JP2022027882A - System and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a program enabling a user to obtain fun in operation and driving, and providing him/her with an incentive to utilize a function positively without becoming bored.

SOLUTION: A function required for a user is executed in accordance with a dialog between recognition information based on a result obtained by recognizing a voice of the user who is a passenger of a vehicle and an output of a voice of a prescribed character 100 indicating that the user's voice has been recognized. A voice uttered by the user is used as information recognized as a word phrase for establishing the dialog with the character 100, as the recognition information based on the result obtained by recognizing the voice of the user.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a system and a program that recognizes the voice of a occupant of a vehicle and executes a predetermined process.

Currently, in-vehicle electronic devices equipped with functions such as navigation devices and radar detectors are widely used. Such an in-vehicle electronic device has a function of outputting various information required by a user who is a passenger of the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling.

For example, when the in-vehicle electronic device has a function as a navigation device, the guide route to the searched destination and various searched facilities can be displayed on the display device according to the operation of the user. .. Further, for example, when an in-vehicle electronic device has a function as a radar detector, targets such as an orbis, a control / inspection area, and a traffic monitoring device can be appropriately displayed on a display device.

The operation of such an in-vehicle electronic device is basically performed by the user manually operating a switch provided in the device, a touch panel configured on the screen of the display device, and a remote control capable of remote control by infrared rays. conduct. Further, an in-vehicle electronic device having a voice recognition function that recognizes a voice spoken by a user and performs processing according to the voice is also widely used.

By using this voice recognition function, even a user who has difficulty in manual operation because he / she is driving can perform route search, facility search, etc. by uttering a recognition phrase corresponding to a pre-registered command or the like. Various functions can be executed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-115594

However, the voice recognition function in the conventional in-vehicle electronic device is no different from the manual operation in that the device performs a predetermined process in response to an instruction unilaterally issued by the user. For this reason, the user can only get the feeling that he / she is operating a tasteless device regardless of whether it is performed manually or by voice input.

In addition, a general in-vehicle electronic device also has a function of performing route guidance, target notification, and the like by a preset voice. However, this function is no different from the information provision by the screen display in that the device side provides the information unilaterally. For this reason, the user can only get the feeling that he / she is getting information from a tasteless device.

As described above, with the conventional technology, only the feeling of operating the device can be obtained, so there is no fun there, and for the person in the car, especially the driver who is driving alone for a long time. It's very boring. For this reason, after a lapse of time from the purchase, the user is not motivated to actively use the in-vehicle electronic device, and in many cases, various functions are not effectively utilized.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide the user with fun in operation and driving, and to be positive without getting bored. The purpose is to provide systems and programs that motivate people to use their functions.

(1) The system of the present invention responds to a dialogue between recognition information based on the result of recognizing the voice of a user who is a passenger of a vehicle and the output of the voice of a predetermined character indicating that the user's voice has been recognized. It is characterized by performing the functions required by the passengers of the vehicle.
In this way, for example, the vehicle occupant needs it by having the user interact with the character rather than the system performing a function in response to a one-sided instruction from the vehicle occupant user. Since the function can be executed, the convenience and fun of operation and driving are increased, and the feeling of communicating with the character is obtained, so that you will never get tired of it. Further, for example, the user is motivated to operate the system in order to interact with the character, so that the functions of the system are effectively utilized.
As the recognition information based on the result of recognizing the user's voice, for example, the voice emitted by the user may be the information recognized as a phrase that establishes a dialogue with the character. By doing so, for example, by outputting the voice of the character according to the recognized phrase, it is possible to indicate that the voice of the user has been recognized and to establish a dialogue with the user. As for word recognition, for example, in order to execute the function required by the passenger of the vehicle, a specific recognition word and the voice of the character whose dialogue is established in relation to the specific recognition word are registered in advance, and the user's voice is registered. It is preferable to output the voice of the character depending on whether or not it matches the result of recognizing the voice. By doing so, for example, by preparing various combinations of the recognition phrase for dialogue and the voice of the character, it is possible to correspond to various processes executed in response to the combination.
The predetermined character may be, for example, an entity that recognizes a speaker having a specific individuality by the voice output from the system. By doing so, for example, the user may feel as if he / she is interacting with an actual human being, and may be familiar with the user.
As the dialogue, for example, at least one round-trip exchange such as the start of an utterance, a response to the utterance, and a response to the response may be performed. By doing this, for example, instead of the system simply performing the processing according to the user's command, it is possible to obtain the feeling that the character intervenes between himself and the system and provides the service. good. Further, as the dialogue, for example, it is preferable that the utterance of the user and the voice of the character are established as the utterance and the response to the utterance. By doing so, it is good to obtain a feeling of communication with each other. Further, as the dialogue, for example, the utterance and the meaning and content of the utterance may be an irrelevant response. By doing so, the user may find it interesting or unexpected. Further, as the dialogue, for example, the case where the utterance and the response to the utterance are established as the semantic content and the case where the semantic content to the utterance is irrelevant may be mixed. By doing so, it is possible to produce an imperfection close to that of a real conversation, and it is good that the user can feel a human touch.
As a function required by the occupant of the vehicle, for example, it is preferable to have a function that enhances the convenience of the occupant of the vehicle in changing settings, outputting information, etc., and in particular, for example, outputting information that the user wants to know. It is advisable to carry out a predetermined process for this purpose. The information that the user wants to know may be, for example, information that can be output to the system more easily or quickly than by manual operation by using voice recognition. In this way, for example, the user will actively utilize speech recognition, and the system may be able to give the user more opportunities to interact with the character.
In response to the dialogue, the function required by the passenger of the vehicle may be performed, for example, as a result of the dialogue, the function required by the passenger of the vehicle may be performed. This will motivate the character to interact with the character in order to perform the functions required by the passengers of the vehicle. Further, as for performing the function required by the passenger of the vehicle in response to the dialogue, for example, it is preferable to execute the function required by the passenger of the vehicle during the dialogue. This may increase the willingness to speak and engage in dialogue in order to perform the functions required by the passengers of the vehicle. Further, the function required by the passengers of the vehicle may be executed in response to the dialogue, for example, the execution of a process of outputting the voice of the character constituting the dialogue. By doing so, the user wants to hear the voice of the character and has a dialogue, so that the dialogue itself can be enjoyed.

As a predetermined process for outputting information that the user wants to know in response to the dialogue, it is preferable to perform a process for outputting information required by the driver while driving the vehicle.
By doing so, for example, even if it is difficult for the driver to obtain desired information while driving due to difficulty in manual operation, restriction of manual operation, etc., the character can be used by using voice recognition. It is good because you can get the desired information while enjoying the dialogue with.

It is preferable that the predetermined process for outputting the information that the user wants to know according to the dialogue is a process for outputting the information through a plurality of selections.
In this way, for example, when it is necessary to make multiple selections in order to output information, the operation by voice input is more convenient for the user than the case where manual operation is required for each selection. It's good because it's easy.
The information to be output after a plurality of selections may be, for example, information having a hierarchical structure or information that cannot be output without a plurality of operations. Such information may be less burdensome to the user than performing a manual operation a plurality of times.
In particular, the information output after a plurality of selections may be information obtained by sequentially narrowing down from a plurality of candidates, such as a facility search and a search around the current location. The process of outputting such information is different from, for example, an operation for moving the vehicle itself such as a brake or an accelerator, or an operation for notifying the outside for safety while driving such as a turn signal. Since it is difficult to execute it directly by manual operation, it may be suitable for operation by voice recognition.

As part of the dialogue, it may be the voice of the character that guides the next choice, if any.
By doing so, for example, the user may be prompted by the voice of the character to make a selection, so that a predetermined process can be sequentially advanced.
As the voice of the character that guides to the next selection, for example, when the voice of the user "periphery" is recognized in the peripheral search, the voice asking the destination such as "where are you going?" Is preferable. In this way, for example, the user may clearly know what to say next.

As part of the dialogue, if there is no next choice, it may be the voice of the character indicating this.
By doing so, for example, the user knows that it is no longer necessary to proceed with the process, and may be able to determine whether to end the instruction or perform another process.
As the voice of the character indicating that there is no next selection, for example, when the voice of the user "family restaurant" is recognized in the peripheral search, the next selection is such as "Do you go to the family restaurant alone?" It is good to use a voice that clearly indicates that there is no such thing. By doing so, the user may know that he / she does not need to proceed and may ask the user for another judgment.

As a predetermined process for outputting the information that the user wants to know in response to the dialogue, it is preferable to perform the process for displaying the information about the facilities around the desired point on the display means.
By doing so, for example, the user can acquire information about the surrounding facilities while enjoying the dialogue with the character, without the need for troublesome manual operations for obtaining information on the surrounding facilities. ..

As a predetermined process for outputting the information that the user wants to know in response to the dialogue, an icon indicating the surrounding facility is compared with the map at the position of the surrounding facility on the map displayed on the display means. It may be characterized by relatively highlighting.
By doing so, for example, the information of the facility required by the user becomes conspicuous on the map, so that the user can easily grasp the position of the facility and can be a guide when selecting the desired facility by voice. So good.
As a relative highlighting compared to the map, for example, it is preferable to display the location of the facility clearly. For example, changing at least one of the brightness, saturation, and hue of the icon and the map will make the contrast between the two stand out. In particular, for example, if the icon is displayed in color and the map is displayed in grayscale, the icon can be seen very clearly.

As a predetermined process for outputting the information that the user wants to know in response to the dialogue, an icon indicating the surrounding facility is displayed at the position of the surrounding facility on the map displayed on the display means, and the icon is displayed. It is advisable to display the order so that the ranking according to a predetermined standard can be distinguished.
By doing so, for example, a display that can distinguish the order of the icons may be used as a guide for the user to select a facility.
As a predetermined standard, for example, the order closer to a specific point may be used. By doing so, it is sufficient to intuitively know which facility is the closest as compared with the case where the facility name is displayed. Further, as a predetermined criterion, for example, the order of importance to the user may be high. By doing so, the facility that the user wants to know most may be displayed preferentially. The importance to the user may be, for example, a past visit, a high frequency of visits in the past, a user's preference, and the like. By doing this, the user can quickly know the facility he / she wants to go to. Further, for example, items that have been performed in the past but are not important to the user, such as those who do not want to go again, may be excluded. In this way, for example, it may be possible to display only the items that the user may go to.
As the display in which the rank can be distinguished, it is preferable to use information that originally indicates the rank, such as a number and an alphabet. By doing so, for example, the meaning of the ranking can be easily grasped. Further, as the display in which the rank can be distinguished, it is preferable to use information that visually indicates the rank, for example, the shape such as ◎, ○, Δ, ×, etc., or the information that is gradually changed according to the lightness, saturation, and hue. By doing so, for example, the ranking can be visually and intuitively grasped.

It is advisable to output the voice of the character that prompts the selection of the searched facility with the content that matches the displayed icon.
By doing so, for example, it is possible to prompt the user to select a facility by voice of the content matching the displayed icon, so that the user can grasp the visually confirmed content by voice as well.
The contents according to the displayed icon are, for example, a voice inquiring what number is good if it is a number, a voice inquiring what is good in the alphabet if it is an alphabet, and inquiring what the shape is if it is a shape. If it is a voice or a color, it is better to use a voice asking what the color is. In this way, the user may easily know, for example, what to say and select a facility. Further, for example, the content according to the displayed icon may be a voice indicating a range of candidates to be selected. As a result, for example, if the voice is output from the number to the number, the user may be able to grasp not only the content to be spoken but also the range to be selected.

When the voice of the user who selects one of the facilities is recognized by the content according to the displayed icon, the route searched from a specific point to the selected facility may be displayed on the display means.
By doing so, for example, the user may be able to easily select the content according to the displayed icon rather than selecting by the facility name.
The contents according to the displayed icon are, for example, the number of the icon of the desired facility if it is a number, the alphabet of the icon of the desired facility if it is an alphabet, and the shape and color of the icon of the desired facility if it is a shape. If so, the color of the icon of the desired facility may be used. In this way, for example, the facility can be selected with words that are easier to remember than the facility name.

After the searched route is displayed on the display means, it may be determined whether to start the route guidance or to search the route again according to the dialogue.
By doing so, for example, when the user does not want the searched route, he / she can instruct the search again while interacting with the character, so that the troublesome and boring feeling at the time of redoing can be alleviated. It is good because it can be made to.

As a predetermined process for outputting the information that the user wants to know in response to the dialogue, which of the items corresponding to the recognition words registered in advance for recognizing the voice should function as the recognition words. The table of items to be selected may be displayed on the display means.
By doing so, for example, if only the items frequently used by the user are selected from the displayed table of items, the recognition words and phrases are limited, so that erroneous recognition can be reduced.
The selected recognition phrase may be registered in a predetermined memory area, for example, by rewriting from the default state, putting it in an empty area, or rearranging what is already contained. By doing so, the limited memory area can be effectively utilized.

Among the items corresponding to the recognition words registered in advance for recognizing the user's voice, a table of items for selecting which item is to be used as the recognition word for dialogue is displayed on the display means. The items selected from the table may be set for each page to be displayed on the display means.
By doing this, for example, even if the items that can be displayed on one page of the display screen of the display means are limited, the items that the user often uses can be brought to the top page, so the items that you want to use can be selected. It is good because it saves the trouble of switching pages to display.

Items of recognition terms that may be confused should be set to appear on a separate page.
By doing so, for example, words and phrases containing similar sounds, words and phrases that are likely to be confused when actually recognized, etc., do not line up on the same page and become candidates for recognition at the same time. It is good because it can be reduced. As words and phrases that include similar sounds, for example, "family restaurant" and "fast food", "hospital" and "beauty salon", "Western food" and "Japanese food", the same sound of 50 sounds, the same Chinese characters, etc. It is good to include words and phrases. By doing so, since the recognition phrase of the sound that is confusing even from the characters is not displayed on the same page, the user also inputs one of them, and the misrecognition can be reduced. As a phrase that is likely to be confused when actually recognized, for example, a different phrase that is recognized for the same utterance based on a record of past recognition results may be used. By doing so, for example, it may be possible to eliminate that the combinations in which misrecognition actually occurs are on the same page.

The item corresponding to the recognition phrase has a large item corresponding to the recognition phrase including a plurality of concepts and a middle item corresponding to the recognition phrase corresponding to the plurality of concepts. It is good to display it in.
By doing so, for example, even when the user wants to search for a middle item, it is not necessary to change the hierarchy or the page, so that the desired item can be directly selected.
As a major item, for example, a superordinate conceptual item including a large number of candidates, such as "hospital", may be used. This is convenient for users who want to search from as many candidates as possible. The middle item may be a subordinate conceptual item with fewer candidates than the major item, such as "internal medicine" and "pediatrics" included in the concept of "hospital". By doing so, it may be convenient for a user who wants to immediately obtain information on a desired facility from a small number of candidates.

As a recognition phrase, it is preferable that a phrase related to the phrase displayed as an item but not displayed as an item is registered.
By doing so, for example, the user's memory of the item name is ambiguous or the operation can be performed because the phrase related to the recognized phrase can be said without speaking the recognized phrase itself displayed in the item. Even if you are unfamiliar with it, you can search for it.
A phrase that is related to a phrase that is displayed as an item but is not displayed as an item may be, for example, a medium item that corresponds to a large item displayed on a specific page but is not displayed on that page. ..
By doing so, for example, even if the middle item is not displayed, if the user says the middle item, the middle item is searched, so that the necessary facility information can be obtained quickly.

It is preferable to display the character on the display means as a predetermined process for outputting the information that the user wants to know in response to the dialogue.
By doing so, for example, by seeing the appearance of the other party with whom the user interacts on the display screen, the user may want to become familiar with the person and actively use the system to see the appearance.

As a predetermined process for outputting the information that the user wants to know in response to the dialogue, it is preferable to display the character at a position that does not obstruct the searched route display on the map.
By doing so, for example, it is possible to maintain the visibility of the searched route while enjoying the display of the character.
As a position that does not block the route display, for example, the character and the display of the searched route may be on opposite sides of each other on the display screen. By doing so, it is possible to make the user feel as if the character does not interfere with the route search service, and thus it may be possible to give a more favorable impression.

It is preferable to move the character to a position on the map that does not obstruct the searched route display while displaying the character.
By doing this, for example, by continuing to display the moving character, it is possible to make the character feel annoyed and appeal its existence, and for users who want to continue watching the character, enjoy the movement of the moving character. You may be able to.

The display area of the item corresponding to the recognition phrase of the user's voice has a part where the image behind can be seen, and the character displayed on the display means is larger than each item and has no part where the image behind can be seen. , The display area of the item may be closer to the position on the display screen opposite to the character.
In this way, for example, if the character moves to the opposite side of the searched route, the display area of the items may overlap with the searched route, but each item is smaller than the character. Since the display area of the item has a part where the image behind can be seen, it is preferable that the image behind is easier to see than the searched route overlaps with the character.
As the part where the image behind can be seen, for example, a transparent part or a part with a gap may be used. By doing so, for example, the background image can be viewed while ensuring the visibility of the item display.

The voice of the user's name registered in advance may be inserted into the voice output by the character in the dialogue.
By doing so, for example, the user may feel more familiar with the character by being called by his / her own name in the conversation.
It is advisable to insert the voice of the user's name registered in advance into the voice output by the character at the start of the dialogue.
By doing so, for example, at the start of the dialogue, the user will be called by his / her own name, so that the user's attention may be attracted.

When the voice including the character's nickname is recognized, the voice of the user's nickname registered in advance may be inserted into the voice output by the character.
By doing so, for example, the names are called to each other, so that the user can get a more intimate feeling.

As the dialogue progresses, it is preferable to reduce the frequency of inserting the user's name into the voice output by the character.
By doing so, for example, although the nickname was initially called, the frequency of being called decreases thereafter, so that it is possible to produce a conversation between two people who are accustomed to each other.

