System and program

Abstract

To provide a system and a program, which realize an interactive function superior in entertainment property to access a user from a system side.SOLUTION: In an interactive function realized by a control unit of a navigation device, with satisfaction of an access message output condition (S01:Yes) as a trigger, regardless of operation and input of a user, an access message is outputted S02, voice recognition is simultaneously started S03, the interactive message is outputted if a response of the user to the access message is affirmative (S04:Yes), and interaction with the user is started S05. If the response of the user to the access message is negative (S04: No), an end message is outputted S08, and voice recognition ends S09. Namely, interaction with the user is performed only when the user desires interaction with the system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a program, etc. including control means for outputting an access message to a user and starting voice recognition, for example.

Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed a system for assisting a driver's driving by having a character displayed on a display screen attempt to communicate with the driver. For example, in Patent Document 1, there has been proposed a system in which a user can give various instructions such as route search and power window opening / closing while having a conversation with a character. In the storage unit of the system, assumed user questions and answer patterns of the character corresponding to those questions are stored, and while answering the user's questions, a conversation is induced to cause various instructions to be given. Different from mere device operation, by performing an operation through a conversation with an anthropomorphic character, a sense of entertainment can be felt.

[0003] If the conversation between the user and the character is of one pattern, for example, by repeating the conversation many times, there is a risk that the entertainment factor will fade. Therefore, different conversation patterns suitable for multiple personalities such as social, positive, and introverted are stored.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above-described system, the conversation with the character is only carried out for the user to give instructions to the system, and it is basically passive in the form of answering questions from the user. Therefore, it is difficult to feel the personality beyond the functions of the system.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] (1) The system according to the present invention is provided with control means for outputting an access message to the user and starting voice recognition when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0007] A system installed in an in-vehicle electronic device or the like usually operates by a user's button operation or voice input. However, even without the user's operation or input, by outputting a message to access the user from the system side, it is possible to surprise the user and bring an added value that attracts the user in addition to mere convenience. In particular, in a system that performs character animation display and voice output, making the user feel surprised will further increase the humanity of the character and can stimulate the purchasing desire of users who use the system for the purpose of the character.

[0008] The "predetermined condition" may be, for example, the driving distance or driving time of the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle electronic device. For example, by outputting an access message every 100 km of driving distance or every 3 hours of driving time, it is possible to give a stimulus to a drive that would otherwise tend to become monotonous. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the driving area of the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle electronic device. For example, it is advisable to detect the position of the vehicle by means of a GPS installed in the vehicle and output an access message when the vehicle moves from one prefecture to an adjacent prefecture. For example, the content of the access message may be the dialect or tourist information specific to that prefecture. In this way, the user can obtain useful information specific to that area, and it is possible to give a stimulus to a drive that would otherwise tend to become monotonous. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the number of times the system installed in the in-vehicle electronic device is started or the number of times the voice recognition function is used. For example, when the number of times the system is started reaches 30 times, or when the number of times the voice recognition function is used reaches 100 times, etc., when the number of times the system is started reaches a predetermined number, or when the number of times the voice recognition function is used reaches a predetermined number, if an access message is output, in particular, the willingness to use the system or voice recognition can be stimulated.

[0009] The "access message for the user" may be, for example, a message that requests some response from the user. The access message may be output, for example, as the speech of a character. For example, when having a conversation with the user triggered by the access message, the access message may be, for example, a message asking for permission to start the conversation such as "Excuse me, is it okay to talk now?" Among other things, it is advisable to include greetings such as "Hello, is it okay to talk now?" Also, for example, it is advisable to include a nickname created according to the name of the user input in advance, such as "Yukun, is it okay to talk now?" The access message may be output by voice via the speaker of the in-vehicle electronic device, or may be displayed on the display unit of the in-vehicle electronic device by characters or image information.

[0010] (2) When the response content of the user to the access message is affirmative, it is advisable to start a dialogue with the user through a predetermined information output and voice recognition of the user's response to the information.

[0011] By accessing the user from the system side and further conducting a dialogue, it is possible to make the system, which is often felt to be rather inanimate, feel more human, and further enhance the added value of the system. Also, by starting a dialogue with the user according to the response content from the user to the access message, while giving the user a surprise, the subsequent scenario can be advanced considering the convenience of the user, so it is possible to prevent the user from feeling bothered.

[0012] By starting the dialogue only when there is an affirmative response from the user, it is possible to prevent the scenario from proceeding arbitrarily and making the user feel bothered. Therefore, it is beneficial for a system in which a character on the system side advances the dialogue based on a particularly memorized scenario. Also, when using a character, it is possible to make the user feel the propriety of the character.

[0013] "Dialogue with the user" means, for example, voice recognition of the user's response to the predetermined information output by the system and outputting further information according to the content. For example, the system outputs information sufficient to make the user feel that communication is established. The information may be output, for example, as the speech of a character.

[0014] The predetermined information constituting the dialogue may be composed of a plurality of phrases such as, for example, questions, greetings, or interjections. The plurality of phrases may include, for example, at least one question and be configured to prompt the user to give either an affirmative or negative response. What may be combined with the question are, for example, words of emotional expression representing the character's personality or greetings, and words that have nothing to do with the original function of the system. The plurality of phrases may be output as the character's speech. For example, it is good to output the following speech. · "Umm, thank you for buying my navigation this time. I wonder if you like it. I'm a little worried." · "I was a little free. I sometimes talk like this. Am I disturbing you?" · "Thank you for using it a lot. I want to give you a thank-you song. Is that okay?"

[0015] The system may, for example, pre-store in the storage means the words and phrases assumed as the user's response content. The words and phrases may be classified, for example, into either "affirmative" or "negative". Examples of affirmative words and phrases may be "Yes", "Yeah", "Okay", "All right". Examples of negative words and phrases may be "No", "No good", "It won't do", "Annoying", "No way". If it does not correspond to the stored words and phrases, it may be processed as unrecognizable.

[0016] Furthermore, the words and phrases assumed as the user's response content in the "dialogue" may also be pre-stored in the storage means. The words and phrases may be classified, for example, into either "affirmative" or "negative". Since there are, for example, multiple types of information output by the system in the "dialogue", in the "dialogue" stage, it is good to store more words and phrases than in the access message output stage.

[0017] Positive phrases may include, for example, "Yes", "Uh-huh", "Okay", "Sure", "Like it", "Liked it", "Cool", "Know", "Got it". Negative phrases may include, for example, "No", "No good", "No good, right", "Noisy", "Whatever", "Don't like it", "Don't like it at all", "Don't know", "Don't know at all", "Different", "Wrong".

[0018] The system may preferably select the information to be output next according to whether the user's response to the output information is "positive" or "negative".

[0019] When there is no response from the user to the access message or when the response content cannot be recognized by voice, for example, it is advisable to output a prompting message to prompt the user's response at a predetermined interval and a predetermined number of times. The prompting message to prompt the user's response may be, for example, "Hey, say something" or "I'll feel lonely if you don't say something" when there is no response. In the case of unrecognizable voice, for example, "What did you say? I don't understand. Say it again" may be used. Also, when there is no response from the user to the prompting message within a predetermined time, for example, it is advisable to output an end message such as "Maybe next time" to cancel the voice recognition.

