JP2002341985A - Character interface system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide profitable service/information by supporting proper selection of the service/information for a user through natural conversation with the user. SOLUTION: A character interface providing part 10 provides a character by using a character display part 11. A dialogue input part 12 and a dialogue output part 13 are provided as an interface through the character and can have a dialogue with the user. The dialogue inputted from the user is recognized by a dialogue recognizing part 20 and stored in a user profile information storage part 31 of a user profile information managing part 30 as user profile information. A dialogue control part 40 receives feedback of a dialogue recognition result and the user profile information, generates a dialogue sentence based on a knowledge base of a dialogue knowledge part 41 and outputs the dialogue to the user through the dialogue output part 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a user interface system. In particular, the present invention relates to an interface system that acquires user information through a natural dialog with a user and provides effective information according to the user's taste.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of computers and electronic devices,
There is a demand for more user-friendly services and user interfaces. In addition, with the development of network systems that transmit and receive digital data, such as the Internet and digital television, networks between companies that provide services and users who use the services are connected by networks.
Various services are provided between the two parties, such as a product sales contract service, an electronic settlement service, and an information providing service. In this way, a form in which a company and a user are connected via a network is sometimes called BtoC (Business to Customer).

In the prior art, a user interface is provided so that the user can easily use the computer system. Typically, a desktop environment, an application interface, and a user interface that visualizes data objects called a graphic user interface (hereinafter abbreviated as GUI) are provided. Through this GUI, the user can operate a data object or execute a command input using a pointing device such as a mouse or a voice input device.

[0004] Further, if an agent system is used in the prior art, the user can use the service of the service providing object through the mediation of the agent without directly knowing the object interface to the service providing object. That is, when the user passes appropriate request data to the agent system, the agent system analyzes the request content of the request data, appropriately accesses the service providing object, and autonomously receives the request from the service providing object. Obtain an appropriate answer and present the answer to the user. Also, some types of agent systems not only mediate requests for service providing objects, but also autonomously search databases on networks based on requests from users, and collect and provide information. Some have a robot function.

[0005]

When services and information on a network are used by using the GUI and the agent system, there is a problem that it is difficult to select the services and information to be used. With the spread of the Internet, services available via networks,
The amount of accessible information is growing. For this reason,
The user needs to select appropriate services and information from among such a huge amount of services and information, as well as knowledge of using the Internet and knowledge of operating computer systems.

By using the conventional GUI, a user can use a user interface that is visualized and intuitively understandable.

However, it can be said that the conventional GUI supports the user himself / herself in the operation stage of actually operating the computer, with the user having a clear purpose of operating the computer system. If the user does not clearly have a purpose of operating the computer system, the conventional GUI cannot be said to support the user in selecting appropriate services and information.

If a conventional agent system is used,
Even if the user does not directly know the user interface of the service providing object, if the user knows the user interface to the agent system, the agent system will appropriately mediate the contents of the request, so access to the service providing object can do. Further, even if the service providing object to be accessed is not clearly known, the robot function of the agent system searches for an appropriate service providing object from the network and enables the use of the service providing object.

However, there is also a problem when using a conventional agent system. It can be said that the conventional agent system clearly identifies the service providing object that the user himself / herself wants to access, and assists the user himself / herself at the stage of actually accessing the service providing object. If the user does not know the service providing object clearly, the conventional agent system can
It does not support the selection of information. In addition, the robot function of the conventional agent supports the user's request work itself at the stage where the user himself / herself clearly grasps the request content to receive the service and actually gives the request to the service providing object. It can be said.
If the user himself / herself does not clearly understand the service contents, the conventional agent system cannot be said to support the user in selecting appropriate services and information.

[0010] Even if the user does not have a clear intention to use the resources on the network, or does not recognize the existence of useful services and information, the situation of the user is maintained. , From the taste of the user,
In many cases, services and information useful for the user exist in the network resources.

[0011] This problem cannot be solved by simple push technology. In general, push technology forcibly sends electronic direct mail based on the user attributes registered in advance and the usage history of the user's website, and is considered the same as the above agent technology It is.

The character interface system of the present invention is a system for performing a natural conversation with a user through a character, and assists the user in selecting appropriate services and information through a natural conversation with the user. It is another object of the present invention to support the provision of services and information that are useful for the user based on the situation of the user, which is changing from moment to moment, and the taste of the user.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, a character interface system according to the present invention provides a character interface providing unit for providing an interactive interface with a user via a computer graphics character; A dialogue recognition unit for recognizing dialogue contents obtained through a character, and a user profile information management unit for editing and updating user profile information based on user information obtained from a recognition result of the dialogue recognition unit, A dialogue control unit for controlling the content of the dialogue with the user based on the dialogue knowledge and the user profile information is provided.

[0014] With the above configuration, the user can enjoy a natural conversation with the character. Through this daily conversation, the user's situation, the user's situation that changes every moment without being conscious of the user. It is possible to autonomously and flexibly collect user information, such as information on persistent hobbies and interests, and temporary emotions and whims of the user, and edit and update user profile information. By using this user profile information, it is possible to support the provision of useful services and information for the user.

