JP2003114794A - Operation guide device, and operation guide method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation guide device, and an operation guide method to output a more proper operation guide corresponding to the degree of operation skill or the liking of a user. SOLUTION: Operations for a device are classified to plural categories for each operation content to output operation guides by voice. As a cancel switch 11b is pushed while the operation guide by voice is outputted, a value of an interrupt counter 17c is increased. When the value exceeds a prescribed value, the user is questioned if a guide mode for the beginner is to be changed into a guide mode for the skilled or not. In case the user affirms that, it is changed to the guide mode for the skilled. A final operation date is stored in a recording part 17a. When a prescribed period has passed after the final operation date, the user is questioned if the guide mode for the skilled is to be changed into the guide mode for the beginner or not. When the user affirms it, it is changed to the guide mode for the beginner.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation guide device and an operation guide method for sequentially guiding an operation method of a device in accordance with an operation procedure, and in particular, an operation guide device for changing the guide method according to a user's operation skill. And an operation guidance method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, voice recognition technology has been remarkably developed and has been used in various fields. For example, in many on-vehicle navigation devices, operations such as destination setting and screen switching can be performed by voice. In addition, there is a device in which an in-vehicle device such as an air conditioner or an audio device can be operated by voice.

Many voice recognition devices used in vehicle-mounted navigation devices use an interactive interface because they can be easily used by first-time users.
In a voice recognition device using an interactive interface, for example, when searching for a desired facility from an address, "Please enter the prefecture name. You can enter the prefecture name and the city designated by the Cabinet Order." A message like this is output by voice, and when searching for the nearest facility, "A nearby convenience store,
You can enter the nearest bank etc. A message such as “” is output by voice, and when the operation menu screen is displayed, a message such as “It is possible to enter information such as setting the destination and viewing facility information.” Is output by voice, and the user Prompt for voice input. In this way, a device that guides the next operation through the dialog side interface is called an operation guide device.

The interactive interface has an advantage that even a first-time user can understand the operation of the device by performing operation guidance by voice or screen, but has a drawback that a user who is familiar with the operation method is tedious and troublesome.
Therefore, there is an operation guide device that allows the user to switch between the operation guide for beginners and the operation guide for experienced users. In this type of operation guidance device, for example, if the guidance method is set for beginners, the operation method is guided in detail, and if it is set for the expert, only the essential points are briefly explained.

[0005]

As described above, even in the conventional operation guide device, for example, the guide for beginners and the guide for skilled users can be switched depending on the degree of familiarity with the operation method of the user. However, in the conventional operation guidance device, if the guidance method is set for the expert, all the guidance will be for the expert, so if you are familiar with one operation but not another, use it instead. It has the drawback of being difficult.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-22370, for example, in the case of a system in which a CD reproducing function, an MD reproducing function, a radio receiving function and the like are integrated, the degree of familiarity (the number of operations) of the user is judged for each function. It is described that the operation guide is changed from beginner's to expert's. However, with the operation guidance device of JP 2001-22370 A, once it is determined that the user is accustomed to the operation, detailed guidance (beginner's guidance) cannot be received thereafter. Therefore, if you forget the operation method without using the function for a long time, you have to use a method such as returning the entire system to the initial state, and then all the functions will be a guide for beginners. .

An object of the present invention is to provide an operation guidance device and an operation guidance method for outputting more appropriate operation guidance according to the degree of user's familiarity with operation and preference.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The above-mentioned problems are data input in which data is input by a user in an operation guidance device that classifies device operations into a plurality of categories for each operation content and outputs operation guidance by voice. Section, a voice guidance data storage section that stores voice guidance data, and a voice output that outputs voice guidance data by converting the voice guidance data extracted from the voice guidance data storage section into an analog voice signal. Unit, a cancel switch that is pressed when canceling the operation guide by voice, a skill level storage unit that stores the skill level for each category, and a counter unit that stores the number of times the cancel switch is pressed for each category. And acquiring the data input by the user via the data input unit and storing the skill level for each category. Data for audio guidance corresponding to the stored proficiency extracted from the voice guidance data storing section, the
A control unit that provides operation guidance by voice through the voice output unit, wherein the control unit regulates the number of times the cancel switch is pressed when the skill level stored in the skill level storage unit is beginner. When the number of times is equal to or more than the number of times, the skill level of the skill level storage unit is changed to a skill level to provide a motion guidance for the skill level, which is solved by the operation guidance device.

