WO2010146178A1

WO2010146178A1 - Survey system and operating method for a survey system

Info

Publication number: WO2010146178A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/058678
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Thun
Original assignee: Iris-Gmbh Infrared & Intelligent Sensors
Priority date: 2009-06-18
Filing date: 2010-06-18
Publication date: 2010-12-23
Also published as: DE102009027027A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interactive survey system for automatically conducting a personal survey and an operating method for a survey system. The presented device comprises a detection unit which identifies objects as persons and determines biometric characteristics thereof. A computing unit of the survey system selects a survey algorithm adapted to the particular person according to the biometric characteristics. Therefore, the survey system allows a customized personal survey to be conducted, which increases the chances of a positive willingness of the person to participate in the survey.

Description

Survey system and operating procedures for a survey system

The present invention relates to an interactive survey system for the automatic performance of a personal interview and an operating method for a survey system.

Providers of services show an increasing interest in the behavior of their respective clientele. Targeted customer counts and customer surveys are often carried out to satisfy this interest. In most cases, both customer counts and customer surveys today are carried out on a strictly interpersonal level and are thus associated with a personnel expenditure and corresponding costs. For this reason, efforts have been made for some time to carry out countings and surveys automatically by means of corresponding technical devices.

From the international patent application WO 02/07106 A1 of the present applicant, for example, a device is known which is designed to carry out person counts by means of three-dimensionally measuring sensors. In addition, it is mentioned that the device can detect person-individual characteristics, such as size, shape, hair color, heart tones or smell of a person. An electronic survey system is described, for example, in international patent application WO 99/31609. Participants in the survey can enter answers to questions in the system with the aid of a touch-sensitive screen. Another electronic survey system is known from the US patent application US 2008/0082398 A1. This publication describes a survey portal connected to the Internet, which includes a screen for displaying messages, as well as a plurality of operator buttons through which a surveyed person can input.

The published patent application DE 101 28 567 A1 discloses a device for carrying out topic-specific surveys via a network. The device presented here generates subscriber-specific questions based on information stored in a subscriber database. The information was determined in advance or entered in advance by the respective participant.

From publication US 2004/0093263 A1 an interactive questioning system is known in which a person to be interviewed has to initiate a questionnaire himself and during the questioning or at the beginning of the questionnaire can transmit person-specific data to the questioning system so that a person-specific questioning can be carried out.

All known survey systems have the disadvantage that they can not automatically enter into a person-specific communication with the person to be interviewed.

It is therefore a technical problem underlying the invention to remedy the deficiency of the prior art outlined above.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the technical problem is solved for an interactive survey system, hereinafter referred to as the survey system, for the automatic performance of a personal interview. The inventive questioning system comprises a detection unit which is designed

to detect an object located within a first distance to the detection unit;

to identify the detected object as a person; capture biometric features of the person;

generate a personal pattern in the form of data from the acquired biometric features; and

to classify the person-specific pattern.

In addition, the inventive questioning system comprises a computing unit which is in communication with the detection unit and which is designed

to select one of the plurality of survey algorithms previously stored in a first memory of the arithmetic unit associated with the classified person-specific pattern;

- execute the selected survey algorithm, wherein output means of the survey system are adapted to transmit queries directed to the persons; and

Save entries of the person in the first memory of the arithmetic unit, wherein input means of the questionnaire system are designed to detect the inputs of the person and to supply the arithmetic unit.

In the context of this application, "biometric features" mean all biometric characteristics of a human person that can be detected with the help of one or more respectively formed sensors and optionally respectively downstream digital processing apparatus. In particular, the following are meant: body size, face geometry, hair color, stature, weight, voice, lip movement, pressure profile of a person's shoeprint, gait style, person's odor, spatial position of the person, line of sight, and iris and retinal structure. This is not to say that the detection unit of the survey system according to the invention covers all the biometric features just mentioned. The detection unit of the inventive survey system detects only selected biometric features.

