JP2010002941A - Information providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information providing system which enables a user to feel occupancy, and to communicate with insatiable and attractive characters. <P>SOLUTION: An information communication device 10 reproduces a peculiar character in accordance with user identification information, so that users' feeling of occupancy or emotions about the character can be raised. The image or voice of a character is changed in accordance with a variety of information such as the sensed result of a sensor unit 107 such as an object sensor or a wind pressure sensor set in the information communication device 10 and the tag information of merchandise read by a reader device 30, so that a character in an abundance of unexpectedness can be created. Thus, it is possible to improve the attraction of characters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing system that provides information via a network such as the Internet. For example, the present invention relates to an interactive information providing system capable of changing a character image or voice according to a user's inquiry. It is.

  In recent years, with the development of information communication technology represented by the Internet, it has become possible for individuals to easily transmit and receive large volumes of data. For example, services that deliver large-capacity moving image data and music data according to the user's wishes on the Internet are attracting attention, and the market is expanding year by year. In addition, in digital type television broadcasting, the contents of the program being broadcast and questionnaires are transmitted through the teletext broadcast attached to the normal television broadcast, and the response from the user to this is returned to the broadcasting station. Communication is possible.

  However, such bidirectional communication technology is still in the process of development, and further technological innovation is desired. In digital television broadcasting and the Internet, it is possible to easily obtain information desired by users. However, the act of obtaining information in this way is less surprising than human communication, so it is easy to get bored easily. There is a problem that it will be. On the other hand, in actual human-to-human communication performed via a network, there is a possibility that it is easy to be bound by various social constraints due to poor fantasy and storytelling, and there is a possibility of being involved in unnecessary human relationship troubles. There are problems such as.

  In recent years, computer games played by unspecified participants on the network have become popular, but the characters of participants who can encounter such a game space are only controlled by other participants. Therefore, communication with these characters contains the same problems as those between humans described above. Moreover, even if it is a virtual character that appears in the game space, there is a problem that it is difficult to memorize attachment and occupancy because normally one participant cannot monopolize.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information providing system that allows the user to enjoy communication with an attractive character that is easy to remember and feels tired.

  An information providing system according to the present invention includes a plurality of pieces of information including a reproduction unit that reproduces an image and / or sound of a character, a sensor unit that senses a predetermined physical state, and a storage unit that stores user identification information. A communication device; and a server device that provides character information related to an image and / or sound of a character to be reproduced by the reproduction unit to each of the plurality of information communication devices. When the server device obtains the user identification information from the information communication device, the server device obtains the character information of a character that is a unique character corresponding to the obtained user identification information and changes according to a sensing result of the sensor unit. It has a character information generator for generating. The information communication device reproduces the image and / or sound of the unique character by the reproduction unit based on the character information provided from the server device and detects the image and / or sound by the sensor unit. It has a control part which changes according to a result.

Suitably, the said information communication apparatus may have a reading part which reads the identification information of articles | goods. When the character information generation unit acquires the item identification information from the information communication device, the character information generation unit may generate the character information of the unique character according to the acquired item identification information. The control unit of the information communication device changes the image and / or sound of the unique character reproduced by the reproduction unit based on the character information corresponding to the article identification information provided from the server device. May be.
In that case, the character information generation unit invites the specific character to solicit the purchase of a specific product, and after the solicitation, whether the specific product identification information related to the specific product has been read by the reading unit. The character information may be generated so that the attitude of the unique character changes according to the situation.
Further, the server device collects the article identification information read by the reading unit for each user identification information, and a user for each user identification information according to a collection result of the information collection unit. And a determination unit that determines the behavior style. The character information generation unit may generate the character information of the unique character according to a determination result of the determination unit.

  Preferably, the server device collects a sensing result of the sensor unit for each user identification information, and sets a user behavior for each user identification information according to a collection result of the information collection unit. You may have the determination part to determine. The character information generation unit may generate the character information of the unique character according to a determination result of the determination unit.

  The information communication apparatus may include a voice input unit that inputs voice. The server device may include a voice recognition unit that acquires voice information input in the voice input unit and recognizes the voice based on the acquired information. The character information generation unit may generate the character information of the unique character according to a recognition result of the voice recognition unit.

  The information communication apparatus may include a wireless communication unit that transmits and receives wireless signals. The server device may include a voice recognition unit that recognizes the voice based on the acquired information when the voice information included in the wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit is acquired. The character information generation unit may generate the character information and voice information of the unique character according to a recognition result of the voice recognition unit. When the wireless communication unit obtains the voice information of the unique character generated according to the voice information included in the radio signal received from the communication partner from the server device, the radio communication unit receives the radio signal including the acquired voice information. You may transmit to a communicating party.

