JP4152267B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an input device having a voice input function, and more particularly to an input device in which a store clerk inputs a customer order at a restaurant or a store.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 10, the conventional order input device 40 has a two-door structure that can be spread, and a display unit 51 and a pressing menu key 52 are provided on one door body 50, and a pressing menu is provided on the other door body 60. A portable terminal type provided with a key 61 is generally used. Since the order input device needs to be carried, the size of the display device and the number of fixed menu keys are limited in order to input the size of the input device itself and appropriately pressing the input device. For this reason, a plurality of menus are assigned to one key. Therefore, in order to select a desired menu, it is necessary to select a desired menu by switching from a plurality of menus assigned to each key using a switching key for switching the menu.
[0003]
In addition to order data entry such as menu selection as described above, the order entry device also accepts orders such as order number entry and selection, customer segment and customer number entry, other table order inquiry, and vacant seat inquiry. There is also a need to process the data. These order data are transmitted to the server by the communication function.
[0004]
Even in performing these processes, the size of the display screen is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to divide the process for each mode, and the store clerk must switch between various modes to perform the process.
[0005]
In such a process, unless the store clerk is proficient in the operation, the input time cannot be shortened, and it is not easy to input the input items accurately. For this reason, an order input device that can easily perform an input operation regardless of the level of proficiency of a store clerk has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this order input device, voice recognition means is provided, the voice input voice is used as order data, voice synthesis is performed based on the order data, and the next operation / instruction is given to the waiter. When a menu is selected using voice recognition, it is not necessary to select a product ordered from many menus by performing a plurality of key operations, and the time for inputting the menu can be shortened.
[0006]
In addition, in order to keep in touch between salesclerks, there is a case where a radio communication device having a voice call function is used in combination with an order input device.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-312451 A (Claim 1, paragraph 0005)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if a function for recognizing and inputting order data and a voice call function are simply added to the order input device, there are the following problems.
[0009]
The first problem is a problem that occurs when the input mode is switched. For example, when the default input mode is a voice call, in order to input order data such as menus and quantities, it is necessary to switch the input mode every time and output the order data. For this reason, there exists a problem that operation becomes complicated. Conversely, when the default input mode is voice recognition, when the operator uses voice communication to contact other store clerk, it is necessary to similarly switch the input mode every time to make a call. is there. For this reason, there exists a problem that operation becomes complicated.
[0010]
As a second problem, there is a problem related to the position of a microphone for voice input disposed on the input device. In a conventional order input device, if a microphone is arranged inside the main body, voice input cannot be performed with the main body closed. On the other hand, when a microphone is disposed on the side of the main body, the microphone does not face the direction of the operator's mouth. In general, when inputting voice, it is preferable that the microphone is directed toward the operator's mouth. For this reason, when inputting voice, it is necessary to change the direction of the order input device so that the microphone faces the mouth.
[0011]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to reduce an operation of switching an input mode by an operator and can be used without changing the direction of the apparatus even when the main body is closed. To provide an apparatus.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  (1) In order to solve this problem, the input device of the present inventionAn input device having a first voice input mode having a function of inputting by voice recognition and a second voice input mode having a voice call function,From one door body and the other door body that can be spreadA main body, an open / close sensor for detecting the open / close of the main body, and when connected to the open / close sensor, the main body is open, operates in the first voice input mode, and the main body is closed And input mode switching means for switching the input mode so as to operate in the second voice input mode.
[0013]
According to this configuration, the voice input mode can be switched between the opened state and the closed state of the main body. As a result, when the main body is opened, for example, the salesclerk can input the order from the customer by voice by setting the voice input mode with voice recognition. In addition, when the main body is closed, the voice input mode in the closed state is set, so that an operation for switching the input mode by the operator can be reduced.
[0014]
  In the input device, at least one of the voice input modes to be switched is a voice input mode with voice recognition.Because there isData can be easily input by voice recognition without selecting desired data by a plurality of key operations.
[0015]
In the input device, at least one of the voice input modes to be switched may be a voice input mode that does not involve voice recognition. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device used in combination with the order input device need not be used.
[0016]
In the input device, the voice input mode to be switched is a voice input mode that involves voice recognition, and the target vocabulary for recognizing voice may be different between a state in which the main body is opened and a state in which the main body is closed. Conventionally, when the target vocabulary to be recognized varies depending on the voice input mode, it is necessary to switch the input mode to change the target of voice recognition. However, according to this configuration, the operation of switching the input mode can be omitted.
[0017]
In the above input device, the target to be input in the voice input mode with voice recognition may be an order. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to select the ordered product from many menus by performing a plurality of key operations, and the product can be easily selected by voice recognition.
