JP2009104409A - Interactive information output device and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interactive information output device capable of providing information desired by a user without making the user feel stress. <P>SOLUTION: The interactive information output device 10 judges, based on a request acquired by interaction with a user based on a prescribed scenario, whether correspondence information corresponding to the request needs to be acquired from an external storage apparatus 30 or not, and when the acquisition is necessary, acquires the correspondence information from the prescribed external storage apparatus 30. During the acquisition of the correspondence information, the information output device 10 interrupts the scenario and interacts with the user based on a scenario other than the interrupted scenario, and after the end of the other scenario, restarts the interrupted scenario, reflects the correspondence information acquired from the external storage apparatus 30 to the scenario, and outputs the scenario to a user terminal 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present application relates to a technical field such as an interactive information output device that outputs information desired by a user.

  In recent years, it is possible to search most information by using the Internet. However, at present, there is too much information, so it is difficult to find the desired information.

  As an apparatus for solving such a problem, there is an information output apparatus that can easily output information desired by a user (see Patent Document 1). This information output device specifies a search condition for searching for information desired by the user while talking with the user by transmitting and receiving information, and acquires predetermined information from an external terminal via the Internet based on the search condition. And output to the user.

JP 2002-163171 A

  However, in the above conventional device, when the time required for communication with the external device is long, the conversation is temporarily interrupted, and the user must simply wait for the communication time with the external device, You may feel stress.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an interactive information output device that can provide information desired by the user without causing the user to feel stress. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an interactive information output device according to claim 1 includes an input unit used to input input information, and output information corresponding to the input information input by the input unit. Scenario storage means for storing a plurality of scenarios for determination, output information determination means for determining output information corresponding to input information based on any scenario stored in the scenario storage means, and the output information determination means And an output means for outputting the output information determined by the determination means for determining whether or not the output information corresponding to the input information needs to be acquired from an external storage device. And correspondence information acquisition means for acquiring output information determined to be acquired from the external device (hereinafter referred to as correspondence information) when determined to be necessary During the period from when the input information is input until the correspondence information corresponding to the input information is acquired, the scenario being output is interrupted, and the output information is determined based on a scenario different from the interrupted scenario. The first control means for controlling the output information determination means, and after the completion of the another scenario after switching, the output is performed so that the interrupted scenario is resumed and the output information is determined based on the resumed scenario. And second control means for controlling the information determining means.

  According to this invention, when it is necessary to acquire corresponding information corresponding to the input information from the external storage device by the input information input from the user during the dialogue with the user based on the scenario, the response Until the information is acquired from the external storage device, the scenario being output is interrupted, a scenario different from the interrupted scenario is output, and interaction with the user is performed. The user's stress due to waiting for a response until it is acquired can be reduced.

  Further, the interactive information output device according to claim 2 is the interactive information output device according to claim 1, wherein the second control means immediately after resuming the interrupted scenario from the external device. The acquired correspondence information is reflected and determined as the output means.

  According to this invention, until the correspondence information is acquired from the external storage device, the scenario being output is interrupted, another scenario is output, the other scenario is terminated, and the interrupted scenario is resumed. Since the correspondence information acquired from the external storage device is output immediately after the response, the correspondence information acquired from the external storage device can be quickly provided to the user.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the interactive information output device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the acquisition time of the external device required for acquiring the past correspondence information is stored in the interactive information output device according to the first or second aspect. The first control means controls the output information determination means so as to determine output information based on the another scenario when the acquisition time exceeds a predetermined threshold value. And

  According to the present invention, when it is predicted that the user's response waiting time until the correspondence information is acquired is lengthened, the scenario being output is interrupted, and a scenario different from the interrupted scenario is output. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the scenario being output from being switched to another scenario until it is not necessary, for example, when the response waiting time is expected to be short.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the interactive information output apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the interactive information output apparatus according to claim 3 predicts a time required for a dialog with a user based on the scenario for each scenario. The time is stored, and the first control unit performs control so that one of the other scenarios in which the acquisition time and the expected output time substantially match is determined as the output information. .

  According to the present invention, when the scenario being output is switched to another scenario, the time required for the dialogue with the user based on the other scenario is substantially the same as the acquisition time. A scenario suitable for the user can be output to the user.