  Preferably, the character information generation unit sets the character information so that an image and / or sound of the unique character periodically changes in units of at least one of year, month, week or day. It may be generated.

  According to the present invention, by changing the image and sound of a user-specific character in accordance with the sensing result of the sensor unit, it is easy to remember a sense of occupancy, and enjoy communication with an attractive character that never gets tired.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The information providing system shown in FIG. 1 includes information communication devices 10-1 to 10-4 that can reproduce character images and sounds, and a server device 20.
Each of the information communication devices 10-1 to 10-4 is an example of the information communication device of the present invention.
The server device 20 is an example of a server device of the present invention.

[Information Communication Device 10]
First, the information communication apparatuses 10-1 to 10-4 will be described. Here, each information communication device is represented by “information communication device 10”.
The information communication device 10 transmits user identification information to the server device 20 via a network such as the Internet, acquires character information generated in response to the information from the server device 20, and is user-specific based on the acquired character information. Play the image and sound of the character. For this character, for example, a fictitious situation is set in which a resident who lives on another planet appears in front of an earthling person by subspace communication. The information communication apparatus 10 includes various sensors, and changes the image and sound of a character who is a resident of another planet according to the detection results of the sensors.

2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of the external appearance of the information communication apparatus 10.
2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a right side view, FIG. 2C is a rear view, FIG. 3A is a plan view seen from above, and FIG. 3B is a bottom view. Each is shown.

  The information communication apparatus 10 has a shape in which one surface of the rectangular parallelepiped is inclined with respect to the other two surfaces while maintaining a right angle with respect to the two surfaces in contact with the rectangular parallelepiped. This obliquely inclined surface forms the front surface of the information communication apparatus 10, and of the two surfaces inclined with respect to the front surface, the larger area is the bottom surface and the smaller area is the upper surface. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the front surface is gently curved toward the back surface direction. In addition, the portion where the back surface is in contact with the upper surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface is rounded and rounded.

  A rectangular display area 151 for displaying a stereoscopic image of a character is formed in the upper part of the front center of the information communication apparatus 10, and a character and other information are displayed in the lower part of the front center. A rectangular display area 152 is formed. In the example of FIG. 2, the display area 151 is long in the vertical direction, and the display area 152 is long in the horizontal direction.

On the upper side and the lower side of the rectangular display area 151, decoration members (153 to 156) for visually distinguishing the stereoscopic image of the character are formed, respectively.
The upper protruding portion 154 has a plate-like shape that protrudes in parallel with the bottom surface from the upper side of the display area 151 toward the front, and the tip thereof is rounded and rounded in a semicircular shape. .
The cage portion 153 includes two ring members having different diameters arranged concentrically at a distance, and a plurality of spokes that connect the two ring members.
The ring member having a shorter diameter in the cage portion 153 is fitted into the lower surface of the tip portion of the projecting portion 154, and the ring member having a longer diameter is lowered downward from the lower surface of the projecting portion 154. Sticks out.

The lower protrusion 156 protrudes from the lower side of the display area 151 toward the front. The upper side of the projecting portion 156 forms a surface parallel to the upper surface and the bottom surface of the information communication apparatus 10, and the lower surface forms a hemispherically rounded curved surface.
Similar to the car portion 153 described above, the cage portion 155 includes two ring members having different diameters arranged concentrically at a distance, and a plurality of spokes that connect the two ring members.
The ring member having a shorter diameter in the cage portion 155 is fitted into the upper surface of the protruding portion 156, and the ring member having a longer diameter protrudes upward from the upper surface of the protruding portion 156. .

  The ring members of the cage portions 153 and 155 are arranged substantially concentrically in the vertical direction. A cylindrical space sandwiched between the cage portions 153 and 155 is an area where a stereoscopic image of the character is formed.

A hole 157 for attaching and removing a removable storage unit 117 described later is formed in the vicinity of the center of the back surface of the information communication apparatus 10.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the removable storage unit 117 is a cylindrical capsule whose both ends are hemispherically rounded. The hole 157 extends obliquely from the back surface to the bottom surface of the information communication apparatus 10, and the removable storage unit 117 is used while being inserted into the hole 157.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information communication apparatus 10.
4 includes a character display unit 101, an information display unit 102, amplification units 103 and 105, a speaker 104, a microphone 106, a sensor unit 107, a storage unit 115, and a removable storage unit. 117 and its interface unit (I / F unit) 116, network interface unit (network I / F unit) 118, wireless communication unit 119, control unit 121, reader device 30 and its interface unit (I / F) Part) 120.
The block including the character display unit 101, the amplification unit 103, and the speaker 104 is an example of the reproduction unit of the present invention.
The sensor unit 107 is an example of the sensor unit of the present invention.
The removable storage unit 117 is an example of the storage unit of the present invention.
The block including the amplification unit 105 and the microphone 106 is an example of the voice input unit of the present invention.
The wireless communication unit 119 is an example of the wireless communication unit of the present invention.

