JP2002165285A - Unit controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a unit controller which can control operation of an external unit at a remote place and can improve operability compared to a conventional unit controller, even if a user is unable to move the body freely. SOLUTION: The unit controller 10 is provided with a sound input means 11 for inputting sound, a sound recognizing means 12 for recognizing the meaning content of sound inputted by the sound input means 11, a moving means 15 for changing the position through movement, an operation content deciding means 13 for deciding the operation content of the moving means 15 and an outer unit 901 at the remote place, based on the meaning content recognized by the sound recognition means 12, and a communication means 14 for communicating a control signal conrolling the operation of the external unit 901 to the external unit 901, in accordance with the operation content of the external unit 901 decided by the operation content deciding means 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device control device for controlling the operation of an external device at a remote place by voice, and more particularly to a device control device which can be moved by itself.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device control device for controlling the operation of a remote external device by voice, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-20222 and Japanese Patent No.
There is known an apparatus control device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 9-260, 1988.

[0003] The device control device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-20222 is a doll-type device control device that controls the operation of an external device at a remote location by using an input voice, and is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2614552. Is a device control device that controls the operation of a plurality of external devices at remote locations by using input voice.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional device control device, if the device is not installed at a position where the user's voice can be recognized, the operation of an external device at a remote place is controlled. There was a problem that can not be.

Further, in the above-described conventional device control device, even if the user can recognize the user's voice, the device control device is installed at a position where the meaning of the user's voice can be accurately recognized. Otherwise, there is a problem that it is difficult to control the operation of a remote external device.

[0006] Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional device control device, there is a problem that the device must be installed near the user when the user cannot freely move his / her body.

Therefore, the present invention can control the operation of an external device located at a remote place even in a situation where the user cannot freely move his / her body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device control device capable of improving performance.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an apparatus control device of the present invention recognizes voice input means for inputting voice and recognizes the meaning of the voice input by the voice input means. Voice recognition means, operation content determination means for determining the operation content of a remote external device based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means, and the external device determined by the operation content determination means Communication means for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device to the external device according to the operation content of the external device; and a device control device for controlling the operation of the external device. Means, wherein the operation content determining means determines the operation content of the moving means based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means. And it is characterized in and. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can move, so that even in a situation where the user cannot freely move his / her body, it is possible to control the operation of an external device at a remote place. Therefore, operability can be improved as compared with the conventional device control device.

Further, the apparatus control device of the present invention synthesizes a sound output means for outputting a sound, a sound representing the operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination means, and outputs the synthesized sound. Voice synthesizing means for outputting to the voice output means. According to this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can transmit the operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination means to the user by using synthesized voice, and thus can operate the device control device in comparison with the conventional device control device. Performance can be improved.

[0010] Further, the apparatus control device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises operation content display means for displaying the operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination means. With this configuration, the device control apparatus of the present invention can transmit the operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination unit to the user through the operation content display unit such as a display or a lamp. Operability can be improved as compared with the device.

Further, the device control device of the present invention includes a video output unit for outputting a video, wherein the video output unit outputs the operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination unit as a video. It is characterized by the following. With this configuration, the device control device according to the present invention, the operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination unit,
Since the image can be transmitted to the user as an image, the operability can be improved as compared with the conventional device control device.

Further, the apparatus control device of the present invention includes a sensor unit for detecting at least one of temperature, light intensity, sound pressure, smell, taste, movement, position, direction, and speed, and determines the operation content. Means for determining operation contents of the external device and the moving means based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means and a detection result of the sensor unit. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention provides a
Since the operation content of the external device can be automatically changed, operability can be improved as compared with a conventional device control device.

Further, the device control device of the present invention includes a video input unit for inputting a video, and the operation content determining unit includes:
Said semantic content recognized by said voice recognition means,
The operation contents of the external device and the moving means are determined based on the image input by the image input means. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can change the operation content of the external device based on an image from a video input unit such as a camera. Can be improved.

Further, the apparatus control device of the present invention includes an arm portion for grasping an object, wherein the operation content determining unit determines the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition unit and the image input by the image input unit. Based on the above, the operation content of the arm unit is determined. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can grasp and move objects in the vicinity, so that operability can be improved as compared with the conventional device control device.

Further, the apparatus control device of the present invention includes an arrival direction detection means for detecting an arrival direction of the voice input by the voice input means, and the operation content determination means is recognized by the voice recognition means. The operation content of the external device and the moving means is determined based on the meaning content and the arrival direction detected by the arrival direction detection means. With this configuration, for example, the device control device of the present invention can direct a voice input unit such as a microphone in the direction of the user, and can improve voice recognition performance. Operability can be improved as compared with the device.

Further, the device control device of the present invention includes a current position detecting means for detecting a current position, a communication state detecting means for detecting a communication state between the external device and the communication means, and a current position detecting means. And a communication status recording means for recording a detection result of the communication status detection means, wherein the operation content determining means determines the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition means and the detection content recorded by the communication status recording means. Based on the result, the operation content of the moving means is determined such that the communication state between the external device and the communication means moves to a position where the communication state is better than a predetermined communication state. Is what you do. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can be configured to move to a place suitable for performing communication with the external device by itself, thereby improving the reliability of control of the operation of the external device. Therefore, operability can be improved as compared with the conventional device control device.

Further, the apparatus control device of the present invention comprises a collecting means for collecting dust, wherein the operation content determining means determines the operation content of the collecting means based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means. Is determined. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can clean the surroundings, so that operability can be improved as compared with the conventional device control device.

Further, in the device control device according to the present invention, the communication means performs at least one of audio and video communication with the external device. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can perform voice communication and video communication with an external device located at a remote place, so that operability can be improved as compared with a conventional device control device.

Further, the device control apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that it controls operations of a plurality of the external devices. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can improve operability as compared with a conventional device control device.

Further, the device control apparatus of the present invention controls the operation of the external device connected to a network. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can control the operation of an external device that is connected to a network via an external device that directly controls operation and that is not an external device that directly controls operation. Since control can be performed indirectly, operability can be improved as compared with a conventional device control device.