The above problem is that the operation guide of the equipment is classified into a plurality of categories according to the operation contents, the number of times the cancel switch is pressed during the operation guide is stored for each category, and the cancel switch in the category is pressed. When the number of times exceeds the specified number, the operation guidance method is characterized in that the guidance of the category is changed from beginner's guidance to expert's guidance.

According to the present invention, the number of times the user cancels (skips) the voice guidance during the voice guidance is stored for each category, and when the number of times exceeds a prescribed number of times, the guidance method (guidance) Change the mode).
Therefore, even if the user is familiar with the operation, if the user wants detailed guidance (that is, if the voice guidance is not canceled), the guidance method is not changed and the detailed guidance is always provided by voice. Is obtained. Further, when the user desires brief guidance, the voice guidance is canceled a prescribed number of times or more, so that the user is regarded as an expert and the brief guidance is provided.

As described above, the operation guide device according to the present invention reflects the user's preference and obtains the operability suitable for the user's preference. Moreover, in the present invention, since the guide mode can be changed for each category, it is possible to more finely reflect the degree of user's familiarity with operation and preference.

Furthermore, by providing a history section for storing the last operation date and time, and changing the skill level from expert to beginner when the current time and date has passed a specified period from the last operation time and date,
It will provide operation guidance for beginners. Therefore, even in the case of a category in which the user has forgotten to use the method for a long time and has forgotten the operation method, detailed guidance for beginners can be received again.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an operation guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is applied to the interface of a vehicle-mounted navigation device.

The operation guide device of the present invention comprises an operation section 11 and
A voice recognition unit 12, a microphone 13, a voice output unit 14,
The speaker 15, the control unit 16, the data storage unit 17 for each category, and the voice guidance database 18 are connected to the navigation device body 20.
In addition, the navigation device body 20 includes a display device 21.
Are connected.

The operation unit 11 is provided with various operation switches for operating the navigation device,
A talk switch 11a for setting ON / OFF of the voice operation guidance function and a cancel switch 11b for canceling (skipping) the voice guidance during the voice guidance.
It is included.

The voice recognition unit 12 performs voice recognition processing on the voice input from the microphone 13 and converts it into character data (or a corresponding code). The control unit 16 uses the voice recognition unit 12
The user's instruction (command) or data is recognized based on the character data output from the device and transmitted to the navigation device body 20. In addition, the control unit 16 searches the voice guidance database 18 according to the signal from the navigation device body 20, extracts predetermined voice guidance data according to the situation, and outputs it to the voice output unit 14. Voice output unit 14
Converts the voice guidance data into an analog voice signal and supplies it to the speaker 15. This allows the speaker 15
A predetermined message is output by voice from.

The data storage unit 17 for each category includes a history unit 17a for storing the last date and time when the operation is performed for each category and a skill level storage unit for storing the skill level (beginner / expert) of the user for each category. 17b and an interrupt counter 17c that stores the number of times the cancel switch 11b is pressed for each category.

When the skill level stored in the skill level storage unit 17b is beginner, the control unit 16 provides detailed guidance for the beginner. Further, when the skill level stored in the skill level storage unit 17b is the skill level, the control unit 16 provides a simple guide of only the essential points by setting the guidance method for the skill level. Further, when the cancel switch 11b is pressed while outputting the voice guidance, the control unit 16 increments the count value of the interrupt counter 17c by +1. Furthermore, the control unit 16 is
The last operation date and time is stored in the history unit 17a for each category.

The navigation device body 20 includes a DVD
-Map database stored in ROM etc. and GPS
A (Global Positioning System) receiver, a gyro, and a mileage sensor (none are shown) are provided. Then, the navigation device body 20 detects the current position of the vehicle by these GPS receiver, gyro, and mileage sensor, and displays a map image around the current position of the vehicle on the display device 21. Further, when the destination is set by the user, the navigation device body 20 uses the current position of the vehicle as a starting point, searches for an optimum route (guide route) from the starting point to the destination, and follows the route. The guide information is appropriately output on the screen of the display device 21 or by voice so that the vehicle travels.

