Notification system, notification method, server device, and apparatus

Abstract

A notification system (2) is provided with a speech device (8) operated by a user (12), and a server device (6) capable of communicating with the speech device (8) via a network (10). The server device (6) has a communication unit (18) that transmits the sound source data to the speech device (8). The speech device (8) has a communication unit (30) that receives the sound source data from the server device (6), and a reproduction unit (36) that reproduces the sound source data received by the communication unit (30). When sound source data is not reproduced for a predetermined period of time, a reproduction unit (36) of the speech device (8) reproduces specific sound source data for notifying the user (12) of predetermined content, upon the speech device (8) being operated by the user (12) or the user (12) approaching the speech device (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification system, a notification method, a server device, and a 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 downloads sound source data for notifying a user of the occurrence of the event from a server device and reproduces the downloaded sound source data. 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 device that can make a user aware that a device is in a state where it cannot reproduce sound source data.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] The notification system involved in the present disclosure is a notification system comprising a device and a server device, wherein the device is a device operated by a user, and the server device is a server device capable of communicating with the device via a network, the server device having a first communication unit, the first communication unit sending sound source data to the device, and the device having: a second communication unit receiving sound source data from the server device; and a reproduction unit reproducing the sound source data received by the second communication unit, wherein the reproduction unit of the device reproduces specific sound source data when the device is operated by a user or the user approaches the device if the sound source data is not reproduced within a specified period of time. The specific sound source data is sound source data used to notify the user of specified content.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] Through the notification system and the like in the present disclosure, it is possible to make the user aware that the device is in a state where it cannot reproduce the sound source data. 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 2This 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 inventors of the present invention 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, if the speaking device is unable to reproduce the sound source data for some reason but the main function of the speaking device can still be used, there will be a problem that the user does not notice that the speaking device is unable to reproduce the sound source data.

[0021] Therefore, as a result of repeated and careful discussions, the inventors have proposed a notification system, notification method, server device and device that can make the user aware that the device is in a state where it cannot reproduce the sound source data.

[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 and 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, an external information source 5, a server device 6, and a speaker device 8 (an example of a device). The information source device 4, the external information source 5, 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. In addition, 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. Whenever an event (e.g., "washing completed") occurs in the information source device 4, the information source device 4 sends a work log showing the event 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, an air conditioner, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a rice cooker, an autonomous robot vacuum cleaner, an air purifier, etc.

[0030] The external information source 5 is an information source (server or the like) that provides information on services that are not directly related to the speaker device 8, for example, information on weather information or delivery information of express delivery.

[0031] The server device 6 is a cloud server for controlling the speech content of the speech device 8. When receiving the work log from the information source device 4, the server device 6 sends the sound source data of the speech content (for example, "The washing is finished") corresponding to the work log to the speech device 8. In addition, the server device 6 can set the speech content of the speech device 8 based on the information obtained from the external information source 5.

[0032] The speaking device 8 is operated by the user 12 and has a speaker 38 (see Figure 2) household appliance. Specifically, the speaking device 8 is a household appliance having a speaking function of emitting voice from a speaker 38, such as a desktop, wall-mounted or mobile television. Whenever the speaking device 8 receives sound source data from the server device 6, it reproduces the received sound source data to emit a voice (for example, a voice with a speech content such as "The washing is over."). Based on this, 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.

[0033] [2. Functional structure of notification system]

[0034] 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.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the information source device 4 has a communication unit 16 as a functional structure. Whenever an event occurs in the information source device 4, the communication unit 16 transmits a work log indicating the event to the server device 6.

[0036] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the server device 6 includes a communication unit 18 (an example of a second communication unit), an acquisition unit 20, a reception unit 22, a storage unit 24, a determination unit 26, and a sound source data extraction unit 28 as functional components.

[0037] The communication unit 18 transmits and receives various data to and from the information source device 4 and the speaker device 8. Specifically, the communication unit 18 receives the work log from the information source device 4. Furthermore, the communication unit 18 transmits the sound source data extracted by the sound source data extraction unit 28 to the speaker device 8.