Further, the device control device of the present invention controls the operation of the external device connected to the Internet. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can control, for example, the operation of an external device connected to the Internet via an external device that directly controls operation, and not an external device that directly controls operation. Since control can be performed indirectly, operability can be improved as compared with a conventional device control device.

Further, the device control device of the present invention is installed in a vehicle and controls the operation of the external device installed in the vehicle. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can control the operation of an external device such as a car navigation device or a car audio device when the user is traveling by car. Operability can be improved in comparison.

Further, the apparatus control device of the present invention is characterized in that the appearance has a shape simulating the shape of a living thing. With this configuration, the device control device of the present invention can be easily used by the user, so that the operability can be improved as compared with the conventional device control device.

[0024]

[First Embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 1 and FIG.
Is a voice input means 11 such as a microphone for inputting voice.
A voice recognition unit 12 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input unit 11, and an operation content of an external device 901 such as a television at a remote place based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit 12. And an external device 901 according to the operation content of the external device 901 determined by the operation content determining unit 13.
And a communication unit 14 for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 901 to control the operation of the external device 901.

Further, the equipment control device 10 includes a moving means 15 for changing the position by moving, and the moving means 15 is configured to include, for example, wheels as shown in FIG. . Here, the operation content determining means 13
Is configured to determine the operation content of the moving means 15 based on the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition means 12.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters, for example, "Turn on the television", the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 11 and passed to the voice recognition means 12. Next, the voice recognition means 12 recognizes the meaning content of the passed voice, that is, the content “the user wants to turn on the television”, and passes the recognized meaning content to the operation content determination means 13. Next, the operation content determining means 13
Determines that the voice generated by the user is related to the operation of the external device 901 based on the passed semantic content, and determines the content of the operation of the external device 901 at a remote location, that is,
The content of “turn on the power” is determined, and the determined operation content is passed to the communication unit 14. Next, the communication means 14
Transmits to the external device 901 a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 901 according to the passed operation content, that is, a signal for turning on the power of the external device 901. Then, the external device 901 receives the transmitted control signal, and turns on the power based on the received control signal.

Here, the operation content determining means 13 also performs control for moving the equipment control device 10 by the moving means 15 as described above. For example, first, the user
When the user speaks “Go forward.”, The uttered voice is input by the voice input unit 11 and passed to the voice recognition unit 12. Next, the voice recognition means 12 determines the meaning of the passed voice, that is,
Wants to move forward. "And passes the recognized meaning content to the operation content determining means 13. Next, the operation content determining unit 13 determines that the voice generated by the user is related to the operation of the device control device 10 based on the passed semantic content, and
0 The operation content of the moving means 15 of its own, that is, “go forward”.
Is determined, and the determined operation content is
Pass to. Then, the moving means 15 advances the device control device 10 itself in accordance with the transferred operation content.

As described above, the equipment control device 10
Can control the operation of an external device 901 at a remote location even in a situation where the user can move himself and the user cannot freely move his / her body. Operability can be improved as compared with. [Second embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the device control device 20 having an appearance simulating the shape of a creature, for example, a cat,
Voice input means 21 such as a microphone for inputting voice;
The speech recognition means 22 for recognizing the meaning of the speech input by the speech input means 21, and the operation content of an external device 902 such as a television at a remote location are determined based on the meaning content recognized by the speech recognition means 22. And a communication unit 24 for communicating to the external device 902 a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 902 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 902 determined by the operation content determining unit 23. The operation of the external device 902 is controlled.

Further, the equipment control device 20 is provided with a moving means 25 for changing the position by moving, and the moving means 25 includes, for example, four feet as shown in FIG. Have been. Here, the operation content determining means 2
Reference numeral 3 also determines the operation content of the moving means 25 based on the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition means 22.

The device control device 20 synthesizes the sound output means 26 such as a speaker for outputting sound and the sound representing the operation content of the external device 902 determined by the operation content determination means 23, and synthesizes the sound. Is output to the voice output means 26.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters, for example, "Turn on the television", the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 21 and passed to the voice recognition means 22. Next, the voice recognizing means 22 recognizes the meaning content of the passed voice, that is, the content “the user wants to turn on the television”, and passes the recognized meaning content to the operation content determining means 23. Next, the operation content determining means 23
Determines that the voice generated by the user is related to the operation of the external device 902 based on the passed semantic content, and determines the operation content of the external device 902 at a remote location, that is,
The content of "turn on the power" is determined, and the determined operation content is passed to the communication means 24 and the voice synthesis means 27.

Next, the communication means 24 provides a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 902 in accordance with the received operation content;
That is, a signal for turning on the power of the external device 902 is transmitted to the external device 902. Then, the external device 902 receives the transmitted control signal, and turns on the power based on the received control signal.

Further, the voice synthesizing means 27 is
Since the operation content is passed from the operation content determining means 23 in the same manner as the above, the voice representing the operation content passed from the operation content determining means 23, that is, the voice of "Turn on the television." Voice output means 2 for synthesized voice
6 is output.

Here, the operation content determining means 23 also controls the moving of the equipment control device 20 by the moving means 25 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in the first embodiment.

As described above, the device control device 20
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 902 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot move his body freely. Further, the device control device 20 can notify the user of the operation content of the external device 902 determined by the operation content determination means 23 by a synthesized voice. Further, since the device control device 20 has a shape that simulates the shape of a living thing, the device control device 20 is easily adapted to the user. Therefore, the device control device 20
Operability can be improved as compared with a conventional device control device. [Third Embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 5, the equipment control device 30 includes a voice input means 31 such as a microphone for inputting voice, a voice recognition means 32 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input means 31, and a voice recognition means. 32, based on the semantic content recognized by the external device 9 at a remote location.
03, and an external device 903 determined by the operation content determining unit 33.
And a communication means 34 for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 903 to the external device 903 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 903, so as to control the operation of the external device 903.

Further, the device control device 30 reads the operation contents of the external device 903 determined by the movement means 35 for changing the position by moving and the operation contents determination means 33, by turning on a lamp or displaying characters on an electric display panel. Operation content display means 36 for displaying by display or the like. Here, the operation content determining unit 33 determines the operation content of the moving unit 35 based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit 32.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters a voice, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 31 and passed to the voice recognition means 32. Next, the voice recognition means 32
Recognizes the semantic content of the passed voice, and passes the recognized semantic content to the operation content determining means 33. Next, the operation content determining means 33 determines the operation content of the external device 903 located at a remote place based on the passed meaning content, and passes the determined operation content to the communication means 34 and the operation content display means 36.