When the count value of the interrupt counter 17c exceeds a specified value, the control unit 16 inquires of the user as to whether or not to change the guidance method from beginner's to expert's, as will be described later, and the user consents. Skill level storage 17
The skill level stored in b is changed to a skill level, and the guidance method is changed from a beginner level to a skill level accordingly. In the present embodiment, when the count value of the interrupt counter 17c is 4 or more, the control unit 16 inquires of the user whether or not to change the guidance method from beginner to expert.

If the current date and time has passed the specified operation date and time since the last operation date and time stored in the history section 17a, the control section 16 changes the guidance method from expert to beginner. When the user is inquired whether or not the consent is given, the skill level stored in the skill level storage unit 17b is changed from the expert level to the beginner level, and accordingly, the guidance method is changed to the beginner level. In the present embodiment, when the current date and time is one month or more after the last operation date and time stored in the history unit 17a, the control unit 16 guides the user from expert to beginner. Inquire whether to change.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an outline of a voice operation guide method according to the present embodiment. However, in order to simplify the explanation, here the category is address search,
It is assumed that there are only three types, facility search and telephone number search.

In step S11, the control unit 16 monitors whether the talk switch 11a is on or off. When the talk switch 11a is off, voice operation guidance and voice recognition are not performed.

When the talk switch 11a is turned on, the process proceeds to step S12, and voice command input guidance is provided. Specifically, a message such as "Please speak the command." Is output by voice, and then an electronic sound "Pip." Is generated.

On the other hand, the category desired by the user,
That is, when pronounced "address search", "phone number search" or "facility search", the voice recognition process is executed. Then, the process moves to step S13, and the control unit 16 recognizes the category designated by the user.

After that, the process proceeds to any one of steps S14a, S14b, and S14c according to the recognized category, and the user is prompted to input data while operating guidance by voice, and all the necessary data are input. Perform a search.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing data input by the dialog side interface after category recognition. However, in the initial state, the history unit 17a is blank, the skill level stored in the skill level storage unit 17b is beginner, and the value of the interrupt counter 17c is 0.

In step S21, the control unit 16 checks the skill level of the category stored in the skill level storage unit 17b. When the skill level is beginner, the process proceeds to step S22, and when the skill level is skilled, the process proceeds to step S34. In the initial state, the skill level is set to beginner, so step S2
The process moves from 1 to step S22.

In step S22, the interrupt counter 1
It is determined whether the count value of 7c is 4 (specified value) or more. In the initial state, the count value of the counter 17c is 0, so the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, detailed operation guidance by voice is started. Specific examples of guidance for beginners and experts will be described later, but this voice guidance allows the user to know what operation to do next.

At the same time when the voice operation guide is started in step S23, the process proceeds to step S24 and the presence / absence of depression of the cancel switch 11b is monitored until the operation guide ends. Cancel switch 11 during operation guidance
If b is pressed, the process proceeds from step S24 to step S29, and if the cancel switch 11b is not pressed, the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25. Here, the cancel switch 11b is not pressed until the operation guidance ends, and the steps S24 to S2 are performed.
Suppose that it has moved to 5.

In step S25, the user selects the microphone 13
Pronounce toward. Then, the process proceeds to step S26 and the voice recognition process is performed. In step S27,
It is determined whether or not the voice recognition process is completed, that is, whether or not all the data necessary for the facility search are prepared. If not, the process returns to step S21.

In this way, the address, genre, etc. of the facility are sequentially input through the interactive interface. Step S
When it is determined that the input of all data is completed in 27, the process proceeds from step S27 to step S28, and the facility is searched under the given conditions. The above is the basic operation procedure in the beginner mode.

In step S24, if the cancel switch 11b is pressed during the voice guidance, step S24
29, and the count value of the interrupt counter 17c is incremented by +1 (increment). Then, step S30
To stop the voice guidance. Then, step S25
Wait for user's voice input.

