Ossuary system

Abstract

To provide an ossuary system which makes the ossuary attractive to worshippers.SOLUTION: An ossuary system that comprises a prayer room with a screen or display on at least the front wall, display means for displaying the face image of a deceased on the screen or display, and a speaker for outputting a voice that imitates the voice of the deceased, the ossuary system comprises: question output means for outputting a question to a worshipper who visits the prayer room from the speaker. The prayer room is provided with: answer determination means that is provided with a microphone for inputting the voice of the worshipper, and determines whether the worshipper has answered the question in the affirmative or negative manner based on voice data output from the microphone; and response output means for outputting a different response voice from the speaker in response to the output of the answer determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a columbarium system. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, the use of ossuaries has increased, not only due to the shortage of graves but also due to the ease of maintaining and managing graves.

[0003] In the old locker-style ossuaries, bones were simply interred in a partitioned locker-like ossuary, but in recent years, mechanisms have been installed to automatically transport the altar to a shared tombstone (see, for example, Patent Document 1), allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of a traditional graveyard and increasing the sense of satisfaction that comes from visiting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-138596 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the previous ossuary, because it was an indoor environment, the atmosphere was always the same and there was no change, and because there was no effort required for maintenance, people tended to stop visiting after a while, and in some cases there was a risk of cancellation. As the owner of the ossuary, we wanted to have it used for a long time and in a stable manner for the sake of maintaining the facility, and we wanted to provide an ossuary that was attractive to worshippers.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a columbarium system that provides a high level of satisfaction to worshippers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ossuary system of the present invention includes a prayer room equipped with a display means at least on the front wall, an image output means for displaying an image of the face of the deceased on the display means, and a voice output means for outputting a voice that imitates the voice of the deceased, and further includes a question output means for outputting a question to a worshipper visiting the prayer room from the voice output means, thereby making the worshipper feel as if the deceased is speaking to them.

[0008] The ossuary system of the present invention also has a voice input means for converting the voice uttered by the worshipper in the prayer room into voice data, an answer determination means for determining whether the worshipper answered the question in the affirmative or negative manner from the voice data, and a response output means for outputting a different response voice from the voice output means according to the output of the answer determination means. This allows for at least two different outputs, making the response less likely to feel mechanical.

[0009] In addition, in the ossuary system of the present invention, when the voices of multiple worshippers are input to the voice input means at the same time, causing the answer determination means to make a judgment error, the voice output means outputs a voice saying "I couldn't hear you" and prompts the person to answer the question again, and the system also has a repeat means. This eliminates the risk of the system going down due to a judgment error in the answer determination means.

[0010] The ossuary system of the present invention also includes a related person information registration means for registering in advance the name information, birth date information, sex information, and relationship information of the related person to the deceased, and a question generation means for generating questions for visitors based on the information registered in the related person information registration means. This makes it possible for the question generation means to generate questions that are familiar to visitors.

[0011] The ossuary system of the present invention also includes a worshipper registration means for registering worshippers in advance, and a thank-you voice output means for reading out the worshipper's name and outputting a thank-you voice after the question generation means has finished generating a question. This emphasizes the sense of presence of the deceased.

[0012] Furthermore, in the ossuary system of the present invention, the display means is capable of displaying a facial image of the deceased in three dimensions, thereby enhancing the sense of presence of the deceased.

[0013] In addition, in the ossuary system of the present invention, the worshipper registration means allows the worshipper to select remote worship using the communication device he or she uses. This allows even worshippers who have difficulty traveling to the ossuary to worship. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The ossuary system of the present invention is a ossuary system having a question output means for outputting questions to worshippers who visit the prayer room, thereby creating a situation in which one feels as if one is conversing with the deceased, thereby increasing the sense of satisfaction of the visit.

[0015] In addition, the ossuary system of the present invention has an answer determination means which uses voice data generated from the worshipper's voice to determine whether the worshipper answered affirmatively or negatively to a question, and a response output means which outputs a different response voice from a speaker depending on the output of the answer determination means, thereby creating a situation in which one feels as if one is conversing with the deceased, thereby increasing the sense of satisfaction of the visit.

[0016] Furthermore, in the ossuary system of the present invention, if a number of worshippers answer a question simultaneously, causing the answer judgment means to make a judgment error, a repeat means is provided which outputs a voice message from the speaker saying "I couldn't hear you" and prompts the worshipper to answer the question again, thereby maintaining the continuity of the conversation and creating a situation as if one were conversing with the deceased, thereby increasing the satisfaction of the visit.