[0018]
In the input device, an alternative input unit may be provided for a target to be input in a voice input mode with voice recognition. According to this configuration, for example, even when the surroundings are noisy and input by voice recognition is not possible, data can be input using the alternative input means.
[0019]
In the above input device, the alternative input means may be provided on the inner surface of the other door body. According to this configuration, when data is being input by voice recognition with the main body opened, it is possible to quickly switch to the alternative input means.
[0020]
(2) Moreover, the input device of the present invention is an input device having a voice input mode, and is formed from one door body and the other door body that can be spread apart, and a microphone for inputting voice is a one door body. The microphone may be exposed to the outside of the main body with the main body closed with the main body closed.
[0021]
According to this configuration, sound can be input from the microphone even when the main body is opened or closed.
[0022]
In the input device, the microphone is provided on the inner surface of the one door body, the planar area of the inner surface of the one door body is larger than the planar area of the inner surface of the other door body, and the microphone is closed with the main body closed. It may be exposed outside the main body.
[0023]
In the input device, the microphone is provided on the inner surface of the one door body, and the other door body is provided with an opening. The microphone is exposed to the outside of the main body when the main body is closed. It is also possible to do that.
[0024]
According to these configurations, since the microphone is exposed even when the main body is closed, sound can be input from the microphone regardless of whether the main body is opened or closed. In addition, since the microphone is exposed in front of the main body, it is not necessary to change the direction of the input device when inputting sound.
[0025]
In the input device, a switch for controlling voice input may be provided on the side surface of the one door body and on the side surface other than the connection surface with the other door body. According to this configuration, voice input can be started without opening the main body even when the main body is closed.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by these.
[0027]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the appearance of the input device of the present invention. This figure shows the input device in the open state. The input device 10 of the present invention is formed of a door body 20 and a door body 30 that can be spread apart. The one door body 20 includes a display device 21, a key 22 for inputting a quantity or selecting a mode, an opening / closing sensor 23 for detecting opening / closing of the main body, a voice input button 24 for controlling voice input, a microphone 25, A speaker 26 is arranged. In the example of this figure, the microphone 25 is built in, but the microphone may be externally attached. When a microphone is externally attached, an earphone microphone may be used to enable sound input / output. When a microphone is externally attached, a receiver may be provided in the main body and connected wirelessly. On the other hand, a touch key 31 that can input an order menu by a pressing operation is disposed on the inner surface of the door body 30.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the first embodiment. The input device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is generally configured as an order data processing system in which a plurality of input devices can communicate with one server 200. In this figure, other components such as a printer and accounting means constituting the order data processing system are omitted.
[0029]
2 includes a control unit 101, a microphone 102, a voice input button 103, an open / close sensor 104, a voice input unit 105, an input mode switching unit 106, a voice recognition unit 107, and a key 108. A touch key 109, an audio output unit 110, a display unit 111, and a communication unit 112.
[0030]
The control unit 101 includes a processor and the like, operates according to a control program, and controls the operation of the entire input device 100.
[0031]
The microphone 102 is a device that inputs an audio signal from the operator and supplies the audio signal to the audio input unit 105. The voice input button 103 is a switch for controlling voice input such as start or end of taking in voice data from the microphone 102. The open / close sensor 104 is configured with a switch that is turned on when the main body is closed, and determines whether the main body is open or closed. The voice input unit 105 includes an A / D converter and the like, and digitizes the analog voice signal collected by the microphone 102.
[0032]
The input mode switching unit 106 outputs the voice signal digitized by the voice input unit 105 to the voice recognition unit 107 or the control unit 101 according to the state of the open / close sensor 104. The voice recognition unit 107 compares the voice signal output from the input mode switching unit 106 with a vocabulary set (not shown), recognizes the voice, and outputs a product name or command of the menu.
[0033]
The key 108 includes a key and a keyboard controller, and inputs a quantity or switches modes. The touch key 109 includes a touch panel and its controller, and inputs a menu by pressing.
[0034]
The audio output unit 110 includes a D / A converter and a speaker. The D / A converter converts the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker.
[0035]
The display unit 111 has a function of displaying an order form, for example, and includes a liquid crystal panel, a display driver, and the like.
[0036]
The communication unit 112 includes a wireless LAN and transmits / receives order data and audio signal data to / from the server 200 and other audio input devices.
[0037]
(Operation 1)
Next, the operation of the input device in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the basic operation of the input device according to the first embodiment. Here, the voice input mode switching process in the input device of this embodiment will be described.