[0020] (3) When the user's response to the access message is negative, the control means may preferably output information including a notification that the dialogue with the user will not be started to end the voice recognition.

[0021] By not starting the dialogue when the user's response is negative, it is possible to prevent the scenario from progressing arbitrarily and making the user feel bothered. When using a character, it is possible to make the user feel the rudeness of the character. For example, when outputting a statement such as "Excuse me, is it okay to talk now?" as the access message and the user gives a negative response of "No good", it is advisable to output a statement such as "Sorry. Well, next time then".

[0022] (4) The control means may output information including notification of the end of the dialogue to the user and start a predetermined event after the end of the dialogue with the user.

[0023] Starting a predetermined event after the end of the dialogue with the user, that is, the dialogue with the user can trigger the start of a predetermined event, for example, to arouse the user's desire to have a dialogue and increase the user's attachment to the system.

[0024] The end of the dialogue with the user may be, for example, the end of information output and the cancellation of speech recognition. The "notification of the end of the dialogue" may be, for example, to inform the user that the dialogue with the character has ended. For example, it is advisable to output a combination of phrases of gratitude and farewell as the character's speech. For example, it is advisable to output the following speech. · "Thank you. I'm happy~. Please use it again later. Well, see you next time." · "Really? Let's talk again."

[0025] The "predetermined event" may be, for example, new information, information about the character, or a combination of these. For example, it may be image information of the character wearing new clothes. Also, for example, it may be video information of the character singing or dancing. It is advisable to store a plurality of predetermined events in the storage means of the system. The predetermined event may be determined according to the combination of the information output to the user and the user's response to the information. Alternatively, it is advisable to determine the predetermined event to be started according to temporal conditions such as seasons and festivals or location conditions such as the driving area of the vehicle.

[0026] (5) The control means may output information including an inquiry asking for permission to start a predetermined event in the dialogue with the user, and when the user's response to the information is affirmative, output information including notification of the end of the dialogue and start a predetermined event after the end of the dialogue.

[0027] For example, when a predetermined event is a character video, it may take time to display all of the video. Therefore, before displaying the video, the user is asked whether the video can be displayed, and the event is started only when the user responds that they wish to view it, so that a user-friendly system can be provided. For example, the inquiry information requesting permission to start a predetermined event and the user's positive response to the information may be as follows. · Inquiry information requesting permission to start a predetermined event: "There is a special dance. Do you want to see it now?" · User's positive response: "Yes", "Sure", "Okay", "All right", "Thank you"

[0028] (6) In the dialogue with the user, the control means outputs information including an inquiry requesting permission to start a predetermined event, and when the user's response to the information is negative, it is advisable to notify the end of the dialogue and the predetermined event start conditions and end the dialogue.

[0029] For example, when a predetermined event is a character video, it may take time to display all of the video. Therefore, before displaying the video, the user is asked whether the video can be displayed, and when the user responds that they do not wish to view it, instead of displaying the video, the display conditions of the video are notified, so that the user can view the video when they like, and a user-friendly system can be provided. For example, the inquiry information requesting permission to start a predetermined event, the user's negative response to the information, and the notification of the end of the dialogue and the predetermined event start conditions may be as follows. · Inquiry information requesting permission to start a predetermined event: "There is a special dance. Do you want to see it now?" · User's negative response: "No. I'm driving now." · Notification of the end of the dialogue and the predetermined event start conditions: "I see. The image will be placed in the event log, so you can access it when you like. See you later."

[0030] (7) When the predetermined event starts, it is preferable that the control means causes the character to be displayed on the display means in a size that inhibits the functions of the system.

[0031] For example, when displaying the image information of a character, the predetermined event can give the user a big surprise by ignoring the original functions such as a radar detector or a car navigation system and displaying the character on the screen as if hijacking the screen.

[0032] Displaying in a size that inhibits the functions of the system means, for example, it is preferable to display so as to cover the image already displayed on the display unit.

[0033] (8) When starting the voice recognition, it is preferable that the control means causes a mark indicating that the character is trying to listen to the user's voice to be displayed on the display means.

[0034] When starting the voice recognition, for example, it is preferable to display an image of the character wearing a headset or an image of the character making a gesture of tilting the ear on the display unit of the in-vehicle electronic device. The user can have the impression that the character is listening attentively to his / her voice, and it becomes easier to feel affection for the character. Also, it is possible to easily visually recognize that the voice recognition function is operating, which is highly convenient.

[0035] (9) Even when the predetermined condition is satisfied, if it corresponds to a predetermined suppression condition, it is preferable that the control means delays the output of the access message until it no longer corresponds to the suppression condition.

[0036] By determining whether the user is in a situation where something should be prioritized over the dialogue, for example, even when exceeding a predetermined driving distance, if the acceleration condition detected from the OBD is high, delaying the output of the access message until the acceleration condition becomes low can prevent the concentration on driving from being inhibited and is highly safe.

[0037] The suppression conditions may be, for example, that the system is in the original function such as route guidance mounted on in-vehicle electronic devices or the like, voice recognition is in progress, warning sound is being generated, other voice is being generated, not in the character display mode, traveling at 100 km / h or more, etc.

Effect of the Invention

[0038] According to the present invention, for example, regardless of the user's operation, a surprise can be given by accessing the user from the system side. In addition, an excellent system can be provided that can make the system feel human, amplify the attachment to the system, and stimulate the purchasing desire.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] [Basic Configuration] FIG. 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of a navigation device 1 suitable as an electronic device constituting the system of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows its functional block diagram, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example of a display form. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a portable device main body 2 that can be carried, and a cradle 3 that is an attachment member for holding it. By attaching the device main body 2 to the cradle 3, it functions as an in-vehicle navigation device, and by detaching it from the cradle 3, it functions as a portable navigation device (PND). In this embodiment, the device main body 2 is detachable from the cradle 3, and it can be installed and used on the dashboard of a vehicle together with the cradle 3, or the device main body 2 can be removed from the cradle 3 and used as a portable (PND). However, it may be an in-vehicle fixed type that cannot be easily attached and detached to the cradle 3, or it may be dedicated to portable use. Furthermore, for example, it may be realized by installing a predetermined application program (including pre-installation) on a portable terminal such as a mobile phone. The application program may be the system itself for performing navigation, or it may be a program for accessing a server on which the system for performing navigation is installed and using the system. The present invention can be applied to various types of such navigation systems.

[0041] The device main body 2 is detachably attached to the cradle 3. The device main body 2 includes a flat rectangular case main body 4. On the front surface of the case main body 4, a display unit 5 is arranged, and on the display unit 5, a touch panel 8 for detecting which part of the display unit 5 has been touched is provided, and warning lamps 9 are provided on both sides of the front surface. The cradle 3 includes a cradle main body 6 for holding the device main body 2 and a pedestal portion 7 for instructing the cradle main body 6 in an arbitrary posture at a predetermined position (such as a dashboard) in the vehicle interior. The pedestal portion 7 is adsorbed and fixed on a dashboard or the like by a suction cup provided on the bottom surface. The pedestal portion 7 and the cradle main body 6 are connected via a connection mechanism such as a ball joint so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range. Since it is a ball joint, the pedestal portion 7 and the cradle main body 6 rotate relative to each other within an arbitrary angular range in three-dimensional directions and hold their positions at an arbitrary angular position due to the frictional resistance at the joint portion. Therefore, the device main body 2 attached to the cradle main body 6 can also be arranged in an arbitrary posture on the dashboard.

