JP2003225875A - Pet robot, and pet robot training support system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pet robot, and a pet robot training support system capable of improving amusement performance. <P>SOLUTION: This pet robot comprises a body provided with at least either a head 2 or legs 3, 4, and 5, and an artificial intelligence part capable of learning action patterns and emotion generating patterns in accordance with handling by a user, and generating action and emotion based on the result of learning. The pet robot has a reformation demand generating means to generate a demand for reformation when a preset stage of growth attaining condition is satisfied. Receiving a request from the user based on the demand for reformation, at least one of various functions of the pet robot can be reformed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pet robot and a pet robot support system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of pet robot, which is used as a toy for pets, is able to learn, grow, and act autonomously while communicating with the user based on the built-in artificial intelligence. The behavior pattern can be changed by the judgment of.

That is, this type of pet robot is
It has been proposed in the past to have a learning function so as to acquire a personality that shows individuality, an emotional expression pattern, and the like in behavior patterns.

The pet robot's personality and emotion expression pattern and instinctive behavior patterns such as love desire, exercise desire, charging desire, etc. are variously expressed with rich individuality according to the handling and raising by the user. Has become.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved] However, in the conventional technology, only the emotional expression pattern and the behavior pattern appearing in the behavior pattern of the pet robot have been virtually grown.

Therefore, since the exercise ability is not significantly improved or the form is changed depending on the raising method, there is a limit to the fun of the user raising the pet robot as the owner.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pet type robot and a breeding support system for a pet type robot capable of enhancing entertainment.

[0008]

In order to solve this problem, the present invention has a torso part having at least one of a head and a limb, and provides an action pattern and an emotion expression pattern according to the handling by the user. A pet type robot having an artificial intelligence part that learns and expresses actions and emotions based on the learning result, wherein the pet type robot is
When the preset step growth condition reaching condition is reached, it has a modification request expressing means for expressing a modification request, and upon receiving a request from the user based on the modification request, various functions of the pet robot are At least one is configured to be modifiable.

Further, the present invention provides a pet robot according to claim 1, further comprising a control means, wherein the control means comprises:
It has the artificial intelligence part and a motion control part that controls autonomous motion of at least one of the body part, the head part and the limb part, and is equipped with a power source for the autonomous motion.

Further, the present invention provides the pet robot according to claim 2, further comprising a sensor for detecting an external environment, and the control means controls the autonomous movement based on a detection result of the sensor. It is configured as follows.

Further, according to the present invention, in the pet robot according to the second aspect, at least a part of the body, head and limbs is replaceable, and the modification of the function based on the modification request is made. At least a part of the body part, the head part and the limb part is replaced with another part having a new form corresponding to virtual growth.

The present invention also provides a pet robot according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pet robot is
After modification based on the modification request, when further reaching a preset step growth period reaching condition, it has a new modification request expression means for expressing the modification request, and a request from the user based on the modification request In response, at least one of the various functions of the pet robot is modifiable.

The present invention provides the pet robot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stepwise growth period reaching condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the user started using the pet robot. , And one of the elapse of a predetermined time from the modification processing time point.

Further, the present invention provides the pet robot according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the stepwise growth period reaching condition is a power source from the time when the user starts using the pet robot. It is determined based on one of the usage status and the usage status of the power source from the time of the modification processing.

Further, the present invention provides the pet robot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stepwise growth period reaching condition is associated with handling by the user of the pet robot from the start of use. It is determined based on the information acquired by the above and the information acquired by the handling from the time of the modification processing.

According to the present invention, in the pet robot according to any one of claims 2 to 8, the modification request expressing means is expressed in a state in which the action pattern by the autonomous movement is in a reduced activity. It is composed of.

Further, according to the present invention, in the pet type robot according to any one of claims 2 to 9, the pet type robot is provided with the power source for the autonomous movement in excess of the amount required for the autonomous movement. In addition, even if the required driving force after the modification process is larger than that before the modification process, it is possible to cope with the increase.

