to step S1930. If not (NO in step S1920), the control device 100 ends processing of the subroutine.

In step S1930, the control device 100 predicts function candidates (such as a function to automatically turn the projector dimmer fully on) by searching the related function master information 500 for the next settable function. In one aspect, the control device 100 may transfer control to step S1715 after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 19. In another aspect, the control device 100 may serially execute other subroutines after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 19.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing a third example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. The subroutine shown in Figure 20 corresponds to the processing described with reference to Figure 11.

In step S2010, the control device 100 determines whether the content object has been switched. The content object switching process is, for example, a process of switching the image projected onto the dome from an image of looking up at the sky from Earth to an image of taking off into space. If the control device 100 determines that the content object has been switched (YES in step S2010), it transfers control to step S2020. If not (NO in step S2010), the control device 100 ends the processing of the subroutine.

In step S2020, the control device 100 determines whether there is a next function that can be set. More specifically, the control device 100 searches the related function master information 500 using the acquired setting information 401 as a search key to determine whether there is a next executable related function 502. If the control device 100 determines that there is a next function that can be set (YES in step S2020), it transfers control to step S2030. If not (NO in step S2020), the control device 100 ends processing of the subroutine.

In step S2030, the control device 100 predicts candidate functions (such as background music loading and playback processing, or aroma generation and stopping functions) by obtaining functions related to the switching of content objects from the related function master information 500. In one aspect, the control device 100 may transfer control to step S1715 after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 20. In another aspect, the control device 100 may serially execute other subroutines after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 20.

Figure 21 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. The subroutine shown in Figure 21 corresponds to the processing described with reference to Figure 12.

In step S2110, the control device 100 acquires equipment installation information 602 (such as seating arrangement information in the venue) stored in the planetarium system 10.

In step S2120, the control device 100 determines whether there is a next settable function. More specifically, the control device 100 searches the related function master information 500 using the related function 603 associated with the device installation information 602 as a search key to determine whether there is a next executable related function 502. If the control device 100 determines that there is a next settable function (YES in step S2120), it transfers control to step S2130. If not (NO in step S2120), the control device 100 terminates processing of the subroutine. In some aspects, the control device 100 may further include the setting information 401 in the search key.

In step S2130, the control device 100 predicts candidate functions (such as a function to display the same celestial body at multiple locations on the dome) by obtaining functions related to the installation information of the equipment at the venue from the related function master information 500. In one aspect, the control device 100 may transfer control to step S1715 after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 21. In another aspect, the control device 100 may serially execute other subroutines after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 21.

Figure 22 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. The subroutine shown in Figure 22 corresponds to the processing described with reference to Figure 13.

In step S2210, the control device 100 acquires position information. More specifically, the control device 100 acquires the coordinate system (position information) displayed on the dome by the planetarium system 10. The coordinate system (position information) may be included in the setting information 401.

In step S2220, the control device 100 determines whether location information different from the current location has been set (e.g., the current location is Earth and the destination is set to Mars). If the control device 100 determines that location information different from the current location has been set (YES in step S2220), it transfers control to step S2230. If not (NO in step S2220), the control device 100 terminates processing of the subroutine.

In step S2230, the control device 100 predicts function candidates (such as a function for setting the calculated movement speed) by obtaining functions related to the setting of location information different from the current location from the related function master information 500. Note that the control device 100 may search the related function master information 500 when predicting function candidates. In one aspect, the control device 100 may transfer control to step S1715 after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 22. In another aspect, the control device 100 may serially execute other subroutines after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 22.

Figure 23 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a subroutine executed by the control device 100. The subroutine shown in Figure 23 corresponds to the processing described with reference to Figure 14.

In step S2310, the control device 100 acquires date and time information. More specifically, the control device 100 acquires date and time information for the video or image that the planetarium system 10 is displaying in the dome. The date and time information may be included in the setting information 401.

In step S2320, the control device 100 searches the astronomical phenomenon information 700 to determine whether there is an astronomical phenomenon that matches the current date and time (such as a total solar eclipse). In some situations, the control device 100 may determine whether there is an astronomical phenomenon within a certain period from the current date and time. If the control device 100 determines that there is an astronomical phenomenon that matches the current date and time (YES in step S2320), it transfers control to step S2330. If not (NO in step S2320), the control device 100 terminates processing of the subroutine.