  Further, the interactive information output device according to claim 5 is the interactive information output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the correspondence information is acquired after the completion of the another scenario. If not, the first control means further controls the output information determination means to determine output information based on another scenario different from the other scenario. .

  According to the present invention, when the acquisition time for acquiring the correspondence information to be acquired from the external storage device is longer than the expected time due to some factor, it is different from another scenario output when waiting for a response. Since another other scenario is further output, it is possible to cause the user to output another other scenario corresponding to the response waiting time, and the correspondence information is acquired for the user. It becomes possible not to feel waiting for a response until.

  Further, in the interactive information output device according to claim 6, in the interactive information output device according to claim 5, another scenario that is output when the correspondence information is not acquired is: The expected time is shorter than another scenario output before the other scenario.

  According to the present invention, the expected time is shorter in another scenario that is output after that than in another scenario that is output when waiting for a response. Can be prevented from being output.

  The control program according to claim 7 is a scenario for storing a plurality of scenarios for determining input information used for inputting input information and output information corresponding to the input information input by the input means. A storage unit; an output information determination unit that determines output information corresponding to the input information based on any scenario stored in the scenario storage unit; and an output that outputs the output information determined by the output information determination unit A computer of an interactive information output device comprising: means for determining whether it is necessary to obtain output information corresponding to the input information from an external storage device; Output information (hereinafter referred to as correspondence information) determined to be obtained from the device is acquired, and the input information is input after the input information is input. Until the correspondence information is acquired, the output scenario is interrupted, and the output information determining means is controlled to determine the output information based on a scenario different from the interrupted scenario, and after switching After the completion of the another scenario, the interrupted scenario is resumed, and the output information determining means is controlled to determine output information based on the resumed scenario.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when it is necessary to acquire corresponding information corresponding to the input information from the external storage device by the input information input by the user during the dialogue with the user based on the scenario. Until the corresponding information is acquired from the external storage device, the scenario being output is interrupted, and a scenario different from the interrupted scenario is output, so that the user interacts with it. The user's stress due to waiting for a response until the corresponding information is acquired can be reduced.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the scenario being output is interrupted until another correspondence information is acquired from the external storage device, another scenario is output, the other scenario is terminated, Since the correspondence information acquired from the external storage device is output immediately after the resumed scenario is resumed, the correspondence information can be quickly provided to the user.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 3, when it is expected that the response waiting time of the user until the correspondence information is acquired is lengthened, the scenario being output is interrupted, and is different from the interrupted scenario. Since the scenario is output, it is possible to prevent the scenario being output from being switched to another scenario until it is not necessary, such as when the response waiting time is expected to be short.

  According to the invention of claim 4, when the scenario being output is switched to another scenario, the time required for the dialogue with the user based on the other scenario is substantially the same as the acquisition time. Therefore, a scenario suitable for the response waiting time can be output to the user.

  According to the invention of claim 5, if for some reason, the acquisition time for acquiring the corresponding information to be acquired from the external storage device is longer than the expected time, the response is output when waiting for a response. Since another scenario different from this scenario is further output, another scenario can be output to the user in response to the response waiting time. It becomes possible not to feel waiting for a response until information is acquired.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the predicted time is shorter in another scenario output after that than in another scenario output when waiting for a response. It is possible to prevent another scenario that requires the output from being output.

  According to the invention of claim 7, it is necessary to acquire correspondence information corresponding to the input information from the external storage device by the input information input by the user during the dialogue with the user based on the scenario. In this case, the scenario being output is interrupted until the corresponding information is acquired from the external storage device, and a scenario different from the interrupted scenario is output, so the corresponding information is acquired. It is possible to reduce the stress of the user due to waiting for a response until it is received.

  Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to an interactive information output system that outputs information desired by a user. Specifically, the information output system outputs information in response to a user utterance or a text input request.

[1. Overview of information output system configuration and functions]
First, an outline of the configuration and functions of the information output system S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an information output system, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a user terminal.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information output system S includes a user terminal 2, an information output server 10, and an external server 30. The user terminal 2, the information output server 10, and the external server 30 can exchange data with each other via the network NW, for example, using TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) as a communication protocol. It has become. The network NW is constructed by, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) network, a dedicated communication line, a mobile communication network (including a base station), and a gateway.

