JP4483351B2 - Information providing system and information providing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device that learns user information such as user preferences through communication with a user, and an information providing system that provides various services via a network in conjunction with a result learned by the electronic device.

  In recent years, a server-side computer and a client-side electronic device (PC, portable device, etc.) are connected to a network such as the Internet, and user information and service information are registered in a database of the server-side computer. Systems that use information to provide various service information to client-side electronic devices have become widespread.

  For example, service information (software content, product information, etc.) that matches the user's preference is searched from analysis of user information registered in the server-side computer, and provided to the user's client-side electronic device via the network. It is a service. Using the service information, the user can easily view, for example, soft content that matches the user's preference, purchase of products, and the like.

  As a method of registering user information in the database of the server side computer, for example, a method in which a user is interested in selecting from various keywords (content genre, performers, etc.) and registering in advance, Further, there is a method of automatically storing data relating to content viewed by the user or a part of the data as preference information.

  Also, for example, in the broadcasting field, BS (Broadcasting Satellite) broadcasting, CS (Communication Satellite) broadcasting, and their digitized broadcasting are becoming widespread, and much more information for service than in the case of terrestrial broadcasting analog. (Audio, video, data, etc.) are being provided. Along with this, recording / playback devices such as a hard disk recorder that has a large capacity HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and can record for a long time have been put into practical use (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Such a recording / playback device adopts a technique and algorithm for selecting content (program contents) based on user preference information registered in advance in a hard disk recorder and automatically recording or playing back. With the above-described recording / playback device, it is possible to automatically select a program that meets the user's preference from among a large number of programs using the user's preference information thus obtained, and perform recording and playback. In such a recording / playback device, the user's preference is learned each time the user performs an operation, so that the degree of selection of content that matches the user's preference can be improved as time passes.

  In the case where service information that suits the user's preference is distributed from a large amount of service information stored in the recording / playback device to an external recording electronic device such as a computer or a TV with a built-in HDD, the user's manual operation has been conventionally performed. The work by is common.

JP 2002-044540 A

  However, in the above-described network service, the above-described method of selecting and registering in advance by the user cannot limit the amount of information that can be registered because the user cannot register unlimited information. In the above-described method of automatically accumulating the data viewed by the user or the data related to the purchased product or a part of the data as the preference information, it is registered when the content viewed by the user or the purchased product is small. Since there is little user information, it is difficult to provide a service that fully matches the user's preferences. In other words, there is a problem that it is necessary to wait for a period until the quantity of the content viewed or purchased products is accumulated to some extent. Further, when the service information stored in the recording / playback device is distributed to external recording electronic devices, there is a problem that the user's manual work is troublesome.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional situation. Each of the plurality of electronic devices transmits the learned content to each other, and fuses and shares the information, thereby learning each other. Information providing system that can provide information for service that meets the user's requirements without requiring the user to input the information, and conforms to the user's requirements It is an object of the present invention to provide an information providing apparatus capable of transmitting the service information to another electronic device.

In order to achieve the above-described object, an information providing system according to the present invention includes a communication means for connection, an operation means that enables a user's input operation or selection operation, and a user 's input operation at the operation means. Alternatively, external information acquisition means for acquiring external information based on the selection operation and user information about the user are learned from the external information acquired by the external information acquisition means, and the learning level indicating the learning level of the user information is updated. Learning means, information output means for outputting user information and learning level learned by the information learning means to other electronic devices other than itself among a plurality of electronic devices, and learning by other electronic devices an information input means for inputting other information and learning levels of other electronic devices relating to the user, and the user information and learning levels learned in the information learning means, input at the information input unit Storage means for storing the other information and learning levels of other electronic devices relating to the user, and the user information and learning levels learned in the information learning means, other information about the user input at the information input unit Updating means for updating the user information and learning level stored in the storage means based on the learning level of the other electronic device, and control means for reflecting the user information and learning level stored in the storage means to the operation control The update means updates the learning level of the other electronic device stored in the storage means to the learning level updated by the other electronic device input by the information input means, and stores it in the storage means The user information learned by the electronic device with the updated learning level is input by the information input means, and the user information learned by the electronic device with the updated learning level is changed. Updates to the information, at least one, and the service information storage means for storing the service information to be provided to the user, the service information to the reference to the user an updated user information among the plurality of electronic devices Providing priority calculating means for calculating the priority for providing the service information, and providing service information to other electronic devices according to the priority.

  The provision priority calculated here is stored in the service information storage unit in association with the service information. In addition, each electronic device is connected to each other via a network including the Internet, and an electronic device that provides service information to other electronic devices is periodically or when requested by another electronic device. To other electronic devices. In addition, each electronic device may include an authentication determination unit that determines authentication through a personal authentication number and a password, and may be connected only when the authentication determination unit authenticates the personal authentication number and the password. The provision priority is calculated by the provision priority calculation means when the user information and the learning level stored in the storage means or the service information is updated.

  In the information providing system according to the present invention, the user information includes information indicating the preference of the user, and the service information includes product information for sale, video software, description information of the video software, music software And explanation information of the music software, person introduction information, advertisement information, TV or radio program information. In addition, at least one of the electronic devices may be a robot apparatus that performs an autonomous operation based on external information and / or an internal state.

  In addition, by providing copyright determining means for determining whether or not service information can be transmitted in the information providing system according to the present invention, when the copyright determining means determines that transmission is impossible, the service information is transferred to other electronic devices. It is also possible not to transmit.

In order to achieve the above-described object, an information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that connects to an external electronic device wirelessly or by wire, an operation unit that enables a user's input operation or selection operation, an external information obtaining means for obtaining external information based on the input operation or selection operation of a user on the operation unit learns the user information about the user from the external information acquired by the external information acquisition unit, said use user information Information learning means for updating a learning level indicating the degree of learning , and user information and learning level learned by the information learning means for other electronic devices connected to the information providing apparatus wirelessly or by wire and information output means for outputting, an information input means for inputting a learning level of the other information and other electronic devices relating to the user learned by another electronic device, the user learned by the information learning means A broadcast and learning level, storage means for storing the other information and learning levels of other electronic devices relating to user input at the information input unit, the user information and learning levels learned in the information learning means, Update means for updating the user information and learning level stored in the storage means based on other information about the user input by the information input means and the learning level of other electronic devices, and the use stored in the storage means user information and control means for reflecting a learning level operation control, and the service information storage means for storing the service information to be provided to the user, the service for the said use's with reference to the updated user information and a providing priority calculation means for calculating a priority for providing information, the information providing device that sends the service information to other electronic devices according to the priority, updating means, stores hand The learning level of the other electronic device stored in the storage device is updated to the learning level updated by the other electronic device input by the information input unit, and the learning level stored in the storage unit is updated. The user information learned by the electronic device is updated to another information related to the user learned by the electronic device whose learning level has been updated, which is input by the information input means .

  The provision priority is calculated by the provision priority calculation means when the user information and the learning level stored in the storage means or the service information is updated.

  According to the present invention, the learned content is transmitted to each other, and the information is fused and shared, so that the learned information can be used for other devices, and the user does not have to perform input work. However, it is possible to provide service information that meets the user's requirements at high speed. In addition, each electronic device can learn user information such as user's preference through communication with the user, so each electronic device provides the user with the learning result every time the learning result is updated The priority of the service information to be calculated can be calculated, and the service information requested by the user can be provided according to the priority. At this time, the user does not have to manually input his / her preference information or the like.

Hereinafter, embodiments (1) to (6) of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(1) Configuration Example of Mutual Growth System of Electronic Device Group (2) Configuration Example of Service Information Providing System Linked with Results Learned by Mutual Growth System of Electronic Device Group of (1) (3) Electronic Device (4) Example of robot apparatus applicable to the mutual automatic growth system of electronic equipment (5) Hard disk recorder of (3) described above and pet of (4) described above Mutual automatic growth system with robot (6) Configuration example of service information providing system linked to the result learned by the mutual growth system of (5) described above

(1) Configuration example of a mutual growth system of an electronic device group shown as this embodiment

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a mutual growth system between electronic devices that establishes a relationship in which information learned by a plurality of electronic devices is transmitted to each other, and the information is fused and shared. In the electronic device 800 of FIG. 1, the user information acquisition unit 801 acquires information on operations and actions from the user. The learning unit 802 analyzes and learns information related to user preferences and user profiles from the information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 801, and outputs learning information as a learning result to the learning information / learning level generation unit 803. . The learning information / learning level generation unit 803 fuses the learning information from the learning unit 802 and the past learning information accumulated in the storage unit 806 to learn new learning information and the learning level indicating the degree of update of the learning information. Generate information. Newly generated learning information and learning level information are stored in the storage unit 806. These are connected to each other via an internal bus 807.

  Here, the learning level information corresponds to a concept of an intelligence index (IQ) or a deviation value that can be expressed as a numerical value that is a knowledge amount or a proficiency level or that increases as learning is repeated. On the other hand, the learning information indicates the content of specific information learned by the electronic device.

  An example of the learning level information stored in the storage unit 806 is shown in FIG. The learning level information is stored as a table in association with the electronic device. For example, the learning level information table shown in FIG. 2 stores the learning level of the electronic device itself and the learning level of another electronic device. In addition, the update time when the learning level was last updated may be stored. Here, the learning level of the electronic device 800 is 60, the update time is 17:22 on July 24, 2003, the learning level of the electronic device 900 is 70, and the update time is 15:21 on July 26, 2003. . Here, the learning level information table stored in the storage unit 806 of the electronic device 800 is referred to as a learning level information table A for convenience of explanation.

  An example of learning information stored in the storage unit 806 is shown in FIG. The learning information indicates the contents of the actually learned information, and is classified into categories such as food, music, and television programs and stored as a learning information table. In the learning information table, for example, a plurality of items are prepared. These items are television program genres, actor / actress names, content site names and provisions according to the characteristics of electronic devices. Or the type of information that is used. In some cases, information such as “degree of preference” and “registration time” is added to the contents of the learned information. Here, the learning information table stored in the storage unit 806 of the electronic device 800 is referred to as a learning information table A for convenience of explanation. As shown in FIG. 3, in the learning information table A, music is described as the user's preference information a, and a television program is described as the preference information b. Item 1 is the genre, and item 2 is the artist name and appearance. The name of the person is described.

  The “degree of preference” of the learning information shown in FIG. 3 represents the strength of the user's preference for each item. The control unit 805 drives the drive unit 808 to match the user's preference based on the learning information in the storage unit 806 and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 801. The control unit 805 also stores programs for the processes shown in FIGS. Details of the processing of FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described later.

  The electronic device 900 is numbered differently for convenience of explanation, but is actually an electronic device having the same configuration as the electronic device 800 described above, and in constructing this mutual growth system, the two are not distinguished. Can be used. Accordingly, the storage unit 906 includes a learning level information table B (shown in FIG. 6) corresponding to the learning level information table A shown in FIG. 2 and a learning information table B (shown in FIG. 7) corresponding to the learning information table A. Is stored). In the learning information table B, there is a movie content as preference information c that is learning information that is not stored in the recording unit 806 of the electronic device 800, item 1 describes a genre, and item 2 describes an actor name. .