Next, the communication means 34 transmits a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 903 to the external device 903 according to the transferred operation content. Then, the external device 90
3 receives the transmitted control signal and operates based on the received control signal.

Since the operation content display means 36 receives the operation content from the operation content determination means 33 in the same manner as the communication means 34, the operation content display means 36 displays the passed operation content. For example, when the external device 903 is a cooling and heating device, and the passed operation content is heating,
When the red lamp is turned on or when the transferred operation content is cooling, the passed operation content can be displayed by turning on the green lamp.

Here, the operation content determining means 33 also controls the movement of the equipment control device 30 by the moving means 35 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in each of the above embodiments.

As described above, the equipment control device 30
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 903 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot move his / her body freely. In addition, the device control device 30 can notify the user of the operation content of the external device 903 determined by the operation content determination unit 33 through a display, a lamp, or the like. Therefore, the device control device 30 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Fourth Embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 6, a device control device 40 includes a voice input means 41 such as a microphone for inputting voice, a voice recognition means 42 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input means 41, and a voice recognition means. Based on the semantic content recognized by the remote device 42, the external device 9 located
04, and the external device 904 determined by the operation content determining unit 43.
The communication means 44 communicates a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 904 to the external device 904 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 904, and controls the operation of the external device 904.

The device control device 40 includes a moving unit 45 for changing a position by moving, and a video output unit 46 for outputting a video.
Outputs the operation content of the external device 904 determined by the operation content determination means 43 as a video. Here, the operation content determining means 43 is the voice recognition means 4
2 based on the semantic content recognized by
5 is also determined.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters a voice, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 41 and passed to the voice recognition means 42. Next, the voice recognition means 42
Recognizes the semantic content of the passed voice, and passes the recognized semantic content to the operation content determining means 43. Next, the operation content determining unit 43 determines the operation content of the external device 904 located at a remote place based on the passed semantic content, and passes the determined operation content to the communication unit 44 and the video output unit 46.

Next, the communication unit 44 transmits a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 904 to the external device 904 according to the transferred operation content. Then, the external device 90
4 receives the transmitted control signal and operates based on the received control signal.

The video output means 46 is connected to the communication means 44.
Since the operation content is passed from the operation content determining means 43 in the same manner as in the above, the video output means 46 outputs the passed operation content as a video. For example, the video output unit 46 can display the passed operation content on a display using characters or an image / video related to the passed operation content.

Here, the operation content determining means 43 also controls the moving of the equipment control device 40 by the moving means 45 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in each of the above embodiments.

As described above, the device control device 40
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 904 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot move his body freely. Further, the device control device 40 can transmit the operation content of the external device 904 determined by the operation content determination unit 43 to the user as an image through a display or the like. Therefore, the device control device 40 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Fifth Embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 7, a device control unit 50 includes a voice input unit 51 such as a microphone for inputting voice, a voice recognition unit 52 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input unit 51, a temperature and a luminous intensity. , Sound pressure, smell,
Based on the sensor unit 56 for detecting at least one of taste, movement, position, direction, and speed, and the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit 52, and the detection result of the sensor unit 56, An operation content determining means 53 for determining the operation content of a certain external device 905;
And a communication unit 54 for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 905 to the external device 905 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 905 determined by Step 3 above, so that the operation of the external device 905 is controlled. ing.

The device control device 50 includes a moving means 55 for changing the position by moving. Here, the operation content determination unit 53 determines the operation content of the moving unit 55 based on the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition unit 52 and the detection result of the sensor unit 56.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters a voice, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 51 and passed to the voice recognition means 52. Next, the voice recognition means 52
Recognizes the semantic content of the passed voice, and passes the recognized semantic content to the operation content determining means 53. Also, the sensor unit 56
Is temperature, luminosity, sound pressure, smell, taste, movement, position, direction,
Then, at least one of the speeds is detected, and the detection result is passed to the operation content determining means 53. Next, the operation content determining means 53, based on the passed semantic content and the detection result,
The operation content of the external device 905 at the remote place is determined, and the determined operation content is passed to the communication unit 54. Next, the communication unit 54 transmits a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 905 to the external device 905 according to the transferred operation content.
Then, the external device 905 receives the transmitted control signal and operates based on the received control signal.

For example, when the external device 905 is a cooling / heating device and the sensor unit 56 can detect the temperature, the device control unit 50 can control the sensor unit 56 even if no voice is input by the user. The set temperature of the external device 905 can be automatically set based on the detection result.

The external device 905 is a lighting device,
When the sensor unit 56 can detect the luminous intensity,
The device control device 50 can automatically set the brightness of the illumination of the external device 905 based on the detection result of the sensor unit 56 without inputting a voice by the user.

When the external device 905 is audio and the sensor unit 56 can detect the sound pressure, the device control unit 50 controls the sensor unit 56 even if no voice is input by the user. Based on the detection result, the set volume of the external device 905 can be automatically set according to the sound pressure level of the usage environment.

When the external device 905 is a device that uses gas and the sensor unit 56 can detect an odor, the device control device 50 can control the sensor even if no voice is input by the user. Based on the detection result of the unit 56, it is possible to automatically detect a gas leak of the external device 905 and switch off the external device 905.

When the external device 905 is a cooling and heating device and the sensor unit 56 can detect the taste, the device control device 50 monitors the state of the liquid and controls air conditioning based on the state. In some cases, the sensor unit 56
It is possible to automatically set the set temperature of the external device 905 based on the detection result of.

When the external device 905 is operated and the sensor unit 56 can detect the movement, the device control unit 50 controls the sensor unit 56 even if no voice is input by the user. It is possible to automatically set the movement of the external device 905 based on the detection result of.

If the sensor unit 56 can detect the position, the device control device 50
5 can be stored, and based on the detection result of the sensor unit 56, the device control device 50 itself can move to a location suitable for transmitting an operation command to the external device 905. Become.

When the sensor section 56 can detect the direction, the device control device 50
5 can be detected, and based on the detection result of the sensor unit 56, the device control device 50 itself can move to a location suitable for transmitting an operation command to the external device 905.