[0017] In addition, the ossuary system of the present invention has a related person information registration means for registering in advance the name information, date of birth information, gender information, and relationship information to the deceased of related people of the deceased, and a question generation means for generating questions for visitors based on the information registered in the related person information registration means, which allows visitors to ask familiar questions, creating a situation in which they are having a conversation with the deceased and increasing the sense of satisfaction of visiting the shrine.

[0018] In addition, the ossuary system of the present invention has a worshipper registration means for registering worshippers in advance, and a thank-you voice output means for reading out the worshipper's name and outputting a thank-you voice after the question generation means has finished generating a question, thereby creating a situation in which one is having a conversation with the deceased, thereby increasing the sense of satisfaction of the visit.

[0019] In addition, the ossuary system of the present invention makes it possible to display a facial image of the deceased in three dimensions, thereby enhancing the sense of presence of the deceased and increasing the sense of satisfaction of visitors.

[0020] In addition, in the ossuary system of the present invention, the worshipper registration means allows the worshipper to select remote worship using the communication device they use, allowing worshippers who have difficulty traveling to the ossuary to worship, thereby increasing the worshipper's sense of satisfaction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the ossuary system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a display means installed in the prayer room. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a display means installed in the prayer room. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a method for installing a three-dimensional display device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of a reservation process for a worship room according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]1 is a flowchart of a columbarium system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of an interaction routine of a columbarium system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of one form of remote worship. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The ossuary system of the present invention is a ossuary system that includes a worship room equipped with display means such as a screen or display on at least the front wall, an image output means for displaying an image of the face of the deceased on the display means, and an audio output means such as a speaker for outputting an audio sound that imitates the voice of the deceased.

[0023] Furthermore, the prayer room is provided with a question output means for outputting questions from the deceased to worshippers visiting the prayer room from the speaker or the like.

[0024] That is, when a worshipper comes to the prayer room, an image of the deceased's face is displayed on a screen or display at the front of the prayer room, and a voice that imitates the deceased's voice is heard. This gives the worshipper the feeling as if they are face-to-face with the deceased, and gives them a sense of presence, as if the deceased were nearby.

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] In the ossuary system of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 1, a worship room of a given size is used as the worship space. In this embodiment, all the inner walls of the worship room are screens 11, and a projector or the like installed on the back wall or ceiling can be used to display spatial images with a calming atmosphere. For example, if the worship room is small, a display may be installed at least at the front of the worship room to display appropriate images, rather than using the entire inner wall of the worship room as the display area.

[0027] In addition, large organic EL displays have become cheaper recently, and high-definition displays such as the organic EL display 21 may be placed on the entire inside of the worship room, including the ceiling and floor, as shown in FIG. 2. When the organic EL display 21 is used, it is easier to display bright images compared to when a projector is used. That is, when a projector is used, it is necessary to keep the worship room relatively dark, whereas the organic EL display 21 can display images bright enough to be used as lighting, making the worship room brighter, and can display images as if the worship room is being worshiped under a blue sky. In particular, when a small child is brought to worship, there is a risk that the child may be frightened of a dark room, but by using the organic EL display 21, such a risk can be eliminated. In addition, when the organic EL display 21 is placed on the floor of the worship room, a transparent reinforced plastic plate is placed on the upper surface of the organic EL display 21 placed on the floor to protect the organic EL display 21. Here, for convenience, an organic EL display has been described, but a panel display formed by arranging a large number of LED elements in a plane to form a panel may also be used.

[0028] As another display means, for example, a three-dimensional display device 22 can be used as shown in Fig. 3. In this three-dimensional display device 22, one end of an arm 23 on which a number of LED elements are arranged in a row is attached to a rotating shaft 24, and by rotating this rotating shaft 24, the arm 23 rotates around the rotating shaft 24, and in this state, the LED elements are appropriately blinked, making it possible to display a three-dimensional image using the afterimage phenomenon. Fig. 3 shows a state in which a number of these three-dimensional display devices 22 are arranged in front of the worship room to form one display means. In this embodiment, a three-dimensional display device 22 is shown in which four arms 23 are attached to one rotating shaft 24.