  In accordance with the image signal supplied from the control unit 121, the character display unit 101 forms a stereoscopic image in a region in front of the display region 151 (a space sandwiched between the upper and lower portions of the basket units 153 and 155). As an image display method, an arbitrary stereoscopic image display method can be used.

  The information display unit 102 is configured using a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic (inorganic) EL panel, for example, and displays various types of information on the display region 152 in accordance with an image signal supplied from the control unit 121. To do.

  The amplifying unit 103 amplifies the audio signal supplied from the control unit 121 and supplies the amplified audio signal to the speaker 104. The speaker 104 generates a sound corresponding to the audio signal amplified by the amplification unit 103.

  The microphone 106 converts the input sound into an audio signal and outputs it to the amplification unit 105. The amplification unit 105 amplifies the audio signal from the microphone 106 and outputs it to the control unit 121.

The sensor unit 107 senses a predetermined physical phenomenon, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the control unit 121.
The sensor unit 107 includes, for example, an object sensor 108, a wind pressure sensor 109, an optical sensor 110, and a temperature sensor 111 as shown in FIG.

The object sensor 108 detects an object that has entered a predetermined area around the information communication apparatus 10. This predetermined area is set, for example, as a stereoscopic image formation area (a space sandwiched between the upper and lower sides of the car parts 153 and 155) by the character display unit 101.
The method of sensing an object in the object sensor 108 is arbitrary. For example, a method of sensing an object by a change in light or capacitance, a method of sensing an object by image processing, or the like can be used.
For example, the object sensor 108 has a pair of a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, and when the light projected from the light projecting unit to the predetermined region is reflected by the object and enters the light receiving unit, the predetermined region is obtained. Detect that an object has entered. If a pair of a light projecting part and a light receiving part is provided for each of the protrusions 154 and 155 described above, it is also possible to detect the entry of an object independently on the upper side and the lower side of the region where the stereoscopic image is formed. is there. Thereby, for example, it is possible to distinguish between a case where the user tries to touch the head of the character and a case where the user tries to touch the foot, and the variation of the character's reaction can be increased.

  The wind pressure sensor 109 senses the pressure of the wind that hits the information communication apparatus 10. The wind pressure sensor 109 is disposed, for example, around the display area 151, and can sense breath blown toward the character displayed by the character display unit 101.

  The optical sensor 110 senses the brightness around the information communication apparatus 10. For example, it detects which level the brightness of the room in which the information communication apparatus 10 is installed is at a plurality of levels.

  The temperature sensor 111 senses the temperature around the information communication apparatus 10. For example, it detects which level the temperature of the room in which the information communication apparatus 10 is installed is at a plurality of levels.

  The storage unit 115 stores various data used for the processing of the control unit 121, data that needs to be temporarily stored, and a program code when the computer is included in the control unit 121. The storage unit 115 includes a magnetic disk device such as a hard disk device, an optical disk device, various semiconductor memories, and the like.

The removable storage unit 117 stores user identification information and information about unique characters. The removable storage unit 117 is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, other semiconductor memory, an optical disk device, a magnetic disk device, or the like.
The removable storage unit 117 is detachably connected to the control unit 121 via the I / F unit 116. The removable storage unit 117 and the I / F unit 116 communicate with each other by a non-contact method such as infrared communication.

  The network I / F unit 118 performs communication processing based on a predetermined protocol so that the control unit 121 can communicate with the server device 20 via the network.

  The wireless communication unit 119 performs wireless communication with the mobile phone 40. Communication data transmitted to and received from the mobile phone 40 is relayed from the network I / F unit 118 to another communication terminal (telephone or the like) via the network.

  The reader device 30 reads the identification information of the article from the tag attached to the article and outputs it to the control unit 121 via the I / F unit 120.

The reader device 30 includes, for example, a reading unit 301 and an I / F unit 302 as shown in FIG.
The reading unit 301 reads article identification information from a tag attached to an object. For example, the article identification information is optically read from a barcode attached to a product tag. Article identification information may be acquired by radio communication from an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag attached to the product.
The I / F unit 302 communicates with the I / F unit 120 by a predetermined communication method, and transmits the article identification information read by the reading unit 301 to the control unit 121. The communication method between the I / F unit 302 and the I / F unit 120 is arbitrary, and for example, near field communication such as infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the reader device 30.
5A is a plan view, FIG. 5B is a perspective view, and FIG. 5C is a side view. The reader device 30 has, for example, a disk shape as shown in FIG. 5. When an article tag is placed at the center (circled portion), the article of the tag is optically or electrically processed. Read identification information.