When the sensor unit 56 can detect the speed, the device control unit 50 can know its own moving speed, and automatically determines its own speed based on the detection result of the sensor unit 56. Can be controlled.

Here, the operation content determining means 53 also controls the equipment control device 50 to move itself by the moving means 55 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in each of the above embodiments.

As described above, the device control device 50
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 905 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot freely move his / her body. In addition, the device control device 50 performs the following based on the detection result of the sensor unit 56.
It is possible to automatically change the operation content of the external device 905. Therefore, the operability of the device control device 50 can be improved as compared with the conventional device control device. [Sixth Embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 8, a device control unit 60 includes a voice input unit 61 such as a microphone for inputting voice, a voice recognition unit 62 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input unit 61, and a video input unit. Determining the operation content of the remote external device 906 based on the video input means 66 such as a camera and the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means 62 and the video input by the video input means 66 A content determining means 63 and a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 906 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 906 determined by the operation content determining means 63,
A communication unit 64 for communicating with the external device 906 is provided, and the operation of the external device 906 is controlled.

Further, the equipment control device 60 includes a moving means 65 for changing the position by moving. Here, the operation content determination unit 63 determines the operation content of the moving unit 65 based on the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition unit 62 and the video input by the video input unit 66. I have.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters a voice, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 61 and passed to the voice recognition means 62. Next, the voice recognition means 62
Recognizes the semantic content of the passed voice, and passes the recognized semantic content to the operation content determining means 63. Further, the video input means 66 inputs a state around the device control device 60 as a video, and passes the input video to the operation content determining means 63. Next, the operation content determination unit 63 determines the operation content of the external device 906 located at a remote location based on the provided semantic content and video, and passes the determined operation content to the communication unit 64. Next, the communication unit 64 sends a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 906 according to the transferred operation content to the external device 90.
Send to 6. Then, the external device 906 receives the transmitted control signal and operates based on the received control signal.

For example, when the external device 906 is a personal computer, the device control device 60 can send the video fetched from the video input means 66 to the external device 906 and save it.

Here, the operation content determining means 63 also controls the movement of the equipment control device 60 by the moving means 65 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in each of the above embodiments.

As described above, the device control device 60
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 906 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot freely move his / her body. Further, the device control device 60 can change the operation content of the external device 906 based on the video from the video input unit 66. Therefore, the device control device 60 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Seventh Embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG.
0 is a voice input means 7 such as a microphone for inputting voice.
1, a voice recognition means 72 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input means 71, a video input means 76 such as a camera for inputting video, a meaning content recognized by the voice recognition means 72, and An operation content determining unit 73 that determines an operation content of an external device 907 such as a television at a remote location based on a video input by the video input unit 76, and an operation of the external device 907 determined by the operation content determining unit 73 A communication unit 74 for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 907 to the external device 907 according to the content is provided, and the operation of the external device 907 is controlled.

The device control device 70 includes a moving means 75 for changing the position by moving, and an arm 77 for grasping an object. Here, the moving means 75 includes, for example, wheels as shown in FIG. In addition, the operation content determining means 73 includes the voice recognition means 7.
2 and the video input means 7
The operation contents of the moving means 75 and the arm 77 are also determined based on the image input by the device 6.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters, for example, “Take a remote control of the television”, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 71 and passed to the voice recognition means 72. Next, the voice recognizing means 72 determines the meaning of the passed voice, that is,
Wants to take the remote control of the television and carry it to the user. ", And passes the recognized meaning to the operation content determining means 73. Next, the operation content determination unit 73 determines that the voice generated by the user is related to the operation of the device control device 70 based on the passed semantic content, and determines the operation content of the device control device 70 itself,
That is, the content that "the television remote control is grasped by the arm 77 and moved to the vicinity of the user by the moving means 75" is determined, and the determined operation content is transferred to the moving means 75 and the arm 77. Then, the arm unit 77 grasps the remote control 950 of the television according to the transferred operation content, and the moving unit 75 operates the device control device 7 according to the transferred operation content.
0 itself is moved to the vicinity of the user.

Here, the operation content determining means 33 inputs the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition means 72 and the video content input means 76 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in the sixth embodiment. The operation content of the external device 907 is determined based on the obtained video.

As described above, the equipment control device 70
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 907 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot move freely. Further, the device control device 70 can grasp and move a nearby object. Therefore, operability can be improved as compared with the conventional device control device. [Eighth Embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, the appearance is biological,
For example, the device control device 80 having a shape simulating the shape of a cat
Is a voice input means 81 such as a microphone for inputting voice.
And a speech recognition means for recognizing the meaning of the speech input by the speech input means 81, and an operation content of the external device 908 at a remote place based on the meaning and content recognized by the speech recognition means. Operation content determining means 8
3 and communication means 84 for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 908 to the external device 908 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 908 determined by the operation content determining means 83. The operation is controlled. Here, the communication unit 84 performs voice communication with the external device 908.

Further, the equipment control device 80 is provided with a moving means 85 for changing the position by moving, and the moving means 85 includes, for example, four feet as shown in FIG. Have been. Here, the operation content determination unit 83 determines the operation content of the moving unit 85 based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit 82.

Further, the device control unit 80 synthesizes a sound output unit 86 such as a speaker for outputting a sound and a sound representing the operation content of the external device 908 determined by the operation content determination unit 83, and synthesizes the voice. And a voice synthesizing means 87 for outputting the sound to the voice output means 86.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), when the user utters, for example, “Please connect Mr. Suzuki to the phone.” The uttered voice is input by the voice input means 81. It is passed to the voice recognition means 82. Then
The voice recognition means 82 outputs the meaning of the passed voice, that is,
Recognizing the content "the user wants to connect Mr. Suzuki to the telephone", and passes the recognized meaning content to the operation content determining means 83. Next, the operation content determining means 83
Determines that the voice generated by the user is related to the operation of the external device 908 based on the passed semantic content, and determines the content of the operation of the external device 908 at a remote location, that is,
The contents of “connect a phone call to Mr. Suzuki” are determined, and the determined operation contents are passed to the communication means 84 and the speech synthesis means 87.

