WO2018092865A1 - Networked robot device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To produce robots with high functionality at low cost and achieve widespread diffusion among consumers. [Solution] A networked robot device 100 provided with a control unit 101 for achieving various functions, wherein the robot device is provided with: a communication unit 102 for communicating with an external function 201 on the Internet; and a storage unit 103 for storing information for internal processing by the networked robot device 100 and information to be transferred to the external function 201 for external processing. The control unit 101 reads and processes the internal processing information from the storage unit 103 to implement the functions of the device body 100 , and reads the external processing information from the storage unit 103 and transmits the information to the external function 201 via the communication unit 102 to and to operate the external function 201.

Description

Network robot device

The present invention relates to a network robot apparatus, and more particularly to a network robot apparatus capable of communicating with an external apparatus through a computer network.

The definition of “robot” is not uniquely established, but in the present application, it means a device that has a certain character and a processor that realizes various functions.

In order to improve the performance of such robots, it is necessary to install high-performance processors and storage devices. However, as the performance of built-in hardware increases, the manufacturing cost of the robot itself increases, which becomes a barrier to mass production and widespread penetration by consumers.

Currently, it is widely used to access the Internet site and purchase products by mail order. The user who wants to purchase a product operates the browser to access the shopping site, searches for the product to be purchased on the site, adds the searched product to the shopping cart, and repeats the above to complete the purchase. In general, a flow of inputting necessary information is performed (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Thus, a user who wants to purchase a product at a shopping site is required to perform a complicated input operation on the computer. However, it is difficult for users who are unfamiliar with computer operations to use mail order on the Internet. A robot that supports consumers with some inconvenience like this one is expected to be widely accepted and utilized by them.

Among the inconveniences of the above-mentioned conventional example, the present invention has an object to make it possible to spread a high-performance robot widely to consumers.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is, in a network robot apparatus provided with a control unit that realizes various functions, a communication unit that communicates with an external function on the Internet, information for internal processing of the network robot apparatus, and information for external processing passed to the external function And a storage unit for storing. The control unit realizes the function of the apparatus main body by reading and processing the information for internal processing from the storage unit, and reads the information for external processing from the storage unit and transmits it to the external function through the communication unit. Make external functions work.

In this way, even if the functions of the network robot itself are limited, a service function can be placed outside and connected to it to realize a highly functional robot as a whole. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the cost of the robot itself.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a high-performance robot can be widely spread to consumers.

FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the apparatus main body of the shopping support apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of data stored in the storage unit of FIG. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram in which a part of a leaflet (product catalog) is omitted. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of shopping processing executed by the apparatus main body of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of taxi dispatch processing executed by the apparatus main body of FIG. 7 is a flowchart of hometown tax payment processing executed by the apparatus main body of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of tactile switch response processing executed by the apparatus main body of FIG. FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a shopping support system including the shopping support apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a transaction support system included in the shopping support system of FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of data stored in the storage unit of the transaction support system shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a catalog generation apparatus that uses the data shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the generation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an audio data generation apparatus that uses the data shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the generation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is an overall configuration diagram of an information processing system including the network robot apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an overall system configuration diagram including the system of FIG. 16.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a shopping support apparatus as a network robot apparatus. The shopping support apparatus of the present embodiment is wrapped in a character exterior 1 and includes a connection part for a numeric keypad 2 and a connection part for a card reader 3. In addition, tactile switches 11 are built in both hands and nose of the character exterior 1, respectively.

The character exterior 1 is an exterior exhibiting the appearance of a character such as a human being or an animal. In this embodiment, the appearance of a monkey is exhibited. However, the appearance may be various character appearances. Although it is desirable for the appearance to be familiar to the user, it is not limited thereto. As the material, for example, a material used for a stuffed animal can be adopted.

The numeric keypad 2 is not necessarily limited to only numeric keys, but includes function keys that allow one key to input special instructions. Since a small keyboard with the minimum number of keys is preferable, it is called a numeric keypad in the present application.

The card reader 3 is a device that reads information from a card or the like possessed by the user, and may read information from an IC chip or read information from a magnetic stripe. The user can shop by operating the numeric keypad 2 according to the voice uttered from the character exterior 1 and by causing the card reader 3 to read a card or the like. As a card, a credit card, an electronic money card, a point card or a my number card in a supermarket or a shopping street, or a portable terminal equipped with an IC chip that functions in the same manner as these cards can be used.

The tactile switch 11 is a switch for reproducing a sound corresponding to a pressed part when the user presses the hand or nose of the character exterior 1.

FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the apparatus main body built in the character exterior 1.

Inside the character exterior 1, the tactile switch 11, the numeric keypad connection unit 12, the card reader connection unit 13, the control unit 14, the storage unit 15, the audio output unit 16, and the communication unit 17 are provided.

The numeric keypad connection unit 12 is an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) for connecting the numeric keypad 2. The card reader connection unit 13 is an interface such as a USB for connecting the card reader 3. The control unit 14 includes a processor and realizes various functions by executing a program. The storage unit 15 is provided in a storage device such as a flash memory, and includes an audio storage unit, a catalog storage unit, and a user storage unit. The sound output unit 16 is a speaker that emits sound for the user, and is preferably arranged around the mouth of the character exterior 1. The communication unit 17 includes a wireless LAN (local area network) adapter and is used to transmit an order form generated by the shopping support apparatus. When the power source of the shopping support apparatus is a battery, it becomes easy to carry the apparatus main body together with the character exterior 1.

[Data structure in the main unit]
FIG. 3 shows the structure of data stored in the storage unit 15.

FIG. 3A shows the structure of data stored in the voice storage unit. The voice storage unit stores a user identifier, a voice set identifier, a voice identifier, and voice data in association with each other.

“User identifier” is equal to the value of a card-specific identifier such as a card number read from the card reader 3. That is, the user identifier has a different value for each card to be read, and even if the person is the same, the audio data to be used may be different depending on the card to be read.

The “voice set identifier” is an identifier indicating a plurality of voice sets used corresponding to the user identifier. For each user identifier, the set of audio used may be different. Other examples include the standard language set, dialect set, male voice set, female, etc. Some users use polite language voice sets, some users use more verbose wording voice sets, etc. Various voice sets such as voice set, Japanese set, and English set can be used properly according to the user.

“Voice identifier” is an identifier for distinguishing a plurality of voices included in the voice set. The voice identifier is assigned a unique value for each voice data, but each voice set has a set of voice identifiers having the same value. For example, when the program reproduces the greeting voice corresponding to the voice identifier s for the opening, the greeting voice (for example, standard word) corresponding to the voice identifier s is read from the voice set A according to the user and played back, and the user Depending on the case, the greeting voice (for example, dialect) corresponding to the voice identifier s may be read from the voice set B and reproduced. At this time, since each sound set has the same sound identifier for the sound of the same scene, processing by a common program becomes possible.

“Voice data” is audio data such as words and songs corresponding to the voice identifier, and includes guidance voice (guide voice) for the user to proceed with shopping. In some cases, words that make sense by connecting a plurality of audio data are reproduced.