[0038] The acquisition unit 20 acquires the work log received by the communication unit 18 , and outputs the acquired work log to the sound source data extraction unit 28 .

[0039] The receiving unit 22 receives the settings for the reproduction of the sound source data (hereinafter referred to as "reproduction settings") made by the user 12 via the communication unit 18, and outputs the contents of the received reproduction settings to the sound source data extraction unit 28. Here, the "settings for the reproduction of the sound source data" refer to, for example, the content data (content) of the speech of the speaker 8, the timing of the speech of the speaker 8, and the like. For example, the user 12 selects "weather forecast" as the content data of the speech of the speaker 8 and "8:00 a.m. every day" as the timing of the speech of the speaker 8 by operating the speaker 8 or a portable terminal (not shown) such as a smartphone. When the user 12 makes such reproduction settings, the communication unit 18 obtains the sound source data of the content data of the weather forecast from the external information source 5, for example, and stores the obtained sound source data of the content data of the weather forecast in the storage unit 24. Then, the communication unit 18 transmits the sound source data of the content data of the weather forecast stored in the storage unit 24 to the speaker 8. As a result, the sound source data of the content data of the weather forecast is reproduced at 8:00 a.m. every day in the speaker 8.

[0040] The storage unit 24 is a memory for storing various sound source data. Specifically, the storage unit 24 stores, for example, the following data (a) to (d): (a) sound source data for notifying the user 12 that an event has occurred in the information source device 4 (hereinafter, also referred to as "sound source data for notifying an event"), (b) sound source data for notifying the user 12 of content data for which playback settings have been made (hereinafter, also referred to as "sound source data for notifying content data"), (c) sound source data for notifying the user 12 that a communication anomaly (an example of prescribed content) has occurred in the communication between the server device 6 and the speaker 8 (hereinafter, also referred to as "sound source data for notifying communication anomaly") (an example of specific sound source data), and (d) sound source data for notifying and urging the user 12 to reset the content of the playback settings (an example of prescribed content) (hereinafter, also referred to as "sound source data for notifying resetting") (an example of specific sound source data). In addition, the sound source data for notifying content data is obtained by the communication unit 18, for example, from the external information source 5, and stored in the storage unit 24.

[0041] Furthermore, the storage unit 24 stores speech performance information which is information showing the speech performance of the speech device 8 (ie, the reproduction performance of the sound source data in the speech device 8) generated based on the extraction result of the sound source data extraction unit 28 described later.

[0042] The determination unit 26 determines the speaker 8 that has not reproduced the sound source data for a predetermined period (for example, one month) due to the content of the reproduction setting accepted by the receiving unit 22 by referring to the speech performance information stored in the storage unit 24. For example, when the user 12 does not select any content data spoken by the speaker 8 through the reproduction setting, the sound source data for notifying the content data is not reproduced in the speaker 8. In this case, the determination unit 26 determines the speaker 8 that has not reproduced the sound source data for notifying the content data for a predetermined period, and adds the determined speaker 8 to the candidate list. In addition, the determination unit 26 may determine the speaker 8 that has not reproduced the sound source data for a predetermined period at a predetermined period (for example, every hour). In addition, "due to the content of the reproduction setting accepted by the receiving unit 22" is set to exclude the case where the user 12 intentionally turns off the sound notification in the speaker 8.

[0043] The sound source data extraction unit 28 extracts the sound source data for notifying the event corresponding to the work log from the acquisition unit 20 from the storage unit 24. For example, when the acquisition unit 20 obtains a work log indicating an event such as "washing is completed", the sound source data extraction unit 28 extracts the sound source data for notifying the event with the speech content such as "washing is completed" corresponding to the work log from the storage unit 24.

[0044] Furthermore, the sound source data extraction unit 28 extracts the sound source data for notifying the content data corresponding to the reproduction setting from the storage unit 24 based on the content of the reproduction setting accepted by the acceptance unit 22. For example, when the user 12 selects the reproduction setting of "weather forecast" as the content data of the speech of the speech device 8, the sound source data extraction unit 28 extracts the sound source data for notifying the content data of the speech content related to the weather forecast from the storage unit 24.

