JP2005084789A - Personal computer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a personal computer PC capable of drawing a user's attachment to the PC. <P>SOLUTION: The casing of the PC 10 is formed in a shape capable of being associated with a living matter. The PC 10 can perform panning motion (lateral shaking) and tilting motion (vertical shaking), and performs tilting motion when it shows a positive attitude and panning motion when it shows a negative attitude. The PC 10 comprises a moving means and comes to a user when it finds out the user. When the user makes a wrong operation, it expresses that the wrong operation is performed by longitudinally shaking the casing by use of the moving means. It gets close to the user when showing sympathy and gets away from the user when showing disgust. When the user raps or strokes the PC 10, it detects the degree of shaking by an acceleration sensor to determine whether it is rapped or stroked depending on the degree of shaking, and shows a reaction according to the determination. When an e-mail is received, it informs that by a high-speed tilting motion or a composite sound. When the user is absent for a fixed period, the PC 10 shows tedium and performs a slow panning motion, bending slightly forward, to promote the user's action. Accordingly, the user's attachment to the PC can be deepened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a personal computer, and more particularly to a personal computer that can give a user attachment to the personal computer.

  An example of a conventional personal computer of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

In the personal computer of Patent Document 1, an anthropomorphic agent is displayed on the display, and exchanges with the anthropomorphic agent such as giving a pocket money to the anthropomorphic agent and shopping are performed to draw out attachment to the anthropomorphic agent. Yes.
JP 2002-298012 A [G06F 17/60]

  However, in the personal computer of Patent Document 1, the anthropomorphic agent is a two-dimensional existence on the display, and there is a limit in drawing out the attachment of the user. Further, in the conventional technology, the attachment to the anthropomorphic agent is drawn out, and the attachment to the personal computer itself is not directly drawn out.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a personal computer that can bring out attachment to the personal computer.

  The invention of claim 1 is a personal computer comprising a personal computer main body and a driving means provided in the main body and moving the main body itself.

  In the first aspect of the invention, the driving means moves the personal computer main body to perform an action in various situations. Personal computer actions are meaningful according to the situation. Accordingly, since the user feels the intention of the personal computer, the attachment to the personal computer like the living thing can be drawn from the user.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, the drive means includes at least one of a moving means for moving the main body, a panning means for panning the main body, and a tilting means for tilting the main body. It is.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the main body of the personal computer is driven by the moving means, the pan operating means, and the tilt operating means. Therefore, it is possible to change the distance to the user, express a negative intention by a pan operation, or express a positive intention by a tilt operation.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the personal computer according to the first or second aspect, further comprising event detection means for detecting occurrence of an event, wherein the driving means operates in response to detection by the event detection means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the personal computer includes event detection means, and the drive means drives the personal computer main body in accordance with the event detected by the event detection means. Therefore, the personal computer can take an action corresponding to the event, react to the user, or act on the user.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the personal computer according to claim 3, wherein the event detecting means includes presence detecting means for detecting the presence of the user, and the moving means adjusts the distance to the user in accordance with detection by the presence detecting means. is there.

  In the invention of claim 4, the presence detecting means detects the presence of the user, and the moving means adjusts the physical distance between the user and the personal computer in accordance with the detection of the presence detecting means. Therefore, a sense of distance formed when people communicate with each other can be formed between the personal computer and the user.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the personal computer according to the fourth aspect, the moving means reduces the distance from the user when the presence detecting means detects the presence of the user.

  In the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the presence detecting unit detects the presence of the user, the moving unit moves the personal computer to reduce the distance between the user and the personal computer. As a result, the personal computer can produce an attitude showing a sense of familiarity with the user.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the personal computer according to claim 4, wherein the moving means separates the distance from the user when the presence detecting means detects the presence of the user.

  In the invention of claim 6, when the presence detecting means detects the presence of the user, the moving means moves the personal computer to increase the distance between the user and the personal computer. As a result, the personal computer can produce an attitude that shows disgust to the user.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the event detection means includes a scene detection means for detecting a scene that requires the user's judgment, a reception means for accepting the user's judgment in the scene, a determination means for determining the judgment of the CPU in the scene, and the user's Comparing means for comparing the judgment with the judgment of the CPU further includes a moving means for reducing the distance from the user when the judgment of the user and the judgment of the CPU coincide with each other as a result of the comparison of the comparing means. The personal computer according to claim 3, wherein the personal computer is separated from the user when the judgment of the CPU does not match.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, the scene detection means detects a scene that requires the user's judgment, such as when the user requests an impression of the content when viewing the content. The accepting means accepts the judgment result of the user in the scene. The determining means determines the judgment as the personal computer (CPU) in the scene. Then, the comparison means compares the judgment of the user with the judgment of the personal computer. As a result of the comparison by the comparison means, when the judgment of the user coincides with the judgment of the personal computer, the moving means advances the personal computer to reduce the distance between the user and the personal computer. On the other hand, when the judgment of the user does not match the judgment of the personal computer, the moving means moves the personal computer backward to increase the distance between the user and the personal computer. In this way, the personal computer exchanges opinions, and as a result, it can show a sense of familiarity or disgust depending on the distance to the user.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the personal computer according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising sound generation means for generating sound in response to detection by the event detection means.