FIG. 3B shows the structure of data stored in the catalog storage unit. The catalog storage unit stores a user identifier, a catalog identifier, a publication identifier, a product identifier, a voice identifier, and product information in association with each other.

“User identifier” is as described above. The “catalog identifier” is an identifier of a product catalog that can be used corresponding to the user identifier. A user orders a product while viewing a product catalog such as a paper medium. In the present application, the term “product” is used as a concept including “service”.

“Product identifier” is a unique identifier for each product. Even for the same product, different product identifiers are assigned to different providers and intermediaries.

“Published identifier” is an identifier for distinguishing products listed in the product catalog. The user selects a product to order from a product catalog by inputting a publication identifier.

“Voice identifier” is an identifier of voice data that pronounces the product name of the product.

“Product information” is information relating to the product, and includes a product name, product image, price and description.

FIG. 3C shows the structure of data stored in the user storage unit. The user storage unit stores a user identifier, a name, and personal information in association with each other.

“User identifier” is as described above. The “call name” is sound data that pronounces the call name (nickname) of the user. “Personal information” is personal information of the user, and includes an address, a name, and a telephone number. “Personal information” may be used when personal information cannot be read from the card through the card reader 3.

[Composition of catalog (flyer)]
FIG. 4 shows an example of a product catalog that the user sees. In the present embodiment, the product catalog is a paper medium, which is a so-called leaflet. This product catalog corresponds to one card possessed by the user, and lists products that can be purchased when the card reader 3 reads the card. Each product is given a serial number from 1 to 6, and the serial number from 1 to 6 represents the insertion identifier shown in FIG.

[Product Order]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a user to order a product. The operation for the user to order a product listed in the product catalog of FIG. 4 will be described along this flowchart. The shopping support apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is set to an operating state, and the user causes the card reader 3 to read a card or the like corresponding to the product catalog shown in FIG. The control unit 14 reads the card unique number as the user identifier U from the card or the like through the card reader 3. If it can be read from the card or the like, the user's address, name and phone number are read (S1).

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out the audio data associated with the user identifier U and associated with the audio identifier corresponding to the opening audio from the audio storage unit. In addition, the control unit 14 reads out voice data of a name associated with the user identifier U from the user storage unit. Then, the control unit 14 combines the read voice data of the opening voice and the voice data of the name, and for example, causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word (S2). "○○'s, Hello. □□'s monkey!". Character exterior 1 is pronounced. If a card with a user identifier not registered in the storage unit 15 is used, it may be controlled so that the device cannot be used by generating a sound such as “This card cannot be used!”. It is possible to prevent a situation in which a child orders by play.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the product selection guidance voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, reads the next word from the voice output unit 16. Make a pronunciation (S3). “Please press the number you want on the moon flyer!”. The user inputs one of the publication identifiers 1 to 6 of the desired product from the numeric keypad 2 while viewing the product catalog in FIG.

The control unit 14 acquires the posting identifier K input by the user from the numeric keypad 2 (S4). Subsequently, the control unit 14 acquires voice data that pronounces the product name of the product selected by the user from the voice storage unit. That is, the control unit 14 reads out the voice identifier V associated with the user identifier U and the publication identifier K from the catalog storage unit, and further stores the voice data of the product name associated with the user identifier U and the voice identifier V as the voice storage unit. Read from. Further, the control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the product confirmation voice from the voice storage unit. And the control part 14 combines the audio | voice data of the read goods confirmation audio | voice and the audio | voice data of a merchandise name, for example, makes the following words pronounce from the audio | voice output part 16 (S5). “No. XX (product name)! If this is OK, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 returns to the product selection guide of S3. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process (S5).

The control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the quantity input guidance voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word ( S6). “Press how many you want!”. The user inputs the order quantity of the product selected earlier from the numeric keypad 2.

The control unit 14 acquires the order quantity input by the user from the numeric keypad 2 (S7). Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out the voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the number of voice identifiers input by the user from the voice storage unit. In addition, the control unit 14 reads out voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the quantity confirmation voice from the voice storage unit. And the control part 14 combines the audio | voice data of the read quantity confirmation audio | voice and quantity audio | voice data, for example, makes the following words pronounce from the audio | voice output part 16 (S8). “How many! If yes, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 returns to the quantity input guidance of S6. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process.

The control unit 14 stores the product identifier of the product selected by the user and the order quantity of the product in the storage unit 15. Further, the control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the additional confirmation voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word. (S9). “If you have anything else you want, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “Yes” is input, the control unit 14 returns to the product selection guide in S3. On the other hand, if “No” is entered, the process proceeds to the following process.

The control unit 14 reads the product identifier of each product selected by the user so far and each order quantity of each product from the storage unit 15. The control unit 14 reads the price of the product corresponding to each read product identifier from the product information in the catalog storage unit. The control unit 14 calculates the total order amount based on the read price of each product and the order quantity of each product. The control unit 14 is voice data associated with the user identifier U, the voice data corresponding to the calculated voice identifier, the voice data corresponding to the voice identifier of each product name, and the quantity of each product. Audio data corresponding to the audio identifier is read from the audio storage unit. Further, the control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the order detail confirmation voice from the voice storage unit. And the control part 14 combines each read audio | voice data, for example, the next word is pronounced from the audio | voice output part 16 (S11).
“Now, I ’ll check the product you ordered!”
“Three long onions, two large thighs and three daikon!”
“The amount is ○○○○ yen!”
“If this is OK, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 returns to the addition confirmation in S9. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the next process. The user can cancel all inputs at any time. When the user presses a button indicating “cancel” from the numeric keypad 2, the control unit 14 resets the product identifier and the order quantity stored in the storage unit 15, and returns to the card reading of S1.

The control unit 14 reads out audio data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the audio identifier of the delivery date confirmation audio from the audio storage unit. Further, the control unit 14 refers to the calendar and determines the first candidate date for delivery that is several days after today. In addition, the control unit 14 reads out audio data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the audio identifier of the determined date from the audio storage unit. Then, the control unit 14 combines the read voice data, for example, to pronounce the next word from the voice output unit 16 (S12).
“Is the delivery date o month x day?”
“If this is OK, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 repeats the delivery date confirmation in S12 while changing the delivery candidate date. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process.

The control unit 14 reads out the voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the delivery date guidance voice from the voice storage unit. Then, the control unit 14 combines the voice data of the read delivery date guidance voice and the voice data of the delivery candidate date read immediately before, for example, and causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word. “Now, I ’ll deliver it on the day of the month!” The control unit 14 stores the determined delivery date in the storage unit 15.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the settlement method confirmation voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, reads the next word from the voice output unit 16. Make a pronunciation (S13).
“Can I pay for it?”
“If this is OK, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 repeats the payment method confirmation in S13 while changing the payment method to “electronic money payment” or “credit card payment”. Alternatively, a button corresponding to each settlement method may be provided on the numeric keypad 2, and the settlement method may be selected by pressing the button. For example, electronic money may be selected by pressing a button such as 1 and credit payment may be 2. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process. The control unit 14 stores the determined settlement method in the storage unit 15.