[0045] Furthermore, the sound source data extraction unit 28 extracts the sound source data for notifying the abnormal communication, such as the speech content "Please confirm the connection status of the network." from the storage unit 24 when the server device 6 is connected to the speaker device 8 for the first time. In addition, "the first connection" means that the speaker device 8 and the server device 6 are connected for the first time via the network 10 after the speaker device 8 is set.

[0046] Furthermore, when the specifying unit 26 specifies the speaker device 8 , the sound source data extracting unit 28 extracts sound source data for notifying resetting, for example, a speech content such as “How about resetting from the setting screen?”.

[0047] In addition, if Figure 2As shown, the speaker 8 includes a communication unit 30 (an example of a second communication unit), a detection unit 32, a storage unit 34, a reproduction unit 36, and a speaker 38 as functional components.

[0048] The communication unit 30 transmits and receives various data and the like to and from the server device 6 via the network 10. Specifically, the communication unit 30 receives sound source data from the server device 6 and stores the received sound source data in the storage unit 34.

[0049] The detection unit 32 monitors the communication status between the server device 6 and the speech device 8, and detects a communication anomaly (e.g., network disconnection, etc.) in the communication between the server device 6 and the speech device 8. In addition, the communication unit 30 cannot receive the sound source data from the server device 6 during the period when the communication anomaly is occurring in the communication between the server device 6 and the speech device 8.

[0050] The storage unit 34 is a memory for storing the sound source data (the sound source data for notifying an event, the sound source data for notifying content data, the sound source data for notifying a communication abnormality, and the sound source data for notifying a resetting) received by the communication unit 30. In addition, the sound source data for notifying a communication abnormality may be stored as built-in sound source data pre-stored in the storage unit 34 when the speaker 8 is shipped. Furthermore, the sound source data for notifying an event, the sound source data for notifying content data, and the sound source data for notifying a resetting may be deleted from the storage unit 34 after being reproduced by the reproduction unit 36.

[0051] Whenever the communication unit 30 receives sound data for notifying an event and sound data for notifying content data, the reproduction unit 36 ​​reads out and reproduces the received sound data for notifying an event and sound data for notifying content data from the storage unit 34 .

[0052] Furthermore, when the detection unit 32 detects a communication anomaly, the reproduction unit 36 ​​measures the time elapsed from the detection of the communication anomaly. Furthermore, when the measured elapsed time reaches a predetermined period (e.g., one hour) (i.e., when the detection unit 32 detects the communication anomaly for a predetermined period), the reproduction unit 36 ​​uses the fact that the user 12 operates the speaker 8 (e.g., the speaker 8 is powered on by operating the remote controller) as an opportunity to reproduce the sound source data for notifying the communication anomaly stored in the storage unit 34 in advance. Furthermore, when the communication anomaly in the communication between the server device 6 and the speaker 8 is resolved and the detection unit 32 no longer detects the communication anomaly, the reproduction unit 36 ​​resets the measured elapsed time.

[0053] Furthermore, when receiving the sound source data for notification of resetting from the communication unit 30 , the reproduction unit 36 ​​reads out the received sound source data for notification of resetting from the storage unit 34 and reproduces the received sound source data in response to the user 12 operating the speaker 8 .

[0054] The speaker 38 outputs the notification content indicated by the sound source data reproduced by the reproduction unit 36 ​​in the form of voice.

[0055] [3. Operation of notification system]

[0056] [3-1. First operation of the notification system]

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 A 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.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, first, the communication unit 30 of the speaker 8 is connected to the server device 6 via the network 10 for the first time (S101).

[0059] Next, when the sound source data extraction unit 28 of the server device 6 detects the first connection with the speaker 8 via the communication unit 18, it extracts the sound source data for notifying the communication abnormality from the storage unit 24. Next, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 transmits the sound source data for notifying the communication abnormality extracted by the sound source data extraction unit 28 to the speaker 8 (S102).