In step S2330, the control device 100 predicts function candidates (such as a function to display a total solar eclipse) by obtaining functions related to the astronomical phenomenon information 700 from the related function master information 500. The control device 100 may search the related function master information 500 when predicting function candidates. In one aspect, the control device 100 may transfer control to step S1715 after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 23. In another aspect, the control device 100 may serially execute other subroutines after completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 23.

Figure 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation screen display processing executed by the control device 100. The processing from step S2410 onwards can be executed as a subroutine of step S1730 shown in Figure 17.

In step S2410, the control device 100 determines the candidate functions to be displayed on the operation screen. Note that if the processing of step S1715 has been executed, the processing of step S2410 does not need to be executed.

In step S2420, the control device 100 determines whether the function candidate determined in step S1715 is present on the operation screen. If the control device 100 determines that the function candidate determined in step S1715 is present on the operation screen (YES in step S2420), it transfers control to step S2430. If not (NO in step S2420), the control device 100 transfers control to step S2440.

In step S2430, the control device 100 highlights the button (operation item) corresponding to the determined function candidate.

In step S2440, the control device 100 determines whether the number of times the determined function candidate has been executed is equal to or greater than a certain number of times during a specific period. If the control device 100 determines that the number of times the determined function candidate has been executed is equal to or greater than a certain number of times during a specific period (YES in step S2440), the control device 100 transfers control to step S2460. If not (NO in step S2440), the control device 100 transfers control to step S2450.

In step S2450, the control device 100 determines whether the determined function candidate is linked by two or more judgments. For example, the control device 100 may determine whether the determined function candidate (related function 502) is associated with two or more pieces of setting information 401. If the control device 100 determines that the determined function candidate is linked by two or more judgments (YES in step S2450), it transfers control to step S2460. If not (NO in step S2450), the control device 100 transfers control to step S2470.

In step S2460, the control device 100 displays the determined function candidates on the operation screen in order of priority. In one aspect, the control device 100 may display each of the determined function candidates on the display unit in order of priority based on the number of past executions of each of the determined function candidates or the amount of associated setting information.

In step S2470, the control device 100 determines whether the determined function candidate has an associated function. If the control device 100 determines that the determined function candidate has an associated function (YES in step S2470), it transfers control to step S2480. If not (NO in step S2470), the control device 100 terminates processing of the subroutine.

In step S2480, the control device 100 displays the determined function candidates and related functions as a group on the operation screen. After completing the processing of the subroutine shown in FIG. 24, the control device 100 transfers control to step S1735.

As explained above, the planetarium system 10 according to this embodiment searches for the next function that the planetarium system 10 can execute based on the operation history or setting information input to the planetarium system 10, and displays the operation items for that function on the operation screen. This allows the commentator to easily find the operation items for functions that are not in the program script from the operation screen.

The planetarium system 10 can also display on the operation screen operation items for functions appropriate for the equipment or operation items related to special events by referencing the equipment installation information 600 or astronomical phenomenon information 700, etc. This allows, for example, a guide to adjust the content (movement speed, brightness, etc.) of the video displayed in the dome to make it easier for the audience to see. The guide can also entertain the audience by displaying video related to special events in the dome.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the disclosures described in the embodiments and each variant are intended to be implemented, to the extent possible, either alone or in combination.

10 Planetarium system, 100 Control device, 101 Terminal, 110 Optical planetarium device, 112, 122 Control PC, 113 Console, 114 Optical planetarium projector, 120 Digital planetarium device, 123, 300, 1500, 1600 Operation screen, 124 Digital planetarium projector, 130 External device, 151 CPU, 152 Memory, 153 Storage, 207 Equipment control unit, 208 Motor control unit, 209 Motor, 210 LED control unit, 211 LED, 214 Digital control unit, 216 Projection control unit, 217 Projection unit, 310, 1510, 1610 Operation item, 400 Setting information list, 401 Setting information, 500 Related function master information, 501 Function, 502, 603, 704 Related functions, 503 Number of executions, 600 Equipment installation information, 601 Equipment, 602 Installation information, 700 Astronomical phenomenon information, 701 Astronomical phenomenon, 702 Location, 703 Date and time, 800, 1100, 1110, 1300, 1310, 1320, 1400, 1410 Video, 810, 900, 910 Panoramic image, 1000 Full sky video, 1200 Image.