The voice data corresponding to the Japanese syllabary is registered in advance, and the voice of the nickname selected by the user from the Japanese syllabary may be inserted into the conversation.
By doing so, for example, the memory capacity can be saved as compared with the case where a plurality of names are registered in advance.

As the voice of the character, it is preferable to insert the voice of the content indicating the situation of the character.
In this way, the user can hear the situation of the character, so that, for example, if the character is in a negative situation, the user can be motivated to care for the character, and the character is in a positive situation. For example, it is good because it can make the user feel sympathetic to the character.
As a statement indicating the situation of the character, for example, "I'm busy", it is good to say that you can tell whether you are in a positive state or a negative state. In this way, for example, the system does not unconditionally follow the user's instructions, but can give the user a feeling of concern and empathy, so that it is like a conversation with an actual human being. It's good because you can get a feeling.

The voice of the character in the dialogue may be randomly selected and output from a plurality of different preset phrases, excluding the phrases already output.
By doing so, for example, it is possible to prevent only the same phrase from being output, so that the user does not get bored.

It is preferable that a list in which a plurality of different response phrases are registered for a common recognition phrase is set.
By doing this, for example, even if the user utters a common content, the character responds with different expressions, so even if the same processing is realized many times, you can enjoy what kind of response comes from the character. Can be done.

A plurality of the above lists are set, and it is preferable that there is a list in which phrases different from other phrases are registered even in the same list.
By doing so, for example, by outputting a different phrase as a response to the user's remark with the same content, it is possible to give an unexpected impression to the user, change the impression of the character, and get tired of it. It is good because it can prevent the coming.

Even if the character is the same person, there are a plurality of display modes, and it is preferable that different phrases are registered for each of the plurality of display modes as the output voice.
By doing so, for example, even if the same character is used, the content of the utterance differs depending on the plurality of display modes, so that it is possible to enjoy the change while having a dialogue with the same person.
As the plurality of display modes, for example, a standard one, one transformed by changing clothes, hairstyle, etc., and one having a different head and body may be used. By doing so, for example, it is sufficient to give the user various impressions such as adult-like, child-like, cute, and beautiful, and not to get bored.

If you make a mistake in voice recognition, it is good to register the phrase to be output.
By doing so, for example, even if the recognition is mistaken, the user can be made to recognize that the dialogue with the character is continuing by returning some phrase.

It is advisable to register a phrase that serves as an escape route in case there is an error in voice recognition.
By doing so, for example, there is a possibility that an error may occur in voice recognition, but even if an error occurs, the frustration and anger of the user can be alleviated by the escape of the character.
As an escape route, for example, "I'll do my best in voice recognition. I may not be able to recognize it 100%", along with an expression that shows the willingness to recognize accurately, and an expression that shows that complete achievement is difficult. good. By doing so, for example, rather than simply indicating that recognition is not possible, it may be possible to give the user an acceptable psychology for misrecognition.

When there is a user's voice input that points out that the content that the user wants to respond to and the content of the character's voice output are different, it is preferable that the phrase of the response from the character to that input is registered. ..
By doing so, for example, when the user points out a mistake in the character, the character responds to the mistake, so that it is possible to enjoy the natural interaction between the person and the person when there is a misunderstanding.

It is good that a phrase that becomes an advertisement is registered.
By doing so, for example, the user can be guided to the affiliated facility.

As the voice of the character in the dialogue, it is preferable that a phrase about the cause of what the user does at the destination facility is registered.
By doing so, for example, by talking about the cause of going to a certain facility, it may be easier for the user who goes to the facility to listen.
For example, it may be possible to draw the user's attention whether the cause of going to the destination is not preferable for the user or favorable for the user.
Facilities where the cause of going to the destination is not preferable for the user may be a facility related to the user's illness, such as "hospital", "dentist", and "pharmacy".
As a facility where the cause of going to the destination is preferable for the user, it is preferable to use a facility such as "department store", "sushi", and "eel", which has a slightly higher hurdle than a facility that is often visited on a daily basis.
As phrases that the character causes various emotions to the user, for example, "Is something wrong? Is it okay?", "Don't overdo it", and so on. It is good to make it a phrase that makes you feel. Also, for example, a phrase that causes the user to regret, such as "Are you brushing your teeth properly?"

As the voice of the character in the dialogue, it is preferable that a phrase that gives positive or negative advice about what the user does at the destination facility is registered.
By doing so, for example, the advice of the character may be used to determine what the user should or should not do at the destination. Positive advice is a phrase that recommends something, for example, "Occasionally you should get plaque." Also, as negative advice, a phrase that prohibits something, such as "Don't look painful. It's a man who puts up with a cool face."

As the voice of the character in the dialogue, it is preferable that a phrase that is a one-sided impression of the character about what the user does at the destination facility is registered.
By doing so, for example, since the impression of the character can be obtained, the user may be able to use it as a reference for the behavior at the destination.
As a one-sided impression of the character, it is good to give a positive impression, for example, "Black pork char siu that melts in your mouth. Nice." By doing so, the user may want to take the same action at the facility. It may also be a negative impression, for example, "Are you going to a restaurant alone? Are you lonely? ... Relieved?" By doing this, the user may be motivated to change the destination. Furthermore, positive impressions and negative impressions may be mixed, for example, "It seems to be fun just to look around the shopping mall, but it seems to be tiring." By doing so, the user can be prepared in advance about the situation at the destination.

As the voice of the character in the dialogue, it is preferable that a phrase reminiscent of the character actually existing is registered.
By doing so, for example, the user may feel as if the character actually exists.
Phrases that remind us of reality include, for example, "I'm glad you take me on a business trip ~" and "Where are we going to stay?" The phrase should be reminiscent of. By doing so, for example, the user may feel that he / she is always with the character.

(2) It is preferable that the recognition words and phrases registered in advance for recognizing the user's voice are displayed as items.
By doing so, for example, the user may know what to say by looking at the displayed items in order to execute a predetermined process.

(3) The recognition words registered in advance for recognizing the user's voice include recognition words that can be recognized in common regardless of the display screen and recognition words whose recognition is limited to those displayed on the display screen. It would be nice to have it.
In this way, for example, the recognition words that can be recognized in common maintain the convenience of the functions required regardless of the display screen, while the recognition words that limit recognition reduce the possibility of erroneous recognition. can.

As the recognition phrase that can be recognized in common, for example, the recognition phrase that is commonly used on a plurality of types of display screens may be used.
By doing so, the possibility that the function is restricted according to the display screen is reduced, and the convenience can be maintained. For example, a phrase such as "return" or "cancel" may be used to transition to another display screen. Such words and phrases may be, for example, words and phrases that need to be used on any screen.
As the recognition phrase whose recognition is restricted, for example, the phrase displayed on the display screen or the phrase to be searched may be used. For such words and phrases, for example, there is little need to recognize other words and phrases, and there is a high need to reduce the number of recognized words and phrases to prevent erroneous recognition.

(4) It is preferable that some recognition words and phrases registered in advance for recognizing the user's voice are displayed on the display screen and some are not displayed on the display screen.
By doing so, for example, even if the user utters a phrase that is not displayed on the display screen, if it is a preset recognition phrase, some reaction from the character can be obtained. It is good because it can be a surprise to the user and give the user the joy of discovery.

It is preferable that the voice data output by the character is registered when the voice other than the words set as the recognition words in advance is input.
By doing so, for example, since there is always a reaction of the character even if it is not a recognition phrase, the user is reminded that the dialogue is interrupted or the communication is with the system by notifying as an error. It is good because it can maintain the feeling of continuing dialogue with the character.

(5) The state of the function that changes quantitatively may be directly set to a desired quantitative level by voice recognition.
By doing so, for example, the quantitative level can be immediately set to the desired value as compared with the case where the quantitative level is changed stepwise between a small value and a large value, which saves the user's trouble. Instead, the time to be constrained by the operation is shortened.
Functions that change quantitatively include, for example, volume, brightness, and scale. By doing so, it is possible to save the trouble of selecting +-and scales by selecting buttons such as volume, brightness, and scale, and step-by-step ups and downs by selecting +-and sliding on the scales.

(6) As recognition words registered in advance for recognizing the user's voice, it is preferable that a demonstrative word corresponding to a function that changes quantitatively and a number indicating a quantitative level are set.
In this way, for example, when the user says a demonstrative word and a number corresponding to a desired function, the quantitative level of the function can be directly raised or lowered to the level of the number.
For example, if the demonstratives corresponding to the quantitatively changing functions are "onryo", "kid", "skeleton", and the numbers are "ichi", "ni", "nikiro", etc. good. By doing so, for example, it is possible to input using the name and number of the function that is intuitively easy for the user to understand. In particular, the name and the quantitative level may be combined into one recognition phrase, for example, "Onryo-san", "Kidoni", and "Skelani Kiro". By doing this, only one utterance is required.

It is preferable to display on the display screen of the display means a button for selecting a function and displaying a demonstrative word corresponding to the function.
By doing so, for example, the user may say the demonstrative word displayed on the button, which may be easy for the user to understand.

It is preferable to display a button for selecting a function on the display screen of the display means, in which the value of the current quantitative level of the function is displayed.
In this way, for example, the user can check the current quantitative level by looking at the value displayed on the button and decide whether to raise or lower the desired value. ..
The current quantitative level value may be, for example, a map scale. This way, for example, if a small scale value is displayed on the button and the user says a larger value, the scale value displayed on the button will change directly to that value immediately. You may be able to see a wide range of maps. Also, for example, if a button displays a large scale value and the user says a smaller value, the scale value displayed on the button will change directly to that value, instantly providing a detailed map. You may be able to see.

The button on which the demonstrative word corresponding to the function is displayed may be characterized in that there is a button for executing the function without transitioning to another display screen.
By doing so, for example, the function can be executed by dialogue without transitioning to another display screen in order to execute the function, so that the current screen display does not have to be disturbed.

(7) It is advisable to display on the display means whether or not voice recognition is accepted.
By doing so, for example, the user may be able to visually recognize whether or not the operation by voice can be performed.

Whether or not voice recognition is accepted may be determined by changing the color of the display screen, for example. By doing so, for example, the state of voice recognition can be immediately perceived through the visual sense of the user. In particular, for example, when voice recognition is accepted, a normal color may be used, and when voice recognition is not accepted, a gray scale may be used. By doing so, for example, the user can intuitively know whether or not voice recognition is accepted.

(8) Whether or not voice recognition is accepted may be displayed on the display means together with the character.
By doing so, for example, by looking at the character, it is possible to know whether or not the operation by voice is possible, so that the user can easily notice it.
As the mode to be displayed on the character, for example, the mode in which the appearance of the character clearly changes may be preferable. By doing so, for example, the state of voice recognition can be immediately perceived. As a mode in which the appearance of the character is clearly changed, for example, it is advisable to add an object to the character, change the color or form of the character, make a specific pose or gesture, or display a line with a balloon. By doing so, for example, a user who knows the state of a normal character may immediately notice the change by comparing with the normal state. As a mode for adding an object to the character, for example, equipment related to sound such as a headset, headphones, earphones, and a microphone may be attached to the character. In this way, for example, the user may be reminded of voice recognition, which is a function related to sound. As a mode for changing the color or form of the character, for example, it is advisable to change the hairstyle or hair color, or to change into another costume. By doing so, for example, the difference from the normal state may be easily understood. In particular, for example, if the character's ears are enlarged, the character may be shown to be listening to the voice well. Further, as a pose or a gesture, for example, even if a gesture of putting a hand behind the ear is made, it may be a figure showing that the voice is being heard well.

(9) While the voice of the character is being output, it is advisable to stop the voice recognition until the voice is output.
By doing so, for example, when there is a voice input from the user in the middle of the voice of the character, it may be possible to prevent other processing from being executed by voice recognition. As another process, for example, a process with low urgency such as volume, brightness, scale, and peripheral search may be used. By doing so, even things that do not necessarily have to be executed immediately do not have to be executed by voice recognition.

It is advisable to accept voice recognition while the character's voice is being output.
By doing so, for example, when there is a voice input from the user in the middle of the voice of the character, other processing than voice recognition may not be interrupted. As another process, for example, it is preferable to perform a process with high urgency, such as a process of transmitting location information regarding a control location to an information collection server. By doing so, the processing that the user wants to be executed immediately does not have to be interrupted.

If there is a voice input from the user while the character's voice is being output, it is preferable to stop the character's voice output.
By doing so, for example, the voice of the user can give the impression that the character's speech is blocked. For example, the voice output of the stopped character does not have to give an unnatural impression because the same utterance is repeated from the beginning unless it is output again. Further, if the voice output of the stopped character is started, for example, from the place where the character is stopped, it may be possible to give the impression that the character has been waiting for the user to speak.

It is preferable to stop the character's voice when a predetermined input operation is performed while the character's voice is being output.
By doing so, for example, when it is not desired for a third party to hear the dialogue with the character, the voice of the character may be stopped by a predetermined input operation. The predetermined input operation may be, for example, a physical key operation. By doing so, it is only necessary to operate a fixedly existing part at all times, so that it is easy to operate immediately.

(10) In order to recognize the user's voice, it is advisable to post the location information regarding the control location to the information collection server in response to the input of the user's voice corresponding to the recognition phrase registered in advance.
In this way, for example, a post notifying the place of control may be easily and quickly made by voice instead of manually.
The control location may be, for example, a check location where the implementation position and time change, such as a control / inspection area. By doing so, it is possible to collect information about the control location where it is difficult to register the location in advance by posting.
The position information may be, for example, the current position or the center position coordinates. By doing so, for example, the crackdown location can be specified by reliable and easily obtained information, and voice recognition is used, so that the deviation from the actual crackdown position may be small.

(11) It is preferable that a phrase for activating voice recognition and a phrase for starting acceptance of posts are registered as predetermined recognition phrases.
By doing so, for example, the user can easily execute the multi-step operation of voice recognition and acceptance of posts by uttering a phrase that activates speech recognition and a phrase that initiates acceptance of posts. It is good because it can be done.

As the phrase that activates voice recognition and the phrase that initiates the acceptance of posts, for example, they may be registered as separate words and phrases.
By doing so, for example, it may be possible to prevent erroneous recognition from occurring because the acceptance of posts starts at the same time as the start of voice recognition. Further, the phrase that activates voice recognition and the phrase that initiates acceptance of posts may be set as, for example, a series of phrases. By doing so, for example, the acceptance of posts can be started in one shot at the same time as the start of voice recognition, so that the state in which posting can be performed immediately may be possible.

(12) As the predetermined recognition phrase, it is preferable that the phrase that activates voice recognition and the phrase that causes posting are registered.
By doing so, for example, the user may be able to easily perform a multi-step operation of voice recognition and posting by uttering a phrase that activates voice recognition and a phrase that causes posting.

As the phrase for activating voice recognition and the phrase for posting, for example, the phrase may be registered as a separate phrase.
By doing so, for example, it may be possible to prevent posting by mistake because it is posted at the same time as the start of voice recognition. Further, the phrase for starting voice recognition and the phrase for posting may be set as, for example, a series of phrases. By doing so, for example, since the posting can be made in one shot at the start of voice recognition, the posting can be performed immediately, and the deviation between the control place and the posting place may be minimized.

A given recognition phrase for a post should be shorter than other recognition phrases.
By doing so, for example, it may be possible to instruct a post with high urgency in a short time.

A given recognition phrase for a post should be more verbose than any other recognition phrase.
By doing so, for example, when using normal voice recognition, the possibility of saying other recognition words is reduced, and it may be possible to prevent accidental posting.
Redundancy means, for example, that it has a large number of characters and is divided into a plurality of characters. By doing so, for example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a user who does not intend to post will utter by mistake.

The predetermined recognized phrase for posting should be a phrase that the user is unlikely to normally say.
By doing so, for example, it is possible to prevent frequent misrecognition due to words and phrases that the user usually uses frequently in the car, and to prevent posting that the user does not intend.

The voice of the character in the dialogue for posting should be shorter than the voice in other dialogues.
By doing so, for example, it is possible to shorten the dialogue time and have the user post quickly.

(13) The dialogue may be started by inputting a voice from a user corresponding to a predetermined recognition phrase.
By doing so, for example, since the predetermined process is started by the input of the voice from the user, it is not necessary for the system to start arbitrarily and execute the process.

(14) The dialogue may be started by inputting a voice from a user corresponding to a predetermined recognition phrase with respect to a voice output of a predetermined character.
By doing so, for example, the output of the voice of the character serves as an opportunity for the user to determine whether or not to start a predetermined process, so that it is possible to increase the chances of using the system.
The voice output of the character may, for example, inquire whether or not a specific process has started. By doing so, for example, the user may be prompted to use the process.
If the timing of the character's voice output is, for example, periodic, the frequency of using the processing may be increased. Further, if the timing satisfies a predetermined condition, it may be possible to encourage the user to use the process at a timing suitable for the use of the process.

(15) It is preferable to end the process when a predetermined time has elapsed without input of voice from the user from the time when the execution of the function required by the passenger of the vehicle is started.
By doing so, for example, it may be possible to prevent an erroneous operation caused by continuing voice recognition for a long period of time.

(16) It is preferable that the character outputs a voice prompting the user to input voice from the time when the passenger of the vehicle starts executing the function required by the passenger to the time when a predetermined time elapses.
By doing so, for example, when the user forgets to start the process, the voice input can be prompted.

(17) It is preferable to configure the functions as a system of (1) to (16) as a program for realizing the function in the computer.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and a program that make the operation and driving interesting for the user, do not get bored, and motivate the user to actively use the function.