[0042] Furthermore, on one side surface of the case main body 4, an SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided, and an SD memory card 22 in which map data or the like is recorded can be inserted into the SD memory card slot portion 21. This SD memory card slot portion 21 includes a memory card reader / writer for reading and writing information to and from the inserted SD memory card 22. Also, on the side surface of the case main body 4 where the SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided, a DC jack 10 is provided. The DC jack 10 is for connecting a cigar plug cord (not shown), and it can be connected to the cigar socket of the vehicle via the cigar plug cord to receive power supply.

[0043] On the other hand, on the side surface opposite to the SD memory card slot portion 21, a power switch and a USB terminal 23 are provided. It can be connected to a personal computer via this USB terminal 23 to perform operations such as version upgrading of software applications.

[0044] Inside the case body 4, the following devices and components are arranged. That is, a microwave receiver 11 is arranged inside the back side of the case body 4. The microwave receiver 11 receives microwaves in a predetermined frequency band, and when it receives microwaves in the set frequency band, it detects the signal level of the received microwaves. Specifically, it uses the RSSI voltage corresponding to the signal level and the electric field strength. The above-mentioned predetermined frequency band includes, for example, the frequency band in which the frequency of microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed measuring device is included.

[0045] Also, a GPS receiver 12 that receives GPS signals and determines the current position is arranged inside the upper surface side of the case body 4. An infrared communication device 14 is arranged inside the front side of the case body 4. The infrared communication device 14 performs data transmission and reception with a communication device having an infrared communication device such as a mobile phone 15. Furthermore, a speaker 20 is also built into the case body 4.

[0046] Furthermore, the device of this embodiment includes a wireless receiver 13 and a remote control receiver 16. The wireless receiver 13 receives wireless signals of a predetermined frequency flying in. The remote control receiver 16 performs data communication with a remote control (portable device: slave unit) 17 and performs various settings on the device. The wireless receiver 13 receives wireless signals in a predetermined frequency band flying in. This predetermined frequency can be, for example, the frequency band of the wireless used when an emergency vehicle notifies its own vehicle position to a base station.

[0047] The navigation device 1 of this embodiment, in addition to the navigation function, also has a target notification function as a target notification device that notifies targets such as vehicle speed measuring devices and other traffic monitoring points existing around. These navigation functions and target notification functions are stored on the EEPROM of the control unit 18 as programs executed by a computer in the control unit 18, and are realized by the computer in the control unit 18 executing these programs.

[0048] That is, the control unit 18 executes predetermined processing based on information input from the various input devices (GPS receiver 12, microwave receiver 11, wireless receiver 13, touch panel 8, infrared communication device 14, remote control receiver 16, SD memory card slot unit 21, USB terminal 23, etc.), and outputs predetermined information, warnings, and messages using output devices (display unit 5, warning lamp 9, speaker 20, infrared communication device 14, SD memory card slot unit 21, USB terminal 23, etc.). This predetermined processing is for executing the above-mentioned various functions, and accesses the database 19 and the SD memory card 22 as necessary.

[0049] Here, the database 19 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM) built in the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or externally attached to the microcomputer. Note that in the database 19, information necessary for implementing certain target objects, maps, and other functions at the time of shipment is registered, and data about target objects added later can be updated through predetermined processing. The processing for this update can be performed, for example, by mounting the SD memory card 22 storing additional data on the SD memory card slot unit 21 and transferring the data from the SD memory card 22 to the database 19. Also, this data update can be performed by using the infrared communication device 14 or by using a personal computer or other external devices connected via the USB terminal 23.

[0050] The control unit 18 for realizing the target object notification function operates as follows. That is, when the microwave receiver 11 receives a desired microwave, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined warning. Such warnings include the output of a buzzer using the speaker 20, the output of voice to notify the reception of a microwave (detection by a vehicle speed measuring device, etc.), the lighting of the warning lamp 9, and the output of a message by characters or images using the display unit 5.

[0051] In addition, when the wireless receiver 13 receives a desired wireless signal, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined warning. Such warnings include the output of a buzzer using the speaker 20, the output of voice to notify the reception of microwaves (such as the approach of an emergency vehicle), and the output of a message in the form of characters or images using the display unit 5. It is preferable that the form of the warning associated with the reception of this wireless signal is different from the form of the warning associated with the reception of the above-mentioned microwaves.

[0052] Furthermore, when the current position detected by the GPS receiver 12 and the position of a target such as a traffic monitoring point stored in the database 19 are in a predetermined positional relationship, the control unit 18 outputs a predetermined warning. Therefore, the database 19 contains information about the target to be detected (position information of the target including longitude and latitude, type information of the target, etc.), traffic safety information for driving safely with more caution such as accident-prone areas and traffic control information, landmarks, and various types of information beneficial for driving. Each piece of information is registered by associating the specific type of information (type of target, type of traffic control, accident-prone area, name of landmark, etc.) with the position information.

[0053] The distance to the target when issuing a warning can be changed for each type of target. As warning modes, similar to the above, there are warnings by voice using the speaker 20 and warnings using the display unit 5. FIG. 3 shows an example of a warning by the display unit 5. In this embodiment, since the device is the navigation device 1 and has map data as will be described later, as a basic screen, the control unit 18 has a function of reading the road network information around the current position and displaying the map around the current position on the display unit 5. Then, a warning screen 70 is displayed on the display unit 5 over the currently displayed screen (here, the map around the current position). FIG. 3 shows an example of the display of the warning screen 70 when the distance between the current position and an LH system, which is a type of speed measurement device and one of the traffic monitoring points, reaches 500 m while the map 50 is being displayed. Furthermore, a process is performed to output a warning voice indicating the warning type and the distance, such as "There is an LH system 500 m ahead", from the speaker 20.

[0054] On the one hand, the control unit 18 for realizing the navigation function operates as follows. First, the database 19 stores road network information for navigation. The information for navigation stored in this database 19 may store all information about the whole country at the time of shipment, or map data, etc. may be provided by storing them in the SD memory card 22 for each region. The user may prepare the SD memory card 22 storing the necessary map data, etc. and install it in the SD memory card slot unit 21 for use. Note that the map data, etc. stored in the SD memory card 22 may be transferred to and stored in the database 19, or the control unit 18 may access the SD memory card 22, read from it, and use it.

[0055] The control unit 18 has a function of reading the road network information around the current position from the database 19 and displaying the map around the current position on the display unit 5. The control unit 18 can search for a route from one position to another using this road network information. In addition, the database 19 includes a telephone number database that stores telephone numbers in association with the position information and names of residences, companies, facilities, etc. of those telephone numbers, and an address database that stores addresses in association with the position information of those addresses. Further, in the database 19, the position information of traffic monitoring points such as speed measurement devices is stored together with their types.