  The control unit 905 also stores processing programs shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The communication unit 804 of the electronic device 800 and the communication unit 904 of the electronic device 900 can communicate bidirectionally.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, processing in which the electronic device 800 and the electronic device 900 communicate each other's learning information and learning level information and establish a relationship for sharing these information will be described. In this example, the content learned by each device is processed to be transmitted to each other periodically or by some kind of trigger without any user operation. In this specific example, this will be described using the expression “automatic” or “automatic” depending on circumstances.

  Here, it is assumed that only the learning level and the content learned by the user are recorded in the learning level information table and the learning information table.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when entering the learning information transmission process (RT1), the control unit 805 of the electronic device 800 determines whether or not the learning level in the learning level information table A of the storage unit 806 has been updated in step S11. . If not updated, wait until updated. For example, when new information is learned and the learning level is updated from 1 to 2, or from 59 to 1 and increased to 60, the process proceeds to subsequent step S12, and the control unit 805 updates the learning level. Thus, a new learning level information table A shown in FIG. 8 is generated. Further, the learning level information table A updated here is transmitted to the electronic device 900, and the process proceeds to the next step S13.

  In step S13, when the control unit 805 of the electronic device 800 receives a notification that the electronic device 900 has acquired the learning level information table A created by the electronic device 800, the control unit 805 proceeds to subsequent step S14. In step S14, when the electronic device 800 receives a transmission request for the learning information table A shown in FIG. 3 from the electronic device 900, the electronic device 800 proceeds to the subsequent step S15. In step S15, the control unit 805 transmits the learning information table A to the electronic device 900, and proceeds to the next step S16.

  In step S16, when the electronic device 800 receives notification that the electronic device 900 has acquired the learning information of the electronic device 800, the electronic device 800 proceeds to the subsequent step S17. In step S <b> 17, the electronic device 900 waits for transmission of a learning level information table B (for example, shown in FIG. 9) of the electronic device 900.

  When electronic device 800 receives learning level information table B, electronic device 800 proceeds to subsequent step S18. In step S18, the electronic device 900 is notified that the learning level information table B has been received. Further, based on the received learning level information table B (FIG. 9), the control unit 805 adds the learning level of the electronic device 900 to the item of the learning level in the learning level information table A of the storage unit 806, and the subsequent step S19. Move on. In step S19, when the power of the electronic device 800 is turned off, the process RT1 is terminated. However, while the electronic device 800 is on, the process returns to step S11, and steps S11 to S19 are repeated. If the determination in steps S13, S14, S16, and S17 is NO, the process may return to step S11 if there is no response from the electronic device 900 even after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Next, processing for receiving learning information from another electronic device (electronic device 900) in the electronic device 800 and updating the learning information table A in the storage unit 806 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When entering the learning information reception process (RT2), the control unit 805 of the electronic device 800 determines whether or not the learning level information table B shown in FIG. When the learning level information table B is transmitted, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S22. In step S22, the control unit 805 acquires the learning level information table B, notifies the electronic device 900 that the acquisition has been completed, and proceeds to subsequent step S23. In step S23, the control unit 805 compares the acquired learning level information table B with the learning level of the electronic device 900 described in the learning level information table A stored in the storage unit 806, and has been updated. If not, the process returns to step S21. If it has been updated, the process proceeds to the following step S24, where the learning level of the electronic device 900 described in the learning level information table A is updated. When the electronic device 900 is not in the learning level information table A, the electronic device 900 is added to the item as a new device.

  Further, the electronic device 900 is requested to transmit the learning information table B (FIG. 7) of the electronic device 900, and the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the control unit 805 waits until the learning information table B is received. When the learning information table B of the electronic device 900 is received, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S26. In step S26, the electronic device 900 is notified that the learning information table B of the electronic device 900 has been received. Further, the control unit 805 outputs the learning information table B to the learning information / learning level generation unit 803. The learning information / learning level generation unit 803 adds new learning information to the learning information table A based on the learning level information and learning information stored in the storage unit 806 and the acquired learning level information and learning information of the electronic device 900. Add and update. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, “user preference information c” of the learning information table B that was not in the learning information table A is added to the storage unit 806 of the electronic device 800, and “user's preference information c” of the learning information table B is added. The content of the preference information “b” is updated to a newer update time. That is, it is updated from B22 to B23. Here, symbols are used for explanation, but in reality, information such as names and names are directly described in text data or the like.

  The control unit 805 stores the updated learning level information table A and the updated learning information table A in the storage unit 806 again, and proceeds to subsequent step S27. In step S27, the updated learning level information table A is transmitted to the electronic device 900, and the process proceeds to step S28. At this time, only the updated learning level may be selected and transmitted to the electronic device 900.

  In step S28, when the electronic device 800 receives a notification from the electronic device 900 that the electronic device 900 has acquired the learning level information table A of the electronic device 800, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S29. In step S29, when the power of the electronic device 800 is turned off, the process RT2 is ended. However, while the power is on, the process returns to step S21, and the processes from step S21 to step S29 are repeated. Further, in the case of NO in the determinations in steps S25 and S28, if there is no response from the electronic device 900 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process may return to step S21.

  Although the processing RT1 and RT2 in the electronic device 800 has been described so far, the electronic device 900 automatically performs the processing RT1 and RT2 so that the electronic device 800 and the electronic device 900 automatically transmit information learned by each other to each other. However, it is possible to build a relationship that fuses and shares that information.

  Although the above description is performed between two electronic devices, it can also be performed between a plurality of electronic devices. Further, general data bidirectional communication is also possible without being limited to the information learned by each.

(2) Configuration example of service information providing system linked to the result learned by the mutual growth system of the electronic device group of (1) described above

  FIG. 38 shows a configuration example of a service information providing system that uses user information learned by a plurality of electronic devices by the mutual growth system between electronic devices described in (1).

  The electronic device 800 and the electronic device 900 in FIG. 38 are the same as the electronic device 800 and the electronic device 900 described in FIG. The electronic device 1000 is an electronic device having the same configuration as that of the electronic device 800, except that the electronic device 1000 has a different number for convenience of explanation except that it includes an audio playback unit 1010 and a video display unit 1009. Although not shown, the audio playback unit 1010 includes, for example, an audio demodulator, an audio amplifier, and a speaker, and reproduces an audio signal. Although not shown, the video display unit 1009 includes, for example, a video demodulator, a display driving unit, and a display, and displays a video signal. The electronic device 1100 is an electronic device having the same configuration as the electronic device 800, although it is given a different number for convenience of explanation, except that it includes a database 1110, a service information search unit 1109 and a copy information detection unit 1111. The database 1110 records a plurality of service information to be provided to the user. The control unit 1105 can search for a plurality of service information recorded in the database 1110 using the service information search unit 1109. The copy information detection unit 1111 detects a copy control signal such as CGMS-A or a macrovision signal from each service information recorded in the database 1110, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 1105. The control unit 1105 determines, for each service information, “copy is permitted”, “copying is possible for only one generation”, “copying is not allowed”, and the like from the detection result of the copy control signal. For example, when it is determined that copying is not possible, the control unit 1105 does not transmit service information to an external electronic device. The electronic device 800, the electronic device 900, the electronic device 1000, and the electronic device 1100 are connected to the external bus 2001 and the network 2000, and can communicate bidirectionally.

  The control unit 805, the control unit 905, the control unit 1005, and the control unit 1105 store the processing programs shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the processing RT1 and RT2 are performed by each electronic device. The result of learning by two electronic devices is automatically transmitted to each other, and the information is fused and shared. Detailed description is omitted because it is equivalent to the process of the mutual growth system between electronic devices described in (1). For example, each piece of information learned by the electronic device 800, the electronic device 900, and the electronic device 1000 is the electronic device. The information transmitted to 1100 and the information learned by the electronic device 1100 itself are merged and stored in the storage unit 1106 of the electronic device 1100. An example of the learning information table stored in the storage unit 1106 is shown in FIG. An example of the learning level information table stored in the storage unit 1106 is shown in FIG. Here, the learning information table E and the learning level information table E are used.

  An example of service information stored in the database 1110 of the electronic device 1100 is shown in FIG. The service information is classified into categories such as movie, TV program, music content such as music, and product information, and stored as a service information table. A plurality of items are prepared in the service information table, and detailed information is stored in each item according to the characteristics of the category. For example, if the category is software content, information such as a compressed source of the software and actors and actresses appearing in the software is stored. If the category is a product for purchase, information such as description and price of each product is stored. Here, for convenience of explanation, the service information table stored in the database 1110 of the electronic device 1100 is referred to as a service information table A. As shown in FIG. 30, in the service information table A, movie software is classified as service information a, music software as service information b, and product information as service information c. In the case of service information a, item 1 has a title name (for example, described as X11, X12,... In FIG. 30), and item 2 has an outline of characters and actors such as actor / actress names. The description (described as X21, X22,... In FIG. 30) is a compressed movie source (described as X31, X32,... In FIG. 30) in item 3. Is remembered. In the case of the service information b, the artist name is stored in item 1, the song name is stored in item 2, and the compressed music source is stored in item 3. In the case of service information c, item 1 stores a product name, item 2 stores a product description, and item 3 stores a sales price.

  In addition to the information described above, the service information includes TV or radio program information, information related to sites on the Internet, information related to contents dedicated to portable information terminals that provide ringtones for mobile phones, and information related to users. For example, information on introducing a person such as a friend, a lover or a colleague can be given. Moreover, it is not limited to these, If it is information in which a user preference is reflected, it can be handled as information for services.

  The control unit 805, the control unit 905, the control unit 1005, and the control unit 1105 store programs for the processes illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32.

  Next, the electronic device 800, the electronic device 900, the electronic device 1000, and the electronic device 1100 transmit learning information and learning level information to each other in the mutual growth system between the electronic devices, and are linked to the result of sharing these information. A process for establishing a relationship in which electronic device 1100 provides service information stored in database 1110 to electronic device 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. FIG. The communication unit 1004 of the electronic device 1000 and the communication unit 1104 of the electronic device 1100 are connected to the external bus 2001 and the network 2000, and can communicate bidirectionally.

  As shown in FIG. 32, when the control unit 1105 of the electronic device 1100 enters the service information transmission process (RT5), the user information and learning level stored in the storage unit 1106 by the mutual growth system in step S51. It is determined whether or not the service information in the database 1110 has been updated. If not updated, the process proceeds to step S510. For example, when the learning information table A recorded in the storage unit 805 of the electronic device 800 is updated, the electronic device 800 executes the process RT1 shown in FIG. 4, and the electronic device 900, the electronic device 1000, and the electronic device 1100 are illustrated. By performing the process RT2 shown in FIG. 5, the updated information in the learning information table A is transmitted to the electronic device 900, the electronic device 1000, and the electronic device 1100, and the respective learning information table and learning level information table are updated. . Detailed description is omitted because it is equivalent to the processing of the mutual growth system between electronic devices described in (1). In the case of the electronic device 1100, the user information in the learning information table E is updated, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S52. In step S52, refer to the number of times the keyword of the updated item in the learning information table E is registered in the information for each service in the database 1110 and the “degree of preference” of the updated item in the learning information table E. Then, weighting calculation is performed on each service information in the database 1110, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S53. For example, when the service information in the database 1110 is updated, the updated service information is weighted based on the number of times the keyword of the updated item is registered in the learning information table E and the “degree of preference”. The calculation is performed, and the flow proceeds to the subsequent step S53. The service information weighting calculation method is not limited to the number of keyword registrations, and may be calculated using other parameters. In step S53, the result of the weight calculation of the service information is written in the item “recommendation degree” of the service information table A, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S54.