[0029] In this three-dimensional display device 22, the rotating arm 23 forms a disk-shaped locus, and adjacent three-dimensional display devices 22 are positioned with a shift in the axial direction of the rotation axis 24, so that the outer edges of each other's locus overlap, as shown in Figure 3.The three-dimensional display devices 22 can be positioned without any gaps, and used as a single display means.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the frame 25 on which the three-dimensional display device 22 is mounted is attached to the wall surface 26 at the front of the worship room, and a spacer 27 for mounting the base 22a of the three-dimensional display device 22 is attached to a predetermined position of the frame 25. The height dimension of this spacer 27 is adjusted in advance, and spacers 27 of different heights are attached to the arrangement of adjacent three-dimensional display devices 22. Then, by simply mounting the three-dimensional display device 22 to the frame 25 via the spacer 27, the arms 23 of adjacent three-dimensional display devices 22 can be rotated without colliding with each other, making it possible to construct a single display means.

[0031] In this manner, in a display means composed of a plurality of three-dimensional display devices 22, the image displayed by one three-dimensional display device 22 is a hexagonal area inscribed in a circular rotational trajectory, and by outputting image data for this hexagonal area to the three-dimensional display device 22 for the image to be displayed, a larger three-dimensional image can be displayed in cooperation with the other three-dimensional display devices 22.

[0032] In the following, this embodiment will be described as one in which the entire inside surface of the prayer room, including the ceiling and floor, is used as a screen 11, as shown in Figure 1, and a spatial image with a calming atmosphere is displayed by projecting it using a projector placed on the rear wall and ceiling.

[0033] The control device 10 that operates the ossuary system of the present invention is composed of a personal computer or the like. This control device 10 may be placed in an inconspicuous location in the worship room, or in a separate control room, etc. The display means such as the projector or display is connected to this control device 10 and displays appropriate images based on the output signal from the control device 10.

[0034] In the following, for ease of explanation, in this embodiment, the control device 10 is shown as if it were a single personal computer, but it may be composed of multiple personal computers, or it may be composed of a network system including a separate data server, etc.

[0035] The control device 10 executes programs appropriately using the installed CPU, main storage device, memory device, etc., and functions as an image output means m1 for displaying an image of the face of the deceased on the screen 11, as shown in Figure 5, a question generation means m2 for generating questions for worshippers visiting the prayer room, a question output means m3 for outputting the generated questions, an answer determination means m4 for determining the answers to the questions, a response output means m5 for outputting a response voice in accordance with the output of the answer determination means m4, a repeat means m6 for repeating the question to prompt the worshipper to answer, and a thank you voice output means m7 for reading out the worshipper's name and outputting a thank you voice,

[0036] Furthermore, the control device 10 is provided with a built-in hard disk or the like as a storage means m8, and functions as a related person information registration means m9 that stores and registers the name information, date of birth information, gender information, and relationship information of the deceased's related person in this storage means m8. Furthermore, the control device 10 also functions as an information collection means m10 that collects information on the climate, weather, accidents, and incidents in the area where the worshipper lives, and a worshipper registration means m11 that registers the worshipper who will be worshiping in advance. Note that when the control device 10 functions as the storage means m8, related person information registration means m9, information collection means m10, or worshipper registration means m11, it may be connected to another personal computer or the like to build a server-client system and control or manage it.

[0037] 5, the control device 10 has a video output terminal t1, which is connected to the projector 12 by a video wiring h1, making it possible to output desired video data to the projector 12. The control device 10 also has a network terminal t2, which allows connection to the so-called Internet via the network terminal t2, or connection to a network of a server-client system constructed as a charnel house system.

[0038] The control device 10 displays on the screen 11 or display the information of the deceased, particularly the facial image information, previously recorded in the storage means m8 of the control device 10. That is, the control device 10 functions as the image output means m1, reading out the facial image data of the deceased recorded in the storage means m8, reading out the background image data, and appropriately synthesizing these to generate video data for output, which is then output to the projector 12 via the video wiring h1.

[0039] The face of the deceased displayed on the screen 11 may be unchanging, or may be a moving image in which the mouth moves in time with the voice of the deceased asking questions to the visitors, as described below. If the image of the face of the deceased is unchanging, it is possible to make the deceased appear as if they are speaking by simply slowly moving the display position of the facial image up, down, left, and right.

[0040] In this embodiment, a stereoscopic image display means using a semi-transparent mirror, known as Pepper's Ghost, is used to display an image of the deceased as a 3D image projected in the air, as shown in Fig. 1. This allows the deceased to be recognized more clearly, making it easier to feel as if one is sharing time with the deceased, and increasing the sense of satisfaction of the worshipper.