  The user terminal 2 is a terminal device owned by each user. For example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, or the like can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 2 is connected to a network NW to control a communication state with the information output server 10, a storage unit 3 that stores various programs, data, and the like, and a user desired An input unit 5 for inputting a request for obtaining information, a display unit 4 for outputting predetermined information, and a system control unit 7 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. They are connected via a system bus 8.

  The input unit 5 includes a keyboard and a mouse, for example, and can input a predetermined request as text using the keyboard or mouse.

  The user can acquire information according to the request while interacting with the information output server 10 by transmitting and receiving information by inputting a predetermined request to the information output server 10 using the user terminal 2. ing.

  For example, the voice recognition program or the voice synthesis program is provided in the storage unit 3 and a microphone is provided as the input unit 5 so that the user can input a predetermined request by voice using the microphone.

  The information output server 10 is configured by a predetermined terminal device, and transmits / receives information to / from the user terminal 2 and the external server 30. The information output server 10 performs a dialogue with the user terminal 2 based on a predetermined scenario, and when it is necessary to acquire correspondence information corresponding to a request from the user terminal 2 from the external server 30, a predetermined external The server 30 is accessed, and correspondence information corresponding to the request is acquired from the external server 30.

  Further, the information output server 10 interrupts the dialogue based on the scenario being output while acquiring the correspondence information from the external server 30, and conducts a dialogue based on a scenario different from the interrupted scenario with the user terminal 2. After the dialogue with the user terminal 2 by another scenario is completed, the interrupted scenario is resumed, and the correspondence information acquired from the external server 30 is output to the user terminal 2.

  The external server 30 is a terminal device that stores various information, and is accessed from the information output server 10. The external server 30 retrieves correspondence information corresponding to a user request transmitted from the information output server 10 and outputs correspondence information based on the retrieval result to the information output server 10.

  The information output system S configured in this way interacts with a user based on a predetermined scenario, and the user outputs a predetermined request using the user terminal 2 so that the information output server 10 is connected to the external server 30. By accessing, correspondence information corresponding to the request can be acquired from the external server 30 and provided to the user. Therefore, the user can easily obtain desired information. The information output server 10 interrupts the scenario while accessing the external server 30 to acquire the correspondence information, and interacts with the user based on another scenario. You don't have to wait so much. Therefore, the user's stress due to waiting for a response until the correspondence information is acquired can be reduced.

[2. Specific configuration and function of information output server]
Next, a specific configuration and function of the information output server will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the information output server, FIG. 4 is a database configuration example, FIG. 4 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a conversation scenario database, and FIG. 4 (b) is for topic switching. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a scenario database, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a database showing an access history to an external server, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of another database showing an access history to an external server.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the information output server 10 is connected to a network NW, and controls a communication unit 11 that controls a communication state with the external server 30 and the user terminal 2, various programs, and input information input by a user. A storage unit (for example, a hard disk device) 15 for storing data such as a plurality of scenarios for determining corresponding output information, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) And the like. The system control unit 20, the communication unit 11, and the storage unit 15 are connected to each other via a system bus 21.

  The storage unit 15 includes a conversation scenario database (hereinafter referred to as “conversation scenario DB 51”), a topic switching scenario database (hereinafter referred to as “topic switching scenario DB 52”), and a response time database (hereinafter referred to as “ Response time DB 53 ") is established.

  The conversation scenario database 51 includes, for example, an ID number, a category, and a scenario file for conversation as shown in FIG.

  The category is set assuming a request input by the user, and is classified into, for example, “hotel search” and “restaurant search”. A conversation scenario file to be output to the user terminal 2 is associated with each category (for example, “business hotel search scenario”, “Kyoto restaurant search scenario”, etc.). The category and conversation scenario files are managed by ID numbers.

  The scenario file for conversation has a plurality of scenario documents. Each scenario document is presented in accordance with the dialogue with the user terminal 2, and the user responds to the scenario document by using the user terminal 2. Is established.

  The topic switching scenario database 52 includes, for example, an ID number, a category, a topic switching scenario file, and an expected conversation time, as shown in FIG. 4B.