The control unit 14 reads out the voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the determined voice identifier of the settlement method from the voice storage unit, and for example, causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word ( In the case of cash on delivery).
"Thank you for your order!"
“You will get the price at the time of delivery, so please have it ready!”

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads the product identifier, product name, price, order quantity, delivery date, and settlement method of each product ordered by the user from the storage unit 15. The control unit 14 reads the user's address, name, and telephone number from the card or the like through the card reader 3. Or the control part 14 reads a user's address, a full name, and a telephone number from a user memory | storage part. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may acquire the user's address, name, and telephone number from the Internet through the communication unit 17. The control unit 14 then orders the product including the product identifier, product name, price, order quantity, total order amount, delivery date, payment method, user address, name, phone number, and order date of each product ordered by the user. Generate document data. And the control part 14 transmits the produced | generated purchase order data to the transaction assistance system on the internet via the communication part 17 (S14).

In addition, when the payment method is electronic money payment or credit card payment, the control unit 14 provides electronic payment service to the Internet via the communication unit 17 based on information read from the card or the like through the card reader 3. Money settlement or credit card settlement processing is executed (S15).

In addition, the control unit 14 reads out the voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the ending voice from the voice storage unit, and causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word, for example ( S16). "See you again, damn it!"

The transaction support system that has received the order form data transmits the order form data to the provider of each ordered product, and arranges for the ordered product to reach the user. At this time, the product provider may purchase the ordered product and leave it in the store as a reserved product.

According to the above embodiment, since the product can be ordered simply by causing the card reader 3 to read the card and operating the numeric keypad 2 in accordance with the guidance voice, even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the computer can compare with the conventional one. You can easily use the Internet for shopping. In addition, a healing effect can be expected from the friendly character exterior 1. Furthermore, by using the numeric keypad 2 with limited information that can be input instead of a method of recognizing the user's response, the apparatus can be designed at a low cost without considering a response unexpected by the user. Further, by placing an order based on a leaflet or the like on which products are posted, the screen can be made unnecessary, and the shopping support apparatus can be provided at a lower cost. In addition, for example, a mobile phone carrier can adopt its own CM character in the character exterior 1, or a CM song can be played by operating the tactile switch 11, so that the user can have a specification that will be attached to the user. In addition, personal information such as an address and name can be read from the IC card, and the user does not need to input an address or the like.

[Taxis allocation instructions]
Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for requesting taxi dispatch by the shopping support apparatus. The shopping support apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is set to the operating state, and the user causes the card reader 3 to read a predetermined card or the like. The control unit 14 reads the card unique number as the user identifier U from the card or the like through the card reader 3 (S21). Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out audio data associated with the user identifier U and associated with the audio identifier corresponding to the opening audio from the audio storage unit. In addition, the control unit 14 reads out voice data of a name associated with the user identifier U from the user storage unit. Then, the control unit 14 combines the read voice data of the opening voice and the voice data of the name, and for example, causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word (S22). "○○'s, Hello. □□'s monkey!". Character exterior 1 is pronounced.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the product selection guidance voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, reads the next word from the voice output unit 16. Make a pronunciation (S231). "Press the button you want!" Here, the user presses a key indicating “taxi dispatch” provided on the numeric keypad 2.

The control unit 14 acquires a request for “taxi dispatch” input from the user from the numeric keypad 2 (S232). Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out the voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the product confirmation voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, pronounces the next word from the voice output unit 16. (S233). "I'll call you a taxi! Click" Yes "if you want, or" No "if you don't! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 returns to the product selection guide in S23. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process (S233).

Subsequently, the control unit 14 accepts designation of a time for dispatching a taxi (S24). The control unit 14 reads predetermined audio data corresponding to the user identifier from the audio storage unit, and, for example, “call immediately, call later? Call“ Yes ”when calling immediately,“ No ”when calling later. Push it. Is pronounced from the voice output unit 16. Next, an input of “Yes” or “No” is accepted from the numeric keypad 2, and in the case of “Yes”, “call immediately” is stored in the storage unit 15 as the dispatch time. On the other hand, in the case of “No”, the predetermined voice data corresponding to the user identifier is read from the voice storage unit and, for example, “Please press the time you want to come to the taxi.” And the time which wants to come is received from the ten key 2, and the input time is memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 15 as dispatch time.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 accepts designation of a place where a taxi is allocated (S25). It is assumed that information representing a plurality of places is registered in the storage unit 15 in advance in association with the user identifier. The information representing the place is configured by associating the name of the place (such as home or hospital) with the address or position information of the place. The control unit 14 reads out predetermined audio data associated with the user identifier from the audio storage unit, and causes the audio output unit 16 to pronounce, for example, “Is the place home or is it a hospital?”. Next, designation of a location is received from the numeric keypad 2 and the designated location is stored in the storage unit 15 as a dispatch location. In the case of a place where address or position information is not registered in advance, information (such as a zip code, a city name, or a street address) specifying the address from the numeric keypad 2 may be input or selected from the numeric keypad 2 according to voice guidance.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out the voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the quantity input guidance voice from the voice storage unit, for example, reads the next word from the voice output unit 16. Make a pronunciation (S26). “Press how many you want to call!” The user inputs the number of taxis desired to be dispatched from the numeric keypad 2.

The control unit 14 acquires the number input by the user from the numeric keypad 2 (S27). Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out the voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the number of voice identifiers input by the user from the voice storage unit. In addition, the control unit 14 reads out voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the quantity confirmation voice from the voice storage unit. And the control part 14 combines the audio | voice data of the read quantity confirmation audio | voice and the audio | voice data of the number, for example, makes the following words pronounce from the audio | voice output part 16 (S28). “It ’s a ○ stand! If it ’s OK, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 returns to the quantity input guidance of S26. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process. The user can cancel all inputs at any time. When the user presses the button indicating “Cancel” from the numeric keypad 2, the control unit 14 returns to the card reading of S21.

The control unit 14 reads the user's address, name, and telephone number from the card or the like through the card reader 3. Or the control part 14 reads a user's address, a full name, and a telephone number from a user memory | storage part. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may acquire the user's address, name, and telephone number from the Internet through the communication unit 17. And the control part 14 produces | generates the dispatch request data of the number of taxis which the user desired based on the information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 15, and transmits to the computer of a transaction assistance system or a predetermined taxi company (S29). The dispatch request data includes a product identifier corresponding to the taxi dispatch, a destination address, a name, a dispatch time, and a telephone number.

In addition, the control unit 14 reads out the voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the ending voice from the voice storage unit, and causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word, for example ( S30). “Take a taxi. Wait until you arrive!”.

According to the above embodiment, the user can arrange a taxi dispatch by simply reading a card or the like and inputting only a numeric keypad to the shopping support apparatus.