In this way, the interrupt counter 17c
The count value of is incremented by 1 each time the cancel switch 11b is pressed. When the count value of the interrupt counter 17c becomes 4 (specified value) or more, the process proceeds from step S22 to step S31. In step S31, the user is inquired whether to change the guidance method from the beginner's mode (beginner mode) to the expert's mode (expert mode). Here, if the user accepts the change of the guidance mode for the expert, the process proceeds to step S32, and the skill storage unit 1
The skill level stored in 7b is changed to a skill level. Then, the process proceeds to step S25 to wait for the voice input by the user without providing detailed voice guidance.

When the user rejects the change to the expert mode in step S31, the process proceeds to step S33 and the value of the interrupt counter 17c is cleared. Then, the process proceeds to step S23, and voice guidance is given.

The guide mode may be automatically changed from beginner's mode to expert's mode without inquiring the user. In this case, it is preferable to notify the user that the guidance mode has been changed for the expert by voice or the like.

When the skill level set in the skill level storage unit 17b is the skill level, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S34. Then, it is checked whether one month (regulated period) or more has passed since the facility search by the category was finally performed. When the current date and time has not passed one month or more since the last operation date and time stored in the history section 17a, the date and time recorded in the history section 17a is changed to the current date and time, and then steps S34 to S25.
Then, the process waits for a voice input by the user without performing voice guidance.

In step S34, the current date and time is recorded in the history portion 17
When it is determined that one month or more has passed since the last operation date and time stored in a, the last operation date and time recorded in the history portion 17a is changed to the current date and time, and then the process proceeds to step S35. . In step S35, the user is inquired whether or not to change the guidance mode from the expert mode to the beginner mode. When the user approves, the guidance mode is changed to the beginner mode, and the process proceeds to step S23 to give detailed voice guidance. When the user rejects the change to the beginner mode in step S35, the history unit 17a
After changing the last operation date and time stored in the current date and time to step S25.

In the present embodiment, since the user's skill level is stored for each category, detailed voice guidance is not provided for categories in which the user is accustomed to operation, and detailed voice guidance is provided for categories that are not used. To do. Therefore,
The user does not hesitate to operate, and the redundant voice guidance can be omitted to enable quick operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the skill level of the user is determined by pressing the cancel switch 11b, the user's preference is reflected in comparison with the case where the skill level is simply determined by the number of times the operation is performed. For example, even if the user is familiar with the operation, the user can receive detailed operation guidance by voice if desired.

Further, in the present embodiment, the last operation date and time is stored for each category, and after the lapse of a specified period from the last operation date and time, it is possible to select again whether or not the guide mode is for beginners. Therefore, even if the operation method is forgotten for a long time and the operation method is forgotten, it is not necessary to initialize the entire apparatus, and only the desired category can be returned to the beginner mode. In this case, the threshold value (prescribed number) of the interrupt counter 17c may be reduced when changing from the beginner mode to the expert mode after the second time. For example, the interrupt counter 1 can be used as a condition for changing the guide mode from beginner to expert for the first time in a certain category.
The value of 7c is set to 3 or more, and the condition for changing the guidance mode from beginner to expert for the second time and thereafter is set to 2 or more in the interrupt counter 17c.

FIG. 5 shows an example of voice guidance in the beginner mode and expert mode at the time of address search according to the present embodiment, and an example of voice input by the user according to the guidance.

As shown in FIG. 5, the talk switch 1
The voice guidance after pressing 1a is the same ("Tell me a command"), but after that, in the beginner mode, the user's input is repeatedly confirmed and the item to be input next is guided. On the other hand, in expert mode,
It only confirms the user's voice input repeatedly, and does not guide the user to input the next item.

FIG. 6 shows an example of voice guidance in the beginner mode and expert mode at the time of facility search according to the present embodiment, and an example of user's voice input according to the guidance.

Also in this case, in the beginner mode, the user's input is repeatedly confirmed and the item to be input next is guided. On the other hand, in the expert mode, the user's voice input is only repeatedly confirmed, and guidance for the item to be input next is not performed.

In the above embodiment, a series of operation contents at the time of address search, a series of operation contents at the time of facility search, and a series of operation contents at the time of telephone number search are set as categories. It is not limited to this. For example, in the case of an in-vehicle audio / navigation system integrating a CD player, an MD player, a radio tuner and a navigation device, a CD player,
The operation contents of the MD player, radio tuner, and navigation device may be used as categories, and in the case of the address search shown in FIG. 5, the prefecture name (or the government-designated city) is input, the municipality name is input, and the place name is input. The operation contents (each step) such as the input of the address may be used as the category.