For detecting biometric features a plurality of respective trained sensors is known. The detection unit comprises for determining biometric features of a person in - A -

all embodiments of the inventive questioning system at least one sensor.

In one embodiment of the survey system, the detection unit comprises a microphone for recording the voice of a person. To detect the weight of a person, the detection unit in another embodiment includes weight sensors. In a further embodiment of the survey system, a 3D time-of-flight sensor and an RGB camera for detecting the facial geometry and / or the stature of a person are provided in the detection unit. Another possibility for detecting biometric features of a person is the evaluation of the electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted by the person through a corresponding device. In a preferred embodiment of the survey system, the detection unit also includes such a device.

In the context of this application, therefore, a "sensor" does not only designate the technical component which quantitatively detects certain physical and / or chemical properties of its environment as a measured variable and converts them into parameters to be further processed, such as electrical signals, but also a respective sensor if necessary Downstream, mostly digital processing device, which performs a pre-evaluation and evaluation of the measured variable or the measured variables and thus derives from the respective physical input signals to be detected biometric features.

In a preferred embodiment of the interrogation system, the detection unit has the features of the detection device of claims 1 to 20 of the international patent publication WO 02/07106 A1 of the present Applicant for detecting further biometric features.

In the context of this application, "acquired biometric features" thus designate output data of a respective sensor (also the output data of a camera) of the detection unit, from which further biometric features of a person can be derived, such as e.g. the probable sex, the approximate age, the approximate size, etc. In this sense, for example, the creation of digital photographs of a person falls under "capturing biometric features".

In one embodiment of the interrogation system, the detection unit includes the possibly necessary post-processing of the sensor output data and for generating and

Classification of the person-specific pattern prefers a digital signal processor, such as an FPGA (Fieid Programmable Gate Array). Programs for analyzing and classifying biometric features are advantageously installed on the digital signal processor.

The detection unit generates the person-specific pattern in the form of data from the entirety of the acquired biometric features. The generation of the pattern, which is also referred to as a template in the following, can already consist in combining the entirety of all acquired biometric features, that is, in the combination of all available output data of the sensors in one file. The generated data record is thus directly assigned to the person. In another embodiment of the inventive questioning system, the generation of the person-specific pattern by the detection unit comprises further data-processing-related steps, such as data compression.

The person-specific patterns generated by different persons differ, in particular, when the registration unit records a multiplicity of biometric features. In order not to have to save a respective assigned questioning algorithm for each person-specific pattern, it makes sense to classify the person-specific pattern before selecting an algorithm.

The classification can be carried out according to the invention in various fine stages. The detection unit can be designed, for example, to classify the person-specific pattern "only" by gender of the respective person. Classification by gender means that person-specific patterns are assigned to the categories "male" or "female". In another embodiment of the questioning system, the detection unit is designed to classify according to at least one of the categories of sex, age group, emotional situation, position of the person in the monitored area and / or viewing direction and head rotation of the person.

On the basis of the selection of a questioning algorithm as a function of the person's biometric features, the questioning system can address the person individually and carry out a person-specific questioning. As a result, an increased level of personality is achieved, which increases the chances of a positive willingness of the person to participate in the survey. For example, the person can be addressed according to age and gender. In particular, it is advantageous that the person to be interviewed first does not have to manually enter person-specific data in the questionnaire system in order to be interviewed on a person-specific basis. Nevertheless, it is possible according to the invention and below shown in more detail to further customize the survey scheme in the course of the survey depending on the inputs of the person.

The output means of the questionnaire system are, for example, in the form of a loudspeaker, the input means for example in the form of a microphone. Both speaker and microphone are then connected to the computing unit, for example via a USB or Ethemetverbindung. On the arithmetic unit text-to-speech and speech-to-text programs are conveniently installed to control the input and output means. For example, such programs are already provided on a sound card in advance. In one embodiment of the survey system, the arithmetic unit includes such a sound card. Also conceivable are input means in the form of control switches.