[0060] Next, the communication unit 30 of the speaker 8 receives the sound source data for notifying the abnormality in communication from the server device 6 ( S103 ), and stores the received sound source data for notifying the abnormality in communication in the storage unit 34 ( S104 ).

[0061] Next, when an event occurs in the information source device 4 , the communication unit 16 of the information source device 4 transmits a work log indicating the event to the server device 6 ( S105 ).

[0062] Next, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 receives the work log from the information source device 4 (S106), and outputs the received work log to the acquisition unit 20. The acquisition unit 20 acquires the work log received by the communication unit 18, and outputs the acquired work log to the sound source data extraction unit 28. The sound source data extraction unit 28 extracts the sound source data for notifying the event corresponding to the work log from the storage unit 24 based on the work log from the acquisition unit 20.

[0063] Next, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 transmits the sound source data for notifying the event extracted by the sound source data extraction unit 28 to the speaker 8 ( S107 ).

[0064] Next, the communication unit 30 of the speaker 8 receives the sound source data for notifying the event from the server device 6 (S108), and stores the received sound source data for notifying the event in the storage unit 34. Next, the reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speaker 8 reads the sound source data for notifying the event received by the communication unit 30 from the storage unit 34 and reproduces it (S109).

[0065] In addition, the above steps S105 to S109 are repeatedly executed while the detection unit 32 of the speaker 8 does not detect a communication anomaly. In addition to the above steps S105 to S109, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 may transmit sound source data for notifying content data to the speaker 8.

[0066] Thereafter, when the detection unit 32 of the speaker 8 detects a communication anomaly ( S110 ), the reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speaker 8 measures the elapsed time after the detection unit 32 detects the communication anomaly ( S111 ).

[0067] In addition, during the period when the detection unit 32 of the speaker device 8 detects a communication anomaly, the communication unit 30 of the speaker device 8 cannot receive sound source data (sound source data for notifying an event and sound source data for notifying content data) from the server device 6. Figure 4 As shown in (a), the reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speaker 8 does not reproduce the sound source data (the sound source data for notifying an event and the sound source data for notifying content data) during this period.

[0068] Next, when the measured elapsed time reaches a predetermined period (e.g., one hour) (S112), the reproduction unit 36 ​​uses the operation of the speaker 8 by the user 12 as an opportunity (S113) to reproduce the sound source data for notifying the communication abnormality stored in the storage unit 34 in advance (S114). Figure 4 As shown in (b), after not reproducing the sound source data for a predetermined period of time, the speech device 8 reproduces the sound source data for notifying the abnormal communication with a speech content such as "Please confirm the connection status of the network."

[0069] As a result, the user 12 can be made aware that the speaker device 8 is in a state where it cannot reproduce sound source data (sound source data for notifying an event and sound source data for notifying content data) due to a communication anomaly between the server device 6 and the speaker device 8.

[0070] [3-2. Second operation of notification system]

[0071] 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.

[0072] In the following description, it is assumed that after the speaker device 8 has last reproduced the sound source data (for example, the sound source data for notifying an event), the user 12 has not selected any content data spoken by the speaker device 8 through the reproduction setting, and no event has occurred in the information source device 4. Figure 6 As shown in (a), after the speaker 8 has finally reproduced the sound source data, it continues to be in a state where it cannot reproduce the sound source data (the sound source data for notifying an event and the sound source data for notifying content data).

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the determination unit 26 of the server device 6 refers to the speech performance information stored in the storage unit 24, and determines the speaker 8 whose sound source data has not been reproduced by the reproduction unit 36 ​​for a predetermined period (for example, one month) due to the content of the reproduction setting accepted by the reception unit 22 (for example, because the user 12 has not selected any content data of the speech by the speaker 8 through the reproduction setting) (S201). Then, the determination unit 26 adds the determined speaker 8 to the candidate list.

[0074] Next, the sound source data extraction unit 28 of the server device 6 extracts the sound source data for notifying the resetting of the speech content such as "How about resetting from the setting screen?" from the storage unit 24. Next, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 transmits the sound source data for notifying the resetting extracted by the sound source data extraction unit 28 to the speech device 8 determined by the determination unit 26 (i.e., added to the candidate list) (S202).