According to the present invention, in the pet type robot according to any one of claims 4 to 10, the autonomous movement ability becomes higher than that before the modification, in accordance with the modification. .

Further, the present invention provides the pet robot according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the part to be replaced has scratches or dirt similar to scratches or dirt on the outer surface of the part before replacement. Is formed.

Further, the present invention provides the pet robot according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the shape of the head is changed to a specific facial shape desired by the user when the parts of the head are changed. It is an approximation.

The present invention is the pet robot according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the modification of the function based on the modification request increases the sensitivity of the sensor.

According to the present invention, in the pet robot according to any one of claims 4 to 14, the modification of the function based on the modification request is performed before the modification of the limit of the motor ability in the autonomous motor function. Is also high.

The present invention is the pet-type robot upbringing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the pet-type robot has a request from the user based on a modification request. Based on the growth information from the control means, it has a support means for discriminating and notifying a means for modifying at least one of the functions of the pet robot.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first invention of the present invention has a body part having at least one of a head and a limb, and learns a behavior pattern and an emotion expression pattern in accordance with a handling by a user. A pet-type robot having an artificial intelligence part that acts and expresses emotions based on a learning result, wherein the pet-type robot expresses a change request when a preset step growth period reaching condition is reached. The pet robot has at least one of the functions of the pet robot, which has a request expression means and can be modified in response to a request from the user based on the modification request. Change at least one function, such as changing the form of the virtual form to be virtually grown, or changing the behavioral ability to be agile. Since it is, it can go a pet robot morphologically or ability to grow.

The second pet robot of the present invention is the first pet robot.
In the pet type robot of the invention, the control means is provided,
The control means includes the artificial intelligence unit and a motion control unit that controls autonomous motion of at least one of the body, head, and limbs, and is equipped with a power source for the autonomous motion. Although it is a thing that can take various behavior patterns by autonomous movement,
Since it is possible to change at least one function of the pet robot based on the modification request, it is more interesting to grow the pet robot.

The third pet robot of the present invention is the second pet robot.
In the pet robot of the invention described above, a sensor for detecting an external environment is provided, and the control means is configured to control the autonomous movement based on a detection result of the sensor. Although the self-sustaining movement can change in a variety of ways, it is possible to change at least one function of the pet robot based on the modification request. Become.

The fourth pet robot of the present invention is the second pet robot.
In the pet robot of the invention of the above, at least a part of the body, head and limbs is configured to be replaceable, and the modification of the function based on the modification request is made from the body, head and limbs. At least a part of it is to be replaced with a new form corresponding to virtual growth with respect to other parts, so that the form of the pet robot will be larger than before the modification. It can be seen from the appearance that it has grown into.

The fifth pet type robot of the present invention is the first pet type robot.
In the pet robot according to any one of the third to fourth inventions, the pet robot expresses a modification request after modification based on the modification request and further when a preset step growth period reaching condition is reached. In addition to having a new modification request expression means, at least one of the functions of the pet robot can be modified in response to a request from the user based on the modification request. , It becomes possible to modify the function of the pet robot multiple times, and the pet robot can be made to grow in stages.

The sixth pet robot of the present invention is the first pet robot.
In the pet robot according to any one of the fifth to fifth inventions, the stepwise growth period reaching condition is that a predetermined time elapses from a start point of use of the pet robot by the user, and a predetermined time from the modification processing point. It is determined based on one of the progress, based on a predetermined elapsed time from the start of use of the pet robot or the modification processing time of the desired function, the stepwise growth period reaching condition is determined. Therefore, after the lapse of the predetermined time, a state prompting to modify the desired function of the pet robot is developed, and the modification is performed based on this.