[0056] In addition, the control unit 18 has a function of performing the processing of a general navigation device 1. That is, it displays a map around the current position on the display unit 5 at any time and displays a destination setting button. When the control unit 18 detects a touch at a position corresponding to the display position of the destination setting button by the touch panel 8, it performs destination setting processing. In the destination setting processing, a destination setting menu is displayed on the display unit 5 to prompt the user to select a destination setting method. The destination setting menu has a phone number search button and an address search button for prompting the user to select a destination setting method. When it is detected that the phone number search button has been touched, a phone number input screen is displayed, and position information corresponding to the input phone number is acquired from the database 19. When it is detected that the address search button has been touched, an address selection input screen is displayed, and position information corresponding to the input address is acquired from the database 19. Then, the acquired position information is set as the destination position information, and a recommended route from the current position to the destination is obtained based on the road network information stored in the database 19. As a method for calculating this recommended route, a known method such as Dijkstra's algorithm can be used, for example.

[0057] Then, the control unit 18 displays the calculated recommended route together with the surrounding map. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a route 53 from the current position 51 to the destination 52 is displayed as a recommended route in a predetermined color (for example, red). This is the same as a general navigation system. In this embodiment, the control unit 18 compares the position information on the route 53 with the position information of targets such as traffic monitoring points stored in the database 19, and displays the positions of traffic monitoring points and the like located on the route 53. Note that, as information provided for driving safely on the route 53, it may be limited to traffic monitoring points among various targets stored in the database 19.

[0058] As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a callout is displayed from the position on the road, and the type of traffic monitoring point at that position stored in the database 19 is displayed in the callout. For example, FIG. 4(a) is a display example of a warning point search screen, showing an example in which traffic monitoring points 55a to 55f are displayed. For traffic monitoring point 55a, the character "N" indicating the N system is displayed in the callout. For traffic monitoring points 55b, 55c, and 55e, the characters "LH" indicating the LH system are displayed in the callout. For traffic monitoring point 55d, the character "loop" indicating the loop coil is displayed in the callout. For traffic monitoring point 55f, the character "H" indicating the H system is displayed in the callout. In this way, when the touch panel 8 detects a touch on the callout position in the simplified display state where a character is displayed in the callout, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the simplified display is switched to the detailed display. The detailed display is to display the warning screen shown in FIG. 3 in the callout.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 4(a), a traffic monitoring point type designation section 56 is displayed on the lower right side within the display section 5. The traffic monitoring point type designation section 56 is a part that performs button display listing the types of traffic monitoring points existing on the route 53. In the example of FIG. 4(a), the type button 57a of "N" indicating the N system of traffic monitoring point 55a, the type button 57b of "LH" indicating the LH system of traffic monitoring points 55b, 55c, and 55e, the type button 57c of "loop" indicating the loop coil of traffic monitoring point 55d, and the type button 57d of "H" indicating the H system of traffic monitoring point 55f are displayed. When the control unit 18 detects a touch on the display section 5 of this type button from the touch panel 8, the touched type button is reversely displayed, and the display mode of the traffic monitoring point corresponding to the touched type button is switched to the detailed display if it is in the simplified display, or switched to the simplified display if it is in the detailed display.

[0060] The navigation device 1 of this embodiment has a surrounding search function as a method for setting a destination (hereinafter including a waypoint). When this surrounding search function is selected and activated, the control unit 18 extracts facilities that meet the specified conditions and are close to the current position, and draws the extraction result on the display unit 5. Then, the user can select any one from the candidates drawn on the display unit 5 and specify it as the destination (including the waypoint) by confirmation.

[0061] That is, in order to realize such a function, the database 19 of this embodiment stores information about each facility in association with information regarding the classification of the facility together with its location information. The information regarding the classification of the facility is a plurality of types of items grouped by the names of the genres that each facility matches.

[0062] In this embodiment, when any one of the items is specified, the control unit 18 extracts facilities that meet the specified item and are close to the current position, and draws the extraction result on the display unit 5 as candidates for the destination. The user can specify it as the destination by selecting any one from the candidates drawn on the display unit 5.

[0063] When any one of the items is selected, the control unit 18 accesses the database 19 and extracts facilities that exist within a reference distance (for example, 10 km) centered on the current position and match the classification of the specified item. Then, icons (marks) indicating the facilities are drawn overlapping at corresponding positions on the map drawn on the display unit 5 for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of facilities from the closest ones. As information about the facilities stored in the database 19, respective icons are registered in association with each facility, and when drawing, the associated icons are read out and drawn at predetermined positions on the display unit 5.

[0064] In addition, when the current position exists on the map drawn on the display unit 5, a bicycle icon indicating the bicycle is superimposed and drawn at the position corresponding to the current position. Further, when drawing such facility icons, numbers are appended and displayed in the order from the nearest to the bicycle. The numbers are updated as the bicycle moves.

[0065] When the user selects a desired facility, the control unit 18 that recognizes this obtains a recommended route with such a facility as the destination and superimposes and draws the result on the map of the display unit 5.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 18 has a function of performing route guidance to the set destination. That is, in response to the user's selection to start guidance, the control unit 18 sequentially detects the position of the bicycle by GPS or autonomous navigation while drawing map information representing roads and the like on the display unit 5, and performs road guidance to the destination using images and sounds.

[0067] The above instructions for input such as designation and selection by the user can be performed when the control unit 18 detects that a button with the name of an item or function is displayed on the display unit 5, the facility icon is touched, the selection is made by remote control operation, or a predetermined voice is input.

[0068] [Function of Interaction with Character] [Basics of Interaction Function] Hereinafter, the function of interaction with a character, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described. This interaction function is a function realized by the control unit 18 executing a program. The interaction function has functions for exerting the original functions of the system, such as performing a peripheral search, changing the scale, changing the volume, changing the brightness, etc., in response to the phrase input by the user after activating voice recognition in response to the operation or input of the user.

[0069] The dialogue function of this embodiment further outputs an access message from the system side regardless of the user's operations or inputs to realize dialogue with the user. This gives the user a surprise and provides entertainment functionality to the navigation device 1 which might otherwise tend to be rather impersonal.

[0070] 《Example of Dialogue Function 1》 Figure 5 shows an example of one of the dialogue functions realized in this embodiment. The control unit 18 outputs an access message (step S02) triggered by satisfying the access message output condition regardless of the user's operations or inputs (step S01: Yes), and at the same time activates voice recognition (step S03). Only when the user's response to the access message is affirmative (step S04: Yes), the control unit 18 outputs a dialogue message and starts a dialogue with the user (step S05). The dialogue consists of the output of the dialogue message by the control unit 18 and the user's response to the dialogue message. There are multiple patterns for the dialogue message, and the dialogue may end with one output and the user's response, or may involve multiple outputs and responses from the user. When ending the dialogue, the control unit 18 outputs an end message (step S06) and ends the voice recognition (step S07).

[0071] In step S04, when the user's response to the access message is negative (step S04: No), the control unit 18 immediately outputs an end message (step S08) and ends the voice recognition (step S09). That is, the control unit 18 conducts a dialogue with the user only when the user desires to dialogue with the system.