[0075] Next, the communication unit 30 of the speaker 8 receives the sound source data for notifying resetting from the server device 6 ( S203 ), and stores the received sound source data for notifying resetting in the storage unit 34 .

[0076] Next, the reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speaker 8 uses the operation of the speaker 8 by the user 12 as an opportunity (S204), reads the sound source data for notifying the resetting received by the communication unit 30 from the storage unit 34 and reproduces it (S205). Figure 6As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the speech device 8 reproduces sound source data for notifying resetting with speech contents such as “How about resetting from the setting screen?”.

[0077] As a result, the user 12 can be made aware that the speaker device 8 is in a state where it cannot reproduce sound source data (sound source data for notifying an event and sound source data for notifying content data) due to the content of the reproduction setting made by the user 12.

[0078] In addition, in the present embodiment, the sound source data for notifying the re-setting is set to sound source data of speech content such as "How about resetting from the setting screen?", but is not limited to this, and can also be set to sound source data showing speech emitted by the anthropomorphic speaking device 8 (for example, yawning or sneezing, asking questions, etc.).

[0079] [4. Effect]

[0080] The notification system 2 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a notification system including a speech device 8 operated by a user 12 and a server device 6 capable of communicating with the speech device 8 via a network 10. The server device 6 includes a communication unit 18 for transmitting sound source data to the speech device 8. The speech device 8 includes a communication unit 30 for receiving the sound source data from the server device 6 and a reproduction unit 36 ​​for reproducing the sound source data received by the communication unit 30. When the reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speech device 8 does not reproduce the sound source data during a predetermined period, the reproduction unit 36 ​​reproduces specific sound source data, which is sound source data for notifying the user 12 of a predetermined content, when the speech device 8 is operated by the user 12 as an opportunity.

[0081] According to this, when the reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speaker 8 does not reproduce the sound source data for a predetermined period, the specific sound source data for notifying the user 12 of the predetermined content can be reproduced when the user 12 is located near the speaker 8. As a result, the user 12 can be made aware that the speaker 8 is in a state where the sound source data cannot be reproduced.

[0082] Furthermore, in the notification system 2 according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, according to the first aspect, the speaker 8 further includes: a detection unit 32 for detecting a communication anomaly in the communication between the speaker 8 and the server device 6; and a storage unit 34 for storing specific sound source data, the specific sound source data being sound source data for notifying the user 12 of the occurrence of the communication anomaly. The reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speaker 8 (i) reproduces the sound source data whenever the communication unit 30 receives the sound source data when the detection unit 32 does not detect the communication anomaly, and (ii) reproduces the specific sound source data pre-stored in the storage unit 34 when the detection unit 32 detects the communication anomaly and after the period of time since the detection of the communication anomaly reaches a predetermined period.

[0083] This allows the user 12 to be aware that the speaker device 8 is in a state where it cannot reproduce the sound source data due to a communication abnormality in the communication between the server device 6 and the speaker device 8 .

[0084] Furthermore, in the notification system 2 according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, according to the second aspect, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 transmits specific sound source data to the speech device 8 when the speech device 8 is connected to the server device 6 for the first time. The communication unit 30 of the speech device 8 receives the specific sound source data from the server device 6. The storage unit 34 of the speech device 8 stores the specific sound source data received by the communication unit 30.

[0085] With this configuration, even when the speaker 8 is unable to receive sound source data from the server device 6 due to a communication anomaly, it is possible to reliably reproduce specific sound source data pre-stored in the storage unit 34 .

[0086] Furthermore, in the notification system 2 according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the first to third aspects, the server device 6 further includes: a receiving unit 22 for receiving a setting regarding the reproduction of sound source data made by the user 12; and a determination unit 26 for determining a speech device 8 that has not reproduced the sound source data for a predetermined period of time due to the content of the setting. When the determination unit 26 determines the speech device 8, the communication unit 18 of the server device 6 sends specific sound source data for notifying the user 12 to the speech device 8 determined by the determination unit 26, and the specific sound source data is sound source data for urging the user 12 to reset the content of the setting. The communication unit 30 of the speech device 8 receives the specific sound source data from the server device 6. The reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speech device 8 reproduces the specific sound source data received by the communication unit 30.

