JP6804638B2 - Information provision robot and information provision method using this - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a robot, and more particularly to a robot capable of providing information and a method of providing information using the robot.

Robots are being used as a means to replace people in various fields such as industry, public places, and homes, and their use is increasing in order to increase productivity and convenience of life. However, the use of robots has negative aspects such as threatening the way people work and being used for crimes, in addition to such pure functions. Therefore, in providing various services using robots, there is a need for a method that can provide a more familiar feeling to the user.

The technical problem of the present invention is not only to provide the user with entertainment and familiarity through a robot equipped with a three-dimensional display at a low cost, but also to provide information on the robot itself and various information around the robot. The purpose is to provide an information providing robot that can be used and an information providing method using the robot.

Another technical object of the present invention is to provide an information providing robot that can move autonomously according to a situation and an information providing method using the robot.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the robot capable of providing information includes a main body, at least one display provided on the outer surface of the main body to form a three-dimensional frame of the robot, and one side surface of the robot. The outer shape of the robot is controlled by controlling the content including at least one of a shape, a pattern, and a color to be displayed on the corresponding display, and by combining the three-dimensional frame formed by the at least one display and the content. Includes a content controller that controls the robot to be designed three-dimensionally.

In one aspect, the robot includes a plurality of wheels provided in the lower part of the main body, a motor coupled to the axes of the plurality of wheels, a steering device for adjusting the moving direction of the robot, and the motor and the steering. It further includes a drive controller that controls the movement of the robot by controlling the device.

In another aspect, the drive controller controls the movement of the robot based on a sensor used when recognizing the position of the robot.

On the other side, the at least one display includes a first display provided on the front surface of the main body, a second display provided on the rear surface of the main body, a third display provided on the left side surface of the main body, and the like. It includes a fourth display provided on the right side surface of the main body and a fifth display provided on the main body including a touch panel.

In another aspect, the content is a first content displayed on the first display, a second content displayed on the second display, and a third content displayed on the third display. , And the fourth content displayed on the fourth display, and the first to fourth contents each constitute a front-back, left-right state of the robot.

In another aspect, the robot further comprises a camera mounted on at least one of the top and front of the body and a microphone on at least one of the top and front of the body, the content controller. , The camera, the microphone, and at least one of the fifth display are used to recognize information for the user, and the outer shape of the robot is changed based on the information for the user.

In another aspect, the robot adjusts the tilting angle of the fifth display based on information to the user provided in the body and recognized by at least one of the camera and the microphone. Further includes a tilting device.

In another aspect, the information for the user is information for at least one of the user's age, gender, clothing, and language used.

In another aspect, the content controller controls the object corresponding to the face of the robot to be displayed via the fifth display.

In another aspect, the content controller changes the outer shape of the robot based on at least one of information about the location of the robot, weather information of the area where the robot is located, date information, and time information. Let me.

In another aspect, the content controller controls so that the object corresponding to the arm of the robot is displayed on the at least one display, and corresponds to the arm of the robot when the robot is moving. Each of the objects to be moved is controlled to move on the corresponding display according to the moving speed and direction of the robot.

In another aspect, the robot further includes a communication device that performs transmission of an information request input from the user and reception of information corresponding to the information request.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a robot-based information providing method is provided.

The method comprises content comprising at least one of the contours, patterns, and colors of one side of the robot via at least one display provided on the outer surface of the robot to form a three-dimensional mold for the robot. A step of controlling the robot to be displayed on the corresponding display, and controlling the outer shape of the robot to be designed three-dimensionally by the combination of the three-dimensional mold formed by the at least one display and the content. It includes a step of recognizing information for a user by using a camera, a microphone, and at least one display provided in the main body of the robot, and a step of changing the outer shape of the robot based on the information for the user.

In one aspect, the content is a first content displayed on a first display, a second content displayed on a second display, a third content displayed on a third display, and a fourth. The first to fourth contents include the fourth content displayed on the display of the above, and each of the first to fourth contents constitutes a front-back, left-right state of the robot.