  The control unit 121 includes a computer that executes processing based on a program code stored in the storage unit 115, for example, and comprehensively controls the overall operation of the information communication apparatus 10 according to the procedure of the program.

  For example, the control unit 121 performs a process of displaying a stereoscopic image of the character on the character display unit 101 and outputting the voice of the character from the speaker 104 based on the character information provided from the server device via the network. The character information provided from the server device 20 includes information related to character changes in addition to information related to character images and sounds. Based on these pieces of information, the character images and sounds are changed. . For example, when the wind pressure is detected by the wind pressure sensor 109 of the sensor unit 107, the control unit 121 changes the character image such that the character's clothes and hair are shaken by the wind based on the character information.

  In addition, the control unit 121 converts a voice signal from the microphone 106 input in the amplification unit 105 into digital data and transmits the digital data to a later-described voice recognition unit 214 of the server device 20, or an article read by the reader device 30. A process of transmitting the identification information to a character information generation unit 211 (to be described later) of the server apparatus 20 and a process of relaying communication data transmitted and received by the wireless communication unit 119 to a telephone network control unit 215 (to be described later) of the server apparatus 20 are performed.

[Server device 20]
Next, the server device 20 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the server device 20.
6 includes a network interface unit (network I / F unit) 201, a user information storage unit 202, a unique character storage unit 203, a character element storage unit 204, and a character management data storage unit 205. And an article management data storage unit 206 and a control unit 210.
The control unit 210 also includes a character information generation unit 211, an information collection unit 212, a determination unit 213, a voice recognition unit 214, a telephone network control unit 215, an article information processing unit 216, and a character management unit 217. Have.
The character information generation unit 211 is an example of a character information generation unit of the present invention.
The information collection unit 212 is an example of the information collection unit of the present invention.
The determination unit 213 is an example of a determination unit of the present invention.
The voice recognition unit 214 is an example of the voice recognition unit of the present invention.

  The network I / F unit 201 performs communication processing based on a predetermined protocol so that the control unit 210 can communicate with the information communication apparatus 10 via the network.

  The user information storage unit 202 stores various types of information for each user in association with identification information (user identification information) of each user who uses the information communication apparatus 10. For example, the network address of the information communication apparatus 10 currently connected, the identification information (character identification information) of the unique character that the user currently holds, information on the user's behavior determined by the determination unit 213, etc. Store in association with user identification information.

  The unique character storage unit 203 stores various information related to the character in association with information (character identification information) for identifying each unique character. For example, various elements related to the appearance and voice of the character (clothing, body type, hairstyle, voice quality, etc.), various attributes of the character (biological species, nationality, family register, age, gender, address, occupation, career, hobbies, preferences), Character personality, current physical condition, and the like are stored in association with character identification information.

  The character element storage unit 204 stores information on each element necessary for reproducing a character image and sound. For example, when a character is generated from a live-action video, the video and audio of the character photographed for various scenes with various clothes and hairstyles are stored. In addition, when compositing character images by computer graphics, image data for each character part (head, body, clothes, etc.) used for compositing, voice data previously recorded by a voice actor, etc. Remember.

  The character management data storage unit 205 stores the usage status of image elements and audio elements used when generating a unique character. For example, when generating a character using an image of a real talent, or when using a character created by a cartoonist, the copyrighted material is used as information for calculating the fee related to the use of the copyrighted material. For each image element or sound element, information such as the number of users and the period of use is stored.

  The article management data storage unit 206 stores management data for article identification information read by the reader device 30 of each information communication apparatus 10. For example, when and which user has read which article identification information is stored. In addition, as information related to the article (product) corresponding to the article identification information, the type of the article (food, miscellaneous goods, playground equipment, etc.), information on the supplier (company), and the like are stored.

  Each of the storage units (202 to 206) described above is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk device such as a hard disk device, an optical disk device, and various semiconductor memories.

  The control unit 210 has a computer that executes processing based on a program code stored in a storage unit (not shown), and comprehensively controls the overall operation of the server device 20 according to the procedure of the program. Each block (211 to 217) included in the control unit 210 is realized as a functional processing block of a program, for example.

  The information collection unit 212 collects various types of information input in each information communication device 10 for each user identification information. That is, the article identification information read by the reader device 30 of the information communication device 10, the detection result of each sensor of the sensor unit 107, the voice recognition result of the voice recognition unit 214, and the like are collected for each user identification information.

The determination unit 213 determines the user behavior for each user identification information according to the collection result of the information collection unit 212.
For example, the user's preference is analyzed and classified according to what kind of product is purchased from the collected item identification information. That is, information (information such as product name, type, company name, etc.) about the product (product) corresponding to each collected product identification information is read from the product management data storage unit 206, and the user is based on the read information. Judge the preference of Specifically, when it is determined that coffee is consumed more than tea or carbonated drinks, the user determines that the user belongs to a type that prefers coffee.
Further, for example, the average return time of the user, holidays, etc. are determined from the detection results of the optical sensor in 24 hours, or the user's preference regarding the room temperature adjustment is determined from the detection results of the temperature sensor.