  In step S54, it is determined whether or not the result of the weighting calculation written in the item “recommended degree” of the service information table A exceeds a certain reference value, for example, 50. If the reference value is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S510. If the reference value is exceeded, the process proceeds to the next step S55, and waits until another connectable electronic device is confirmed. If the connection with the electronic device 1000 is confirmed in step S55, for example, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S56, and the service information item 1 exceeding the reference value is transmitted to the connected electronic device 1000, and the following step The process moves to S57. In step S57, it is determined whether there is a transmission request for the next item of service information from electronic device 1000. After a while, if there is no transmission request, the process proceeds to step S59. If there is a transmission request, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S58, the next item of the service information is transmitted, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S59.

  In step S59, it is determined whether or not a service information transmission end notification is received from electronic device 1000. When the service information transmission end notification is not received, the process returns to step S57, and the steps from S57 to S59 are repeated. When the service information transmission end notification is received, the process proceeds to subsequent step S510. In step S510, if the electronic device 1100 is turned off, the process RT5 is terminated. However, while the electronic device 1100 is on, the process returns to step S51, and steps S51 to S510 are repeated. Further, when the determination in step S55 is NO, if there is no response from the electronic device 1100 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process may return to step S51.

  In step S56 and step S58, the control unit 1105 determines the copy information signal of the service information through the copy information detection unit 1111 before transmitting the service information. If the result of the determination of the copy control signal is that copying is not possible, the control unit 1105 stops transmission of service information.

  Next, processing (RT4) in which service information is provided from another electronic device (electronic device 1100) in electronic device 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When entering the service information reception process (RT4), the control unit 1005 of the electronic device 1000 confirms connection with another electronic device in step S41. If the connection with another electronic device (electronic device 1100) is confirmed in step S41, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S42, and it is determined whether or not item 1 of service information is transmitted from the electronic device 1100. When the service information item 1 is not transmitted, the process proceeds to step S48. When the service information item 1 is transmitted, the service information item 1 is stored in the storage unit 1006 of the electronic device 1000, and the process proceeds to the next step S43. If it is determined in step S43 that the user has recognized item 1 of the service information using the audio playback unit 1010 or the video display unit 1009, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S44. If the user does not recognize item 1 of the service information, it waits. In step S44, if the user is interested in the contents of the item 1 and desires the next item 2, the process proceeds to the following step S45. If the next item 2 is not desired, the process proceeds to step S47. In step S45, the electronic device 1100 is requested to transmit the next item of service information, and the process proceeds to subsequent step S46. In step S46, the process waits until the next item of service information is received. When the next item of service information is received, the process proceeds to the next step S47, and the next item is recognized using the audio playback unit 1010 or the video display unit 1009. If the next item is desired in step S47, the process returns to step S44, and the processes from S44 to S47 are repeated until the service information transmission is completed. All the service information transmitted from the electronic device 1100 is stored in the storage unit 1006 of the electronic device 1000. If the service information transmission is to be terminated, an end notification is transmitted to the electronic device 1100 in step S47, and the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S48, when the power of the electronic device 1000 is turned off, the process RT4 is terminated. However, while the power is on, the process returns to step S41, and steps S41 to S48 are repeated. Further, when the determinations in steps S43 and S46 are NO, if there is no response from the electronic device 1000 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process may return to step S41.

  Although not described in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, when an external network such as the Internet is used as the network of the electronic device 1000 and the electronic device 1100, the authentication of the ID number and the password is mutually established for security. After that, transmission / reception processing may be performed, or information to be transmitted / received may be encrypted.

  Although not shown, in the process RT4, the user may register “YES”, “NO”, etc. in advance regarding steps S43, S44, and S47 that require the user's judgment. In this case, even if there is no user when a determination is required, the process RT4 can be continued without being interrupted.

  Although not shown, the electronic device 1100 stores the transmission history of service information (the date and time of transmission, the type of destination electronic device and the type of service information transmitted) in the database 1110, and uses the transmission history. For example, the transmission in step 56 or step 58 of the process RT5 may be controlled so that service information transmitted in the past is not transmitted again to the same electronic device.

  FIG. 39 shows a configuration example in which the electronic device 1000 in FIG. 38 is replaced with an electronic device 1300. The electronic device 1300 is not provided with the learning unit 1002 and the learning information / learning level generation unit 1003, and the control unit 1005 is an electronic device except that the programs shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 32 are not stored. The configuration is the same as that of the device 1000. Therefore, the same number as that of the electronic device 1000 is assigned. Since the electronic device 1300 does not store the programs shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mutual growth system between electronic devices described in (1) cannot be established with other electronic devices. In addition, since the electronic device 1300 does not store the program shown in FIG. 32, the service information transmission process described in (2) cannot be performed. However, since the electronic device 1300 stores the program shown in FIG. 31 in the control unit 1005, when it enters the process (RT4), it receives service information from another electronic device (for example, the electronic device 1100). It is possible to receive. Since the processing in this case is the same as that of the electronic apparatus 1000 described above, it is omitted.

(3) Examples of electronic devices applicable to a mutual automatic growth system for electronic devices

  Subsequently, a hard disk recorder will be described as an example of an electronic device constituting the electronic device mutual growth system shown in this specific example.

  This hard disk recorder includes a user information storage unit that stores learning information, which is the content of information learned by itself, and learning level information indicating the degree of learning proficiency that is changed by updating the learning information. It is a feature. The user information storage unit corresponds to the storage unit 806 of the electronic device 800 described above, and learning level information and learning information are stored as a learning level information table and a learning information table. Here, the learning information table C and the learning level information table C are shown.

  The hard disk recorder 100 shown in FIG. 11 can record content data including video data and audio data on a large capacity HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 270. The hard disk recorder 100 can be mounted on a general AV device, and may be integrated with a television receiver such as a set top box (STB), for example.

  In the hard disk recorder 100, broadcast waves received by an antenna (not shown) are supplied to the tuner 110. Here, the broadcast wave is based on a predetermined format, and this broadcast wave may include, for example, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data. The broadcast wave may be distinguished from satellite broadcast wave, terrestrial wave, wired or wireless, digital broadcast wave, or analog broadcast wave.

  The tuner 110 tunes a broadcast wave of a predetermined channel, that is, selects a channel based on the control of the CPU 220, and outputs received data to the demodulator 120. The configuration of the tuner 110 can be changed or expanded as appropriate depending on whether the broadcast wave to be transmitted is analog or digital. The demodulator 120 demodulates the digitally modulated received data and outputs the demodulated data to the separator 130.

  For example, when the received broadcast is a digital satellite broadcast, the digital data received by the tuner 110 and demodulated by the demodulator 120 is a transport in which AV data and broadcast data compressed by the MPEG2 method are multiplexed. It is a stream. The former AV data is video data and audio data constituting the broadcast content body, and the latter broadcast data includes content description data (for example, EPG data) attached to the broadcast content body.

  Separating section 130 separates content description data associated with the content, such as EPG data, and AV data from the demodulated received data. AV data is output to the decoder 140. The content description data is input to the user information generation unit 280 via the bus 200, and a necessary keyword is extracted in the user information generation unit 280, and the content description data is transmitted via the bus 200 and the HDD interface (I / F (Interface)) 260. The content description data storage unit 630 (FIG. 12) in the HDD 270 is stored.

  When the user instructs the user to output the received content in real time, the decoder 140 converts the AV data supplied from the separation unit 130 into compressed video data and compressed data in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 220. Separated into audio data. The separated audio data is PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) decoded and then output to the speaker 320 via the mixer (MUX) 160. The separated video data is expanded and then supplied to the composer 180.

  When the user instructs recording of the received content on the HDD 270 (that is, when recording of the content is instructed), the decoder 140 is in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 220 before the separated AV. Data is output to the HDD 270 via the bus 200 and the HDD interface 260.

In addition, when the user gives an instruction to play back the content recorded on the HDD 270, the decoder 140 receives AV data from the HDD 270 via the HDD interface 260 and the bus 200 in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 220. In response to the input, the compressed video data and the compressed audio data are separated and output to the composer 180 or the mixer 160, respectively.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 230 can store the work data performed by the decoder 140.

The composer 180 synthesizes the video data input from the decoder 140 and the image data input from the graphic processing controller 190 as necessary, and outputs them to the display 330. The display 330 displays (reproduces) the video signal supplied from the composer 180. The speaker 320 outputs the audio signal supplied from the mixer 160.

  The U / I (user interface) control unit 170 is a module that processes an input operation from the user. For example, when the user operates the remote commander 310 including operation buttons or switches, the infrared light emitting unit An operation signal (IR signal) emitted from (not shown) is received by the light receiving unit 170a and output to the CPU 220 via the bus 200.

The CPU 220 is a main controller that controls the operation of the entire hard disk recorder 100, and executes various applications on a platform provided by an operating system (OS). For example, the CPU 220 controls the tuner 110, the demodulator 120, the separator 130, the decoder 140, the HDD 270, and the like based on the operation signal input from the remote commander 310 via the U / I controller 170 and the bus 200. Thus, the recording or reproduction of the content is executed. Further, the CPU 220 controls the user information generation unit 280, the HDD 270, and the like based on the processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 stored in the ROM 240 and the processing program shown in FIG.

  The HDD 270 is a storage device capable of random access that can store programs, data, and the like in a file format of a predetermined format, and has a large capacity of about several tens GB (or 100 GB or more), for example. The HDD 270 is also connected to the bus 200 via the HDD interface 260, receives broadcast content, content description data, and the like from the decoder 140, the user information generation unit 280, or the communication control unit 210, and records the information. In addition, the recorded data is output as necessary.

  The HDD 270 has a content description data storage unit 630 (FIG. 12) therein, and records input content description data. The content description data stored in the content description data storage unit 630 is read into the CPU 220 or the user information generation unit 280 via the bus 200 as necessary. As a result, the CPU 220 or the user information generation unit 280 executes a predetermined process according to a predetermined application, for example, reads out a keyword related to the content being viewed from the HDD 270 and supplies the keyword to the graphic processing controller 190, which will be described later. Data corresponding to the information registration window can be created.

  The graphic processing controller 190 is a dedicated controller that generates image data, and has a high-definition drawing function equivalent to, for example, SVGA (Super Video Graphic Array) or XGA (extended Graphic Array). The graphic processing controller 190 generates, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) operation screen that allows the user to input various settings, and data of a preference information registration window shown in FIG.

  The communication control unit 210 controls wired communication using a telephone line or a cable. Broadcast content or EPG data is exchanged by communicating with a server system (not shown) via the communication control unit 210. The broadcast content input to the communication control unit 210 is input to the separation unit 130 via the bus 200 and processed in the same manner as the broadcast data input via the tuner 110 and the demodulation unit 120.