In another aspect, the method uses a tilting device provided in the body based on the information for the user to determine the tilting angle of the at least one display after the step of recognizing the information for the user. Includes additional steps to adjust.

In another aspect, the information for the user is information for at least one of the user's age, gender, clothing, and language used.

In another aspect, the method further comprises controlling the object corresponding to the robot's face to be displayed through the at least one display.

In another aspect, the step of controlling the outer shape of the robot to be designed three-dimensionally is among the information about the place where the robot is located, the weather information of the area where the robot is located, the date information, and the time information. A method comprising: controlling the outer shape of the robot to be three-dimensionally formed based on at least one.

On the other side, the step of controlling the outer shape of the robot to be three-dimensionally designed is controlled so that the object corresponding to the arm of the robot is displayed on the at least one display, and the robot causes the robot. When in motion, it includes a step of controlling each of the objects corresponding to the arm of the robot to move on the corresponding display according to the moving speed and direction of the robot.

In another aspect, the method includes, after the step of recognizing information for the user, a step of transmitting an information request input from the user, a step of receiving information corresponding to the information request, and the information request. It further includes the step of displaying the relevant information via the at least one display.

Less because the outer shape of the robot can be designed using a combination of the three-dimensional contour (or formwork) formed by the display provided on the outer surface of the robot and the content displayed on the display. It is possible to provide a feeling of familiarity to the user even at a cost.

Since the movement of the robot can be controlled based on the information recognized through the sensor provided in the robot, it is possible to provide effective information while moving autonomously.

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the information providing robot which concerns on an example of this specification. It is a block diagram which shows the information providing robot which concerns on an example of this specification. It is a bottom view of the information providing robot which concerns on an example of this specification. It is an example diagram which shows that the outer shape of the information providing robot which concerns on an example of this specification is variable through a plurality of displays. It is an example diagram which shows that the outer shape of the information providing robot which concerns on an example of this specification is variable through a plurality of displays. It is a flow chart which shows the information provision method which concerns on an example of this specification.

Various examples are disclosed with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, for the purposes of explanation, a number of specific details will be disclosed for a general understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it must be recognized that such embodiment (s) can be carried out without specific details. Subsequent descriptions and accompanying drawings describe in detail specific exemplary embodiment of one or more embodiments. However, such embodiment is merely an example, and some of the various methods can be utilized on the principle of the various embodiment, and the description described is such an embodiment and theirs. Includes all equals.

Various embodiments and features are presented by devices that can include a large number of components. It must also be understood and recognized that various devices can include additional components and / or cannot include all of the components discussed in connection with the drawings. As used herein, "Examples", "Examples", "Embodiments", "Examples", etc., indicate that any aspect or design described is better or has advantages over other aspects or designs. It should not be interpreted.

Also, the term "contains" means that the feature, component and / or device is present, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, devices and / or groups thereof. It must be understood that it is not excluded. Also, unless otherwise specified, or if the singular form of the indication is not clear in the context, the singular in the specification and claims shall be construed to generally mean "one or more."

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information providing robot according to an example of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 1, the information providing robot 10 can include at least one displays 110, 120, 130. Each display can be provided on each side of the main body 100. That is, a display can be provided on the surface of the information providing robot 10 exposed to the outside. For example, when the information providing robot 10 is embodied in the form of a square pillar as shown in FIG. 1, four displays can be provided on the side surface of the main body 100. If the information providing robot 10 is embodied in the form of a hexagonal column, six displays can be provided on the side surface of the main body. If the information providing robot 10 is embodied in the form of a cylinder, one or more curved displays may be provided on the side surface of the main body.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, when the information providing robot 10 is embodied in the form of a square pillar, the first display is provided on the front surface of the main body 100, and the second display is on the rear surface of the main body 100. The third display can be provided on the left side surface of the main body 100, and the fourth display can be provided on the right side surface of the main body 100. A fifth display 130 for interaction with the user can be provided on the upper portion (head) of the main body 100. Here, the fifth display 130 can be provided with a touch panel (touch panel) for interaction with the user.