[0072] In steps S04 and S05, when there is no response from the user or the response content cannot be recognized by voice recognition, for example, it is advisable to output a prompting message for prompting the user's response at a predetermined interval for a predetermined number of times. If there is a response to the prompting message, it is advisable to proceed to the subsequent steps. If there is no response from the user to the prompting message within a predetermined time, it is advisable to output an end message and end the voice recognition.

[0073] To realize the above dialogue function, the database 19 stores data such as access message output conditions (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "output conditions"), access messages, recognition words for recognizing the user's voice response, dialogue messages corresponding to the recognition words, end messages, and prompting messages. In addition, it appropriately stores data necessary for realizing the functions of the system. The control unit 18 refers to the database 19 and executes the above-described steps S01 to S09.

[0074] ≪Access Message Output Conditions≫ The access message output conditions are preferably set such that, for example, when the travel distance, travel time, and travel area of the vehicle equipped with the navigation device 1 satisfy predetermined conditions. For example, the control unit 18 can obtain information from the vehicle's travel meter and output an access message every 100 km of travel distance or every 3 hours of travel time. Also, for example, when the position of the vehicle is detected by the GPS installed in the vehicle and the vehicle moves from one prefecture to an adjacent prefecture, it is advisable to output an access message. The access message output conditions are preferably set as, for example, the number of times the system installed in the navigation device 1 is started or the number of times the voice recognition function is used. For example, when the system is started for the first time, when the number of startups reaches 30 times, or when the number of times the voice recognition function is used reaches 100 times, etc., it is advisable to output an access message.

[0075] However, even when the access message output condition is satisfied, it may not be desirable to output the access message depending on the state of the vehicle or the navigation device 1. It is advisable to store in the database 19 the states in which it is not desirable to output the access message as suppression conditions. Even if the access message output condition is satisfied, when the control unit 18 meets these suppression conditions, it is advisable to delay the output of the access message until the suppression conditions are no longer met.

[0076] The suppression conditions may be, for example, that the acceleration detected from the OBD is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, that route guidance is in progress, that voice recognition is in progress, that other voice is being generated, that it is not in the character display mode, that the vehicle is traveling at 100 km / h or more, etc.

[0077] ≪Access Message≫ The access message may be, for example, a message that requests some response from the user. The access message may be output, for example, as the speech of a character. Also, subsequent messages may be output as the speech of a character. Thereby, the user can have a simple conversation with the character using the electronic device which is the system. The character in the present embodiment is set as, for example, a girl named "Ray". Various functions such as the above-mentioned surrounding search can also be performed through conversation with the character. The database 19 stores "Rei-tan" as the character's call name and recognition words.

[0078] When the message is made as the speech of a character, the database 19 stores the voice data and image (including still images and moving images) data of the character. Based on this image data, the control unit 18 can display the still image and moving image of the character on the display unit 5. Note that for some response phrases, the control unit 18 can make the user realistically feel the situation where the character is speaking by using lip sync that moves the mouth and body of the character displayed on the display unit 5 so as to match the response phrase to be output.

[0079] Furthermore, as for the voices and images of the characters stored in the database 19, for the same person, a plurality of modes are set. For example, the database 19 stores the response phrases and image data for one character named "Ray" divided into three modes: "Standard Ray", "Transformed Ray", and "Chibi Ray". "Standard Ray" is the basic mode of the character. "Transformed Ray" is a mode in which the clothes and hairstyle are different from "Standard Ray". "Chibi Ray" is a mode in which the body proportion is changed to make it look childlike. The control unit 18 outputs the voice and image of the character according to the selection of any mode by the user.

[0080] The access message is preferably a message requesting permission to start a conversation, such as "Excuse me, can I talk now?" or "Hey, can I talk no~w?". In addition, it is advisable to include greetings such as "Hello, can I talk now?". Also, for example, it is advisable to include a nickname created according to the pre-entered user name, such as "Yukun, can I talk now?". The user's name can be input, for example, from various setting screens of the system. It is advisable to prepare different access messages for each output condition. The control unit 18 preferably outputs the access message by voice via the speaker 20 of the navigation device 1. Also, for example, it is preferably displayed on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1 in characters or image information.

[0081] <<Dialogue Message>> A dialogue message may preferably contain information sufficient to make the user feel that communication is established. The dialogue message may preferably be output as, for example, the speech of a character. The information contained in the dialogue message is not limited to specific ones, but may preferably consist of a plurality of phrases such as, for example, questions, gratitude, or interjections. The plurality of phrases preferably include, for example, at least one question and are configured to prompt the user to give either an affirmative or negative response. The phrases combined with the question may preferably be, for example, words of emotional expression representing the character's personality or gratitude, and may preferably be words that give a sense of humanity apart from the original functions of the system. The plurality of phrases may preferably be output as the speech of a character. For example, it is preferable to output the following speech. · Examples of dialogue messages "Umm, thank you for buying me this navigator this time. I wonder if you like it? I'm a little worried." "I had a little free time. I sometimes talk like this, but am I disturbing you?"

[0082] When outputting the dialogue message multiple times, as shown in the following examples, the output message may be varied according to the content of the user's response. · Dialogue example 1 The first dialogue message: "Umm, thank you for buying me this navigator this time. I wonder if you like it? I'm a little worried." User's response: "I like it." The next dialogue message: "I'm happy! Can I talk to you like this again?" · Dialogue example 2 The first dialogue message: "Umm, thank you for buying me this navigator this time. I wonder if you like it? I'm a little worried." User's response: "I don't like it." The next dialogue message: "I see. That's a pity. But, can I talk to you like this again?"

[0083] The control unit 18 may output the dialogue message audibly via, for example, the speaker 20 of the navigation device 1. Further, for example, it may be displayed on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1 in characters or image information.

[0084] ≪Speech Recognition≫ When starting speech recognition, the control unit 18 may display, on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1, a mark indicating that a character is trying to listen to the user's voice on a display means that is preferably displayed in characters or image information.

[0085] When starting speech recognition, for example, on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1, it is preferable to display a mark indicating that a character is trying to listen to the user's voice. As such a mark, for example, an image of a character wearing a headset, an image of a character making a gesture of tilting an ear, etc. may be displayed.

[0086] ≪Recognition Words≫ The recognition words are, for example, words that are assumed to be the user's response content for an access message or a dialogue message described later. The recognition words may be classified, for example, into a group of "positive" words and a group of "negative" words. The control unit 18 determines whether the voice-recognized response content of the user is positive or negative among the stored recognition words, determines whether to start a dialogue, or determines the content of the next dialogue message. Examples of positive words for the access message may be "Yes", "Uh-huh", "Okay", "All right". Examples of negative words may be "No", "No good", "It won't do", "Noisy", "No way". The control unit 18 performs voice recognition on the user's response content and determines whether it is a "positive" word or a "negative" word, and then performs the next process. If it does not correspond to the stored words, it is preferable to output a word prompting the user to re-enter, such as "Please say it again?" as unrecognizable.

