Notification system, notification method, server device, and speech device

Abstract

A server device (6) is provided with: a communication unit (18) that transmits at least a portion of sound source data to a speech device (8) before an event occurs in an information source device (4); a determination unit (24) that determines that an event has occurred in the information source device (4) on the basis of an operation log from the information source device (4); and an instruction unit (26) that, when the determination unit (24) determines that the event has occurred in the information source device (4), instructs the speech device (8) via the communication unit (18) to reproduce at least a portion of the sound source data. A speech device (8) is provided with: a communication unit (28) that receives at least a portion of sound source data from a server device (6); a storage unit (30) that stores at least a portion of the sound source data received by the communication unit (28); and a reproduction unit (32) that reproduces at least a portion of the sound source data stored in the storage unit (30) on the basis of an instruction from an instruction unit (26) of the server device (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification system, a notification method, a server device and a speaking device. Background Art

[0002] There is known a speech device having a speech function of emitting speech by reproducing sound source data (for example, see Patent Document 1). Whenever an event occurs in an information source device, this speech device emits speech for notifying the user of the occurrence of the event. Thus, the user recognizes that an event has occurred in the information source device.

[0003] (Prior art literature)

[0004] (Patent Document)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-46424 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a notification system, a notification method, a server device, and a speaker that can shorten the time lag from when an event occurs in an information source device to when a speaker device reproduces sound source data for notifying the occurrence of the event.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] The notification system involved in the present disclosure is a notification system comprising an information source device, a speech device and a server device, wherein the speech device is a speech device capable of emitting voice, and the server device is a server device capable of communicating with the information source device and the speech device respectively via a network, wherein the information source device has a first communication unit, and the first communication unit sends a work log showing the work history of the information source device to the server device, and the server device has: a second communication unit, which (i) receives the work log from the information source device, and (ii) sends at least a part of the sound source data to the speech device before an event occurs in the information source device, and the sound source data is used to send the sound source data to the speech device in the form of voice. to notify data that an event has occurred in an information source device; a judgment unit, based on a work log, judging that an event has occurred in the information source device; and an indication unit, when the judgment unit judges that an event has occurred in the information source device, instructs a speaking device via a second communication unit to reproduce at least a portion of the sound source data, wherein the speaking device comprises: a third communication unit, receiving at least a portion of the sound source data from a server device; a storage unit, storing at least a portion of the sound source data received by the third communication unit; and a reproduction unit, based on an instruction from the indication unit of the server device, reproducing at least a portion of the sound source data stored in the storage unit.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] The notification system and the like in the present disclosure can shorten the time lag from the occurrence of an event in an information source device to the reproduction of sound source data for notifying the occurrence of the event by a speaker device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an overview of a notification system according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the notification system according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the first operation of the notification system according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the first operation of the notification system involved in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the second operation of the notification system according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the second operation of the notification system involved in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] (Insights that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0019] The present inventors have found that the following problems occur with respect to the conventional technology described in the “Background Art” section.

[0020] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the speaker device downloads the sound source data for notifying the user of the occurrence of the event from the server device every time an event occurs in the information source device, and reproduces the sound source data after the download is completed. However, since the download takes time, the time lag from the occurrence of the event in the information source device to the actual reproduction of the sound source data by the speaker device becomes long, so it is difficult to notify the user of the occurrence of the event in real time.

[0021] Therefore, as a result of repeated and careful discussions, the inventors proposed a notification system, notification method, server device and speaking device that can shorten the time lag from the occurrence of an event in an information source device to the reproduction of sound source data for notifying the occurrence of the event by a speaking device.

[0022] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, sometimes more detailed descriptions than necessary are omitted. For example, there are cases where detailed descriptions of well-known matters are omitted or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are omitted. This is to avoid the following description from being unnecessarily lengthy and to enable those skilled in the art to easily understand.

[0023] In addition, the present inventors provide the drawings and the following descriptions for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and the intent is not to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0024] (Implementation Method)

[0025] The following reference Figures 1 to 6 The implementation method will be described.