[0038]
In step S101, it is determined whether the main body is closed or opened according to the state of the open / close sensor 104. If the main body is closed, the process proceeds to step S102, and if it is open, the process proceeds to the voice recognition mode. The voice recognition mode is various input modes using voice recognition, and one of the order input modes will be described later.
[0039]
In step S <b> 102, the operator enters a standby state until the operator operates the voice input button 103. Next, when the operation of the voice input button 103 performed by the operator is accepted, the process proceeds to step S103.
[0040]
In step S103, voice input is started, and voice input applications such as voice call and voice memo that do not involve voice recognition are processed. For example, when the voice input application is a voice call, the voice uttered after the operator presses the voice input button 103 is transmitted to the server 200 or another input device using the communication unit 112 provided in the main body. .
[0041]
(Order input process)
Next, an order input process using voice recognition will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an order input process using voice recognition of the input device according to the first embodiment. Here, the basic operation of the order input process will be described. Therefore, description of the interruption of the process and the saving of the process is omitted.
[0042]
When the processing in the order input mode is started, an order input screen is displayed on the display unit 111 in step S201. In step S202, in this state, the input device 100 is in a standby state until the operator performs any operation of the button, key, or touch panel. Next, the operator performs any operation of a button, a key, or a touch panel. In step S203, it is determined whether the operation performed by the operator has pressed the mode switching key. When the mode switching key is pressed, the process proceeds to another mode and the operation in the other mode is performed. If the operation performed by the operator has not pressed the mode switching key, the process proceeds to step S204, and it is determined whether or not the voice input button 103 has been pressed.
[0043]
If the voice input button 103 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S205, a menu is selected by the key or the touch panel, and an order is added (S206). After the order is added, the screen returns to the menu input screen.
[0044]
If it is detected that the voice input button 103 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 207. In step 207, voice input is started and voice recognition processing is performed. The voice recognition result is displayed on the display unit 111.
[0045]
In step S208, the operator confirms the recognition result displayed on the display unit 111. In the recognition result confirmation step, if the product or command matches the input voice, the operator selects OK, and the process proceeds to step S209. When the recognition result is a plurality of product candidates or command candidates, a desired product or command may be selected from them. If the desired product or command is not displayed as a recognition result, when the operator selects NG, the screen returns to the menu input screen (S201). After that, since S201 to S206 are performed, the operator can select one of pressing the voice input button 103 again and performing voice input, selecting a menu with a key or a touch panel, or switching modes.
[0046]
In step S209, it is determined whether the recognition result confirmed by the operator is a command. If it is a command, the command is executed. If the recognition result is a desired product, an order is added in step S206. After the order is added in step S206, the screen returns to the menu input screen.
[0047]
Examples of the command include a command for instructing a transition process to another mode. Examples of modes other than the order input mode include an order quantity input menu, an option menu selection mode, an order confirmation mode, an order transmission mode, an empty seat inquiry mode, an out-of-stock inquiry mode, and an order inquiry mode for other tables.
[0048]
(Speech recognition target)
The target of speech recognition according to the input device of the present invention is, for example, all menus and commands, or the menus are further divided into product categories, and the menus are hierarchically structured to generate multiple utterances or A combination of voice and key may be used to select a desired product at a lower level.
[0049]
The menu is further divided into product categories, and the menu is structured hierarchically. More specifically, a higher-level product called “Drink” and a lower-level product such as “Hot Coffee” and “Cola” are configured. It is a case. In this case, after saying the product category “Drink”, you can say “Hot coffee” “Coke”, etc. After pressing the “Drink” key, “Hot coffee” “Coke” etc. Desired product by the method of uttering the product or by providing the order input button corresponding to each of multiple categories and pressing the “drink” order input button to recognize only words belonging to the category “drink” Can be selected. When the word menu has such a configuration, the recognition target vocabulary can be narrowed down, so that erroneous recognition is reduced. However, the operation becomes complicated, and there is a possibility that quick order entry cannot be performed.
[0050]
On the other hand, when the word file is configured to include all menus, it is preferable that the order can be input quickly if the recognition rate is sufficiently high.
[0051]
Next, a usage example of such an input device is briefly introduced in the correspondence between the operator and the customer.
(1) When the customer touches the table, the operator passes the menu to the customer and receives the customer's order. At this time, the input device of the present invention is opened, and a table number, the number of people, etc. are input by key operation. Next, the voice input button is pressed to start voice recognition, and the received ordered items are sequentially input.
[0052]
(2) When the operator is working, if the operator receives an inquiry or the like, the operator may not be able to deal with himself / herself. At this time, the voice input device of the present invention is taken out and the business contact is made to another store clerk using the voice call function in the closed state.