In the present invention, the user information refers to information obtained about the user, for example, information obtained every time an event of the user occurs. The user profile information will be described as information generated by organizing and editing the obtained user information for each user. The user profile information is accumulated and updated while taking in newly obtained user information. For example,
By analyzing the content of the user profile information, the user's taste and tendency can be understood.

Next, the character interface system of the present invention is provided with a monitor section for taking in information uttered by a user or information obtained by observing the user as user information, thereby obtaining user information. It is possible to autonomously obtain information such as the state of the user without interacting with the user. A checking unit that checks the content of the user information obtained from the monitor unit and the content of the user profile information, wherein the dialogue control unit determines the content of the dialogue with the user based on the checking result by the checking unit; , It is possible to determine appropriate conversation contents based on the observation result of the user.

[0017] For example, the monitor unit is configured to provide transaction data electronically settled by the user, website information browsed by the user, e-mail information transmitted and received by the user, voice information issued by the user, and actions performed by the user. It is assumed that data indicating the content, data indicating the emotion of the user, or a combination thereof can be captured.

Next, the character interface system of the present invention detects a user position detecting section for detecting the position of the user, and an accessible platform near the position of the user detected by the user position detecting section. And a character interface construction data transfer unit for transferring the character interface construction data to the platform. When the user moves, the character interface construction data is transferred to an accessible platform near the moving place. It is preferable to construct the character interface providing unit at the place where the user moves.

According to the above configuration, the user can freely act without worrying about the use place of the character interface system of the present invention, and the character interface of the present invention can be constructed at the destination of the user. The user interface provided by the conventional agent system is fixedly installed on a specific user terminal, or the user himself has to access a specific address on the network. Can autonomously move to a nearby platform and continue to provide the user with a character interface. As a platform, wired or wirelessly connected to the network,
Examples of the electronic device include any or all of a computer system, a television device, a household electric device, and a mobile phone.

In the character interface system according to the present invention, an access unit to a database or a service is provided, the character interface accepts a question or a request from a user, and the dialogue recognition unit replaces the question or the request. And the access unit accesses a database or service to obtain an answer or response to the question or request, and the dialog control unit generates a dialog corresponding to the answer or response. If so, an appropriate answer can be provided when a question is given by the user in a dialogue with the user.

Further, the character interface system of the present invention includes an advertising unit provided with information on an advertising target, and the dialog control unit uses the advertising knowledge based on the dialog knowledge and information on the advertising target provided by the advertising unit. If the contents of the conversation with the user include advertisements related to the above-mentioned advertisement targets, it is also possible to perform timely advertisements in accordance with the tastes and preferences of the user.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the character interface system according to the present invention will be described.

(Embodiment 1) The character interface system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a dialogue interface with a user via computer graphics characters, and interacts with the user via the character interface. . User profile information is generated based on the user information obtained from the user through the dialog, and the content of the dialog with the user is controlled based on the user profile information. As the dialogue with the user proceeds through the character, the user profile information is edited and updated.
As the control of the dialogue, the content of the dialogue is controlled so that the missing information in the user profile information is obtained.
In updating the user profile information, it is also possible to control the content of the dialog so as to obtain more detailed information about the information different from the recorded content, and to update the information to a new one.

The character interface system of the present invention can also serve as a mediator of information exchange between a user and a company via a network. That is, BtoCto
It also aims to build a C (Business to Character to Customer) relationship. Based on the user profile information, it is also possible to collect various information from the network according to the user's taste, to select information transmitted from the company side, and to present it to the user. Also,
Upon receiving a request from the company, a dialogue including a timely sales talk can be carried out according to the user's preference and the user's condition, and sales promotion of effective products and the like can be performed.

Further, the character interface system according to the first embodiment of the present invention can capture not only dialogues but also information issued by a user or information obtained by observing a user as user information. It is also possible to collate the contents of the user information obtained from the observation result with the contents of the user profile information, and control the contents of the dialogue with the user based on the collation result.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a character interface system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a character interface providing unit which provides a dialog interface with a user via computer graphics characters. A character display unit 11 for displaying a character with which the user interacts, for example, a dialogue input unit 12 for inputting a dialogue content from the user such as a microphone, for example, a dialogue output unit for transmitting the dialogue content to the user such as a speaker. 13 is provided.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a dialogue recognition unit, which recognizes dialogue contents obtained through characters provided by the character interface providing unit.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a user profile information management unit. This section edits and updates user profile information based on the user information obtained from the dialog recognition result of the dialog recognition unit 20. A user profile information storage unit 31 is provided.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a dialogue control unit which controls the contents of a dialogue with the user based on the user profile information of the user profile information management unit 30. It has a dialog knowledge section 41 which is a dialog knowledge base.

As another configuration of the character interface system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.
A configuration including a monitor unit 50 and a collation unit 60 is also possible as the character interface system 100a.

