JP7263187B2 - Information processing device and method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method.

In a conventional navigation device, when the vehicle approaches a guidance point such as a right or left turn, voice guidance is output to inform the user of the guidance point. In Patent Document 1, for example, ``Pong'' is output 700m before the guide point, ``Pompon'' is output 400m before the guide point, and ``Pawn'' is output at the guide point. , a driver-friendly notification control system is disclosed.

JP-A-2005-315630

However, as a so-called agent function, when guiding and notifying various information such as routes and nearby spots to the user, the above conventional technology only informs the user of guidance points in a uniform manner. Some users may find it persistent, repetitive, or annoying.

A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and method for communicating with a user at an appropriate frequency.

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus that communicates with a user using an agent function, in which, after communication information by the agent function is output, communication information by the agent function is generated according to a predetermined state of the user. The above problem is solved by controlling the output frequency.

According to the present invention, since the state of the user with respect to the communication information by the agent function is fed back to the subsequent output frequency, it is possible to communicate with the user at an appropriate frequency. Furthermore, there is an effect that the user is likely to have a favorable impression and a sense of familiarity with the agent.

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle information processing device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view showing the operation of the agent of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram of the interior of a vehicle showing an example of an installation location of an agent in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart (Part 1) showing an information processing procedure executed by the vehicle information processing apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an information processing procedure executed by the vehicle information processing apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart (part 3) showing an information processing procedure executed by the vehicle information processing apparatus of FIG. 1; 4 is a flowchart (part 1) showing another information processing procedure executed by the vehicle information processing apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a flowchart (part 2) showing another information processing procedure executed by the vehicle information processing apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart (part 3) showing another information processing procedure executed by the vehicle information processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle information processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention, FIG. 2A is a front view showing the operation of an agent 6, and FIG. is a diagram. The vehicle information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment provides anthropomorphic agents (hereinafter simply agent 6.), specifically, the action/posture of the agent 6, the voice output from the agent 6, the image displayed on the agent 6, and the light emission pattern output from the agent 6. A device that provides information or communicates with the occupant. Although an example in which the agent 6 is provided in a vehicle is shown here, the present invention is not limited to this. The agent 6 may be an electronic device equipped with an agent function, and may be, for example, a portable speaker-type electronic device or an electronic device with a display. In addition, a mobile phone such as a smart phone may be equipped with functions related to the voice output and video output of the agent 6, which will be described below. Also, anthropomorphic agents are just an example, and agents that do not imitate humans but display predetermined characters, avatars, or icons may be used. The agent may be provided as a physical individual, or may be displayed on the display as an image in the form of a person or character as the agent.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the agent 6 has a head 61 that imitates a human face and is provided on a base 62 so as to appear and retract by an actuator (not shown). When the agent 6 outputs the communication information by the agent function receiving the control command from the output unit 11, the head 61 emerges from the base 62 and the communication information is output as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 2A. 2A, the head 61 sinks into the base 62 as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 2A. Elevating the head 61 to appear from the base 62 is called "appearance", and lowering the head 61 to enter the base 62 is also called "exit".

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the agent 6, which is a three-dimensional object, is installed on the upper surface of the dashboard inside the vehicle, and the head 61 is rotatable around the rotation axis G. As a result, the agent 6 outputs the communication information with the head 61 facing the occupant, or outputs the communication information with the head 61 facing the subject object. By doing so, communication through communication information is facilitated.

The agent 6 includes a speaker and other audio output units for outputting voice and sound effects, and a display and other display units for displaying images including characters. By providing the image to the crew, communication information is output. It should be noted that light emitters may be provided in the eyes of the face, etc., and communication information may be output according to light emission patterns.

In this embodiment, the agent 6 is configured as a three-dimensional object such as a robot, but the agent of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a two-dimensional image displayed on the display. In addition, the appearance and exit of the agent 6 are expressed by making the head 61 appear and appear in the base 62, but it is also possible to open the eyes when the agent appears and close the eyes when the agent leaves. good.

Returning to FIG. 1, the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a ROM storing programs for executing various processes, and executing the programs stored in the ROM. It is composed of a computer equipped with a CPU as an operating circuit that functions as a computer and a RAM that functions as an accessible storage device. 1, the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 includes an output unit 11, an output frequency control unit 12, a detection unit 13, and a use A track record detection unit 14 , an identification data input unit 15 , and a vehicle information acquisition unit 16 are provided.