[0049]

As described above, according to the operation guidance device and the operation guidance method of the present invention, the number of times the user cancels the voice guidance during the voice guidance is stored for each category, and this number of times is stored. When the number of times exceeds the specified number of times, the guidance method is changed, so even if the user is familiar with the operation, if the user wants detailed guidance, the guidance method is not changed, and the details are always given by voice. You can get information. Also, if the user wants a brief guide,
By canceling the voice guidance more than the specified number of times, it is regarded as an expert and a brief guidance is given. Further, in the present invention, since the guidance mode can be changed for each category, it is possible to provide appropriate operation guidance according to the degree of user's familiarity with operation and preference.

Further, according to the operation guide device and the operation guide method of the present invention, a history section for storing the last operation date and time is provided,
By changing the skill level from expert to beginner when the current date and time has passed the specified period from the last operation date and time, operation guidance for beginners is provided. Therefore, even in the case of a category in which the user has forgotten to use the method for a long time and has forgotten the operation method, detailed guidance for beginners can be received again.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an operation guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a voice operation guidance method according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing data input by the dialog side interface after category recognition.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing data input by the dialog side interface after category recognition.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of voice guidance in a beginner mode and an expert mode at the time of address search, and an example of user's voice input according to the guidance.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of voice guidance in a beginner mode and an expert mode at the time of facility search and an example of voice input by a user following the guidance.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... operation part, 11a ... soak switch, 11b ... Cancel switch, 12 ... voice recognition unit, 13 ... Mike, 14 ... voice output section, 15 ... speaker, 16 ... control unit, 17 ... Data storage section for each category, 17a ... history section, 17b ... Skill level storage section, 17c ... interrupt counter, 18 ... Voice guidance database, 20 ... navigation device body, 21 ... Display device.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G10L 15/28 G10L 3/00 551Q // G01C 21/00 571K G08G 1/0969 5/02 J F term ( Reference) 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB13 AC01 AC02 AC09 AC14 AC18 5D015 AA04 BB01 KK02 KK04 LL11 5D045 AB17 5H180 AA01 BB13 FF04 FF05 FF22 FF25 FF27 FF32

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A data input unit for inputting data by a user in an operation guidance device for classifying device operations into a plurality of categories according to operation contents and outputting operation guidance by voice, and storing voice guidance data. A voice guidance data storage unit, a voice output unit for converting voice guidance data extracted from the voice guidance data storage unit into an analog voice signal and outputting voice guidance, and the voice guidance. A cancel switch that is pressed when canceling, a skill level storage unit that stores the skill level for each category, a counter unit that stores the number of times the cancel switch is pressed for each category, and the data input unit The data input by the user is acquired, and according to the skill level stored in the skill level storage unit for each category. A voice guidance data is extracted from the voice guidance data storage unit, and a control unit that provides voice operation guidance via the voice output unit is provided, and the control unit is stored in the skill level storage unit. When the number of times the cancel switch is pressed exceeds a specified value when the skill level is a beginner, the skill level in the skill level storage unit is changed to a skill level to provide operation guidance for the skill level. Operation guide device. 2. A history section for storing the last operation date and time for each of the categories, wherein the control section provides the skill when the current date and time has passed a specified period from the date and time stored in the storage section. The operation guide device according to claim 1, wherein the degree is changed from an expert to a beginner. 3. The operation guide device according to claim 1, wherein the data input unit recognizes the voice of the user as voice and outputs the data as data. 4. The device operation guide is classified into a plurality of categories according to operation contents, and the number of times the cancel switch is pressed during operation guide is stored for each category, and the number of times the cancel switch is pressed in the category is specified. When the number of times exceeds, the operation guidance method is characterized in that the guidance of the category is changed from beginner to expert. 5. The last date and time when an operation of the category is performed is stored for each category, and when the current date and time has passed a stipulated period from the last date and time, guidance for the category is provided for experienced users to beginners. 5. The operation guidance method according to claim 4, wherein the operation guidance method is changed to. 6. The change of the guidance from the expert to the beginner is performed after the user's consent.
Or the operation guidance method described in 5.