The monitor section 50 is a section for taking in information issued by the user or information obtained by observing the user as user information. Various means can be assumed as means for taking in user information. For example, by providing a means for monitoring the network transmission / reception data of the user terminal, transaction data electronically settled by the user,
Observe and capture website information, e-mail data, and telephone conversations viewed by users.
In addition, by providing a camera and observing and analyzing the behavior of the user, it is possible to observe and capture data indicating the content of the behavior of the user. Further, data indicating the emotion of the user can be analyzed and taken in from the information.
Of course, it is also possible to observe and capture those combinations.

The collating section 60 is a section for collating the contents of the user information obtained from the monitor section 50 with the contents of the user profile information of the user profile information managing section 30.
Further, a process of collating the recognition result by the dialog recognition unit 20 with the content of the user profile information of the user profile information management unit 30 may be performed. If the two are collated and the former does not match the latter, that is, if the newly obtained user information differs from the content registered as user profile information, the user status Can be considered as a change in

An example of the processing flow of the character interface system according to the first embodiment will be described below.

The processing of the character interface system according to the first embodiment is processing for obtaining profile information of a user through a natural conversation with the user without making the user conscious. The process of obtaining the user's profile information includes a process of collecting the user's profile information by dialogue and a process of collecting the user's information by monitoring the user information.

First, a process of collecting profile information of a user by dialogue will be described.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the character interface provided by the character interface providing unit of the character interface system according to the first embodiment. In this example, the character display unit 11 is a display unit of a personal computer, and a dinosaur that is a character with which the user interacts is displayed on a part of the display screen. The dialogue input unit 12 and the dialogue output unit 13 are microphones and speakers included in the user's personal computer, and are configured to be able to input and output voice. The character interface is not limited to the example in FIG. 3 and can be constructed on various platforms such as a television device and a home electronic device, and the displayed characters are not limited to the example in FIG.

The pattern of the dialog processing depends on the data of the dialog knowledge section 41 provided in the dialog control section 40. An example of the basic pattern of the dialog is shown below.

As shown in FIG. 4, an example of the basic pattern of the dialog processing is selection of a dialog sentence by the dialog control unit 40 (step S401) → output of the dialog via the dialog output unit 13 (step S402) → input of the dialog. Dialogue input via the unit 13 (Step S403) → Dialogue recognition by the dialogue recognition unit 20 (Step S404) → Editing and updating of user profile information by the user profile information management unit 30 based on the dialogue recognition result (Step S405) ) → A pattern of feedback (step S406) of the dialog recognition result and the editing / updating result of the user profile information to the dialog control unit 40, and the flow of the dialog is controlled by repeating this pattern. Note that, between the output of the dialogue via the dialogue output unit 13 (step S402) and the input of the dialogue via the dialogue input unit 13 (step S403), a process of waiting for a response from the user or a case where there is no response. Although there are various processing patterns such as reprocessing of the user, here, for simplicity of explanation, a pattern in the case where there is a response from the user within a reasonable time is shown.

In starting a conversation with a user,
It is necessary to detect the presence of the user and to recognize who the user is.

Regarding the detection of the presence of the user, any method capable of detecting the presence of the user can be widely applied to the present invention. As an example, the presence of a user is detected using a microphone that is the dialogue input unit 12. For example, if the user moves near the computer, the user's footsteps and noises are input via the dialogue input unit 12, so that the dialogue recognition unit 20 can recognize that there is a human in the vicinity. it can. If the user speaks to the character, the voice is input via the dialogue input unit 12, so that the dialogue recognition unit 20 can recognize that a human is nearby. it can. As another example, object recognition using an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor is also possible.
Furthermore, there is a method of detecting the presence of a user by starting a personal computer, performing a key input operation, operating a mouse, and the like.

Various methods can be used for recognizing who the user is. If there is a voice input such as a call from the user, the user can be recognized if the content includes information that can specify the user. When the information that can identify the user is not included, the user can be recognized by inserting a dialogue sentence asking the user's name at the beginning of the dialogue. Speaker recognition by voice is also possible. Dialogue recognition unit 20
Performs speaker recognition by storing a user's voice frequency pattern and performing pattern matching with the input voice frequency pattern.

Next, the basic flow of the dialog will be specifically described. The following dialogue pattern 1 will be described as an example. A dialog for obtaining user profile information relating to a user's taste of alcohol as a content of the dialog will be described as an example.

(1) Selection of Dialogue Sentence by Dialogue Control Unit 40 (Step S 401) The dialogue control unit 40 selects a dialogue sentence to be output from the dialogue sentence of the dialog knowledge unit 41. In this example, a dialogue sentence about the taste of alcohol is selected. Although various dialogues can be considered, it is assumed here that “Mr. A, do you like alcohol?” Is selected.