[0026] [1. Overview of the notification system]

[0027] First, refer to Figure 1 The outline of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the notification system 2 includes an information source device 4, a server device 6, and a speaker device 8. The information source device 4, the server device 6, and the speaker device 8 can communicate with each other via a network 10. The network 10 is, for example, the Internet. The information source device 4 and the speaker device 8 are installed in, for example, a home 14 of a user 12.

[0029] The information source device 4 is a household appliance operated by the user 12, such as a washing machine. When the information source device 4 is working, the information source device 4 sends a work log showing the work history of the information source device 4 to the server device 6. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the information source device 4 is a washing machine is described, but it is not limited to this, and it can also be any household appliance such as a television or an air conditioner, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a rice cooker, an autonomous robot vacuum cleaner, an air purifier, etc.

[0030] The server device 6 is a cloud server for controlling the speech content of the speech device 8. Before an event (for example, "washing is finished") occurs in the information source device 4, the server device 6 sends at least a part of the sound source data to the speech device 8, and the sound source data is sound source data used to notify the occurrence of an event in the information source device 4 by voice. The sound source data is, for example, sound source data of speech content such as "washing is finished." In addition, in this specification, "event" refers to work performed in the information source device 4, or a change in the state of the information source device 4. And, when an event occurs in the information source device 4, the server device 6 instructs the speech device 8 to reproduce at least a part of the sound source data.

[0031] The speaking device 8 is operated by the user 12 and has a speaker 34 (see Figure 2 ) household appliance. Specifically, the speaking device 8 is a household appliance having a speaking function of emitting voice from a speaker 34, such as a desktop, wall-mounted or mobile television. Before an event occurs in the information source device 4, the speaking device 8 pre-stores at least a portion of the sound source data from the server device 6, and reproduces at least a portion of the stored sound source data based on an instruction from the server device 6. Accordingly, the speaking device 8 emits a voice with a speech content such as "The washing is over.", so that the user 12 can recognize that an event has occurred in the information source device 4. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the speaking device 8 is a television is described, but it is not limited to this. The speaking device 8 can also be any household appliance equipped with a speaker, such as an autonomous robot vacuum cleaner or ceiling lamp, an intercom doorbell sub-machine (so-called smart doorbell), etc.

[0032] [2. Functional structure of notification system]

[0033] Next, refer to Figure 2 The functional configuration of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the information source device 4 has a communication unit 16 (an example of a first communication unit) as a functional structure. The communication unit 16 communicates with the information source device 4 via the network 10 (see Figure 1 ) sends a work log showing the work history of the information source device 4 to the server device 6.

[0035] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the server device 6 includes a communication unit 18 (an example of a second communication unit), a storage unit 20, a prediction unit 22, a determination unit 24, and an instruction unit 26 as functional components.

[0036] The communication unit 18 transmits and receives various data and the like to and from the information source device 4 and the speaker device 8 via the network 10. Specifically, the communication unit 18 receives a work log from the information source device 4. Furthermore, before an event occurs in the information source device 4, the communication unit 18 transmits at least a portion of the sound source data stored in the storage unit 20 to the speaker device 8.

[0037] The storage unit 20 is a memory for storing sound source data for notifying, by voice, that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 .

[0038] The prediction unit 22 predicts the timing at which an event will occur in the information source device 4 based on the work log received by the communication unit 18 .

[0039] The determination unit 24 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 based on the job log received by the communication unit 18 .

[0040] When the determination unit 24 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 , the instruction unit 26 instructs the speaker device 8 via the communication unit 18 to reproduce at least a part of the sound source data.

[0041] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the speaker 8 includes a communication unit 28 (an example of a third communication unit), a storage unit 30, a playback unit 32, and a speaker 34 as functional components.

[0042] The communication unit 28 transmits and receives various data and the like to and from the server device 6 via the network 10 . Specifically, the communication unit 28 receives at least a portion of the sound source data from the server device 6 , and causes the storage unit 30 to store at least a portion of the received sound source data.

[0043] The storage unit 30 is a memory that stores at least a part of the sound source data received by the communication unit 28 .