[0041] In the worship room, an altar 15 or the like may be set up at a predetermined position to place memorial tablets, urns, etc., and the memorial tablets, urns, etc. may be automatically transported to this altar 15, or they may be transported and set up manually each time. Also, it may be possible to make offerings of flowers, offerings, or incense.

[0042] The prayer room is provided with a speaker 13 as an audio output means connected to the audio output terminal t3 of the control device 10 via an audio output wiring h2. This speaker 13 can output a voice generated based on the voice reproduction information of the deceased pre-recorded in the storage means m8 of the control device 10. The voice reproduction information is voice code information of a codebook used in the voice synthesis technology used in mobile phones, etc. Therefore, it feels as if an individual's voice is being output from the speaker 13.

[0043] The prayer room is also provided with a microphone 14 that outputs the voices of worshippers as voice data. That is, the microphone 14 is a voice input means, and is connected to the voice input terminal t4 of the control device 10 via a voice input wiring h3, making it possible to input voice data to the control device 10. The voice data input to the control device 10 is temporarily stored in a memory or the like built into the control device 10.

[0044] The control device 10 analyzes the voice data input by the microphone 14. Specifically, the control device 10 uses a system that judges the psychological state of the speaker who uttered the voice of the input voice data. That is, the control device 10 activates this system to function as the answer judgment means m4. In this embodiment, the control device 10 functions as the answer judgment means m4 to judge whether the speaker is in a positive psychological state or a negative psychological state by selecting either one or the other. When the judgment is difficult, the speaker is judged to be in a positive psychological state.

[0045] The control device 10 is provided with a related person information registration means m9 that registers and stores in advance in the storage means m8 the name information, date of birth information, sex information, and relationship information of the related person to the deceased. The registration of information by the related person information registration means m9 may be performed by the administrator of the control device 10 while interviewing the user of the ossuary system of the present invention, or the user may appropriately input information using an ID previously assigned to the user of the ossuary system of the present invention.

[0046] The control device 10 registers various types of information by functioning as the related party information registration means m9. When the control device 10 functions at least as the related party information registration means m9, the information collection means m10, and the worshipper registration means m11, the control device 10 is connected to an external network and accepts appropriate information input.

[0047] The control device 10 is provided with an information collection means m10 for collecting information on the climate, weather, accidents, and incidents in the area where the worshipper, who is the user of the ossuary system of the present invention, lives. Specifically, the control device 10 functions as the information collection means m10 to sequentially collect news information distributed by newspapers, television stations, etc. in the area on the Internet, etc. The collected news information, etc. may be stored in the storage means m8 of the control device 10, or may be stored in a data server connected via a network. Alternatively, the control device 10 may function as the information collection means m10 to access the news sites of newspapers, television stations, etc. in the area and collect the necessary news information each time.

[0048] The control device 10 is provided with a question generation means m2 that generates questions for worshippers based on the information registered in the related person information registration means m9. Specifically, the control device 10 functions as the question generation means m2 by starting a question generation program.

[0049] The question generation program generates questions about the season and familiar questions about school entrance, graduation, coming of age, etc., based on the information registered in the related person information registration means m9 and the information on the worship date. In some cases, recent AI chatbots may be used.

[0050] The question generation program extracts information that is determined to be abnormal from the information collected by making the control device 10 function as the information collecting means m10, and generates questions for the worshipper based on the information that is determined to be abnormal. Specifically, for example, if there is a flood in the worshipper's residential area, a question such as "It seems there was a flood, is everything okay?" can be generated. By being asked familiar questions, worshippers can easily feel that the deceased is close to them, which is expected to have the effect of alleviating anxiety.

[0051] Furthermore, the control device 10 is provided with a question output means m3, which outputs the question generated by the question generation program from the speaker 13 installed in the prayer room as described above, as a synthetic voice generated using voice playback information that enables the output of a voice that imitates the voice of the deceased.

[0052] The worshipper unconsciously answers the question output by the question output means m3 of the control device 10, and the control device 10 operates the answer determination means m4 described above to determine whether the worshipper answered the question in the affirmative or negative manner based on the voice of the worshipper.