(2) Output of Dialogue Via Dialogue Output Unit 13 (Step S 402) Next, the dialogue sentence selected by the dialogue control unit 40 is output to the dialogue output unit 1.
3 and provided to the user as a dialogue. here,
The dialogue sentence "Mr. A, do you like alcohol?"
Is emitted as voice through The user feels as if the character is speaking. It is effective if the movement and expression of the mouth of the character displayed by the character interface providing unit 10 change together with the dialogue output.

(3) Input of Dialogue via Dialogue Input Unit 13 (Step S403) Next, a response issued by the user is input from the dialogue input unit 12. Here, the user himself speaks to the character. In actual operation, it is preferable to have various processing patterns such as a waiting process for waiting for a response from a user and a re-processing when there is no response. Here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the user replies, "I love Japanese sake, but I do not like Western sake." This response is input via the dialog input unit 12.

(4) Recognition of Dialog by Dialog Recognition Unit 20 (Step S404) Next, the dialog recognition unit 20 recognizes the content of the dialog input from the dialog input unit 12. Here, the information that "I like sake" and "I do not like Western sake" are recognized as the user information of Mr. A.

(5) Editing / Updating of User Profile Information by User Profile Information Management Unit 30 Based on Dialogue Recognition Result (Step S405) As dialogue recognition results, "I love sake" and "I don't like Western sake" Is passed to the user profile information management unit 30, and the user profile information management unit 30 updates the user profile information in the user profile information storage unit 31.

(6) Feedback of Dialogue Recognition Result and Edit / Update of User Profile Information to Dialogue Control Unit 40 (Step S406) Result of Update of User Profile Information in User Profile Information Storage Unit 31 Is fed back to the dialog control unit 40 as information for helping the next dialogue sentence selection.

For example, among the information belonging to the information on the taste of alcohol in the user profile information, information that is left blank, for example, information that “preference about brand” is blank is fed back to the interactive control unit 40. Is done.

The dialogue control section 40 can reflect this feedback information in future dialogue sentence selection. In the flow of the dialogue, a dialogue sentence for asking "preference about the brand", for example, "What does the brand like?" Can be selected. Note that the selection of the dialogue sentence is performed in step S4.
Equivalent to 01. In other words, the dialogue can be advanced by repeating the pattern from the selection of the dialogue sentence by the dialogue control unit 40 (step S401) to the feedback of the edit / update result of the user profile information to the dialogue control unit 40 (step S406). it can.

When the interactive pattern 1 is continued, the process returns to step S401 to repeat the processing.

It is also effective to insert a sentence after step S406. Here, the sentence sentence is a natural sentence for a response from the user, for example,
This is a sentence that is exchanged between natural people, such as "yes" and "yes".

By inserting the sentence, it is possible to avoid a situation where the present system unilaterally continues to give the user a question sentence.

The above-mentioned conversation pattern 1 is an example, and other variations are possible as the conversation pattern.

Next, user information collection processing by the monitor unit will be described.

Although it has already been described that various data can be assumed for the data monitored by the monitor unit 50, here,
An example will be described in which a means for monitoring network transmission / reception data of a user terminal is provided, and transaction data electronically settled by a user is monitored to acquire user information.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a configuration provided with means for monitoring network transmission / reception data of a user terminal. Compared with the configuration of FIG. 1, in the configuration of FIG. 5, the user executes the electronic payment processing using the electronic payment terminal 200 that processes the electronic payment. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the electronic payment terminal 200
Has a communication interface, via a network,
Exchanges information with external sites. Monitor unit 50
Is configured to monitor transmission / reception data of the electronic settlement terminal 200, and takes in electronic settlement data.

FIG. 6 shows that the monitor unit 50 is connected to the electronic payment terminal 2.
It is a figure which shows an example of the electronic payment data which monitored and received the transmission / reception data of 00. The example shown in FIG. 6 is electronic payment data related to the purchase of alcoholic beverages ordered by Mr. A, and includes data related to a payee, a purchased product name, a maker name, a quantity, an amount, a scheduled delivery date, and a payment method. Yes,
The monitor 50 captures these data. In the example shown in FIG. 6, Mr. A sends a liquor C of maker D to the product sales site B in quantity “1 bottle”, amount “10,000 yen”, scheduled delivery “October 1, 2001” Then, the information that the purchase was made by the settlement method “debit withdrawal” is fetched. In addition,
Even when a purchased product is given a product code and a manufacturer name by a manufacturer code, it is preferable that the monitor unit 50 can retain data on the code information and recognize the code information.

The above example is an example in which a means for monitoring network transmission / reception data of a user terminal is provided to monitor and capture transaction data electronically settled by the user. Web site information and e-mail data can be imported. Further, the monitor unit 50 can observe and capture the contents of the telephone conversation by interlocking with the dialog input unit 12. Further, the monitor unit 50 includes a camera,
By observing and analyzing the behavior of the user, it is also possible to observe and capture data indicating the details of the behavior of the user. Of course, a combination thereof may be used.