  In the invention of claim 8, the sound generating means generates sound in response to the event detection by the event detecting means. Therefore, the personal computer can output a sound such as a synthesized sound corresponding to the event situation to respond to the user or to act on the user.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the personal computer according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the event detecting means further includes a shake detecting means for detecting a degree of shaking of the main body.

  According to the invention of claim 9, the shake detection means detects the shake of the personal computer main body. Therefore, the personal computer can perform an action for the event of occurrence of shaking due to the physical communication of the user.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the shake detecting means detects a shake greater than a predetermined threshold, the moving means moves away from the user, the pan operating means performs the pan operation, and the sound generating means is disgusted. The personal computer according to claim 8, wherein the moving means reduces the distance to the user and the sound generating means generates a sound indicating a reply when the sound is generated and the shaking smaller than the predetermined threshold is detected. .

  In the invention of claim 10, when the shake detection means detects a shake greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is judged that the movement means has been treated violently, such as being struck, and the moving means expresses disgust by separating the distance from the user, The pan operation means performs a pan operation to express a gesture of “no,” and the sound generation means generates a synthetic sound indicating disgust. In addition, when a shake smaller than a predetermined threshold is detected, it is determined that the user has been treated gently, such as stroking, and the moving means reduces the distance to the user to express a sense of familiarity, and the voice generating means indicates a reply. Is generated. Therefore, the personal computer can determine the content of the physical communication of the user and respond to it.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the personal computer according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the event detection means further includes time detection means for detecting that the non-operation time has reached a predetermined time.

  In the invention of claim 11, the time detecting means measures the non-operation time during which no operation is performed by the user, and detects that the non-operation time has reached a predetermined time. As a result, when no operation is performed by the user for a long time, the personal computer detects this and prompts the user to participate in the personal computer by generating a synthesized sound such as “Let's do something”. Can do.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the personal computer according to any one of the third to eleventh aspects, wherein the event detection means further includes a state detection means for detecting an internal state.

  In the invention of claim 12, the state detecting means detects the internal state such as the temperature inside the housing, the remaining battery level, the memory empty state, etc., and the driving means, the sound generating means, etc. work according to the detection result. . Therefore, the personal computer can perform an action according to the internal state.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the event detecting means further includes a question detecting means for detecting a question from the user. When the question detecting means detects the question, the presence detecting means detects the position of the user, and the driving means detects the presence. Based on the detection result of the means, the main body is addressed in the direction of the user, the state detection means detects the internal state, the sound generation means generates a synthesized voice indicating a response based on the detection result of the state detection means, Further includes a determination means for determining whether the content is positive or negative, and the tilt operation means performs a tilt operation when the response is positive and a pan operation means when the response is negative The personal computer according to claim 12, which performs a pan operation.

  In the invention of claim 13, when an inquiry such as “How are you?” Is made by voice input by the user or the like, the inquiry detecting means detects this inquiry. Then, the presence detection means detects the user's location. Then, the driving means addresses the personal computer in the direction of the user based on the detection result of the presence detecting means. Further, the state detection means detects the internal state, and the sound generation means generates a synthesized speech of a reply such as “I'm fine” or “I'm not feeling well” based on the detection result of the state detection means. The determination means determines whether the response is affirmative or negative. When the answer is affirmative, the tilt operation means performs a tilt operation, and when the answer is negative, the pan operation means performs a pan operation. With such a configuration, it is possible to prompt the user to ask a question about the creature and respond to the question.

  A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the personal computer according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, wherein the state detection unit includes a decrease detection unit that detects a decrease in the battery.

  In the fourteenth aspect of the invention, it is known that the decrease detecting means detects the decrease of the battery, and the driving means drives the personal computer based on the detection of the decrease detecting means to decrease the battery. This prevents the battery from running out suddenly and the personal computer from stopping.

  The invention according to claim 15 is the personal computer according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the event detection means further includes reception detection means for detecting reception of an electronic mail.