The output unit 11 outputs a control signal to a speaker or other voice output unit, a display, a light emitter or other display unit of the agent 6 , and outputs communication information by the agent function of the agent 6 . The output unit 11 inputs communication information to be output from the vehicle information acquisition unit 16 . For example, regarding the temperature environment in the passenger compartment, if the current set temperature of the air conditioner is 25°C and the set temperature of the air conditioner that the occupant regularly sets is 20°C, the message "Do you want to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner? ” to the crew. In this case, the current set temperature of the air conditioner is detected by the set temperature sensor of the air conditioner included in the vehicle sensors 2, and the set temperature of the air conditioner that is constantly set by the passenger is based on the accumulation of the passenger's use record. Extract from the external server 4 .

The agent 6 controlled by the output unit 11 outputs communication information using any medium of voice, image, or light emission pattern. The communication information includes, for example, (1) information indicating the existence of an agent, (2) information notifying that the agent function is in a predetermined state, or (3) information for notifying information desired by the user. For example, (1) the information indicating the existence of the agent includes an image representing the agent itself, an image representing the agent with a predetermined movement, and the like. For example, (2) the information indicating that the agent function is in a predetermined state is an image, voice, or light emission pattern indicating that the agent is ready to receive commands or questions from the user. For example, (3) the information for notifying the information desired by the user includes POI information presumed to be desired by the user, information inquiring whether or not to execute control of on-vehicle equipment presumed to be desired by the user, and the like. include. Specifically, when the communication information uses voice as a medium, the communication information is audibly output from a speaker or other voice output unit provided in the agent 6, and when the communication information uses images as the medium. , the communication information is visually output from a display or other display unit provided in the agent 6, and when the communication information uses a light emission pattern as a medium, the communication information is output to the agent 6. Output visually from the eyes or other light-emitting parts.

The output frequency control unit 12 controls the output frequency of communication information by the agent function of the agent 6 . The output frequency may be the number of times communication information is output per predetermined time, or the number of times communication information is output per unit of communication. For example, if the communication information is information inquiring whether or not to execute control of an in-vehicle device that is presumed to be desired by the user, and the output frequency is 1, the communication information is "Do you want to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner?" is output only once and the output frequency is 3, this means that the communication information "Do you want to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner?" is output three times at intervals. The agent 6 of this embodiment causes the head 61 to appear from the base 62 when outputting the communication information, and immerses the head 61 in the base 62 when the output of the communication information is finished. controls the number of appearances and retractions of the head 61 with respect to the base 62 .

Regarding the frequency of output of communication information, it is desirable to repeat it from the viewpoint of ensuring the transmission of communication information to the crew, but depending on the individuality of the crew, repeated output, that is, the high frequency of output is rather annoying. Sometimes. Therefore, in the output frequency control unit 12 of the present embodiment, the output frequency of communication information by the agent 6 is controlled according to the predetermined state of the passenger detected by the detection unit 13, which will be described later. Details of this control will be described later.

The detection unit 13 detects a predetermined state of the passenger after one piece of communication information is output by the agent function of the agent 6 and outputs this to the output frequency control unit 12 . For example, when the communication information is a visual image displayed on a display such as a display, the detection unit 13 detects a state in which the passenger's line of sight is directed toward the display on which the communication information is displayed. Specifically, the detection unit 13 detects the time until the passenger's line of sight is directed to the display unit on which the communication information is displayed. Alternatively or in addition to this, the detection unit 13 detects the number of times the line of sight is turned to the display unit on which the communication information is displayed.

For example, when the head 61 of the agent 6 emerges from the base 62 and displays communication information such as "Do you want to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner?" The line of sight of the occupant is monitored, and the time from the appearance of the head 61 of the agent 6 from the base 62 until the line of sight of the occupant turns to the display is measured. Alternatively, the line of sight of the occupant is similarly monitored by an in-vehicle camera included in the vehicle sensors 2, and the number of times the line of sight of the occupant is directed to the display after the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62, that is, a glimpse Count the number of times you see it.

The fact that the time from when the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62 to when the line of sight of the occupant turns to the display is short means that the occupant is strongly conscious of the agent 6, and conversely, the agent 6 is strongly aware of the agent 6. It can be determined that the occupant is not very conscious of the agent 6 because it takes a long time from the emergence of the head 61 from the base 62 until the occupant's line of sight is directed to the display. Similarly, it can be determined that the passenger is strongly conscious of the agent 6 from the fact that the number of times the passenger's line of sight is turned to the display after the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62, and vice versa. Since the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62, the number of times the passenger's line of sight is turned to the display is small, so it can be judged that the passenger is not very conscious of the agent 6.