When the voice recognition unit 214 acquires voice information from the information communication apparatus 10 via the network, the voice recognition unit 214 recognizes the voice based on the voice information. For example, the voice recognition unit 214 performs a recognition process on the voice input from the microphone 106 of the information communication apparatus 10 and the voice of the communication partner included in the radio signal received from the mobile phone 40.
In addition, when performing the recognition process about the voice of the mobile phone 40, it is desirable to perform the recognition process only when calling a specific communication partner, instead of performing the recognition process for all communication partners. For example, when a call is made to a telephone number assigned to a unique character, voice recognition processing is performed on behalf of that character.

When acquiring the user identification information from the information communication device 10, the character information generation unit 211 generates character information of a unique character corresponding to the acquired user identification information.
For example, the character information generation unit 211 generates a predetermined event that changes the character (for example, detection of a physical change by the sensor unit 107, reading of article identification information by the reader device 30, input of sound by the microphone 104, etc.) When a predetermined event repeated at a constant cycle occurs), the element stored in the character element storage unit 204 is determined according to the contents of the event and the character-specific information stored in the unique character storage unit 203. In combination, character information is generated.
The character information generated by the character information generation unit 211 includes information related to the change of the character in addition to information necessary for reproducing the image and sound of the character in the information communication device 10. For example, the sensor unit Instructions such as how to change the image and sound of the character in accordance with the detection result 107 are included.

  When the character information generation unit 211 acquires the item identification information from the information communication device 10, the character information generation unit 211 generates character information according to the acquired item identification information and transmits the character information to the information communication device 10. For example, information such as a product name corresponding to the product identification information is acquired from the product management data storage unit 206, and character image or audio information (for example, the product is held in the hand) that matches the product name information. Character image information) is read from the character element storage unit 204, and character information is generated based on the information.

  Moreover, the character information generation part 211 may generate | occur | produce character information so that a specific character may solicit purchase of a specific goods. In that case, after soliciting, character information is generated so that the attitude of the character changes depending on whether or not the specific item identification information related to the specific product is read by the reader device 30. Also good. Specifically, the character information may be generated so that the character is delighted when a specific product solicited by the character is purchased and the article identification information is read by the reader device 30. Thereby, the user's willingness to purchase a specific product can be promoted.

  Further, the character information generation unit 211 generates character information of a unique character according to the determination result of the determination unit 213. For example, if the determination unit 213 determines that the user's favorite drink is coffee, the character information generation unit 211 generates character information so as to invite a new coffee product. Further, when it is determined that the average return time of the user is from 8:00 to 10:00 at night based on the detection result of the sensor unit 107, “return home” when the room lighting is turned on during the time period. Character information is generated so as to give a greeting.

  Further, when the character information generation unit 211 obtains the recognition result of the voice input from the microphone 106 of the information communication unit 10 from the voice recognition unit 214, the character information generation unit 211 generates character information corresponding to the recognition result. For example, if the audio input in the microphone 106 is recognized as "Hello", "yes, hello" as a response to this to produce a character information to return a greeting like.

  On the other hand, when the character information generation unit 211 acquires the speech recognition result included in the wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 119 of the information communication unit 10 from the speech recognition unit 214, the character information generation unit 211 displays character information corresponding to the recognition result. In addition to this, voice information for returning a response to the mobile phone 40 of the communication partner is generated. For example, when a call is made from a mobile phone 40 to a specific phone number (character-specific phone number), voice information is generated as if the character is responding to the phone. At that time, character information is generated so that an image of the character talking with the hand of the telephone is displayed on the character display unit 101 of the information communication unit 10. This makes it possible to enjoy a virtual conversation with the character through the mobile phone 40.

  In addition, the character information generation unit 211 generates character information so that the image and sound of the unique character change periodically with at least one of year, month, week or day as a unit. For example, the character information is generated so that it changes into pajamas at night, the clothes are changed according to the season, and the message of the character is different between weekends and weekdays. If the user's birthday is recorded in the user information storage unit 202, character information is generated so that a special message is issued when the birthday is reached.

  The telephone network control unit 215 performs communication control according to a predetermined protocol so that the mobile phone 40 and other communication terminals on the network form a telephone network using the wireless communication unit 119 of the information communication unit 10 as a base station. .

  The article information processing unit 216 processes the article identification information read by the reader device 30 of each information communication apparatus 10 and stores management data in the article management data storage unit 206. For example, for each item identification information, the read date and the user identification information of the user who performed the reading are stored in the item management data storage unit 206. Thereby, data useful for marketing various products can be accumulated.