[Application for hometown tax payment]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for applying for hometown tax payment by the shopping support apparatus. The shopping support apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is set to the operating state, and the user causes the card reader 3 to read a predetermined card or the like. The control unit 14 reads the card unique number as the user identifier U from the card or the like through the card reader 3 (S31). Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out audio data associated with the user identifier U and associated with the audio identifier corresponding to the opening audio from the audio storage unit. In addition, the control unit 14 reads out voice data of a name associated with the user identifier U from the user storage unit. Then, the control unit 14 combines the read voice data of the opening voice and the voice data of the name, and for example, causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word (S32). "○○'s, Hello. □□'s monkey!". Character exterior 1 is pronounced.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the product selection guidance voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, reads the next word from the voice output unit 16. Make a pronunciation (S33). "Press the button you want!" Here, the user presses a key indicating “hometown tax payment” provided on the numeric keypad 2.

The control unit 14 acquires a request for “hometown tax payment” input by the user from the numeric keypad 2 (S34). Subsequently, the control unit 14 acquires, from the voice storage unit, voice data that pronounces the name of the local government of the hometown tax payment destination. That is, the control unit 14 reads out the voice identifier associated with the user identifier U and the product identifier corresponding to the hometown tax payment from the catalog storage unit, and further, the local government as a product name associated with the user identifier U and the voice identifier in advance. Read the voice data of the name from the voice storage unit. Further, the control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the product confirmation voice from the voice storage unit. And the control part 14 combines the audio | voice data of the read goods confirmation audio | voice and the audio | voice data of a local government name, for example, makes the following words pronounce from the audio | voice output part 16 (S35). “I will pay my hometown tax to □□ city in XX prefecture! If yes, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 returns to the product selection guide in S33. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process (S35).

The control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the quantity input guidance voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, causes the voice output unit 16 to pronounce the next word ( S36). “Pay how much you want to pay!” The user inputs the amount to be donated as the hometown tax payment from the numeric keypad 2.

The control unit 14 acquires the amount of money input by the user from the numeric keypad 2 (S37). Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads out voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the amount input by the user from the voice storage unit. In addition, the control unit 14 reads out voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the quantity confirmation voice from the voice storage unit. And the control part 14 combines the audio | voice data of the read quantity confirmation audio | voice and the audio | voice data of an amount, for example, the following words are pronounced from the audio | voice output part 16 (S38). “It ’s ¥ 10,000! If you ’re satisfied, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 returns to the quantity input guidance of S36. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process. The user can cancel all inputs at any time. When the user presses the button indicating “Cancel” from the numeric keypad 2, the control unit 14 returns to the card reading of S31.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the voice identifier of the settlement method confirmation voice from the voice storage unit, and for example, reads the next word from the voice output unit 16. Make a pronunciation (S39).
"Can I pay with a credit card?"
“If this is OK, press“ Yes ”, otherwise press“ No ”! "

The user inputs “Yes” or “No” from the numeric keypad 2. When “No” is input, the control unit 14 repeats the payment method confirmation in S39 while changing the payment method to another payment method. On the other hand, if “yes” is input, the process proceeds to the following process. The control unit 14 stores the determined settlement method in the storage unit 15.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 executes a process of selecting a hometown tax gift (S40). Here, the control part 14 performs the process which makes a user select a gift as the process of S3 to S5 of FIG. 5, and memorize | stores the goods identifier of the selected gift in the memory | storage part 15. FIG.

Subsequently, the control unit 14 reads voice data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the determined voice identifier of the settlement method from the voice storage unit, and for example, reads the next word from the voice output unit 16. Let them pronounce.
"Thank you for the application!"
"Wait for fun!"

The control unit 14 reads the user's address, name, and telephone number from the card or the like through the card reader 3. Or the control part 14 reads a user's address, a full name, and a telephone number from a user memory | storage part. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may acquire the user's address, name, and telephone number from the Internet through the communication unit 17. And the control part 14 produces | generates the hometown of the amount of money which the user requested, and tax payment application form data, and transmits to a transaction assistance system through the communication part 17 (S41). The application form data includes a product identifier corresponding to hometown tax payment, a donation amount, a payment method, a product identifier of a thank-you gift, a user address, a name, and a telephone number. Upon receiving the application form data, the transaction support system acts as a hometown tax payment.

Further, when the payment method is a credit card payment, the control unit 14 performs a credit card payment process for a payment service on the Internet via the communication unit 17 based on information read from the card or the like through the card reader 3. Is executed (S42). Here, the settlement process of S42 may be executed after the payment method confirmation (S39) and before the gift selection process (S40).

Then, the control unit 14 reads out audio data associated with the user identifier U and corresponding to the audio identifier of the ending audio from the audio storage unit, and causes the audio output unit 16 to pronounce the next word, for example ( S43). "See you again, damn it!"

According to the above embodiment, the user can easily perform hometown tax payment from the shopping support apparatus to a specific local government. Local governments can provide users with a shopping support device with a local character exterior (for example, Momotaro in Okayama Prefecture), making it easier for users to get home and paying taxes, and reducing the movement of users to other local governments. Can do. It is also possible to associate the device unique number of the shopping support apparatus with the local government of the donation destination in advance, and the transaction support system can determine the local government of the donation destination based on the device unique number of the shopping support apparatus.

[Function of tactile switch]
FIG. 8 shows the operation of the shopping support apparatus when the user presses the tactile switch 11. When the user presses the tactile switch 11 built in the hand or nose of the character exterior 1 and the tactile switch 11 is turned on, the control unit 14 detects that the tactile switch 11 is turned on (S51), and the tactile sense that is turned on. Audio data corresponding to the switch 11 is read from the audio storage unit (S52), and the read audio data is reproduced from the audio output unit 16 (S53). Each tactile switch 11 is associated with a different sound identifier, and the control unit 14 stores sound data associated with the sound identifier for the sound identifier associated with the tactile switch 11 that is turned on. Read from. The contents of the audio data are different depending on the location, such as greeting when holding the right hand, different greetings when holding the left hand, and singing a song when pinching the nose. Thereby, it is possible to communicate between the user and the shopping support apparatus, and the shopping support apparatus becomes increasingly attached to the user.

[Acquisition method of audio data]
In the shopping support apparatus described above, the voice data is stored in the voice storage unit, and the voice data is read and reproduced at the time of pronunciation. However, instead of the voice data, the text data is stored and controlled. The unit 14 may convert the text data into voice data that pronounces a word corresponding to the text data each time it is pronounced and use it for pronunciation.

In addition, the control unit 14 may transmit text data to a speech synthesis system on the Internet each time a pronunciation is received, receive voice data that pronounces a word corresponding to the text data from the speech synthesis system, and use it for pronunciation. .

In addition, the control unit 14 may transmit a voice identifier to a server system on the Internet each time a sound is generated, receive voice data corresponding to the voice identifier from the server system, and use it for sound generation.

The control unit 14 transmits a voice identifier to a server system on the Internet each time a pronunciation is generated, receives text data corresponding to the voice identifier from the server system, and uses the received text data as a word corresponding to the text data. May be used for pronunciation after being converted into voice data. In the above, any electronic data can be adopted instead of the text data as long as it can be finally converted into voice data.

[Mounting the touch panel on the main unit]
Moreover, although the shopping assistance apparatus of this embodiment does not have a display for display, it is provided with a touch panel such as a tablet terminal on the abdomen of the character exterior 1 of the shopping assistance apparatus 10, and the control unit 14 receives user input from the touch panel. While accepting, the content that has been output by voice may be displayed on the touch panel. The control unit 14 may display predetermined content on a built-in touch panel as the order process progresses. The control unit 14 may display a product catalog screen on a built-in touch panel based on data in the catalog storage unit.