It is an overall perspective view which shows one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the apparatus main body. It is a figure which shows the example of the warning screen to display on the display part. It is a figure which shows the example of the route display screen to display on the display part. It is a figure which shows the first half of the list example of a recognition word. It is a figure which shows the latter half of the example of the list of recognition words. It is a figure which shows a part of the list example of a response phrase. It is a figure which shows the response phrase according to the aspect of a character. It is a figure which shows the example of various response phrases. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of waiting for voice recognition activation. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the start of voice recognition in the present location display. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the voice recognition start at the time of a route guidance. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the 1st page of a genre selection in a peripheral search. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the 2nd page of a genre selection in a peripheral search. It is a figure which shows the display screen example which displayed the search result in the peripheral search by an icon. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when the map scale is changed in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the 1st page which displayed the search result in the peripheral search in a list. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the 2nd page which displayed the search result in the peripheral search in a list. It is a figure which shows the display screen example which displayed the search route. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when the scale is changed in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen which changes a route condition. It is a figure which shows the display screen example at the time of changing a map scale. It is a figure which shows the display screen example at the time of changing the volume. It is a figure which shows the display screen example at the time of changing the brightness. It is a figure which shows the example of the response phrase in the time-out processing. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of a genre change.

[Basic configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of a navigation device suitable as an electronic device constituting the system of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram thereof, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show a functional block diagram thereof. An example of the display form is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device includes a portable device body 2 that can be carried and a cradle 3 that is a mounting member for holding the main body 2. By attaching the device main body 2 to the cradle 3, it functions as an in-vehicle navigation device, and by removing it from the cradle 3, it functions as a portable navigation device (PND). In this embodiment, the device main body 2 can be attached to and detached from the cradle 3 and installed on the dashboard of the vehicle together with the cradle 3 for use, or the device main body 2 can be removed from the cradle 3 and used as a portable type (PND). Although it is a type that can be used, it cannot be easily attached to and detached from the cradle 3, and it may be an in-vehicle fixed type or a portable type only. Further, it may be realized by installing (including pre-installing) a predetermined application program on a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. The application program may be the system itself for performing navigation, or may be a program for accessing and using the server in which the system for performing navigation is implemented. The present invention is applicable to such various types of navigation systems.

The apparatus main body 2 is detachably attached to the cradle 3. The device main body 2 includes a flat rectangular case main body 4. A display unit 5 is arranged on the front surface of the case body 4, a touch panel 8 for detecting which part of the display unit 5 is touched is provided on the display unit 5, and alarm lamps 9 are provided on both sides of the front surface. It is equipped with. The cradle 3 includes a cradle main body 6 that holds the apparatus main body 2 and a pedestal portion 7 that indicates the cradle main body 6 in an arbitrary posture at a predetermined position (dashboard or the like) in the vehicle interior. The pedestal portion 7 is attracted and fixed on a dashboard or the like by a suction cup provided on the bottom surface. The pedestal portion 7 and the cradle main body 6 are rotatably connected within a predetermined angle range via a connecting mechanism such as a ball joint. Since it is a ball joint, the pedestal portion 7 and the cradle body 6 rotate and move relatively within an arbitrary angle range in the three-dimensional direction, and retain their positions at an arbitrary angle position due to frictional resistance at the joint portion. Therefore, the device main body 2 attached to the cradle main body 6 can also be arranged in an arbitrary posture on the dashboard.

Further, an SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided on one side surface of the case body 4, and an SD memory card 22 in which map data or the like is recorded can be inserted into the SD memory card slot portion 21. The SD memory card slot portion 21 includes a memory card reader / writer that reads / writes information to / from the inserted SD memory card 22. Further, a DC jack 10 is provided on the side surface of the case body 4 where the SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided. The DC jack 10 is for connecting a cigar plug cord (not shown), and is connected to a cigar socket of a vehicle via the cigar plug cord so that power can be supplied.

On the other hand, a power switch and a USB terminal 23 are provided on the side surface opposite to the SD memory card slot portion 21. It is possible to connect to a personal computer via the USB terminal 23 and upgrade the software application version.

The following devices and parts are arranged inside the case body 4. That is, the microwave receiver 11 is arranged inside the back side of the case body 4. The microwave receiver 11 receives microwaves in a predetermined frequency band, and when it receives microwaves in the set frequency band, it detects the signal level of the received microwaves. Specifically, the RSSI voltage, which is the signal level and corresponds to the electric field strength, is used. The above-mentioned predetermined frequency band is, for example, a frequency band including the frequency of the microwave emitted from the vehicle speed measuring device.

Further, inside the upper surface side of the case body 4, a GPS receiver 12 that receives a GPS signal and obtains a current position is arranged. An infrared communication device 14 is arranged inside the front side of the case body 4. The infrared communication device 14 transmits / receives data to / from a communication device having an infrared communication device such as a mobile phone 15. Further, a speaker 20 is also built in the case body 4.

Further, the device of the present embodiment includes a wireless receiver 13 and a remote control receiver 16. The radio receiver 13 receives the incoming radio of a predetermined frequency. The remote controller receiver 16 communicates data with the remote controller (portable device: slave unit) 17 and makes various settings for the device. The radio receiver 13 receives incoming radio waves in a predetermined frequency band. This predetermined frequency can be, for example, a radio frequency band used by an emergency vehicle when notifying a base station of its own vehicle position.

In addition to the navigation function, the navigation device of the present embodiment also has a target target notification function as a target notification device for notifying a target such as a vehicle speed measuring device and other traffic monitoring points existing in the surroundings. These navigation functions and the target notification function are stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 18 as a program executed by the computer included in the control unit 18, and are realized by being executed by the computer having the control unit 18.

That is, the control unit 18 has the above-mentioned various input devices (GPS receiver 12, microwave receiver 11, wireless receiver 13, touch panel 8, infrared communication device 14, remote control receiver 16, SD memory card slot unit 21, A predetermined process is executed based on the information input from the USB terminal 23, etc.), and the output device (display unit 5, alarm lamp 9, speaker 20, infrared communication device 14, SD memory card slot unit 21, USB terminal 23, etc.) is executed. Outputs the specified information / alarm / message using. This predetermined process is for executing each of the above functions, and accesses the database 19 and the SD memory card 22 as needed.

Here, the database 19 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (for example, EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or externally attached to the microcomputer. Information necessary for performing certain target objects, maps, and other functions is registered in the database 19 at the time of shipment, and data and the like for the target objects added after that are subjected to predetermined processing. It can be updated afterwards. The process for this update may be performed, for example, by installing the SD memory card 22 in which additional data is stored in the SD memory card slot portion 21 and transferring the SD memory card 22 to the database 19. .. Further, this data update can be performed by using the infrared communication device 7 or by using a personal computer or other external device connected via the USB terminal 23.

The control unit 18 for realizing the target object notification function operates as follows. That is, when the microwave receiver 11 receives a desired microwave, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined alarm. The alarm includes a buzzer using the speaker 20, an audio output for notifying the reception of microwaves (detection of a vehicle speed measuring device, etc.), and a message output using characters or images using the display unit 5. ..

Further, when the radio receiver 13 receives a desired radio, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined alarm. The alarm includes a buzzer using the speaker 20 and a voice output for notifying the reception of microwaves (approaching an emergency vehicle, etc.), and a text or image message output using the display unit 5. The form of the alarm associated with the reception of the radio and the alarm associated with the reception of the microwave may be different.

Further, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined alarm when the current position detected by the GPS receiver 12 and the position of the target object such as the traffic monitoring point stored in the database 19 have a predetermined positional relationship. .. Therefore, the database 19 is safer with more attention such as information on the target to be detected (position information of the target including longitude and latitude, type information of the target, etc.), accident-prone areas, traffic control information, and the like. There are traffic safety information for driving, landmarks and various information useful for driving. Each information is registered in association with specific information types (types of targets, types of traffic control, accident-prone areas, landmark names, etc.) and location information.

The distance to the target when issuing an alarm can be changed for each type of target. As the mode of the alarm, similarly to the above, there are an alarm by voice or the like using the speaker 20 and an alarm using the display unit 5. FIG. 3 shows an example of an alarm by the display unit 5. In the present embodiment, since the device is a navigation device, since it has map data as described later, the control unit 18 reads out the road network information around the current position as a basic screen and reads the road network information around the current position. It has a function of displaying a map on the display unit 5. Then, the warning screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 5 so as to be superimposed on the screen currently being displayed (here, the map around the current position). FIG. 3 shows a display example of the warning screen 70 when the distance between the current position and the LH system, which is a kind of speed measuring device, which is one of the traffic monitoring points, becomes 500 m when the map 50 is displayed. Is shown. Further, a process of outputting a warning voice indicating the alarm type and the distance, such as "500 m ahead LH system", from the speaker 20 is performed.

On the other hand, the control unit 18 for realizing the navigation function operates as follows. First, the database 19 stores road network information for navigation. The navigation information stored in the database 19 may store all the information about the whole country at the time of shipment, and the map data and the like are provided stored in the SD memory card 22 for each region. The user may prepare an SD memory card 22 in which necessary map data and the like are stored, and attach the SD memory card 22 to the SD memory card slot portion 21 for use. The map data or the like stored in the SD memory card 22 may be transferred to the database 19 and stored, or the control unit 18 may access the SD memory card 22 and read it from there for use. good.

The control unit 18 has a function of reading road network information around the current position from the database 19 and displaying a map around the current position on the display unit 5. The control unit 18 can search for a route (route) from one position to another by using this road network information. Further, the database 19 stores the telephone number database in which the telephone number is associated with the location information and name of the house, company, facility, etc. of the telephone number, and the address and the location information of the address are associated with each other. It has an address database. Further, in the database 19, the position information of the traffic monitoring point such as the speed measuring device is stored together with the type.

Further, the control unit 18 has a function of performing processing of a general navigation device. That is, the map around the current position is displayed on the display unit 5 at any time, and the destination setting button is displayed. When the touch panel 8 detects a touch at a position corresponding to the display position of the destination setting button, the control unit 18 performs a destination setting process. In the destination setting process, the destination setting menu is displayed on the display unit 5, and the user is urged to select the destination setting method. The destination setting menu has a telephone number search button and an address search button that prompt the user to select a destination setting method. When it is detected that the telephone number search button is touched, the telephone number input screen is displayed, and the location information corresponding to the input telephone number is acquired from the database 19. When it is detected that the address search button is touched, the address selection input screen is displayed, and the location information corresponding to the input address is acquired from the database 19. Then, the acquired position information is set as the position information of the destination, and the recommended route from the current position to the destination is obtained based on the road network information stored in the database 19. As a method for calculating this recommended route, a known method such as Dijkstra's algorithm can be used.

Then, the control unit 18 displays the calculated recommended route together with the map of the surrounding area. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the route 53 from the current position 51 to the destination 52 is displayed in a predetermined color (for example, red) as a recommended route. This is similar to a general navigation system. Then, in the present embodiment, the control unit 18 compares the position information on the route 53 with the position information of the target object such as the traffic monitoring point stored in the database 19, and the traffic monitoring point or the like located on the route 53 is used. Display the position. The information provided for driving safely on the route 53 may be limited to the traffic monitoring point among the various targets stored in the database 19.

As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a balloon is displayed from a position on the road, and the type of traffic monitoring point at that position stored in the database 19 is displayed in the balloon. For example, FIG. 4A is a display example of the warning point search screen, and shows an example in which traffic monitoring points 55a to 55f are displayed. The traffic monitoring point 55a displays the letter "N" indicating the N system in the balloon. The traffic monitoring points 55b, 55c, 55e display the characters "LH" indicating the LH system in the balloon. The traffic monitoring point 55d displays the character "loop" indicating the loop coil in the balloon. The traffic monitoring point 55f displays the letter "H" indicating the H system in the balloon. In this way, when the touch panel 8 detects a touch to the balloon position in the simplified display state in which characters are displayed in the balloon, the simple display is switched to the detailed display as shown in FIG. 4 (b). The detailed display displays the warning screen shown in FIG. 3 in a balloon.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the traffic monitoring point type designation unit 56 is displayed on the lower right side of the display unit 5. The traffic monitoring point type designation unit 56 is a part that displays a button listing the types of traffic monitoring points existing on the route 53. In the example of FIG. 4A, the “N” type button 57a indicating the N system of the traffic monitoring point 55a, the “LH” type button 57b indicating the LH system of the traffic monitoring points 55b, 55c, 55e, and the traffic. The "loop" type button 57c indicating the loop coil of the monitoring point 55d and the "H" type button 57d indicating the H system of the traffic monitoring point 55f are displayed. When the control unit 18 detects a touch of the type button on the display unit from the touch panel 8, the control unit 18 highlights the touched type button and simplifies the display mode of the traffic monitoring point corresponding to the touched type button. If it is displayed, it switches to the detailed display, and if it is displayed in detail, it switches to the simple display.

The car navigation device of the present embodiment has a peripheral search function as a method of setting a destination (hereinafter, including a waypoint). When this peripheral search function is selected and activated, the control unit 18 extracts facilities that meet the specified conditions and are close to the current position, and draws the extraction results on the display unit 5. Then, the user can select one of the candidates drawn on the display unit 5 and confirm it as the destination (including the waypoint).

That is, in order to realize such a function, the database 19 of the present embodiment stores the information about each facility in association with the information about the classification of the facilities together with the location information. Information on the classification of facilities is a plurality of types of items organized by the names of the genres that each facility matches.

In the present embodiment, when any item is specified, the control unit 18 extracts a facility that matches the specified item and is close to the current position, and uses the extraction result as a destination candidate. Draw on the display unit 5. The user can specify as a destination by selecting one of the candidates drawn on the display unit 5.

When any of the items is selected, the control unit 18 accesses the database 19, and the facility exists within the reference distance (for example, 10 km) with respect to the current position, and matches the classification of the specified item. Extract what you want to do. Then, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of facilities from the closest one is drawn by superimposing an icon (mark) indicating the facility on the corresponding portion on the map drawn on the display unit 5. As the facility information stored in the database 19, each facility is associated and registered with each icon, and when drawing, the associated icon is read out and drawn at a predetermined position of the display unit 5.

If the current position exists on the map drawn on the display unit 5, the own vehicle icon indicating the own vehicle is superimposed and drawn on the position corresponding to the current position. Furthermore, when drawing the icon of such a facility, the numbers are added and displayed in the order of proximity to the own vehicle. The number will be updated as the vehicle moves.

Then, when the user selects a desired facility, the control unit 18 that recognizes the facility obtains a recommended route with the facility as the destination, and draws the result on the map of the display unit 5.

Further, the control unit 18 has a function of providing route guidance to the set destination. That is, the control unit 18 sequentially detects the position of the own vehicle by GPS or autonomous navigation according to the user's selection to start guidance, draws map information representing a road or the like on the display unit 5, and reaches the destination. Guidance is provided using images and sounds.

For input of instructions such as designation and selection by the above user, a button displaying the name of the item or function on the display unit 5, touching the icon of the facility, selecting by remote control operation, or inputting a predetermined voice is performed. This can be done with the detection by the control unit 18.

[Dialogue function with characters]
<< Basics of dialogue function >>
Hereinafter, the dialogue function with the character, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described. This dialogue function is a function realized by the control unit 18 by executing the program, and recognizes the recognition information based on the result of recognizing the voice of the user who is the passenger of the vehicle and the recognition of the user's voice. It is a function realized by outputting the voice of a predetermined character to be shown.

In order to execute this dialogue function, the database 19 stores a recognition word (recognition phrase) and a response phrase which is voice data of the character corresponding to the recognition word (recognition phrase). The control unit 18 recognizes the user's voice input through the microphone 20 based on the recognition word. That is, the control unit 18 recognizes the voice spoken by the user as a phrase based on the user's voice signal, and determines whether or not the recognized phrase and the recognized word match. Then, the control unit 18 causes the speaker 20 to output a response phrase corresponding to the recognition word determined to match the recognized phrase. By preparing various combinations of the recognition word for the dialogue and the response phrase which is the voice of the character, it is possible to correspond to various processes executed in response to the dialogue, as will be described later.

As a result, the user can have a simple dialogue with the character by using the electronic device which is a system. The character of this embodiment is set as, for example, a girl named "Ray". Various functions such as the above-mentioned peripheral search can also be performed by dialogue with the character. The database 19 stores "retan" as a recognition word as a character's nickname.

Further, the database 19 stores image data (including still images and moving images) of characters. Based on this image data, the control unit 18 can display a still image or a moving image of the character on the display unit 5. For some response phrases, the control unit 18 uses a lip link that moves the character's mouth and body to be displayed on the display unit 5 so as to match the output response phrase, thereby realistically expressing the situation in which the character is speaking. Can make you feel.

Further, as the voice and image of the character stored in the database 19, a plurality of modes are set for the same person. For example, the database 19 is divided into three modes, "standard ray", "transformed ray", and "chibi ray", and stores each response phrase and image data, even though it is a single person named "ray". is doing. "Standard Ray" is the basic mode of the character. "Ray after transformation" is a mode in which clothes and hairstyle are changed with "standard ray". "Chibi Rei" is a mode in which the head and body are changed to make it childish. The control unit 18 outputs the voice and image of the character according to the user's selection of any mode.

《Recognition word》
5 and 6 are examples of a list of recognition words stored in the database 19. Each column of this list of recognized words is numbered. In each column, as will be described later, in each display screen M1, V1, V1a, S1, S1a, S2, S2a, S2_list, S2a_list, R1, R1a, R1b, A1, A2, A3 displayed on the display unit 5. , Each contains a recognizable recognition word.

In list number 1, a start word for activating voice recognition, "Retan, Boisukontoroll" is registered. When the control unit 18 recognizes the activation word, it activates a voice recognition function for executing various functions such as peripheral search. Therefore, in the initial state, the control unit 19 is on standby in a state where only the activation word can be recognized by voice. This list number 1 corresponds to the display screen M1 described later.