Claims (17)

a display unit for displaying an operation screen of the planetarium system;
an input unit for receiving input of setting information via the operation screen;
a storage unit for storing one or more of the setting information and one or more related functions associated with the setting information or a combination of the setting information;
a control unit for controlling the planetarium system,
The control unit
The planetarium system acquires, from the storage unit, the related functions associated with one or more pieces of setting information that have been input up to now as the next executable function,
the planetarium system displays on the display unit an operation item of a function that can be executed next;
displaying the operation items of the next executable functions on the display unit includes, based on the presence of a plurality of the next executable functions, displaying, on the display unit, operation items of each of the plurality of next executable functions in a selectable manner;
A planetarium system, wherein displaying each of the operation items of the plurality of next executable functions on the display unit in a selectable manner includes displaying each of the plurality of next executable functions on the display unit in order of priority based on the number of times each of the plurality of next executable functions has been executed in the past or the number of pieces of setting information associated with each of the plurality of next executable functions. a display unit for displaying an operation screen of the planetarium system;
an input unit for receiving input of setting information via the operation screen;
a storage unit for storing one or more of the setting information and one or more related functions associated with the setting information or a combination of the setting information;
a control unit for controlling the planetarium system,
The control unit
The planetarium system acquires, from the storage unit, the related functions associated with one or more pieces of setting information that have been input up to now as the next executable function,
the planetarium system displays on the display unit an operation item of a function that can be executed next;
Displaying the operation items of the next executable function on the display unit
When there is one next executable function and the next executable function has been executed a predetermined number of times or more in the past, automatically executing the next executable function;
When there is one next executable function and the next executable function has not been executed a certain number of times in the past, the planetarium system includes displaying operation items for the next executable function on the display unit. a display unit for displaying an operation screen of the planetarium system;
an input unit for receiving input of setting information via the operation screen;
a storage unit for storing one or more pieces of setting information, one or more related functions associated with the setting information or a combination of the setting information, and astronomical phenomenon information;
a control unit for controlling the planetarium system,
The control unit
The planetarium system acquires, from the storage unit, the related functions associated with one or more pieces of setting information that have been input up to now as the next executable function,
the planetarium system displays on the display unit an operation item of a function that can be executed next;
In a planetarium system, selecting the next executable function includes extracting related functions for astronomical phenomena that may occur within a certain period of time from the date and time obtained based on the input setting information. a display unit for displaying an operation screen of the planetarium system;
an input unit for receiving input of setting information via the operation screen;
a storage unit for storing one or more pieces of setting information, one or more related functions associated with the setting information or a combination of the setting information, and installation information of a plurality of devices included in the planetarium system;
a control unit for controlling the planetarium system,
The control unit
The planetarium system acquires, from the storage unit, the related functions associated with one or more pieces of setting information that have been input up to now as the next executable function,
the planetarium system displays on the display unit an operation item of a function that can be executed next;
A planetarium system , wherein selecting the next executable function includes referencing the installation information and extracting a function that can be executed using any of the plurality of devices . a display unit for displaying an operation screen of the planetarium system;
an input unit for receiving input of setting information via the operation screen;
a storage unit for storing one or more of the setting information, one or more related functions associated with the setting information or a combination of the setting information, and an operating speed setting of a projector;
a control unit for controlling the planetarium system,
The control unit
The planetarium system acquires, from the storage unit, the related functions associated with one or more pieces of setting information that have been input up to now as the next executable function,
the planetarium system displays on the display unit an operation item of a function that can be executed next;
In the planetarium system, selecting the next executable function includes, if the input setting information includes a movement command, extracting an image movement setting function that can be executed at a movement speed that does not cause visual sickness in the audience, based on the operating speed setting of the projector. The planetarium system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein displaying the operation items of the next executable function on the display unit includes, based on the existence of a plurality of the next executable functions, displaying the operation items of each of the plurality of next executable functions on the display unit in a selectable manner. 