  The character management unit 217 searches the usage status (number of users, usage period, etc.) of image elements and audio elements registered as works in the character management data storage unit 205, and manages the search results for each work. Records in the data storage unit 205. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the fee for using the copyrighted work for the author, making it easier to receive works that can be used for the character, enriching content for character generation, and creating attractive characters. It becomes easy to do.

  Here, the operation of the information providing system having the above-described configuration will be described.

<Reproduction of unique characters>
First, processing for reproducing a unique character corresponding to user identification information will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Step ST101:
When the apparatus is activated, the control unit 121 of the information communication apparatus 10 reads the user identification information from the removable storage unit 117 and transmits it to the server apparatus 20.

Step ST102:
When the character information generation unit 211 acquires the user identification information from the information communication apparatus 10, the character information generation unit 211 searches the user information storage unit 202 for the user identification information and reads the character identification information associated therewith. Next, the user information storage unit 202 searches the character element storage unit 204 for the character identification information, and stores information associated with the character identification information (information of each element necessary for reproducing a character image or sound). Is read. Then, character information is generated based on the read information and provided to the information communication device 10.

Step ST103:
When the control unit 121 of the information communication device 10 acquires the character information from the server device 20, the control unit 121 displays a character image on the character display unit 101 based on the acquired character information, and outputs the sound from the microphone 106.

Step ST104:
When the detection result of the sensor unit 107 is input, the control unit 121 of the information communication apparatus 10 changes the image and the sound based on the acquired character information so that the character shows a reaction according to the detection result. For example, when the object sensor 108 is used to touch the vicinity of the head of the character, the character image is changed so that the character has a surprised expression.

<Change of character according to article identification information>
Next, the change of the character when the article identification information is read by the reader device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Step ST201:
When the article identification information is read by the reader device 30, the control unit 121 of the information communication device 10 transmits the article identification information to the server device 20.

Step ST202:
When the character information generation unit 211 acquires the item identification information from the information communication device 10, the character information generation unit 211 acquires information such as a product name corresponding to the item identification information from the item management data storage unit 206, and matches the product name. Are read out from the character element storage unit 204. Then, character information is generated based on the read information and provided to the information communication device 10.

Step ST203:
When the control unit 121 of the information communication device 10 acquires character information from the server device 20, the control unit 121 changes the character image and sound based on the character information. For example, when the article identification information of clothes is read by the reader device 30, the character image is changed so that the character is in the state of wearing the clothes.

<Character changes according to the speech recognition result>
Next, a change in character when sound is input through the microphone 106 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

Step ST301:
When an audio signal is input from the microphone 106 via the amplification unit 105, the control unit 121 of the information communication device 10 transmits the audio information to the server device 20.

Step ST302:
When the voice recognition unit 214 acquires voice information from the information communication apparatus 10, the voice recognition unit 214 recognizes the voice based on the information.

Step ST303:
When the voice recognition unit 214 obtains a voice recognition result, the character information generation unit 211 generates character information according to the recognition result and provides the character information to the information communication apparatus 10.

Step ST304:
When the control unit 121 of the information communication device 10 acquires character information from the server device 20, the control unit 121 changes the character image and sound based on the character information. For example, when the speech recognition result is “I'm hungry”, the character image and sound are updated so that the character changes into an apron and says “Let's make something?”.

<Information Collection from Information Communication Device 10>
Next, a process for determining the user's behavior style according to the sensing result of the sensor unit 107, the article identification information read by the reader device 30, the recognition result of the voice recognition unit 214, and the like will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. .

Step ST401:
When the sensor senses the entry of an object or a change in wind pressure in the sensor unit 107, when the article identification information is read by the reader device 30, or when voice information is input by the microphone 106 or the wireless communication unit 119 The control unit 121 of the information communication apparatus 10 transmits the detection result, article identification information, and audio information to the server apparatus 20.

Step ST402:
The information collection device 212 collects the sensing results and article identification information of the sensor unit 107 transmitted from each information communication device 10 for each user identification information, and stores this in the user information storage unit 202. When voice information is transmitted, the result of voice recognition by the voice recognition unit 214 is stored in the user information storage unit 202.

Step ST403:
The determination unit 213 analyzes the detection result of the sensor unit 107, the article identification information, and the voice recognition result stored in the user information storage unit 202, and determines the user behavior. For example, information such as the product name and product type corresponding to the product identification information is acquired from the product management data storage unit 206, and based on this, the user's consumption tendency, palatability, and the like are determined. Further, according to the detection result of the sensor unit 107, the user's life pattern and living environment, the frequency of use of the information communication apparatus 10, and the like are determined. Further, according to the voice recognition result, words frequently used by the user are analyzed, and the user's word usage and dialect are determined. Then, these determination results are written in the user information storage unit 202.