Next, the communication means 84 sends a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 908 in accordance with the operation content passed from the operation content determination means 83, that is, a signal for causing the external device 908 to connect Mr. Suzuki to the telephone. The data is transmitted to the external device 908. Then, the external device 908 receives the transmitted control signal, and connects a call to Mr. Suzuki based on the received control signal.

The voice synthesizing means 87 includes a communication means 84.
Since the operation content is passed from the operation content determining means 83 in the same manner as
, The voice representing the operation content passed from the user, that is, the voice "Call Mr. Suzuki. Please talk when connected."
Output.

When the external device 908 connects Mr. Suzuki to the telephone, the device control device 80 uses the voice input means 81 as a transmitter and the voice output means 86 as a receiver as shown in FIG. , Through the communication means 84, it plays a role as a slave unit of the telephone which is the external device 908. In the present embodiment, the device control device 80 is configured to be able to perform voice communication with the external device 908, but according to the present invention, it is possible to perform video communication with the external device 908. Configuration may be adopted.

The operation content determining means 83 also controls the movement of the device control device 80 by the moving means 85 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in each of the above embodiments.

As described above, the device control device 80
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 908 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot move freely. In addition, the device control device 80 can notify the user of the operation content of the external device 908 determined by the operation content determination unit 83 by a synthesized voice. In addition, since the device control device 80 has a shape that simulates the shape of a living thing, the device control device 80 is easily adapted to the user. The device control device 80 can perform voice communication and video communication with an external device at a remote place. Therefore, the device control device 80 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Ninth embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

13 and 14, the appearance is biological,
For example, the device control device 90 having a shape simulating the shape of a cat
Is a voice input means 91 such as a microphone for inputting voice.
Voice recognition means 92 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input means 91, arrival direction detection means 96 for detecting the direction of arrival of the voice input by the voice input means 91, and voice recognition means 92. An operation content determining unit 93 that determines the operation content of the external device 909, which is a cooling / heating device installed at a remote location, based on the recognized meaning content and the arrival direction detected by the arrival direction detection unit 96; A communication means 94 for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 909 to the external device 909 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 909 determined by the content determining means 93, and controlling the operation of the external device 909. It has become.

The equipment control device 90 has a moving means 95 for changing the position by moving. The moving means 95 includes, for example, four feet as shown in FIG. Have been. Here, the operation content determination unit 93 also determines the operation content of the moving unit 95 based on the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition unit 92 and the arrival direction detected by the arrival direction detection unit 96. Has become.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters, for example, “Oh.” To the device control device 90, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 91, and the voice recognition means 92 and the arrival direction detection means are provided. 96. Then
The voice recognition means 92 outputs the meaning of the passed voice, that is,
Recognizing the content that "it is desired to move to the vicinity of the user", and recognizing the recognized meaning content to the operation content determining means 9
Pass to 3. Further, the arrival direction detection means 96 detects the arrival direction of the received voice, and passes the detected arrival direction to the operation content determination means 93. Next, the operation content determining means 93
Based on the passed meaning content and the direction of arrival, it is determined that the voice generated by the user is related to the operation of the device control device 90 itself, the operation content of the device control device 90 itself is determined, and the determined operation is performed. The contents are passed to the moving means 95. Then, the moving means 95 moves the device control device 90 itself according to the transferred operation content. For example, the operation content of the device control device 90 itself determined by the operation content determination unit 93 is “moving rightward” when the arrival direction passed from the arrival direction detection unit 96 to the operation content determination unit 93 is rightward. Yes ". Similarly, when the level of the user's voice is low, or when the user's voice cannot be sufficiently captured, the device control device 90 can also move to a position where the voice can be easily captured.

The operation content determining means 93 can control the operation of the external device 909 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in each of the above embodiments.

As described above, the equipment control device 90
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 909 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot move his / her body freely. Further, the device control device 90 can direct the voice input unit 91 in the direction of the user or move in the direction of the user, so that the voice recognition performance can be improved, and It is possible to give the user the impression of being on. Therefore, the device control device 90 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Tenth embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 15, the device control device 100
Voice input means 101 such as a microphone for inputting voice
And a voice recognition means 102 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input means 101; a current position detection means 106 for detecting the current position; and a communication state between the external device 910 and the communication means 104. Communication state detecting means 107, and communication state recording means 10 for recording the detection results of current position detecting means 106 and communication state detecting means 107
8 and the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means 102 and the detection result recorded by the communication state recording means 108, the external equipment 91 installed at a remote place.
0, and the external device 91 determined by the operation content determining means 103.
The communication unit 104 communicates a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 910 to the external device 910 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 910.
To control the operation of the external device 910.

Further, the device control device 100 includes a moving means 105 for changing the position by moving. Here, the operation content determination unit 103 performs the operation based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit 102 and the detection result recorded by the communication state recording unit 108.
The operation content of the moving unit 105 is determined so that the communication state between the external device 910 and the communication unit 104 moves to a position where the communication state is better than the predetermined communication state.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters a voice, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 101 and passed to the voice recognition means 102. Next, the voice recognition unit 102 recognizes the meaning of the received voice, and passes the recognized meaning to the operation content determination unit 103. Next, the operation content determining means 103 determines the operation content of the external device 910 at the remote location based on the passed semantic content,
The determined operation content is passed to the communication means 104. Next, the communication unit 104 communicates with the external device 9 in accordance with the received operation content.
A control signal for controlling the operation of the device 10 is transmitted to the external device 910. Then, the external device 910 receives the transmitted control signal and operates based on the received control signal.

Here, the current position of the device control device 100 and the communication state between the external device 910 and the communication means 104 are detected at regular intervals by the current position detection means 106 and the communication state recording means 108, respectively. Then, it is recorded by the communication state recording means 108. In addition, the operation content determining means 103 transmits the external device 91 to the communication means 104.
0, when the communication state between the external device 910 and the communication unit 104 is a communication state that is not better than the predetermined communication state, among the positions recorded by the communication state recording unit 108, The moving unit 1 moves to a position where the communication state between the external device 910 and the communication unit 104 is in a communication state better than the predetermined communication state.
05 is determined. Then, the moving means 105
Moves the device control device 100 itself according to the passed operation content.

Therefore, the device control apparatus 100 always keeps the communication means 10 in a good communication state higher than the predetermined communication state.
4 can communicate with an external device 910.