[0087] This allows the user 12 to be aware that the speaker device 8 is in a state where it cannot reproduce the sound source data due to the content of the reproduction setting made by the user 12 .

[0088] Furthermore, in the notification system 2 according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the fourth aspect, the specific sound source data is sound source data indicating a voice uttered by the personified speaker 8 .

[0089] This can reduce the annoyance that the user 12 feels when listening to the reproduced specific sound source data.

[0090] The notification method according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a notification method in a notification system 2, wherein the notification system 2 includes a speaker 8 and a server device 6, wherein the speaker 8 is a speaker operated by a user 12, and the server device 6 is a server device capable of communicating with the speaker 8 via a network 10. The notification method includes the following steps: (a) the server device 6 transmits sound source data to the speaker 8; (b) the speaker 8 receives the sound source data from the server device 6; (c) the speaker 8 reproduces the sound source data received in the above (b); and (d) when the speaker 8 does not reproduce the sound source data for a predetermined period of time, the speaker 8 is operated by the user 12 as an opportunity to reproduce specific sound source data, the specific sound source data being sound source data for notifying the user 12 of a predetermined content.

[0091] According to this, when the speaker 8 does not reproduce the sound source data for a predetermined period, specific sound source data for notifying the user 12 of predetermined contents can be reproduced when the user 12 is located near the speaker 8. As a result, the user 12 can be made aware that the speaker 8 is in a state where the sound source data cannot be reproduced.

[0092] The server device 6 according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a server device capable of communicating with the speech device 8 operated by the user 12 via the network 10. The server device 6 includes: a communication unit 18 that transmits sound source data to the speech device 8; a storage unit 24 that stores the sound source data and speech performance information indicating the reproduction performance of the sound source data in the speech device 8; and a determination unit 26 that determines the speech device 8 that has not reproduced the sound source data within a predetermined period based on the speech performance information stored in the storage unit 24. The communication unit 18 transmits specific sound source data to the speech device 8 determined by the determination unit 26, and the specific sound source data is sound source data for notifying the user 12 of a predetermined content.

[0093] According to this, similarly to the above, the user 12 can be made aware that the speaking device 8 is in a state where it cannot reproduce the sound source data.

[0094] The speech device 8 according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a speech device that is operated by a user 12 and that can communicate with a server device 6 via a network 10. The speech device 8 includes: a communication unit 30 that receives sound source data from the server device 6; and a reproduction unit 36 ​​that reproduces the sound source data received by the communication unit 30. When the sound source data has not been reproduced for a predetermined period of time, the reproduction unit 36 ​​reproduces specific sound source data, which is sound source data for notifying the user 12 of predetermined content, when the speech device 8 is operated by the user 12.

[0095] According to this, similarly to the above, the user 12 can be made aware that the speaking device 8 is in a state where it cannot reproduce the sound source data.

[0096] (Variation examples, etc.)

[0097] 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 as new embodiments.

[0098] Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0099] In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the sound source data is not reproduced for a predetermined period, the reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speaker 8 reproduces the sound source data for notifying the abnormal communication or the sound source data for notifying the resetting, taking the operation of the speaker 8 by the user 12 as an opportunity, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the sound source data is not reproduced for a predetermined period, the reproduction unit 36 ​​of the speaker 8 reproduces the sound source data for notifying the abnormal communication or the sound source data for notifying the resetting, taking the detection of the user 12 approaching the speaker 8 by the human sensor arranged in the speaker 8 as an opportunity.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above-described 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Therefore, the components described in the drawings and detailed descriptions include not only components necessary for solving the problem, but also components that are used to illustrate the above technology but are not necessary for solving the problem. Therefore, it is not possible to directly identify those non-essential components as essential components just because they are described in the drawings and detailed descriptions.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Industrial Applicability

[0107] 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.