7. The planetarium system of claim 6, wherein displaying each of the plurality of operation items of the next executable functions on the display unit in a selectable manner includes excluding a second related function included in the plurality of next executable functions from the plurality of next executable functions when the second related function is not executable when a first related function is currently being executed. The planetarium system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein selecting the next executable function includes extracting one or more related functions related to the content currently being shown, based on the setting information input immediately before. The planetarium system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein selecting the next executable function includes extracting one or more related functions that can be executed after the input of the setting information up to that point. A planetarium system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein selecting the next executable function includes extracting one or more related functions of the next executable function based on the input setting information including displaying a content object or switching display settings of the content object. The planetarium system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein displaying the operation items of the next executable function on the display unit includes highlighting the operation items of the next executable function on the display unit. 1. A control method performed by a planetarium system, comprising:
accepting input of setting information via an operation screen;
accessing one or more of said configuration information and one or more associated functions associated with said configuration information or combination of said configuration information;
acquiring the related function associated with one or more of the setting information input up to now as a next executable function for the planetarium system;
a step of displaying on a display unit operation items of functions that can be executed next by the planetarium system;
the step of displaying on the display unit operation items of the next executable functions of the planetarium system includes a step of displaying on the display unit operation items of each of the plurality of next executable functions in a selectable manner, based on the presence of a plurality of the next executable functions;
A control method, wherein the step of displaying each of the operation items of the plurality of next executable functions on the display unit in a selectable manner includes a step of displaying each of the plurality of next executable functions on the display unit in order of priority based on the number of past executions of each of the plurality of next executable functions or the number of setting information items linked to each of the plurality of next executable functions . 1. A control method performed by a planetarium system, comprising:
accepting input of setting information via an operation screen;
accessing one or more of said configuration information and one or more associated functions associated with said configuration information or combination of said configuration information;
acquiring the related function associated with one or more of the setting information input up to now as a next executable function for the planetarium system;
a step of displaying on a display unit operation items of functions that can be executed next by the planetarium system;
The step of displaying on the display unit an operation item of a function that can be executed next by the planetarium system includes:
a step of automatically executing the next executable function when there is one next executable function and the next executable function has been executed a predetermined number of times or more in the past;
and when there is one next executable function and the next executable function has not been executed a certain number of times in the past, displaying an operation item for the next executable function on the display unit. 1. A control method performed by a planetarium system, comprising:
accepting input of setting information via an operation screen;
accessing one or more of the configuration information, one or more associated functions associated with the configuration information or combinations of the configuration information, and astronomical event information;
acquiring the related function associated with one or more of the setting information input up to now as a next executable function for the planetarium system;
a step of displaying on a display unit operation items of functions that can be executed next by the planetarium system;
A control method in which the step of selecting the next executable function by the planetarium system includes a step of extracting related functions for astronomical phenomena that may occur within a certain period of time from the date and time obtained based on the input setting information. 1. A control method performed by a planetarium system, comprising:
accepting input of setting information via an operation screen;
Accessing one or more of the setting information, one or more related functions associated with the setting information or a combination of the setting information, and installation information of a plurality of devices included in the planetarium system;
acquiring the related function associated with one or more of the setting information input up to now as a next executable function for the planetarium system;
a step of displaying on a display unit operation items of functions that can be executed next by the planetarium system;
A control method in which the step of selecting the next executable function by the planetarium system includes a step of referencing the installation information and extracting a function that can be executed using any of the plurality of devices. 1. A control method performed by a planetarium system, comprising:
accepting input of setting information via an operation screen;
accessing one or more of said setting information, one or more associated functions associated with said setting information or combinations of said setting information, and projector operating speed settings;
acquiring the related function associated with one or more of the setting information input up to now as a next executable function for the planetarium system;
a step of displaying on a display unit operation items of functions that can be executed next by the planetarium system;
The step of selecting the next executable function of the planetarium system includes a step of extracting, if the input setting information includes a movement command, an image movement setting function that can be executed at a movement speed that does not cause visual sickness in the audience, based on the operating speed setting of the projector. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16 .