  Further, by communicating with an external device via the communication control unit 210, it is possible to receive content description data related to content that does not include EPG data such as terrestrial broadcasting. The content description data input to the communication control unit 210 is input to the user information generation unit 280 via the bus 200, and necessary keywords are extracted. The extracted keywords are stored in the content description data storage unit 630 of the HDD 270 via the bus 200 and the HDD interface 260.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 230 is a writable volatile memory used for loading an execution program of the CPU 220 and writing work data of the execution program. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 240 is a read only memory that stores a self-diagnosis / initialization program executed when the hard disk recorder 100 is powered on, a control code for hardware operation, and the like.

  The wireless transmission / reception unit 250 is a wireless interface that can transmit and receive data of about several tens of MBps, for example, conforming to IEEE802.11a. The wireless control unit 290 communicates with an external wireless device via the wireless transmission / reception unit 250. For example, data stored in the HDD 270 or data stored in a user information storage unit 610 described later is transmitted to an external wireless device, or data is received from an external wireless device, and the received data is transferred to the HDD 270 or the user. Or stored in the information storage unit 610.

  The user information generation unit 280 extracts necessary keywords from the content description data input via the bus 200 from the decoder 140 or the communication control unit 210, and uses the extracted keywords as content description data of the HDD 270 via the bus 200. The data is output to the storage unit 630. The content description data will be described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the user information generation unit 280 extracts a necessary keyword from the content description data storage unit 630 based on a signal indicating a user operation input from the U / I control unit 170 via the bus 200, and By outputting to the graphic processing controller 190 via 200, data corresponding to a preference information registration window described later is generated and displayed on the display 330. Furthermore, the user information generation unit 280 refers to the preference information registration window from the U / I control unit 170, receives a keyword registered by the user, performs weighting calculation, and records the calculation result.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of the user information generation unit 280 in FIG. Actually, data is exchanged through the bus 200 in the exchange of data between the user information generation unit 280 and each unit, but in FIG. 12, the bus 200 is omitted.

  The keyword extraction unit 510 extracts a keyword from the content description data input from the separation unit 130 or the communication control unit 210, registers the keyword in the content description data storage unit 630 of the HDD 270, and is input from the keyword holding unit 520. In accordance with the signal, necessary data is read from the content description data storage unit 630 and output to the keyword holding unit 520.

  The content description data is data in which various keywords related to the content are described as shown in FIG. 15, for example. <TVProgram data-id = “1”> shown in FIG. 15 indicates that the content ID is 1. <ShortTitle> indicates the title of the content, and <longTitle> indicates the subtitle of the content. <Description> contains a description of the content. <Category> indicates a program type of content such as drama, documentary, variety, and the like. Examples of keywords indicating content material include <character> indicating a performer and <place> indicating a place where a program is set. All other keywords are described as <other>.

  The keyword holding unit 520 is a signal input from the U / I control unit 170 when the user instructs display of the preference information registration window (FIG. 14) or when a content recording operation (or recording reservation operation) is performed. A control signal for calling a keyword of the corresponding content is generated based on the keyword, and is output to the keyword extraction unit 510, and the keyword of the corresponding content input from the keyword extraction unit 510 is set to “program type” and “program material”. , And “Other”, and output to the graphic processing controller 190.

  For example, while viewing the content corresponding to the content description data shown in FIG. 15 (the real-time broadcast data may be output or the content recorded on the HDD 270 may be reproduced). When the user instructs display of the preference information registration window, the keyword extraction unit 510 adds the content description data described from the content description data storage unit 630 using FIG. 15 based on the control signal input from the keyword extraction unit 510. Each described keyword is extracted and output to the keyword holding unit 520. The keyword holding unit 520 classifies the input keywords and outputs them to the graphic processing controller 190.

The graphic processing controller 190 generates data corresponding to the preference information registration window 72 based on the content keyword input from the keyword holding unit 520 and outputs the data to the composer 180 via the bus 200. The composer 180 combines the video signal input from the decoder 140 and the data corresponding to the preference information registration window input from the graphic processing controller 190, generates the display screen 71 shown in FIG. Display.

  In the preference information registration window 72, the keywords of the corresponding content are displayed by being classified into three levels of “program type”, “program material”, and “others”. That is, the keyword “documentary” is classified and displayed in the program type area 81 in the preference information registration window 72 displayed when viewing the content corresponding to the content description data described with reference to FIG. The keywords “Miki Suzuki”, “Satoshi Ishii”, “Minoru Yamada”, and “Tibet” are displayed in the program material area 82, which is the second level, and the keywords “ethnic” and “nature” are the third level. Are classified into other areas 83 and displayed.

  The user refers to the display screen 71 of FIG. 14 and selects a keyword indicating which point of the content currently being viewed or the content that is currently being recorded matches the user's preference in the preference information registration window. From among 72, the cursor 91 is selected by using a cursor key (not shown) of the remote commander 310 or the like. The selected keyword is displayed so as to be distinguished from other keywords, for example, by being highlighted or surrounded by characters. When the user intends to register the selected keyword, the user presses a determination key (not shown) or the like of the remote commander 310 to determine the keyword to be registered.

  When the user selects a keyword from the preference information registration window 72, a signal indicating the user's selection is input from the U / I control unit 170 to the keyword holding unit 520. The keyword holding unit 520 outputs the selected keyword as user preference information to the user information acquisition unit 620 of the user information management unit 530 based on the signal input from the U / I control unit 170.

  The user information acquisition unit 620 includes weighting information for preference information therein, and updates the weighting information by executing a weighting operation based on the preference information (keyword selected by the user) input from the keyword holding unit 520. In addition, the preference information and the calculation result input from the keyword holding unit 520 are output to the user information storage unit 610. For example, the learning information table C shown in FIG. 17 is output to the user information storage unit 610. Further, a learning level information table that is changed when the learning information is updated is also output to the user information storage unit 610.

  Here, an example of the learning level information stored in the user information storage unit 610 is shown in FIG. The learning level information table C shown in FIG. 16 stores the learning level of the hard disk recorder 100 itself and the learning level of other electronic devices. Here, a pet robot is stored as another electronic device. In addition, the update time when the learning level was last updated is stored. Here, the learning level of the hard disk recorder 100 is 50, the update time is 17:00 on July 27, 2003, the learning level of the pet robot is 60, and the update time is 12:12 on July 25, 2003.

  An example of learning information stored in the user information storage unit 610 is shown in FIG. The learning information indicates the content of the actually learned information. In the case of the hard disk recorder 100, the learning information is classified into categories such as a program genre and an actor and stored as a learning information table C. Here, item 1 is a program genre and item 2 is an actor name. Information such as “degree of preference” and “registration time” is added to the contents of the learned information.

  The learning level information table C and the learning information table C recorded in the user information storage unit 610 are read by the CPU 220 as necessary, for example, when automatic recording of content that matches the user's preference is performed. Used for

  When the user uses the remote commander 310 to select, for example, the keyword “natural” in the preference information registration window 72 shown in FIG. 14 with the cursor 91 and determines it as a keyword to be registered, the keyword holding unit 520 controls the U / I control. Based on the signal input from unit 170, keyword “natural” is output to user information acquisition unit 620 of user information management unit 530. Through the processing described above, the user information acquisition unit 620 of the user information management unit 530 receives input of user preference information (that is, a keyword selected by the user and instructed to be registered).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13, a process of weighting the user preference information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 620 and storing it in the user information storage unit 610 will be described.

  In step S31, the user information acquisition unit 620 receives an input of a keyword that is output from the keyword holding unit 520 and selected and confirmed by the user.

  In step S32, the user information acquisition unit 620 refers to the learning information table C stored in the user information storage unit 610, and determines whether or not the keyword input in step S31 is new preference information. . If it is determined in step S32 that the input keyword is not new preference information, the process proceeds to step S34.

  When it is determined in step S32 that the input keyword is new preference information, in step S33, the user information acquisition unit 620 uses the input keyword as new preference information to learn information in the user information storage unit 610. Write to table C.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the input keyword is not new preference information, or after the processing in step S33 is completed, in step S34, the user information acquisition unit 620 determines, for example, the number of times each keyword has been registered. Based on the input keyword weighting calculation.

  The keyword weighting calculation method is not limited to the number of keyword registrations, and may be calculated using other parameters. For example, assuming that the user's preference changes with the elapsed period, Instead of referring to the number of registrations of the preference information, the number of registrations in a relatively close period such as the past month or half year may be used for calculation.

  In step S <b> 35, the user information acquisition unit 620 writes the calculation result of the weighting in step S <b> 34 into the “degree of preference” in the learning information table C of the user information storage unit 610, and the process ends. Although not shown, when the learning information table C is updated in step S33 or step S35, the contents of the learning level information table C are also updated.

  Through the processing described above, keywords indicating objects such as the user's interests, hobbies and interests are weighted and recorded based on, for example, the input frequency of the user's preference information. The user preference information is distinguished and referred to by what is considered to be strong user preference and what is considered to be not so strong, so when performing automatic recording processing based on user preference, etc. Finer control that matches the user's preference is possible.

  (4) Examples of robot devices applicable to a mutual automatic growth system for electronic devices

  An example of a robot apparatus applicable to the electronic device mutual automatic growth system shown as the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The pet robot 1 shown in FIG. 18 has leg units 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> D connected to the front, rear, left, and right of the body unit 2, and a head unit 4 and a tail unit at the front and rear ends of the body unit 2, respectively. It is configured by connecting the units 5.

  The pet robot 1 includes learning information, which is the content of information learned by itself, and learning level information indicating the degree of learning proficiency that is changed by updating the learning information. It is a feature to memorize. The information storage unit 55 corresponds to the storage unit 806 of the electronic device 800 described above, and learning level information and learning information are stored as a learning level information table and a learning information table. Here, the learning information table D and the learning level information table D are shown.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 19, the pet robot 1 includes a body unit 2, a controller 10 that controls the operation of the entire pet robot 1, a battery 11 that is a power source of the pet robot 1, and a battery sensor 12. In addition, an internal sensor unit 14 including a thermal sensor 13, a communication unit 15 and a wireless transmission / reception unit 16 for wireless communication with an external wireless device, a PC (Personal Computer) card interface 17, and the like are housed.

  In the head unit 4, a microphone 25 corresponding to “ear”, a CCD camera 26 corresponding to “eye”, a touch sensor 27, a speaker 30 corresponding to “mouth”, and the like are arranged at predetermined positions. It is installed.

Furthermore, the joint portions of the leg units 3A to 3D, the connecting portions of the leg units 3A to 3D and the torso unit 2, the connecting portions of the head unit 4 and the torso unit 2, and the tail unit 5 and the torso part unit 2 of the connecting portion such as each actuator _3AA 1 _{~3AA K in, 3BA 1 ~3BA K, 3CA 1} ~3CA K, 3DA 1 ~3DA K, 4A 1 ~4A L, 5A 1 ~5A M is disposed ing.

  Then, the microphone 25 of the head unit 4 is “walked”, “hidden”, “chase the ball” or the like given as a scale by a sound commander (not shown) (a commander that generates a sound of a different scale depending on the operation content). The command sound is collected, and the obtained audio signal S1 is sent to the controller 10. The CCD camera 26 images the surrounding situation and sends the obtained image signal S2 to the controller 10.