  The categories are classified and configured to include general-purpose items in addition to those set assuming requests input by the user. Then, a topic switching scenario file to be output to the user terminal 2 is associated with each category, and an expected conversation time when the topic switching scenario file is executed is associated. Further, the category, the topic switching scenario file, and the expected conversation time are managed by the ID number.

  The expected conversation time is an estimated time from the start of the conversation to the end when the conversation is performed between the user terminal 2 and the information output server 10 based on the topic switching scenario file. It is.

  This topic switching scenario file unilaterally presents a predetermined scenario document according to a scenario document that presents predetermined information to the user terminal 2 or a dialogue with the user terminal 2, and the user uses the user terminal 2 to A plurality of scenario documents that include a conversation by responding to the scenario document are included.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the response time database 53 includes access information indicating the access status to the past external server 30. Each access information includes an address (URL) indicating the location of the external server 30 accessed by the information output server 10 in the past, a method indicating an operation mode, and an average execution time indicating an average access time.

  This access information is registered when the information output server 10 accesses the external server 30. The average execution time is calculated as an average of the acquisition time required for the information output server 10 to access the predetermined external server 30 in order to acquire the corresponding information corresponding to the user request and acquire the corresponding information. Each time it is accessed by the external server 30, it is calculated and updated. Further, access information to the external server 30 is added by accessing the new external server 30.

  Note that the access time may vary from time to time due to problems in the network NW or the external server 30, so in consideration of this point, as shown in FIG. The management may be performed by ID number, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the average execution time may be divided into predetermined time zones and managed by the ID number. In addition, when accessing the same place over and over, the CPU is loaded to calculate the average execution time. To reduce the burden, the average execution time managed as access information Instead of calculating the average of the access times, it is possible to calculate only the average of the access times that accessed the predetermined external server 30 most recently.

  In addition to the predetermined operating system, the storage unit 15 includes a conversation scenario control program that responds to a request transmitted from the user terminal 2 using a scenario file stored in the conversation scenario DB 51, and the user terminal 2. On the other hand, a topic switching control program that responds using a scenario file stored in the topic switching scenario DB 52, a timer control program for managing the communication time with the external server 30, and the communication time with a predetermined external server 30 A response time measurement control program to be measured is stored.

  Various programs may be acquired from, for example, another server device via the network NW, or may be recorded on a disk DK such as a CD-ROM and read via the drive unit 14. Anyway.

  The system control unit 20 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like having a calculation function as a computer. The CPU functions as the information output device of the present application by reading and executing the control program stored in the storage unit 15 or the like (starting the control application), for example. This control program is a processing program executed by the system control unit 20 of the information output server 10 based on a request input from the user terminal 2.

  The system control unit 20 of the present embodiment functions as input means, output information determination means, output means, determination means, correspondence information acquisition means, first control means, and second control means of the present application.

  Specifically, the system control unit 20 receives a request input by the user terminal 2, specifies a category related to the request, and determines a scenario file for conversation corresponding to the category using the conversation scenario DB 51. Then, a scenario document based on the conversation scenario file is output to the user terminal 2. When a request based on the scenario document is received from the user terminal 2, a predetermined scenario document corresponding to the request is further output to the user terminal 2 to establish a conversation.

  Further, the system control unit 20 determines whether it is necessary to acquire correspondence information corresponding to the request from the external server 30 based on a request from the user based on the conversation scenario file. This determination is made, for example, based on whether or not a search condition for obtaining a request desired by the user is specified during a dialog with the user terminal based on the scenario file for conversation.

  In addition, when the system control unit 20 determines that it is necessary based on the above determination, the system control unit 20 accesses a predetermined external server 30 based on the search condition and acquires predetermined correspondence information corresponding to the search condition from the external server 30. To do.

  In addition, while accessing the external server 30 and acquiring the correspondence information, the system control unit 20 interrupts the output of the scenario document based on the scenario file for conversation being output, and uses the topic switching scenario DB 52. Then, a scenario switching scenario file corresponding to the category specified by the request is acquired, and a scenario document based on the topic switching scenario file is output to the user terminal 2.

  In this way, while accessing the external server 30, the output of the scenario document based on the conversation scenario file is interrupted, and the scenario document based on the topic switching scenario file is output to the user terminal 2. Therefore, the user can be prevented from feeling waiting for a response. Therefore, the stress of the user due to waiting for a response until the desired information is acquired can be reduced.