[0053] Furthermore, the control device 10 functions as a response output means m5, and outputs different response voices from the speaker 13 depending on whether the worshipper answers affirmatively or negatively. Specifically, when the response determination means m4 determines that the worshipper answers affirmatively, a bright voice saying "I see, I see" is output from the speaker 13. On the other hand, when the response determination means m4 determines that the worshipper answers negatively, a dark voice saying "I see" is output from the speaker 13. Since worshippers can receive different responses, they are less likely to feel that the responses are mechanical, and this makes it easier for them to feel closer to the deceased.

[0054] In addition, when multiple worshippers are worshiping together, their speech may overlap with each other, and the voices of the multiple worshippers may be input to the microphone 14 at the same time, which may cause the answer judgment means m4 to make a judgment error.

[0055] In this way, when the answer judgment means m4 makes a judgment error, the control device 10 activates the repeat program to function as repeat means m6, outputting a voice message saying "I couldn't hear you" from the speaker 13, and outputting the same question again from the speaker 13. This makes it easier to avoid sudden stops due to abnormalities and makes it less likely that the user will feel uncomfortable.

[0056] In the following, the usage of the ossuary system of the present invention will be described with more specific examples. It is assumed that a user of the ossuary system of the present invention has registered in advance for use of the ossuary system, has stored a memorial tablet or urn, has been assigned a specific ID, and has registered necessary information using the related person information registration means m9.

[0057] Furthermore, to make the situation more concrete, let us assume that four people will visit the cemetery: Hanako, the wife of the deceased, Taro, the son of the deceased, Yoko, the wife of Taro (the deceased's daughter-in-law), and Kenta, the son of Taro and Yoko (the deceased's grandson). In this case, all four people are registered as users of the ossuary system of the present invention and are assigned individual IDs. The four people are also registered as one family in the related person information registration means m9.

[0058] In addition, in the ossuary system of the present invention, reception management of the date and time when the user uses the ossuary is performed by starting a reception program in the control device 10 or by providing a reception server connected to the control device 10 via a network. For the sake of convenience, the following description will be given assuming that there is a reception server.

[0059] First, a reservation for worship is made in the ossuary system of the present invention using the ID of any of the four people. For the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the reservation for worship is made using the ID of Taro, the son of the deceased. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, Taro uses a mobile communication device 41 that can connect to the Internet, specifically a smartphone, to access the worship reservation site provided in the reception server 42 of the ossuary system of the present invention (step S110).

[0060] The reception server 42 starts up a reception program and transmits screen information requesting input of a user ID and password for user authentication (step S120).

[0061] Taro enters his user ID and password into the user ID and password entry fields displayed on the screen of his smartphone, and then transmits them (step S130).

[0062] The reception server 42 performs user verification based on the received ID information and password information, and if it is determined that the user is a valid user, it transmits information on an input screen for a worship reservation (step S140).

[0063] Taro inputs information into the input fields for the planned date of worship, the planned time of worship, and the purpose of worship, which are displayed on the smartphone screen. The purpose of worship is selected from multiple purposes for worship because, when holding a memorial service such as the third or seventh anniversary of a person's death, a larger number of people than usual may visit the temple, and it is necessary to adjust the worship room to be used. For the sake of convenience, the following explanation will be given assuming a seasonal visit such as a visit to the temple on the equinox.

[0064] Furthermore, Taro inputs the number of people who plan to attend. Here, the worship reservation site displays a list of related persons of the deceased who have been registered in advance in related person information registration means m9, and by having participants in this worship put a check mark, it is possible to grasp the number of worshippers as well as their attributes. This is the worshipper registration means m11 that registers worshippers who will be attending in advance. After this information is entered, it is sent to the reception server 42 (step S150).

[0065] The reception server 42 receives the necessary information, and if there is no problem with the received information, it approves the reservation, notifies Taro of the completion of registration, and transmits the reception number information to Taro (step S160).

[0066] Taro receives the reception number information on his smartphone (step S170). If he needs to cancel his reservation, he can use this reception number to carry out the cancellation procedure.

[0067] Furthermore, the reception server 42 notifies Taro that he has a reservation to visit the shrine the following day, that is, transmits a confirmation email (step S180).

[0068] The operation of the ossuary system on the day of worship will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. On the day of worship, Taro, Yoko, Kenta, and Hanako visit the ossuary and input their reception numbers into the reception terminal installed at the reception desk of the ossuary (step S210).

[0069] In the ossuary system, if the reception number is correct, the card key for the worship room to be used is handed over (step S220). If the worship room to be used is not ready before the handover of the card key, the card key is not handed over, and the card key is handed over after the worship room is ready. This is to prevent the memorial tablet or urn from being left as it is for another deceased person in the case where the memorial tablet or urn is to be placed in the worship room.