[Use of interfaces such as smartphones]
Further, the shopping support apparatus 10 may use the input device and the display device of the external device by communicating with the external device in a wired or wireless manner. As an external device, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a television, or the like can be used. The control unit 14 transmits the content to the external device via the communication unit 17 based on the input from the input device of the external device or the numeric keypad 2, and displays the predetermined content on the external device as the order process proceeds. May be. The control unit 14 may cause the external device to display a product catalog screen based on the data stored in the catalog storage unit.

[Print Receipt]
Further, a receipt printer may be built in the abdomen or back of the character exterior 1, and the control unit 14 may print a receipt of the order contents for the user.

[Get Address]
The user's address may be input from the numeric keypad 2 in addition to the method described above. In this case, the address information other than the address corresponding to the postal code is acquired from the address database based on the postal code input from the numeric keypad 2, and in addition to this, the address of the user is input by inputting the address from the numeric keypad 2. An address may be acquired. At this time, an address database stored in an external computer may be used via a network. This address acquisition process may be performed by the control unit 14 of the shopping support apparatus 10, or may provide the shopping support apparatus 10 with address information acquired and executed by a computer on the server side.

[Select payment method]
The payment method can be selected by the method described above or by pressing the button on the numeric keypad 2. A settlement method such as “cash on delivery” may be displayed in advance on the button of the numeric keypad 2, and the button of the settlement method to be selected may be pressed. Further, by voice guidance, it may be pronounced as “Cash on delivery is 1, credit card is 2 and electronic money is 3” and a number button corresponding to the settlement method to be selected may be pressed.

[Select audio data]
In the above-described embodiment, the card unique number as the user identifier U is read from the card reader 3 and the sound data corresponding to the read user identifier U is sounded, thereby enabling sound generation with different sounds for each user. On the other hand, the merchant identifier that uniquely identifies the merchant of the product or the provider of the service or the like is read from the card reader 3, and the voice data corresponding to the read merchant identifier is pronounced. Alternatively, pronunciation may be made with different voices or words for each provider of services. This can be realized by replacing the “user identifier” in FIG.

According to this, when the user reads a card for transaction with the merchant A, after that, guidance is given by voice corresponding to the merchant A, and when the user reads the card for transaction with the merchant B, the merchant thereafter Guidance is given by voice corresponding to B. Further, regardless of this method, a corresponding merchant identifier (mediator identifier or provider identifier) may be specified based on a merchandise number (product identifier) and pronounced with a different voice or wording for each merchant identifier. . In this case, the merchant identifier and the voice set identifier may be stored in association with each other, and the product identifier and the contractor identifier may be stored in association with each other in advance.

[Points in stores and shopping streets]
A shopping support apparatus 10 such as that shown in FIG. 1 can be installed beside a cash register in a store and used for the purpose of adding points to a point card. At that time, as the character exterior, a character having an edge in the store or the location of the store can be adopted. The card reader 3 is installed at a place where the shopper can hold the card, and the numeric keypad 2 is installed at a position operated by the store clerk who hits the cash register.
In FIG. 2, the control unit 14 reads a user identifier or a trader identifier from the card held over the card reader 3 via the card reader connection unit 13. And the control part 14 outputs the guidance by the audio | voice corresponding to a user identifier or a trader identifier from the audio | voice output part 16 similarly to embodiment mentioned above.
The store clerk inputs the number of points to be given (number of points to be added) from the numeric keypad 2 according to the product purchased by the shopper.

When adding points to the storage unit in the card, the control unit 14 acquires the current number of points stored in the card via the card reader connection unit 13. Further, the control unit 14 acquires the number of points added from the numeric keypad 2 via the numeric keypad connection unit 12. Then, the control unit 14 updates the total number of points obtained by adding the number of added points to the current number of points to the storage unit of the card held over the card reader via the card reader connection unit 13.
In addition, when adding points to an external point management system, the control unit 14 associates the card-specific identifier read from the card with the added point number or the total number of points after the addition, via the communication unit 17. To the point management system.
In this way, a new point card service can be provided to the shopper.

[Advantages of numeric keypad input]
In each of the above embodiments, the input from the user is performed by operating the numeric keypad. On the other hand, it is also known to perform various processes by recognizing a voice input from a user. For example, there are robots in which a reception robot interacts in response to voice input, and voice remote controllers operate electric devices in response to voice input. However, when these systems are actually used, the user may feel dissatisfied because the voice is not correctly recognized. On the other hand, the input using the numeric keypad adopted by the present invention has an advantage that the input certainty is higher than the voice input at present.

[Server-side hardware configuration]
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of shopping support devices 10 placed at the user's hand are connected to the Internet and communicate with the transaction support system 20. Further, the transaction support system 20 can communicate with the computer of the product producer, the provider, the product sales intermediary, and the product deliverer through the Internet.

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the transaction support system 20. The transaction support system 20 includes a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The processing unit 21 includes a processor and realizes various functions by executing a program. The storage unit 22 is provided in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The communication unit 23 is a communication device that communicates with the shopping support device 10 and the computer on the Internet.

[Server-side data structure]
The storage unit 22 includes a distribution storage unit, a catalog storage unit, a product storage unit, a voice storage unit, and a trader storage unit. The structure of data stored in each storage unit is shown in FIG.

FIG. 11A shows the data structure of the distribution storage unit. The distribution storage unit stores a catalog identifier and a voice set identifier in association with each user identifier. The user identifier is a user identifier handled in the shopping support apparatus 10. The catalog identifier is an identifier of a product catalog stored in the shopping support apparatus 10 corresponding to the user identifier. The voice set identifier is an identifier of a voice set stored in the shopping support apparatus 10 corresponding to the user identifier.

Fig. 11 (b) shows the data structure of the catalog storage unit. The catalog storage unit stores a publication identifier, a product identifier, and an audio identifier in association with each catalog identifier. The catalog identifier is a unique value for each medium such as a mail order catalog or a flyer. The placement identifier is a unique value for each product placed on the medium. The product identifier is a unique value for each product. Even if the product is the same, the product identifier is different if the provider or the mediator is different. The voice identifier is an identifier of voice data that pronounces the product name of the product. Here, the mail order catalog or flyer may be displayed on a television or computer display.

FIG. 11C shows the data structure of the product storage unit. The product storage unit stores product information, a voice identifier, a mediator identifier, and a provider identifier in association with each product identifier. The product identifier is as described above. The product information includes the product name, product image, price, and description of the product. The voice identifier is an identifier of voice data corresponding to the voice of the product name of the product. The mediator identifier is an identifier of a person who mediates the sale of the product, for example, an identifier of a trader who operates mail order. If there is no mediator for the product, the mediator identifier takes an invalid value. The provider identifier is an identifier of a retailer, a wholesaler or a producer who provides the product directly to the user.