[0053]
As described above, the input device according to the present embodiment automatically determines the voice input mode when the main body is closed and the voice input mode when the main body is open by automatically determining the open / closed state of the main body. Switch. As a result, the operator does not need to switch the voice input mode, and the operation can be simplified. Note that it is preferable to provide an input mode switching key in a state where the main body is opened because an input mode different from voice recognition can be used.
[0054]
In addition, the input device of this embodiment can input menus and commands by voice recognition in a state where the main body is opened. As a result, menu input and mode switching can be easily performed without searching for a menu on the touch key or performing a plurality of key operations.
[0055]
In addition, the input device according to the present embodiment includes an alternative input unit that replaces voice recognition on the inner surface of the other door body, like the touch key in FIG. As a result, even when the surroundings are noisy and input by voice recognition is difficult, a menu or the like can be input using the alternative input means.
[0056]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the second embodiment. 5 includes a control unit 101, a microphone 102, a voice input button 103, an open / close sensor 104, a voice input unit 105, an input mode switching unit 106a, a voice recognition unit 107a, and a recognition dictionary. And a recognition dictionary switching unit 107b, a key 108, a touch key 109, an audio output unit 110, a display unit 111, and a communication unit 112. In FIG. 5, the components other than the input mode switching unit 106a, the voice recognition unit 107a, and the word dictionary and the word dictionary switching unit 107b are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the input device according to the present embodiment, for example, when two or more voice input modes without voice recognition are executed with the main body closed, the voice input mode can be switched without opening the main body. .
[0057]
The input mode switching unit 106a outputs an instruction to switch the recognition vocabulary set to the recognition dictionary and the recognition dictionary switching unit 107b according to the state of the open / close sensor. Further, the input mode switching unit 106 a outputs the voice signal digitized by the voice input unit 105 to the voice recognition unit 107 a or the control unit 101 according to the state of the open / close sensor 104.
[0058]
The speech recognition unit 107a compares the speech signal output from the input mode switching unit 106a with a recognition vocabulary set stored in the recognition dictionary and the recognition dictionary switching unit 106b, recognizes the speech signal, and obtains a recognition result. Output to the control unit 101.
[0059]
The recognition dictionary and recognition dictionary switching unit 106b stores a plurality of vocabulary sets, and switches to a vocabulary set according to the input mode based on an instruction from the input mode switching unit 106a.
[0060]
(Operation 2)
Next, the operation of the input device in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the basic operation of the input apparatus according to the second embodiment.
[0061]
First, in step S301, it is determined whether the main body is closed or opened according to the state of the open / close sensor 104. If the main body is closed, the process proceeds to step S302, and if it is open, the process proceeds to step S308.
[0062]
In step S302, based on an instruction from the input mode switching unit 106a, the recognition dictionary and recognition dictionary switching unit 107b selects a recognition vocabulary set used for speech recognition. The vocabulary set 1 in FIG. 7 is selected.
[0063]
In step S <b> 303, the input device is in a standby state until the operator operates the voice input button 103. When the voice input button 103 is operated, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, voice input is started and voice recognition processing is performed.
[0064]
In step S305, it is determined whether the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition processing is “voice communication” or “voice memo”. If the recognition result is “voice communication”, the process proceeds to step S306. If the recognition result is “voice memo”, the process proceeds to step S307, where each process is performed and all the processes are completed.
[0065]
When the main body is open, in step S308, a recognition vocabulary set used for speech recognition is selected in the recognition dictionary and recognition dictionary switching unit 107b based on an instruction from the input mode switching unit 106a. The vocabulary set 2 in FIG. 7 is selected. The voice recognition mode performed in this step is various input modes using voice recognition such as the above-described order input mode.
[0066]
As described above, in the input device according to the present embodiment, the operation of switching the recognition dictionary according to the input mode can be omitted by switching the recognition target vocabulary between the opened state and the closed state.
[0067]
Further, since the mode can be switched by inputting a command by voice recognition with the main body closed, a structure without a switch for switching the mode can be provided. In particular, in the input device of the present embodiment, even when performing voice input without voice recognition, such as “voice communication” and “voice memo”, the mode can be switched without opening the input device. It is valid.
[0068]
(Embodiment 3)
The input device according to the present embodiment has a structure that allows the input devices of the first and second embodiments to function effectively depending on the shape of the main body. That is, the microphone for inputting sound is disposed on the one door body, and the microphone is exposed to the outside of the main body with the main body closed.