In list number 2, a recognition word for starting any one of peripheral search, scale change, volume change, and brightness change is registered after the voice recognition is activated. For example, "shuhen" is registered as a recognition word for starting a peripheral search. As a recognition word for starting the scale change, "skeleton" is registered. "Onryo" is registered as a recognition word to start changing the volume. "Kido" is registered as a recognition word for starting the brightness change. This list number 2 corresponds to the display screen V1 described later. Further, in the list number 2, a recognition word "jitaku" is registered, which makes the user search for a route to the home with one utterance when returning to the home. As described above, since the recognition word corresponding to the function frequently used by the user is registered as the recognition word when the voice recognition is activated, the voice recognition can be started and executed immediately.

In list number 3, a recognition word corresponding to a function to be executed after starting route guidance is registered. For example, in addition to the recognition word of the list number 2, recognition words such as "Annaichu", "Annaiiteshi", and "Annaiquit" are registered to stop the route guidance. In this way, by preparing multiple types of recognition words that execute the same function of stopping route guidance, the possibility of not being able to recognize even if the user's utterance content is slightly different is reduced. can. This list number 3 corresponds to the display screen V1a described later. In particular, "shuhen", "onryo", and "kid" are demonstrative words displayed on the buttons of the display screens V1 and V1a, as will be described later. Therefore, the user can input the instruction by speaking the displayed instruction word.

In the list numbers 4 and 5, recognition words for designating a genre are registered in the peripheral search. The recognition word of this genre is displayed in hiragana characters on the button of the item for specifying the genre. In the screen display in which the button of the recognition word belonging to the list number 4 is displayed, the genre that can be recognized is limited to the recognition word belonging to the list number 4. This list number 4 corresponds to the display screen S1 described later. In addition, prepare multiple types of recognition words that specify the same genre, such as "Family restaurant" and "Family restaurant" for family restaurants, and "Kaden" and "Denkiya" for electronics stores. By setting it, even if the user's utterance content is slightly different, the possibility that it cannot be recognized can be reduced.

In the screen display in which the button of the recognition word belonging to the list number 5 is displayed, the genre that can be recognized is limited to the recognition word belonging to the list number 5. This list number 5 corresponds to the display screen S1a described later. As described above, the genre that can be recognized on each display screen is limited to the recognition word corresponding to the button of the item displayed on each display screen, so that the possibility of erroneous recognition is reduced.

Further, in the list number 4, recognition words "nipage" and "next" for transitioning to the display screen S1a of the list number 5 are registered. Further, in the list number 5, recognition words "Ippage" and "mae" for transitioning to the display screen S1 of the list number 4 are registered. In this way, by preparing multiple types of recognition words that execute the same function of transitioning the display screen of the genre, there is a possibility that even if the user's utterance content is slightly different, it will not be recognized. Can be reduced.

In the list numbers 6, 7, 8 and 9, recognition words for selecting the facility searched by the peripheral search are registered. On the display screen corresponding to the list numbers 6 and 7, the facilities searched by the peripheral search are displayed at the locations on the map with icons numbered in order of proximity to the current position. As the recognition word, the nickname of the number for selecting the facility is registered. For example, recognition words indicating numbers such as "Ichi", "Ichiban", "Ni", and "Niban" are registered. In this way, by preparing a plurality of types of recognition words for selecting the same target as the destination, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will not be able to recognize even if the utterance contents of the user are slightly different. On the display screens corresponding to the list numbers 6 and 7, all the searched facilities (10 locations in this example) can be selected by voice regardless of whether or not they are displayed on the screen.

Further, in the list numbers 6 and 7, recognition words for changing the scale of the displayed map are registered. That is, the recognition word "skeleton" that accepts the start of the scale change is registered in the list number 6. This list number 6 corresponds to the display screen S2 described later. In list number 7, in addition to the recognition word "scale" that accepts the start of scale change, the recognition word that changes the scale is registered. This list number 7 corresponds to the display screen S2a described later.

The recognition words for changing the scale include a recognition word for enlarging the scale of the map for detailed display, a recognition word for reducing the scale of the map for wide-area display, and a recognition word for indicating the numbers and units of the scale. Is included. The recognition words that increase the scale of the map are "Kakudai" and "Shosai", and the recognition words that reduce the scale of the map are "Shukusho" and "Kouiki". Contains recognition words to change. Gradual means that multiple levels of scale are set in advance, and the levels are raised or lowered one by one. In this way, by preparing multiple types of recognition words that execute the same function of changing the scale step by step, it is possible that even if the user's utterance content is slightly different, it cannot be recognized. The sex can be reduced. In particular, when raising or lowering the scale, the words that are used daily are used as recognition words, so the user does not have to be confused by the words that instruct the volume change.

In addition, recognition words that change the scale include recognition words that can specify scale numbers and units, such as "jumetoru", "nijugometoru", and "gojumetoru". Is done. As a result, when the user utters and specifies a recognition word of a desired scale, the control unit 18 that recognizes the recognition word directly changes to the scale of the designated map. Further, in the list numbers 6 and 7, the recognition words "risuto" and "risutohoji" to be transferred to the display screen of the list display of the list number 8 described later are registered. In this way, by preparing multiple types of recognition words that execute the same function of transitioning to the list display screen, there is a possibility that even if the user's utterance content is slightly different, it will not be recognized. Can be reduced.

On the display screen corresponding to the list numbers 8 and 9, the facilities searched by the peripheral search are displayed in a list by the button displaying the number. The nickname of the number for selecting the facility displayed in the list in this way is registered as a recognition word. The list number 8 corresponds to the display screen S2_list described later, and the list number 9 corresponds to the display screen S2a_list described later. The names of the registered numbers are the same as those of the above list numbers 8 and 9. However, in list numbers 8 and 9, the facilities that can be selected are limited to those displayed on the display screen. In this example, the first to fifth facilities can be selected on the display screen S2_list corresponding to the list number 8, and the sixth to tenth facilities can be selected on the list number S2_list.

Further, in the list numbers 8 and 9, recognition words "risuto" and "risuto release" for canceling the list display are registered. In this way, by preparing multiple types of recognition words that execute the same function of canceling the list display, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will not be able to recognize even if the utterance content is slightly different. .. Further, similarly to the list numbers 4 and 5, the recognition words "nipage" and "next" for transitioning to the display screen S1a of the list number 9 are registered in the list number 8. Further, in the list number 9, recognition words "Ippage" and "mae" for transitioning to the display screen S1 of the list number 8 are registered.

In the list numbers 10, 11 and 12, the recognition words "Annaikai", "Annai Regards" and "Annai" are registered to instruct the start of the searched route guidance. In this way, by preparing a plurality of types of recognition words that indicate the same function of route guidance, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will not be able to recognize even if the utterance contents are slightly different. In particular, in addition to the command tone of "Annaikai", we also prepare the tone of the request with the familiarity of "Annai Regards" and "Annai", depending on the intimacy with the character. You can enjoy changing.

The list number 10 corresponds to a display screen that displays the searched route after the route search. This display screen corresponds to the display screen R1 described later. The list number 11 corresponds to a display screen for changing the scale of the map while displaying the searched route. This display screen corresponds to the display screen R1a described later. The list number 12 corresponds to a display screen for changing the route condition while displaying the searched route. This display screen corresponds to the display screen R1b described later.

In addition, the list numbers 10, 11 and 12 include the recognition word "skeleton" for starting the scale change, the recognition word "shuhen" for re-searching the surrounding facilities, and the recognition word "joken" for starting the change of the route condition. , "Rutojoken" are registered. In this way, by preparing a plurality of types of recognition words that indicate the same function of changing the route condition, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will not be able to recognize even if the utterance contents are slightly different. ..

Further, in the list number 11, a recognition word for changing the scale is registered as in the list number 7. Further, in the list number 12, a recognition word for changing the route condition is registered. The route condition is a search condition for what is prioritized to search for a route. As the route conditions of this embodiment, highway priority, general road priority, and recommended route are set. The recommended route is the condition set by default, for example, priority is given to the time required to reach the destination, priority is given to the distance to the destination, and the like. Correspondingly, "Suisho", "Ippando", and "Kosokudo" are registered in the list number 12.

In the list numbers 13, 14 and 15, recognition words for changing various functions of the present embodiment are registered. In the list number 13, a recognition word for changing the map scale is registered in the same manner as described above. The list number 13 corresponds to the display screen A1 described later.

A recognition word for changing the volume is registered in the list number 14. The list number 14 corresponds to the display screen A2 described later. The recognition word for changing the volume includes a recognition word for increasing the volume, a recognition word for decreasing the volume, and a recognition word indicating the level of the volume.

Recognition words that increase the volume include "appu" and "big", and recognition words that decrease the volume include recognition words that change the volume step by step, such as "daun" and "small". Gradual means that the volume of a plurality of levels is set in advance, and the levels are raised or lowered one by one. In this way, by preparing multiple types of recognition words that execute the same function of changing the volume step by step, even if the user's utterance content is slightly different, it may not be recognized. The sex can be reduced. In particular, when raising or lowering the volume, words that are used daily are used as recognition words, so that the user does not have to be confused by the words that instruct the volume to be changed.

Further, the recognition word for changing the volume includes a recognition word such as "Zero", "Ichi", and "Ni" that can specify a number indicating the volume level. As a result, when the user utters and specifies a desired volume level, the control unit 18 that recognizes this directly changes the volume to the designated level. Note that "zero" is a recognition word that realizes a function of reducing the volume to zero, that is, a function of muting the sound output from the speaker 20. As a result, when the user does not want the character's voice to be heard by others, the user can immediately stop hearing the character's voice simply by uttering a recognition word that makes the volume zero.

A recognition word for changing the brightness is registered in the list number 15. The list number 15 corresponds to the display screen A3 described later. The recognition word for changing the luminance includes a recognition word for increasing the luminance, a recognition word for decreasing the luminance, and a recognition word indicating the level of the luminance.

The recognition word that increases the brightness includes "appu" and "akaruku", and the recognition word that decreases the brightness includes recognition words that gradually change the brightness such as "daun" and "kuraku". Gradual means that a plurality of levels of brightness are set in advance, and the levels are raised or lowered one by one. In this way, by preparing multiple types of recognition words for executing the same function of gradually changing the brightness, even if the user's utterance content is slightly different, it may not be recognized. The sex can be reduced. In particular, when raising or lowering the brightness, words that are used daily are used as recognition words, so that the user does not have to be confused by the words that instruct the change in brightness.

Further, the recognition word for changing the brightness includes a recognition word such as "Zero", "Ichi", and "Ni" that can specify a number indicating the brightness level. As a result, when the user speaks a desired level of luminance, the control unit 18 that recognizes the utterance causes the luminance to be directly changed to the designated level. In addition, "Zero" is a recognition word that realizes a function of reducing the brightness to zero and a function of darkening the screen of the display unit 5 to make the display content invisible. As a result, when the user does not want the image of the character to be seen by others, the user can immediately hide the image of the character simply by uttering a recognition word that makes the brightness zero.

In the list numbers 13, 14, and 15 as described above, recognition words for executing various functions are registered in common. In other words, "skeleton" related to scale change, "shuhen" related to peripheral search, "onryo" related to volume change, and "kid" related to brightness change are registered.

When the user speaks "skeleton" on the display screen of the list number 13, the control unit 18 that recognizes this completes the setting of the changed scale. On the other hand, when the user utters "skeleton" on the display screens of the list numbers 14 and 15, the control unit 18 that recognizes the utterance shifts to the scale change display screen, that is, the display screen corresponding to the list number 13. ..

When the user speaks "Onryo" on the display screen of the list number 14, the control unit 18 that recognizes this completes the setting of the changed volume. On the other hand, when the user speaks "Onryo" on the display screens of the list numbers 13 and 15, the control unit 18 that recognizes the utterance shifts to the volume change display screen, that is, the display screen corresponding to the list number 14.

When the user speaks "Kido" on the display screen of the list number 15, the control unit 18 that recognizes this completes the setting of the changed luminance. On the other hand, when the user speaks "Kido" on the display screens of the list numbers 13 and 14, the control unit 18 that recognizes the utterance shifts to the display screen for changing the luminance, that is, the display screen corresponding to the list number 15.

In this way, even if the recognition words are the same, by changing the functions according to the display screen, the user does not need to remember different recognition words in order to perform related but different functions.

Further, in the list numbers 13, 14, and 15, when returning to the home, the recognition word "jitaku" for searching the route to the home with one utterance is registered. As described above, since the recognition word corresponding to the function frequently used by the user is registered as the recognition word when the voice recognition is activated, the voice recognition can be started and executed immediately.

In each list number 1 to 15, recognition words that can be recognized in common on a plurality of display screens and that execute various functions are registered. First, recognition words such as "return", "takeshi", and "redo" are registered as phrases that return to the previous process. In addition, recognition words such as "Onseikaijo", "Shuryo", and "Genzaichi" are registered as cancellation phrases for canceling functions and processing. "Onseikaijo" is a recognition word that cancels voice recognition. "Shuryo" is a recognition word that terminates the current processing. "Genzaichi" is a recognition word that transitions to the current position display. These are recognition words that can be recognized in common on all display screens after the voice recognition is activated. By issuing this common recognition word, the user can redo the process, return to the initial state, or the like at any time.

Further, in the list number 16, a recognition word for recognizing the user's Yes (affirmative) and No (negative) utterances is registered. This recognition word is used to recognize the user's mere Yes and No utterances in response to a question from the character. Such recognition words can also be recognized in common on the entire screen. As the recognition words of Yes, "OK", "Greetings", "Yes", "Yes", and "Yeah" are registered. As the recognition word of No, "I don't need", "Stop", "No", "No", "No", "I don't need", and "Noisy" are registered. As described above, by preparing a plurality of types of recognition words for recognizing Yes and No of the user, it is possible to reduce the possibility of not being able to recognize even if the utterance contents of the user are slightly different. In particular, the expressions of Yes and No vary depending on the conversation partner, but the user can reply Yes and No according to the tone of the character.

As will be described later, some recognition words as described above are displayed as characters on the display screen, and some are not displayed on the display screen. What is displayed in characters is good because the user can visually confirm what should be spoken in order for the control unit 18 to execute the function.

<< Response phrase >>
7 to 21 are excerpts of a part of a list of response phrases to be output as a character's voice by the control unit 18 according to the recognition result of the above recognition word. Database 19 stores a list of such response phrases and voice data. The upper column of the gray-filled columns in the list is the response phrase number. The lower column is the content of the process executed by the control unit 18 according to the recognition word spoken by the user. "Retan, Boisukontoroll" in the margin is an activation word registered in the list number 1 of the above recognition words.

As the response phrase, one or more phrases are registered for each process executed by the control unit 18. FIG. 7 is an excerpt from a list of response phrases for "standard ray". The first column from the left in FIG. 7 is a plurality of response phrases when the user utters the activation word “Retan, Boisukontoroll” and the control unit 18 starts voice recognition. The second column is a response phrase when the control unit 18 turns down the volume. The third column is a response phrase when the user selects the facility No. 8 and the control unit 18 changes the destination to No. 8. The fourth column is a response phrase when the control unit 18 cancels the guidance. The fifth column is a response phrase when the control unit 18 changes the volume or luminance level to 3.

Such a list of response phrases is set separately for each of the three aspects of the character, that is, "standard ray", "transformed ray", and "chibi ray". Depending on these three aspects, the response phrases in the list are different. FIG. 8A is an excerpt from the list of the response phrases at the start of voice recognition of “Ray after transformation”. Compare the response phrase of "Ray after transformation" with the response phrase of "Standard Ray" such as "Are you doing something?", "Start voice recognition. Speak slowly and clearly." And a more polite tone is set. Further, FIG. 8B is an excerpt from the list of the response phrase at the start of voice recognition of "Chibi Rei". The response phrase of "Chibi Rei" is set to a cheaper tone than the response phrase of "Standard Rei", such as "Retan, start voice control.", "Wait." There is. Further, FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (i) are excerpts of response phrases to the user's utterances. These specific response phrases will be described in a processing example described later. As for the dialogue of the user, for example, if the utterance of the user and the voice of the character are established as the utterance and the response to the utterance, a feeling of mutual communication can be obtained. Even if the utterance and the meaning of the utterance are irrelevant, the user can feel the fun and unexpectedness. Even if the utterance and the response to the utterance are established as the meaning content and the utterance and the response to the utterance are irrelevant, it is possible to produce an imperfection close to the actual conversation, and the user can see it. You can feel humanity.

In such a list, one or more response phrases are registered in the same processing column. The control unit 18 randomly outputs the response phrases registered in each column as the response phrases corresponding to the same processing. However, the control unit 18 randomly selects from those excluding the previously output response phrases so that only the same phrases are not repeatedly output. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, a large number of response phrases in the case of frequently used processing such as the start of voice recognition are prepared, and the control unit 18 randomly outputs from these.

An operation example of the control unit 18 is as follows.
1. 1. If there are five phrases A, B, C, D, and E, first randomly select from the five phrases.
2. 2. When B is selected first, the next time, select from A, C, D, and E.
3. 3. Next, when E is selected, the next time, select from A, C, and D.
4. After selecting all, the next time, I will return to the beginning and randomly select from the five A, B, C, D, and E.
In this embodiment, as a predetermined process for outputting information that the user wants to know in response to a dialogue, a process of executing various functions as listed below is performed. If the process corresponding to the dialogue is the process of outputting information as a result of the dialogue, it is motivated to interact with the character in order to execute the function. If the process corresponding to the dialogue is a process that outputs information during the dialogue, the motivation to speak sequentially and proceed with the dialogue increases in order to execute the function. If the process corresponding to the dialogue is a process that outputs a response phrase that constitutes the dialogue, the user wants to hear the voice of the character and interacts with the character, so that the dialogue itself can be enjoyed.

<< Peripheral search processing >>
The control unit 18 executes various processes according to the voice recognition that recognizes the voice spoken by the user based on the recognition word as described above and the dialogue that outputs the voice of the character based on the response phrase. First, the peripheral search process corresponding to such a dialogue will be described.

Peripheral search is a process in which target information can be obtained by sequentially narrowing down from a plurality of candidates through a plurality of selections, and has phases of genre selection, facility selection, and route selection. Such information is information that the passenger of the vehicle wants to know, particularly information that the driver of the vehicle wants to know.

