System

Abstract

To provide a system.SOLUTION: A system includes: means for acting as a partner of the daily conversation of an aged person; means for reading change of a physical condition from a conversation; and means for contact with a family or a hospital based on the read change of the physical condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a persona chatbot control method performed by at least one processor, the method including the steps of receiving a user utterance, adding the user utterance to a prompt including a description and related instruction sentence regarding the chatbot character, encoding the prompt, and inputting the encoded prompt into a language model to generate a chatbot utterance in response to the user utterance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-180282 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When elderly people live alone, they feel lonely because they have no one to talk to on a daily basis, and they have limited means of communicating changes in their health to their family or medical institutions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To provide a system that can listen to the elderly's daily conversations, read changes in their physical condition from the conversations, and communicate the information to their families and hospitals. This system uses voice recognition technology to determine changes in the elderly's physical condition from the content of their conversations, and communicates the changes to their families and hospitals via the Internet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a smart device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and smart glasses according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a headset-type terminal according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a robot according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 shows an emotion map onto which multiple emotions are mapped. [Figure 10] 1 shows an emotion map onto which multiple emotions are mapped. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a system according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0009] In the following embodiments, a signed processor (hereinafter simply referred to as a "processor") may be one arithmetic device or a combination of multiple arithmetic devices. Furthermore, a processor may be one type of arithmetic device or a combination of multiple types of arithmetic devices. Examples of arithmetic devices include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GPGPU (General-Purpose computing on Graphics Processing Units), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), or a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit).

[0010] In the following embodiments, a signed RAM (Random Access Memory) is a memory in which information is temporarily stored and is used as a working memory by the processor.

[0011] In the following embodiments, the coded storage is one or more non-volatile storage devices that store various programs, various parameters, etc. Examples of non-volatile storage devices include flash memory (SSD (Solid State Drive)), magnetic disks (e.g., hard disks), and magnetic tapes.

[0012] In the following embodiments, a communication I / F (Interface) with a code is an interface including a communication processor and an antenna. The communication I / F controls communication between multiple computers. An example of a communication standard applied to the communication I / F is a wireless communication standard including 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0013] In the following embodiments, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. In addition, in this specification, the same idea as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0014] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] 1, a data processing system 10 includes a data processing device 12 and a smart device 14. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0016] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a wide area network (WAN) and / or a local area network (LAN).

[0017] The smart device 14 includes a computer 36, a reception device 38, an output device 40, a camera 42, and a communication I / F 44. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The reception device 38, the output device 40, and the camera 42 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0018] The reception device 38 includes a touch panel 38A and a microphone 38B, and receives user input. The touch panel 38A detects contact with a pointer (e.g., a pen or a finger) to receive user input by the touch of the pointer. The microphone 38B detects the user's voice to receive user input by voice. The control unit 46A transmits data indicating the user input received by the touch panel 38A and the microphone 38B to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the data indicating the user input.

[0019] The output device 40 includes a display 40A and a speaker 40B, and presents data to the user 20 by outputting the data in a form of expression that the user 20 can perceive (e.g., voice and / or text). The display 40A displays visible information such as text and images according to instructions from the processor 46. The speaker 40B outputs voice according to instructions from the processor 46. The camera 42 is a compact digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, an aperture, and a shutter, and an imaging element such as a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor.

[0020] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for transmitting and receiving various types of information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows an example of main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart device 14.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32. The specific process program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific process program 56 from the storage 32, and executes the read specific process program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific process is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific process program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0023] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0024] In the smart device 14, the processor 46 performs the reception output processing. The storage 50 stores a reception output program 60. The reception output program 60 is used together with the specific processing program 56 by the data processing system 10. The processor 46 reads out the reception output program 60 from the storage 50, and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output processing is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0025] Next, the specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 will be described.

[0026] "Example 1" The present invention is a system that serves as a daily conversation partner for elderly people. Specifically, the system uses voice recognition technology to analyze the elderly's conversation and reads changes in physical condition from the content of the conversation. For example, if an elderly person says "I have a headache," the system captures the utterance and analyzes it as a change in physical condition. "Example 2" Furthermore, the present invention is a system that notifies family members and hospitals based on changes in physical condition that have been read. Specifically, the system notifies family members and hospitals via the Internet. For example, after reading changes in physical condition, the system automatically sends emails or messages to family members and hospitals to convey the elderly person's physical condition information. "Example 3" The present invention is a system for supporting the daily life of the elderly. Specifically, the system monitors changes in the physical condition of the elderly through conversations and contacts their families or hospitals as necessary to protect the safety and health of the elderly.