As described above, the user profile information is collected in the user profile information storage unit 31 through the collection process of the user profile information by the dialogue with the user and the collection process of the user information by the user observation. Is updated and updated, and the dialogue control unit 40 controls the flow of the dialogue based on the contents of the user profile information, and the newly collected user information and the user The collation processing with the information registered as the profile information is effective in detecting a change in the user's taste or occurrence of some event.

The user profile information in the user profile information storage unit 31 is information on the user collected from the past to the present. New user information is supplied to the user profile information management unit 30 one after another via the dialog recognition unit 20 and the monitor unit 50. Here, the collation unit 60 collates the content of the user information obtained from the monitor unit 50 or the recognition result by the dialog recognition unit 20 with the content of the user profile information of the user profile information management unit 30. If both are compared and the former content does not match the latter content, that is, if the newly observed user information is different from the information registered as user profile information, Change or the occurrence of some event.

In the example of FIG. 6, Mr. A has purchased Western liquor by electronic payment. However, according to the example of the above-described interactive processing, information that “I like sake” and “I do not like Western sake” are stored as user profile information in the user profile information storage unit 31. Nevertheless, Mr. A buys Western liquor by electronic payment. This can be understood as a change in the taste of Mr. A's own liquor or the occurrence of some event that requires Western liquor.

The collating unit 60 collates the two. The former is negative information about Western liquor that "I do not like Western liquor," and the latter is positive information about Western liquor that is "purchase of Western liquor." The collation unit 60 detects a mismatch between the two, and feeds back information indicating the mismatch to the dialog control unit 40. The dialog control unit 40 controls the content of the dialog with the user based on the result of the comparison by the comparison unit 60. For example, a question sentence "Mr. A, you did not like Western sake?" Is selected as a question sentence for confirming the taste. Here, for example, if a reply is obtained from Mr. A that “The purchased sake C is a gift to my dad. It is a dad's birthday present.”
The information is collected that there is an event called Mr. A's father's birthday instead of a change in his taste.

The above-mentioned example of the purchase of Western sake is an example of the pattern of the collation by the collation unit 60, and various patterns of the collation by the collation unit 60 are assumed. By comparing the content of the user profile information with the content of the newly detected user information, it is possible to catch a mismatch in the number of purchases, a mismatch in the amount of money (change in product grade), and the like. The dialog control unit 40 may appropriately select a question sentence based on this mismatch information.

(Embodiment 2) The character interface system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention accepts a question or a request from a user through the dialogue in addition to the dialogue with the user through the character interface, and analyzes the contents thereof. Accessing appropriate databases and services to get answers or responses to them, and providing answers or responses through dialogue.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the character interface system 100b according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As compared with the configuration shown in FIG. 1, an access unit 70 for accessing the database 300 or the service 310 is provided.

The basic operation of the character interface according to the second embodiment is as follows.

Here, the following dialogue pattern 2 will be described as an example of a dialogue pattern for a question / request from a user.

(1) Input of Question or Request from User via Dialog Input Unit 13 (Step S 801) First, the user inputs a question or request from the dialog input unit 12. Here, the user is talking to the character displayed by the character interface providing unit 10. For example, suppose that there is a schedule confirmation inquiry from Mr. A, "What is my schedule today?"

(2) Dialogue Recognition by Dialogue Recognition Unit 20 (Step S 802) Next, the dialogue recognition unit 20 analyzes and recognizes the contents of a question or request input from the dialogue input unit 12. Here, the "request for confirmation of schedule" by Mr. A is recognized.

(3) Editing / Updating User Profile Information by User Profile Information Management Unit 30 Based on Dialogue Recognition Result (Step S 803) As a dialogue recognition result, information “schedule confirmation request” is entered as user profile information. The user profile information is passed to the management unit 30, and the user profile information management unit 30 updates the user profile information in the user profile information storage unit 31.

(4) Feedback of Dialogue Recognition Result and Editing / Updating Result of User Profile Information to Dialogue Control Unit 40 (Step S804) Result of Update of User Profile Information in User Profile Information Storage Unit 31 Is fed back to the dialogue control unit 40.

Here, the process is roughly divided into the following two processes. The first process is a user profile information storage unit 31
This is the process when “A's schedule information” is stored in the table. The second process is a process in which “schedule information of Mr. A” is not stored in the user profile information storage unit 31 and the external database 300 or the service 310 is accessed through the access unit 70 to obtain a response or a response. It is. The following mainly describes the second processing.

(5) Access to External Database 300 or Service 310 by Access Unit 70 (Step S805) The dialogue control unit 40 obtains an answer or response to a question or request from the user through the access unit 70. Access an external database 300 or service 310. Here, it is assumed that the database 300 that manages the user schedule is accessed, and the schedule information of the user A is obtained from the database 300.

(6) Editing / Updating of User Profile Information by User Profile Information Management Unit 30 Based on Access Result (Step S806) The user profile information management unit 30
The user profile information is edited and updated based on the answer or the response information obtained from the database 300 or the service 310 via. Here, it is assumed that the schedule information of user A has been additionally updated as user profile information.