Hereinafter, an example of the peripheral search process will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 21. 10 to 21 are explanatory views showing an example of a display screen in each phase on the left and an example of a recognition word and a response phrase corresponding thereto on the right. Each display screen M1 (including M1a), V1, V1a, S1, S1a, S2, S2a, S2_list, S2a_list, R1, R1a, R1b, A1 (including A1a), A2 (including A2a), A3 (also A3a) Including) corresponds to the list numbers 1 to 15 (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the recognition words as described above.

The description shown on the left of these display screen examples in FIGS. 10 to 21 refers to "recognition word recognized as user's voice-> character response phrase output in response to this-> display screen transitioned by this". Shows.

The control unit 18 causes the display unit 5 to display these display screens by drawing screen configuration data such as buttons, icons, texts, and maps stored in the database 19 in the memory. Further, as described above, the control unit 18 can perform peripheral search, route search, and route guidance.

(Waiting for voice recognition activation)
First, the control unit 18 is in a state where only the activation word can be recognized when waiting for the voice recognition activation for a predetermined process such as peripheral search. The display screen M1 in FIG. 10 is an example of a screen waiting for voice recognition activation. On the display screen M1, an icon indicating the current position 51 is displayed together with a map around the current position 51. The current time (10:00) is displayed in the upper left of the display screen M1, and the scale button B1 indicating the number and unit (100 m), which is the current quantitative level of the map scale, and voice recognition are displayed below it. The voice recognition button B2 on which the demonstrative word (voice recognition) to be activated is displayed is displayed. The upper body of the character 100 is displayed at the lower right of the display screen M1. The character 100 is a standard ray, and its display position is a position that does not block the display of various buttons, the current position, the current time, and the like.

In this state of waiting for voice recognition activation, predetermined processing such as peripheral search cannot be performed by voice recognition. Therefore, the user who wants to change the map scale selects by touching the scale button B1. When the scale button B1 is selected in this way, as shown in the display screen M1a of FIG. 10, the control unit 18 displays the + button B1a and the-button B1b to the right of the scale button B1. The user selects by touching the + button B1a to increase the scale and the-button B1b to decrease the scale. In response to this, the control unit 18 changes the scale of the displayed map step by step.

When the user speaks "Retan, Boisukontoroll" in such a state of waiting for voice recognition activation, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase corresponding to this and activates voice recognition. do. As a result, for example, the speaker 20 outputs the voice "What is the business?". Then, the control unit 18 shifts the display screen M1 to the display screen V1 shown in FIG.

Even when the user touches and selects the voice recognition button B2, the control unit 18 outputs the above response phrase and activates voice recognition. The control unit 18 displays the buttons corresponding to the functions that can be selected by manual operation or voice input on the display unit 5 in different colors from the other buttons. For example, on the display screen of the present embodiment, the buttons that can be selected by voice input are displayed in blue, and the other buttons are displayed in black. As a result, the user can visually recognize the function capable of voice input. Even if the function is the same, whether or not it can be selected by voice input differs depending on the display screen. For example, on the display screens M1 and M1a of FIG. 10, since the voice recognition function has not started, the scale button B1 cannot be selected by voice input and is displayed in black. Then, after the voice recognition function is started as described later, the scale button B1 is in a state where it can be selected by voice input, and is therefore displayed in blue.

(Start voice recognition)
The display screen V1 of FIG. 11 is an example of a screen for starting voice recognition during navigation (navigation) standby. The display screen V1a in FIG. 12 is an example of a screen for starting voice recognition after the start of navigation guidance, which will be described later. When the voice recognition is activated, the control unit 18 displays the map scale button on the display screen V1 in blue indicating that voice input is possible. Further, the control unit 18 causes the display screen V1 to display buttons of other functions capable of voice input in blue indicating that voice input is possible. Of these buttons, the voice release button B2x is a button on which the instruction word "voice release" for terminating voice recognition is displayed. The peripheral button B3 is a button on which the demonstrative word "periphery" for starting the peripheral search is displayed. Since the peripheral search cannot function during navigation guidance, the control unit 18 does not display the peripheral button B3 on the display screen V1a of FIG. The control unit 18 displays the guidance stop button B4x on which the instruction word “guidance stop” for stopping the guidance is displayed at the same position as the peripheral button B3 of V1 on the display screen V1a.

Further, on the display screens V1 and V1a, the volume button B5 and the brightness button B6 are displayed in the same row as the scale button B1, the voice release button B2x, and the guidance stop button B4x. The volume button B5 is a button on which the instruction word “volume” for starting the volume change and the number “5” indicating the quantitative level of the current sound are displayed. The luminance button B6 is a button on which the directive "luminance" for starting the luminance change and the number "5" indicating the quantitative level of the current luminance are displayed. Further, the home button B7 is displayed on the upper right of the display screen V1. The home button B7 is a button on which the demonstrative word "home" is displayed to guide the route to the home. These demonstrative words and numbers indicating the quantitative level are words and phrases registered as recognition words as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 above.

As described above, the display area of the item composed of the plurality of buttons has a portion where the map, which is the image behind, can be seen. In other words, there is a gap between each button so that you can see the map behind it. On the other hand, the display area of the character 100 is larger than one button and does not have a portion where the back can be seen in the portion overlapping the map. In the gaps between the hair and the body, the limbs and the torso, there may be a part where the map behind can be seen, but such a part is excluded from the display area of the character 100.

The position of the character 100 displayed on the display unit 5 by the control unit 18 is a position that does not interfere with the visual recognition of the current position or the guide route. In the display screen V1 of FIG. 11 and the display screen V1a of FIG. 12, the character 100 is displayed at a position closer to the lower right on the screen, and each of the above buttons is on the opposite side in a left-right or up-down relationship with the character 100. It is displayed at the closer position, upper left or upper right.

(Genre selection)
When the user speaks "shuhen" on the display screen V1 during the navigation standby, the control unit 18 shifts the display screen V1 to the display screen S1 of the peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 13, and the response phrase ". Hey, where are you going? ”Is output. In this way, in the peripheral search that proceeds by making multiple selections, the character 100 makes an utterance that prompts the next selection called genre selection, so that the user can immediately know what to do next. good. On the other hand, on the display screen of V1a during navigation guidance, the peripheral search function does not work. Therefore, even if the user utters "Shuhen", the control unit 18 that recognizes this outputs the voice of the character "What did you say? I don't know." Do not make a transition. In this way, when the process that cannot be proceeded to the next is selected, the character 100 utters the response phrase corresponding to the process, so that the user cannot perform the process on the display screen. good.

As described above, the control unit 18 inputs voice to activate voice recognition from the user → outputs a response phrase of the character asking for errands to this → inputs voice to start the function from the user. , And so on, the process proceeds based on a dialogue in which at least one round-trip exchange is made. The output of the response phrase in this dialogue functions to indicate that the character has recognized the user's voice, as well as the meaning and content indicated by the response phrase.

As described above, the control unit 18 displays the genre button B8 on which the genre name as the recognition word is displayed on the display screen S1 of FIG. 13, which is transitioned by the user's utterance. The genre name displayed on these genre buttons B8 corresponds to the recognition word of the list number 4 in FIG. The genre button B8 can also be touched and selected by the user. Since the genre name does not include kanji and is hiragana or katakana, it is good because it is easy for the driver or the like to visually understand what to say.

When the user utters the recognition word "Family" displayed on the button on the display screen S1, the control unit 18 causes the character to output a voice of the response phrase "Are you going to the family restaurant alone?". Then, the control unit 18 shifts to the process of searching for the candidate of the family restaurant. Therefore, the user does not need to make any further selection in the genre selection phase. In other words, "Are you going to the family restaurant alone?" Is good because it is a voice that makes the user know that the next genre selection is not necessary. Further, this response phrase may make the user aware that he / she is alone except for the character 100 with whom he / she is talking, and can further enhance the intimacy with the character 100.

Further, in order for the user to want to select from a genre other than the genre displayed on the display screen S1, the control unit 18 displays a page button on the display screen S1 that displays the recognition word "2 pages" for transitioning to the next page. B9 is displayed. When the user speaks "nipage" or "next" on the display screen S1, the control unit 18 shifts the screen displayed on the display unit 5 to the display screen S1a of the periphery 2 of FIG.

On the display screen S1a, a genre button B8 displaying a genre name corresponding to the recognition word of the list number 5 in FIG. 5 is displayed. When the user utters the recognition word of the genre name displayed on the genre button B8, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase for this. Further, the control unit 18 displays a page button B9 displaying the recognition word "1 page" for transitioning to the previous page on the display screen S1a. When the user speaks "one page" or "before" on the display screen S1a, the control unit 18 shifts the screen displayed on the display unit 5 to the display screen S1 of the periphery 1 of FIG.

(Facility selection)
In this way, when a genre is selected, the control unit 18 searches for facilities around the current location belonging to the genre, and displays the screen displayed on the display unit 5 on the display screen of the facility selection 1 as shown in FIG. Transition to S2. The result of the facility search is displayed on the display screen S2. That is, on the display screen S2, the facilities hit by the search are displayed by the icon C1 in which the locations on the map are numbered in the order of proximity to the current location. In FIG. 15, the icon C1 displaying the numbers 1 to 5 in a circle is displayed at a position on the map. In this way, the result of the peripheral search displays only the facilities of the target (genre) necessary for the user. At this time, by making the map display grayscale and displaying the icon C1 in color, the location and number of the facility can be more easily understood. Further, when the screen is changed from another screen to the screen of S2, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase prompting the selection of the destination such as "Where should I go?".

The user selects a facility on the display screen S2 with the content matching the display of the icon C1. That is, when the number displayed on the icon C1 of the desired facility is spoken, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase corresponding to the number and searches for a route to the facility. For example, when "Ichi" or "Ichiban" is spoken, the character 100 speaks "No. 1" and the route search to the facility displayed by No. 1 is executed. In this way, when the character 100 speaks the number spoken by the user, the user can confirm his / her own instruction content.

The scale button B1 and the list button B10 are displayed on the display screen S2. The scale button B1 is a button for changing the map scale as described above. On the display screen S2, when the user who wants to change the scale of the map speaks "skeleton", the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase prompting which scale to change, and the facility selection 2 shown in FIG. Transition to the display screen S2a of. For example, when the user utters "skeleton", the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase "instruct something", and as shown in FIG. 16, the + button B1a for changing the scale,- Display button B1b. The scale change process by voice input will be described later.

The list button B10 is a button for transitioning the screen for selecting a facility from the icon display to the list display. When the user speaks "risto" or "risutohoji" on the display screen S2, the control unit 18 shifts the screen to be displayed on the display unit 5 to the display screen S2_list of the facility selection 1 shown in FIG. Let me. On the display screen of S2_list, the searched facilities are displayed as a list in which the facility selection button B11 is arranged in the order closer to the current location, instead of the icon. Each facility selection button B11 displays a number assigned in order of proximity to the current location, a facility name, a distance from the current position to the facility, a location, and the like. The user can select a facility in the same manner as described above by touching the facility selection button B11 or speaking the number displayed on the button. Since the facility selection button B11 displays the facility name, the distance from the current position, the location, and the like in addition to the number, the user may be able to obtain more detailed information about the searched facility.

When the number of searched candidates is larger than the number that can be displayed on one page (for example, five), the control unit 18 displays the page button B9 indicating "2 pages" indicating that the next page exists. Is displayed. When the number of candidates is less than the number that can be displayed on one page, the control unit 18 hides the page button B9. When the user speaks "nipage" or "next", the control unit 18 transitions to the display screen S2a_list of the facility selection 2 shown in FIG. The facility selection process in the list displayed on the display screen S2a_list is the same as described above. Further, the control unit 18 causes the display screen S2_list to display the page button B9 displaying the recognition word “1 page” for transitioning to the previous page. When the user speaks "one page" or "before" on the display screen S1a, the control unit 18 shifts the screen displayed on the display unit 5 to the display screen S1 of the facility selection 1 in FIG.

(Route selection)
As described above, when the facility is selected, the control unit 18 searches for the route 53 from the current position 51 to the facility as the destination 52, and displays the result on the display screen R1 of the route selection 1 shown in FIG. Display. As for the searched route 53, the route 53 to be given the highest priority is displayed in different colors based on the preset route conditions. At this time, the character 100 moves to a position on the map that does not get in the way depending on the route guidance direction. That is, the character 100 is displayed at a position that does not block the searched route display including the current position on the map. However, as described above, the character 100 is already displayed at the lower right of the screen, and in the example of the display screen R1, the searched route is not disturbed, so that there is no movement in this example.

On the other hand, the control unit 18 displays a plurality of buttons on the display screen R1 on the opposite side to the character, that is, on the left side. If the number of the plurality of buttons is small, the portion overlapping the searched route 53 does not occur. Even if the number of buttons increases, there is a gap between each button so that the map and route 53 can be seen. These buttons include the scale button B1. The operation when the user wants to change the scale is performed on the display screen R1a of the route selection 2 shown in FIG. 20, which will be described later.

Further, on the display screen R1, a route condition button B12 on which "route condition", which is a demonstrative for changing the route condition, is displayed is displayed. When the user speaks "joken" or "rutojoken", the control unit 18 transitions to the display screen R1b of the route selection 3 shown in FIG. 21. On this display screen R1b, condition selection buttons B12a, B12b, and B12c for selecting priority search conditions such as "expressway", "general road", and "recommended" are displayed next to the "route condition" button. To. When the user utters "Ippando", "Kousokudo" or "Suisho" on the display screen R1b, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase corresponding to each and utters the search condition. The condition is changed, and the route 53 having the highest priority in the changed search condition is displayed. For example, if the control unit 18 is a general road, "Yeah, let's go slowly on the general road.", And if it is a highway, "Time is shortened on the highway." Output a response phrase indicating the advantage. Also, if it is a recommended path, it outputs a response phrase that shows the relationship of trust with the character, "I'll leave it to me."

Then, on the display screen R1, the guidance start button B13 on which the demonstrative "guidance start" is displayed is displayed when the guidance by the displayed route 53 is desired. When the user utters "Annaikai", "Annai Regards" or "Annai" on the screen on which the desired route 53 is displayed, the control unit 18 "starts guidance. Output the response phrase "Take me" and start route guidance.

Further, when the user utters "shuhen" to search the surrounding area or the return phrase "return", "takeshi" or "redo", the control unit 18 outputs the response phrase "research". The transition is made to the display screen of S1 shown in FIG. The subsequent peripheral search process is as described above. For the utterance of the returning phrase, the same processing is performed on the display screens S2, S2a, S2_list, S2a_list, R1, R1a, and R1b shown in FIGS. 15 to 21.

In response to the utterance of the return phrase on the voice recognition start display screens V1 and V1a shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase "Call me again." The screen transitions to the display screen M1 shown in 1 and returns to the waiting for voice recognition activation. In response to the utterance of the return phrase on the peripheral search display screens S1 and S1a shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase "From the beginning." And the voice shown in FIG. Transition to the recognition start display screen V1. As described above, even if the recognition word is the same, the display screen to be transitioned is different depending on the current display screen and the corresponding phase. That is, by changing the display screen to be transitioned to the phrase to be returned, it is possible to eliminate excessive return and reduce the trouble of the user to start over again.

Then, in the present embodiment, a release phrase is prepared separately from the return phrase. When the user speaks "Onseikaijo", "Shuryo" or "Genzaichi", the screen always returns to the display screen M1 waiting for voice recognition to be activated. At this time, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase urging the next use, saying "Call me again." In this way, by registering a recognition word that returns to a different position and a recognition word that returns to a certain position according to the display screen or phase, the user can quickly move to the desired screen according to the situation. It can be carried out.

Further, when a recognition word that cannot be processed is spoken according to the screen or the phase, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase clearly indicating that the recognition word cannot be processed, thereby telling the user another word. Can be encouraged to speak. For example, in the display screen V1a of FIG. 12 and the display screens S2, S2a, S2_list, and S2a_list of FIGS. 15 to 18, the response phrase "What did you say? I don't know." Is output.

《Change map scale》
The control unit 18 performs a process of changing the map scale, the volume, and the brightness as a process of changing the function according to the dialogue. First, the procedure for changing the map scale will be described with reference to FIG. 22. The same applies to the change of the map scale when the transition from the display screen S2 of FIG. 15 to the display screen S2a of FIG. 16 and the transition from the display screen R1 of FIG. 19 to the display screen R1a of FIG. 20.

When the user who wants to change the map scale speaks "skeleton" on the display screens V1 and V1a of FIGS. 11 and 12 in which the voice recognition is started, the control unit 18 transitions to the display screens A1 and A1a of FIG. 22. The display screen A1 is a screen transitioned from the display screen V1, and the display screen A1a is a screen transitioned from the display screen V1a. On the display screen A1, the control unit 18 outputs the response phrase "instruct something." Only when the transition is made from another screen (scene). In this way, even if the screen is switched, the character 100 may make an utterance prompting an instruction so that the user can always be aware that he / she is nearby. Further, the display screen A1a is a screen for changing the map scale during navigation guidance.

On the display screens A1 and A1a, the + button B1a and the-button B1b are displayed on the right side of the scale button B1. As described above, when the user touches the + button B1a, the control unit 18 gradually raises the map scale. Further, when the user touches the-button B1b, the control unit 18 gradually lowers the map scale. Further, in the present embodiment, when the user speaks "Kakudai" or "Shosai", the control unit 18 that recognizes this utters, and the map scale is gradually increased. When the user speaks "shukusho" or "koiki", the control unit 18 that recognizes this utters, and the control unit 18 gradually lowers the map scale.