[0027] The process flow of each embodiment will be described below.

[0028] "Example 1" Step 1: The system conducts everyday conversations with the elderly, covering a variety of topics that may interest them, such as the weather or their hobbies. Step 2: The system uses voice recognition technology to analyze the elderly person's conversation, including not only what is being said but also the tone of voice and speaking patterns. Step 3: The system reads changes in physical condition from the analysis results. For example, if the person says "I have a headache" or their tone of voice is different from usual, this indicates that there may be some change in their physical condition. "Example 2" Step 1: The system will read any changes in physical condition and then contact you based on that information. Step 2: The system contacts the family or hospital via the Internet. This contact can be in the form of an email or message, for example. Step 3: The system will include the elderly person's health information in the communication, so that family members and hospitals can quickly grasp any changes in the elderly person's health. "Example 3" Step 1: The system will support the daily life of the elderly. Specifically, the system will grasp changes in the elderly's physical condition through conversation and contact their family or hospital if necessary. Step 2: The system provides functions to protect the safety and health of the elderly. For example, the system supports the elderly's health management by detecting changes in their physical condition early and encouraging appropriate responses. Step 3: The system also provides functions to reduce the sense of loneliness of the elderly, for example, by communicating with them through everyday conversation.

[0029] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the emotion of the user may be combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the emotion of the user using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the emotion of the user.

[0030] "Example 1" In one embodiment of the present invention, the emotion engine reads the elderly person's emotional state from their daily conversation. Specifically, the emotion engine analyzes the elderly person's tone of voice and speech pattern, and determines the elderly person's emotional state from the results. For example, if the elderly person has a low tone of voice and speaks slowly, it is determined that the elderly person may be depressed. "Example 2" In addition, the emotion engine can infer changes in the elderly person's physical condition from their emotional state. For example, if an elderly person is depressed every day, it can infer that they may be in poor health. In this way, the emotion engine can detect changes in the elderly person's physical condition at an early stage. "Example 3" In one embodiment of the present invention, the system contacts the family or the hospital based on the change in the emotional state. Specifically, when the emotion engine predicts a change in physical condition, the system contacts the family or the hospital based on that information. For example, the system can quickly inform the family or the hospital of the change in the elderly person's physical condition by sending an email or a message.

[0031] The process flow of each embodiment will be described below.

[0032] "Example 1" Step 1: The system conducts a daily conversation with the elderly person. Step 2: The emotion engine analyzes the senior's tone of voice and speaking patterns. Step 3: The emotion engine uses the analysis results to determine the elderly person's emotional state. For example, if the elderly person has a low tone of voice and speaks slowly, it will determine that the elderly person may be depressed. "Example 2" Step 1: The emotion engine analyzes the elderly person's emotional state. Step 2: The emotion engine infers changes in the elderly person's physical condition from their emotional state. For example, if an elderly person is depressed every day, it infers that they may be in poor health. "Example 3" Step 1: If the emotion engine predicts a change in physical condition, the system will contact family members or hospitals based on that information. Step 2: The system quickly communicates any changes in the elderly person's health to their family or the hospital, for example by sending emails or messages.

[0033] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the smart device 14. In the smart device 14, the control unit 46A causes the output device 40 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 38B acquires a voice indicating a user input for the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits the voice data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 38B to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the voice data.

[0034] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by making a neural network perform deep learning. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating a voice, text data indicating a text, and image data indicating an image is input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data according to the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0035] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific process was performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific process may be performed by the smart device 14.

[0036] [Second embodiment]

[0037] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0038] 3, the data processing system 210 includes the data processing device 12 and smart glasses 214. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0039] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a wide area network (WAN) and / or a local area network (LAN).

[0040] The smart glasses 214 include a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, and a communication I / F 44. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, the speaker 240, and the camera 42 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0041] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs the voice according to instructions from the processor 46.

[0042] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, an aperture, and a shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (e.g., an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the width of the field of vision of an average healthy person).

[0043] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for transmitting and receiving various types of information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The transmission and reception of various types of information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is performed in a secure state.