The seventh pet robot of the present invention is the second pet robot.
In the pet robot according to any one of the fifth to fifth inventions, the stepwise growth period reaching condition is that the power source is used from the time when the user starts using the pet robot, and the condition is changed from the modification processing time. It is decided based on one of the usage conditions of the power source, and based on the usage conditions of the power source, for example, when the power is used for a certain amount or more, it is assumed that the condition for reaching the stepwise growth period is reached. As a result, a state that encourages modification of the desired function of the pet robot is developed, and the modification is performed based on that.

The eighth pet robot of the present invention is the first pet robot.
In the pet robot according to any one of the fifth to fifth inventions, the condition for reaching the stepwise growth period is the information acquired along with the handling of the pet robot from the start point of use by the user, and the modification process. It is decided based on the information acquired by handling the pet robot from the time, and the information acquired by handling the pet robot, for example, the intellectual ability, personality, and emotion expression mode of the pet robot are predetermined. In the above state, since it can be considered that the stepwise growth period reaching condition has been reached, by this, a state prompting to modify the desired function of the pet robot will be expressed, and based on it The modification will be made.

The ninth pet robot of the present invention is the second pet robot.
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in the pet robot according to any one of the eighth to eighth aspects, the modification request expressing means is configured such that the behavior pattern due to the autonomous movement is expressed in a state of reduced activity. The user has the impression that the pet robot has become sick, and for example, the pet robot is requested to be repaired by the manufacturer's service center, and the pet center is requested at the service center. The desired function of the robot is modified.

A tenth pet-type robot of the present invention is the pet-type robot according to any one of the second to ninth inventions, wherein the pet-type robot uses a power source for the autonomous movement as much as necessary for the autonomous movement. It is configured to be able to handle even if the required driving force after the modification process increases more than before modification, as well as when it is mounted excessively, and thereby even when modifying the autonomous motor function. The power source can be continuously used as a power source for the modified autonomous movement without changing the power source.

An eleventh pet-type robot of the present invention is the pet-type robot according to any one of the fourth to tenth aspects of the invention, wherein the autonomous movement ability is higher than that before the alteration in accordance with the alteration. By improving the ability of autonomous movement from before the modification, the user is
You can make the pet robot feel like it has grown.

A twelfth pet-type robot of the present invention is the pet-type robot according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the part to be replaced has scratches or stains on the outer surface before the replacement. It forms similar scratches and stains, which makes it possible to imitate the same thing as if it had grown even though it was exchanged, making it feel as if the pet robot grew while maintaining its identity. be able to.

A thirteenth pet-type robot of the present invention is the pet-type robot according to any one of the fourth to twelfth aspects of the invention, wherein the shape of the head is desired by the user when the parts of the head are changed. It approximates to a concrete face shape,
It is possible to obtain a pet-type robot that has a taste according to the user's hobby and is unique.

A fourteenth pet-type robot of the present invention is the pet-type robot according to any one of the third to thirteenth inventions, wherein the modification of the function based on the modification request increases the sensitivity of the sensor. By making it more responsive to the external environment than before modification, it is possible to make the pet robot feel like it has grown.

The fifteenth pet-type robot of the present invention is the pet-type robot according to any one of the fourth to fourteenth aspects of the invention, wherein the modification of the function based on the modification request imposes a limit on the motor ability in the autonomous motion function. It is higher than before modification, and it makes the pet robot feel as if it has grown.

A sixteenth pet-type robot raising support system of the present invention is the pet-type robot raising support system according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the present invention, wherein a request from the user based on the modification request is made. In response, based on the growth information from the control means of the pet robot, it has a support means for determining and notifying the means for modifying at least one of the functions of the pet robot. By using this support means, it is possible to determine what means to modify the pet robot, and the modification work is improved.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 to 3 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pet robot, and FIG. 2 controls the pet robot. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control means and the like, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing how the pet robot grows.

FIG. 1 shows a pet type robot R according to the present invention.
Shows the appearance of. The pet robot R has a form resembling a dog or a cat, for example. However, the pet-type robot according to the present invention does not have to be similar in shape to an actual pet such as a dog or a cat as described above, and for example, the body does not have a head and a large number of limbs are attached. It may be a form representing an imaginary animal. Further, the form of the pet robot R at the time of purchase by the user is a small size corresponding to a baby.