If it can be determined that the occupant is not very aware of the agent 6, it is necessary to make the occupant aware of the presence of the agent 6. In such a situation, it is conjectured that even if the output frequency is increased, the occupant is more likely to appreciate the fact that he or she has been made aware of the situation, rather than feel persistent or bothered. Conversely, if it can be determined that the occupant is strongly aware of the agent 6, it can be inferred that the occupant is sufficiently aware of the communication information. You are likely to feel persistent, repetitive, and annoying.

Therefore, the output frequency control unit 12 can reduce the time from when the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62 to when the line of sight of the occupant faces the display, or when the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62. If it can be determined that the occupant is strongly aware of the agent 6 because the number of times the occupant's line of sight is turned to the display after that, the output frequency up to that point is controlled to be relatively low. Conversely, it takes a long time for the line of sight of the occupant to turn to the display after the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62 , or the line of sight of the occupant after the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62 . When it can be determined that the passenger is not very conscious of the agent 6 because the number of times the is directed to the display is small, the output frequency up to that point is controlled to be relatively large.

When the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62 and the communication information is an auditory voice emitted from a voice output unit such as a speaker, the detection unit 13 outputs the communication information when the passenger inputs a voice command. It detects whether or not it is performed within a predetermined time after being performed. For example, when the communication information "Do you want to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner?" If so, it can be determined that the occupant is strongly aware of the agent 6 . On the other hand, if the occupant inputs a voice command such as "Yes, please lower" after the predetermined time (10 seconds) has passed, the occupant agrees to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner. However, it can be judged that he was not very conscious of Agent 6.

Therefore, the output frequency control unit 12, within a predetermined time after the head 61 of the agent 6 emerges from the base 62 and the voice communication information is output, as in the case where the passenger inputs a voice command, When it can be determined that the passenger is strongly aware of the agent 6, the output frequency up to that point is controlled to be relatively low. Conversely, after the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62 and the voice communication information is output, the occupant inputs the voice command after a predetermined time has passed. When it can be determined that the user is not very conscious of the above, the output frequency up to that point is controlled to be relatively large.

The use record detection unit 14 detects the record of use of the vehicle information processing device 1 by the passenger. What is detected by the usage record detection unit 14 is not particularly limited. A utilization record value is calculated according to the time and/or frequency of use. The actual usage value calculated by the actual usage detection unit 14 is output to the output frequency control unit 12, and the output frequency of communication information is controlled according to the magnitude of the actual usage value. Specifically, when the actual usage value of the passenger is small, compared with when the actual usage value is large, the characteristics of the passenger are not sufficiently grasped, so the output frequency of the communication information is controlled to be large. Details of this will be described later. Note that the usage record detection unit 14 may be omitted as necessary.

The identification data input unit 15 is an interface for inputting identification data for identifying occupants of the vehicle to which the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is applied. Then, when the occupant carries a terminal device (portable computer such as a smart phone) in which his/her own identification data is stored and gets into the vehicle, the occupant's identification data is transmitted to a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The occupant's identification data is automatically or semi-automatically read through a communication network, or manually input by the occupant using an input button (not shown) set as the identification data input unit 15. is entered. Also, the identification data of the passenger is stored in the wireless key of the vehicle, and when the vehicle is unlocked or started using the wireless key, the identification data of the passenger is sent to the identification data input unit 15 by short-range wireless communication. It may be read automatically or semi-automatically via a network.

Vehicle sensors 2 include various sensors for in-vehicle electrical equipment such as the air conditioner described above, an indoor camera for imaging the interior of the vehicle, an in-vehicle imaging device for imaging the surroundings of the vehicle, and a radar device for detecting obstacles around the vehicle. , a vehicle position detector including a GPS receiver, a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle, an acceleration/deceleration sensor for detecting acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle, and the like. A detection signal detected by the vehicle sensors 2 is output to the vehicle information acquisition unit 16 .

The map database 3 is a memory that stores three-dimensional high-precision map information including position information of various facilities and specific points, for example, and is accessible from the vehicle information acquisition unit 16 . The 3D high-precision map information stored in the map database 3 is 3D map information based on road shapes detected when a data acquisition vehicle is used to travel on actual roads. and detailed and highly accurate location information such as the size of curves (e.g. curvature or radius of curvature), road junctions, junctions, toll booths, lane reduction locations, service areas/parking areas, etc. is the map information associated with .