[0044] The reproduction unit 32 reads and reproduces at least a portion of the sound source data pre-stored in the storage unit 30 based on an instruction from the server device 6. After reproducing at least a portion of the sound source data, the reproduction unit 32 deletes (erase) at least a portion of the sound source data.

[0045] The speaker 34 outputs the notification content indicated by at least a part of the sound source data reproduced by the reproduction unit 32 in the form of voice.

[0046] [3. Operation of notification system]

[0047] [3-1. First operation of the notification system]

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4A first operation of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the first operation of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first operation of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, first, washing starts in the information source device 4 (S101). Next, while the information source device 4 is performing the washing operation, the communication unit 16 of the information source device 4 sends a work log showing the work history of the information source device 4 to the server device 6 (S102). Figure 4 As shown, in the information source device 4, whenever each task such as "start of washing", "washing process", "water rinse process", ..., "spinning process" and "end of washing" is performed, the communication unit 16 of the information source device 4 sends a work log showing that each task has been performed to the server device 6.

[0050] Next, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 receives the operation log from the information source device 4 (S103). Next, the prediction unit 22 of the server device 6 predicts the timing of the event (e.g., "washing is completed") occurring in the information source device 4 based on the operation log received by the communication unit 18 (S104). At this time, the prediction unit 22 has grasped the time required for each process from the start of washing to the completion of washing. Therefore, for example, if the operation log received by the communication unit 18 shows the operation history of the "water washing process", the prediction unit 22 predicts that the washing will be completed 20 minutes from the current time based on the time required for each process after the water washing process.

[0051] Next, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 reads the sound source data for notifying that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 by voice from the storage unit 20 before the timing predicted by the prediction unit 22, and sends the read sound source data to the speech device 8 (S105). For example, the communication unit 18 sends the sound source data to the speech device 8 5 minutes before the timing predicted by the prediction unit 22 (during the dehydration process). Here, the sound source data sent by the communication unit 18 is, for example, the entirety of the sound source data showing the speech content such as "Washing is finished."

[0052] Next, the communication unit 28 of the speaker 8 receives the sound source data from the server device 6 (S106), and stores the received sound source data in the storage unit 30 (S107). That is, the sound source data is stored in the storage unit 30 before an event occurs in the information source device 4.

[0053] After that, washing is completed in the information source device 4, and an event occurs (S108). The communication unit 16 of the information source device 4 transmits a work log indicating that washing is completed to the server device 6 (S109).

[0054] Next, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 receives the operation log from the information source device 4 (S110). Next, the determination unit 24 of the server device 6 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 based on the operation log received by the communication unit 18 (S111).

[0055] Next, the instruction unit 26 of the server device 6 instructs the speaker device 8 to reproduce the sound source data via the communication unit 18 when the determination unit 24 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 ( S112 ).

[0056] Next, the communication unit 28 of the speech device 8 outputs the instruction from the server device 6 to the reproduction unit 32. Based on the instruction from the server device 6, the reproduction unit 32 of the speech device 8 reads out the sound source data pre-stored in the storage unit 30 and reproduces it (S113). Figure 4 As shown, the speech device 8 immediately reproduces the sound source data showing speech contents such as "The washing is finished." after the timing of the event occurring in the information source device 4.

[0057] [3-2. Second operation of notification system]

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The second operation of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 5 It is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the second operation of the notification system 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the second operation of the notification system 2 involved in the embodiment.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, when the server device 6 and the speaker device 8 are connected for the first time, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 reads a part of the sound source data for notifying by voice that an event (e.g., "operation abnormality") has occurred in the information source device 4 from the storage unit 20, and sends the part of the read sound source data to the speaker device 8 (S201). In addition, "first connection" means that the speaker device 8 and the server device are connected for the first time via the network 106 after the speaker device 8 is set.

[0060] Here, for example, when the speech content indicated by the sound source data is "An abnormality has occurred in the washing machine. Inspection is required. Confirm the displayed content, unplug the power plug, and contact the store where the product was purchased.", the speech content indicated by a part of the sound source data sent by the communication unit 18 becomes "An abnormality has occurred in the washing machine. Inspection is required. Confirm the displayed content."