FIG. 11D shows the data structure of the voice storage unit. The voice storage unit stores a voice identifier and voice data in association with each voice set identifier. The audio set identifier identifies a group of audio data associated with each user identifier. The audio identifier is an identifier of audio data included in the audio set. The voice data includes a voice for the shopping support apparatus 10 to guide the user to a procedure such as shopping.

FIG. 11 (e) shows the data structure of the trader storage unit. The trader storage unit stores trader information for each trader identifier. The trader identifier includes an intermediary identifier and a provider identifier. The trader information is information on the broker or provider (retailer, wholesaler or producer), such as trader name, address, contact information on the Internet (e-mail address, session ID to the transaction support system, etc.) and Including other contact information (telephone number and FAX number).

[Process on the server side that received the order]
The processing unit 21 of the transaction support system 20 executes the following operation in response to the communication from the shopping support apparatus 10. When receiving the purchase order data or the purchase order data for which payment has been completed from the shopping support device 10, the provider identifier corresponding to the product identifier of the ordered product is read from the product storage unit and the read provider identifier is read The trader information corresponding to (the trader identifier) is read from the trader storage unit. Based on the read trader information, the trader is notified of the ordered product and its quantity, as well as the orderer's address, name and telephone number. The notification is performed to a computer on the Internet through the communication unit 23, or is performed by FAX transmission or the like. Then, the ordered product is delivered from the trader to the user of the shopping support apparatus 10 that is the orderer through the delivery person.

[Distribution of performance rewards to intermediaries]
Further, in the product storage unit, when the mediator identifier is associated with the product identifier of the ordered product, the processing unit 21 displays the result of product sales in the transaction information corresponding to the mediator identifier (transactioner identifier). Add reward (margin).

According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to realize a process of paying a result reward to an intermediary.

[Processing on the server side that received the dispatch request]
When the transaction support system 20 receives taxi dispatch request data from the shopping support apparatus 10, the processing unit 21 reads a product identifier from the dispatch request data. Then, the provider identifier of the taxi trader corresponding to the product identifier is read from the product storage unit, and the trader information corresponding to the provider identifier (trader identifier) is read from the trader storage unit. Based on the read trader information, the number of taxis requested to be dispatched, the address or location information of the dispatch destination, name, dispatch time, and telephone number are notified to the trader. The notification is made to a computer on the Internet through the communication unit 23 or by telephone or the like. Then, the requested number of taxis are dispatched to the user of the shopping support apparatus 10 as the requester by the taxi trader as the trader.

[Processing on the server side that received the application for home tax payment]
Further, when the transaction support system 20 receives the hometown tax payment application form data from the shopping support apparatus 10, the processing unit 21 reads the hometown tax payment product identifier from the received application form data. And the provider identifier of the local government corresponding to the product identifier is read from the product storage unit, and the trader information corresponding to the provider identifier (trader identifier) is read from the trader storage unit. Then, based on the read transaction information, the local government is notified of the donation amount of the hometown tax payment, the payment method, the identifier of the gift, the address of the donor, the name and the telephone number. The notification is made to a computer on the Internet through the communication unit 23, or is made by FAX or the like. The local government that has received the notice proceeds with arrangements for gifts and donation certificates for donors. When the application form data includes a device unique identifier (MAC address or the like) of the shopping support device 10 that is the transmission source as an identifier of the local government of the donation destination, the processing unit 21 is associated with the device unique identifier. The local government provider identifier may be read from the storage unit and used.

[Product Catalog / Audio Set Update]
The transaction support system 20 has a function of updating the product catalog and voice set stored in each shopping support apparatus 10. The processing unit 21 periodically receives a product catalog update request from each shopping support apparatus 10 through the communication unit 23. The update request includes a user identifier. Upon receiving the update request, the processing unit 21 reads the catalog identifier and the voice set identifier corresponding to the received user identifier from the distribution storage unit, and the contents of the catalog storage unit corresponding to the catalog identifier are updated after the previous distribution. It is also determined whether the content of the voice storage unit corresponding to the voice set identifier has been updated since the previous distribution. In this determination, for each user identifier, the date and time when the contents of the corresponding catalog storage unit and the content of the voice storage unit are distributed is stored in the storage unit. Further, the date and time when the content of the catalog storage unit is updated for each catalog identifier is stored in the storage unit, and the date and time when the content of the audio storage unit is updated for each voice identifier is stored in the storage unit. Then, the distribution date and the update date are compared. If the result of this determination is that the data has been updated, the updated catalog storage unit data and updated voice storage unit data are read from the storage unit 22 and transmitted to the requesting shopping support apparatus 10 through the communication unit 23. To do. Further, the processing unit 21 reads product information corresponding to the product identifier associated with the catalog identifier from the product storage unit, associates the read product information with the corresponding product identifier, and transmits the requesting shopping support apparatus 10 through the communication unit 23. Send to.

In the shopping support apparatus 10 that has received the update data, the control unit 14 updates the received update data of the catalog storage unit to the catalog storage unit of the storage unit 15. Further, the control unit 14 updates the received update data of the voice storage unit to the voice storage unit. In addition, the update data of the received product information is updated in association with the corresponding product identifier in the product storage unit.

According to the above embodiment, it is possible to place an order based on the updated catalog, voice, and product information.

[Product Catalog Generation]
Next, FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a catalog generation device that generates an image of a product catalog that a user refers to at hand. The catalog generation device includes a catalog image generation unit 31, a catalog image storage unit 32, an input unit 33, a display unit 34, and an output unit 35. The product storage unit 36 is a product storage unit of the transaction support system 20 shown in the storage unit 22 of FIG. Further, the catalog storage unit 37 is a catalog storage unit of the transaction support system 20 shown in the storage unit 22 of FIG. The catalog image generation unit 31 includes a processor and realizes various functions by executing a program. The catalog image storage unit 32, the product storage unit 36, and the catalog storage unit 37 are provided in a storage device such as an HDD. The input unit 33 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The display unit 34 is a display that displays information. The output unit 35 is an interface that outputs data for printing.

The catalog image generation unit 31 (hereinafter referred to as “generation unit 31”) displays the product advertisement part 41 associated with the product identifier on the display unit 34 as shown in FIG. The product advertisement part 41 is generated using product information stored in the product storage unit 36. The product advertisement part 41 includes a product name and price or a combination of these and a product image. Further, the generation unit 31 displays a flyer image 42 (product catalog image) associated with the catalog identifier on the display unit 34. The flyer image 42 is provided with a product placement area 43 associated with a placement identifier.

And if the production | generation part 31 detects operation (drag and drop etc.) linked | related with the product insertion area | region 43 by operation of the input part 33, the catalog identifier linked | related with the flyer image 42, and goods Associating the placement identifier of the product placement area 43 where the advertisement part 41 has been dropped, the product identifier associated with the dropped product advertisement part 41, and the voice identifier associated with the product identifier in the product storage unit 36, Register in the catalog storage unit 37.

Further, the generation unit 31 generates an image image of a leaflet in which the image of the dropped product advertisement part 41 is inserted in the product placement area 43 of the leaflet image 42 and stores it in the catalog image storage unit 32. The generation unit 31 reads the image data of the leaflet from the catalog image storage unit 32 and transmits the image data of the leaflet to the printer or the like in order to print the image of the completed leaflet.