[0044] Fig. 4 shows an example of main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart glasses 214. As shown in Fig. 4, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[0045] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32, and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0046] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0047] In the smart glasses 214, the reception output process is performed by the processor 46. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50, and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0048] Next, the specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 will be described.

[0049] "Example 1" The present invention is a system that serves as a daily conversation partner for elderly people. Specifically, the system uses voice recognition technology to analyze the elderly's conversation and reads changes in physical condition from the content of the conversation. For example, if an elderly person says "I have a headache," the system captures the utterance and analyzes it as a change in physical condition. "Example 2" Furthermore, the present invention is a system that notifies family members and hospitals based on changes in physical condition that have been read. Specifically, the system notifies family members and hospitals via the Internet. For example, after reading changes in physical condition, the system automatically sends emails or messages to family members and hospitals to convey the elderly person's physical condition information. "Example 3" The present invention is a system for supporting the daily life of the elderly. Specifically, the system monitors changes in the physical condition of the elderly through conversations and contacts their families or hospitals as necessary to protect the safety and health of the elderly.

[0050] The process flow of each embodiment will be described below.

[0051] "Example 1" Step 1: The system conducts everyday conversations with the elderly, covering a variety of topics that may interest them, such as the weather or their hobbies. Step 2: The system uses voice recognition technology to analyze the elderly person's conversation, including not only what is being said but also the tone of voice and speaking patterns. Step 3: The system reads changes in physical condition from the analysis results. For example, if the person says "I have a headache" or their tone of voice is different from usual, this indicates that there may be some change in their physical condition. "Example 2" Step 1: The system will read any changes in physical condition and then contact you based on that information. Step 2: The system contacts the family or hospital via the Internet. This contact can be in the form of an email or message, for example. Step 3: The system will include the elderly person's health information in the communication, so that family members and hospitals can quickly grasp any changes in the elderly person's health. "Example 3" Step 1: The system will support the daily life of the elderly. Specifically, the system will grasp changes in the elderly's physical condition through conversation and contact their family or hospital if necessary. Step 2: The system provides functions to protect the safety and health of the elderly. For example, the system supports the elderly's health management by detecting changes in their physical condition early and encouraging appropriate responses. Step 3: The system also provides functions to reduce the sense of loneliness of the elderly, for example, by communicating with them through everyday conversation.

[0052] In addition, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[0053] "Example 1" In one embodiment of the present invention, the emotion engine reads the elderly person's emotional state from their daily conversation. Specifically, the emotion engine analyzes the elderly person's tone of voice and speech pattern, and determines the elderly person's emotional state from the results. For example, if the elderly person has a low tone of voice and speaks slowly, it is determined that the elderly person may be depressed. "Example 2" In addition, the emotion engine can infer changes in the elderly person's physical condition from their emotional state. For example, if an elderly person is depressed every day, it can infer that they may be in poor health. In this way, the emotion engine can detect changes in the elderly person's physical condition at an early stage. "Example 3" In one embodiment of the present invention, the system contacts the family or the hospital based on the change in the emotional state. Specifically, when the emotion engine predicts a change in physical condition, the system contacts the family or the hospital based on that information. For example, the system can quickly inform the family or the hospital of the change in the elderly person's physical condition by sending an email or a message.

[0054] The process flow of each embodiment will be described below.

[0055] "Example 1" Step 1: The system conducts a daily conversation with the elderly person. Step 2: The emotion engine analyzes the senior's tone of voice and speaking patterns. Step 3: The emotion engine uses the analysis results to determine the elderly person's emotional state. For example, if the elderly person has a low tone of voice and speaks slowly, it will determine that the elderly person may be depressed. "Example 2" Step 1: The emotion engine analyzes the elderly person's emotional state. Step 2: The emotion engine infers changes in the elderly person's physical condition from their emotional state. For example, if an elderly person is depressed every day, it infers that they may be in poor health. "Example 3" Step 1: If the emotion engine predicts a change in physical condition, the system will contact family members or hospitals based on that information. Step 2: The system quickly communicates any changes in the elderly person's health to their family or the hospital, for example by sending emails or messages.

[0056] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the smart glasses 214. In the smart glasses 214, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires a voice indicating a user input for the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits the voice data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the voice data.