[0061] Next, the communication unit 28 of the speaker 8 receives part of the sound source data from the server device 6 (S202), and stores the received part of the sound source data in the storage unit 30 (S203). That is, before an event occurs in the information source device 4, part of the sound source data is stored in the storage unit 30 in advance.

[0062] Afterwards, a work abnormality occurs in the information source device 4, that is, an event occurs (S204). Figure 6 As shown, the communication unit 16 of the information source device 4 transmits the operation log indicating that the operation abnormality has occurred to the server device 6 (S205).

[0063] Next, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 receives the operation log from the information source device 4 (S206). Next, the determination unit 24 of the server device 6 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 based on the operation log received by the communication unit 18 (S207).

[0064] Next, the instruction unit 26 of the server device 6 instructs the speaker device 8 to reproduce the sound source data via the communication unit 18 when the determination unit 24 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 ( S208 ).

[0065] Next, the communication unit 28 of the speaker 8 outputs the instruction from the server device 6 to the reproduction unit 32. Based on the instruction from the server device 6, the reproduction unit 32 of the speaker 8 reads out a part of the sound source data pre-stored in the storage unit 30 and reproduces it (S209).

[0066] In this way, Figure 6 As shown, the speech device 8 starts to reproduce a part of the sound source data showing speech contents such as "An abnormality has occurred in the washing machine. Inspection is required. Confirm the displayed contents," when an event occurs in the information source device 4.

[0067] While the speech device 8 is reproducing a part of the sound source data, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 reads out the remaining part of the sound source data from the storage unit 20, and transmits the remaining part of the read sound source data to the speech device 8 (S210). For example, the speech content indicated by the remaining part of the sound source data transmitted by the communication unit 18 is "Unplug the power plug and contact the store where you purchased the product."

[0068] Next, the communication unit 28 of the speaker 8 receives the remaining part of the sound source data from the server device 6, and the reproduction unit 32 of the speaker 8 performs streaming reproduction of the remaining part of the sound source data received by the communication unit 28 (S211).

[0069] In this way, Figure 6 As shown, when an event occurs in the information source device 4, the speech device 8 immediately reproduces a portion of the sound source data indicating speech content such as "An abnormality has occurred in the washing machine. Inspection is required. Confirm the displayed content" stored in advance in the storage unit 30. Then, the speech device 8 stream-reproduces the remaining portion of the sound source data indicating speech content such as "Unplug the power plug and contact the store where the product was purchased."

[0070] In addition, the server device 6 can compare the delay time from the occurrence of an event in the information source device 4 to the reproduction of the sound source data by the speech device 8 with the speech time (in seconds) of the sound source data stored in the storage unit 20, thereby determining whether to transmit a part of the sound source data or the entire sound source data in step S201. For example, when the delay time is less than the speech time of the sound source data, the server device 6 determines to transmit a part of the sound source data in step S201. On the contrary, when the delay time is greater than the speech time of the sound source data, the server device 6 determines to transmit the entire sound source data in step S201.

[0071] [4. Effect]

[0072] The notification system 2 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system including an information source device 4, a speaker device 8 capable of emitting voice, and a server device 6 capable of communicating with the information source device 4 and the speaker device 8 via a network 10. The information source device 4 includes a communication unit 16 that transmits a work log showing the work history of the information source device 4 to the server device 6. The server device 6 includes: a communication unit 18 that (i) receives the work log from the information source device 4, and (ii) transmits at least a portion of sound source data to the speaker device 8 before an event occurs in the information source device 4, the sound source data being data for notifying that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 by voice; a determination unit 24 that determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 based on the work log; and an instruction unit 26 that instructs the speaker device 8 to reproduce at least a portion of the sound source data via the communication unit 18 when the determination unit 24 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4. The speaking device 8 has: a communication unit 28 for receiving at least a portion of the sound source data from the server device 6; a storage unit 30 for storing at least a portion of the sound source data received by the communication unit 28; and a reproduction unit 32 for reproducing at least a portion of the sound source data stored in the storage unit 30 based on an instruction from the instruction unit 26 of the server device 6.