  In the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the reception detecting means detects the reception of the electronic mail, and the driving means drives the personal computer based on the detection of the reception detection means to notify the reception of the mail. Therefore, a role as an e-mail guard is given to the personal computer, and a social relationship can be established with the user.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the main body includes an outer shell having a spherical portion and a head and tail continuously extending from the spherical portion, and a single spherical shell provided on the spherical portion of the outer shell, and the moving means and pan operation The personal computer according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the means and the tilt operation means drive the main body with the portion where the outer shell is provided as a front surface.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the main body of the personal computer includes an outer jacket having a spherical portion and a head and tail continuously extending from the spherical portion, and a single spherical shell provided on the spherical portion of the outer jacket. . The moving means, pan operating means and tilt operating means drive the personal computer with the portion of the outer shell provided with the spherical shell as the front. In this way, since the front of the personal computer is defined by the spherical shell, the user can easily feel an emotion as a target closer to a living organism (animal) rather than as an object to the personal computer.

  According to the present invention, the personal computer establishes a certain social relationship with the user, and feels personality and biologicality through actions and actions, so that it is possible to draw strong attachment from the user.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a display 70, a keyboard 80, and a mouse 90 are connected to the personal computer 10 of this embodiment. 2 and 3, the personal computer 10 is a virtual life form (hereinafter referred to as “creature”), and includes a jacket 12 having a tear drop shape as a whole. . The outer cover 12 is made of a material that is soft and comfortable to touch, such as urethane foam. The outer cover 12 includes a spherical portion 14 that covers a spherical inner shell, which will be described later, and a head-tail 16 that extends from the top of the spherical portion 14 and has a tapered tip that is rounded. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the head-and-tail 16 incorporates a rod-shaped core member 17 made of an elastic material such as metal, plastic, or synthetic rubber. Can swing left and right. The head and tail 16 together with a transparent spherical shell 18 to be described later, functions to emphasize the posture and direction that the creature 10 takes at that time. Accordingly, the response of the creature 10 as a result of various user involvement can be amplified and displayed in the movement of the head 16. The core 17 is supported at the base end by an internal structure 24 (FIG. 4) described later.

  In addition, the material of the head and tail 16 of the outer cover 12 is made of a material such as urethane or rubber as described above, and functions to convert the entire movement of the creature 10 into an elastic swing, The swing induces a behavior such as confirming a tactile sensation by touching the head and tail 16 of the user.

  As described above, the outer cover 12 of the personal computer or the creature 10 of this embodiment has the substantially spherical spherical portion 14 and the head and tail 16, and gives interpretation ambiguity to the person who sees it. That is, the spherical portion 14 can be interpreted as a head and a torso, and the head and tail 16 can be interpreted as a corner and a tail. In other words, because it has a shape that is different from the actual living organism, it is difficult for the user to specify the function and personality from such a shape, and “touch”, “call out”, “look into”, “waving hands” ”,“ Make a sound ”, and so on.

  A transparent spherical shell 18 made of, for example, transparent plastic is exposed at an appropriate position of the outer jacket 12. The transparent spherical shell 18 covers the lens 20 a (FIG. 4) of the color camera 20 provided in the outer cover 12. Therefore, the camera 20 can take an image of an outside person or landscape through the transparent spherical shell 18. In other words, the creature 10 according to the embodiment has the transparent spherical shell 18 at substantially the center of the spherical portion 14 that can be interpreted as both the head and the torso as described above. While many organisms typically have two eyeballs, the example creature 10 has only one transparent spherical shell 18, so this spherical shell 18 may be, for example, a “living eyeball” or “mouth” ". As described above, since only one spherical shell 18 is provided, the function of preventing the creature 10 from being attributed to the living creature is achieved in combination with the above-described outer casing 12, that is, the deformed overall shape. The front face of the creature 10 is defined by the position of the transparent spherical shell 18.

  An iris (aperture) 19 is provided inside the transparent spherical shell 18 so that it can be seen from the outside. By means described later, the iris is continuously changed in accordance with, for example, a change in the amount of light in the outside world. For example, the transparent spherical shell 18 gives the impression of a living organism's “eyes”. Therefore, the user can recognize that the creature 10 is a virtual life form.

  Further, the moving wheel 22 is exposed from the lower end of the outer jacket 12. Therefore, the creature 10 of this embodiment can freely move on the floor surface by the wheels 22.

  As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2, two microphones 211 and 212 are provided in the vicinity of the transparent spherical shell 18 in the jacket 12. The microphones 211 and 212 are attached to the internal structure 24 shown in FIG. 3 and function as a stereo microphone, and the sound source direction can be known from the phase difference between the sounds input to the two microphones 211 and 212. Then, the computer 46, which will be described later, produces a gesture that induces the creature 10 to communicate by addressing (or directing) the creature 10 in the direction of the sound source.