[0069]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the microphone 25 is placed outside the main body with the plane area of the inner surface of the one door body 20 larger than the plane area of the inner surface of the other door body 30 and the main body closed. The structure is exposed. FIG. 8 is an external view showing a closed state of the input device shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the microphone 25 and the speaker 26 are exposed to the outside of the main body even when the main body is closed.
[0070]
Alternatively, in the input device according to the present embodiment, the other door body 30 may be provided with an opening 32 through which the microphone 25 can be seen, and the microphone 25 is exposed to the outside of the main body when the main body is closed. Good. FIG. 9 is an external view showing a closed state of the input device in which the other door body is provided with an opening through which a microphone can be seen. In the example of FIG. 9, the microphone 25 and the speaker 26 are exposed from the opening 32.
[0071]
In the example of FIGS. 1, 8, and 9, the voice input button 24 is arranged on the side surface of the one door body 20. As a result, the voice input button 24 can be operated in either the closed state or the open state of the main body, so that voice input is facilitated.
[0072]
As described above, the input device of the present invention has a structure in which the microphone and the voice input button are exposed to the outside of the main body even when the main body is closed or opened. As a result, voice input can be performed even when the main body is closed or opened. In addition, since the microphone is exposed in front of the main body, it can be used without changing the direction of the input device when inputting sound.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the input device of the present invention automatically determines the voice input mode when the main body is closed and the voice input mode when the main body is open by automatically determining the open / closed state of the main body. Switch to. As a result, the operator does not need to switch the voice input mode, and the operation can be simplified.
[0074]
In particular, when the input device is opened and the operator inputs an order, the input device is closed to the voice input mode used when inputting the order, and the operator carries the input device. Since the mode is automatically switched to the voice input mode used during standby, the operation is simplified.
[0075]
In addition, the input device of the present invention has a structure in which the microphone and the voice input button are exposed to the outside of the main body even when the main body is closed or opened. As a result, voice input can be performed even when the main body is closed or opened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an external appearance of an input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the input device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an order input process using voice recognition of the input device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the input device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an example of a vocabulary set stored in a word dictionary switching unit of the input device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an external view showing a closed state of the input device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an external view showing a closed state of the input device in which the other door body is provided with an opening through which a microphone can be seen.
FIG. 10 is an external view of a conventional order input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Input device
20 One door
21 Display device
22 keys
23 Open / close sensor
24 Voice input button
25 Microphone
26 Speaker
30 The other door
31 touch keys
32 opening
40 Order input device
50 One door
51 Display section
52, 61 Press menu key
60 The other door
100 input devices
101 Control unit
102 Microphone
103 Voice input part
104 Open / close sensor
105 Voice input part
106, 106a Input mode switching unit
107, 107a Voice recognition unit
107b Recognition dictionary and recognition dictionary switching unit
108 keys
109 touch keys
110 Audio output unit
111 Display
112 Communication Department
200 servers

Claims (10)

An input device having a first voice input mode having a function of inputting by voice recognition and a second voice input mode having a voice call function,
A main body composed of one door body and the other door body that can be spread,
An open / close sensor for detecting opening and closing of the main body;
The input mode is connected to the open / close sensor and operates in the first voice input mode when the main body is open, and operates in the second voice input mode when the main body is closed. An input device comprising input mode switching means for switching between . The input device according to claim 1.
The second voice input mode does not involve voice recognition. The input device according to claim 1.
It said second audio input mode, have accompanied the speech recognition, and opened the body, closed and in the state, an input device, characterized in that different recognized target word speech. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The input device in the first voice input mode with the voice recognition is an order. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The input device is characterized in that an alternative input means is provided for an object to be input in the first voice input mode with the voice recognition. The input device according to claim 5 , wherein
The alternative input means includes an input device, characterized in that provided on the inner surface of the other door body. The input device according to claim 1 ,
A microphone for inputting sound is disposed on the one door body ,
The input device, wherein the microphone is exposed to the outside of the main body with the main body closed. The input device according to claim 7 ,
The microphone is provided on the inner surface of the one door body,
Planar area of the inner surface of the one door body, is larger than the planar area of the inner surface of the other door body, whereby, in the closed state of the said body, the microphone, and wherein the exposed outside the main body Input device. The input device according to claim 7 ,
The microphone is provided on the inner surface of one door body,
Wherein the other door body, an opening is provided, whereby, in the closed state of the said body, characterized in that the microphone is exposed included fits into the opening, the body external input apparatus. The input device according to any one of claims 7 to 9 ,
An input device, characterized in that a switch for controlling start or end of taking in audio data from the microphone is provided on a side surface of the one door body .

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