[0073] According to this, before an event occurs in the information source device 4, at least a part of the sound source data for notifying the occurrence of the event by voice is stored in the storage unit 30 of the speaker 8 in advance. In this way, the reproduction unit 32 of the speaker 8 reproduces at least a part of the sound source data stored in the storage unit 30 immediately after the event occurs in the information source device 4. As a result, the time lag from the occurrence of the event in the information source device 4 to the reproduction of the sound source data by the reproduction unit 32 of the speaker 8 can be shortened.

[0074] Furthermore, in the notification system 2 involved in the second aspect of the present disclosure, according to the first aspect, the server device 6 further includes a prediction unit 22 that predicts the timing of an event occurring in the information source device 4 based on the work log. The communication unit 18 of the server device 6 sends the sound source data to the speech device 8 before the timing predicted by the prediction unit 22. The communication unit 28 of the speech device 8 receives the sound source data from the server device 6. The storage unit 30 of the speech device 8 stores the sound source data received by the communication unit 28. The reproduction unit 32 of the speech device 8 reproduces the sound source data stored in the storage unit 30 based on the instruction from the instruction unit 26 of the server device 6.

[0075] According to this, the prediction unit 22 predicts the timing of occurrence of an event in the information source device 4, and thus the sound source data can be easily stored in the storage unit 30 of the speaker device 8 before the event occurs in the information source device 4.

[0076] Furthermore, in the notification system 2 according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, according to the first aspect, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 transmits a part of the sound source data to the speaker device 8 before the event occurs in the information source device 4. The communication unit 28 of the speaker device 8 receives a part of the sound source data from the server device 6. The storage unit 30 of the speaker device 8 stores the part of the sound source data received by the communication unit 28. When the determination unit 24 of the server device 6 determines that the event has occurred in the information source device 4, (i) the instruction unit 26 of the server device 6 instructs the speaker device 8 to reproduce the sound source data via the communication unit 18, and (ii) the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 transmits the remaining part of the sound source data to the speaker device 8. The reproduction unit 32 of the speaker device 8 reproduces a part of the sound source data stored in the storage unit 20 based on the instruction from the instruction unit 26 of the server device 6. The communication unit 28 of the speaker device 8 starts receiving the remaining part of the sound source data from the server device 6 while the part of the sound source data is being reproduced. After reproducing a part of the sound source data, the reproduction unit 32 of the speaker 8 then performs streaming reproduction of the remaining part of the sound source data received by the communication unit 28 .

[0077] According to this, when an event occurs in the information source device 4, the reproduction unit 32 of the speech device 8 immediately reproduces a part of the sound source data pre-stored in the storage unit 30, and then streams the remaining part of the sound source data from the server device 6. In this way, when it takes a relatively long time to reproduce the entire sound source data, the resources of the storage unit 30 can be saved and the sound source data can be reproduced smoothly.

[0078] Furthermore, in the notification system 2 according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the sound source data stored in the storage unit 30 of the speaking device 8 is deleted after being reproduced by the reproduction unit 32 of the speaking device 8 according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0079] This makes it possible to save resources of the storage unit 30 .

[0080] The notification method according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification method in a notification system 2 including an information source device 4 , a speaker device 8 capable of emitting voice, and a server device 6 capable of communicating with the information source device 4 and the speaker device 8 via a network 10 . The notification method includes the following steps: (a) the information source device 4 sends a work log showing the work history of the information source device 4 to the server device 6; (b) the server device 6 receives the work log from the information source device 4; (c) the server device 6 sends at least a part of the sound source data to the speech device 8 before an event occurs in the information source device 4, the sound source data being data used to notify the occurrence of an event in the information source device 4 by voice; (d) the speech device 8 receives at least a part of the sound source data from the server device 6; (e) the speech device 8 stores at least a part of the sound source data received in the above (d) in the storage unit 30; (f) the server device 6 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 based on the work log received in the above (b); (g) when the server device 6 determines that an event has occurred in the information source device in the above (f), the speech device 8 instructs the speech device 8 to reproduce at least a part of the sound source data; and (h) the speech device 8 reproduces at least a part of the sound source data stored in the storage unit 30 based on the instruction from the server device 6.