(7) Feedback of Editing / Updating Result of User Profile Information to Dialog Control Unit 40 (Step S807) The result of updating the user profile information in the user profile information storage unit 31 is referred to as the dialog control unit. Feedback to 40.

Here, the fact that “schedule information of Mr. A” is stored in the user profile information storage unit 31 is fed back to the dialog control unit 40. Here, the state becomes the same as the first processing of the above (4).

(8) The dialogue control unit 40 generates a dialogue sentence as an answer or response to the user's question or request (step S808).
Generates a dialogue sentence to answer or respond to a question or request from the user while interacting with the user. Here, a dialogue sentence corresponding to the content of the answer to Mr. A's “request for confirmation of schedule” is generated. For example,
Based on the schedule information of Mr. A from the user profile information management unit 30, "A meeting is scheduled from 10:00."
Generate and select a dialogue sentence such as "Lunch with Mr. B from 12:00."

(9) Output of Dialogue via Dialogue Output Unit 13 (Step S 809) The generated and selected dialogue sentence is output from the dialogue output unit 13 by voice. A feels like the character answered. It is effective to change the mouth movement and expression of the character together with the dialogue output.

When this conversation pattern 2 is continued,
Returning to step S801, the dialog pattern is repeated.

The flow of the above-mentioned dialogue pattern 2 is an example, and other variations are possible as a dialogue pattern which receives a question / request from a user and answers / responds.

(Embodiment 3) The character interface system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention displays a character interface on an accessible platform near the position of the user even if the user moves, and the user moves. It provides a character interface at the location. The character interface of the present invention can move as the user moves, like a real animal pet. The user interface provided by the conventional agent system is fixedly installed on a specific user terminal, or the user himself has to access a specific address on the network. Can autonomously move to a platform near the user's five senses and continue to provide the user with a character interface.

For example, when the user is watching a television broadcast, the character interface construction data is transferred to the television device, and the characters described in the first and second embodiments are displayed on the display unit to display the character interface. provide. If the user moves to the front of the intelligent refrigerator with a display, the character interface construction data is transferred to the intelligent refrigerator, and the characters described in the first and second embodiments are displayed on the display and the character interface is displayed. I will provide a. As described above, by the character interface moving along with the user's movement and appropriately interacting, the user profile information including the information based on the daily activities of the user can be collected through a natural conversation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the character interface system 100c according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As compared with the configuration shown in FIG.
0, a platform detection unit 81, and a character interface construction data transfer unit 82. The character interface construction data is transferred to the platform 400, the character interface providing unit 10a is constructed on the platform 400, and the character interface is provided.

The user position detector 80 is a part for detecting the position of the user.

The platform detecting section 81 is a section for detecting an accessible platform near the position of the user detected by the user position detecting section 80.

The character interface construction data transfer section 82 is a section for controlling the transfer of the character interface construction data to the platform near the user detected by the platform detection section 81.

Reference numeral 400 denotes a platform to which the user moves. The platform 400 includes a wide variety of electronic devices, such as computer systems, television devices, household electrical appliances, and mobile phones, which are connected to a network by wire or wirelessly. It should be noted that the wired includes electric wiring in a house.

The basic operation of the character interface according to the third embodiment is as follows.

(1) User Position Detection by User Position Detecting Unit 80 (Step S1001) Various types of user position detecting means are assumed. For example, the position of the user can be detected by sensors such as an infrared sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. Also,
It is also possible for a user to carry a wireless transmitter and detect the position of the user by receiving a wireless signal. Furthermore, the user can also detect the destination by pressing a key of the destination platform, and the user can be detected by voice recognition using a microphone of the destination platform. Here, for example, A
It is assumed that Mr. has moved in front of an intelligent refrigerator with a display unit at home by carrying a wireless transmitter and receiving a wireless signal, and the position (X1, Y1) has been detected.

(2) Detection of an accessible platform near the position of the user by the platform detection unit 81 (step S1002) The platform detection unit 81 detects the user position detection unit 80
Receiving the result of detecting the user's position, and detecting a platform accessible near the position. As a premise, location information for each platform must be available. It compares the user's location information with the platform's location information and detects nearby platforms. Here, position information (X1 ′, Y1 ′) physically closest to Mr. A's position information (X1, Y1)
Suppose that an intelligent refrigerator with is detected as an accessible nearby platform.

(3) Transfer of Character Interface Construction Data by Character Interface Construction Data Transfer Unit 82 (Step S 1003) The character interface construction data transfer unit 82 transmits a character to the platform near the user detected by the platform detection unit 81. Transfer interface construction data.

(4) Construction of Character Interface Providing Unit 10a on Transfer Destination Platform (Step S1004) A display device, a microphone, and a speaker are input / output devices equipped with the character interface providing unit 10a on the moving destination platform. It is built using a keyboard, mouse, and various buttons. Since it is necessary to operate in conjunction with the device on the destination platform, it is assumed that the interface information of the input / output device mounted on the destination platform is known or can be obtained.