[0087] Furthermore, it is advisable to pre-store in the storage means the words that are assumed to be the user's response content to the dialogue message. The words may be stored, for example, so as to be classified into either "affirmative" or "negative". Since there are, for example, multiple types of information output by the system in "dialogue", it is advisable to store more words in the "dialogue" stage than in the access message output stage. It is advisable to select the next dialogue message to be output according to whether the user's response is affirmative or negative.

[0088] Examples of affirmative words may be, for example, "Yes", "Yeah", "Okay", "All right", "Like it", "Liked it", "Nice", "Know", "Got it". Examples of negative words may be, for example, "No", "No good", "No good, right", "Annoying", "Don't care", "Don't like it", "Don't like it at all", "Don't know", "Don't know", "Different", "Wrong". However, words such as "Yeah" and "Don't care" can be either affirmative or negative depending on the content of the question. For example, answering "Don't care" to the question "I sometimes talk like this, is it in the way?" is affirmative. Therefore, it is advisable to store the recognition words and classification in association with the questions included in each dialogue message, and perform control to branch into either processing for the affirmative case or processing for the negative case based on the stored classification.

[0089] ≪End message≫ The end message is a message output at the timing of ending the output of the dialogue message and canceling the speech recognition. The end message may be, for example, a message that notifies the user that the dialogue with the character has ended. For example, it is advisable to output a combination of words of gratitude and a farewell greeting as the character's speech. The end message may also include, among other things, a reaction to the user's response in the previous dialogue. · Example 1 of the end message Dialogue message: "Umm~ Thank you for buying my navigator this time. I wonder if you like it. I'm a little worried." User's response: "Like it" End message: "Thank you. I'm so happy~. Please keep using it. Well, see you next time." · Example 2 of end message Dialogue message: "Well~ Thank you for buying my navigation this time. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried." User's response: "I don't like it." End message: "Shock~. But please keep using it. Well, see you next time." · Example 3 of end message Dialogue message: "I was a bit bored. I sometimes talk like this, hope I'm not bothering you?" User's response: "It's okay." End message: "Really? Let's talk again."

[0090] Also, the end message is output when the user's response to the access message is negative (step S04: No) and the dialogue is not started. In this case, it is better for the end message to include a notification that the dialogue with the user is not started. The end message may also include, among other things, an apology for disturbing the user and expressions of disappointment for the user's rejection of the dialogue. · Example 1 Access message: "Well~, is it okay to talk now?" User's response: "No." End message: "Sorry. Well, see you next time." · Example 2 Access message: "Well~, can we talk no~w?" User: "Annoying." End message: "Ugh~ Well, see you next time."

[0091] The control unit 18 may output the end message by voice, for example, via the speaker 20 of the navigation device 1. Also, for example, it may be displayed on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1 in characters or image information.

[0092] ≪Urging message≫ The prompting message is a message that prompts the user to respond. When there is no response from the user to the access message or the dialogue message, or when the response content cannot be recognized by voice recognition, the control unit 18 may output the prompting message at a predetermined interval, for example, every 30 seconds, and a predetermined number of times, for example, 3 times. The prompting message that prompts the user to respond may be, for example, "Hey, say something" or "I'm lonely if you don't say something" when there is no response. In the case of inability to recognize voice, it may be, for example, "What did you say? I don't understand. Say it again." The end message when there is no response from the user to the prompting message within a predetermined time may be, for example, "See you next time."

[0093] 《Dialogue Function Example 2》 FIG. 6 shows another example of the dialogue function realized in this embodiment. In another example, the control unit 18 starts an event triggered by the dialogue with the user. Up to steps S11 to S15 are the same as steps S01 to S05 in FIG. 5. After the control unit 18 outputs a dialogue message and conducts a dialogue with the user, the control unit 18 outputs a query asking for permission to start the event (step S16). When the user's response to the query asking for permission to start the event is affirmative (step S17: Yes), the control unit 18 outputs an end message (step S18), ends voice recognition (step S19), and then starts the event (step S20).

[0094] When the user's response to the query asking for permission to start the event is negative (step S17: No), the control unit 18 outputs an end message (step S21) and ends voice recognition (step S22), but then does not start the event and ends the process.

[0095] ≪Event≫ The event may be new information, information about a character, or a combination of these. For example, it may be image information of a character wearing new clothes. Also, for example, it may be video information of a character singing or dancing. It is advisable to store a plurality of data of images, videos, and voices of such events in the database 19. The control unit 18 may cause the display unit 5 to display an image or video of the event stored in the database 19 and output it from the speaker 20.

[0096] The event may be determined, for example, according to the access message output condition that triggers the start of the dialogue. For example, when the driving distance reaches 100 km, it may be image information of a character wearing new clothes, and when the driving distance reaches 200 km, it may be a video of a character singing or dancing. It is advisable that the event that occurs as the driving distance increases becomes more spectacular.

[0097] The control unit 18 may determine a predetermined event to start, for example, according to the combination of the information output to the user, which is the content of the dialogue, and the user's response to that information. For example, by outputting a plurality of dialogue messages and changing the event to be output according to the combination of whether the user's response to each dialogue message is positive or negative. For example, in the case of the following dialogue example 1, the event may be an image of a character wearing new clothes and dancing. Also, for example, in the case of the following dialogue example 2, the event may be an image of a character wearing new clothes but with a somewhat disappointed expression. Also, for example, in the case of the following dialogue example 3, the clothes are the conventional ones, and the event may be an image of a character with a depressed expression. ·Dialogue example 1 First dialogue message: "Umm, thank you for buying my navigator this time. I wonder if you like it. I'm a little worried." User's response: "I like it." Next dialogue message: "I'm happy! Can I talk to you like this again?" User's response: "Sure." ·Dialogue Example 2 First dialogue message: "Umm, thank you for buying me this navigator this time. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried." User's response: "I don't like it." Next dialogue message: "I see. That's too bad. But, can I talk to you like this again?" User's response: "Sure." ·Dialogue Example 3 First dialogue message: "Umm, thank you for buying me this navigator this time. I wonder if you like it? I'm a bit worried." User's response: "I don't like it." Next dialogue message: "I see. That's too bad. But, can I talk to you like this again?" User's response: "No."

[0098] Also, the event can be changed according to temporal conditions such as seasons and festivals, or location conditions such as the driving area of the vehicle. For example, if the season is spring, it would be good to have an image of a character standing under a cherry tree. Also, for example, if Valentine's Day is approaching, it would be good to have an image of a character holding chocolate. Also, for example, if driving in Yokohama, it would be good to have an image of a character with the cityscape of Minato Mirai area as the background.

[0099] The character displayed on the display unit 5 in the event is preferably, for example, of a size that does not hinder the functions of the system. Usually, the character is often displayed so as not to hinder the menu screen or map information etc. displayed on the display unit 5 according to the functions of the system. In contrast, in the event, it is good to display it in a size that covers the menu screen displayed on the display unit 5.

[0100] The event for which the start is determined may be made reviewable later, for example, when the user desires. For example, an event log function may be provided, and the control unit 18 may record the event for which the start is determined in the event log. By the user accessing the event log, the desired event can be reviewed.