  Furthermore, the touch sensor 27 is provided in the upper part of the head unit 4 and detects the pressure received by a physical action such as “blow” or “slap” from the user, and the detection result is used as a pressure detection signal S3 as a controller. 10 to send.

  The battery sensor 12 of the body unit 2 detects the remaining amount of the battery sensor 11 in five steps, and sequentially sends the detection results of the respective steps to the controller 10 as a remaining battery amount detection signal S4. In this case, when the remaining amount of the battery sensor 12 is 80 [%] or more, 80 to 50 [%], 50 to 25 [%], 25 to 20 [%], and 20 [%] or less, respectively. Detection is performed by classifying in stages as “Full”, “Middle-Full”, “Middle”, “Low”, and “Low-Low”.

  The heat sensor 13 of the body unit 2 detects the internal temperature of the pet robot 1 and sends the detection result to the controller 10 as a heat detection signal S5.

  The communication unit 15 accommodates a predetermined communication circuit, and can communicate with an external wireless device via the wireless transmission / reception unit 16 based on the control of the controller 10.

  When a memory card 28 is loaded in a PC card slot (not shown) of the body unit 2, the PC card interface 17 reads out data stored in the memory card 28 and sends it to the controller 10.

The controller 10 includes an audio signal S1, an image signal S2, a pressure detection signal S3, a battery remaining amount detection signal S4, a heat detection signal S5, and the like given from the microphone 25, the CCD camera 26, the touch sensor 27, the battery sensor 12 and the heat sensor 13. Based on the data given from the communication unit 15 or the PC card interface 17, the surrounding situation, the instruction from the user, the presence / absence of the action from the user, and the like are determined.

The controller 10, the determination result and determines a subsequent action based on the control program previously inputted to the memory 10A, the necessary actuators _3AA 1 _{~3AA K} based on the determination result, _{3BA 1} ~3BA _K, 3CA 1 _{~3CA K, 3DA1~3DA K, 4A1~4A L} , by driving the 5A1～5A _M, or to shake the head unit 4 up and down and right and left, or to move the tail unit 5, the leg units 3A~ Actions such as walking by driving 3D are performed.

  At this time, the controller 10 outputs a sound based on the sound signal S6 to the outside by giving a predetermined sound signal S6 to the speaker 30 as necessary, or is provided at the “eye” position of the pet robot 1. The LED (Light Emitting Diode) (not shown) is turned on, turned off, or blinked.

  In this way, the pet robot 1 can act autonomously based on the surrounding situation, the control program, and the like.

Next, FIG. 20 illustrates a functional configuration example of the controller 10 illustrated in FIG. 19. Note that the functional configuration shown in FIG. 20 is realized by the CPU 10A executing the control program stored in the memory 10B. For example, the CPU 10A controls the information storage unit 55, the communication control unit 56, and the like based on a program that executes the processing shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 13 stored in the memory 10B.

  The sensor input processing unit 50 receives a specific external state or a specific action from the user based on an audio signal, an image signal, a pressure detection signal, or the like given from the microphone 25, the CCD camera 26, the touch sensor 27, or the like. And the state recognition information representing the recognition result is notified to the model storage unit 51 and the action determination mechanism unit 52.

  That is, the sensor input processing unit 50 includes a voice recognition unit 50A, and the voice recognition unit 50A performs voice recognition on a voice signal given from the microphone 25. Then, the voice recognition unit 50A sends, to the model storage unit 51 and the action determination mechanism unit 52 as state recognition information, for example, commands such as “walk”, “turn down”, and “follow the ball” as the voice recognition result. Notice.

  The sensor input processing unit 50 includes an image recognition unit 50B, and the image recognition unit 50B performs image recognition processing using an image signal provided from the CCD camera 26. When the image recognition unit 50B detects, for example, “a red round object” or “a plane perpendicular to the ground and higher than a predetermined height” as a result of the processing, “there is a ball” or “there is a wall” The model storage unit 51 and the action determination mechanism unit 52 are notified of the image recognition result such as “” as state recognition information.

  Further, the sensor input processing unit 50 includes a pressure processing unit 50C, and the pressure processing unit 50C processes a pressure detection signal given from the touch sensor 27. When the pressure processing unit 50C detects a pressure that is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and for a short time as a result of the processing, the pressure processing unit 50C recognizes that it has been struck, and is less than the predetermined threshold, When a long-time pressure is detected, it is recognized as “boiled (praised)” and the recognition result is notified to the model storage unit 51 and the action determination mechanism unit 52 as state recognition information.

  The communication control unit 56 controls the PC card interface 17 to acquire data stored in the memory card 28 and transfer data to the memory card 28. In addition, the communication control unit 56 controls the communication unit 15 to acquire data from an external wireless device or the like via the wireless transmission / reception unit 16 or transfer data to the external wireless device. Data acquired by the communication control unit 56 from the memory card 28 and the external wireless device is stored in the information storage unit 55.

  The data stored in the information storage unit 55 includes, for example, learning information indicating the preference information of the user who owns the pet robot 1 and learning level information indicating the update degree of the learning information. In addition to this, the information storage unit 55 can store various data.

  Here, an example of the learning level information stored in the information storage unit 55 is shown in FIG. The learning level information table D shown in FIG. 21 stores the learning level of the pet robot 1 itself and the learning levels of other electronic devices. Here, a hard disk recorder is stored as another electronic device. In addition, the update time when the learning level was last updated is stored. Here, the learning level of the pet robot 1 is 60, the update time is 12:12 on July 25, 2003, the learning level of the hard disk recorder is 50, and the update time is July 27, 2003 at 14:00.

  An example of learning information stored in the information storage unit 55 is shown in FIG. The learning information indicates the content of the information actually learned. In the case of the pet robot 1, the learning information is classified into categories such as cooking and TV programs and stored as the learning information table D. Here, item 1 is a cooking genre and item 2 is a food name. Information such as “degree of preference” and “registration time” is added to the contents of the learned information.

  The data stored in the information storage unit 55 is notified to the model recording unit 51 and the behavior determination mechanism unit 52.

  The model storage unit 51 stores and manages an emotion model, an instinct model, and a growth model that express the emotion, instinct, and growth state of the robot.

  Here, the emotion model represents, for example, emotional states (degrees) such as “joyfulness”, “sadness”, “anger”, “joyfulness”, and the like by values in a predetermined range, and the sensor input processing unit 50 The value is changed on the basis of the state recognition information or the passage of time. The instinct model represents, for example, the state (degree) of the desire by instinct such as “appetite”, “sleep desire”, “exercise desire”, etc. by values in a predetermined range, and state recognition information from the sensor input processing unit 50, The value is changed based on data from the information storage unit 55, time passage, or the like. The growth model represents, for example, growth states (degrees) such as “childhood”, “adolescence”, “mature age”, “old age”, and the like by values within a predetermined range, and is sent from the sensor input processing unit 50. The value is changed based on the state recognition information, the data from the information storage unit 55, the passage of time, and the like.

  The model storage unit 51 sends the emotion, instinct, and growth states represented by the values of the emotion model, instinct model, and growth model as described above to the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 as state information.

  The model storage unit 51 is supplied with state recognition information from the sensor input processing unit 50 and data from the information storage unit 55, and also from the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 to the current or past behavior of the robot, specifically, The behavior information indicating the content of the behavior such as “walked for a long time” is supplied, and the model storage unit 51 is provided with the behavior of the robot indicated by the behavior information even if the same state recognition information is given. Depending on the situation, different state information is generated.

  That is, for example, when the robot greets the user and strokes the head, the model storage unit 51 is provided with behavior information that the user has been greeted and state recognition information that the head has been stroked. In this case, in the model storage unit 51, the value of the emotion model representing “happiness” is increased.

  On the other hand, when the robot is stroked while performing some work, the behavior information indicating that the work is being performed and the state recognition information indicating that the head has been stroked are provided to the model storage unit 51. In this case, the value of the emotion model representing “joyfulness” is not changed in the model storage unit 51.

  As described above, the model storage unit 51 sets the value of the emotion model while referring to not only the state recognition information and the data from the information storage unit 55 but also the behavior information indicating the behavior of the current or past robot. This avoids unnatural emotional changes such as increasing the value of the emotion model that expresses “joyfulness” when, for example, the user is stroking the robot's head while performing any task. it can.

  Note that the model storage unit 51 also increases or decreases the values of the instinct model and the growth model based on the state recognition information and the behavior information and the data from the information storage unit 55 as in the case of the emotion model. In addition, the model storage unit 51 increases or decreases the values of the emotion model, the instinct model, and the growth model based on the values of other models.

  The behavior determination mechanism unit 52 determines the next behavior based on the state recognition information from the sensor input processing unit 50, the state information from the model storage unit 51, the data from the information storage unit 55, the passage of time, and the like. The content of the determined action is sent to the posture transition mechanism unit 53 as action command information.

  That is, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 manages a finite automaton in which the actions that can be taken by the robot correspond to states, as an action model that defines the behavior of the robot, and the finite automaton as the action model. The state is changed based on the state recognition information from the sensor input processing unit 50, the data from the information storage unit 55, the value of the emotion model, instinct model, or growth model in the model storage unit 51, the time course, etc. The action corresponding to the state after the transition is determined as the action to be taken next.

  Here, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 transitions the state when detecting that a predetermined trigger (trigger) has occurred. That is, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 is supplied from the model storage unit 51 when, for example, the time during which the behavior corresponding to the current state is executed reaches a predetermined time or when specific state recognition information is received. The state is changed when the emotion, instinct, and growth state values indicated by the state information are below or above a predetermined threshold.

  In addition, as described above, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 not only includes the state recognition information from the sensor input processing unit 50 but also the data from the information storage unit 55 and the emotion model, instinct model, and growth model in the model storage unit 51. Since the state in the behavior model is changed based on the value or the like, depending on the data from the information storage unit 55, the value of the emotion model, the instinct model, and the growth model (state information) even if the same state recognition information is input. The state transition destination is different.

  As a result, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52, for example, is a case where the state information represents “not angry” and “not hungry”, and the state recognition information is “the palm in front of the eyes”. Is generated, action command information is generated to take the action of “hand” in response to the palm being presented in front of the eyes, and this is converted into the posture transition mechanism unit. 53.

  In addition, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 is, for example, a case where the state information indicates “not angry” and “hungry”, and the state recognition information indicates that the palm is in front of the eyes. When it indicates that the action has been issued, action command information is generated to perform an action such as licking the palm in response to the palm being placed in front of the eyes. The data is sent to the transition mechanism unit 53.

  In addition, the action determination mechanism unit 52 is, for example, a case where the state information indicates “angry”, and the state recognition information indicates that “the palm is presented in front of the eyes”. Sometimes, even if the status information indicates "I am hungry" or "I am hungry" Command information is generated and sent to the posture transition mechanism unit 53.

  The behavior determination mechanism unit 52 stores the behavior corresponding to the transition destination state based on the data from the information storage unit 55 and the emotion, instinct, and growth state indicated by the state information supplied from the model storage unit 51. It is possible to determine the walking speed as a parameter, the magnitude and speed of movement when moving the limb. In this case, action command information including these parameters is sent to the posture transition mechanism unit 53.