  Further, a plurality of infrared human sensors 25, 25,... Are provided at the lower part in the outer jacket 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, attached to the internal structure 24 shown in FIG. 4. However, an infrared ray transmitting portion for transmitting infrared rays, for example, an opening or a hole is formed at the position of the jacket 12 where the human sensor 25 is provided. The human sensor 25 detects information for positioning or position control of the creature 10, for example, information such as whether the creature 10 is located in the vicinity of the user or located far away from the user.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a distance measuring sensor 66 placed toward the front of the creature 10 is provided at the lower front portion in the outer jacket 12. By the distance measuring sensor 66, the creature 10 can measure the distance to the object existing in front.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a speaker 23 is built in an appropriate position in the jacket 12. The speaker 23 outputs sound to the user. By providing the speaker 23 and the microphones 211 and 212 as described above, the creature 10 can be used as an audio interface means.

  FIG. 4 shows the internal structure 24 covered with the outer cover 12. FIG. 4 is a view of the creature 10 as seen from the front as in FIG. The internal structure 24 includes, for example, a base frame 26 formed of a plastic or metal plate in a “U” cross section. The base frame 26 includes a top plate and two side plates depending from both ends. The axle 27 is rotatably supported by appropriate bearing means. The moving wheels 22 described with reference to FIG. 2 are attached to both ends of the axle 27 outside the side plate.

  A support base 30 made of, for example, plastic or light metal is attached to the upper surface plate of the base frame 26 via a coil spring 28. A storage portion 32 is provided on the support base 30. The storage unit 32 stores a computer 46 and a moving motor 50 (FIG. 5), which will be described later. That is, in this embodiment, the main body of the creature 10 is supported by an elastic body such as the spring 28 as a whole. However, in the embodiment, the support base 30 is supported on the coil spring 28, but the support base 30 may be suspended by the coil spring. Moreover, as a spring, not only a coil spring but a leaf | plate spring may be used. Furthermore, the spring may be replaced with another elastic body such as rubber or elastic plastic.

  As will be described later, an actuator having a small number of degrees of freedom such as pan and tilt is configured on the support base 30. The actuator is controlled by a computer 46 (FIG. 5) according to a program. In order to control the movement of the actuator as an arbitrary continuous movement by a program, it is generally necessary to use a servo motor or the like with high accuracy, and therefore it becomes expensive.

  On the other hand, in the creature 10 of this embodiment, a more biological movement is created by supporting an actuator that can be discretely controlled as described later with an elastic body.

  On the storage portion 32, the above-described color camera 20 is further mounted via a support tube. In the support tube 34, the elevation motor 54 (FIG. 5) for controlling the elevation angle of the camera 20, the turning motor 58 (FIG. 5) for controlling the turning angle of the camera 20, and the driving force of these motors to the camera 20. A power transmission means (not shown) for transmitting is housed.

  In addition, the storage place of the above-mentioned computer, a motor, and a power transmission mechanism is not restricted to this Example, What is necessary is just to store or attach these in other arbitrary places.

  An attachment plate 36 is fixed on the camera 20, and a support plate 38 is attached integrally with the camera 20 by the attachment plate 36. The support plate 38 is a planar circular plate made of, for example, plastic or light metal. A truncated hemispherical first inner shell 40 made of plastic, for example, is fixed to the lower surface of the support plate 38 by, for example, bonding or welding the fixing portion 40 a and the peripheral edge of the support plate 38. On the upper surface of the support plate 38, for example, a second inner shell 42 made of plastic and having a shape obtained by cutting off the head of the sphere adheres or welds, for example, the fixing portion 42 a and the peripheral edge of the support plate 38. Is fixed.

  A spherical inner shell is formed by the first inner shell 40 and the second inner shell 42. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the previous support base 30 is formed in a truncated hemispherical shape so as to form a continuous spherical portion below the first inner shell 40. A spherical portion 14 of the outer cover 12 shown in FIG. 2 is placed on such a spherical inner shell.

  A plurality of contact sensors 44, each of which is a limit switch, for example, are regularly distributed or intentionally unevenly attached to the surfaces of the spherical inner shell, that is, the first inner shell 40 and the second inner shell 42. It is done. That is, the plurality of contact sensors 44 are arranged in a regular and regular arrangement on the inner shell surface, or are arranged in a concentrated manner at a site or region that a person will touch. The contact sensor 44 may be provided on the outer surface of the support base 30. Here, the contact sensor means a sensor that can detect that a person has touched it, and may be a sensor that operates when a certain load is applied, such as a limit switch, or may be a sensor that can simply detect a light contact of a person. Good.