[0101] <<Query asking for permission to start an event>> The query asking for permission to start an event may be, for example, when the event is a character video, a query asking the user whether to permit the display of the video, such as "There is a special dance. Do you want to see it now?". It may take time to display all the videos. By starting the event only when the user responds that they desire the display, a system that is user-friendly can be achieved.

[0102] <<End message>> Similar to Interactive Function Example 1, the control unit 18 may output an end message at the timing of releasing voice recognition. In Interactive Function Example 2, since it is output after the query asking for permission to start an event, it is advisable to change the content of the end message depending on whether the user's response to the query is affirmative or negative. When the user's response is affirmative, the end message may include a notification of the start of the event. When the user's response is negative, the event start conditions may be included in the end message. The event start conditions may be, for example, conditions under which the user can start the event at a convenient time, and may be access to the event log in which the event for which the start is determined is recorded. Examples of end messages are shown below. · Example when the user's response is affirmative: Query asking for permission: "There is a special dance. Do you want to see it now?" User's response: "Sure" End message: "Thank you. I'm so happy~. Then watch!" · Example when the user's response is negative: Request for permission: "I have a special dance. Can I show it to you now?" · Negative response from the user: "No. I'm driving now." · End message: "Got it. I'll keep the image in the event log. You can access it whenever you like. See you later."

[0103] [Effect] The above-described embodiment has the following effects. (A) When the control unit 18 of the navigation device 1 satisfies the access message output condition, it outputs an access message to the user and starts voice recognition. The navigation device 1 usually operates by the user's button operation or voice input. However, even without the user's operation or input, by outputting a message to access the user from the device side, it is possible to surprise the user. As a result, in addition to mere convenience, it is possible to bring added value that attracts the user. In particular, in the navigation device 1 that performs character animation display and voice output in functions such as route guidance, making the user feel surprised will further increase the humanity of the character, and can stimulate the purchasing desire of users who use the navigation device 1 for the purpose of the character.

[0104] The access message output condition may be, for example, the mileage or driving time of the vehicle equipped with the navigation device 1. For example, by outputting an access message every 100 km of mileage or every 3 hours of driving time, it is possible to stimulate a drive that would otherwise tend to be monotonous. The access message output condition may be, for example, the driving area of the vehicle equipped with the navigation device 1. For example, when the position of the vehicle is detected by a GPS installed in the vehicle and the vehicle moves from one prefecture to an adjacent prefecture, it is advisable to output an access message. By making the content of the access message the dialect or tourist information specific to that prefecture, the user can obtain useful information and stimulate a drive that would otherwise tend to be monotonous. The access message output condition may be, for example, the number of times the navigation device 1 is started or the number of times the voice recognition function is used. For example, when the number of times the system is started reaches 30 times, or when the number of times the voice recognition function is used reaches 100 times, by outputting an access message, it is possible to arouse the willingness to use the system or voice recognition.

[0105] The "access message for the user" may be, for example, a message that requests some response from the user. The access message may be output, for example, as the speech of a character. For example, when having a conversation with the user triggered by an access message, the access message may be, for example, a message that requests permission to start a conversation such as "Excuse me, is it okay to talk now?" In addition, for example, it may include greetings such as "Hello, is it okay to talk now?" Also, for example, it may include a nickname created according to the name of the user input in advance, such as "Yu-kun, is it okay to talk now?" The access message may be output by voice via the speaker 20 of the navigation device 1, or may be displayed on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1 by characters or image information.

[0106] (B) When the user's response to the access message is affirmative, the control unit 18 may start a dialogue with the user by outputting a dialogue message, which is a predetermined information output, and performing voice recognition of the user's response to the dialogue message.

[0107] By accessing the user from the navigation device 1 side and further conducting a dialogue, it is possible to make the device, which is often felt to be inorganic, feel more human, and further enhance the added value of the navigation device 1. Also, by starting a dialogue with the user according to the content of the user's response to the access message, while giving the user a surprise, the subsequent scenario can be advanced considering the convenience of the user, so it is possible to prevent the user from feeling bothered.

[0108] By starting a dialogue only when there is an affirmative response from the user, it is possible to prevent the scenario from proceeding arbitrarily and making the user feel bothered. When using a character, it is possible to make the user feel the propriety of the character.

[0109] "Dialogue with the user" means, for example, voice recognition of the user's response to the dialogue message output by the system and outputting a further dialogue message according to the content of the response. For example, it is advisable for the navigation device 1 to output a dialogue message sufficient to make the user feel that communication is established. The dialogue message may be output, for example, as the speech of a character.

[0110] The dialogue message constituting the dialogue may be composed of a plurality of phrases such as questions, greetings, or interjections, for example. The plurality of phrases may include, for example, at least one question and be of a nature to prompt the user to give either an affirmative or negative response. What is combined with the question may be, for example, words of emotional expression representing the character of the character or greetings, and may be words not related to the original function of the system. The plurality of phrases may be output as the speech of a character. For example, it is advisable to output the following kind of speech. · "Well, thank you for buying me this navigator this time. I wonder if you like it. I'm a bit worried." · "I had a little free time. I sometimes talk like this. Am I disturbing you?" · "Thank you for using it a lot. I want to give you a song as a gift of gratitude. Is that okay?"

[0111] It is advisable to pre-store in the database 19 of the navigation device 1, for example, phrases assumed as the response content of the user. The phrases may be classified into, for example, either "positive" or "negative". As positive phrases, for example, it is advisable to use "Yes", "Yeah", "Okay", "All right". As negative phrases, for example, it is advisable to use "No", "No good", "Not good", "Annoying", "Fine". If it does not correspond to the stored phrases, it is advisable to process it as unrecognizable.

[0112] Furthermore, it is advisable to pre-store in the storage means phrases assumed as the response content of the user in the "dialogue". The phrases may be classified into, for example, either "positive" or "negative". Since there are, for example, multiple types of information output by the system in the "dialogue", it is advisable to store more phrases in the "dialogue" stage than in the access message output stage.

[0113] As positive phrases, for example, it is advisable to use "Yes", "Yeah", "Okay", "All right", "I like it", "I liked it", "Nice", "I know", "I got it". As negative phrases, for example, it is advisable to use "No", "No good", "Not good", "Annoying", "Fine", "I don't like it", "I don't care", "I don't know", "I don't know", "Different", "Wrong".

[0114] The navigation device 1 may select the next dialogue message to be output depending on whether the user's response to the dialogue message is "positive" or "negative".

[0115] If there is no response from the user to the access message, or if the response content cannot be recognized by voice, for example, it is advisable to output a prompting message to prompt the user's response at a predetermined interval for a predetermined number of times. The prompting message to prompt the user's response may be, for example, "Hey, say something" or "I'll feel lonely if you don't say anything" when there is no response. In the case of unrecognizable voice, for example, it may be "What did you say? I don't understand. Say it again." Also, if there is no response from the user to the prompting message within a predetermined time, for example, it is advisable to output an end message such as "See you next time" and cancel the voice recognition.

[0116] (C) When the user's response to the access message is negative, the control unit 18 may output an end message including a notification that the dialogue with the user will not be started and end the voice recognition.