A tilting device 140 may be provided between the body 100 and the head to adjust the tilting angle of the fifth display 130. The tilting device 140 can adjust the tilting angle of the fifth display 130 based on the information to the user so that smooth interaction with the user is performed. Here, the information for the user means the information for the height at which the user's face (or eyes) is located.

A drive device 150 can be provided at the lower part of the main body 100, that is, at the bottom surface so that the information providing robot 10 can move. The drive device 150 can be driven by an instruction from the server or can be autonomously driven by a preset program.

On the other hand, the main body 100 can be provided with at least one camera 160, 160'and at least one microphone 170. FIG. 1 shows, as an example, that two cameras and one microphone are provided on the front surface of the main body 100, but the positions and numbers of the cameras and microphones are not limited to this. The information providing robot 10 can recognize information to the user based on the video information input via the cameras 160 and 160'and / or the voice information input via the microphone 170, which is necessary for the user. Information can be provided via at least one display, speaker, etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an information providing robot according to an example of the present specification.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the robot capable of providing information will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

The robot 10 can include a plurality of displays 110, 120, 130, a content controller 210, a communication device 220, at least one sensor 230, a tilting device 140, a drive controller 240, and a drive device 150. Here, the number of displays can be changed depending on the shape of the robot. As an example, when the robot 10 is embodied in the shape of a quadrangular prism, displays are provided on the outer surfaces of the main body, for example, the front surface, the rear surface, the left side surface, the rear side surface, and the upper surface, respectively, and the three-dimensional contour (or , Formwork) can be formed. At this time, the robot 10 can include a touch panel for interaction with the user, and such a touch panel is provided on either one of the display provided on the upper part of the robot 10 and the display forming the main body. Can be

The displays 110 and 120 provided in the main body 100 of the robot 10 display information for collectively exposing to a plurality of people, or virtually and / or three-dimensionally display the shape, pattern, or color of the robot. Content to be displayed (for example, virtual clothes of the robot, virtual body parts (arms, legs) of the robot, virtual appearance, etc.) can be displayed. As an example, when a plurality of displays 110, 120 provided in the main body 100 are provided in the form of a square pillar, the front display 110 displays a first content corresponding to the shape, pattern, or color of the front surface of the robot 10. The side display 120 displays the second content corresponding to the shape, pattern or color of the side surface of the robot 10, and the rear display (without displaying the drawing number) corresponds to the shape, pattern or color of the rear surface of the robot 10. The third content to be displayed is displayed.

The first to third contents can maintain their correlation, adjacency, and synchronization with each other in terms of their contents. For example, when the first to third contents constitute the costume of the robot, the first and second contents are prevented so that the clothes of the robot 10 are not cut or separated near the boundary where the front display 110 and the side display 120 are in contact with each other. Can be provided (see FIGS. 4a and 4b).

Based on the combination of the displays that form the three-dimensional contour (or formwork) of the robot and the first to third contents exposed on each display, the front-back, left-right appearance (or appearance) of the robot 10. ) Can be freely designed with virtual and three-dimensional shapes, patterns, and colors.

On the display provided on the upper part of the robot 10, information necessary for a specific user can be displayed, and contents for shaping the face of the robot can be displayed.

The content controller 210 can control the content displayed through the plurality of displays 110, 120, and 130 so that the appearance or outer shape of the robot is three-dimensionally formed. The content controller 210 can be embodied in hardware such as mechanical and / or electronic circuits, or in the form of hardware and software combined (eg, chip, processor, LAM, etc.).