  Such a contact sensor 44 is input to the computer 46 through an appropriate interface as shown in FIG. That is, the computer 46 receives signals from each of the sensors 44 and can detect which sensor is activated. The computer 46 further takes in the video signal from the color camera 20 via an appropriate interface.

  The computer 46 also gives drive signals to the moving motor drive circuit 48, the elevation motor drive circuit 52, and the turning motor drive circuit 56 at a necessary timing and with a necessary drive amount. In response, the movement motor drive circuit 48, the elevation motor drive circuit 52, and the swing motor drive circuit 56 set the required drive amount (rotation direction and rotation amount) to the movement motor 50, the elevation motor 54, and the swing motor 58 at the required timing. Drive). When the moving motor 50 is driven, the wheel 22 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is rotated according to the driving direction, and the creature 10 moves forward or backward.

  The driving forces of the elevation motor 54 and the turning motor 58 are transmitted to the camera 20 (the pan head) via appropriate transmission means. Therefore, when the elevation motor 54 is driven, the elevation angle of the camera 20 is controlled and the turning is performed. When the motor 58 is driven, the turning angle is controlled. Therefore, by appropriately controlling the two motors 54 and 58, the lens 20a (FIG. 4) of the camera 20 can be displaced in an arbitrary direction within a certain angle range.

  As described above, since the first inner shell 40 and the second inner shell 42 are attached so as to move integrally with the camera 20, by changing the elevation angle of the camera 20 continuously, The inner shell is also displaced in the vertical direction, so that the outer sheath 12 (FIG. 2) can be apparently swung vertically (tilted). Further, by continuously changing the turning angle of the camera 20, the inner shell is also displaced in the lateral direction, so that apparent lateral swing (pan motion) appears in the outer cover 12.

  In operation, signals from the human sensor 25, external images from the camera 20, external sounds and sounds from the microphones 211 and 212 are detected by the computer 46, and the computer 46 calculates the movement of each actuator accordingly. By instructing the drive circuits 48, 52, 56, etc., the actuators are operated discretely. The discrete motion of the actuator is transmitted to an elastic body (for example, the coil spring 28) that supports the actuator, and is converted into a continuous motion reflecting the inertia of the actuator and the elastic characteristics of the elastic body. This continuous and continuous movement is a movement closer to the movement of a living thing. Although the movement of the actuator according to this embodiment is controlled by the computer 46, the movement by the elastic body is added to it, so that the movement as a whole is not a completely computer-controlled movement, and the movement is combined with physical properties. .

  A fully physical movement elicits the user's “physical attitude” and a fully computer controlled movement elicits a “design attitude”. On the other hand, in the creature 10 of the embodiment, most of the movements are continuous and continuous movements depending on the physical characteristics of the elastic body, and there are discrete movements controlled by the computer 46 there. Interrupt and create a new move. Such a variety of movement is a movement similar to a biological movement. Such an approximate biological movement can be realized with a simple structure and at low cost by an elastic body and an actuator supported thereby.

  In the above-described embodiment, the displacement mechanism of the camera 20 is also used as the swing mechanism. However, it is easily conceivable to receive another drive source dedicated to the swing.

  In the creature 10 of the embodiment, the orientation and posture of the creature 10 and changes thereof can be displayed to the user by the transparent spherical shell 18 and the head and tail 16 provided in the spherical portion 14.

  Specifically, a positive intention display such as a nod can be expressed by a small tilting motion by the above-described elevation motor 54. Further, the negative intention display can be expressed by the pan operation by the turning motor 58 described above. By changing the magnitude of the tilt or pan movement, strong affirmation or denial or weak affirmation or negation can be expressed. These work clearly in the context of questions such as intentions.

  The orientation of the creature 10 in a conversation can be displayed by facing the user or moving the user 10 away from the user. That is, the attitude of who is talking to whom or who is listening is displayed.

  By searching for the direction of the speaker, that is, by the sound source search means (computer 46) and the above-described actuator control, an operation of “following the user's face” can be realized. This can be divided into a mode of chasing and a mode of not chasing by referring to the mental state of the creature 10. By this means, it can be expressed whether or not the creature 10 is interested in the user. In addition, it is possible to display a state where something is being searched for, that is, a state where a specific object of interest has not yet been found. Furthermore, gestures that look for something that tends to be depressed are an effective way of expressing the mental state of being bored.