This pet type robot R has a body portion 1,
Head 2, a pair of front legs 3, 3, a pair of rear legs 4, 4,
It has an outer appearance with a tail portion 5. Here, the pair of forefoot parts 3, 3, the pair of rear foot parts 4, 4, and the tail part 5 constitute a limb part. Then, with respect to the body part 1, the head part 2 is
It is provided through a joint structure so that it can move in three degrees of freedom, that is, it can swing about the front, rear, left, right, up, and down axes. Further, each of the pair of front foot portions 3 and 3 and the pair of rear foot portions 4 and 4 is provided with a joint structure so that the body portion 1 can be moved in four degrees of freedom. Also, the tail 5
A joint structure is provided with respect to the body portion 1 so as to be able to move in two degrees of freedom in up, down, left and right directions. Further, electric motors M for operating the head portion 2, the front foot portions 3, 3, the rear foot portions 4, 4, and the tail portion 5 are provided respectively.

The body portion 1 is constructed as a housing, and the pet type robot R is provided in the body portion 1.
And a battery 7 as a power source
It has and. The battery 7 is replaceable. Alternatively, it may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged from the outside as a power source.

The head 2 is provided with a CCD camera 8, an infrared sensor 9, and a touch sensor 10 as sensors, and a pressure sensor 11 is provided as a sensor at the end of each foot 3, 4. ing. Further, an encoder for detecting the degree of movement in each joint structure, and other sensors such as a tilt sensor for maintaining horizontal balance are also provided (not shown).

The detection signals of these sensors are sent to the control means 6
Entered in. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 6 includes a signal input / output unit 12, a motion control unit 13, an artificial intelligence unit 14, and the like.

In the artificial intelligence section 14, a program for setting and changing the character, emotion expression mode and behavior mode of the pet robot R based on the information from the sensor can be incorporated in advance or introduced through a recording medium. According to the program, the artificial intelligence unit 14 creates the individuality of the pet robot R. That is, the pet robot R learns according to the handling by the user, and the personality, emotion expression pattern, and behavior pattern are appropriately changed by the learning.

In addition, the motion control unit 13 includes an artificial intelligence unit 14
On the basis of the control signal from, the drive signal for each of the electric motors M is output so as to perform the operation according to the action pattern information set by the artificial intelligence unit 14.

Next, the breeding support system for the pet type robot R will be described.

The head 2 of the pet type robot R has a body 1
It is provided so that it can be replaced. Further, the pair of front foot portions 3, 3 and the pair of rear foot portions 4, 4 are also provided so as to be replaceable with respect to the body portion. However, the structure is such that the replacement cannot be easily performed by the user.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pet-shaped robot R having a juvenile structure has a built-in clocking means (timer) 15 for measuring the elapsed time in the use time from the start of use. The information from the time measuring means 15 is input to the control means 6, and when the preset time-up time is reached based on the information, it is considered that the stepwise growth period reaching condition is reached, and the control means 6 This pet robot R
The modification request manifesting means causes an operation mode that notifies the user that there is a need for morphological modification. The modification request expressing means is installed in the control means 6 as software.

In other words, the modification request expressing means causes the pet robot R to change its normal behavior pattern into a state of extremely slow motion or a state of lying down and almost no motion. In addition to this operation, the modification request expressing means may blink the light emitting diode 16 or the like provided in the body portion 1 to notify. In this state, the user recognizes that the pet robot is virtually ill. Then, the user takes the pet robot R to the maker's service center and informs that the operating state is abnormal. At the service center, the pet robot R is stored, and the computer of the service center reads the data stored in the control means 6 of the pet robot R and obtains data relating to modification. Based on the obtained information, as a modification method, it is possible to replace the front foot 3 and the rear foot 4 with a newly enlarged one for the operator who modifies the pet robot R from the computer of the service center. To be informed. In response to this notification command, the worker replaces the front legs 3 and the rear legs 4 with those having a size corresponding to that of the childhood from that of the childhood. At this time, the body part 1, the head part 2, and the tail part 5 are left as they are. As a result, the pet robot R is in a state of being grown in the first stage.
Then, the pet robot R modified into that form is delivered to the user. Here, this computer of this service center constitutes a support means.