The dialogue between the user and the character interface at the destination is proceeded according to the variation of the interaction pattern described in the first or second embodiment or another interaction pattern.

(Embodiment 4) A character interface system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is intended to effectively advertise to a user through a character interface.

As described in the first to third embodiments, the character interface system of the present invention edits / updates user profile information and holds user's taste information and information on user events. Further, since the system is capable of interacting with the user via the character interface, it is effective as a media for advertising products and the like.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a character interface system 100d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. An advertisement unit 90 is provided as compared with the configuration of FIG.
The advertising unit 90 is provided with information on an advertising target, or can access an information source on an advertising target to acquire information.

The advertising section 90 is provided with a portion for accepting the setting of the advertising target, a storage section for storing information about the advertising target, or a means for accessing an information source on the advertising target.

In the dialogue between the user and the character interface, the dialogue control unit 40 appropriately selects an advertisement sentence regarding the advertisement target based on the dialog knowledge and the information regarding the advertisement target supplied from the advertisement unit 90, and Include advertising in your dialogue with.

It is also possible to construct a business model for collecting a charge for an advertisement to a company or the like who wants to use an advertisement service using the character interface system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. For example, the advertising unit 90
It is possible to collect a fee for registration of an advertising target in the system, or to collect a fee according to the number of advertisements for the advertising target in a dialogue with a user.

The basic operation of the character interface system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is as follows.
First, as preprocessing, registration of an advertisement target in the advertisement unit 90,
Storage of information on the target of the advertisement in the advertisement unit 90, or
Set up access methods to information sources related to the advertisement.

Next, as described in the first embodiment, selection of a dialogue sentence by the dialogue control unit 40 (step S401) → output of a dialogue via the dialogue output unit 13 (step S402) → dialogue via the dialogue input unit 13 Input (step S403)
→ Recognition of the dialogue by the dialogue recognition unit 20 (step S40)
4) Editing / updating user profile information by the user profile information management unit 30 based on the dialogue recognition result (step S405) → sending the dialogue recognition result and user profile information editing / updating result to the dialogue control unit 40 A similar flow may be used up to the feedback (step S406).

Next, the dialogue control unit 40 receives the feedback information, and determines whether or not it is possible to select, as the next dialogue, a publicity sentence relating to the advertisement registered in the publicity unit 90 (step S1201). Can be selected (step S1201: Y), information about the advertisement target is acquired from the advertisement unit 90 (step S1202), and an advertisement is selected and generated (step S1203). This step S
After step 1203, the processing steps after step S402 are executed. When the advertisement cannot be selected (step S12)
01: N), to continue the normal dialogue, step S40
Execute processing steps from 1.

(Embodiment 5) The character interface system of the present invention can be constructed by providing a program describing processing steps for realizing the above-described configuration and installing it on a computer. The program having the processing steps for realizing the character interface system of the present invention includes a CD-ROM 1002 as shown in the example of the recording medium shown in FIG.
Recording medium 1 such as a disk or a flexible disk 1003
001, it can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium 1000 in a recording device on a network or a recording medium 1005 such as a hard disk or a RAM of a computer, and can be downloaded through a network. is there. The program is loaded on the computer 1004 at the time of execution and executed.

The following items are disclosed with respect to the character interface system of the present invention.

(Supplementary Note 1) A character interface providing unit for providing a dialogue interface with a user via a computer graphics character, a dialogue recognition unit for recognizing a dialogue content obtained through the character, and the dialogue A user profile information management unit that edits / updates user profile information based on user information obtained from a recognition result of the recognition unit, and a dialogue content with the user based on the dialog knowledge and the user profile information A character interface system comprising a dialogue control unit for controlling the character interface.

(Supplementary Note 2) A monitor unit for taking in information issued by a user or information obtained by observing a user as user information, contents of the user information obtained from the monitor unit, and user profile information 2. The character interface system according to claim 1, further comprising: a collating unit configured to collate the content with the user, wherein the dialog control unit controls the content of the conversation with the user based on a result of the collation performed by the collating unit.

(Supplementary Note 3) The monitor unit may include transaction data electronically settled by the user, website information browsed by the user, e-mail information transmitted / received by the user, and voice information issued by the user. 3. The character interface system according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein one of data indicating the content of the action performed by the user and data indicating the emotion of the user, or a combination thereof is observed and captured.

(Supplementary Note 4) A user position detecting unit for detecting the position of the user, a platform detecting unit for detecting an accessible platform near the position of the user detected by the user position detecting unit, A character interface construction data transfer unit for transferring character interface construction data to the platform,
When the user moves, the character interface construction data is transferred to an accessible platform near the moving place, and the character interface is constructed at the moving place of the user.
The character interface system according to 1.

(Supplementary Note 5) The supplementary note 4, wherein the platform is an electronic device including any or all of a computer system, a television device, a household electric device, and a mobile phone, which are connected to a network by wire or wirelessly. Character interface system.