Then, the control unit 18 can confirm what kind of change has been made, such as "I expanded it" when scaling up and "I tried to make it a little wider" when scaling down. Is output. As a result, the user can confirm by voice what kind of processing has been performed. Further, when the upper limit or the lower limit of the scale is exceeded when the scale is changed, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase informing that the scale cannot be changed, such as "Bubu ~, it's the limit." As a result, the user can prevent the user from repeating unnecessary change instructions without being able to confirm whether the upper limit has been reached or the lower limit has been reached.

Further, when the user speaks a value of a desired scale such as "jume-toru" and "ichikiro", the control unit 18 that recognizes this directly changes the map scale to the spoken value. .. At this time, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase corresponding to the input value, such as "10 meters" or "1 km", as a response phrase corresponding to the user's utterance. This allows the user to see the level of the scale he or she has instructed.

Then, when the user utters "skeleton" or utters a return phrase, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase indicating that the scale change process is completed, such as "setting is completed." .. The processing with the release phrase is the same as above.

Further, in the case of the display screen A1, the home button is displayed, and when the user touches this button or utters "jitaku", the control unit 18 processes as follows. First, if the home registration has not been made in advance, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase prompting the home registration, such as "I say home, but don't tell me." As a result, the processing required as a premise for executing a specific function is urged by voice, so that the user can understand what is necessary to use the function. If the home registration has been made, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase "Yes, go home." And searches for a route to the home. This gives the user the impression that the character will return with him.

In the case of the display screen A1a, a specific function is restricted because the navigation is being guided. That is, the peripheral search and the route guidance to the home cannot be executed on the display screen A1a. Therefore, even if the user utters "Shuhen", the response phrase "What did you say? I don't know" is output and the peripheral search is not performed. Further, even if the utterance "jitaku" is spoken, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase "what did you say? I don't know" and does not search for a route to your home. In this way, the user may know from the response phrase that the process cannot be performed.

《Volume change》
The procedure for changing the volume will be described with reference to FIG. 23. When the user who wants to change the volume speaks "Onryo" on the display screens V1 and V1a of FIGS. 11 and 12 in which the voice recognition is started, the control unit 18 transitions to the display screens A2 and A2a of FIG. 23. The display screen A2 is a screen transitioned from the display screen V1, and the display screen A2a is a screen transitioned from the display screen V1a. On the display screen A2, the control unit 18 outputs the response phrase "instruct something." Only when the transition is made from another screen (scene). In this way, even if the screen is switched, the character 100 may make an utterance prompting an instruction so that the user can always be aware that he / she is nearby. Further, the display screen A2a is a volume change screen during navigation guidance.

On the display screens A2 and A2a, the + button B5a and the-button B5b are displayed on the right side of the volume button B5. When the user touches the + button B5a, the control unit 18 gradually raises the volume. Further, when the user touches the-button B5b, the control unit 18 gradually lowers the volume. Further, in the present embodiment, when the user speaks "appu" or "big", the control unit 18 that recognizes this utters the volume in a stepwise manner. When the user speaks "daun" or "small", the control unit 18 that recognizes this utters, and gradually lowers the volume.

Then, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase that can confirm what kind of change has been made, such as "volume up" when the volume is up and "volume down" when the volume is down. .. As a result, the user can confirm by voice what kind of processing has been performed. Further, when the upper limit or the lower limit of the volume is exceeded when the volume is changed, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase notifying that the volume cannot be changed, such as "Boo, it's the limit." As a result, the user can prevent the user from repeating unnecessary change instructions without being able to confirm whether the upper limit has been reached or the lower limit has been reached.

Further, when the user speaks a desired volume value such as "Zero", "Ichi", and "Ni", the control unit 18 that recognizes this directly changes the volume to the spoken value. .. At this time, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase corresponding to the input value, such as "zero", "1", and "2", as the response phrase corresponding to the user's utterance. .. As a result, the user can check the level of the volume specified by the user.

Then, when the user utters "Onryo" or utters a returning phrase, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase indicating that the volume change process is completed, such as "Setting is completed." The processing with the release phrase is the same as above. Other processes are the same as the processes described in the map scale above.

《Brightness change》
The procedure for changing the brightness will be described with reference to FIG. 24. When the user who wants to change the brightness speaks "Kido" on the display screens V1 and V1a of FIGS. 11 and 12 in which the voice recognition is started, the control unit 18 shifts to the display screens A3 and A3a of FIG. 24. The display screen A3 is a screen transitioned from the display screen V1, and the display screen A3a is a screen transitioned from the display screen V1a. On the display screen A3, the control unit 18 outputs the response phrase "instruct something." Only when the transition is made from another screen (scene). In this way, even if the screen is switched, the character 100 may make an utterance prompting an instruction so that the user can always be aware that he / she is nearby. Further, the display screen A3a is a brightness change screen during navigation guidance.

On the display screens A3 and A3a, the + button B6a and the-button B6b are displayed next to the luminance button B6. When the user touches the + button B6a, the control unit 18 gradually increases the brightness. When the user touches the-button B6b, the control unit 18 gradually lowers the brightness. Further, in the present embodiment, when the user speaks "appu" or "akaruku", the control unit 18 that recognizes this utterance increases the brightness step by step. When the user speaks "Daun" or "Raku", the control unit 18 that recognizes this utters, and the brightness is gradually reduced.

Then, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase that can confirm what kind of change has been made, such as "brightness up" when the brightness is up and "brightness down" when the brightness is down. As a result, the user can confirm by voice what kind of processing has been performed. Further, when the upper limit or the lower limit of the brightness is exceeded when the brightness is changed, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase informing that the change cannot be made, such as "Boo, it's the limit." As a result, the user can prevent the user from repeating unnecessary change instructions without being able to confirm whether the upper limit has been reached or the lower limit has been reached.

Further, when the user speaks a desired luminance value such as "Zero", "Ichi", and "Ni", the control unit 18 that recognizes this directly changes the luminance to the spoken value. Let me. At this time, as the response phrase corresponding to the user's utterance, the response phrase corresponding to the input value such as "zero", "1", and "2" is output. This allows the user to check the level of luminance that he or she has instructed.

Then, when the user utters "Kido" or utters a returning phrase, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase indicating that the luminance change process is completed, such as "setting is completed." The processing with the release phrase is the same as above. Other processes are the same as the processes described in the map scale above.

In the display screens A1 and A1a, the control unit 18 makes a transition to the display screens A2, A2a or the display screens A3, A3a by speaking "Onryo" or "Kido". On the display screens A2 and A2a, the control unit 18 transitions to the display screens A3, A3a or the display screens A1 and A1a by speaking "Kido" or "Skele". On the display screens A3 and A3a, the control unit 18 transitions to the display screens A1 and A1a or the display screens A2 and A2a by speaking "skeleton" or "onryo". In this way, by making the screens of the quantitative level change processing mutually transitionable, it may be convenient for the user who wants to change the settings collectively.

《Time-out processing》
Next, the timeout process will be described. The time-out process is a process of ending the process when the control unit 18 has not input a voice from the user and a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the control unit 18 started the predetermined process. Then, from the time when the predetermined process is started until the predetermined time elapses, the control unit 18 outputs a voice prompting voice input as a response phrase of the character.

A more specific process will be described with reference to FIG. As the time-out process, time-outs V1, S1, S2, R1, A1, and A1a are set. First, the processing of the timeout V1 will be described. If there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds after the voice recognition is activated on the above display screen V1 or V1a, the control unit 18 sets the timeout status 1 and outputs a response phrase prompting the user to input the voice. Here, since it is the screen for starting voice recognition, a response phrase requesting voice input such as "Hey, say something" is output. Then, if there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds from the output of the response phrase, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase notifying that the voice recognition is completed as the timeout status 2, and ends the voice recognition. Here, a response phrase that seems a little angry is output because there is no voice input, such as "Hmm, already."

The processing of the timeout S1 is as follows. If there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds after transitioning to the display screens S1 and S1a, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase prompting voice input as the timeout status 1. Here, since it is a peripheral search screen, a response phrase asking the destination is output, such as "Hey, hey, where are you going?". Then, if there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds from the output of the response phrase, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase notifying that the voice recognition is completed as the timeout status 2, and ends the voice recognition. Here, a response phrase that seems a little angry is output because there is no voice input, such as "Hmm, already."

The processing of the timeout S2 is as follows. If there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds after transitioning to the display screens S2, S2a, S2_list, and S2a_list, the control unit 18 sets the timeout status 1 and outputs a response phrase prompting voice input. Here, since it is a facility selection screen, a response phrase prompting the facility selection is output, such as "Isn't it decided yet?". Then, if there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds from the output of the response phrase, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase notifying that the voice recognition is completed as the timeout status 2, and ends the voice recognition. Here, a response phrase that seems a little angry is output because there is no voice input, such as "Hmm, already."

The processing of the timeout R1 is as follows. If there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds after transitioning to the display screens R1, R1a, R1b, the control unit 18 sets the timeout status 1 and outputs a response phrase prompting voice input. Here, since it is a route selection screen, a response phrase is output to notify that the next process will proceed even if there is no voice input, such as "I will guide you if you keep silent." Then, if there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds from the output of the response phrase, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase notifying that the voice recognition is completed as the timeout status 2, and ends the voice recognition. Here, a response phrase is output to notify that the next process is to be started, such as "Start guidance. Will you drive as you say?".

The processing of the timeout A1 is as follows. The control unit 18 outputs a response phrase prompting voice input as the timeout status 1 when there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds after transitioning to the display screens A1, A2, A3, A1a, A2a, A3a. Since this is a setting change screen, a response phrase prompting the setting change is output, such as "instruction, request". Then, if there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds from this response phrase output, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase notifying that the voice recognition is completed as the timeout status 2, and the voice recognition is performed without changing the setting. To end. Here, a response phrase that seems a little angry is output because there is no voice input, such as "Hmm, already."

The processing of the time-out A1a is as follows. When the control unit 18 transitions to the display screens A1, A2, A3, A1a, A2a, and A3a and there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds after the input instructing the setting change is made by selecting a button or by voice. As the timeout status 1, a response phrase prompting voice input is output. Here, a response phrase such as "instruction, request" is output to prompt the decision instruction of the setting change by voice input. After that, when there is no voice recognition for 15 seconds, the control unit 18 outputs a response phrase notifying that the voice recognition is completed as the timeout status 2, completes the setting change, and ends the voice recognition. Here, the response phrase notifying the completion of the setting change is output as "setting is completed."

Time-out processing may occur frequently, but as described above, the contents of the response phrases of time-out status 1 and time-out status 2 are changed according to the display screen and phase, so that the user does not get bored. good.

[Action effect]
According to the above embodiment, the system does not provide information to the one-sided instruction of the user who is the passenger of the vehicle, but the user interacts with the character to obtain the information he / she wants to know. As a result, the fun of operation and driving increases, and the feeling of communicating with the character is obtained, so that you will never get tired of it. In addition, the user is motivated to operate the system in order to interact with the character, so that the functions of the system are effectively utilized.

Since the response phrase is registered so that the predetermined character can recognize the speaker with a specific personality by the voice output from the system, the user feels as if he / she is interacting with an actual human being. Is obtained and can be familiar.

The dialogue is set so that, for example, at least one round-trip exchange of the start of an utterance, the response to the utterance, and the response to the response is performed, so that the system does not simply process according to the user's instruction. The user can get the feeling that the character intervenes between himself and the system and provides the service.

By using voice recognition, the user can output more easily or quickly than by manual operation, so that the user will actively use voice recognition and give the user more opportunities to interact with the character. be able to.

In particular, even when it is difficult for the driver to obtain the desired information while driving due to difficulty in manual operation, limited manual operation, etc., by using voice recognition, while enjoying dialogue with the character. , The desired information can be obtained.

When it is necessary to go through a plurality of selections in order to output information, it is easier for the user to operate by voice input than when a manual operation is required for each selection. Information that is output through a plurality of selections, for example, information having a layered structure and information that cannot be output without performing a plurality of operations, is less burdensome to the user than performing a manual operation a plurality of times.

In particular, processes that output information obtained by sequentially narrowing down from multiple candidates, such as facility search and search around the current location, are operations for moving the vehicle itself, such as brakes and accelerators. Unlike the operation for notifying the outside for safety while driving like a winker, it is difficult to directly execute it by manual operation, so it is suitable for the operation by voice recognition.

The user can sequentially proceed with a predetermined process by being prompted by the voice of the character to make a selection. For example, as a response phrase to guide to the next selection, when the user's voice "periphery" is recognized in the peripheral search, the voice asking the destination is output, such as "Hey, where are you going?", So that the user can output the voice. , You can clearly see what to say next.

If there is no next selection, the voice of the character indicating this is output, so the user knows that there is no need to proceed further, and can decide to end the instruction, perform another process, etc. .. For example, if the user's voice "Family restaurant" is recognized as the voice of the character indicating that there is no next selection, "Are you going to the family restaurant alone?" You can ask for another judgment.

The user can enjoy the dialogue with the character while acquiring the information of the facilities around the desired point such as the current location without the need for troublesome manual operation.

Since the icon indicating the searched surrounding facilities is highlighted relatively compared to the map, the information on the facilities required by the user becomes conspicuous on the map, and it is easy for the user to grasp the location of the facility. It will be a guide when selecting the desired facility by voice. In particular, the icons are displayed in color and the map is displayed in grayscale, so the icons are very clearly visible.

Since the icon of the facility displays the order of proximity to the current location, it can be used as a guide for the user to select the facility. In particular, since the information originally indicates the ranking, such as numbers and alphabets, the meaning of the ranking can be easily grasped.

The user recognizes the voice of the user who selects one of the facilities with the content according to the displayed icon, searches for the route to the selected facility, and displays it, so the user does not select by the facility name. , You can easily select the content according to the displayed icon. In particular, since you only have to speak the displayed number, you can select the facility with words that are easier to remember than the facility name.

When the user does not want the searched route, he / she can instruct the search again while interacting with the character, so that the troublesome and boring feeling at the time of redoing can be alleviated.

By seeing the appearance of the character with whom the user interacts on the display screen, the user becomes familiar with the character and wants to actively use the system to see the appearance.

Then, since the character is displayed at a position on the map that does not block the searched route display, it is possible to maintain the visibility of the searched route while enjoying the display of the character.
If the character moves to the opposite side of the searched route, the display area of the item may overlap with the searched route, but each item is smaller than the character and the display area of the item is behind. Since it has a part where the image can be seen, the image behind it is easier to see than the searched route overlaps with the character.

Since the character's voice is randomly selected and output from a plurality of preset different response phrases, excluding the already output response phrases, only the same phrases are not output, and the user does not get bored.

Since a list is set in which different response phrases are registered for a common recognition word, even if the user utters a common content, the character can respond with different expressions, and many times. Even if you realize the same process, you can enjoy what kind of response comes from the character.

Although the character is the same person as standard ray, transformed ray, and chibi ray, there are multiple display modes, and different phrases are registered for each of the multiple display modes as the output voice, so the same character. However, the content of the utterance differs depending on the plurality of display modes, and it is good that the change can be enjoyed while having a dialogue with the same person. In particular, since it is a standard one, one that has been transformed by changing clothes and hairstyle, and one that has a different head and body, it gives users a variety of impressions such as adult-like, child-like, cute, and beautiful, and gets tired of it. I won't let you.

Since the recognition word is displayed as an item on a button or the like, the user can know what to say by looking at the displayed item in order to execute a predetermined process.

There are two types of recognition words: recognition words that can be recognized in common regardless of the display screen, and recognition words whose recognition is restricted to those displayed on the display screen. Regardless of this, the possibility of erroneous recognition can be reduced by the recognition word whose recognition is limited while maintaining the convenience of the required function. For recognition words that are commonly used on multiple types of display screens, the possibility that the functions are limited according to the display screen is low, and convenience can be maintained. In particular, it is a phrase that needs to be used on any screen because it is a phrase that transitions to another display screen, such as a return phrase or a release phrase. On the other hand, the recognition word displayed on the display screen and the recognition word to be searched have little need to recognize other words and phrases, and it is highly necessary to reduce the number of recognition words to prevent erroneous recognition.

Since the state of the function that changes quantitatively can be directly set to the desired quantitative level by voice recognition, it is immediately desired as compared with the case where it is gradually changed between a small value and a large value. It can be a value, which saves the user time and reduces the time to be constrained by the operation. In particular, it is possible to save the trouble of selecting +-and scales by selecting buttons such as volume, brightness, and scale, and step-by-step ups and downs by selecting +-and sliding on the scales.

As a recognition word, an instruction word corresponding to a function that changes quantitatively and a number indicating a quantitative level are set. Therefore, when the user utters an instruction word and a number corresponding to a desired function, the amount of the function is concerned. You can directly raise or lower the target level to that number level. In particular, the demonstrative words are "onryo", "kido", "skeleton", and the numbers are "ichi", "ni", "nikiro", etc., so the name of the function is intuitive and easy for the user to understand. You can enter using numbers.

Since the demonstrative word corresponding to the function is displayed on the button for selecting the function, the user can select the function by saying the demonstrative word displayed on the button, which is easy for the user to understand.

Since it is a button for selecting a function and the value of the current quantitative level of the function is displayed, the user can confirm the current quantitative level by looking at the value displayed on the button. Therefore, it can be determined whether the desired value should be increased or decreased. For example, on a map scale, if a button displays a small scale value and the user says a larger value, the scale value displayed on the button will change directly to that value and instantly. You can see a wide range of maps. Also, for example, if a button displays a large scale value and the user says a smaller value, the scale value displayed on the button will change directly to that value, instantly providing a detailed map. Can be seen.

Since time-out processing is performed to end the processing when a predetermined time has elapsed without input of voice from the user from the time when the predetermined processing is started, it is sufficient to prevent erroneous operation caused by continuing voice recognition for a long period of time. ..

Since the character outputs a voice prompting the user to input voice from the time when the predetermined process is started until the predetermined time elapses, the character prompts the user to input voice when the user forgets to start the process. Can be done.