As described above, the device control device 100
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 910 at a remote place even in a situation where the user cannot move his / her body freely. Further, the device control apparatus 100 can be configured to move to a place suitable for performing communication with the external device 910 and then perform communication with the external device 910.
It is possible to improve the reliability of the control of the operation of No. 10.
Therefore, the device control device 100 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Eleventh embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIGS. 16 and 17, the appearance is biological,
For example, the device control device 11 having a shape simulating the shape of a cat
0 is a voice input means 1 such as a microphone for inputting voice.
11, a speech recognition unit 112 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input unit 111, and an external device 911 connected to the network at a remote place based on the semantics recognized by the voice recognition unit 112. And a communication unit 114 for communicating to the external device 911 a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 911 according to the operation content of the external device 911 determined by the operation content determining unit 113. To control the operation of the external device 911. Note that, in addition to the external device 911, external devices 912 to 915 are connected to the network.

Further, the equipment control device 110 includes a moving means 115 for changing the position by moving, and the moving means 115 includes four legs as shown in FIG. . Here, the operation content determining means 1
13 determines the operation content of the moving means 115 based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means 112.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters, for example, “turn off the light on the second floor.” The uttered voice is input by the voice input unit 111 and is input by the voice recognition unit 11.
Passed to 2. Next, the voice recognizing means 112 recognizes the meaning of the passed voice, that is, the content of "I want to turn off the lighting equipment on the second floor".
The recognized meaning content is passed to the operation content determining means 113. Next, the operation content determining means 113 determines the operation content of the external device 911 located at a remote place, that is, “the external device 913 which is a lighting device installed on the second floor,
Is turned off ", and the determined operation content is passed to the communication means 114. Next, the communication means 11
4 transmits to the external device 911 a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 911 according to the passed operation content, that is, a signal for causing the external device 911 to turn off the external device 913 installed on the second floor. I do. Then, the external device 91
1 receives the transmitted control signal, and turns off the power of the external device 913 installed on the second floor via the network based on the received control signal.

The operation content determining means 113 can control the movement of the device control device 110 by the moving means 115 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in each of the above embodiments.

As described above, the device control device 110
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 911 at a remote place even in a situation where the user cannot move his / her body freely. Further, the device control device 110 includes a plurality of external devices 912 to 915 connected indirectly to the network via the external device 911.
Can be controlled. Therefore, the device control device 110 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Twelfth embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

18 and 19, the appearance is biological,
For example, the device control device 12 having a shape simulating the shape of a cat
0 is a voice input means 1 such as a microphone for inputting voice.
21, a voice recognition unit 122 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input unit 121, and an external device 916 at a remote location connected to the Internet based on the content of the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit 122. And a communication means 124 for communicating to the external device 916 a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 916 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 916 determined by the operation content determining unit 123. And controls the operation of the external device 916. In addition, the external device 916 is connected to the Internet.
In addition, a plurality of external devices such as an external device 917 are connected.

Further, the equipment control device 120 is provided with a moving means 125 for changing the position by moving, and the moving means 125 includes four feet as shown in FIG. . Here, the operation content determining means 1
23 determines the operation content of the moving means 125 based on the meaning content recognized by the voice recognition means 122.

The device control device 120 synthesizes the sound output means 126 such as a speaker for outputting sound, and the sound representing the operation content of the external device 916 determined by the operation content determination means 123, and synthesizes the synthesized sound. Is output to the voice output unit 126.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 19A, when the user utters, for example, "How is the weather tomorrow?", The uttered voice is input by the voice input means 121 to perform voice recognition. Passed to the means 122. Next, the voice recognition means 122 outputs the meaning of the passed voice, that is,
Recognizing the content that "the user wants to check the weather of tomorrow", and passing the recognized meaning content to the operation content determining means 123. Next, the operation content determining unit 123 determines whether the external device 91 is located at a remote place based on the passed semantic content.
The operation content of No. 6, that is, the content of "check the weather of tomorrow" is determined, and the determined operation content is passed to the communication means 124. Next, the communication unit 124 controls the operation of the external device 916 according to the transferred operation content, that is, a control signal,
A signal for causing the external device 916 to check the weather of tomorrow is transmitted to the external device 916. Then, the external device 916 receives the transmitted control signal and, based on the received control signal, connects to the external device 917, which is a weather information providing server, via the Internet to check the weather of tomorrow.

When the information on tomorrow's weather from the external device 916 is received by the communication means 124, FIG.
As shown in (b), the operation content determining unit 123 passes the information of tomorrow's weather to the voice synthesizing unit 127. The voice synthesizing unit 127 outputs the voice indicating the information of the tomorrow's weather passed from the operation content determining unit 123, that is, "clear!"
And the synthesized voice is output to the voice output means 26.

Further, the operation content determining means 123 can perform control for moving the device control device 120 by the moving means 125 in the same manner as the operation content determining means described in each of the above embodiments.

As described above, the device control device 120
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 916 located in a remote place even in a situation where the user cannot move freely. Further, the device control device 120 can control the operation of a plurality of external devices such as the external device 917 that is indirectly connected to the Internet via the external device 916. Therefore, the device control device 120 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Thirteenth embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIGS. 20 and 21, the equipment control device 130 includes a voice input means 131 such as a microphone for inputting voice, a voice recognition means 132 for recognizing the meaning of the voice input by the voice input means 131, An image input unit 136 such as a camera for inputting an image, a sensor unit 137 for detecting at least one of temperature, light intensity, sound pressure, smell, taste, movement, position, direction, and speed; and a voice recognition unit 132 Contents recognized by the image processing unit, the image input by the image input unit 136, and the sensor unit 1
An operation content determining means 133 for determining the operation content of the external device 918 connected to the network at a remote location based on the detection result of the external device 37, and an external device according to the operation content of the external device 918 determined by the operation content determining means 133. A control signal for controlling the operation of the device 918 is transmitted to the external device 918.
And communication means 134 for communicating with the external device 9.
18 is controlled. In addition to the external devices 918, the external devices 919 to 9
22 are connected.