[0081] According to this, in the same manner as described above, the time lag from the occurrence of an event in the information source device 4 to the reproduction of the sound source data by the speaker device 8 can be shortened.

[0082] The server device 6 involved in the sixth mode of the present disclosure is a server device that can communicate with the information source device 4 and the speech device 8 respectively via the network 10, and the speech device 8 is a speech device that can emit voice. The server device 6 includes: (i) a work log that receives from the information source device 4 a work history of the information source device 4, (ii) a communication unit 18 that sends at least a part of the sound source data to the speech device 8 before an event occurs in the information source device 4, the sound source data being data used to notify the occurrence of an event in the information source device 4 by voice; a judgment unit 24 that judges that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 based on the work log; and an instruction unit 26 that instructs the speech device 8 to reproduce at least a part of the sound source data via the communication unit 18 when the judgment unit 24 judges that an event has occurred in the information source device 4.

[0083] According to this, in the same manner as described above, the time lag from the occurrence of an event in the information source device 4 to the reproduction of the sound source data by the speaker device 8 can be shortened.

[0084] The speech device 8 involved in the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a speech device that can emit voice and can communicate with the server device 6 via the network 10. The speech device 8 includes: a communication unit 28 that receives at least a part of the sound source data from the server device 6 before an event occurs in the information source device 4, the sound source data being data for notifying the occurrence of an event in the information source device 4 by voice; a storage unit 30 that stores at least a part of the sound source data received by the communication unit 28; and a reproduction unit 32 that reproduces at least a part of the sound source data stored in the storage unit 30 based on an instruction from the server device 6 when an event occurs in the information source device 4.

[0085] According to this, similarly to the above, the time lag from the occurrence of an event in the information source device 4 to the reproduction of the sound source data by the reproduction unit 32 can be shortened.

[0086] (Variation examples, etc.)

[0087] As described above, the above-mentioned embodiments are described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and is also applicable to embodiments in which appropriate changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are performed. In addition, the various components described in the above-mentioned embodiments can also be combined to be used as new embodiments.

[0088] Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0089] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the information source device 4 and the speaker device 8 are different devices, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the information source device 4 and the speaker device 8 may be the same device.

[0090] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, each component can be formed by dedicated hardware, or can be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component can be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor, which reads and executes a software program recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0091] Furthermore, part or all of the functions of the notification system 2 according to the above-described embodiments may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0092] As described above, the embodiments are described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and the drawings and detailed description are provided for this purpose.

[0093] Therefore, the components described in the drawings and detailed descriptions include not only components that are necessary to solve the problem, but also components that are used to illustrate the above technology but are not necessary to solve the problem. Therefore, those non-essential components cannot be directly identified as essential components just because they are described in the drawings and detailed descriptions.

[0094] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment is a mode for illustrating the technology of the present disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or the scope equivalent thereto.

[0095] Industrial Applicability

[0096] The present disclosure can be applied as, for example, a notification system or the like in which, whenever an event occurs in an information source device, a speaker device notifies a user of the occurrence of the event by voice.

[0097] Explanation of symbols

[0098] 2 Notification System

[0099] 4 Information source equipment

[0100] 6 Server Device

[0101] 8 Speech Devices

[0102] 10 Network

[0103] 12 users

[0104] 14 Home

[0105] 16,18,28 Ministry of Communications

[0106] 20,30 Storage

[0107] 22 Forecasting Department

[0108] 24 Judgment Department

[0109] 26 Instruction Department

[0110] 32 Recapitulation

[0111] 34 Speakers

Claims

1. A notification system comprising an information source device, a speaker device, and a server device, wherein the speaker device is a speaker device capable of emitting voice, and the server device is a server device capable of communicating with the information source device and the speaker device via a network, The information source device includes a first communication unit, and the first communication unit transmits a work log showing a work history of the information source device to the server device. The server device comprises: A second communication unit (i) receives the work log from the information source device, and (ii) sends at least a portion of sound source data to the speech device before an event occurs in the information source device, the sound source data being data for notifying by voice that the event has occurred in the information source device; A determination unit, which determines, based on the work log, that the event has occurred in the information source device; as well as an instruction unit that, when the determination unit determines that the event has occurred in the information source device, instructs the speaker device via the second communication unit to reproduce at least a portion of the sound source data; The speaking device has: a third communication unit for receiving at least a portion of the sound source data from the server device; a storage unit for storing at least a portion of the sound source data received by the third communication unit; as well as The reproduction unit reproduces at least a part of the sound source data stored in the storage unit based on the instruction from the instruction unit of the server device.