According to this, it is possible to create a flyer by using the product information registered in the product storage unit 36, and it is possible to save the trouble of separately inputting the product information for the flyer. Further, it is possible to simultaneously create a leaflet for distribution to the user and register data in the catalog storage unit 37.

[Generate audio data]
Next, FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of an audio data generation apparatus that generates audio to be registered in the audio storage unit. The voice data generation device includes a text voice conversion unit 51, a voice storage unit 52, a product information storage unit 53, an input unit 54, and a display unit 55. The text-to-speech conversion unit 51 includes a processor and implements various functions by executing a program. The voice storage unit 52 is a voice storage unit of the transaction support system 20 shown in the storage unit 22 of FIG. 10 or a copy thereof. The product information storage unit 53 is a product storage unit of the transaction support system 20 shown in the storage unit 22 of FIG. The input unit 54 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The display unit 55 is a display that displays information.

As shown in FIG. 15, the text-to-speech conversion unit 51 displays the product information editing area 61 associated with the product identifier on the display unit 55. In the product information editing area 61, the product information read from the product storage unit 53 is displayed in an editable state. Alternatively, the product information newly input from the input unit 54 is displayed in the product information editing area 61. In addition, the text-to-speech conversion unit 51 displays the speech set identifier and the speech text editing area 62 associated with the speech identifier on the display unit 55. In the voice text editing area 62, the voice set identifier and the voice text to be registered in association with the voice identifier are input from the input unit 54.

When the text-to-speech conversion unit 51 detects an operation (such as drag and drop) for inserting the product information displayed in the product information editing area 61 into the voice text in the editing area 62, the text-to-speech conversion unit 51 converts the dropped product information into text It is inserted in the position where it is dropped and displayed on the display unit 55. When voice conversion is instructed from the input unit 54 to the input text, the text voice conversion unit 51 converts the text input in the voice text editing area 62 into voice data, and The voice set identifier and the voice identifier associated with the editing area 62 are registered in the voice storage unit 52 in association with each other.

According to this, voice data can be generated and registered using the product information stored in the product storage unit 53.

[Externalization of some robot functions]
In the embodiment described above, it is preferable that a robot that supports users such as the shopping support apparatus 10 is supplied to as many users as possible. For this purpose, it is necessary to configure the apparatus at the lowest possible cost while maintaining the performance required for the robot.

From this point of view, the present invention is configured as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, a robot 100 including a processor 101 that realizes various functions includes a communication unit 102 that communicates with an external function 201 on the Internet, and an information storage unit 103. The processor 101 transmits the original information stored in the storage unit 103 to the external function 201 on the Internet through the communication unit 102, and the result information acquired based on the original information by the external function 201 The function is received from the external function 201 via the communication unit 102 and the program is executed using the result information to realize the function.

In this way, even if the functions of the robot itself are limited, it is possible to realize a highly functional robot as a whole by placing a service function on the outside and connecting it. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the cost of the robot itself.

[Explanation of supplement and modification]
Here, it is assumed that the “robot” in the present application includes a certain character and a processor that realizes various functions. The “communication unit” is a network communication device such as a wireless LAN adapter. The “storage unit” is provided in a storage device such as a flash memory. “Original information” is information acquired based on artificial input from the input device 104, input from various sensors 105, computation in the main body, or the like. The “external function” is provided by the external device 200 on the Internet.

The shopping support apparatus described above operates by receiving information from the numeric keypad 2 corresponding to the input device 104. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the robot 100 is configured to operate based on a voice input from the input device 104 or the sensor 105. Or you may comprise a shopping assistance apparatus. In this case, for example, the control unit 14 of the shopping support apparatus may specify the product selected by voice recognition of the product name input by voice in the product selection reception (S4, S232, S34, S40). In the quantity input reception (S7, S27, S36), the quantity may be specified by recognizing the number inputted by voice. Further, in a scene where confirmation is requested, branching may be determined by recognizing a voice input “Yes” or “No” word. Similarly, time and place information may be acquired by voice recognition in the time designation process (S24) and the place designation process (S25).

[User voice notification system]
16 and 17, the external device 200 transmits the content notified to the user of the robot 100 from the terminal of the medical staff or the relative terminal, the timing (such as the date and time, the behavior of the robot 100), and the notification destination. The identifier of the robot 100 is received in association with it and registered in the storage device. Medical personnel or relatives can register notification contents such as text and notification timing through a management screen provided by the external device 200 to the terminal. The terminal may be a smartphone.
When the external device 200 detects the arrival of the timing registered in the storage device, the external device 200 transmits the notification content associated with the timing to the robot 100 corresponding to the identifier of the robot 100 associated with the timing. .
The processor 101 of the robot 100 that has received the notification content via the communication unit 102 causes the voice output unit to pronounce the received notification content as words.

According to this, for example, an instruction or advice set by a hospital, a caregiver, a family, or the like can be generated by the robot 100 in a timely manner and transmitted to a user such as an elderly person. For example, messages such as “Good morning”, “Today's consultation is 10:00”, “Don't eat breakfast”, “What time of day will you visit” can be communicated to the user. . On the other hand, if the content input from the numeric keypad 2 by the user is transmitted to the external device 200, a plurality of terminals communicating with the external device 200 can share the content input by the user. For example, the contents input by the elderly can be shared among the parties who are allowed to share such as hospitals and care facilities. The elderly person who is a user can use these functions even if difficult settings are not possible.
In addition, it is possible to make a wake-up call to a general user as well as an elderly person. In addition, the mother can tell the child that it's already 6pm and it's time for studying.

[Use of speech synthesis]
The processor 101 of the robot 100 may have a speech synthesizer function, and may pronounce a word uttered from the voice output unit with a voice of a famous anime character or the like. For example, it is possible to expect an effect that the child obeys obediently by conveying the message that the mother conveys to the child with the voice of a famous anime character. Further, the external device 200 may include a speech synthesizer, and the voice synthesized by the external device 200 may be transmitted to the robot 100 to generate sound.

[Intercommunication with users]
In FIGS. 16 and 17, a voice dialogue may be realized between an arbitrary terminal on the Internet and the robot 100. The terminal may be a smartphone or the like. The content of the dialogue can be studying or playing English conversation. For example, this can be realized by connecting a voice chat between an arbitrary terminal and the robot 100. Further, a camera may be provided as the sensor 105 of the robot 100, and a video chat may be executed by transmitting an image of the user of the robot 100 to a partner terminal.
At this time, the speech synthesizer may be executed in the robot 100 or the external device 200 that transmits voice to the robot 100, and the words uttered from the robot 100 may be pronounced by voices such as famous anime characters. As a result, for example, it is possible to give the child a feeling of having an English conversation with a famous anime character, and an improvement in the learning effect can be expected.