The vehicle information acquisition unit 16 uses the function of the agent 6 to acquire communication information to be output to the passenger. Vehicle information acquisition unit 16 collects various types of information from vehicle sensors 2 and map database 3 as well as external web sites and other external servers 4 via telecommunication network 5 such as the Internet, and obtains communication information. Offer to

Next, the information processing procedure of the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. 3A to 3C are flowcharts showing information processing procedures executed by the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 of FIG. First, when an occupant gets into the vehicle, identification data of the occupant is input to the identification data input unit 15 in step S1 of FIG. 3A. The occupant identification data input to the identification data input section 15 is output to the output frequency control section 12 and the output section 11 . Along with this identification data, the actual usage value of the passenger is obtained from the actual usage detection unit 14 and output to the output frequency control unit 12 .

In step S2, the passenger's line of sight is monitored using the indoor camera included in the vehicle sensors 2. FIG. In step S3, the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62 by the control signal of the output unit 11, and the agent 6 appears. In step S<b>4 , the output unit 11 displays the communication information provided from the vehicle information acquisition unit 16 on the display of the agent 6 .

In step S5 of FIG. 3B, the output frequency control unit 12 reads the line-of-sight trend of the passenger being monitored in step S2, the agent 6 appears in step S3, and the communication information is displayed on the display in step S4. After that, the time until the passenger's line of sight turns to the display is measured. If the measured time is within a predetermined time (for example, within 3 seconds), the output frequency control unit 12 determines that the passenger is strongly aware of the agent 6, and step S6. proceed to Conversely, in step S5, when the time from when the communication information is displayed on the display to when the line of sight of the occupant turns to the display exceeds a preset predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds), output frequency control is performed. The unit 12 determines that the passenger is not very aware of the agent 6, and proceeds to step S7.

In step S6, the occupant is strongly aware of the agent 6, so the output frequency control unit 12 counts up the state of recognizing the agent. Specifically, the output frequency control unit 12 makes the value of the output frequency relatively smaller than the previous value. In step S7, the occupant is not very conscious of the agent 6, so the output frequency control unit 12 counts up the state in which the agent is not recognized. Specifically, the output frequency control unit 12 increases the output frequency value relative to the previous value.

In step S8, the output frequency control unit 12 calculates the probability of the agent being recognized. The probability of the agent-aware state is, for example, the sum of the agent-aware state count A and the agent-aware state count A plus the agent-not-aware state count B, A+B. Defined as the ratio divided by (A/(A+B)).

For example, if the initial value of count A in the state of recognizing the agent is 50, and the initial value of count B in the state of not recognizing the agent is 50, the probability X of the state of recognizing the agent at the initial value is , X=50/(50+50)=0.5. If the response of the passenger to the output of the next communication information indicates that the agent is being recognized, the initial value of 50 is counted up by one point. is X1=51/(51+50)=0.505.

In step S9, the output frequency control unit 12 determines whether or not the calculated probability of the state in which the agent is recognized is equal to or greater than a preset predetermined value. If it is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S11. Then, in step S10, the output frequency control unit 12 makes the output frequency of the communication information relatively smaller than the previous value. Further, in step S11, the output frequency control unit 12 relatively increases the output frequency of communication information compared to the previous value.

In step S12 in FIG. 3C, the output frequency control unit 12 determines whether or not the actual usage value of the passenger detected by the actual usage detection unit 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If so, the process proceeds to step S13, and if less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S14. Then, in step S13, the output frequency control unit 12 makes the output frequency of the communication information relatively smaller than the previous value. Further, in step S14, the output frequency control unit 12 relatively increases the output frequency of communication information compared to the previous value.

In step S15, the output unit 11 immerses the head 61 of the agent 6 into the base 62 and exits. In step S16, it is determined whether or not the setting for communication using the agent 6 is turned off. If the setting is continued, the process returns to step S2 in FIG. exit.

Next, another example of the information processing procedure of the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. 4A to 4C are flow charts showing the information processing procedure executed by the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 of FIG. This example describes a specific example of outputting communication information related to a proposal to change the set temperature of the air conditioner. First, when an occupant gets into the vehicle, identification data of the occupant is input to the identification data input unit 15 in step S21 of FIG. 4A. The occupant identification data input to the identification data input section 15 is output to the output frequency control section 12 and the output section 11 . Together with this identification data, the vehicle information acquisition unit 16 acquires from the external server 4 the history information of the temperature settings of the air conditioner when the occupant has previously boarded the vehicle, and outputs this to the output frequency control unit 12 .