The equipment control device 130 includes a moving means 135 for changing the position by moving, and an arm 138 for grasping an object. The moving means 135 is, for example, as shown in FIG. It is configured to include wheels and the like. Here, the operation content determining means 133 is a means for determining the meaning content recognized by the voice recognizing means 132 and the video input means 1.
The moving means 135 and the arm 13 based on the video input by the
8 is determined.

The device control unit 130 synthesizes the sound output means 139 such as a speaker for outputting sound, and the sound representing the operation content of the external device 918 determined by the operation content determination means 133, and synthesizes the sound. And a video output unit 141 that outputs a video. Here, the communication unit 134 performs audio and video communication with the external device 918.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters a voice, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 131 and passed to the voice recognition means 132. Next, voice recognition means 1
32 recognizes the semantic content of the passed voice, and passes the recognized semantic content to the operation content determining means 133. Similarly, the video input unit 136 inputs a video, passes the input video to the operation content determination unit 133, and
Is temperature, luminosity, sound pressure, smell, taste, movement, position, direction,
Then, at least one of the speeds is detected, and the detection result is passed to the operation content determining means 133.

Next, the operation content determining means 133 determines the operation content of the external device 918 at the remote location based on the passed semantic content, video, and the detection result of the sensor unit 137, and determines the determined operation content. Is passed to the communication means 134 and the speech synthesis means 140.

Next, the communication means 134 communicates with the external device 91 in accordance with the operation content passed from the operation content determination means 133.
8 is transmitted to the external device 918 via the network. Then, the external device 918
Receives the transmitted control signal and operates based on the received control signal.

The voice synthesizing means 140 is provided by the communication means 1.
Since the operation content is passed from the operation content determining means 133 in the same manner as in the case of FIG. 34, the voice synthesizing means 140 synthesizes the voice representing the operation content passed from the operation content determining means 133 and outputs the synthesized voice as voice. Output to the means 139.

The communication means 134 is provided by the voice input means 1
31 and the audio output unit 139, it is possible to perform audio communication with the external device 918, and the external device 918 is used together with the video input unit 136 and the video output unit 141.
It is possible to perform video communication with the device.

Further, as described in each of the above embodiments, the operation content determining means 133 can also perform control for moving the device control device 130 by the moving means 135 itself.

As described above, the device control device 130
Can recognize the operation of the external device 918 located at a remote place and connected to the network by the voice recognition unit 132 even in a situation where the user can move himself and the user cannot move freely. Meaning content, the video input by the video input means 136, and the sensor unit 13
7 can be controlled based on the detection result. Therefore, the device control device 130 can improve the operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Fourteenth embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control device according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, the equipment control device 150 mounted in the car 960 includes a voice input means 151 such as a microphone for inputting voice, and a voice input means 15.
1, a video input unit 156 such as a camera for inputting a video, a semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit 152, and an input by the video input unit 156. An operation content determining unit 153 that determines the operation content of a plurality of external devices 923 and 924 mounted in the vehicle 960 at a remote location based on the image thus obtained, and the external device 923 determined by the operation content determining unit 153. Alternatively, the external device 923 or a communication unit 154 for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 924 to the external device 923 or the external device 924 according to the operation content of the external device 924 includes the external device 923 or the external device 924. Is controlled. Note that examples of the external devices 923 and 924 include a car navigation device and a car audio device.

Further, the equipment control device 150 includes a moving means 155 for changing the position by moving on a rail 961 installed on the ceiling surface of the car 960. Here, the operation content determination means 153 is
Contents recognized by the image input means 15
6 based on the video input by the
Is determined.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters a voice, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 151 and passed to the voice recognition means 152. Next, the voice recognition unit 152 recognizes the meaning of the received voice, and passes the recognized meaning to the operation content determination unit 153. The video input unit 156 inputs a state around the device control device 150 as a video, and outputs the input video to the operation content determination unit 15.
Pass to 3. Next, the operation content determination unit 153 determines the operation content of the external device 923 or the external device 924 based on the provided semantic content and video, and passes the determined operation content to the communication unit 154. Next, the communication unit 154 communicates with the external device 923 or the external device 9 according to the transferred operation content.
A control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 24 is transmitted to the external device 923 or the external device 924. Then, the external device 923 or the external device 924 receives the transmitted control signal, and operates based on the received control signal.

Further, as described in each of the above embodiments, the operation content determining means 153 can also control the movement of the device control device 150 by the moving means 155 itself.

As described above, the device control device 150
Means that the device control device 150 itself can move, and even if the user cannot freely move his / her body, the external device 923 or the external device 92 at a remote place can be moved.
4 can be controlled. Therefore, the device control device 150 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device. [Fifteenth Embodiment]

First, the configuration of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 24, a device control device 160 having an appearance simulating the shape of a living thing, for example, an elephant, includes a sound input means 161 such as a microphone for inputting sound, and a sound input by the sound input means 161. Voice recognition means 162 for recognizing the meaning content of the image, video input means 166 such as a camera for inputting a video, and the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means 162 and the video input by the video input means 166. Operation content determining means 163 for determining the operation content of external device 925 at a remote location
And a communication unit 164 for communicating a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 925 to the external device 925 in accordance with the operation content of the external device 925 determined by the operation content determining unit 163. Is controlled.

The device control device 160 includes a moving unit 165 for changing the position by moving, a collecting unit 167 for collecting dust, and a storage unit 168 for storing the dust collected by the collecting unit 167. And
The moving means 165 is configured to include four feet, as shown in FIG. Here, the operation content determining means 163
Is the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means 162,
The operation contents of the moving unit 165, the collecting unit 167, and the storing unit 168 are determined based on the video input by the video input unit 166.

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the user utters a voice, the uttered voice is input by the voice input means 161 and passed to the voice recognition means 162. Next, the voice recognition unit 162 recognizes the meaning of the received voice, and passes the recognized meaning to the operation content determination unit 163. The video input means 166 inputs a state around the device control device 160 as a video, and inputs the input video to the operation content determination means 16.
Pass to 3. Next, the operation content determination unit 163 determines the operation content of the external device 925 based on the passed semantic content and video, and passes the determined operation content to the communication unit 164. Next, the communication unit 164 transmits a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device 925 to the external device 925 according to the transferred operation content. Then, the external device 925 receives the transmitted control signal and operates based on the received control signal.