(Supplementary Note 6) An access unit to a database or a service is provided, the character interface receives a question or a request from a user, and the dialogue recognition unit analyzes the content of the question or the request, and 3. The character interface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the unit accesses a database or a service, obtains an answer or a response to the question or request, and generates the dialog corresponding to the answer or response. system.

(Supplementary Note 7) There is provided an advertising unit having information on the advertising target or capable of accessing the information source on the advertising target to acquire the information, and the dialog control unit is provided with the dialog knowledge and supplied from the advertising unit. 3. The character interface system according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein an advertisement related to the advertisement target is included in a conversation with the user based on the information related to the advertisement target.

(Supplementary Note 8) A character interface is provided as a character interface with a user via a computer graphics character, and a user profile is provided based on user information obtained from the user via the character interface. A method for providing a character interface, comprising editing and updating information and controlling the content of a dialogue with a user based on the user profile information.

(Supplementary Note 9) The position of the user is detected, an accessible platform near the detected position of the user is detected, and the character interface construction data is transferred to the platform. 9. The method for providing a character interface according to Appendix 8, wherein the character interface construction data is transferred to an accessible platform near the moving place when the user moves, and the character interface is constructed at the user's moving place.

(Supplementary Note 10) A program having processing steps for providing a dialogue interface with a user, wherein the program provides a dialogue interface with the user via computer graphics characters. And a processing step of editing / updating user profile information based on user information obtained from the user via the character interface, and controlling the content of dialogue with the user based on the user profile information A program characterized by comprising a processing step of:

[0119]

According to the character interface system of the present invention, the user can enjoy a natural conversation with the character, and through this daily conversation, the user is not conscious of the user and changes every moment. User information, such as information about the user's situation, the user's persistent hobbies and interests, and information about the user's temporary emotions and whims, can be collected autonomously and flexibly, and can edit and edit user profile information.
Can be updated. By using this user profile information, it is possible to support the provision of useful services and information for the user.

According to the character interface system of the present invention, the character interface system of the present invention can act freely without worrying about the place of use of the character interface system. To continue providing the user with a character interface.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a character interface system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another schematic configuration of the character interface system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a display example of a character adopted by the character interface system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a basic pattern of dialogue by the character interface system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example provided with a unit for monitoring network transmission / reception data of a user terminal as another configuration of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of electronic payment data captured by a monitor unit 50 by monitoring transmission / reception data of the electronic payment terminal 200.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a character interface system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the character interface according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a character interface system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a basic operation of the character interface according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a character interface system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the character interface according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a recording medium on which a processing program of the character interface system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is recorded.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 10a Character interface providing section 11 Character display section 12 Dialog input section 13 Dialog output section 20 Dialog recognition section 30 User profile information management section 31 User profile information storage section 40 Dialog control section 41 Dialog knowledge section 50 Monitor section 60 Matching Unit 70 access unit 80 user position detection unit 81 platform detection unit 82 character interface construction data transfer unit 90 advertising unit 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d character interface system 200 electronic payment terminal 300 database 310 service 400 platform 1000 on the network Recording medium in a certain recording apparatus 1001 Portable recording medium 1002 CD-ROM 1003 Flexible disk 1004 Computer 1005 Computer such as a hard disk and a RAM of the recording medium

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B075 ND20 PR08 UU08 5E501 AA02 AC07 AC37 BA03 BA05 CA02 CB02 CB09 DA02 DA14 DA15 EA02 FA13 FA14

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A character interface providing unit for providing a dialogue interface with a user via a computer graphics character; a dialogue recognition unit for recognizing a dialogue content obtained via the character; and a dialogue recognition unit. Based on the user information obtained from the recognition result of
A character, comprising: a user profile information management unit for editing and updating user profile information; and a dialog control unit for controlling the content of a dialog with a user based on the dialog knowledge and the user profile information. Interface system. 2. A monitor section for taking in information issued by a user or information obtained by observing a user as user information, contents of the user information obtained from the monitor section, and contents of the user profile information. The character interface system according to claim 1, further comprising: a collating unit configured to collate with the user, wherein the dialog control unit controls the content of the conversation with the user based on a result of the collation performed by the collating unit. 3. A user position detecting unit for detecting a position of the user, a platform detecting unit for detecting an accessible platform near the position of the user detected by the user position detecting unit, and the character interface. A character interface construction data transfer unit for transferring the construction data to the platform, wherein when the user moves, the character interface construction data is transferred to an accessible platform near the moving place, and the user's moving place The character interface system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the character interface is constructed in (1). 4. A character interface is provided as a character interface with a user via a computer graphics character, and user profile information is obtained based on user information obtained from the user via the character interface. A method of providing a character interface, comprising editing and updating, and controlling the content of a dialogue with a user based on the user profile information. 5. A program comprising processing steps for providing an interactive interface with a user, the program comprising: a processing step for providing an interactive interface with a user via a computer graphics character; A step of editing / updating user profile information based on user information obtained from the user via the character interface; and a step of controlling the content of dialogue with the user based on the user profile information. A program comprising steps.