As an example, the content controller 210 has a plurality of displays 110, 120, 130 based on at least one of information about the location where the robot 10 is located, weather information, date information, and time information of the area where the robot 10 is located. The outer shape of the robot 10 can be changed by controlling so that the content displayed in is changed. Alternatively, the sensor 230 can be used to recognize information for the user, and the appearance or outer shape of the robot 10 can be changed based on the information. Here, the information for the user is information for at least one of the age, gender, clothes, and language of the user. Therefore, the content controller 210 can control the object to be displayed on the left arm and the right arm of the robot, respectively, via the displays provided on the left and right sides of the plurality of displays 110, 120, and 130. Then, when the robot 10 is moving, the objects corresponding to the left arm and the right arm of the robot can be controlled to move on the corresponding display depending on the moving speed and / or direction of the robot, respectively. On the other hand, the content controller 210 can be controlled so that an object (for example, eyes, nose, mouth, etc.) corresponding to the face of the robot 10 is displayed through a display provided on the upper part of the main body. At this time, the content controller 210 sets the position, angle, size, etc. of the object corresponding to the face on the corresponding display so that the user can read various facial expressions on the face of the robot by interacting with the user. Can be changed.

The communication device 220 can execute the transmission of the information request input from the user and the reception of the information corresponding to the information request. For example, when a user requests information on a movement route to a specific position by voice, touch, etc. using a microphone, a display, etc. provided in the robot, the communication device 220 transmits this to the server, and the server currently sends the information. Information on the movement route to a specific position can be received at the position. As another example, when a user requests position information for a specific restaurant by video, audio, or the like using a camera, a microphone, or the like provided in the robot, the robot 10 is positioned with respect to the specific restaurant via a communication device 220. Information can be received from the server and displayed via the display.

The sensor 230 is used to enable the robot 10 to recognize the surrounding environment, the user, etc., or to recognize the position of the robot 10, and is used for a laser sensor, a vision sensor, a 3D sensor, a camera, a microphone, and the like. It can include a GPS (Global Positioning System), a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) module, and the like.

The drive controller 240 is a robot according to a preset program based on the surrounding environment recognized by the sensor 230 such as a laser sensor, a vision sensor, a 3D sensor, a camera, a microphone, a GPS module, and a WiFi module, and / or information for the user. It is possible to autonomously control the movement of the robot, or to control the movement of the robot based on the movement control information received from the server via the communication device 220. As an example, the drive controller 240 determines the position of the robot 10 based on GPS information, WiFi information, vision information, laser information, 3D camera information, etc. acquired via the sensor 230, and the drive device 150 is based on this. The robot 10 can be moved to the destination by controlling the above.

FIG. 2 shows, as an example, a case where the drive controller 240 and the content controller 210 are embodied in separate configurations, but the drive controller 240 is integrated with the content controller 210 into one processor. It can also be embodied in.

The tilting device 140 is provided on the upper part of the robot 10 and adjusts the tilting angle of the upper display (robot head) based on the user's position information recognized by a sensor (for example, a camera, a microphone) or the like. can do. Therefore, as an example, the robot processor calculates and calculates the coordinate value of the area where the user's face is located based on the information regarding the user's face position recognized by the camera, the direction of the voice input to the microphone, and the like. The tilting device 140 can be controlled so that the screen of the upper display can be read by the coordinated values.

The drive device 150 can drive the robot under the control of the drive controller 240.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the information providing robot according to an example of the present specification.

Hereinafter, the driving device 150 when the information providing robot is embodied in the form of a square pillar will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

The drive device 150 includes a large number of wheels 151, a motor 152 coupled to the shaft of the wheel, a steering device 153 that controls the moving direction of the robot, and a controller 154 for controlling the motor and the steering device. And a support portion 155 provided to support the body of the robot can be included.

Each robot display is provided by a stationary frame (not shown) that extends upward from the support portion 155 and can be provided so that the screens are oriented in different directions around the stationary frame. At this time, the vertical boundary surfaces between the displays are provided so as to be adjacent to each other, and a polyhedral structure can be formed as a whole.

If the information providing robot is embodied in a cylindrical shape, the support portion 155 can be embodied in the original shape, and at least one curved display can be provided on the upper portion of the original support portion.

4a and 4b are illustrations showing that the outer shape of the information providing robot according to the example of the present specification can be changed via a plurality of displays.

With reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the content corresponding to the outer shape (costume, body, etc.) of the robot can be displayed through the display provided on the side surface among the plurality of displays provided on the robot. , The content corresponding to the face suitable for the corresponding outer shape can be displayed through the display provided on the upper part. Therefore, according to the present specification, the appearance or outer shape of the robot is thus software-like (eg, the actual arm of the robot, or the actual clothing worn on the robot) through multiple displays that are not structural and physical means. Or, because it is configured virtually), the shape, pattern, and color of the robot can be expressed in various ways and freely in three dimensions at a low cost, and the outer shape of the robot can be changed in real time, such as front, back, left, and right, if necessary. ..

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an information providing method according to an example of the present specification.

With reference to FIG. 5, the robot can control the contents displayed via the plurality of displays provided in the main body so that the outer shape of the robot is three-dimensionally formed (S510). At this time, it is possible to control so that the object corresponding to the face of the robot is displayed through the display provided on the upper part of the main body among the plurality of displays. At least one of the plurality of displays can display an object corresponding to the arm of the robot. If the robot is moving, each of the objects corresponding to the robot's arm can be controlled to move on the corresponding display depending on the moving speed and direction of the robot.

When a user who needs to provide information approaches the robot in such a situation, the robot recognizes the information for the user by using at least one of the camera, the microphone, and the plurality of displays provided in the main body. Can be done (S520). Here, the information for the user can include information for at least one of the age, gender, clothes, and language of the user. The robot can acquire video information for the user by scanning the user using the camera provided in the main body, and the user's voice information by collecting the surrounding voice information using the microphone. Can be obtained. Then, by executing feature point matching on the video information and audio information, it is possible to acquire information on the user's age, gender, clothes, language used, and the like.

When the information for the user is recognized, the robot adjusts the tilting angle of the display provided on the upper part of the main body based on the information, so that the user can easily see the screen displayed on the upper display. In addition, the outer shape of the robot can be changed to an outer shape that evokes a favorable impression of the user (S530). Here, the outer shape of the robot may be changed based on at least one of acquired information for the user, information for the location where the robot is located, weather information for the area where the robot is located, date information, and time information. it can.

After that, when a request for specific information is input from the user, the robot sends the request input from the user to the server, receives the information for the request, and at least one of a plurality of displays (for example, It can be displayed via the upper display). If the user requests route guidance to a specific place, the robot can also drive a driving device to accompany the user to the specific place.

The description of the presented examples is provided so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention can use or carry out the present invention. Various variations on such embodiments are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art of the invention, and the general principles defined herein are otherwise not outside the scope of the invention. It can be applied to the examples. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the examples presented herein, but must be construed in the broadest sense consistent with the principles and novel features presented herein.

Claims (21)