[0070] After receiving the card key, Taro enters the prayer room using the card key at the scheduled time for prayer (step S230). Note that the prayer room may be kept locked from the worshipper's side until the scheduled time for prayer.

[0071] When Taro, Yoko, Kenta, and Hanako enter the prayer room and insert their card keys into the designated card key slots, which also serve as starters (step S240), the prayer routine of the ossuary system is started. Until the prayer routine starts, the ossuary system may display a space image with a calming atmosphere on the screen on the inner wall of the prayer room. In addition, if an automatic transportation system for memorial tablets, urns, etc. is provided, the desired memorial tablet, urn, etc. may be transported to the prayer room by inserting the card key into the card key slot.

[0072] When the worship routine is started (step S240), the ossuary system may play a voice to guide the worshipper to make it easier to perform the worship act, such as "Please offer flowers," "Please offer an offering," "Please offer incense," etc. Whether or not such a voice guidance is played may be selectable when making a reservation for worship.

[0073] When the worship routine ends, the ossuary system starts a dialogue routine (step S260). The dialogue routine will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0074] When the dialogue routine begins, the ossuary system displays an image of the deceased's face on a screen at the front of the worship room and outputs from the speaker a voice that imitates the voice of the deceased, saying, "I'm glad you came today. Thank you." (step S310).

[0075] Next, the ossuary system initializes a question number counter that counts the number of questions, and starts counting up the number of questions (step S320).

[0076] If the number of questions does not exceed a preset upper limit of a predetermined number of questions (step S330: NO), the ossuary system activates the question generation means m2 to generate a question (step S340), and outputs the generated question by the question output means m3 (step S350).

[0077] For ease of explanation, the ossuary system generates questions using the question generation means m2 and outputs the generated questions using the question output means m3. In this embodiment, the first two questions are standard questions to the person who has made the reservation to visit.

[0078] Specifically, the first question is "How are you?" and the second question is "How are you all?". Questions like these are less awkward, so a more specific question such as "Taro, how are you?" is output. If the deceased person called Taro, for example, "Tacchan," the name can be registered in advance in the related person information registration means m9, allowing the user to ask "Tacchan, how are you?".

[0079] If Taro answers a question posed by the ossuary system by, for example, saying in a bright voice, "I'm fine," the ossuary system will input the respondent's voice as voice data to the control device 10 via the microphone 14, and cause the answer determination means m4 to function.

[0080] When the answer determination means m4 finds it difficult to make a determination, for example, when the voices of multiple worshippers are input simultaneously, causing a determination error (step S355: YES), the ossuary system performs a repeat output.

[0081] That is, the ossuary system outputs a voice message "I couldn't hear you" from the speaker 13 (step S356), returns to step S350, and outputs the same question again from the speaker 13. This makes it easier to avoid the answer determination means m4 from abnormally stopping.

[0082] If the answer determination means m4 determines that there is an affirmative answer to the question (step S360: affirmative answer) without being unable to determine the answer (step S355: NO), the ossuary system activates the response output means m5 to output a bright voice saying "I see, I see" from the speaker 13 as response pattern 1 (step S371).

[0083] On the other hand, when the ossuary system determines by the answer determination means m4 that there has been a negative answer to the question (step S360: negative answer), it activates the response output means m5 to output a dark-toned voice saying “I see” from the speaker 13 as response pattern 2 (step S372).

[0084] After outputting response pattern 1 or response pattern 2, the ossuary system returns to step S320 and counts up the number of questions asked (step S320). If the number of questions asked does not exceed the preset upper limit of the number of questions asked (step S330: NO), it activates the question generation means m2 to generate the next question (step S340) and outputs the generated question by the question output means m3 (step S350).

[0085] In this embodiment, as described above, the first two questions are treated as standard questions, and from the third question onwards, the question generation means m2 is operated to generate questions, and the generated questions are output by the question output means m3.

[0086] In particular, for the third question, the question generating means m2 generates a question based on the information collected by the information collecting means m10, so that the worshipper can feel closer to the deceased. For example, questions such as "Were you okay during the recent typhoon?" or "Were you okay during the recent earthquake?"

[0087] In addition, if there is no information that is judged to be abnormal among the information collected by the information collecting means m10 between the previous visit and the current visit, the step of generating a question based on the information collected by the information collecting means m10 may be skipped.