Step ST404:
When a predetermined event occurs, the character information generation unit 211 generates character information and provides it to the information communication apparatus 10. For example, in addition to the case described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, according to a predetermined event that occurs in a predetermined cycle (morning and evening in a day, a cycle of one week, one month, one year, etc.) Character information is automatically generated.
When generating the character information, the character information generation unit 211 takes into account the determination result of the determination unit 213 written in the user information storage unit 202 together with the character information stored in the character information storage unit 211. For example, when the determination result of the preference determination unit 213 for the user's fashion style is written in the user information storage unit 202, the character information generation unit 211 sets the character information so that the appearance of the character matches the fashion style. Is generated.

  The determination unit 213 further determines the character's personality and physical condition according to the determination result of the user's behavior pattern written in the user information storage unit 202, and the determination result is stored in the character information storage unit 211. It may be reflected in information such as attributes. For example, the usage frequency of the information communication device 10 is determined according to the detection frequency of the object sensor in the sensor unit 107 and the frequency of voice recognition, and information such as the character and physical condition of the character is changed according to the determination result. Also good. Thereby, for example, the character information generation unit 211 can generate the character information so that the vitality of the character is improved as the use frequency of the information communication apparatus 10 is increased.

Step ST405:
When the control unit 121 of the information communication device 10 acquires newly generated character information from the server device 20, the control unit 121 changes the character image and sound based on the acquired character information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user's sense of occupancy and feelings about the character can be enhanced by reproducing the unique character corresponding to the user identification information. In addition, by changing the character image and sound according to various types of information such as the sensing result in the sensor unit 107, it is possible to create a surprisingly rich character, so that the attractiveness of the character can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited only to said form, Various modifications are included.

  In the above-described embodiment, the character is reproduced as a stereoscopic image, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a character may be reproduced as a two-dimensional image using an FPD (flat panel display) such as a cathode ray tube, a liquid crystal display, or a plasma display, a projection television, or the like, or an image only or a voice only character may be reproduced.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the server device 20 is represented by a single device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the server device 20 may be configured by a set of physically separated devices. In that case, the control unit 210 of the server device 20 may be configured by a plurality of computers, and the overall processing of the server device 20 may be executed by being distributed by the plurality of computers. Information stored in each storage unit (202 to 206) of the server device 20 may also be distributed and stored in a plurality of storage devices.

  On the other hand, the control unit 121 of the information communication device 10 and the control unit 210 of the server device 20 may realize all of the functions by software using a computer, or may implement part or all of the functions by hardware using a logic circuit. May be.

  The character information generated by the character information generation unit 211 may be transmitted from the server device 20 to the information communication device 10 each time the character information is generated, or in response to a request from the communication device 10 (for example, the free space in the storage unit 115) You may transmit from the server apparatus 20 (depending on capacity etc.).

In the above-described embodiment, the information collection unit 212 collects various types of information input in each information communication apparatus 10 for each user identification information, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the information collecting unit 212 may collect not only information (for one user) for each user identification information but also statistical data of all users for certain information.
Hereinafter, as a specific example, a case in which the information collection unit 212 collects the detection results of the sensor unit 107 will be described as an example.
For example, the information collection unit 212 collects a time period when the detection frequency of the object sensor 108 is high as statistical data. In this case, the determination unit 213 determines the audience rating of the information communication device 10 for each predetermined time period based on the statistical data generated by the information collection unit 21. Moreover, the character information generation part 211 produces | generates character information based on the said determination result so that a character may emit an advertising message in the time slot | zone with a high audience rating. Thereby, the time zone with the high advertising effect to a user can be chosen, and the effective advertisement by a character can be performed.
As another example, the information collection unit 212 collects statistical data regarding the frequency of use of specific words recognized by the speech recognition unit 214. In this case, the determination unit 213 determines the frequency with which a specific word is used for each predetermined region, and the character information generation unit 211 selects a specific topic in the region where the specific word is frequently used. Character information is generated so as to have a conversation. As a result, since the character behaves sensitively to local topics and trends, the user's affinity for the character can be enhanced.