[0108] Explanation of symbols

[0109] 2 Notification System

[0110] 4 Information source equipment

[0111] 5 External Information Sources

[0112] 6 Server Device

[0113] 8 Speech Devices

[0114] 10 Network

[0115] 12 users

[0116] 14 Home

[0117] 16,18,30 Ministry of Communications

[0118] 20 Get Department

[0119] 22 Receiving Department

[0120] 24,34 Storage

[0121] 26 Determination

[0122] 28 Sound source data extraction unit

[0123] 32. Inspection Department

[0124] 36 Recapitulation

[0125] 38 Speakers

Claims

1. A notification system comprising a device and a server device, wherein the device is a device operated by a user, and the server device is a server device capable of communicating with the device via a network, The server device includes a first communication unit, and the first communication unit transmits the sound source data to the device. The device has: a second communication unit that receives sound source data from the server device; and a reproduction unit that reproduces the sound source data received by the second communication unit, The reproduction unit of the device, when no sound source data is reproduced during a specified period, reproduces specific sound source data when the device is operated by the user or the user approaches the device, wherein the specific sound source data is sound source data for notifying the user of specified content.

2. The notification system according to claim 1, The device also has: a detection unit that detects a communication anomaly in the communication between the device and the server apparatus; and a storage unit for storing the specific sound source data, wherein the specific sound source data is sound source data for notifying the user that the communication abnormality has occurred, The reproduction unit of the device (i) reproduces the sound source data whenever the second communication unit receives sound source data when the detection unit does not detect the communication abnormality, and (ii) reproduces the specific sound source data pre-stored in the storage unit when the detection unit detects the communication abnormality, taking the device being operated by the user or the user approaching the device as an opportunity after the period of time since the detection of the communication abnormality reaches the prescribed period.

3. The notification system according to claim 2, The first communication unit of the server device transmits the specific sound source data to the device when the device is connected to the server device for the first time. The second communication unit of the device receives the specific sound source data from the server device. The storage unit of the device stores the specific sound source data received by the second communication unit.

4. The notification system according to claim 1, The server device also has: an accepting unit that accepts settings regarding reproduction of sound source data made by the user; and a determination unit that determines the device that has not reproduced the sound source data during the predetermined period due to the setting content, The first communication unit of the server device, when the determining unit determines the device, sends the specific sound source data for notifying the user to the device determined by the determining unit, wherein the specific sound source data is sound source data for urging the user to reset the set content. The second communication unit of the device receives the specific sound source data from the server device. The reproduction unit of the device reproduces the specific sound source data received by the second communication unit.

5. The notification system according to claim 4, The specific sound source data is sound source data showing a voice uttered by the personified device.

6. A notification method, which is a notification method in a notification system, wherein the notification system comprises a device and a server device, wherein the device is a device operated by a user, and the server device is a server device capable of communicating with the device via a network, The notification method comprises the following steps: (a) the server device sends the sound source data to the device; (b) the device receiving the sound source data from the server device; (c) the device reproduces the sound source data received in (b); as well as (d) When the device does not reproduce sound source data within a specified period, the step of reproducing specific sound source data when the device is operated by the user or the user approaches the device is used as an opportunity, wherein the specific sound source data is sound source data used to notify the user of specified content.

7. A server device capable of communicating with a device operated by a user via a network, The server device comprises: A communication unit, which sends the sound source data to the device; a storage unit that stores the sound source data and speech performance information indicating the reproduction performance of the sound source data in the device; and a determination unit that determines the device that has not reproduced sound source data for a predetermined period of time based on the speech performance information stored in the storage unit, The communication unit transmits specific sound source data to the device specified by the specifying unit, wherein the specific sound source data is sound source data for notifying the user of predetermined content.

8. A device that is operated by a user and can communicate with a server device via a network, The device has: a communication unit that receives sound source data from the server device; and a reproduction unit that reproduces the sound source data received by the communication unit, The reproduction unit reproduces specific sound source data for notifying the user of specified content when the device is operated by the user or the user approaches the device, when no sound source data is reproduced for a specified period of time.

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