[0057] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by making a neural network perform deep learning. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating a voice, text data indicating a text, and image data indicating an image is input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data according to the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific processing may be performed by the smart glasses 214.

[0059] [Third embodiment]

[0060] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 310 according to the third embodiment.

[0061] 5, the data processing system 310 includes the data processing device 12 and a headset type terminal 314. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0062] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a wide area network (WAN) and / or a local area network (LAN).

[0063] The headset type terminal 314 includes a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, a communication I / F 44, and a display 343. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, the speaker 240, the camera 42, and the display 343 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0064] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs the voice according to instructions from the processor 46.

[0065] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, an aperture, and a shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (e.g., an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the width of the field of vision of an average healthy person).

[0066] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for transmitting and receiving various types of information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The transmission and reception of various types of information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is performed in a secure state.

[0067] Fig. 6 shows an example of main functions of the data processing device 12 and the headset type terminal 314. As shown in Fig. 6, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[0068] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32, and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0069] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0070] In the headset type terminal 314, the reception output process is performed by the processor 46. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50, and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0071] Next, the specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 will be described.

[0072] "Example 1" The present invention is a system that serves as a daily conversation partner for elderly people. Specifically, the system uses voice recognition technology to analyze the elderly's conversation and reads changes in physical condition from the content of the conversation. For example, if an elderly person says "I have a headache," the system captures the utterance and analyzes it as a change in physical condition. "Example 2" Furthermore, the present invention is a system that notifies family members and hospitals based on changes in physical condition that have been read. Specifically, the system notifies family members and hospitals via the Internet. For example, after reading changes in physical condition, the system automatically sends emails or messages to family members and hospitals to convey the elderly person's physical condition information. "Example 3" The present invention is a system for supporting the daily life of the elderly. Specifically, the system monitors changes in the physical condition of the elderly through conversations and contacts their families or hospitals as necessary to protect the safety and health of the elderly.

[0073] The process flow of each embodiment will be described below.

[0074] "Example 1" Step 1: The system conducts everyday conversations with the elderly, covering a variety of topics that may interest them, such as the weather or their hobbies. Step 2: The system uses voice recognition technology to analyze the elderly person's conversation, including not only what is being said but also the tone of voice and speaking patterns. Step 3: The system reads changes in physical condition from the analysis results. For example, if the person says "I have a headache" or their tone of voice is different from usual, this indicates that there may be some change in their physical condition. "Example 2" Step 1: The system will read any changes in physical condition and then contact you based on that information. Step 2: The system contacts the family or hospital via the Internet. This contact can be in the form of an email or message, for example. Step 3: The system will include the elderly person's health information in the communication, so that family members and hospitals can quickly grasp any changes in the elderly person's health. "Example 3" Step 1: The system will support the daily life of the elderly. Specifically, the system will grasp changes in the elderly's physical condition through conversation and contact their family or hospital if necessary. Step 2: The system provides functions to protect the safety and health of the elderly. For example, the system supports the elderly's health management by detecting changes in their physical condition early and encouraging appropriate responses. Step 3: The system also provides functions to reduce the sense of loneliness of the elderly, for example, by communicating with them through everyday conversation.

[0075] In addition, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[0076] "Example 1" In one embodiment of the present invention, the emotion engine reads the elderly person's emotional state from their daily conversation. Specifically, the emotion engine analyzes the elderly person's tone of voice and speech pattern, and determines the elderly person's emotional state from the results. For example, if the elderly person has a low tone of voice and speaks slowly, it is determined that the elderly person may be depressed. "Example 2" In addition, the emotion engine can infer changes in the elderly person's physical condition from their emotional state. For example, if an elderly person is depressed every day, it can infer that they may be in poor health. In this way, the emotion engine can detect changes in the elderly person's physical condition at an early stage. "Example 3" In one embodiment of the present invention, the system contacts the family or the hospital based on the change in the emotional state. Specifically, when the emotion engine predicts a change in physical condition, the system contacts the family or the hospital based on that information. For example, the system can quickly inform the family or the hospital of the change in the elderly person's physical condition by sending an email or a message.

[0077] The process flow of each embodiment will be described below.