In step S22, the current set temperature of the air conditioner is detected from the set temperature sensor of the air conditioner included in the vehicle sensors 2. FIG. In step S23, the output frequency control unit 12 compares the current set temperature with the unique set temperature that the occupant constantly sets. , and if there is no difference equal to or greater than the predetermined value, terminate this routine. In step S24, the output frequency control unit 12 determines whether or not the occupant has changed the set temperature of the air conditioner within a predetermined time. exit.

In step S25, the microphone and speech recognition device included in the vehicle sensors 2 are used to monitor the utterance of the passenger. In step S26 of FIG. 4B, the head 61 of the agent 6 appears from the base 62 by the control signal of the output unit 11, and the agent 6 appears. In step S27, the output unit 11 outputs, from the speaker of the agent 6, the communication information regarding the set temperature of the air conditioner provided from the vehicle information acquisition unit 16, for example, a voice saying "Do you want to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner?" .

In step S28, the output frequency control unit 12 analyzes the utterance of the passenger being monitored in step S25, and determines whether or not the passenger's consent command such as "Yes, please lower" is input. At the same time, when the occupant's consent command is input, the time from when the communication information "Do you want to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner?" Then, in step S28, the output frequency control unit 12 determines whether or not the occupant's consent command has been input within a preset predetermined time. Go to step S32.

In step S29, the output frequency control unit 12 sets the temperature setting of the air conditioner to be lowered, and in step S30, relatively reduces the output frequency of the communication information. In step S31, the output unit 11 causes the agent 6 to leave. In step S32, the output frequency control unit 12 determines whether or not the occupant's consent command has been input after a predetermined time has elapsed. exits this routine. In step S33, the output frequency control unit 12 relatively increases the output frequency of communication information.

In step S34, it is determined whether or not the communication setting using the agent 6 is turned off. If the setting is continued, the process returns to step S22 in FIG. exit.

As described above, according to the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 and method of the present embodiment, the output frequency of communication information by the agent 6 is controlled according to the predetermined state of the passenger detected by the detection unit 13. As a result of the output frequency in which persistence and politeness are well balanced, the occupants are more likely to have a favorable impression and a sense of familiarity with the agent.

Further, according to the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 and method of the present embodiment, when the communication information by the agent 6 is visually output from the display unit, the detection unit 13 detects whether the line of sight of the occupant is directed to the display unit. Since the occupant state is detected, it becomes easy to detect the predetermined state of the occupant.

Further, according to the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 and method of the present embodiment, the detection unit 13 detects the time until the passenger's line of sight is turned to the display unit and/or the number of times the line of sight is turned. In addition to facilitating the detection of the predetermined state of the occupant, quantitative evaluation becomes possible.

Further, according to the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 and the method of the present embodiment, when the time until the passenger's line of sight is turned to the display is short, the time until the passenger's line of sight is turned to the display is short. Compared to when the time is long, the output frequency is controlled to be small, and when the number of times the occupant's line of sight is turned to the display unit is large, when the number of times the occupant's line of sight is turned to the display unit is small. In comparison, the output frequency is controlled to be small. As a result, it is possible to set the output frequency according to the degree of recognition of the agent of the occupant.

Further, according to the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 and method of the present embodiment, the detection unit 13 detects whether or not the occupant has input a voice command within a predetermined time. Easier to detect.

Further, according to the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 and method of the present embodiment, when the voice command input by the passenger is performed within the predetermined time, the voice command input by the passenger exceeds the predetermined time. The output frequency is controlled to be lower than the case. As a result, it is possible to set the output frequency according to the degree of recognition of the agent of the occupant.

Further, according to the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 and the method of the present embodiment, the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 is further provided with the usage history detection unit 14 for detecting the usage history of the vehicle information processing apparatus. , the output frequency of the communication information by the agent 6 is controlled, so that the output frequency is further balanced between persistence and politeness.