[0088] Thereafter, when a new question is to be asked, the ossuary system operates the question generation means m2 to generate a question for other visitors, and outputs the generated question by the question output means m3.

[0089] For example, the system will generate questions such as "Hanako, are you doing well? Is he sick?" for the deceased's wife, Hanako; "Yoko, is Taro causing you any trouble?" for Taro's wife, Yoko; and "Kenta, you're about to graduate from elementary school. Is he doing well at soccer?" for the deceased's grandson, Kenta.

[0090] When this dialogue routine is being performed, the ossuary system may display images of the deceased, or the deceased and worshippers, in a slideshow format, on the screen 11 on the inner wall of the worship room. The data of these images should be registered in advance in the related party information registration means m9.

[0091] In this embodiment, the upper limit of the number of questions is set to 10, and when the number of questions is 10 in step S330 (step S330: YES), the ossuary system starts the thank-you voice output program to function as the thank-you voice output means m7 (step S380). The upper limit of the number of questions may be appropriately set, and may be variable according to the number of worshippers.

[0092] The ossuary system functioning as the thank-you voice output means m7 reads out the names of the visitors and outputs a thank-you voice, for example, "Well then, Taro, Hanako, Yoko, and Kenta. Thank you for coming today. Take care."

[0093] The ossuary system allows the worshipper to be identified in advance by a worshipper registration means m11 that registers the worshipper in advance when making a worship reservation, and can incorporate the worshipper's name into the thank-you voice, giving the worshipper a sense of satisfaction.

[0094] In the ossuary system, before the dialogue routine is terminated, a history of questions generated by the question generating means m2 is created and registered as a question history in the related person information registering means m9 (step S390). In this embodiment, except for questions set as standard questions, the question generating means m2 creates questions while checking the question history registered in the related person information registering means m9 so that the same question is not asked within at least one year. For users who still visit frequently, the number of questions asked per visit is adjusted so that the same questions are not asked frequently.

[0095] When the dialogue routine is completed, the ossuary system will finally display on screen 11 the message "Thank you for your hard work. Please return your card key to the reception desk."

[0096] Taro removes the card key inserted in the card key slot and leaves the prayer room (step S270). This card key also serves as a lock key for the prayer room, and the prayer room may be locked while the card key is inserted in the card key slot to prevent a third party from entering. Also, when the card key is removed from the card key slot, the memorial tablet, urn, etc. that were transported to the prayer room may be automatically returned to the storage room.

[0097] After leaving the prayer room, Taro returns the card key to the reception desk (step S280) and leaves the ossuary.

[0098] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a voice that imitates the voice of the deceased is output in the prayer room, but if voice data of the deceased in their lifetime is available, the voice data may be used, or if possible, it may be sampled in advance. In particular, if possible, data that can reproduce the speech habits may be accumulated.

[0099] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a worshipper visits a charnel house, but for worshippers who find it difficult to visit a charnel house, it is also possible to make a so-called online visit.

[0100] In other words, the reception server described above can be configured to not only handle reception management of the dates and times when users will use the ossuary, but also handle reception management of online worship.

[0101] In particular, multiple people can visit online at the same time, and when reserving an online visit, participants' email addresses are registered on the reception server, and invitation information for the worship room for online visits is sent to those email addresses.

[0102] Based on the invitation information, participants in the online worship will use their own personal computers, smartphones, or other communication devices that can connect to the Internet to complete the procedure to enter the worship room at the start of the online worship day. Specifically, they will access the URL based on the URL information included in the invitation information.

[0103] The online worship in this embodiment makes use of a so-called video conferencing system, and in the columbarium, an altar and other items are prepared in the same way as if a worshipper were actually visiting the worship room, and a camera installed in the worship room is used to take pictures of the inside of the room, and the worship room is displayed on the display of the communication device used by each worshipper.

[0104] As an option for online worship, the person in charge of managing the ossuary can offer water and incense on behalf of the worshipper and show the offerings to each visitor.

[0105] Worshippers who attend online worship services are able to make two-way calls, and by talking while worshiping, they can feel a greater sense of participation and a greater sense of satisfaction from the act of worship, unlike regular online worship services.

[0106] In this way, the ossuary system of the present invention can increase visitors' sense of satisfaction and encourage them to use the system regularly.