  As described above, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 generates behavior command information for causing the robot to speak in addition to the behavior command information for operating the head and limbs of the robot. The action command information for causing the robot to speak is supplied to the voice synthesizer 57. The action command information supplied to the voice synthesizer 57 corresponds to the synthesized sound generated by the voice synthesizer 57. Text to be included. When the voice synthesis unit 57 receives the behavior command information from the behavior determination mechanism unit 52, the voice synthesis unit 57 generates a synthesized sound based on the text included in the behavior command information and supplies the synthesized sound to the speaker 30 via the voice output unit 58. And output. Thereby, for example, the robot 30 makes various requests to the user such as “I am hungry”, a response to the user's call such as “what?”, And other audio output from the speaker 30. .

  In addition, as described above, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 includes not only the state recognition information from the sensor input processing unit 50 but also the data from the information storage unit 55, the emotion model, the instinct model, and the growth model in the model storage unit 51. User preference information is acquired based on the value or the like.

  Hereinafter, an example of a process in which the user preference information acquired by the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 is weighted and stored in the information storage unit 55 will be described. The process in the action determination mechanism unit 52 is based on the process of weighting the user preference information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 620 shown in FIG. 13 and storing it in the user information storage unit 610.

  That is, in step S31, for example, when the image recognition unit 50B recognizes the user via the CCD camera 26 and the voice recognition unit 50A recognizes “I love Japanese food taste” uttered by the user via the microphone 25. The sensor input processing unit 50 outputs “Japanese food”, “sashimi”, and “love” to the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 and the model storage unit 51 as state recognition information. The behavior determination mechanism unit 52 detects “Japanese food” and “Sashimi” as keywords related to the user from the state recognition information.

  In step S32, the action determination mechanism unit 52 refers to the learning information table D shown in FIG. 22 stored in the information storage unit 55, and determines whether or not the keyword input in step S31 is new preference information. . If it is determined that the input keyword is not new preference information, the process proceeds to step S34.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the input keyword is new preference information, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 sets the input keyword as new preference information in the information storage unit 55 in step S33. Write to the learning information table D.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the input keyword is not new preference information, or after the processing in step S33 is completed, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 determines, for example, the number of times each keyword has been registered in step S34. Based on the input keyword weighting calculation.

  The keyword weighting calculation method is not limited to the number of keyword registrations, and may be calculated using other parameters. For example, assuming that the user's preference changes with the elapsed period, Instead of referring to the number of registrations of the preference information, the number of registrations in a relatively close past such as the past month or six months may be used for calculation.

  In step S <b> 35, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 writes the calculation result of the weighting in step S <b> 34 into the “degree of preference” in the learning information table D of the information storage unit 55, and the process is terminated. Further, when the learning information table D is updated in step S33 or step S35, the contents of the learning level information table D are also updated.

  Through the processing described above, keywords indicating objects such as user interests, hobbies, interests, and the like are weighted and recorded based on, for example, the input frequency of user preference information. User preference information is distinguished and referred to by what is considered to be strong user preference and what is thought not to be so strong, so when performing actions based on user preference, user preference Finer control that matches the above is possible.

The posture transition mechanism unit 53 generates posture transition information for transitioning the posture of the robot from the current posture to the next posture based on the behavior command information supplied from the behavior determination mechanism unit 52, and this is generated as a control mechanism unit. 54. Here, the posture that can be transitioned from the current posture to the next is, for example, the shape and weight of the torso, hands and feet, the physical shape of the robot such as the connection state of each part, the direction and angle at which the joint bends, etc. It is determined by the mechanism of the actuators 3AA _{1 to} 5A ₁ and 5A ₂ . Further, as the next posture, there are a posture that can be directly changed from the current posture and a posture that cannot be directly changed. For example, a four-legged robot can make a direct transition from a lying position by throwing out its limbs, but cannot make a direct transition to a standing position, so in this case, A two-step movement is required, in which the limbs are once pulled close to the torso to become a prone posture, and then stand up. There are also postures that cannot be executed safely. For example, a four-legged robot will fall if it tries to banzai by raising both front legs from a posture standing on the four legs.

  Therefore, the posture transition mechanism unit 53 registers in advance a posture that can be directly transitioned, and when the behavior command information supplied from the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 indicates a posture that can be transitioned directly, The data is sent as it is to the control mechanism 54 as transition information. On the other hand, if the action command information indicates a posture that cannot be directly transitioned, the posture transition mechanism unit 53 generates posture transition information that makes a transition to another posture that can be transitioned, and then transitions to a target posture. The data is sent to the control mechanism unit 54. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations where the robot tries to execute a posture incapable of transition or falls.

The control mechanism unit 54 generates a control signal for driving the actuators 3AA _{1 to} 5A ₁ and 5A ₂ according to the posture transition information from the posture transition mechanism unit 53, and generates the control signals from the actuators 3AA _{1 to} 5A ₁ and 5A _2. To send. As a result, the actuator 3AA ₁
5A ₁ and 5A ₂ are driven according to the control signal, and the robot autonomously takes action.

  (5) A mutual automatic growth system between the hard disk recorder (3) described above and the pet robot (4) described above

  Subsequently, the hard disk recorder 100 described in (3) and the pet robot 1 described in (4) are communicated with each other according to the processes of FIGS. The mutual growth system that fuses and shares the learning content will be explained. In this example, the content learned by each device is processed to be transmitted to each other periodically or by some kind of trigger without any user operation. In this specific example, this will be described using the expression “automatic” in some cases.

  In this system, since the pet robot 1 has the wireless transmission / reception unit 16 and the hard disk recorder 100 also has the wireless transmission / reception unit 250, the pet robot 1 can perform wireless communication with each other as shown in FIG.

  A procedure in which the hard disk recorder 100 transmits the learning information table C shown in FIG. 17 to the pet robot 1 will be described. This process is in accordance with the process shown in FIG. Accordingly, in the learning level information table and the learning information table, it is assumed that only the learning level and the content learned by the user are initially recorded.

  When the learning information transmission process (RT1) is started, the CPU 220 illustrated in FIG. 11 determines whether or not the learning level of the learning level information table stored in the user information storage unit 610 illustrated in FIG. . If not updated, wait until updated. For example, when the learning level is updated from 49 to 50 or the like, the process proceeds to the following step 12, and the CPU 220 generates a learning level information table C shown in FIG. 24 and transmits it to the pet robot 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

In step S13, when the CPU 220 of the hard disk recorder 100 receives a notification from the pet robot 1 that the pet robot 1 has acquired the learning level information table C of the hard disk recorder 100, the CPU 220 proceeds to the subsequent step S14. In step S14, when the CPU 220 of the hard disk recorder 100 receives a transmission request for the learning information table C recorded in the hard disk recorder 100 from the pet robot 1, the CPU 220 proceeds to the subsequent step S15. In step S15, the CPU 220 transmits the learning information table C to the pet robot 1, and proceeds to the next step S16.

In step S16, when the hard disk recorder 100 receives a notification that the pet robot 1 has acquired the learning information table C of the hard disk recorder 100, the CPU 220 of the hard disk recorder 100 proceeds to the subsequent step S17. Step S17
The CPU 220 of the hard disk recorder 100 waits for the learning level information of the pet robot 1, for example, the learning level information table D shown in FIG. If learning level information table D is received, it will move to the following step S18. In step S18, the CPU 220 of the hard disk recorder 100 notifies the pet robot 1 that the learning level information table D has been received. Further, the CPU 220 updates the learning level of the pet robot 1 in the learning level information table C of the user information storage unit 610 based on the learning level information table D, and proceeds to subsequent step S19. If the power is off in step S19, the process RT1 is terminated, but while it is on, the process returns to step S11 and steps S11 to S19 are repeated.

  Next, processing for receiving the learning information table and the learning level information table in the controller 10 of the pet robot will be described. This process is in accordance with the process shown in FIG.

  When entering the learning information reception process RT2, the controller 10 of the pet robot 1 determines whether or not the learning level information table C shown in FIG. When the learning level information table C is transmitted, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S22. In step S22, the controller 10 acquires the learning level information table C, notifies the hard disk recorder 100 that acquisition has been completed, and proceeds to subsequent step S23.

  In step S23, the controller 10 compares the learning level information table C with the learning level of the hard disk recorder 100 described in the learning level information table D stored in the information storage unit 55. Return to step S21. If it has been updated, the process proceeds to the following step S24, and the learning level of the hard disk recorder 100 described in the learning level information table D is updated.

  Further, the hard disk recorder 100 is requested to transmit the learning information table C (FIG. 17) of the hard disk recorder 100, and the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the controller 10 stands by until the learning information table C is received. When the learning information table C of the hard disk recorder 100 is received, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S26. In step S26, the hard disk recorder 100 is notified that the learning information table C of the hard disk recorder 100 has been received. Further, the controller 10 updates the learning information table D as shown in FIG. 26 based on the learning level information and learning information stored in the information storage unit 55 and the acquired learning level information and learning information of the hard disk recorder 100. To do. That is, “favorite content” in the learning information table C that was not in the learning information table D is newly added to the learning information table D, and the controller 10 generates the generated learning information table D and the updated learning level information table D. Are again stored in the information storage unit 55, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S27.

  In step S27, the learning level information table D shown in FIG. 21 is generated from the updated learning level information table D, transmitted to the hard disk recorder 100, and the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, when the pet robot 1 receives a notification from the hard disk recorder 100 that the hard disk recorder 100 has acquired the learning level information table D of the pet robot 1, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S29. In step S29, when the power is off, the process RT2 is terminated. However, while the power is on, the process returns to step S21 and the processes from step S21 to step S29 are repeated.

  In the above description, the process in which the pet robot 1 acquires learning information from the hard disk recorder 100 and fuses the acquired learning information and the learning information of the pet robot 1 has been described. However, the hard disk recorder 100 acquires learning information from the pet robot 1. Similarly, the acquisition process can acquire the learning information of the pet robot 1 according to RT1 and RT2, and fuse the acquired learning information with the learning information of the hard disk recorder 100.

  For example, it is assumed that the pet robot 1 acquires the learning information table C of the hard disk recorder 100 by the processes RT1 and RT2, and generates the learning information table D shown in FIG. The pet robot 1 receives the EPG data recorded in the HDD 270 of the hard disk recorder 100 via the wireless transmission / reception unit 16 and stores it in the information storage unit 55 as it is. The controller 10 notifies the generated learning information table D to the model storage unit 51 and the action determination mechanism unit 52. For example, the model storage unit 51 increases the degree of dedication to the user based on the generated learning information table D and the state recognition information from the sensor input processing unit 50 and the passage of time. The data is output to the determination mechanism unit 52. Based on the state information of “increased dedication to the user” from the model storage unit 51 and the learning information table D, the behavior determination mechanism unit 52 searches the description data of the EPG data that matches the favorite content. Then, if there is a compatible program in the EPG data, for example, action command information that causes the user to take an action of “contacting the user about information about the compatible program information” is generated and supplied to the speech synthesizer 57.

  When receiving the action command information from the action determining unit 52, the voice synthesizing unit 57 generates a synthesized sound based on the text included in the action command information, and supplies the synthesized sound to the speaker 30 via the voice output unit 58 for output. . As a result, various audio outputs related to the user's favorite program content such as “Program XXX starts!” And “Talent A appears in program XXX!” Are performed from the speaker 30.