  Further, the system control unit 20 determines a scenario document to be output to the user terminal 2 based on the interrupted scenario file for conversation after the topic switching scenario file has been output, and the scenario document is determined by the user. Output to terminal 2.

  When a scenario document is first output based on the interrupted scenario file for conversation, the correspondence information acquired from the external server 30 is reflected and output to the user terminal 2.

  Further, when outputting a scenario document based on the scenario switching scenario file to the user terminal 2, the average execution time of the external server 30 to be accessed is obtained by referring to the response time DB 53 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the execution time exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the average execution time exceeds the predetermined threshold value as a result of this determination, the topic switching scenario file is acquired and the topic is It is preferable to output a scenario document based on the switching scenario file to the user terminal 2. This threshold is a time during which the user does not feel stress with respect to waiting for a response to output information, and is, for example, 5 seconds.

  In this way, a scenario based on a scenario switching scenario file only when it is assumed that the user feels stress due to waiting for a response by managing whether or not the user feels stress due to waiting for a response by managing the length of the average execution time. Since the document is output to the user terminal 2, the scenario file for topic switching is used even when it is assumed that the correspondence information can be acquired in a short time so that the user does not feel stress due to waiting for a response. It is possible to prevent the scenario document based on the user terminal 2 from being output.

  The topic switching scenario file refers to the topic switching scenario DB 52 and the response time DB 53, and the expected conversation time of the scenario file corresponding to the category and the average execution time in the external server 30 to be accessed substantially coincide. It is preferable to obtain a scenario file. More preferably, it is preferable to acquire one scenario file having an expected conversation time exceeding the average execution time as a minimum from the stored scenario files.

  As described above, the scenario switching scenario file substantially coincides with the expected average execution time of the external server 30, so that a scenario suitable for the response waiting time can be output.

  If the information corresponding to the predetermined request is not acquired from the external server 30 when the topic switching scenario file output process is completed, a scenario different from the most recently acquired topic switching scenario file is obtained. It is preferable to further acquire a file and output a scenario document based on the different scenario file to the user terminal 2.

  In this way, even if the response wait occurs after outputting the scenario file using the response wait due to some reason (when the acquisition of the correspondence information takes longer than the expected time), the user terminal Since the scenario file that is different from the scenario file that was most recently output to 2 is output to the user terminal 2 again, useless time such as waiting for a response can be used effectively, and the user feels waiting for a response. It is possible not to let it.

  This different scenario file is selected and output with a shorter conversation time than the most recently output scenario file. Preferably, it is preferable to select one having an estimated conversation time of about half.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent an unnecessarily long scenario switching scenario file from being executed. Then, it is possible to provide the user with correspondence information corresponding to the request. In addition, since it is possible to eliminate a blank time for waiting for a response, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling awaiting a response.

[3. Example of operation when starting the conversation scenario control program]
Next, operation processing when the conversation scenario control program is activated will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the user terminal and the information output server based on the conversation scenario file. The conversation scenario control program is activated when a request is input by the user terminal 2 from the user and the information output server 10 receives the request.

  First, when the user operates the user terminal 2 to select a request (for example, a category indicating restaurant search in Kyoto), the information output server 10 determines a scenario file for conversation corresponding to the request, and the scenario Based on the file, a predetermined scenario document (for example, “This is Kyoto restaurant guide. Which restaurant are you looking for?”) Is output (step S101), and the user is prompted to input a region name. When the user responds to the output, a predetermined scenario document is output in response to the response (step S103, step S105), and the user is prompted to input a dish name or budget. Note that when the user makes an ambiguous response using the user terminal 2, a scenario document for specifying a region name, food, and budget is output to the user terminal 2 (steps S102, S104, and S106). ).

  Next, the information output server 10 determines that it is necessary to acquire correspondence information corresponding to the user's request acquired by the above-described dialogue from the external server 30, and restaurant information that matches the search condition specified by the request is obtained. The stored external server 30 is identified and connected to the external server 30, and the external server 30 is searched for restaurant information that matches the search conditions (step S107).