The user further trains the pet robot R. At that time, the clock means 15 starts a new clock. After a lapse of a predetermined time due to the timekeeping, the pet robot R again becomes in a state in which its operation becomes dull. The user brings the pet robot R again to the service center and requests the pet robot R to be repaired. In this case, head 2
And the body part 1 and the tail part 5 are replaced with new larger ones. This is the second stage of growth.

Similarly, the forefoot part 3 and the hindfoot part 4 having a larger size are replaced with the body part 1 for the growth of the third stage, and then the head part 2 and the body part 1 are made larger. It will be changed to the one that has been turned into the fourth stage of growth. As a result, this pet robot R is regarded as an adult state.

Up to the first growth stage, batteries having the same specifications as the batteries that can be used from the time of factory shipment are used as they are.
That is, as a power source, a battery having a power supply capacity capable of driving the forefoot part and the hindfoot part up to the first growth stage is mounted from the time of factory shipment. In the second growth stage, the battery will be replaced with a battery mounting part that meets the specifications of the new battery so that only a new battery having a high power supply capacity can be used. Then, only the new battery is used until the third growth stage. That is, as a power source, a battery having a power supply capacity capable of driving a body upsized to the third growth stage is mounted from the time of factory shipment. In the fourth growth stage, only new batteries with higher power supply capacity will be used. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the battery with a battery mounting part that meets the specifications of the new battery.

As described above, the user brings the pet robot R into the service center of the manufacturer by the modification request expressing means and requests the repair. At this time,
As described above, the information stored in the memory of the control means 6 of the pet robot R is read by the computer of the service center, how the pet robot R is modified, and a specific object to be modified, The modification method or the like is notified by being displayed on the display or the like from the computer that constitutes the support means. The worker makes the modification as described above based on the notified information about the modification.

Not only the pet robot R itself is provided with a modification request expression means, but, for example, when a predetermined time has passed since the purchase, at least one of the various functions of the pet robot R grows as the manufacturer grows. The service center may notify the user by direct mail or the like that the service center will be modified. In this case, the managing means for managing the user information in the service center or the like may be provided with a transmitting means for automatically transmitting the direct mail with the lapse of the predetermined time.

(Second Embodiment) Next, another embodiment will be described. The description of the same points as in the above embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 4A shows the front foot portion 3 of the pet robot R when the user purchases it. This forefoot part 3 is shown in FIG. 4 along with the use of the pet robot R by the user.
As shown in (b), scratches a were generated.
Due to a modification request, the newly enlarged forefoot part 3 is replaced by the body part 1
Since it is assumed that the size is increased with the scratches a when it is replaced with a new one, at the manufacturer's service center, the same scratches a are formed on the new front foot portion 3 to be replaced according to the increased size. (See FIG. 4C), the front foot portion 3 is replaced with the body portion 1. Further, when the forefoot part 3 that has grown to a larger size is to be replaced, a similar scratch a is formed on the new forefoot part 3 to be replaced in accordance with the larger size (see FIG. 4). (See (d)), and replace the front foot portion 3 with the body portion 1.

As for the traces of pets and growth up to now, such as scratches and stains, the same parts as the parts before replacement are formed into new parts and new parts are replaced, so that the pet. The originality of the type robot R is maintained.

(Third Embodiment) Next, another embodiment will be described. The description of the same points as in the above embodiment will be omitted.

Although not shown, the shape of the face of the head at the time of purchasing the pet robot is preliminarily configured as a uniform shape. Then, when the head is newly attached to the body portion in response to the modification request, the head is changed from the original form so that the face looks like the user's favorite face. To change the face shape, a resin material having good workability such as thermoplastic or photocurable resin is used for the housing portion of the head.