In the context of this application, "query" means any type of information which is transmitted by the interrogation system to the person to be interrogated. For the purposes of this application, "input" means any information that is transmitted by the person to the survey system.

Hereinafter, further embodiments of the first aspect of the invention will be described. The various embodiments, including those already mentioned above, can be combined with each other to form further embodiments, unless they are described as alternatives to each other.

In one embodiment, the detection unit of the questionnaire system is designed to record selected biometric features of the person several times and to adapt the person-specific pattern in the form of data as a function of the biometric features of the person that have been recorded several times.

As a result, the information content of the person-specific pattern can be increased. For example, images are recorded by a 3D time-of-flight sensor and / or by an RGB camera of the detection unit for detecting a body or face structure of a person. Due to the movement of the person, these images can be captured in different perspectives by the multiple capture. Overall, the person-specific pattern receives a higher information content by adapting to these biometric features that have been recorded multiple times. As a result, in particular the accuracy of a later comparison of the person-specific pattern with already stored person-specific patterns is increased. In a preferred embodiment of the interrogation system, the detection unit is designed to detect a second object located within a second distance to the detection unit and to generate a data record with a count number for each detected second object, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, which the first object has to the registration unit.

This embodiment of the survey system allows the execution of a people count in addition to the survey. In particular, the questioning system is designed to count second objects also during the questioning of a person who represents the first object. For this purpose, the detection unit is suitably arranged spatially so that the person located within the first distance to the detection unit and participating in the survey does not prevent the detection unit from detecting a monitoring area between the first and the second distance.

For a variety of applications, this embodiment is advantageous. Consider, for example, a public transport system in which all passengers are to be counted continuously, as well as individual surveys are to be carried out. Furthermore, it is possible to make statistical surveys by counting, for example, the determination of the percentage of participants in the survey.

In another preferred embodiment of the interrogation system, the arithmetic unit is designed to store the person-specific patterns in a second memory and to compare them with previously stored person-specific patterns.

If the registration unit generates the person-specific pattern, then it transfers the person-specific pattern to the arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit always stores a person-specific pattern once in each case. The transferred person-specific pattern compares the arithmetic unit with already stored patterns. If the comparison is positive, i. If the transferred person-specific pattern substantially coincides with one of the already stored patterns, the arithmetic unit discards the generated person-specific pattern and does not save it again. The arithmetic unit then does not start the execution of a survey algorithm.

Preferably, the questioning system in this embodiment is thus designed to avoid a repeated questioning of the same person. In the case of a negative comparison, the arithmetic unit stores the person-specific pattern. After classification of the pattern by the detection unit, the arithmetic unit executes an interrogation algorithm assigned to the classified person-specific pattern.

Of course, the first and the second memory of the arithmetic unit can be integrated in a monolithic unit as well as spatially separated from each other.

In a further embodiment, the survey system expediently comprises output means and / or input means in the form of a monitor. The monitor is preferably touch-sensitive, so that the interviewee can make inputs via the monitor in the survey system. To control an image sequence on the monitor, the arithmetic unit comprises, for example, a graphics card.

In this embodiment, the arithmetic unit is suitably designed to animate an avatar parallel to the execution of the interrogation algorithm on the monitor.

Through the avatar, the questioning of the person gets again a more personal character, which further increases the chances of a positive willingness of the person to participate in the survey.

Preferably, the arithmetic unit of the interrogation system is designed to animate the avatar as a function of the biometric features detected by the registration unit and / or as a function of the person's inputs and / or as a function of the requests.

In this embodiment, the arithmetic unit animates the avatar so that the avatar responds according to the behavior of the interrogated person. The interviewee is thus given the impression of a real interpersonal communication. Also during the questioning of the person, the registration unit in this embodiment consequently acquires biometric features of the person and transmits them to the arithmetic unit.