In the above-described embodiment, the effect of innovative communication between the user and the virtual character that has never existed in the past has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various fields such as the advertising industry and the content industry. Can be expected to have a ripple effect.
For example, the article to be read by the reader device may be a dedicated article that the user presents for the character. That is, the user may purchase a card on which food, medicine, clothes, decorations, and the like are drawn, and cause the character to receive the product virtually by causing the reader device to read the card. If such merchandise dedicated to characters is commercialized, a new merchandise market can be developed.
In addition, if the company sells products with tags that can be read by a reader device (reading unit) in partnership with the product supplier, it will be possible to perform advertisements to users and check their effects in real time. Therefore, it can be a powerful market research tool. For example, if a company that developed a new product makes a character perform the advertisement and the user who purchases it reads the identification information of the product with a reader device, it will instantly tell what is sold to what type of person. It becomes possible to grasp.
On the other hand, with respect to products that have been sluggish in sales, a character can make a kind of “buzz” to the user, which can lead to new purchases and can be an innovative advertising medium that extends the life of the product. .
Furthermore, if it is partnered with talent production as a provider of the video content of the character, it becomes possible to discover and cultivate new talent, coupled with appeal to users in the information communication device. In this case, if a talent who provides a video as a character is dispatched to an event campaign for a new product in a store, both improvement of the name recognition of the talent and promotion of product sales can be realized at the same time.
In addition, it is possible to create a new character with a video production company and deploy it to other fields such as television and movies, and promote the content industry.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the information provision system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the 1st figure which shows an example of the external appearance of an information communication apparatus. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the external appearance of an information communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of an information communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of a reader apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a server apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process by which the specific character corresponding to user identification information is reproduced | regenerated. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the change of the character when goods identification information is read. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the change of the character when an audio | voice is input. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which determines a user's action style.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10-1-10-4 ... Information communication apparatus, 20 ... Server apparatus, 101 ... Character display part, 102 ... Information display part, 103, 105 ... Amplification part, 104 ... Speaker, 106 ... Microphone, 107 ... Sensor part 115, storage unit, 117, removable storage unit, 116, 120 ... interface unit, 118, 201 ... network interface unit, 119 ... wireless communication unit, 121 ... control unit, 30 ... reader device, 202 ... user information storage unit , 203 ... Unique character storage unit, 204 ... Character element storage unit, 205 ... Character management data storage unit, 206 ... Article management data storage unit, 210 ... Control unit, 211 ... Character information generation unit, 212 ... Information collection unit, 213 ... determination unit, 214 ... voice recognition unit, 215 ... telephone network control unit, 216 ... article information processing Department, 217 ... character management unit

Claims (8)

A plurality of information communication devices including a reproduction unit that reproduces an image and / or sound of a character, a sensor unit that senses a predetermined physical state, and a storage unit that stores user identification information;
A server device that provides character information related to the image and / or sound of the character to be reproduced in the reproduction unit to each of the plurality of information communication devices;
The server device
When the user identification information is acquired from the information communication device, the character information generation for generating the character information of a character that is a unique character corresponding to the acquired user identification information and changes according to a sensing result of the sensor unit Have
The information communication device includes:
Based on the character information provided from the server device, the image and / or sound of the unique character is reproduced by the reproduction unit, and the image and / or sound is changed according to the detection result of the sensor unit. Having a control unit,
Information provision system. The information communication device further includes a reading unit that reads identification information of an article,
The character information generation unit of the server device, when acquiring the article identification information from the information communication device, generates the character information of the unique character according to the acquired article identification information,
The control unit of the information communication device changes an image and / or sound of the unique character reproduced by the reproduction unit based on the character information corresponding to the article identification information provided from the server device. ,
The information providing system according to claim 1. The character information generation unit performs a solicitation process in which the unique character solicits purchase of a specific product, and after the solicitation process, specific article identification information related to the specific product is read by the reading unit. Generating the character information so that the attitude of the unique character changes according to whether or not
The information providing system according to claim 2. The server device
An information collection unit that collects the article identification information read by the reading unit for each user identification information;
A determination unit that determines a user behavior for each of the user identification information according to a collection result of the information collection unit;
The character information generation unit generates the character information of the unique character according to a determination result of the determination unit.
The information provision system according to claim 2 or 3. The server device
An information collection unit that collects the sensing result of the sensor unit for each user identification information;
A determination unit that determines a user behavior for each of the user identification information according to a collection result of the information collection unit;
The character information generation unit generates the character information of the unique character according to a determination result of the determination unit.
The information provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The information communication device has a voice input unit for inputting voice,
The server apparatus has a voice recognition unit that acquires voice information input in the voice input unit and recognizes the voice based on the acquired information.
The character information generation unit generates the character information of the unique character according to a recognition result of the voice recognition unit.
The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The information communication apparatus includes a wireless communication unit that transmits and receives wireless signals.
The server device has a voice recognition unit that recognizes the voice based on the acquired information when the voice information included in the wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit is acquired;
The character information generation unit generates the character information and voice information of the unique character according to the recognition result of the voice recognition unit,
When the wireless communication unit obtains the voice information of the unique character generated according to the voice information included in the radio signal received from the communication partner from the server device, the radio communication unit receives the radio signal including the acquired voice information. Send to other party,
The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The character information generation unit generates the character information so that an image and / or sound of the unique character periodically changes in units of at least one of year, month, week, or day.
The information providing system according to claim 1.