More specifically, the computer is required to have a user submit a desired face shape in advance by a photograph, process the information obtained from the photograph, and make it three-dimensional according to the head of the pet robot. Done in. Then, based on the processing, a resin processing machine molds a head portion matching the face shape. The head obtained by the molding is replaced with the body.

As a result, the uniqueness of the pet-type robot is enhanced, the interest is increased, and the user has an attachment to the pet-type robot.

It should be noted that, with respect to the face shape, the more the face shape becomes closer to the desired one each time it is modified, the more interesting the face shape becomes.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but there are various modifications and applications. Briefly exemplifying: (1) In each of the above embodiments, the body, head, and limbs are increased in size by modification according to the modification request.
It may be modified so that the sensitivity of various sensors for learning included in the pet robot is increased stepwise. By doing so, it is possible to increase as the learning ability grows, for example, the time required for learning becomes shorter. Further, they may be combined so as to improve the sensor sensitivity in accordance with the enlargement of the form.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the body, head, and limbs are increased in size by modification according to the modification request. For example, the operation of the forefoot or hindfoot is relatively slow. The existing one may be changed in its motion control so that the limit of the exercise capacity is improved by gradually increasing the speed.
Further, they may be combined so as to improve the exercise capacity in accordance with the increase in size or the above (1).

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the body, head, and limbs are shown to be enlarged by modification according to the modification request. However, artificial intelligence is used to gradually increase intellectual ability. You may change the learning program of. In addition, it may be combined so as to improve the intellectual ability according to the enlargement of the form and the above (1) or (2).

(4) In the above embodiments, the body and the limb are respectively provided, but a pet type robot in which only the head is provided in the body may be used. Also, in the form in which the body and the head are integrated,
The structure may be such that limbs such as limbs are provided. Further, it may have only the limbs provided on the body without the head.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the stepwise growth period reaching condition is that one of a predetermined time period from the time when the user starts using the pet robot and a predetermined time period from the modification processing time point. Although it is shown that the determination is made based on one of the usage state of the power source from the time when the user starts using the pet robot and the usage state of the power source from the modification processing point by the user. Good as a thing. That is, in the case where the power source is a battery, the modification request may be expressed when the number of times the battery is replaced reaches a predetermined number, for example. Alternatively, when the power source is a rechargeable battery, the modification request may be expressed when the number of times of charging or the total charging time reaches a predetermined value.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, the stepwise growth period reaching condition is that one of a predetermined time period from the start of using the pet robot by the user and a predetermined time period from the modification process point. Based on the information acquired by the user handling the pet robot from the start of use and the information acquired by the handling of the modification process. It may be done. That is,
For example, when a pet robot becomes able to perform a predetermined action as it learns, for example, a so-called "hand"
When it is determined that the predetermined act can be performed based on the information regarding the predetermined action when the predetermined trick becomes possible, the modification request may be generated.

(7) In each of the above-described embodiments, the stepwise growth period reaching condition is that a predetermined time elapses in the usage time from the start of using the pet robot by the user, and
Although it is shown that it is determined based on one of the passage of a predetermined time in the usage time from the modification processing time, the absolute time from the start of use is the time when the predetermined time has elapsed, and the absolute It may be determined based on one of the time points when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0073]

As described above, according to the pet-type robot upbringing support system of the present invention, for example, the form of the pet-type robot is modified as if it has grown virtually, or the behavioral ability is agile. At least one function can be changed, such as by modifying it so that the pet robot can grow morphologically or abilityally, and the pet robot can be mass-produced from a uniform one. , It can be made to have an individual body shape and traces of pets, which will increase the interest of pet robots as toys and make them more entertaining.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a pet robot.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control means for controlling a pet robot and the like.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing growth of a pet robot step by step.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a step-by-step manner of the growth of the front foot part to be replaced.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 torso 2 heads 3,4,5 limbs 6 Control means 7 power source 13 Motion control unit 14 Artificial Intelligence Department