In a further embodiment, the survey system expediently comprises the local giver, wherein the capturing unit is designed to supplement the respective data record with position data of the local giver. This embodiment is particularly suitable when the interrogation system is installed in mobile devices. Thus, it is possible, in addition to the inputs of the person and / or in addition to the count to capture position data, which is advantageous for many possible later statistical evaluations of the survey results.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the technical problem is solved for an operating method for an interactive survey system. The inventive sales method comprises the steps:

Detecting an object located within a first distance to a detection unit of the interrogation system;

- identifying the detected object as a person;

Capturing biometric features of the person;

Generating a person-specific pattern in the form of data from the acquired biometric features;

Classifying the personal pattern;

Selecting a survey algorithm associated with the classified person-specific pattern; and

Executing the interrogation algorithm by transmitting inquiries to the person with output means of the interrogation system and storing inputs of the person, which are detected by input means of the interrogation system.

The inventive method of the second aspect of the invention shares the advantages of the interrogation system of the first aspect of the invention and its embodiments mentioned herein.

Further advantages of the invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. Show it:

Fig. 1: A functional block diagram of a survey system according to the invention and 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a polling routine.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of a survey system according to the invention 100. It should be noted in advance that the spatial arrangement shown is unrelated to an actual geometric arrangement of the components of the survey system.

The survey system 100 comprises a detection unit 110 and a computing unit 120 in communication with the detection unit 110. The detection unit 110 is equipped with a sensor and a digital signal processor, such as an FPGA. The detection unit counts persons 180.1, 180.2 passing the detection unit at a certain second distance 180. From a person 190.1 who is within a first distance 190 from the detection unit, the sensor of the detection unit detects biometric features such as size, shape, facial features, etc.

From the acquired biometric features, the digital signal processor of the detection unit 110 generates a person-specific pattern in the form of data and passes this to the arithmetic unit 120. The arithmetic unit checks whether the pattern already exists. If this is the case, the arithmetic unit 120 does not store the transferred person-specific pattern again and does not execute a questioning algorithm. On the other hand, if the pattern has not yet been stored in the second memory, the pattern is classified. For this purpose, on the digital signal processor of the detection unit 110 is implemented a classification program which classifies the person-specific pattern according to at least one of the following categories: gender, age group, emotional situation, position of the person in the monitored area and viewing direction and head rotation of the person.

Connected to the computing unit is a loudspeaker 126 and a microphone 128. In both cases, the connection is provided, for example, by a USB connection or by an Ethernet connection. In addition, the arithmetic unit 120 is connected to a monitor 132. The monitor is preferably touch-sensitive, so that the interrogated person can make both inputs via the microphone 128 and via the touch-sensitive monitor 132. During execution of the interrogation algorithm, the arithmetic unit 120 animates an avatar on the monitor.

During the execution of the interrogation algorithm, the sensor of the detection unit 110 continuously acquires biometric features of the interrogated person and transmits data the arithmetic unit 120. The arithmetic unit 120 animates the avatar on the monitor 132 as a function of this transmitted data. The arithmetic unit 120 stores the input of the interrogated person 190.1 and transmits the end of the survey, the stored data to a not shown in Fig. 1 higher-level data processing system.

Optionally, the questionnaire system 100 includes a timer 122 and a local generator 124. The arithmetic unit 120 then stores the inputs of the person 190.1 questioned time and place.

2 shows the flowchart of a polling routine. Before the first use of the survey system, all entries of the second memory are deleted. From a person who occurs within a first distance to the detection unit, a pattern is generated (step 3).

It is then checked whether the generated personal pattern matches previously stored patterns. If so, the generated pattern is discarded again. In the opposite case, the person is classified according to sex, age and / or other categories. These classification characteristics of the pattern are recorded together with a time in a result file. Then the arithmetic unit selects a suitable interrogation algorithm and establishes a dialogue with the person. For this purpose, an avatar appears on the monitor and begins the actual dialogue. Queries from the survey system are answered by the person either verbally or by means of appropriate inputs on a touch-sensitive monitor. The inputs of the person are stored in connection with the respective inquiries, the respective time, possibly a respective place and possibly in connection with biometric characteristics of the person, during the questioning. After the end of the dialog, the result file is transferred to a higher-level processing unit for further processing. The system then changes to output status 2.