  Further, in order to allow the user to concentrate on browsing the favorite program, action command information for causing the user to take the action of “quiet” at the same time may be generated and sent to the posture transition mechanism unit 53. The posture transition mechanism unit 53 generates posture transition information for changing the posture of the pet robot from the current posture to a posture such as “decline” based on the behavior command information supplied from the behavior determination mechanism unit 52. Is sent to the control mechanism 54. The control mechanism unit 54 sends control signals to various actuators to shift to the “down” posture.

  Further, for example, when the hard disk recorder 100 acquires the learning information table D of the pet robot 1 through the processes RT1 and RT2, and updates the learning information in FIG. 17 to generate the learning information table C in FIG. By referring to the latest learning information table C, finer control that matches the user's preference becomes possible. For example, the learning information obtained from the pet robot 1 recognizes that the user likes Japanese food, and the program type “restaurant introduction” and the program material “Japanese food” from the content description data recorded in the HDD 270 by the hard disk recorder 100. When a broadcast program is detected, it may be determined that the program matches the user's preference received from the pet robot 1, and this program may be automatically recorded or reproduced.

  In this way, the pet robot 1 and the hard disk recorder 100 can automatically transmit information learned by each other, and can fuse and share the information. Here, it is also possible to perform general two-way data communication without being limited to transmission / reception of information learned by each.

(6) Configuration example of the service information providing system linked to the result learned by the mutual growth system of (5) described above

  Subsequently, the hard disk recorder 100 described in (3), the pet robot 1 described in (4), and a server type computer 1200 described below, each of which is independently learned in FIG. 4 and FIG. A service information providing system linked to a mutual growth system that communicates with each other according to the process 5 and fuses and shares the learning contents will be described.

  The server type computer 1200 includes a user information storage unit that stores learning information that is the content of information learned by itself and learning level information that represents the degree of learning proficiency that is changed as the learning information is updated. It is a feature to provide. The user information storage unit corresponds to the storage unit 806 of the electronic device 800 described above, and learning level information and learning information are stored as a learning level information table and a learning information table. Here, the learning information table F and the learning level information table F are represented. An example of the learning information table F is shown in FIG. An example of the learning level information table F is shown in FIG.

  The server type computer 1200 shown in FIG. 33 can record service content data including video data, audio data, and the like in a large capacity HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1205.

  The U / I (user interface) control unit 1206 is a module that processes an input operation from a user. For example, when a user operates a remote commander (not shown) including operation buttons or switches. The operation signal (IR signal) emitted from the infrared light emitting unit (not shown) is received by the light receiving unit (not shown) of the U / I control unit 1206 and output to the CPU 1202 via the bus 1204.

  The CPU 1202 is a main controller that controls the overall operation of the server type computer 1200, and executes various applications on a platform provided by an operating system (OS). The CPU 1202 controls the HDD 1205 and the like based on an operation signal input from a remote commander (not shown) via the U / I control unit 1206 and the bus 1204, for example. The CPU 1202 controls the HDD 1205 and the like based on the processing shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 31, and 32 stored in the ROM 1203.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 1207 is a writable volatile memory used for loading an execution program of the CPU 1202 and writing work data of the execution program. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 1203 is a read only memory for storing a self-diagnosis / initialization program executed when the server type computer 1200 is powered on, a control code for hardware operation, and the like.

  The HDD 1205 is a random-access storage device that can store programs, data, and the like in a file format of a predetermined format, and has a large capacity of, for example, about several tens GB (or 100 GB or more). The HDD 1205 has a service data storage unit 1208 inside. The HDD 1205 is also connected to the bus 1204, receives service data such as video data from the communication control unit 1201, records these data in the service data storage unit 1208, and records them as necessary. Output the data. The learning information table F and the learning level information table F are also stored in the HDD 1205.

When the service data is input or output to the HDD 1205, the copy information detection unit 1209 detects a copy control signal such as CGMS-A or a macrovision signal from the service data. The detection result of the copy control signal is transmitted to the CPU 1202.

  An example of service information stored in the service data storage unit 1208 is shown in FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, the service information table is referred to as service information table B. As shown in FIG. 37, in the service information table B, movie software is classified as service information a, music software as service information b, and product information as service information c. In the case of the service information a, item 1 stores a title name, item 2 stores an outline of characters and actors such as actor / actress names, and item 3 stores a compressed movie source. In the case of the service information b, the artist name is stored in item 1, the song name is stored in item 2, and the compressed music source is stored in item 3. In the case of service information c, item 1 stores a product name, item 2 stores a product description, and item 3 stores a sales price.

  Service data stored in the service data storage unit 1208 is read into the CPU 1202 or the RAM 1207 via the bus 1204 as necessary. Thereby, the CPU 1202 or the RAM 1207 can execute a predetermined process according to a predetermined application.

  The communication control unit 1201 controls wired communication using a telephone line or a cable. By communicating with the hard disk recorder 100 or the like via the communication control unit 1201, service data and the like are exchanged.

  Also, in order to supplement the service data storage unit 1208 with the latest service data, the latest service data is received by communicating with an external device (not shown) via the communication control unit 1201. Can do. The latest service information input to the communication control unit 1201 is stored in the service information storage unit 1208 of the HDD 1205 via the bus 1204.

  Since the pet robot 1 has the wireless transmission / reception unit 16 and the hard disk recorder 100 also has the wireless transmission / reception unit 250, the pet robot 1 can wirelessly communicate with each other as shown in FIG. Further, since the hard disk recorder 100 has a communication control unit 210 and the server type computer 1200 also has a communication control unit 1201 and is connected to each other via a network 2002 as shown in FIG. 33, wired communication is possible.

  A robot station 3000 shown in FIG. 33 is also connected to the network 2002. A detailed view of the robot station 3000 is shown in FIG. When the pet robot 1 rides on the robot station 3000, the robot connection connector 2004 and the communication unit 15 of the pet robot 1 can be connected. Although not shown, the robot connection connector 2004 is connected to the network 2002 via the communication connector 2005. That is, the pet robot 1 is connected to the network 2002 by getting on the robot station 3000, and can perform wired communication with the communication control unit 210 of the hard disk recorder 100 or the communication control unit 1201 of the server type computer 1200.

  As a result of the server type computer 1200 communicating with the hard disk recorder 100 and the robot 1 according to the processes of FIGS. 4 and 5 and fusing and sharing the learning contents, the learning information table F shown in FIG. 35 is updated. A procedure for transmitting service data stored in the service data storage unit 1208 to the hard disk recorder 100 in conjunction with the above will be described. This process is in accordance with the process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 32, when the CPU 1202 of the server type computer 1200 enters the service information transmission process (RT5), has the learning information table F and the learning level information table F stored in the HDD 1205 been updated in step S51? It is determined whether or not the service information in the service data storage unit 1208 has been updated. If not updated, the process proceeds to step S510.

  When the learning information table C recorded in the hard disk recorder 100 is updated, the hard disk recorder 100 executes the process RT1 shown in FIG. 4, and the robot 1 and the server type computer 1200 execute the process RT2 shown in FIG. The learned information in the learning information table C is transmitted to the robot 1 and the server type computer 1200, and each learning information table and learning level information table are updated. The detailed description is omitted because it is equivalent to the process of the mutual growth system between electronic devices described in (5). In the case of the server type computer 1200, the user information in the learning information table F is updated, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S52. In step S52, refer to the number of times the keyword of the updated item is registered in each service information in the service data storage unit 1208 and the “degree of preference” of the updated item in the learning level information table F. Then, weighting calculation is performed on each service information in the service data storage unit 1208, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S53. For example, when the service information in the service data storage unit 1208 is updated, the updated service is based on the number of times that the keyword of the updated item is registered in the learning information table F and the “degree of preference”. The weighting calculation of the information is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S53. The service information weighting calculation method is not limited to the number of keyword registrations, and may be calculated using other parameters. In step S53, the result of the service information weighting calculation is written in the item “recommendation degree” in the service information table B, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S54.

  In step S54, it is determined whether or not the result of the weighting calculation written in the item “degree of recommendation” in the service information table B exceeds a certain reference value, for example, 50. If the reference value is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S510. If the reference value is exceeded, the process proceeds to the next step S55, and waits until another connectable electronic device is confirmed. For example, suppose that it is determined in step S54 that the “recommended degree” of the service information a No. 1 in the service information table B has changed from a value of 50 or less to 80 and exceeds the reference value. Then, if the connection with the hard disk recorder 100 is confirmed in step S55, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S56, and the title name which is item 1 of the service information exceeding the reference value is transmitted to the connected hard disk recorder 100. Then, the process proceeds to the following step S57. In step S57, it is determined whether there is a transmission request for the next item of service information from hard disk recorder 100. After a while, if there is no transmission request, the process proceeds to step S59. If there is a transmission request, the process proceeds to the following step S58, where the outline of the character and movie such as the actor / actress name of the next item of the service information is transmitted, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S59.

  In step S59, it is determined whether or not a service information transmission end notification has been received from the hard disk recorder 100. When the service information transmission end notification is not received, the process returns to step S57, and the steps from S57 to S59 are repeated. When the service information transmission end notification is received, the process proceeds to subsequent step S510. In step S510, if the server-type computer 1200 is turned off, the process RT5 is terminated. However, while the server-type computer 1200 is on, the process returns to step S51, and steps S51 to S510 are repeated. Further, when the determination in step S55 is NO, if there is no response from the server type computer 1200 after a certain period of time, the process may return to step S51.

  In step S56 and step S58, the CPU 1202 determines a copy information signal of the service information via the copy information detection unit 1209 before transmitting the service information. If the result of the determination of the copy control signal is that copying is not possible, the CPU 1202 stops the transmission of service information.

  Next, processing (RT4) in which information for service is provided from the server type computer 1200 in the hard disk recorder 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When entering the service information reception process (RT4), the CPU 220 of the hard disk recorder 100 confirms connection with another electronic device in step S41. If the connection with the server type computer 1200 is confirmed in step S41, the process proceeds to the next step S42, and it is determined whether the item 1 of service information is transmitted from the server type computer 1200. When the service information item 1 is not transmitted, the process proceeds to step S48. If the service information item 1 is transmitted, the process proceeds to the next step S43, and it is determined that the user has recognized the service information item 1 using the speaker 320 or the display 330 connected to the hard disk recorder 100. If so, the process proceeds to step S44. If it is not determined that the user has recognized item 1 of the service information, the process waits until the user recognizes it. In step S44, if the user is interested in the contents of the item 1 and desires the next item 2, the process proceeds to the following step S45. If the next item 2 is not desired, the process proceeds to step S47. In step S45, the server computer 1200 is requested to send the next item of service information, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S46. In step S46, the process waits until the next item of service information is received. When the next item of service information is received, the process proceeds to the next step S47, and the next item is recognized using the speaker 320 or the display 330. If the next item is desired in step S47, the process returns to step S44, and the processes from S44 to S47 are repeated until the service information transmission is completed. All the service information transmitted from the server type computer 1200 is stored in the HDD 270 of the hard disk recorder 100. If the user wants to end the service information transmission, in step S47, an end notification is transmitted to the server computer 1200, and the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S48, when the power of the hard disk recorder 100 is turned off, the process RT4 is terminated. However, while it is on, the process returns to step S41, and the processes from S41 to S48 are repeated. Further, in the case of NO in the determinations in steps S43 and S46, if there is no response from the server type computer 1200 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process may return to step S41.