  By quickly controlling the speed of these operations, it is possible to display a lively state, and it is possible to display a dull state by having a slow reaction time.

  The camera 20 is used for tracking the user's face as described above. That is, the face can be tracked by controlling the tilt mechanisms 52 and 54 and the pan mechanisms 56 and 58 by extracting the skin color area from the video from the camera 20 and specifying the skin color area as a face.

  In addition, the movement process can express a mental state such as avoiding the user or being interested in the user by an action such as moving away from the user or approaching the user. Further, by using the human sensor 25, the distance from the user and other objects can be adjusted. That is, by using the human sensor 25 and the moving means 48 and 50, it is possible to display a mental state such as approaching the subject or removing interest from the subject.

  As described above, in the creature 10 according to the embodiment, gestures and attitudes that are meaningful in communication can be easily realized by combining the control of the actuator having several degrees of freedom and the conversation situation. These are displayed by a combination of gaze movement, face movement, upper body movement, movement of both arms, movement of fingertips, etc. in the conversation between humans. In the creature 10 of the embodiment, They can be realized easily and without loss of naturalness.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, a light amount sensor 60 is provided on the front surface of the head-tail 16 in order to control the iris 19 shown in FIG. 2. The light quantity sensor 60 is made of CdS, for example, and inputs a signal having a magnitude corresponding to the brightness (light quantity) of the outside world to the CPU 46. The computer 46 controls the iris driving circuit 29 based on the light quantity signal to displace the iris 19 in the closing direction when the light quantity signal is large, that is, when the outside is bright, or when the light quantity signal is small, that is, the outside is dark. Sometimes the iris 19 is displaced in the closing direction. Therefore, since the size of the opening of the iris 19 changes in the transparent spherical shell 18, it can be grasped as, for example, the “eyes” of a living thing.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the creature 10 includes an acceleration sensor 62, and it is possible to measure how much impact is applied when the creature 10 is shaken. Therefore, when the user attempts physical communication with the creature 10, it can be determined whether the user has been hit or stroked, and a response suitable for the user's communication can be returned.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the core member 17 made of an elastic body is incorporated in the head and tail 16. The core member 17 may be further combined with an actuator (not shown). That is, by combining an actuator that realizes discrete motion and an elastic body that realizes continuous motion, it can be made closer to biological behavior. For example, an actuator using a shape memory material can be used as the actuator.

  In addition to the functions described above, the creature 10 has a function as a personal computer, but a description of the function as a personal computer is omitted.

  As a communication, the creature 10 as a personal computer moves the main body to notify that a malfunction has occurred if the user performs an incorrect operation. Misoperations include software misoperations such as omissions in the input form and software operation mistakes, or when the power button is operated while the power is on (usually turning off the power via software). There is a hardware error.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the computer 46 when the power button is erroneously operated will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the user presses a power button (not shown) provided on the main body of the creature 10, it is determined that the power button has been operated in step S1. Next, in step S3, it is determined whether or not the personal computer is in a frozen state. If the personal computer is in the frozen state, it cannot be determined that the personal computer is in the frozen state. In this case, however, the power is shut off in step S11.

  When it is determined NO in step S3, the processing in step S5 and subsequent steps is performed to notify that an erroneous operation has been performed. First, in step S5, the wheel 22 is driven forward and backward to shake the main body back and forth, and in step S7, a pan operation is performed to shake the main body left and right. In step S9, a synthesized sound that is a warning message notifying that an erroneous operation has been performed is output from the speaker 23.

  As described above, when an erroneous operation is performed, the user is notified by shaking the main body of the creature 10 or outputting a warning message. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence due to an erroneous operation, and to make the user feel the intention of the creature 10 and make it easy to have attachment.

  In addition to this, the creature 10 performs various operations for bringing out the attachment of the user. The operation of the computer 46 when performing these operations will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 below.

  When the user approaches the creature 10, the human sensor 25 detects this and transmits a predetermined signal to the computer 46. As a result, the computer 46 determines that a human body has been detected in step S21 of FIG. When detecting the human body, the creature 10 first measures the distance to the user based on the input from the distance measuring sensor 66 in step S23 in order to establish a certain relationship with the user. In step S25, the measured distance to the user is compared with a predetermined value. If it is determined in step S27 that the distance from the user is long, the user approaches the user until the distance from the user reaches a predetermined distance in step S29. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the distance from the user is not far (near), the user moves away from the user until the distance from the user reaches a predetermined distance in step S33.