[0117] By not starting the dialogue when the user's response is negative, it is possible to prevent the scenario from progressing arbitrarily and making the user feel bothered. When using a character, it is possible to make the user feel the propriety of the character. For example, when an utterance "Excuse me, can I talk now?" is output as the access message and the user gives a negative response of "No", an utterance "Sorry. Well, next time" may be output.

[0118] (D) The control unit 18 may output an end message during the dialogue with the user and start an event after ending the dialogue with the user.

[0119] Starting an event after ending the dialogue with the user, that is, the dialogue with the user becomes, for example, a trigger for starting the event, can arouse the user's desire to have a dialogue and increase the user's attachment to the navigation device 1.

[0120] The end of the dialogue with the user may be, for example, the end of the output of the dialogue message and the cancellation of speech recognition. The end message, which is a notification of the end of the dialogue, may be, for example, a message that informs the user that the dialogue with the character has ended. For example, it is good to output a combination of words of gratitude and farewell as the character's speech. For example, it is good to output the following speech. · "Thank you. I'm happy~. Please use it again later. Well, see you next time." · "Really? Let's talk again."

[0121] The event may be, for example, new information, information about the character, or a combination of these. For example, it may be image information of the character wearing new clothes. Also, for example, it may be video information of the character singing or dancing. It is good to store a plurality of events in the database 19 of the navigation device 1. The event may be determined based on the combination of the information output to the user and the user's response to that information. Alternatively, it is good to determine the event to start according to temporal conditions such as seasons and festivals or location conditions such as the driving area of the vehicle.

[0122] (E) The control unit 18 outputs a query asking for permission to start an event in the dialogue with the user, and when the user's response to the query is affirmative, outputs an end message and starts the event after the dialogue ends.

[0123] For example, when the predetermined event is a video of the character, since it may take time to display all the videos, a query asking whether the user wants the video to be displayed is made to the user before the video is displayed, and the event is started only when the user responds that they want the display. In this way, the navigation device 1 can be made user-friendly for the user. For example, the query asking for permission to start the event and the user's affirmative response to the query may be as follows. · Inquiry information requesting permission to start a predetermined event: "There is a special dance. Do you think it's okay to show it now?" · Positive response from the user: "Yes", "Sure", "Okay", "All right", "Thank you"

[0124] (F) When interacting with the user, the control unit 18 may output an inquiry asking for permission to start the event, and when the user's response to the inquiry is negative, output an end message including notification of the end of the interaction and notification of the predetermined event start condition, and end the interaction.

[0125] For example, when the event is a character video, it may take time to display all the videos. Therefore, before displaying the video, ask the user whether it is okay to display the video. If the user responds that they do not want to display it, instead of displaying the video, notify the display conditions of the video, so that the user can watch the video when they like, and a system that is convenient for the user can be provided. For example, the inquiry asking for permission to start the event, the user's negative response to the inquiry, and the end message and event start condition may be as follows. · Inquiry asking for permission to start the event: "There is a special dance. Do you think it's okay to show it now?" · User's negative response: "No. I'm driving now." · End message: "I see. The image will be placed in the event log, so you can access it when you like. See you later."

[0126] (G) When the event starts, the control unit 18 may display the character on the display unit 5 in a size that inhibits the functions of the system. For example, when the event is to display the image information of the character, by ignoring the original functions such as the radar detector and the car navigation and displaying the character in a way that hijacks the screen, a big surprise can be given to the user. Displaying in a size that inhibits the functions of the system means, for example, displaying so as to cover the image already displayed on the display unit 5.

[0127] (H) When starting voice recognition, it is preferable for the control unit 18 to display a mark on the display unit 5 indicating that the character is about to listen to the user's voice.

[0128] When starting voice recognition, for example, it is good to display an image of a character wearing a headset or an image of a character making a gesture of tilting the ear on the display unit 5 of the navigation device 1. The user can get the impression that the character is listening attentively to their voice, making it easier to feel familiar with the character. Also, it is possible to easily visually confirm that the voice recognition function is operating, which is highly convenient.

[0129] (I) Even when the access message output condition is satisfied, if it meets a predetermined suppression condition, it is preferable for the control unit 18 to delay the output of the access message until it no longer meets the suppression condition.

[0130] Determine whether the user is in a situation where something should be prioritized over the dialogue. For example, even if the vehicle has traveled a certain distance or the acceleration condition detected from the OBD is high, by delaying the output of the access message until the acceleration condition becomes low, it does not interfere with the driver's concentration during driving and is highly safe.

[0131] The suppression conditions may be, for example, that the navigation device 1 is in the middle of the original function of route guidance, voice recognition is in progress, an alarm voice is being generated, other voice is being generated, it is not in the character display mode, the vehicle is traveling at 100 km / h or more, etc.

[0132] [Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following aspects can also be configured.

[0133] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a navigation device is used as the electronic device constituting the system has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, other in-vehicle electronic devices such as a radar detector or a drive recorder in which the target notification function is independent from the navigation device may also be used. Further, for example, by installing a dedicated application on a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet, the functions described in the above-described embodiment can be implemented.

[0134] The system includes an electronic device and a server. The electronic device has a wireless communication function connected to a mobile phone network such as 4G or LTE or the Internet such as a wireless LAN, and the server is connected to the Internet. The server transmits an output instruction of an access message to the electronic device, and the electronic device outputs an access message based on this output instruction. For example, the server may transmit to the electronic device an output instruction of an access message including information on the content of the access message, and when the electronic device receives the output instruction at S11 in FIG. 6, the electronic device outputs the access message at S12. In particular, the server receives information from other servers or other electronic devices, and when the information matches the output condition for each predetermined access message, the server transmits an output instruction including information on the content of the access message that matches the output condition to the electronic device.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0135] 1 Navigation device 2 Device main body 3 Cradle 4 Case main body 5 Display unit 6 Cradle main body 7 Pedestal part 8 Touch panel 9 Alarm lamp 10 DC jack 11 Microwave receiver 12 GPS receiver 13 Wireless receiver 14 Infrared communication device 15 Mobile phone 16 Remote control receiver 17 Remote control 18 Control unit 19 Database 20 Speaker 21 SD memory card slot section 22 SD memory card 23 USB terminal

Claims

1. A system for implementing an interactive function with a user, comprising: This system has a function of outputting a prompt message a predetermined number of times at a predetermined interval when there is no response from a user to an access message output from the system side regardless of a user's operation or input, or when the user's response to the access message is affirmative, or when the response content cannot be recognized by voice.

2. 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a function for outputting the reminder message in a case where there is no response and in a case where the response content cannot be voice-recognized as different messages at the specified intervals the specified number of times.

3. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the condition for outputting the access message is when a travel distance, travel time, or travel area of ​​a vehicle in which the system is installed satisfies a predetermined condition.

4. 4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of detecting a vehicle's location and outputting the access message when the vehicle moves from a prefecture to an adjacent prefecture.

5. A system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a function of delaying the output of the access message until a predetermined suppression condition is no longer met, even if the access message output condition is satisfied.

6. 6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a function for outputting the access message as a speech from a character.

7. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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