  Although not described in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, when an external network such as the Internet is used as the network of the hard disk recorder 100 and the server type computer 1200, ID number and password authentication are mutually established for security. After that, transmission / reception processing may be performed, or information to be transmitted / received may be encrypted.

  Although not shown, in the process RT4, the user may register “YES”, “NO”, etc. in advance regarding steps S43, S44, and S47 that require the user's judgment. In this case, even if there is no user when a determination is required, the process RT4 can be continued without being interrupted.

  As described above, in the information providing system using the electronic device mutual growth system shown as a specific example of the present invention, the electronic device as the client is the service information acquired from the server device via the network, the recording / playback device. When the accumulated service information is distributed to other electronic devices in the home, for example, these electronic devices can learn user information such as user preferences through communication with users. Each time the learning result is updated, the server side determines the “recommendation level” of the accumulated service information, and provides the service information with a higher “recommendation level” according to the determination result. High priority service information can be preferentially supplied to the electronic device. Accordingly, the service information desired by the user can be provided even if the user does not perform an input operation of information related to palatability. Further, since the input step by the user is simplified, the waiting period for the user to obtain desired information can be shortened. That is, information provision can be speeded up.

  The present invention learns user information such as user preferences through communication with a user by using a plurality of electronic devices and robot devices of the same type or different types, and a mutual growth system between electronic devices composed of these electronic devices and robot devices. In the service information provision system linked to the results, the learning information indicating the content of the learned specific information and the intelligence index (IQ) that can be expressed as a knowledge amount, a proficiency level, or a numerical value that increases each time learning is repeated ) And learning level information corresponding to the concept of deviation value, and a hardware configuration / software configuration capable of sharing such information, and at least one device stores service information. It only needs to have a storage structure that can be stored, such as stationary, portable, and in-vehicle types. Aspect of the vessel, or the recording apparatus, the music data reproduction apparatus can be applied without being limited to the type of electronic device such as PC.

It is a block diagram explaining the mutual growth system between the electronic devices shown as a specific example of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the learning level information A memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the electronic device applied to the mutual growth system of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the learning information table memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part. It is a flowchart explaining the process which transmits learning information to the other electronic device in the said electronic device. It is a flowchart explaining the process which receives learning information from the other electronic device in the said electronic device. It is a figure explaining an example of the learning level information table memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining an example of the learning information table memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining an example of the learning level information table memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining an example of the learning level information table memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining the learning information and learning level information which the electronic device has memorize | stored and the learning information table updated based on the learning level information and learning information which are input. It is a block diagram explaining the hard disk recorder which is an example of an electronic device. It is a block diagram explaining the user information generation part of the said hard disk recorder. It is a flowchart explaining the process which memorize | stores user preference information. It is a figure explaining the preference information registration window which is a GUI operation screen in which a user registers various settings and preference information. It is a figure explaining the content description data accumulate | stored in a content description data storage part. It is a figure explaining the learning level information table C output to a user information storage part. It is a figure explaining the learning information table C output to a user information storage part. It is an external view explaining the pet robot used for another specific example of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the said pet robot. It is a block diagram explaining an example of a functional structure of the controller 10 shown in the said FIG. It is a figure explaining the learning level information table. It is a figure explaining the learning information which a pet robot memorize | stores. It is a mimetic diagram explaining signs that a pet robot and a hard disk recorder are connected by radio. It is a figure explaining the learning level information table which a hard-disk recorder memorize | stores. It is a figure explaining the learning level information table which a pet robot memorize | stores. It is a figure explaining the learning information table updated based on the learning information and learning level information which a pet robot memorize | stores, and the acquired learning level information and learning information of the hard disk recorder. It is a figure explaining the learning information and the learning level information which a hard disk recorder memorize | stores, and the learning information table updated based on the acquired learning level information and learning information of a pet robot. It is a figure explaining the learning level information table E. FIG. It is a figure explaining the learning information table E. FIG. It is a figure explaining the information table A for services. It is a flowchart explaining the process which receives the information for service from the other electronic device in the said electronic device. It is a flowchart explaining the process which transmits the information for service from the other electronic device in the said electronic device. It is a block diagram explaining the service information provision system by the network comprised by a pet robot, a hard disk recorder, and a server type computer. It is a figure explaining the robot station for a robot to connect with a network with a wire communication. It is a figure explaining the learning information table F. FIG. It is a figure explaining the learning level information table F. FIG. It is a figure explaining the information table B for services. It is a block diagram explaining the information provision system for services shown as a specific example of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the information provision system for services shown as a specific example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pet robot, 10 Controller, 11 Battery,
12 battery sensor, 13 heat sensor, 14 internal sensor,
15 communication unit, 16 wireless reception unit, 17 PC card interface,
100 hard disk recorder, 110 tuner, 120 demodulator,
130 separation unit, 140 decoder, 160 mixer (MUX),
180 composer, 200 bus, 220 CPU,
260 HDD interface, 270 HDD,
280 user information generation unit, 320 speaker,
630 content description data storage unit,
800 electronic device, 801 user information acquisition unit, 802 learning unit,
803 learning information / learning level generation unit, 804 communication unit, 805 control unit,
806 storage unit, 807 internal bus

Claims (19)

Regardless of the same type or different types, multiple electronic devices are connected to each other wirelessly or by wire,
Each electronic device
Communication means for the connection;
An operation means for enabling a user to perform an input operation or a selection operation;
External information acquisition means for acquiring external information based on a user input operation or selection operation on the operation means;
Learns the user information about the user from the external information acquired by the external information acquisition unit, an information learning means for updating the learning level indicating a degree of learning of said use user information,
Information output means for outputting the user information and the learning level learned by the information learning means to other electronic devices other than itself among the plurality of electronic devices ;
An information input means for inputting a learning level of the other information and the other electronic devices relating to the user learned by the other electronic devices,
Storage means for storing user information and a learning level learned by the information learning means, another information about the user input by the information input means, and a learning level of the other electronic device;
And user information and learning levels learned in the information learning means, stored in said storage means on the basis of other information and learning level of the other electronic devices relating to the user input at the information input unit Updating means for updating user information and learning level;
Control means for reflecting the user information and the learning level stored in the storage means to the operation control,
The update means updates the learning level of the other electronic device stored in the storage means to the learning level updated by the other electronic device input by the information input means, and the storage means The user information learned by the electronic device with the updated learning level and the user information learned by the electronic device with the updated learning level input by the information input means. Updated with different information about
At least one of the plurality of electronic devices is
Service information storage means for storing service information to be provided to the user;
With reference to the user information that is the update anda providing priority calculation means for calculating a priority for providing services for information to the user,
An information providing system that provides the service information to the other electronic devices in accordance with the priority calculated above. The updating unit compares the learning level of the other electronic device input by the information input unit with the learning level of the other electronic device stored in the storage unit and inputs the learning level by the information input unit. It is determined whether the learning level of the other electronic device has been updated, and if it is determined that the learning level of the other electronic device input by the information input means has been updated, the storage The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the learning level of the other electronic device stored in the means is updated to the learning level updated by the other electronic device input by the information input unit. The provision priority calculating means updates the priority when the user information and the learning level stored in the storage means are updated or when the service information stored in the service information storage means is updated. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the degree is calculated. Providing priority is the calculated, the information providing system according to claim 1 that will be stored in the service information storage means in association with the service information. Electronics that provide the service information to the other electronic devices, providing information according to claim 1, wherein that sends the service information to the other electronic device upon request from periodic or other electronic devices system. Each of the electronic devices includes an authentication determination unit that determines authentication via a personal authentication number and a password, and only when the authentication determination unit authenticates the personal authentication number and the password, connection between the electronic devices can be performed. information providing system according to claim 1 that. The user information, the information providing system of the information indicating the preference of a user including claim 1, wherein. The service for information, Ru information der including sales for product information, video software and the video software description information, music software and the music software description information, the person introductory information, advertising information, the program information of TV or radio The information providing system according to claim 1. Each electronic apparatus, the information providing system according to claim 1 that is connected to each other via a network including the Internet. At least one external information and / or claim 1 information providing system according Ru robot der to perform autonomous operation based on the internal state of the electronic device. Includes a copyright determination unit the service information is to determine whether transmittable, the case of copyright determination unit determines that not transmitted, according to claim 1 do not want to send the service information to the other electronic apparatus Information provision system. A communication means for connecting to an external electronic device wirelessly or by wire;
An operation means for enabling a user to perform an input operation or a selection operation;
External information acquisition means for acquiring external information based on a user input operation or selection operation on the operation means;
The learned external information user information about the user from the acquired the external information by the acquisition unit, the information learning means for updating the learning level indicating the degree of learning of said use user information,
Information output means for outputting the user information and the learning level learned by the information learning means to another electronic device connected to the information providing apparatus wirelessly or by wire ;
An information input means for inputting a learning level of the other information and the other electronic devices relating to the user learned by the other electronic devices,
Storage means for storing user information and a learning level learned by the information learning means, another information about the user input by the information input means, and a learning level of the other electronic device;
And user information and learning levels learned in the information learning means, stored in said storage means on the basis of other information and learning level of the other electronic devices relating to the user input at the information input unit Updating means for updating user information and learning level;
Control means for reflecting the user information and the learning level stored in the storage means to the operation control;
Service information storage means for storing service information to be provided to the user;
And a providing priority calculation means for calculating a priority for providing services for information to the user with reference to user information that is the update,
The information providing apparatus that sends the service information to the other electronic devices in accordance with the above priority,
The update means updates the learning level of the other electronic device stored in the storage means to the learning level updated by the other electronic device input by the information input means, and the storage means The user information learned by the electronic device with the updated learning level and the user information learned by the electronic device with the updated learning level input by the information input means. An information providing device that updates to another information regarding . The updating unit compares the learning level of the other electronic device input by the information input unit with the learning level of the other electronic device stored in the storage unit and inputs the learning level by the information input unit. It is determined whether the learning level of the other electronic device has been updated, and if it is determined that the learning level of the other electronic device input by the information input means has been updated, the storage 13. The information providing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the learning level of the other electronic device stored in the means is updated to the learning level updated by the other electronic device input by the information input means. The provision priority calculating means updates the priority when the user information and the learning level stored in the storage means are updated or when the service information stored in the service information storage means is updated. The information providing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the degree is calculated. The calculated provided priority information providing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein that will be stored in the service information storage means in association with the service information. Periodically or other information providing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein that sends the service information to the other electronic device upon request from the electronic device. An authentication determination unit for determining an authentication via a personal identification number and password, the authentication decision means only when authenticating the personal identification number and password, claims the connection with the other electronic devices capable ing 12 The information providing apparatus according to the description. The user information, the information providing apparatus including claim 12, wherein the information indicating the preference of the user. The service for information, Ru information der including sales for product information, video software and the video software description information, music software and the music software description information, the person introductory information, advertising information, the program information of TV or radio The information providing apparatus according to claim 12 .

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