  Next, the information output server 10 acquires the search result searched by the external server 30, reflects the search result in the scenario file, and outputs it to the user terminal 2. For example, if there are a lot of relevant information, a scenario document indicating that a lot of relevant information has been searched is output (step S108). If there is a small amount of corresponding information, a scenario document indicating the number of retrieved items is output (step S109). If the corresponding information is not searched, a scenario document suggesting that there is no corresponding is output (step S110), a scenario document for changing the search condition is output (step S111), and the external server is again displayed. Let 30 search.

  Next, when the corresponding information is searched as a search result, a scenario document that suggests restaurant information with the highest priority defined in advance is output (step S112).

  Then, when the user uses the user terminal 2 for this output and a request indicating the next search result is input, a scenario document suggesting restaurant information is output in descending order of priority, and the user terminal 2 If no request is input, a scenario document that prompts the user to input a predetermined request (such as ending or viewing other search results) is output (step S113).

  Next, when a request for termination is input from the user terminal 2, a scenario document indicating guidance for termination of search guidance output processing is output (step S114), and the processing is terminated.

  Next, a specific example of the operation of the information output server when outputting the scenario document to the user terminal will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example when a scenario document is output to the user terminal.

  First, when the user selects a scenario corresponding to the request using the user terminal, the information output server 10 receives the scenario name (step S201).

  Next, the information output server 10 refers to the conversation scenario DB 51 to obtain a conversation scenario file corresponding to the received scenario name, and outputs a predetermined scenario document to the user terminal 2 from the conversation scenario file. (Step S202). Then, while the user responds to the scenario document using the user terminal 2, a conversation process with the user is executed along the conversation scenario file (step S203), and the process is terminated.

  Here, an operation example of the information output server related to the conversation processing with the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to a conversation process with a user.

  A scenario file for conversation is specified by the information output server 10, an initial scenario document based on the scenario file for conversation is output to the user terminal 2, and the user responds to the scenario document using the user terminal 2. Then, the information output server 10 receives the user request transmitted from the user terminal 2 (step S301).

  Based on the user's request, the information output server 10 accesses the external server 30 and determines whether a search process is necessary (step S302). If this determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S303, and if not, the process proceeds to step S306. If this determination is denied, the scenario document to be output to the user terminal 2 is searched with reference to the scenario document included in the conversation scenario file.

  In step S303, a predetermined external server 30 is specified, the external server 30 is accessed, and a predetermined search condition specified based on the request acquired from the user is transmitted (step S304).

  Next, the information output server 10 determines whether or not a search result searched according to a predetermined search condition is received from the external server 30 (step S304). If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S305. If not, the process proceeds to step S306. If this determination is denied, the scenario document to be output to the user terminal 2 is searched with reference to the scenario document included in the conversation scenario file.

  In step S305, the scenario document included in the scenario file for conversation is referred to, a predetermined scenario document is searched, and the acquired search result is reflected in the searched scenario document and output to the user terminal 2. Build a scenario document to do.

  Next, in step S306, a predetermined scenario document is output to the user terminal 2, and the process ends.

[4. Example of operation when the topic switching program is started]
Next, an operation example of the information output server 10 at the time of starting the topic switching program will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example when waiting for a response from the user. The topic switching program is activated when communicating with the external server 30.

  First, the information output server 10 starts a timer when accessing the external server 30 (step S401). By starting this timer, the information output server 10 manages the communication (response) time with the external server 30.

  Further, along with the activation of the timer, the information output server 10 starts communication processing with the external server 30 asynchronously (step S402).

  Next, the information output server 10 refers to the response time DB 53 and acquires the average execution time of the external server 30 (step S403). By obtaining this average execution time, the information output server 10 can predict the communication time to the external server 30.

  Next, the information output server 10 determines whether or not the average execution time exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S404). If this determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S405. finish. Based on this determination, the information output server 10 determines whether the user feels stress due to waiting for a response.

  In step S405, the information output server 10 refers to the topic switching scenario DB 52 and searches for a topic switching scenario file having the same category.

  Next, the information output server 10 determines whether or not one or more topic switching scenario files as search results exist (step S406). If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S408, and denies If so, the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, the topic switching scenario DB 52 is referred to search for a topic switching scenario file having a general category, and the process proceeds to step S408.

  Next, in step S408, the scenario file with the shortest expected conversation time is acquired from the scenario files whose expected conversation time associated with the topic switching scenario file exceeds the average execution time acquired in step S403. To do.