[0078] "Example 1" Step 1: The system conducts a daily conversation with the elderly person. Step 2: The emotion engine analyzes the senior's tone of voice and speaking patterns. Step 3: The emotion engine uses the analysis results to determine the elderly person's emotional state. For example, if the elderly person has a low tone of voice and speaks slowly, it will determine that the elderly person may be depressed. "Example 2" Step 1: The emotion engine analyzes the elderly person's emotional state. Step 2: The emotion engine infers changes in the elderly person's physical condition from their emotional state. For example, if an elderly person is depressed every day, it infers that they may be in poor health. "Example 3" Step 1: If the emotion engine predicts a change in physical condition, the system will contact family members or hospitals based on that information. Step 2: The system quickly communicates any changes in the elderly person's health to their family or the hospital, for example by sending emails or messages.

[0079] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the headset type terminal 314. In the headset type terminal 314, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 and the display 343 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires voice indicating a user input for the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits voice data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the voice data.

[0080] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by making a neural network perform deep learning. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating a voice, text data indicating a text, and image data indicating an image is input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data according to the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific processing may be performed by the headset type terminal 314. [Fourth embodiment]

[0082] FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 410 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0083] 7, a data processing system 410 includes a data processing device 12 and a robot 414. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0084] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a wide area network (WAN) and / or a local area network (LAN).

[0085] The robot 414 includes a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, a communication I / F 44, and a control target 443. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. In addition, the microphone 238, the speaker 240, the camera 42, and the control target 443 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0086] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs the voice according to instructions from the processor 46.

[0087] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, an aperture, and a shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (e.g., an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the width of the field of vision of an average healthy person).

[0088] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for transmitting and receiving various types of information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The transmission and reception of various types of information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is performed in a secure state.

[0089] The control target 443 includes a display device, LEDs in the eyes, and motors for driving the arms, hands, legs, etc. The posture and behavior of the robot 414 are controlled by controlling the motors of the arms, hands, legs, etc. Some of the emotions of the robot 414 can be expressed by controlling these motors. In addition, the facial expressions of the robot 414 can also be expressed by controlling the light emission state of the LEDs in the eyes of the robot 414.

[0090] Fig. 8 shows an example of main functions of the data processing device 12 and the robot 414. As shown in Fig. 8, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[0091] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32, and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0092] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0093] In the robot 414, the reception output process is performed by the processor 46. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50, and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0094] Next, the specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 will be described.

[0095] "Example 1" The present invention is a system that serves as a daily conversation partner for elderly people. Specifically, the system uses voice recognition technology to analyze the elderly's conversation and reads changes in physical condition from the content of the conversation. For example, if an elderly person says "I have a headache," the system captures the utterance and analyzes it as a change in physical condition. "Example 2" Furthermore, the present invention is a system that notifies family members and hospitals based on changes in physical condition that have been read. Specifically, the system notifies family members and hospitals via the Internet. For example, after reading changes in physical condition, the system automatically sends emails or messages to family members and hospitals to convey the elderly person's physical condition information. "Example 3" The present invention is a system for supporting the daily life of the elderly. Specifically, the system monitors changes in the physical condition of the elderly through conversations and contacts their families or hospitals as necessary to protect the safety and health of the elderly.

[0096] The process flow of each embodiment will be described below.

[0097] "Example 1" Step 1: The system conducts everyday conversations with the elderly, covering a variety of topics that may interest them, such as the weather or their hobbies. Step 2: The system uses voice recognition technology to analyze the elderly person's conversation, including not only what is being said but also the tone of voice and speaking patterns. Step 3: The system reads changes in physical condition from the analysis results. For example, if the person says "I have a headache" or their tone of voice is different from usual, this indicates that there may be some change in their physical condition. "Example 2" Step 1: The system will read any changes in physical condition and then contact you based on that information. Step 2: The system contacts the family or hospital via the Internet. This contact can be in the form of an email or message, for example. Step 3: The system will include the elderly person's health information in the communication, so that family members and hospitals can quickly grasp any changes in the elderly person's health. "Example 3" Step 1: The system will support the daily life of the elderly. Specifically, the system will grasp changes in the elderly's physical condition through conversation and contact their family or hospital if necessary. Step 2: The system provides functions to protect the safety and health of the elderly. For example, the system supports the elderly's health management by detecting changes in their physical condition early and encouraging appropriate responses. Step 3: The system also provides functions to reduce the sense of loneliness of the elderly, for example, by communicating with them through everyday conversation.