An exemplary dialog is described below:

An avatar appears on the monitor, for example in the form of a conductor. The dialogue begins with:

"Dear lady, we are conducting a survey on behalf of the railway company and I would like to ask you some questions." Do you agree? " The passenger - in this case the lady - can now answer "yes" or "no" and / or actuate a corresponding control switch and / or transmit his inputs via the touch-sensitive monitor.

If the interviewee shows readiness to participate in the survey, then further follows:

"Thank you for your support, which ticket did you choose?"

Answer of the questioned person: "I have chosen a Seniorenticket".

The keyword "Senior Ticket" is added to the result file.

Reaction of the survey system: "Where did you join?

Answer of the questioned person: "In Leipzig".

The keyword "Leipzig" is added to the result file.

Reaction of the survey system: "And where does your journey end?"

Answer of the interviewed person: "In Hannover".

The keyword "Hannover" is added to the result file.

Response of the survey system: "Thank you very much, I wish you a pleasant journey".

The result file then has the following content:

13:22:54 female ι> 70 Senior Ticket ι Leipzig Hannover

This file is forwarded to the higher-level data processing system. In addition to the survey results, the file also contains the biometric characteristics determined by the registration unit, here the characteristics "gender: female" and "age: greater than 70".

Claims

claims

1. Interactive Interrogation System (100), hereinafter called the Survey System, for the automatic conduct of a personal survey, comprising:

a detection unit (110) which is designed

a detected object located within a first distance (190) to the detection unit (110);

identify the detected object as a person (190.1);

to record biometric characteristics of the person (190.1);

classify the person-specific pattern;

a computing unit (120) in communication with the detection unit (110), which is designed

select a polling algorithm associated with the classified person-specific pattern from a plurality of polling algorithms stored in advance in a first memory of the arithmetic unit (120);

execute the selected interrogation algorithm, wherein output means (132, 126) of the interrogation system are adapted to submit inquiries directed to the person (190.1); and

Entries of the person (190.1) in the first memory of the arithmetic unit (120) to store, wherein input means (132, 128) of the survey system are adapted to capture the inputs of the person (190.1) and the arithmetic unit (120).

The interrogation system (100) of claim 1, wherein the detection unit (110) is adapted to detect selected biometric features of the subject (190.1) multiple times and to adapt the person-specific pattern in the form of data in dependence on the biometric features of the person repeatedly recorded.

3. Interrogation system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the detection unit (110) is additionally designed to detect a second object (180.1, 180.2) located within a second distance (180) relative to the detection unit and for each detected one second object (180.1, 180.2) each to generate a record with a count number, wherein the second distance (180) is greater than the first distance (190).

4. The questionnaire system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arithmetic unit (120) is adapted to store the person-specific pattern in a second memory and to compare with already stored person-specific patterns.

5. survey system (100) according to claim 4, which is designed to avoid a repeated survey of the same person.

6. The survey system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising output means and / or input means in the form of a monitor (132).

7. The questionnaire system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the arithmetic unit (120) is configured to animate an avatar in parallel with the execution of the interrogation algorithm on the monitor (132).

The questionnaire (100) according to claim 7, wherein the arithmetic unit (120) is configured to design the avatar as a function of the biometric features detected by the detection unit (110) and / or in dependence on the inputs of the person (190.1) and / or in To animate dependency of requests.

9. survey system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a local encoder (124), wherein the detection unit (110) is adapted to supplement the respective data set with position data of the local encoder (124).

10. Operating procedure for an interactive survey system, comprising the steps:

Identifying the detected object as a person;

- capturing biometric features of the person;

Classifying the personal pattern;