  Next, it is determined whether or not communication with a predetermined external server 30 has been disconnected (step S409). If this determination is affirmed, the process ends, and if not, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, conversation processing with the user is executed based on the scenario file acquired in step S408. Specifically, a predetermined scenario document is output to the user terminal 2, and the scenario document is output again according to a response from the user to the output, or the predetermined scenario document is unilaterally output to the user terminal 2.

  In step S411, the information output server 10 determines again whether or not communication with the external server 30 has been disconnected after a predetermined time has elapsed. If this determination is affirmed, the information output server 10 ends the process and is denied. Then, the process proceeds to step S412.

  In step S412, the average execution time of the scenario file output to the user terminal 2 is set to ½, and the process returns to step S405 to search for a scenario file having the set average execution time and continue the process.

[5. Example of operation when the timer program and response time measurement program are started]
Next, an operation example of the information output server 10 when the timer program and the response time measurement program are started will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example when the average execution time is updated. The timer program and the response time measurement program are activated when communication with the external server 30 is started.

  First, along with the start of communication with the external server 30, the start time at the start of communication with the external server 30 is stored in the storage unit 15 (step S501).

  Next, along with the end of communication with the external server 20 (line disconnection), the end time at the end of communication with the external server 30 is stored in the storage unit 15 (step S502).

  Next, a response (communication) time to the external server 30 is calculated based on the start time and end time stored in the storage unit 15 (step S503).

  Next, referring to the response time DB 53, the average execution time of the access information that matches the address of the external server 30 corresponding to the response time calculated in step S503 is acquired (step S504).

  Next, based on the average execution time acquired in step S504 and the response time calculated in step S503, an average execution time to the external server 30 is newly calculated, and the newly calculated average execution time is set as the response time. The process is terminated after reflecting in the DB 53.

  As described above, the information output server 10 functioning as the information output device of the present application receives a request acquired by interaction with the user terminal 2 based on a predetermined conversation scenario file (hereinafter referred to as “scenario”). Then, it is determined whether or not the correspondence information corresponding to the request needs to be acquired from the external server 30 functioning as the external storage device of the present application, and when necessary, the correspondence information is obtained from the predetermined external server 30. get. Further, the information output server 10 interrupts the scenario until the correspondence information is acquired from a predetermined external server 30, and a topic switching scenario file (hereinafter referred to as “another scenario switching” different from the interrupted scenario). The scenario is called “Scenario”), and after the completion of the another scenario, the interrupted scenario is resumed, and the corresponding information acquired from the external server 30 is reflected in the scenario and output to the user terminal 2. It is supposed to be.

  According to the present invention, a scenario document based on a topic switching scenario file is output to the user terminal 2 from when a request is input by the user until the corresponding information corresponding to the request is acquired from the external server 30. Since the user interacts with the user, the user hardly feels waiting for a response. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the stress of the user due to the response waiting that occurs when the correspondence information is acquired from the external server 30.

  Further, an average execution time functioning as an acquisition time of the external server 30 required for acquiring the correspondence information in the past is stored, and when the average execution time exceeds a predetermined threshold, a scenario file for topic switching A scenario document based on this is output.

  According to the present invention, when the response waiting time until the correspondence information is acquired is expected to be long, the scenario being output is interrupted and another scenario is output. It is possible to prevent a scenario that is being output from being switched to another scenario until it is not necessary, such as when it is expected to be short.

  Further, an expected conversation time functioning as an expected output time for predicting a time required for a dialogue with a user based on the topic switching scenario file is stored, and the predicted conversation time is selected from a plurality of the topic switching scenario files. A scenario document based on one topic switching scenario file in which the execution time and the expected conversation time substantially coincide is output to the user terminal 2.

  According to the present invention, when the scenario being output is switched to another scenario, the time required for the dialogue with the user based on the other scenario is substantially the same as the acquisition time. A scenario suitable for the user can be output to the user.

  In addition, when the correspondence information is not acquired when the conversation with the user based on the topic switching scenario file is ended, the another output from the plurality of topic switching scenario files is further performed. A different scenario from the scenario is output.