2. The notification system according to claim 1, The server device further includes a prediction unit that predicts the timing of occurrence of the event in the information source device based on the work log. The second communication unit of the server device transmits the sound source data to the speaker before the timing predicted by the prediction unit. The third communication unit of the speaking device receives the sound source data from the server device. The storage unit of the speaking device stores the sound source data received by the third communication unit, The reproducing unit of the speaking device reproduces the sound source data stored in the storage unit based on the instruction from the instruction unit of the server device.

3. The notification system according to claim 1, The second communication unit of the server device transmits a part of the sound source data to the speaker device before the event occurs in the information source device. The third communication unit of the speaking device receives a part of the sound source data from the server device. The storage unit of the speaking device stores a part of the sound source data received by the third communication unit, When the determination unit of the server device determines that the event has occurred in the information source device, (i) the instruction unit of the server device instructs the speech device to reproduce the sound source data via the second communication unit, and (ii) the second communication unit of the server device sends a remaining part of the sound source data to the speech device. The reproducing unit of the speaking device reproduces a part of the sound source data stored in the storage unit based on the instruction from the instruction unit of the server device. The third communication unit of the speaker starts receiving the remaining part of the sound source data from the server device while a part of the sound source data is being reproduced. The reproduction unit of the speaking device reproduces a part of the sound source data and then performs streaming reproduction of the remaining part of the sound source data received by the third communication unit.

4. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, At least a part of the sound source data stored in the storage unit of the speaker device is deleted after being reproduced by the reproduction unit of the speaker device.

5. A notification method, a notification method in a notification system, the notification system comprising an information source device, a speaker device capable of emitting voice, and a server device capable of communicating with the information source device and the speaker device via a network, The notification method comprises the following steps: (a) the information source device sends a work log showing the work history of the information source device to the server device; (b) the server device receiving the work log from the information source device; (c) the server device sending at least a portion of sound source data to the speech device before an event occurs in the information source device, the sound source data being data for notifying by voice that the event has occurred in the information source device; (d) the step of the speaking device receiving at least a portion of the sound source data from the server device; (e) the speaking device causing at least a portion of the sound source data received in (d) to be stored in a storage unit; (f) the server device determines that the event has occurred in the information source device based on the work log received in (b); (g) when the server device determines in (f) that the event has occurred in the information source device, the server device instructs the speaker device to reproduce at least a portion of the sound source data; and (h) A step in which the speaker reproduces at least a portion of the sound source data stored in the storage unit based on an instruction from the server device.

6. A server device capable of communicating with an information source device and a speaker device via a network, wherein the speaker device is a speaker device capable of emitting voice, The server device comprises: A communication unit, (i) receiving a work log showing a work history of the information source device from the information source device, and (ii) sending at least a portion of sound source data to the speech device before an event occurs in the information source device, the sound source data being data for notifying by voice that the event has occurred in the information source device; A determination unit, which determines, based on the work log, that the event has occurred in the information source device; as well as The instructing unit instructs the speaker device to reproduce at least a part of the sound source data via the communication unit when the determining unit determines that the event has occurred in the information source device.

7. A speaking device capable of emitting voice and communicating with a server device via a network, The speaking device has: a communication unit that receives at least a portion of sound source data from the server device before an event occurs in the information source device, the sound source data being data for notifying by voice that the event has occurred in the information source device; a storage unit for storing at least a portion of the sound source data received by the communication unit; as well as The reproduction unit reproduces at least a part of the sound source data stored in the storage unit based on an instruction from the server device when the event occurs in the information source device.

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