[0098] In addition, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[0099] "Example 1" In one embodiment of the present invention, the emotion engine reads the elderly person's emotional state from their daily conversation. Specifically, the emotion engine analyzes the elderly person's tone of voice and speech pattern, and determines the elderly person's emotional state from the results. For example, if the elderly person has a low tone of voice and speaks slowly, it is determined that the elderly person may be depressed. "Example 2" In addition, the emotion engine can infer changes in the elderly person's physical condition from their emotional state. For example, if an elderly person is depressed every day, it can infer that they may be in poor health. In this way, the emotion engine can detect changes in the elderly person's physical condition at an early stage. "Example 3" In one embodiment of the present invention, the system contacts the family or the hospital based on the change in the emotional state. Specifically, when the emotion engine predicts a change in physical condition, the system contacts the family or the hospital based on that information. For example, the system can quickly inform the family or the hospital of the change in the elderly person's physical condition by sending an email or a message.

[0100] The process flow of each embodiment will be described below.

[0101] "Example 1" Step 1: The system conducts a daily conversation with the elderly person. Step 2: The emotion engine analyzes the senior's tone of voice and speaking patterns. Step 3: The emotion engine uses the analysis results to determine the elderly person's emotional state. For example, if the elderly person has a low tone of voice and speaks slowly, it will determine that the elderly person may be depressed. "Example 2" Step 1: The emotion engine analyzes the elderly person's emotional state. Step 2: The emotion engine infers changes in the elderly person's physical condition from their emotional state. For example, if an elderly person is depressed every day, it infers that they may be in poor health. "Example 3" Step 1: If the emotion engine predicts a change in physical condition, the system will contact family members or hospitals based on that information. Step 2: The system quickly communicates any changes in the elderly person's health to their family or the hospital, for example by sending emails or messages.

[0102] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the robot 414. In the robot 414, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 and the control target 443 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires a voice indicating a user input for the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits voice data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the voice data.

[0103] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by making a neural network perform deep learning. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating a voice, text data indicating a text, and image data indicating an image is input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data according to the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific process was performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific process may be performed by the robot 414.

[0105] The emotion identification model 59 as an emotion engine may determine the emotion of the user according to a specific mapping. Specifically, the emotion identification model 59 may determine the emotion of the user according to an emotion map (see FIG. 9), which is a specific mapping. Similarly, the emotion identification model 59 may determine the emotion of the robot, and the identification processing unit 290 may perform identification processing using the emotion of the robot.

[0106] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an emotion map 400 on which multiple emotions are mapped. In the emotion map 400, emotions are arranged in concentric circles radiating from the center. The closer to the center of the concentric circles, the more primitive emotions are arranged. The more outside the concentric circles, the more emotions that represent states and actions that arise from a state of mind are arranged. Emotions are a concept that includes emotions and mental states. On the left side of the concentric circles, emotions that are generally generated from reactions that occur in the brain are arranged. On the right side of the concentric circles, emotions that are generally induced by situational judgment are arranged. On the upper and lower sides of the concentric circles, emotions that are generally generated from reactions that occur in the brain and are induced by situational judgment are arranged. In addition, on the upper side of the concentric circles, emotions of "pleasure" are arranged, and on the lower side, emotions of "discomfort" are arranged. In this way, in the emotion map 400, multiple emotions are mapped based on the structure in which emotions are generated, and emotions that tend to occur simultaneously are mapped close to each other.

[0107] These emotions are distributed in the three o'clock direction of emotion map 400 and usually fluctuate between relief and anxiety. In the right half of emotion map 400, situational awareness dominates over internal sensations, resulting in a sense of calm.

[0108] The inside of emotion map 400 represents what is going on inside one's mind, and the outside of emotion map 400 represents behavior, so the further out you go on emotion map 400, the more visible the emotions become (the more they are expressed in behavior).

[0109] Here, human emotions are based on various balances such as posture and blood sugar level, and when these balances are far from the ideal, it indicates an unpleasant state, and when they are close to the ideal, it indicates a pleasant state. Emotions can also be created for robots, cars, motorcycles, etc., based on various balances such as posture and battery level, so that when these balances are far from the ideal, it indicates an unpleasant state, and when they are close to the ideal, it indicates a pleasant state. The emotion map may be generated, for example, based on the emotion map of Dr. Mitsuyoshi (Research on speech emotion recognition and emotion brain physiological signal analysis system, Tokushima University, doctoral dissertation: https: / / ci.nii.ac.jp / naid / 500000375379). On the left half of the emotion map, emotions belonging to an area called "reaction" where sensation is dominant are lined up. On the right half of the emotion map, emotions belonging to an area called "situation" where situation recognition is dominant are lined up.