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C150 CA02 DA05 DA24 DA25 DA26                       DA27 DA28 DF03 DF04 DF06                       DF33 ED10 ED42 ED47 ED52                       EF07 EF16 EF17 EF22 EF23                       EF28 EF29 EF33 EF36                 3C007 AS36 CS08 HS09 HS27 KS21                       KS31 KS34 KS36 KT01 KX02                       MT14 WA04 WA14 WC01 WC21

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An artificial body having a body part having at least one of a head and a limb, learning a behavior pattern and an emotion expression pattern in accordance with a handling by a user, and expressing a behavior and an emotion pattern based on the learning result. A pet type robot having an intelligent part, wherein the pet type robot has a modification request expressing means for expressing a modification request when a preset step growth phase reaching condition is reached, and A pet robot characterized in that at least one of the functions of the pet robot is configured to be modifiable in response to a request from the user based on the above. 2. The pet-type robot according to claim 1, further comprising a control means, wherein the control means controls autonomous movement of at least one of the artificial intelligence part and the body part, head and limbs. A pet-type robot having a motion control section for performing the motion and equipped with a power source for the autonomous motion. 3. The pet type robot according to claim 2, further comprising a sensor for detecting an external environment, and the control means is configured to control the autonomous movement based on a detection result of the sensor. Pet type robot. 4. The pet robot according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the body, head, and limbs is replaceable, and the modification of the function based on the modification request is performed on the body. , At least a part of the head and limbs, with respect to other parts,
A pet robot that is to be replaced with a new form that corresponds to virtual growth. 5. The pet robot according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pet robot modifies based on the modification request, and then modifies when a preset step growth period reaching condition is reached. A pet type having a new modification request expressing means for expressing a request and capable of modifying at least one of the functions of the pet robot in response to a request from the user based on the modification request. robot. 6. The pet robot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stepwise growth period reaching condition is that a predetermined time elapses from a point of time when the user starts using the pet robot, and A pet-type robot that is determined based on one of the passage of a predetermined time from the time of modification processing. 7. The pet robot according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the stepwise growth period reaching condition is a usage state of a power source from a time point when the user starts using the pet robot, , A pet-type robot that is determined based on one of the usage states of the power source from the time of the modification processing. 8. The pet robot according to claim 1, wherein the condition for reaching the stepwise growth period is acquired by the user handling the pet robot from the start of use. A pet-type robot that is determined based on information and information acquired by handling from the time of the modification processing. 9. The pet robot according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the modification request expressing means is configured so that the behavior pattern by the autonomous movement is expressed in a state of reduced activity. There is a pet robot. 10. The pet-type robot according to claim 2, wherein the pet-type robot has a power source for the autonomous movement in excess of an amount required for the autonomous movement. At the same time, the pet robot is configured so that it can cope with the case where the required driving force after the modification processing is larger than that before the modification. 11. The pet robot according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the autonomous movement capability is set to be higher than that before the modification in accordance with the modification. 12. The pet robot according to claim 4, wherein the part to be replaced has a scratch or dirt that resembles a scratch or dirt on the outer surface of the part before replacement. Type robot. 13. The pet-type robot according to claim 4, wherein the shape of the head is approximated to a specific facial shape desired by the user when the parts of the head are changed. robot. 14. The pet robot according to claim 3, wherein the function modification based on the modification request increases the sensitivity of the sensor. 15. The pet robot according to claim 4, wherein the modification of the function based on the modification request makes the limit of the exercise capacity of the autonomous motor function higher than that before the modification. . 16. The pet-type robot upbringing support system according to claim 1, further comprising: a request from the user based on the modification request,
Based on the growth information from the control means included in the pet robot, a pet robot upbringing support system having a support means for discriminating and notifying a means that modifies at least one of various functions of the pet robot. .