[Other embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various forms can be configured including the embodiments exemplified below.

《Genre registration》
The genre registration function of displaying only desired items on the display screen of the display unit 5 for the items of the genre of the peripheral search will be described. As a result, the user's original peripheral search screen can be created by tabulating the genres that the user will often use in advance. More specifically, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 5 to display a table of items for selecting which item corresponds to the recognition word of the genre to function as the recognition word. When the user selects a desired item from this table, the control unit 18 sets the selected item on the page to be displayed on the display unit 5 as a button.

An example of such a display screen will be described with reference to FIG. 26. First, on the display screen (1), as in the above embodiment, the control unit 18 superimposes the character 100 on the lower right of the map screen displayed on the display unit 5, and displays the character 100 on the left side of the map screen. Again, the peripheral button B3 for selecting and searching for peripheral facilities by genre is displayed.

On this display screen (1), when the user touches the peripheral button B3 or utters the two words "Rei" and "Shuhen" registered as recognition words instructing the activation of voice recognition and the peripheral search. The control unit 18 that recognizes this transitions to the one-shot genre selection screen shown in the display screen (2).

As described above, the display screen (2) displayed by activating the two-word voice recognition displays a table composed of a plurality of items by arranging a plurality of buttons displaying the genre name. In the table consisting of items of this genre name, when the user selects each button or speaks the genre name, the control unit 18 searches for facilities of that genre as shown in the display screen (3). , The searched facilities are numbered in order from the current location 51 and displayed on the map.

When the user touches the desired facility icon displayed on the display screen (3) or utters the number displayed on the desired facility icon, the control unit 18 searches for a route from the current location to the selected facility. This is executed, and as shown in the display screen (4), the searched route 53 is displayed in different colors.

At this time, the character 100 moves to a position on the map that does not get in the way depending on the route guidance direction. That is, the character 100 is displayed at a position that does not block the searched route display including the current position on the map. Further, when the user utters the guidance start, the control unit 18 starts the route guidance as shown in the display screen (5). Even during this route guidance, the character 100 is displayed at a position on the map that does not block the display of the searched route 53 including the current position 51.

At the bottom of the table on the display screen (2), three buttons, "Back", "Change", and "Current location" are displayed. Of these, the "back" button is a button that, when the user touches it or makes an utterance of "return", the control unit 18 that recognizes this makes a transition to the previous screen. The "current location" button is a button that, when the user touches or utters "genzaichi", the control unit 18 that recognizes this transitions to the display screen displaying the current location 51. Here, the transition to the display screen (1) is performed regardless of whether the "back" button is selected or the "current location" button is selected.

When the user touches the "change" button or utters "henkou", the control unit 18 that recognizes this causes the transition to the one-shot genre change screen shown in the display screen (6). On this one-shot genre change screen, the genres currently registered as the one-shot genre selection screen are displayed in the same order. Here, when the user touches a button of any genre or utters a genre name, the control unit 18 that recognizes this touches the display screens (7) to (10) of the major items to which each genre name belongs. Transition to one of.

For example, when the user selects "station", the screen transitions to the display screen (7) in which the genre name belonging to the major item "hotel / public facility / others" to which the "station" belongs is displayed. On the display screen (7), the genre name displayed on the display screen (2) is displayed in a specific dark color, and the genre name not displayed on the display screen (2) is displayed in a lighter color. For example, the "station" displayed on the display screen (2) is displayed in blue characters, and the "parking lot" not displayed on the display screen (2) is displayed in gray characters.

Here, when the user touches the genre name displayed on the display screen (7) or speaks the genre name, the control unit 18 that recognizes this causes the selected genre name to be displayed on the display screen (7). Use a genre name that is not displayed. At this time, the genre name is changed to a light color display. For example, when the user selects "station", the characters "station" are grayed out.

For example, when the user touches the genre name displayed on the display screen (7) or speaks the genre name, the control unit 18 that recognizes this displays the selected genre name on the display screen (2). Use the genre name to be used. At this time, the genre name is changed to a specific dark color display. For example, when the user selects "parking lot", the characters "parking lot" turn blue.

Further, when a genre name belonging to a hospital / clinic such as "general hospital" on the display screen (6) is selected, the screen transitions to the display screen (8). When a genre name belonging to shopping such as "convenience store" is selected, the display screen (9) is displayed. When a genre name belonging to a restaurant such as "family restaurant" is selected, the display screen (10) is displayed. In each display screen, the selection of the genre name to be displayed on the display screen (2) and the selection of the genre name not to be displayed are as described above.

Further, when the user selects the "▽" button for sending a page on the display screen (7), the transition to the next display screen (8) occurs. When the "△" button for returning to the page is selected on the display screen (8), the screen transitions to the display screen (7). In this way, "▽" and "Δ" function as buttons for switching pages between the display screens (7) and (10).

After changing the genre name on each display screen (7) to (10) as described above, when the user touches the "back" button or speaks "return", the screen transitions to the display screen (6). , The one selected as the genre name to be displayed is displayed, and the one selected as the genre name to be not displayed is not displayed. Then, when the user touches the "back" button or utters "return", the screen transitions to the display screen (2) reflecting the changed display screen (6). In the above example, the "parking lot" is displayed at the position of the "station", and the "station" is not displayed.

To return to the default display, when the user selects the "Return to default" button on the display screen (6) or speaks "Return to default", the control unit recognizes this. 18 returns to the default genre name and its arrangement. Then, when the user touches the "back" button or utters "return", the display screen (2) returns to the default setting.

As described above, on the display screen (6) and the display screen (2) to which this is reflected, the genre name can be selected for each position to be displayed. That is, when the upper left "station" is selected on the display screen (6), the control unit 18 recognizes the selected genre name and which display position on the display screen it is. Then, the control unit 18 can display any of the genre names selected on the display screens (7) to (10) at the display position, that is, the upper left position. Therefore, if you want to change the order of the genre names on the display screen (2), select the genre name at the desired display position on the display screen (6) and set it as the genre name you want to display at the display position. It can be realized by changing it. In this case, it is also possible to select to display the same genre name at different positions. For example, the genre name "station" can be displayed in the upper left, and "station" can be displayed side by side below it. In this way, if the same genre name is displayed in a plurality of places on the display screen (2) for frequently used genre names, it may be easier to touch and select the genre name.

In the display screen (6), the control unit 18 allows the user to touch and drag a desired genre name and release it at a desired position, so that the control unit 18 desires the display position of the genre name. If it is possible to change to the position of, it may be easy to change the display position.

Further, the number of genre names that can be displayed on the display screen (2) is limited to a predetermined number. For example, here there are 25. Therefore, when 25 genre names to be displayed have already been registered, it is not possible to increase the number of genre names to be displayed any more.

As described above, if only the items frequently used by the user are selected from the displayed table of items, the recognition words are limited, so that erroneous recognition can be reduced. The selected recognition word is registered in a predetermined memory area, for example, by rewriting from the default state, putting it in an empty area, rearranging what is already in it, and the like. By doing so, the limited memory area can be effectively utilized.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 of the above-described embodiment, the item selected by the user may be set for each of a plurality of pages for which the item selected by the user is displayed on the display unit 5. .. Therefore, even if the items that can be displayed on one page of the display screen are limited, by bringing the items that the user frequently uses to the top page, it is possible to save the trouble of switching pages to display the items that the user wants to use. ..

Since the large item corresponding to the recognition word including multiple concepts and the middle item corresponding to the recognition word corresponding to the multiple concepts can be displayed on the same page, even when the user wants to search the middle item. , You can directly select the desired item without having to change the hierarchy or page.

For example, a high-level conceptual large item including a large number of candidates, such as "hospital", is a convenient item for a user who wants to search from as many candidates as possible. Medium items such as "internal medicine" and "pediatrics" included in the concept of "hospital" are convenient for users who want to immediately obtain information on a desired facility from a small number of candidates.

Information on the classification of facilities can be efficiently specified by classifying them into stages and hierarchies such as large items and medium items. That is, one or a plurality of medium items belong to the large items.

Examples of major items include "hotels / public facilities / others", "hospitals / clinics", shopping "," restaurants ", etc. As an example of middle items belonging to "hotels, public facilities, etc.", "station", "IC (interchange) / JCT (junction)", "post office", "government office", "toilet", "parking lot" , "Hotel", "Bank credit", "School", "Gas station", etc. As an example of the middle items belonging to "hospital / clinic", "general hospital", "internal medicine", pediatrics, "surgery", "obstetrics and gynecology", "dentistry", "ophthalmology", "otolaryngology", There are "Orthopedic Surgery", "Dermatology", "Urology", "Clinical Internal Medicine", "Neurologic Medicine", "Proctology", "Veterinary Hospital", etc. Examples of middle items belonging to "shopping" include "convenience stores", "drug stores", "department stores", "shopping malls", "supermarkets", "car supplies", "home centers", "home appliances" and the like. As an example of the middle items belonging to "Restaurant", "Family restaurant", "Fast food", "Japanese food", "Western food", "Chinese food", "Ramen", "Gyudon", "Sushi", "Tonkatsu", There are "udon", "curry", "gyudon", etc.

In addition, one or more sub-items may belong to each middle item. Efficient designation can be made from a large number of items by classifying them into stages and hierarchies such as large items, medium items, and small items. If only one item belongs, it is actually the same as if there is no item in that hierarchy. That is, when there is only one medium item belonging to the large item, it may be up to the large item and there may be no medium item or small item. Further, when there is only one small item belonging to the middle item, it may be up to the middle item and there is no small item. When a large item is specified, all the middle items belonging to it are specified, and when a certain middle item is specified, all the small items belonging to the middle item are specified. As a result, the control unit 18 processes.

In addition, as a recognition word, a word / phrase related to a word / phrase displayed as an item but not displayed as an item may be registered. For example, the user's memory of the item name is ambiguous or unfamiliar with the operation because the word or phrase related to the recognition word can be said without speaking the recognition word itself displayed in the item. But you can search.

For example, even if the phrase displayed as an item is the major item "hospital" and the middle items "internal medicine" and "pediatrics" are not displayed, "internal medicine" and "pediatrics" are also displayed. It may be registered as a recognition word capable of voice recognition. In this way, even if the middle item is not displayed, if you say the more specific middle items "internal medicine" and "pediatrics" associated with the major item "hospital", the middle item will be searched, so the user. You can quickly get the information on the facilities you need.

Items of recognition words that may be confused and recognized may be set to be displayed on a separate page by the user's settings as described above or by default settings. For example, words and phrases containing similar sounds, words and phrases that are likely to be confused when actually recognized, and the like are not lined up on the same page and are candidates for recognition at the same time, so that false recognition can be reduced. As words and phrases that include similar sounds, for example, "family restaurant" and "fast food", "hospital" and "beauty salon", "Western food" and "Japanese food", the same sound of 50 sounds, the same Chinese characters, etc. It is a phrase that includes.

By doing so, since the recognition phrase of the sound that is confusing even from the characters is not displayed on the same page, the user also inputs one of them, and the misrecognition can be reduced. As a phrase that is likely to be confused when actually recognized, for example, a different phrase that is recognized for the same utterance based on a record of past recognition results. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate that the combinations in which misrecognition actually occurs are on the same page.

《Character display》
Various modes are also possible for displaying the character. In the display screens (4) and (5) of FIG. 26 above, the control unit 18 moves the character 100 left and right so that the character 100 displayed on the screen does not overlap with the current position and the searched route 53. ing. For example, the display of the character 100 and the searched route 53 may be on opposite sides of each other on the display screen. By doing so, it is possible to make the user feel that the character 100 does not interfere with the route search service, and thus it may be possible to give a more favorable impression.

The movement of the character 100 may be made to appear at the destination after disappearing once, or may be moved while continuing the display. Frequent movement may make the user feel annoyed, but the character 100 can appeal to the user, and for the user who wants to continue watching the character 100, it is possible to enjoy the movement of the character 100 while moving. can.

The control unit 18 may display the display unit 5 whether or not the voice recognition is activated and accepted. In this way, the user can visually recognize whether or not the operation can be performed by voice. Whether or not voice recognition is accepted is displayed by changing the color of the display screen. By doing so, for example, the state of voice recognition can be immediately perceived through the visual sense of the user. In particular, when voice recognition is accepted, the normal color is used, and when it is not accepted, the gray scale is used. In this way, the user can intuitively know whether or not voice recognition is accepted.

The control unit 18 may display to the character whether or not voice recognition is accepted. By doing so, by looking at the character, it is possible to know whether or not the operation by voice is possible, so that the user can easily notice it.

The mode to be displayed on the character is, for example, a mode in which the appearance of the character clearly changes. By doing so, for example, the state of voice recognition can be immediately sensed. As a mode in which the appearance of the character is clearly changed, for example, an object is added to the character, the color or form of the character is changed, a specific pose or gesture is made, or a dialogue is displayed by a balloon. In this way, for example, a user who knows the state of a normal character will immediately notice the change by comparing with the normal state.

As a mode of adding an object to the character, for example, equipment related to sound such as a headset, headphones, earphones, and a microphone is attached to the character. In this way, the user is reminded of speech recognition, which is a function related to sound. As a mode for changing the color and form of the character, for example, the hairstyle, its color, and changing into another costume are used. By doing so, the difference from the normal state becomes easy to understand. In particular, if the character's ears are enlarged, it will show that he is trying to hear the voice well. Furthermore, as poses and gestures, for example, even if the gesture of putting a hand behind the ear is made, the figure shows that the voice is being heard well.

《Use of nickname》
The control unit 18 may insert the voice of the user's name registered in the database 19 in advance into the response phrase which is the voice output by the character. That is, the control unit 18 causes the user's name to be nicknamed in the dialogue with "Rei Kirishima". For example, you can have the character call you, such as "K-kun" or "Yu-kun".

For example, "Rei, Shuhen" is registered as an activation word to activate voice recognition and peripheral search, and a user whose nickname is "Yu-kun" is registered in "Kirishima Rei" on the map display screen. An example of dialogue when letting it be performed is shown below. The inside of "" is the spoken frace.

Yu-kun: "Rei, surroundings" → Start voice recognition → Transition to the peripheral search genre screen Ray: "What-Yu-kun, I'm busy."
Yu-kun: "Internal medicine" → Transition to the map screen and display the surrounding internal medicine icon Ray: "What's wrong? Is it okay? Where is the doctor going?"
Yu-kun: "Ni" (number 2)
Ray: "Okay, No. 2" → Display the information of 2 internal medicine clinics on the map Yu-kun: "Search" → Search the route and display it on the map Ray: "What? Go here?"
Yu-kun: "Ask me."
Ray: "OK, leave it to me." → Start guidance

In this way, the user can feel more familiar with the character by being called by his / her nickname in the conversation.
Further, since the voice of the nickname is inserted in the voice output at the start of the dialogue, the user may be called by his / her own name and may be able to attract the user's attention.
Furthermore, when the voice including the character's nickname is recognized, the voice of the user's nickname is inserted in the output voice, so that the nicknames are called to each other, and the user gets a more intimate feeling. be able to.

As the dialogue progresses, the frequency of inserting the user's name into the voice output by the character may be reduced. By doing so, for example, although the nickname was initially called, the frequency of being called decreases thereafter, so that it is possible to produce a conversation between two people who are accustomed to each other.
Further, voice data corresponding to the Japanese syllabary is registered in the database 19 in advance, and the voice of the nickname selected by the user from the Japanese syllabary may be inserted into the conversation. By doing so, for example, the memory capacity can be saved as compared with the case where a plurality of names are registered in advance.

<< Post >>
When the user discovers the crackdown / inspection place, the control unit 18 sends the location information about the crackdown place to the information collection server in response to the input of the user's voice corresponding to the recognition word registered in the database 19 in advance. By doing so, the function of posting can be executed. Further, the control unit 18 can display the posted location information regarding the control location on the display unit 5 together with the map after receiving the distribution from the information collection server. Therefore, the navigation device is connected to the control unit 18 and includes a communication unit that transmits / receives information to / from the outside.

This communication unit is wirelessly or wiredly connected to a communication device in the vehicle having an Internet connection function. For example, the communication unit can be realized by connecting to a mobile phone such as a smartphone having a tethering function or a wireless LAN router by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection, Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection or USB connection. Such communication equipment may be incorporated in the navigation device.

First, the processing of posting by touch operation is as follows.
1. 1. The user discovers a crackdown / inspection place while driving. Touch the button that instructs to set the posting location on the display screen. 3. Set the current position on the map when the button is touched as the posting location, and display the icon at the corresponding position. Touch the post button on the standby screen while the car is parked or stopped. 5. A list of multiple posting locations set by steps 1 to 3 is displayed. Touch any of the places you want to post 7. Touch the post button for final confirmation 8. 9. Send the information of the selected posting location to the server that collects the posting location. The server that collects the posting location registers the received information as the control location. The server that collects the posting location distributes the registered information. Receive and display the delivered information

Between 6 and 7, select whether the target is Orbis, N system, crackdown, inspection, etc., select the target direction such as driving lane, opposite lane, right direction, left direction, etc., select the implementation period. And so on.

In the case of posting by such a button operation, since the posting location is discovered while driving and then a plurality of hierarchical procedures are performed, a plurality of button operations are required.

However, in this aspect, posting can be performed according to the voice input of the user. That is, when the user utters a recognition word registered in the database 19 in advance, the control unit 18 recognizes this, and the current position at the time of the utterance is sent to the server as a posting place via the communication device. Send it. The server registers the received information as a control place and distributes the registered information. The communication unit receives the distributed information via the communication device, and the control unit 18 displays the control location on the map based on the received information. Therefore, it can be performed easily and quickly without the trouble of button operation.

As described above, the control location includes the Orbis and the N system, but in particular, it is preferable to use a check location where the implementation position and time change, such as the control / inspection area. By doing so, it is possible to collect information about the control location where it is difficult to register the location in advance by posting.