  When a user is operating an application executed by the creature (personal computer) 10 and the application requests an impression (for example, after viewing an image, music, video, etc. provided by the application) When the scene where the user makes a judgment (selection of impressions, etc.) comes, the computer 46 judges that it is the judgment scene of the user in step S35. When the user inputs an impression, for example, “interesting” by voice input, character input, selection input, or the like, the computer 46 acquires this in step S37. In step S39, the computer 46 determines the impression of the computer 46 with respect to the matter for which the user has determined the impression, and acquires this. In step S41, the user's impression is compared with the user's own impression.

  As a result of the comparison, if it is determined in step S43 that the user's impression matches that of the computer 46, the computer 46 approaches the user up to a predetermined distance so as to express empathy in step S45. At this time, a synthesized sound representing empathy may be output. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that the user's impression is far from the impression of the computer 46, in step S47, the computer 46 is moved away from the user so as to express disgust, and in step S49, the user's feeling is slightly different. Facing. At this time, a synthesized sound representing disgust may be output.

  In this way, the user can communicate with the creature 10 using sensibility, and can feel emotionally connected to the creature 10 or feel an autonomous personality.

  The user can ask the creature 10 through an application executed by the creature (personal computer) 10. For example, when a question “How are you today?” Is made by voice input, character input, selection input, or the like, the computer 46 detects the question in step S51. And in order to show the attitude which communicates with a user, a user is detected using human sensor 25 at Step S53, and it turns to the direction of the detected user at Step S55. At this time, the camera 20 may be used to detect the user. That is, the user is detected by extracting a skin color portion in the video output from the camera 20. In step S57, the creature 10 refers to its own internal state. In step S59, a response to the question “I'm fine” or “I'm not feeling well” is made according to the reference result of the internal state. Here, the internal state includes hardware and software. The hardware type includes the temperature inside the housing, the remaining battery level, and the memory free state. The software type is defined in an application program in which the user and the creature 10 interact. The emotional state of the creature 10 is.

  In step S61, it is determined whether or not the response is affirmative. If the answer is affirmative, a tilt (vertical swing) operation is performed as nodding in step S63. On the other hand, if the answer is not affirmative, a panning operation is performed so as to be denied in step S65.

  Such exchanges can impart biologicality to the creature 10, so that the user can more easily empathize with the creature 10.

  When the user performs physical communication by hitting or stroking the creature 10, the contact sensor 44 senses contact and the acceleration sensor 62 senses the degree of shaking in step S71 of FIG. If the degree of shaking sensed by the acceleration sensor 62 is large, it is not easy communication in step S73. For example, it is determined that the player has been hit and the wheel 22 is driven in the reverse direction in step S75 so as to indicate a disliked posture. In step S77, a distance is taken from the user by retreating. In step S77, a pan (swinging) operation is performed so as to “no”. Is output. A synthetic sound such as “Stop” that asks you to stop hitting may be output. On the other hand, if the degree of shaking sensed by the acceleration sensor 62 is small, it is determined in step S73 that gentle communication, for example, boiled, has been made, and in step S79, it is determined whether or not the current sleep (power saving) mode. If the sleep mode is set, the sleep mode is canceled in step S81, that is, the power saving mode is set to the normal mode, and the iris drive circuit 29 is controlled to open the iris 19 that is narrowed down for the sleep state. A state in which the creature 10 is awakened by the control of the iris 19 is produced. In step S83, a synthesized sound indicating awakening from sleep is output. When not in the sleep mode, the distance to the user is increased by driving the wheel 22 forward in step S85 so as to show a sense of familiarity, and a response to the user's physical communication in step S86, for example, “ Outputs a synthesized sound such as “What?

  In this way, skinship can be achieved by reacting to the physical relationship by the user.

  The computer 46 measures the time elapsed since the user performed the last operation by the timer 64 (FIG. 5). When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the user performs an operation for a predetermined period in step S87. A synthetic sound indicating that it is bored in step S89, performing an operation indicating that it is bored in step S89, for example, performing a slow panning (sideways swinging) operation in step S91, For example, “Do something” is output. When a predetermined time further elapses, the process shifts to the sleep mode in step S93. In the transition to the sleep mode, the power saving mode is set, and the iris driving circuit 29 is controlled to narrow down the iris 19 to close the pupil and sleep.

  By such an operation, the creature 10 can urge the user to act (operate) on the user, and communication between the user and the creature 10 can be increased.

  The creature 10 has an e-mail transmission / reception function. When an e-mail is sent, it is determined in step S99 that the e-mail has been received. In step S101, an operation indicating that the e-mail has been received, for example, Then, a high-speed tilt (vertical swing) operation is performed, and in step S103, a synthesized sound indicating that an e-mail has been received, for example, “It is a mail” is output.