[0107] Another form of online worship is to access the reception server from a tablet or personal computer that has a function to connect to a network such as the Internet, and perform worship immediately. This type of worship is called remote worship. Online worship is when there is a worshipper visiting the ossuary, and remote worship is when there is no worshipper visiting the ossuary.

[0108] In particular, in remote worship, dedicated application software is installed on a tablet or personal computer that has a function for connecting to a network such as the Internet, and worship is performed by starting this application software. For ease of explanation, the following will describe the case where a tablet is used. A tablet with dedicated application software installed will be called a dedicated tablet to distinguish it from a tablet without the application software installed.

[0109] As shown in Figure 9, the dedicated tablet 30 is connected to the Internet 31 and can be connected to the reception server 32 of the ossuary system and to the control device 10 of the ossuary system via the reception server 32. By starting the installed application software for worship, the top screen of the reception server 32 is displayed.

[0110] In addition, after the dedicated tablet 30 has started up the application software for worship, and then after a predetermined time has elapsed, it will start up a memorial portrait display mode which displays a memorial portrait of the deceased, or a Buddhist altar display mode which displays an image of the memorial tablet placed on the Buddhist altar, or an alternating display mode which alternates between the memorial portrait display mode and the Buddhist altar display mode.

[0111] In particular, the dedicated tablet 30 can be set in the Buddhist altar display mode to make it feel as if a Buddhist altar is present even if there is no so-called Buddhist altar room or Buddhist altar in the home. Moreover, since the dedicated tablet 30 is easy to move, the Buddhist altar that is usually left installed can be made mobile, making it possible to make effective use of living space where the number of rooms is limited. In addition, the dedicated tablet 30 can be stored in a case 33 with a front cover that opens like a double door to make it look more like a Buddhist altar.

[0112] On the dedicated tablet 30, the worship application software is started to access the reception server 32, and the worship reservation described above can be made from the top screen of the reception server 32, or the sound of the sutra for daily worship can be output by selecting the "prayer" button separately provided on the top screen of the reception server 32. When the "prayer" button is selected, the control device 10 of the ossuary system identifies the worshipper by the worshipper registration means m11.

[0113] While the sutra voice is being output, the dedicated tablet 30 may display a photo of the deceased registered in the memory means m8 of the control device 10 of the ossuary system, or a Buddha statue from a famous temple, or the deceased's memorial tablet and urn, or a combination of these. Furthermore, at the end of the sutra, a voice that imitates the voice of the deceased may explain what day it is, or may announce information previously registered in the memory means m8 of the control device 10, such as family birthdays or anniversaries, and may end with "I hope you are well today," giving a sense of peace to the worshipper who has visited remotely.

[0114] In this way, by using a specialized communication terminal such as the dedicated tablet 30, it is possible to perform worship or prayer according to the preferences of the user of the dedicated tablet 30, thereby increasing the sense of satisfaction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10 Control device 11 Screen 12 Projector 13 Speaker 14. Mike 15 Altar

Claims

1. a worship room equipped with a display means on at least the front wall; an image output means for displaying a facial image of the deceased on the display means; a voice output means for outputting a voice that imitates the voice of the deceased; In a columbarium system equipped with The ossuary system has a question output means for outputting questions to worshippers who visit the prayer room from the voice output means.

2. A voice input means for converting the voice uttered by the worshipper in the prayer room into voice data; an answer determination means for determining whether the worshipper answered the question in the affirmative or negative manner from the voice data; a response output means for outputting a different response voice from the voice output means in response to an output from the answer determination means; 2. The ossuary system of claim 1, comprising:

3. The ossuary system of claim 2 further comprises a repeat means for outputting a voice message saying "I couldn't hear you" from the voice output means when the voices of multiple worshippers are input simultaneously into the voice input means, causing the answer determination means to make a determination error, thereby prompting the worshipper to answer the question again.

4. a related person information registration means for registering in advance the name information, date of birth information, sex information, and relationship information between the related person and the deceased; a question generation means for generating questions for the worshipper based on the information registered in the related person information registration means; 4. The ossuary system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. A worshipper registration means for registering worshippers who will visit the shrine in advance; a thank-you voice output means for reading out the name of the worshipper and outputting a thank-you voice after the question generation means has finished generating the question; 5. The ossuary system according to claim 4, comprising:

6. 2. The ossuary system according to claim 1, wherein the display means is capable of displaying a facial image of the deceased in three dimensions.

7. The ossuary system according to claim 5, wherein the worshipper registration means enables the worshipper to select remote worship using a communication device used by the worshipper.

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