  According to the present invention, when the acquisition time for acquiring the correspondence information to be acquired from the external server 30 is longer than the expected time due to some factor, it is different from another scenario output when waiting for a response. Since another scenario is further output, another scenario can be output to the user in response to the response waiting time until the correspondence information is acquired for the user. It is possible to prevent the user from waiting for a response.

  In addition, it is preferable that the other conversation scenario has a shorter expected conversation time than another scenario output before the other scenario.

  According to the present invention, the expected time is shorter in another scenario that is output after that than in another scenario that is output when waiting for a response. Can be prevented from being output.

  In this embodiment, the interactive information output device of the present application is applied to the interactive information output system S. However, information that can output information corresponding to the request simply by inputting the request. It can also be applied to an output system.

  In the present embodiment, the information desired by the user is acquired by connecting to the external server 30, but predetermined information is stored in the storage unit of the information output server 10, and the information is stored in the storage unit. Information desired by the user may be acquired.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of an information output system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a user terminal. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of an information output server. FIG. 4A shows an example of a conversation scenario database, and FIG. 4B shows an example of a topic switching scenario database. It is a figure which shows an example of the database which shows the access history to an external server. It is a figure which shows an example of the other database which shows the access history to an external server. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation example of the user terminal and information output server based on a conversation scenario file. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation example at the time of outputting a scenario document to a user terminal. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation example regarding a conversation process with a user. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation example at the time of a user's response waiting. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation example at the time of updating average execution time.

Explanation of symbols

S information output system NW network 2 user terminal 10 information output server 30 external server 51 conversation scenario DB
52 Topic switching scenario DB
53 Response time DB

Claims (7)

Input means used for inputting input information, scenario storage means for storing a plurality of scenarios for determining output information corresponding to the input information input by the input means, and stored in the scenario storage means An interactive information output device comprising: output information determining means for determining output information corresponding to input information based on any scenario; and output means for outputting the output information determined by the output information determining means In
Determining means for determining whether or not output information corresponding to the input information needs to be acquired from an external storage device;
Correspondence information acquisition means for acquiring output information determined to be acquired from the external device (hereinafter referred to as correspondence information) when it is determined to be necessary;
During the period from when the input information is input until the correspondence information corresponding to the input information is acquired, the scenario being output is interrupted, and the output information is determined based on a scenario different from the interrupted scenario. First control means for controlling the output information determination means,
Second control means for controlling the output information determining means to resume the interrupted scenario after the end of the another scenario after switching, and to determine output information based on the resumed scenario;
An interactive information output device characterized by comprising:   The said 2nd control means reflects the correspondence information acquired from the said external storage device in the said restarted scenario, and determines as the said output information immediately after restarting the said interrupted scenario. Interactive information output device. Store the acquisition time of the external storage device required to acquire the correspondence information in the past,
The first control means includes
3. The output information determination unit is controlled to determine output information based on the another scenario when the acquisition time exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Interactive information output device. For each scenario, an expected output time that predicts the time required to interact with the user based on the scenario is stored,
The first control means includes
4. The interactive information output apparatus according to claim 3, wherein control is performed such that one of the different scenarios in which the acquisition time and the expected output time substantially match is determined as the output information. When the correspondence information has not been acquired after the end of the another scenario,
The first control means includes
5. The dialogue according to claim 1, further comprising controlling the output information determining means so as to determine output information based on another scenario different from the other scenario. 6. Type information output device.   6. The other scenario output when the correspondence information is not acquired has a shorter expected time than another scenario output before the other scenario. An interactive information output device described in 1. Input means used for inputting input information, scenario storage means for storing a plurality of scenarios for determining output information corresponding to the input information input by the input means, and stored in the scenario storage means An interactive information output device comprising: output information determining means for determining output information corresponding to input information based on any scenario; and output means for outputting the output information determined by the output information determining means Computer
It is determined whether or not output information corresponding to the input information needs to be acquired from an external storage device. If it is determined that output information is necessary, output information determined to be acquired from the external device (hereinafter, referred to as “output information”). The scenario that is being output is interrupted between the time when the input information is input and the time when the corresponding information corresponding to the input information is acquired. The output information determination means is controlled so as to determine the output information based on, and after the completion of the another scenario after switching, the interrupted scenario is restarted, and the output information is determined based on the restarted scenario. A control program for causing the output information determining means to function as described above.

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