  By such a mechanism, the role of an e-mail keeper is given to the creature 10, and a social relationship is created between the user and the creature 10.

  If the battery is depleted, it is detected in step S95 that the battery is depleted, and in step S97, the operation of the creature 10 is slowed down to indicate that the battery is depleted.

  As described above, the personal computer according to the present invention has a biological character such as acquainting the user, answering the question, making a judgment together with the user, and actively acting. Therefore, the user can have a strong attachment to the personal computer itself.

It is an illustration figure which shows the usage example of the personal computer of one Example of this invention. It is the external view which looked at the personal computer of FIG. 1 from the front. It is the external view which looked at the personal computer of FIG. 1 from the side. It is an illustration figure which shows the internal structure of the FIG. 1 Example. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of FIG. 1 Example. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of CPU of the personal computer of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows other operation | movement of CPU of the personal computer of FIG. It is a flowchart following the flowchart of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Personal computer or creature 19 ... Iris 20 ... Camera 23 ... Speaker 25 ... Human sensor 29 ... Iris drive circuit 44 ... Contact sensor 48 ... Movement motor drive circuit 50 ... Movement motor 52 ... Lifting motor drive circuit 54 ... Lifting motor 56 ... Turning Motor drive circuit 58 ... turning motor 60 ... light quantity sensor 62 ... acceleration sensor 64 ... timer 66 ... distance measuring sensor

Claims (16)

A personal computer comprising: a personal computer main body; and a driving means provided in the main body and moving the main body itself.   The personal computer according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit includes at least one of a moving unit that moves the main body, a pan operation unit that pans the main body, and a tilt operation unit that tilts the main body. It further comprises event detection means for detecting the occurrence of an event,
The personal computer according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit operates in response to detection by the event detection unit. The event detection means includes presence detection means for detecting the presence of a user,
The personal computer according to claim 3, wherein the moving unit adjusts the distance to the user in accordance with detection by the presence detection unit.   The personal computer according to claim 4, wherein the moving unit reduces the distance to the user when the presence detecting unit detects the presence of the user.   The personal computer according to claim 4, wherein the moving unit increases a distance from the user when the presence detecting unit detects the presence of the user. The event detecting means includes a scene detecting means for detecting a scene that requires a user's judgment, a receiving means for accepting a user's judgment in the scene, a determining means for determining a judgment of the CPU in the scene, and the judgment of the user and the A comparison means for comparing with the judgment of the CPU;
As a result of the comparison by the comparison means, the moving means approaches the user when the user's judgment and the CPU's judgment match, and the user's judgment and the CPU's judgment do not match The personal computer according to claim 3, wherein the personal computer is separated from the personal computer.   The personal computer according to claim 3, further comprising sound generation means for generating sound in response to detection by the event detection means.   The personal computer according to claim 3, wherein the event detection unit further includes a shake detection unit that detects a degree of shaking of the main body.   When the shaking detection means detects a shake greater than a predetermined threshold, the moving means moves away from the user, the panning means performs a panning action, and the sound generating means emits a sound indicating disgust. 9. The personal computer according to claim 8, wherein when the movement is detected and a swing smaller than a predetermined threshold is detected, the moving means reduces the distance from the user and the sound generating means generates a sound indicating a reply.   The personal computer according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the event detection means further includes time detection means for detecting that the no-operation time has reached a predetermined time.   The personal computer according to claim 3, wherein the event detection unit further includes a state detection unit that detects an internal state. The event detection means further includes a question detection means for detecting a question from a user,
When the inquiry detection means detects an inquiry, the presence detection means detects the position of the user, the driving means addresses the body in the direction of the user based on the detection result of the presence detection means, and the state detection means Detects an internal state, and the sound generating means generates a synthesized voice indicating a response based on a detection result of the state detecting means,
A judgment means for judging whether the content of the reply is affirmative or negative; and when the reply is affirmative, the tilt operation means performs a tilt operation, and the reply is negative. The personal computer according to claim 12, wherein the pan operation means performs a pan operation at a certain time.   The personal computer according to claim 12, wherein the state detection unit includes a decrease detection unit that detects a decrease in the battery.   The personal computer according to claim 3, wherein the event detection means further includes reception detection means for detecting reception of an electronic mail. The main body includes a jacket having a spherical portion and a head and tail continuously extending from the spherical portion, and one spherical shell provided on the spherical portion of the jacket,
The personal computer according to claim 2, wherein the moving unit, the pan operation unit, and the tilt operation unit drive the main body with a portion of the outer shell provided with the spherical shell as a front surface.

Images