[0110] The emotion map defines two emotions that promote learning. The first is the negative emotion around the middle of "repentance" or "remorse" on the situation side. In other words, this is when the robot experiences negative emotions such as "I never want to feel this way again" or "I don't want to be scolded again." The other is the positive emotion around "desire" on the response side. In other words, this is when the robot has positive feelings such as "I want more" or "I want to know more."

[0111] The emotion identification model 59 inputs the user input to a pre-trained neural network, obtains emotion values ​​indicating each emotion shown in the emotion map 400, and determines the emotion of the user. This neural network is pre-trained based on multiple learning data that are combinations of the user input and emotion values ​​indicating each emotion shown in the emotion map 400. Furthermore, this neural network is trained so that emotions that are located close to each other have similar values, as in the emotion map 900 shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows an example in which multiple emotions, "relief," "calm," and "encouraging," have similar emotion values.

[0112] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a specific process is performed by one computer 22, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and distributed processing of the specific process may be performed by multiple computers, including computer 22.

[0113] In the above embodiment, an example in which the specific processing program 56 is stored in the storage 32 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the specific processing program 56 may be stored in a portable computer-readable non-transitory storage medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. The specific processing program 56 stored in the non-transitory storage medium is installed in the computer 22 of the data processing device 12. The processor 28 executes the specific processing in accordance with the specific processing program 56.

[0114] In addition, the specific processing program 56 may be stored in a storage device such as a server connected to the data processing device 12 via the network 54, and the specific processing program 56 may be downloaded and installed on the computer 22 upon request from the data processing device 12.

[0115] It is not necessary to store all of the specific processing program 56 in a storage device such as a server connected to the data processing device 12 via the network 54, or to store all of the specific processing program 56 in the storage 32; only a portion of the specific processing program 56 may be stored.

[0116] As the hardware resource for executing the specific process, various processors as shown below can be used. An example of the processor is a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for executing the specific process by executing software, i.e., a program. Another example of the processor is a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed exclusively for executing the specific process, such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Each processor has a built-in or connected memory, and each processor executes the specific process by using the memory.

[0117] The hardware resource that executes the specific process may be one of these various processors, or may be a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that executes the specific process may be a single processor.

[0118] As an example of a configuration using one processor, first, one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes a specific process. Second, there is a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple hardware resources that execute a specific process on a single IC chip, as typified by SoC (System-on-a-chip). In this way, a specific process is realized using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[0119] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. The specific processes described above are merely examples. It goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of processes may be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0120] The above description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, function, action, and effect is an example of the configuration, function, action, and effect of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above description and illustrations, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above description and illustrations omit explanations of technical common sense that do not require explanation in order to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0121] All publications, patent applications, and standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0122] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0123] (Claim 1) The system includes a means for engaging in daily conversation with an elderly person, a means for reading changes in physical condition from the conversation, and a means for contacting family members or a hospital based on the read changes in physical condition. (Claim 2) 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for reading the change in physical condition uses voice recognition technology to determine the change in physical condition from the content of the elderly person's conversation. (Claim 3) 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for making contact makes contact with family members or hospitals via the Internet.

[0124] (Claim 4) 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for reading the change in physical condition uses an emotion engine to determine the emotional state of the elderly person and infer the change in physical condition from the emotional state. (Claim 5) 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the emotion engine determines the emotional state of the senior from the senior's tone of voice and speaking patterns. (Claim 6) 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the means for effecting communication contacts a family member or a hospital based on a change in emotional state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10, 210, 310, 410 Data Processing Systems 12 Data Processing Device 14 Smart Devices 214 Smart Glasses 314 Headset-type terminal 414 Robot

Claims

1. The system includes a means for engaging in daily conversation with an elderly person, a means for reading changes in physical condition from the conversation, and a means for contacting family members or a hospital based on the read changes in physical condition.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the means for reading the change in physical condition uses a voice recognition technology to determine the change in physical condition from the content of the elderly person's conversation.

3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the means for making contact makes contact with the family or hospital via the Internet.

Images