In robots that can provide information
The body of the three-dimensional formwork;
A plurality of displays provided on the outer surface of the main body, each constituting two or more different sides of the three-dimensional formwork;
Content including at least one of shapes, patterns, and colors expressing two or more different sides of the robot is controlled to be displayed on the corresponding display of the plurality of displays, and the plurality of displays are displayed. Includes a content controller that controls the outer shape of the robot to be three-dimensionally designed by a combination of the three-dimensional formwork and the contents .
The plurality of displays
A first display provided on the left side surface of the main body and configured to display the state of the left side surface of the robot or the first information;
Includes a second display provided on the right side of the body and configured to display the appearance of the right side of the robot or second information;
The content controller
It is controlled so that the object corresponding to the arm of the robot is displayed on each of the first display and the second display, and when the robot is moving, the object corresponding to the arm of the robot is displayed. A robot, each of which is controlled to move on a corresponding display according to the moving speed and direction of the robot. A plurality of rings provided at the bottom of the main body;
A motor coupled to the shafts of the plurality of wheels;
Steering device that adjusts the moving direction of the robot;
The robot according to claim 1, further comprising a drive controller that controls the movement of the robot by controlling the motor and the steering device. The drive controller
The robot according to claim 2, wherein the movement of the robot is controlled based on a sensor used when recognizing the position of the robot. The plurality of displays
Third display configured to be provided on the front surface of the main body for displaying a state or third information on the front of the robot;
The fourth display configured to provided on the rear surface of the main body for displaying a state or the fourth information of the rear surface of the robot;及beauty,
The robot according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth display provided on the upper part of the main body and including a touch panel. The plurality of displays
The robot according to claim 1, wherein the vertical boundary surfaces of the displays are stationary adjacent to each other to form an overall polyhedral structure. Cameras on at least one of the top and front of the body;
Further includes a microphone provided on at least one of the top and front of the body;
The content controller
A claim, wherein at least one of the camera, the microphone, and the fifth display is used to recognize information for a user, and the outer shape of the robot is changed based on the information for the user. The robot according to 4. The main body further includes a tilting device that adjusts the tilting angle of the fifth display based on information for the user recognized by at least one of the camera and the microphone. The robot according to claim 6. The information for the user is
The robot according to claim 6, wherein the information is for at least one of the age, gender, clothes, and language of the user. The content controller
The robot according to claim 4, wherein the object corresponding to the face of the robot is controlled to be displayed through the fifth display. The content controller
The first aspect of the present invention is to change the outer shape of the robot based on at least one of information about a place where the robot is located, weather information of the area where the robot is located, date information, and time information. The robot described. The robot according to claim 1, further comprising a communication device for transmitting an information request input from a user and receiving information corresponding to the information request. A robot-based information provision method
An outer shape, a pattern, which is provided on the outer surface of the robot and represents two different sides of the robot through a plurality of displays each constituting two or more different sides of the three-dimensional formwork of the robot. The content including at least one of the colors is controlled to be displayed on the corresponding display of the plurality of displays, and the combination of the three-dimensional formwork composed of the plurality of displays and the content is used. Steps to control the outer shape of the robot so that it is designed three-dimensionally;
A step of recognizing information to a user by using a camera, a microphone, and at least one of the plurality of displays provided in the main body of the robot;
The step of changing the outer shape of the robot based on the information for the user;
Only including,
The plurality of displays
A first display provided on the left side surface of the main body and configured to display the state of the left side surface of the robot or the first information;
Includes a second display provided on the right side of the body and configured to display the appearance of the right side of the robot or second information;
The step of controlling the outer shape of the robot to be designed three-dimensionally is
The object corresponding to the arm of the robot is controlled to be displayed on each of the first display and the second display, and when the robot is moving, the object corresponding to the arm of the robot is displayed. A method comprising the step of controlling each of the robots to move on the corresponding display according to the moving speed and direction of the robot . The plurality of displays
Front of the manner or configured to display third information a third display of the robot provided on the front surface of the main body, provided on a rear surface of the main body of the rear surface of the robot state or the fourth and further comprising a fourth display Lee configured to display information, the method of claim 12. After the step of recognizing the information for the user,
The twelfth aspect of the present invention further comprises a step of adjusting the tilting angle of the display provided on the upper part of the main body by using the tilting device provided in the main body based on the information to the user. the method of. The information for the user is
The method according to claim 12 , wherein the information is for at least one of the age, gender, clothes, and language of the user. 12. The method of claim 12 , further comprising controlling the object corresponding to the face of the robot to be displayed via a display provided on top of the body. The step of controlling the outer shape of the robot to be designed three-dimensionally is
A step of controlling the outer shape of the robot to be formed three-dimensionally based on at least one of information about the place where the robot is located, weather information of the area where the robot is located, date information, and time information. The method of claim 12 , wherein the method comprises. After the step of recognizing the information for the user,
Steps to send an information request entered by the user;
The step of receiving the information corresponding to the information request; and
12. The method of claim 12 , further comprising displaying information corresponding to the information request via the at least one display. The plurality of displays
12. The method of claim 12 , wherein the vertical interface of each display is stationary adjacent to each other to form an overall polyhedral structure. The plurality of displays
12. The method of claim 12 , characterized in that it comprises at least one curved display. The plurality of displays
The robot according to claim 1, wherein the robot includes at least one curved display.