In addition, using the above-described voice notification system to the user, the user may submit data to the external device 200. For example, using the above voice notification system, the user of the medical institution (user of the robot 100) causes the robot 100 to pronounce “Good morning”, “How is your physical condition today?”, “Measure your body temperature”, and so on.
On the other hand, the user measures the body temperature with a thermometer as the sensor 105, and the processor 101 transmits the body temperature data received from the thermometer to the external device 200 in association with the user identifier. The external device 200 provides the body temperature data received from the robot 100 to a terminal such as a medical staff who is a voice notification partner. Similarly, blood pressure data and other biological information data are acquired from the sensor 105, transferred to the external device 200, and provided to terminals such as medical personnel. The visual state of the user may be acquired from a camera as the sensor 105 and provided to a terminal such as a medical staff via the external device 200.

A medical staff or the like may arrange medicines, supplements, meals, etc. for the user at the store based on the biometric data acquired from the user and automatically deliver it from the store to the user's home. Furthermore, medical personnel and the like can also set voice notification to the next user in consideration of biometric information data and the like using the voice notification system.

[Download robot apps]
Application software (application) executed by the robot 100 is provided in the external device 200, and the robot 100 uses an ASP (application service provider) type corresponding application in accordance with an operation of a numeric keypad or the like connected to the robot 100. You may do it. Applicable to English conversation apps, learning apps such as mathematics, and play and game apps. Further, a method may be used in which an application to be executed is downloaded to the robot 100, installed, and executed. According to these, many functions can be freely used with one robot terminal, and the functions can be upgraded.

[Monitoring function]
16 and 17, when the robot 100 is operated by the user, the processor 101 may detect the operation and transmit information indicating that the operation has been performed to the external apparatus 200. The operation is, for example, activation of the robot 100 or operation of the tactile switch described above. Since the external device 200 that has received the information can grasp that the user is acting, a user watching system can be constructed.

Here, the invention encompasses other embodiments that do not depart from the spirit other than those described in the embodiments. The embodiments describe the invention and do not limit the scope thereof. The scope of the invention is indicated by the description of the claims and not by the description of the specification. Accordingly, the invention encompasses all forms including meanings and ranges within the equivalent scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Character exterior 2 Numeric keypad 3 Card reader 10 Shopping support apparatus 11 Tactile switch 12 Tenkey connection part 13 Card reader connection part 14 Control part 15 Storage part 20 Transaction support system 21 Processing part 22 Storage part 23 Communication part 31 Catalog image generation part 32 Catalog Image storage unit 33 Input unit 34 Display unit 35 Output unit 36 Product storage unit 37 Catalog storage unit 41 Product advertisement part 42 Flyer image (product catalog image)
43 Commodity placement area 51 Text-to-speech conversion unit 52 Voice storage unit 53 Commodity storage unit 54 Input unit 55 Display unit 61 Product information editing area 62 Voice text editing area 100
101 Processor 102 Communication Unit 103 Storage Unit 104 Input Device 105 Sensor 200 External Device 201 External Function

Claims (18)

1. In a network robot apparatus equipped with a control unit that realizes various functions,
   A communication unit that communicates with an external function on the Internet, and a storage unit that stores information for internal processing of the network robot apparatus and information for external processing passed to the external function,
   The control unit realizes the function of the apparatus main body by reading and processing the information for internal processing from the storage unit, and reads the information for external processing from the storage unit and the external function through the communication unit. A network robot device that allows external functions to function by transmitting to the network.
2. A network robot device for ordering products through the Internet,
   Wrap the device body in the character exterior,
   The device body is
   Numeric keypad connection for product selection and quantity input;
   A card reader connection that reads information from a card to identify the user;
   A storage unit storing guidance voices for proceeding with the ordering process;
   A voice output unit for generating the guidance voice;
   A user who selects a product and inputs a quantity from the numeric keypad while reading out a guidance voice from the storage unit and outputs it from the voice output unit, and identifies the selected product and quantity based on information read from the card reader A control unit for providing the product to the user by transmitting to the external system through the communication unit with the Internet as an order of
   Network robot device with
3. The network robot apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit receives a taxi dispatch as the product from the numeric keypad.
4. The network robot apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit accepts an application for home tax payment as the product from the numeric keypad.
5. The network robot apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit uses information read from the card reader for settlement of the order.
6. The network robot apparatus according to claim 2,
   The character exterior has a tactile switch,
   The storage unit stores sound corresponding to the tactile switch,
   When the control unit detects an operation of the tactile switch, the control unit reads out a sound corresponding to the operated tactile switch from the storage unit and outputs the sound to the sound output unit.
7. The storage unit stores the voice in association with a user identifier,
   The control unit specifies a user identifier based on information read from the card reader, reads out a voice associated with the user identifier from the storage unit, and causes the voice output unit to output the voice. The network robot apparatus described in 1.
8. The network robot apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the product is selected based on a product catalog or a flyer display.
9. The communication unit has a function of communicating with an external display device,
   The network robot device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit displays the product catalog or the flyer on the external display device via the communication unit based on information stored in advance in a storage unit.
10. The network robot apparatus according to claim 2,
    A network robot apparatus, wherein the order settlement method is assigned to each key of the numeric keypad, and the control unit advances the order processing by a settlement method corresponding to a pressed key.
11. The network robot apparatus according to claim 2,
    The storage unit stores the voice in association with a vendor identifier,
    The network robot device, wherein the control unit specifies a vendor identifier based on information read from the card reader, and reads a voice associated with the vendor identifier from the storage unit and outputs the voice from the voice output unit.
12. The network robot apparatus according to claim 2,
    The storage unit stores the voice in association with a vendor identifier,
    The control unit specifies a trader identifier of a trader who provides the orderable product, and reads a voice associated with the trader identifier from the storage unit and outputs the voice from the voice output unit. .
13. The network robot apparatus according to claim 1,
    While wrapping the device body in the character exterior, it is equipped with a numeric keypad, card reader and voice output unit,
    The network robot apparatus, wherein the control unit outputs a guidance voice from the voice output unit, and adds the number of points input from the numeric keypad in association with the point card held over the card reader.
14. The network robot apparatus according to claim 1,
    While wrapping the device body in the character exterior, it has an audio output part,
    The network robot device, wherein the control unit acquires a message registered in the external device from a terminal via the communication unit, and causes the voice output unit to output the message.
15. The network robot apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
    A network robot apparatus comprising a speech synthesizer that synthesizes a voice to be output from the voice output unit based on the message.
16. The network robot apparatus according to claim 1,
    While wrapping the device body in the character exterior, it has an audio output part,
    The control unit has a function of performing voice chat with an external terminal via the communication unit, and outputs a voice to be output from the voice output unit based on a message sent from the other party of the voice chat. A network robot with a speech synthesizer to synthesize.
17. The network robot apparatus according to claim 1,
    The control unit has a function of acquiring a user's biological information from a sensor, outputs a guidance voice from the voice output unit, associates the biological information acquired from the sensor with the identifier of the user, and passes through the communication unit. A network robot device for transmitting to the external device.
18. The network robot apparatus according to claim 1,
    While wrapping the device body in the character exterior, it has input devices from users such as numeric keys,
    The said control part is a network robot apparatus which transmits the operation condition of the said input device by the said user to the said external device via the said communication part in order to watch the user of an apparatus.

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