Further, the device control device 160 can collect and accumulate dust. For example, first, the user
When "clean up" is uttered, the uttered voice is input by voice input means 161 and passed to voice recognition means 162. Next, the voice recognition unit 162 recognizes the meaning of the passed voice, that is, the content “the user wants to clean”, and passes the recognized meaning to the operation content determination unit 163. Next, the operation content determining means 1
63 determines that the voice generated by the user is related to the operation of the device control device 160 itself, based on the passed semantic content, and determines the operation content of the device control device 160 itself, that is, “collection unit 167”. Collecting garbage by
Storing the trash collected by the storage unit 168 "is determined, and the determined operation content is collected by the collection unit 167.
And to the storage means 168. Then, the collection unit 167 and the accumulation unit 168 clean the surroundings of the device control device 160 itself according to the transferred operation content.

Further, as described in each of the above embodiments, the operation content determining means 163 can also perform control for moving the equipment control device 160 itself by the moving means 165.

As described above, the device control device 160
Can move by itself, and can control the operation of the external device 925 at a remote location even in a situation where the user cannot move his body freely. Further, the device control device 160 can clean the surroundings.
Therefore, the device control device 160 can improve operability as compared with the conventional device control device.

[0160]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Even in situations where the user cannot move freely,
It is possible to provide a device control device capable of controlling the operation of an external device at a remote place and improving operability as compared with a conventional device control device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a second embodiment;

4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to an eighth embodiment.

12A is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG. 11 before a telephone call is connected, and FIG. 12B is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG. 11 after a call is connected.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a ninth embodiment.

14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to an eleventh embodiment.

17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a twelfth embodiment.

19A is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG. 18 before checking the weather, and FIG. 19B is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG. 18 after checking the weather.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a device control device according to a thirteenth embodiment.

21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the device control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is an external perspective view of a vehicle equipped with the device control device according to the fourteenth embodiment.

23 is an external view of the device control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a device control device according to a fifteenth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 9
1, 101, 111, 121, 131, 151, 161
Voice input means 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 9
2, 102, 112, 122, 132, 152, 162
Voice recognition means 901-911, 916, 918, 923-925
External equipment 13,23,33,43,53,63,73,83,9
3, 103, 113, 123, 133, 153, 163
Operation content determining means 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 9
4, 104, 114, 124, 134, 154, 164
Communication means 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 9
0, 100, 110, 120, 130, 150, 160
Equipment control device 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 9
5, 105, 115, 125, 135, 155, 165
Moving means 26, 86, 126, 139 Voice output means 27, 87, 127, 140 Voice synthesis means 36 Operation content display means 46, 141 Video output means 56, 137 Sensor unit 66, 76, 136, 156, 166 Video input means 77, 138 Arm part 96 Arrival direction detecting means 106 Current position detecting means 107 Communication state detecting means 108 Communication state recording means 167 Collection means 960 Vehicle

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G10L 13/00 H04M 11/00 301 15/28 G10L 3/00 R 15/18 Q 15/00 511 H04M 11 / 00 301 537Z 551F 551G F-term (for reference) 2C150 AA12 AA14 CA02 DF01 DJ08 DK02 ED42 ED49 EE01 EF16 EF21 EF23 EF28 EF29 EF30 EF33 FA01 FA02 5D015 AA05 KK01 KK02 KK04 5D01K05 BB04 DBA5 NN37

Claims (16)

[Claims] A voice input unit for inputting a voice; a voice recognition unit for recognizing a meaning of the voice input by the voice input unit; and a voice recognition unit based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit. An operation content determining means for determining the operation content of the external device at a remote location, and a control signal for controlling the operation of the external device according to the operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determining means, A communication device for controlling the operation of the external device, comprising: a movement device for changing a position by moving, wherein the operation content determination device is recognized by the voice recognition device. An apparatus control device, wherein the operation content of the moving means is determined based on the semantic content. 2. A sound output unit for outputting a sound, and a sound representing an operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination unit, and a sound for outputting the synthesized voice to the audio output unit. The device control device according to claim 1, further comprising a combining unit. 3. The device control device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation content display unit that displays an operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination unit. 4. An image output means for outputting an image, wherein the image output means outputs the operation content of the external device determined by the operation content determination means as an image. 3. The device control device according to any one of 3. 5. A sensor unit for detecting at least one of temperature, luminosity, sound pressure, smell, taste, movement, position, direction, and speed, wherein the operation content determining means is provided by the voice recognition means. The device control according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation content of the external device and the moving unit is determined based on the recognized meaning content and a detection result of the sensor unit. apparatus. 6. An image input unit for inputting an image, wherein the operation content determining unit is configured to perform the operation based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit and the image input by the image input unit. The operation contents of an external device and the moving means are determined.
6. The device control device according to any one of 5. 7. An arm unit for grasping an object, wherein the operation content determining unit is configured to detect the arm unit based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition unit and a video input by the video input unit. The device control device according to claim 6, wherein the operation content of (1) is determined. 8. An arrival direction detection means for detecting an arrival direction of the sound input by the sound input means, wherein the operation content determination means includes the meaning content recognized by the speech recognition means, and the arrival The apparatus control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein operation contents of the external device and the moving unit are determined based on an arrival direction detected by a direction detection unit. 9. A current position detecting means for detecting a current position, a communication state detecting means for detecting a communication state between the external device and the communication means, and a detection of the current position detecting means and the communication state detecting means. Communication state recording means for recording a result, wherein the operation content determination means, based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means and the detection result recorded by the communication state recording means, The operation content of the moving means is determined so that a communication state between a device and the communication means moves to a position where the communication state is better than a predetermined communication state. An apparatus control device according to any one of the above. 10. A collecting means for collecting garbage, wherein the operation content determining means determines the operation content of the collecting means based on the semantic content recognized by the voice recognition means. The device control device according to claim 1. 11. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit performs at least one of audio and video communication with the external device. 12. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein operations of the plurality of external devices are controlled. 13. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the device control device controls an operation of the external device connected to a network. 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the external device connected to the Internet is controlled.
The device control device according to any one of the above. 15. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the device control device is installed in a vehicle and controls an operation of the external device installed in the vehicle. 16. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the appearance has a shape simulating the shape of a living thing.