Further, according to the vehicle information processing apparatus 1 and method of the present embodiment, when the passenger's actual usage value is small, the output frequency is controlled to be larger than when the actual usage value is large, so that the driver's agent can be controlled. The output frequency can be set according to the degree of recognition.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Information processing apparatus for vehicles 11... Output part 12... Output frequency control part 13... Detection part 14... Usage result detection part 15... Identification data input part 16... Vehicle information acquisition part 2... Vehicle sensors 3... Map database 4... External server 5 Telecommunication network 6 Agent 61 Head 62 Base

Claims (9)

In an information processing device that uses an agent function to communicate with a user,
an output unit that outputs communication information by the agent function;
an output frequency control unit that controls the output frequency of communication information by the agent function;
a detection unit that detects a predetermined state of the user after the communication information is output by the agent function,
In the information processing device, the output frequency control unit controls the output frequency of communication information by the agent function according to the predetermined state of the user detected by the detection unit,
The output unit visually outputs the communication information by the agent function from the display unit,
The detection unit detects a state in which the user 's line of sight is directed to the display unit, and the time until the user 's line of sight is directed to the display unit and/or the number of times the line of sight is directed. to detect
The output frequency control unit
When the time until the user 's line of sight is turned to the display unit is short, the output frequency is controlled to be smaller than when the time until the user 's line of sight is turned to the display unit is long. death,
Information for controlling the output frequency to be smaller when the number of times the user 's line of sight is directed toward the display unit is greater than when the number of times the user 's line of sight is directed toward the display unit is less. processing equipment. In an information processing device that uses an agent function to communicate with a user,
an output unit that outputs communication information by the agent function;
an output frequency control unit that controls the output frequency of communication information by the agent function;
a detection unit that detects a predetermined state of the user after the communication information is output by the agent function,
In the information processing device, the output frequency control unit controls the output frequency of communication information by the agent function according to the predetermined state of the user detected by the detection unit,
The information processing device, wherein the detection unit detects whether or not the user has input a voice command within a predetermined time. The output frequency control unit
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein when the user inputs a voice command within a predetermined time, the output frequency is controlled to be lower than when the user inputs a voice command over a predetermined time. The information processing device described. In an information processing device that uses an agent function to communicate with a user,
an output unit that outputs communication information by the agent function;
an output frequency control unit that controls the output frequency of communication information by the agent function;
a detection unit that detects a predetermined state of the user after the communication information is output by the agent function;
a usage track record detection unit that detects a track record of the user using the information processing device,
In the information processing device, the output frequency control unit controls the output frequency of communication information by the agent function according to the predetermined state of the user detected by the detection unit,
The output frequency control unit is an information processing device that controls the output frequency of the communication information by the agent function according to the actual usage value of the user . 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the output frequency control unit controls the output frequency to be higher when the actual usage value of the user is small than when the actual usage value of the user is large. The communication information by the agent function is information using any of voice, image, or light emission pattern as a medium,
The output unit
when the communication information by the agent function uses voice as a medium, outputting the communication information aurally from the voice output unit;
When the communication information by the agent function uses an image as a medium, visually outputting the communication information from the display unit,
6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein when the communication information by the agent function uses a light emission pattern as a medium, the communication information is visually output from the light emitting unit. An information processing method in which a computer communicates with a user using an agent function ,
The computer is
outputting the communication information by the agent function;
detecting a predetermined state of the user after the communication information is output by the agent function;
In an information processing method for controlling the output frequency of communication information by the agent function according to the detected predetermined state of the user,
The computer is
Visually outputting communication information by the agent function,
Detecting a state in which the user's gaze is directed to the visual output, and measuring the time until the user's gaze is directed to the visual output and/or the number of times the gaze is directed detect and
When the time until the user's gaze is directed to the visual output is short, compared to the case where the time until the user's gaze is directed toward the visual output is longer than the output control the frequency small,
When the number of times the user's line of sight is directed toward the visual output is large, the output frequency is increased compared to the case where the number of times the user's line of sight is directed toward the visual output is small. Information processing method for small control. An information processing method in which a computer communicates with a user using an agent function ,
The computer is
outputting the communication information by the agent function;
detecting a predetermined state of the user after the communication information is output by the agent function;
In an information processing method for controlling the output frequency of communication information by the agent function according to the detected predetermined state of the user,
An information processing method for detecting whether or not the user has input a voice command within a predetermined time . An information processing method in which a computer communicates with a user using an agent function ,
The computer is
outputting the communication information by the agent function;
detecting a predetermined state of the user after the communication information is output by the agent function;
Detecting a track record of the user using the information processing method,
In an information processing method for controlling the output frequency of communication information by the agent function according to the detected predetermined state of the user,
An information processing method for controlling the output frequency of communication information by the agent function according to the actual usage value of the user .

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