The position information may be, for example, the current position or the center position coordinates of the map. By doing so, the crackdown location can be specified by the information that can be obtained reliably and easily, and since voice recognition is used, the deviation from the actual crackdown position may be small.

As the recognition word, it is preferable that a phrase that activates voice recognition and a phrase that initiates acceptance of posts are registered. In this way, the user can easily execute the multi-step operation of voice recognition and acceptance of posts by uttering the phrase that activates speech recognition and the phrase that initiates acceptance of posts. ..

As the phrase that activates voice recognition and the phrase that initiates the acceptance of posts, for example, they may be registered as separate words and phrases. By doing so, for example, it may be possible to prevent erroneous recognition from occurring because the acceptance of posts starts at the same time as the start of voice recognition. Further, the phrase that activates voice recognition and the phrase that initiates the acceptance of posts may be set as, for example, a series of phrases. By doing so, for example, the acceptance of posts can be started in one shot at the same time as the start of voice recognition, so that the state in which posting can be performed immediately may be possible.

If a phrase that activates voice recognition and a phrase that causes posting are registered as recognition words, the user speaks the phrase that activates speech recognition and the phrase that causes posting, so that speech recognition and posting can be performed. You can easily perform the multi-step operation.

As the phrase for activating voice recognition and the phrase for posting, for example, the phrase may be registered as a separate phrase. By doing so, for example, it may be possible to prevent posting by mistake because it is posted at the same time as the start of voice recognition. Further, the phrase for starting voice recognition and the phrase for posting may be set as, for example, a series of phrases. By doing so, for example, since the posting can be made in one shot at the start of voice recognition, the posting can be performed immediately, and the deviation between the control place and the posting place may be minimized.

The recognition word for posting may be shorter than other recognition words. By doing so, for example, it may be possible to instruct a post with high urgency in a short time.

Also, the recognition word for posting may be more verbose than other recognition words. By doing so, for example, when using normal voice recognition, the possibility of saying other recognition words is reduced, and it is possible to prevent accidental posting. Redundancy means, for example, that it has a large number of characters and is divided into a plurality of characters. By doing so, for example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a user who does not intend to post will utter by mistake.

In addition, the recognition word for posting may be a phrase that is unlikely to be said by the user. By doing so, for example, it is possible to prevent frequent misrecognition due to words and phrases that the user usually uses frequently in the car, and to prevent posting that the user does not intend.

When the recognition word for posting is recognized, the control unit 18 may realize the dialogue function as in the above embodiment by outputting the voice of the character registered in advance in response to the recognition word. In this case, the voice of the character in the dialogue for posting may be shorter than the voice in other dialogues. By doing so, for example, it is possible to shorten the dialogue time and have the user post quickly.

<< Variation of response phrase >>
The response phrase of the character registered in advance in the database 19 can be in various forms as follows.
If you want to output the voice of the character that prompts you to select the searched facility with the content that matches the displayed icon, it is a voice that asks what number is better if it is a number, and what is good in the alphabet if it is an alphabet. If it is a shape, it should be a voice that asks what the shape is, and if it is a color, it should be a voice that asks what the color is. In this way, the user may easily know, for example, what to say and select a facility.

Further, for example, the content according to the displayed icon may be a voice indicating a range of candidates to be selected. As a result, for example, if the voice is output from the number to the number, the user may be able to grasp not only the content to be spoken but also the range to be selected.

As the voice of the character registered in advance, the voice of the content indicating the situation of the character may be inserted. In this way, the user can hear the situation of the character, so that, for example, if the character is in a negative situation, the user can be motivated to care for the character, and the character is in a positive situation. For example, it is good because it can make the user feel sympathetic to the character.

As a statement indicating the situation of the character, for example, "I'm busy", it is good to say that you can tell whether you are in a positive state or a negative state. In this way, the system does not unconditionally follow the user's instructions, but can create a feeling of concern and empathy for the user, so that it feels like a conversation with a real human being. It is good because it can be obtained.

A plurality of lists are set, and there may be a list in which phrases different from other phrases are registered even in the same list in the response phrase. By doing so, for example, by outputting a different phrase as a response to the user's remark with the same content, it is possible to give an unexpected impression to the user, change the impression of the character, and get tired of it. It is good because it can prevent the coming. As foreign phrases, for example, as shown in Ray response phrase 3 in FIG. 9 (a), "instruct something", "what should I do?", "What should I do?", "How do I change?" It's a good idea to insert an ambiguous phrase, such as "Let's like it." Further, as shown in the ray response phrase 24 of FIG. 9B, the phrases indicating "research", "search again", "again once", and "redo" are included in the phrases indicating redo. It's a good idea to insert a phrase that reads the user's psychology, such as "You're trying various things, right?"

The phrase to be output may be registered when the voice recognition is mistaken. By doing so, for example, even if the recognition is mistaken, the user can be made to recognize that the dialogue with the character is continuing by returning some phrase.

It is advisable to register a phrase that serves as an escape route in case there is an error in voice recognition. By doing so, for example, there is a possibility that an error may occur in voice recognition, but even if an error occurs, it is good that the user's annoyance and anger can be alleviated by the escape of the character.

As an escape route, for example, "I will do my best in voice recognition. I may not be able to recognize 100%," as shown in Ray Response Phrase 1 in Fig. 8 (a), along with an expression that shows the willingness to recognize accurately. It is good to use an expression that indicates that it is difficult to achieve such a goal. By doing so, for example, it is preferable to be able to give the user an acceptable psychology for misrecognition, rather than simply indicating that recognition is not possible.

When there is a user's voice input that points out that the content that the user wants to respond to and the content of the character's voice output are different, it is preferable that the phrase of the response from the character to that input is registered. .. By doing so, for example, when the user points out a mistake in the character, the character responds to the mistake, so that it is possible to enjoy the natural interaction between the person and the person when there is a misunderstanding.

It is good if the phrase that becomes an advertisement is registered. By doing so, for example, the user can be guided to the affiliated facility. For example, a phrase that invites you to a specific facility, such as "How about a XX shop?"

It is preferable that a phrase about the cause of what the user does at the destination facility is registered. By doing so, it becomes easier for the user who goes to the facility to listen by talking about the cause of going to the facility. For example, it is possible to draw the user's attention whether the cause of going to the destination is not preferable for the user or favorable for the user.

Facilities where the cause of going to the destination is not preferable for the user may be a facility related to the user's illness, such as "hospital", "dentist", and "pharmacy". As a facility where the cause of going to the destination is preferable for the user, it is preferable to use a facility such as "department store", "sushi", and "eel", which has a slightly higher hurdle than a facility that is often visited on a daily basis.

As phrases that the character causes various emotions to the user, for example, as shown in the response phrases 6-8 of FIG. 9 (c), "hospital? Is something wrong? Is it okay?" Don't overdo it. ”It is a good idea to use a phrase that makes the character feel attached by caring for the user's condition. Further, for example, as shown in the response phrase 6-29 in FIG. 9 (d), it may be a phrase that causes the user to regret, such as "Are you brushing your teeth properly?".

It is good to have a phrase registered that gives positive or negative advice about what the user does at the destination facility. By doing so, for example, the advice of the character may be used to determine what the user should or should not do at the destination. As a positive advice, for example, as shown in the response phrase 6-29 in FIG. 9 (d), a phrase that recommends something such as "Occasionally it is better to have plaque removed." good. Also, as negative advice, for example, as shown in the response phrase 6-23 in FIG. 9 (e), "Don't look painful. It's a man who puts up with a cool face." It is good to use a phrase that prohibits something.

It is preferable that a phrase that is a one-sided impression of the character about what the user does at the destination facility is registered. By doing so, for example, since the impression of the character can be obtained, the user may be able to use it as a reference for the behavior at the destination.

As a one-sided impression of the character, for example, as shown in the response phrase 6-14 of FIG. 9 (f), "black pork char siu that melts in the mouth. Nice ~." Is positive. It is good to make an impression. By doing so, the user may want to take the same action at the facility. Also, for example, "Are you going to a restaurant alone? Are you lonely? ... Are you relieved?" By doing this, the user may be motivated to change the destination. Furthermore, for example, as shown in the response phrase 6-21 of FIG. 9 (g), positive impressions and negative impressions such as "It seems to be fun just to look around the shopping mall, but it seems to be tiring." Impressions may be mixed. By doing so, the user can be prepared in advance about the situation at the destination.

A phrase that makes the character think that it actually exists may be registered. By doing so, for example, the user may feel as if the character actually exists.

As a phrase that reminds us of the fact that it actually exists, for example, as shown in the response phrase 6-24 in Fig. 9 (h), "I'm glad that you take me on a business trip." As shown in the response phrase 6-25 of 9 (i), it is preferable to use a phrase that reminds us of accompanying us, such as "Where are we staying?". By doing so, for example, the user may feel that he / she is always with the character.

It is preferable that the voice data output by the character is registered when the voice other than the words set as the recognition words in advance is input. By doing so, for example, since there is always a reaction of the character even if it is not a recognition phrase, the user is reminded that the dialogue is interrupted or the communication is with the system by notifying as an error. It is good because it can maintain the feeling of continuing dialogue with the character. As a phrase when a voice other than the set phrase is input, it is conceivable to use an unrecognizable phrase as shown in the ray response phrase 50 of FIG. 9 (j). The response phrase is not limited to a mode in which it is randomly output from a plurality of responses. The order of output is fixed from multiple, and if the response phrase of the last rank is output, it is output back to the response phrase of the first rank, and the same response is repeated. It is possible to prevent the phrase from being output. Further, the corresponding response phrase may be determined one-to-one for each recognition phrase. By doing so, the amount of information stored can be saved. Even in such a case, the same effect can be obtained if a response phrase having the content shown above is set.

<< Timing of voice output and voice recognition >>
The timing of voice output and voice recognition can be set in various ways as follows.
While the character's voice is being output, the control unit 18 may stop voice recognition until the voice has been output. By doing so, for example, when there is a voice input from the user in the middle of the voice of the character, it may be possible to prevent other processing from being executed by voice recognition. As another process, for example, a process with low urgency such as volume, brightness, scale, and peripheral search may be used. By doing so, even things that do not necessarily have to be executed immediately do not have to be executed by voice recognition.

The control unit 18 may accept voice recognition while the character's voice is being output. By doing so, for example, when there is a voice input from the user in the middle of the voice of the character, other processing than voice recognition may not be interrupted. As another process, for example, it is preferable to perform a process with high urgency, such as a process of transmitting location information regarding a control location to an information collection server. By doing so, the processing that the user wants to be executed immediately does not have to be interrupted.

The control unit 18 may stop the output of the character's voice when the user inputs the voice while the character's voice is being output. By doing so, for example, the voice of the user can give the impression that the character's speech is blocked. For example, the voice output of the stopped character does not have to give an unnatural impression because the same utterance is repeated from the beginning unless it is output again. Further, if the voice output of the stopped character is started, for example, from the place where the character is stopped, it may be possible to give the impression that the character has been waiting for the user to speak.

The control unit 18 may stop the voice of the character when a predetermined input operation is performed while the voice of the character is being output. By doing so, for example, when it is not desired for a third party to hear the dialogue with the character, the voice of the character may be stopped by a predetermined input operation. The predetermined input operation may be, for example, a physical key operation. By doing so, it is only necessary to operate a fixedly existing part at all times, so that it is easy to operate immediately.

《Timing of voice recognition activation》
The timing of voice recognition activation can be in various modes as follows.
The control unit 18 may start a predetermined process for outputting information that the user wants to know in response to a dialogue by inputting a voice from the user corresponding to the predetermined recognition word. By doing so, for example, since the predetermined process is started by the input of the voice from the user, it is not necessary for the system to start arbitrarily and execute the process.

The control unit 18 performs a predetermined process for outputting the information that the user wants to know in response to the dialogue, and receives a voice input from the user corresponding to the predetermined recognition phrase with respect to the voice output of the predetermined character. May start. By doing so, for example, the output of the voice of the character serves as an opportunity for the user to determine whether or not to start a predetermined process, so that it is possible to increase the chances of using the system.

The voice output of the character may, for example, inquire whether or not a specific process has started. By doing so, for example, the user may be prompted to use the process. If the timing of the character's voice output is, for example, periodic, the frequency of using the processing may be increased. Further, if the timing satisfies a predetermined condition, it may be possible to encourage the user to use the process at a timing suitable for the use of the process.

"others"
As a mode for highlighting the icon indicating the surrounding facility relative to the map, it is preferable to display the location of the facility clearly. For example, changing at least one of the brightness, saturation, and hue of the icon and the map will make the contrast between the two stand out.

When the icon indicating the surrounding facility is displayed so that the ranking according to the predetermined standard can be distinguished, the predetermined standard may be, for example, the order of high importance to the user. By doing so, the facility that the user wants to know most is displayed preferentially. The importance to the user may be, for example, a past visit, a high frequency of visits in the past, a user's preference, and the like. By doing this, the user can quickly know the facility he / she wants to go to. Further, for example, items that have been performed in the past but are not important to the user, such as those who do not want to go again, may be excluded. In this way, for example, it may be possible to display only the items that the user may go to.

The display in which the order can be distinguished may be information indicating the order visually, for example, the shape such as ⊚, ◯, Δ, ×, etc., or the information gradually changing according to the lightness, saturation, and hue. By doing so, for example, the ranking can be visually and intuitively grasped.

When recognizing the voice of the user who selects one of the facilities with the contents according to the displayed icon, for example, if it is an alphabet, the alphabet of the icon of the desired facility, if it is the shape, the shape of the icon of the desired facility. , If it is a color, it may be the color of the icon of the desired facility. Even in this way, it is good because the facility can be selected with words that are easier to remember than the facility name.

In the display area of the item displayed by the button, the portion where the image behind can be seen may be, for example, a transparent portion. By doing so, for example, the background image can be better viewed while ensuring the visibility of the item display.

The recognition words registered in advance for recognizing the user's voice may be displayed on the display screen or not displayed on the display screen. By doing so, for example, even if the user utters a phrase that is not displayed on the display screen, if it is a preset recognition phrase, some reaction from the character can be obtained. It can be a surprise to the user and give the user the joy of discovery.

Demonstratives that correspond to quantitatively changing functions as recognition words and numbers that indicate quantitative levels include, for example, "Onryo-san," "Kidoni," and "Sukerunikiro." The name and the quantitative level may be combined into one recognition phrase. By doing this, only one utterance is required.

The button on which the demonstrative word corresponding to the function is displayed may have a button for executing the function without transitioning to another display screen. By doing so, for example, the function can be executed by dialogue without transitioning to another display screen in order to execute the function, so that the current screen display does not have to be disturbed.

In the present embodiment, the example of the navigation device has been described, but it can be implemented as a function of various electronic devices. For example, it may be incorporated as a function of a radar detector, a drive recorder, or a car audio. Further, the quantitative level values described in the present embodiment, the screen size of the display unit 5, various time settings, and the like can be arbitrary as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited. Further, the control unit 18 is provided with a function of setting the priority of each function or alarm based on an instruction from the user from the remote controller 17 or the like, so that the control unit 18 performs processing in the set priority. It may be configured.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the apparatus is provided with a database 19 that stores various information, and the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 to read necessary information and performs various processes. It is not limited to. For example, a part or all of the information to be registered in the database 19 is registered in the server. The navigation device, radar detector, and other electronic devices / devices have a function of communicating with the server, and the control unit 18 can access the server as appropriate, acquire necessary information, and execute the process. good. Further, at least a part of the function of the control unit 18 may be placed on the server, the function may be executed on the server, and the electronic device owned by the user may be a system for acquiring the execution result.

The function as the control system of the above-described embodiment is configured as a program to be realized by the computer provided in the control unit 18, but the program is not limited to this, and the program is distributed and distributed to a plurality of computers so as to perform distributed processing. May be good.

2 Device body 3 Cradle 4 Case body 5 Display unit 6 Cradle body 7 Pedestal part 8 Touch panel 10 Alarm lamp 11 Microwave receiver 12 GPS receiver 13 Wireless receiver 18 Control unit 19 Database 20 Speaker 21 SD Memory card slot 22 SD Memory card 51 Current location 52 Destination 53 Route

Claims (7)

It is a system that realizes dialogue by outputting the character's voice based on the result of recognizing the user's voice by the voice recognition function.
A function of activating the voice recognition function from a state of waiting for the start of the voice recognition function to start a process of recognizing the user's voice, and a function of starting the process of recognizing the user's voice.
When the phrase for putting the voice recognition function into the activation waiting state is recognized from the user's voice, the function of outputting the first response phrase by the voice of the character and making the voice recognition function waiting for activation, and the function of making the voice recognition function waiting for activation.
System with. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first response phrase is a response phrase that encourages the next use. When the phrase for activating the voice recognition function is recognized from the voice of the user in the state of waiting for the activation of the voice recognition function, a second response phrase is output by the voice of the character and the voice recognition function is activated. The system according to claim 1 or 2, which has a function of activating. It has a function of executing a predetermined process according to the result of recognizing the voice of the user and outputting a third response phrase corresponding to the process to be executed by the voice of the character.
A plurality of third response phrases are registered corresponding to the same predetermined process, and the third response phrase is registered.
When executing the predetermined process, the plurality of third response phrases are selected, any of the selected third response phrases is output, and when the predetermined process is subsequently executed, the predetermined process is executed. Of the plurality of third response phrases, the one excluding the already selected third response phrase is set as the selection target, and any of the selected third response phrases is output.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein all of the plurality of third response phrases are selected, and then all of the plurality of third response phrases are selected again. Any of claims 1 to 4, which has a function of inserting the user's name into the voice of the character in the dialogue and reducing the frequency of inserting the user's name into the voice of the character as the dialogue progresses. The system according to item 1. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which has a function of displaying whether or not voice recognition by the voice recognition function is accepted by changing the appearance of the character. A program for realizing the function of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 on a computer.

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