Robot system, service providing method, and program

Abstract

To realize effective use of a robot other than execution of a predetermined work.SOLUTION: A robot system 100 includes a robot 1 disposed in a prescribed place, and a server 3 that provides a prescribed service. If login is made through a user terminal 2 by using the robot 1, the server 3 stores association of user identification information for identifying a user of the user terminal 2 and robot identification information of the robot 1 as an access log AL. If login is made through the user terminal 2 by using the robot 1, the server 3 transmits information about a service to be provided in the prescribed place where the robot 1 is disposed to the user terminal 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a robot system for providing services using a robot, a method for providing services using a robot, and a program for causing a computer to execute a method for providing services using a robot.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to solve the labor shortage, etc., it has been proposed to have a robot perform a predetermined task that has been manually performed until now. For example, a robot for guiding customers in a store has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional robots as described above have only been dedicated to performing predetermined tasks. For this reason, conventional robots could not be effectively used other than for performing predetermined tasks. For example, effective use of robots, such as providing appropriate services in response to various user requests, could not be achieved. For this reason, the merits of users using robots were not great either.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize effective use of a robot other than performing a predetermined task.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A robot system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a robot disposed at a predetermined location and a server that provides services using the robot. In this robot system, when a login using the robot is made by a user terminal, the server associates user identification information for identifying the user of the user terminal with the robot identification information of the robot and stores it as an access log. Further, when a login using the robot is made by a user terminal, the server transmits information regarding services provided at a predetermined location where the robot is disposed to the user terminal.

[0007] In the above robot system, a user can log in using a robot disposed at a predetermined location using a user terminal. When the user logs in using the robot, the server associates the user identification information for identifying the logged-in user with the robot identification information of the robot and stores it as an access log. In this access log, since the user identification information and the robot identification information are associated, it is possible to know which location's robot the user used to log in. That is, by acquiring the access log, it is possible to acquire the action history such as where the user often goes out.

[0008] Also, in the above robot system, when a login using the robot is made by a user terminal, the server transmits information regarding services provided at a predetermined location where the robot is disposed to the user terminal. As a result, a user who logs in using the robot can receive an appropriate service desired by the user. Since an appropriate service can be received by logging in using the robot, the merit of the user using the robot is great.

[0009] In the above robot system, when directly logging in from the user terminal to the server, the server may send information regarding the placement position of the robot to the user terminal. Thereby, when logging in without using the robot, it is possible to know at which position the robot that can be used for logging in is placed. As a result, the user can know where to go to enable logging in using the robot.

[0010] In the above robot system, when logging in using the robot is performed by the user terminal, the server may send coupon information issued at a predetermined location where the robot is placed to the user terminal. Thereby, the user can enjoy the benefit of being able to obtain coupon information that can be used at the location where the robot used for logging in is placed.

[0011] In the above robot system, when directly logging in from the user terminal to the server, the server may send information regarding the obtained coupon information to the user terminal. Thereby, when logging in without using the robot, the user can know what kind of coupon information has been obtained so far.

[0012] In the above robot system, logging in using the robot may be executed by the user terminal reading the robot identification information provided on the robot and making a login request to the server together with the read robot identification information. Thereby, logging in using the robot can be performed in a simple method of reading the robot identification information provided on the robot with the user terminal.

[0013] In the above robot system, logging in using the robot may be executed by the user terminal presenting the user identification information to the robot and the robot making a login request to the server together with the presented user identification information and the robot identification information. Thereby, logging in using the robot can be performed in a simple method of presenting the user identification information to the robot.

[0014] A method for providing a service according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for providing a service using a robot arranged at a predetermined location. The method for providing a service includes the following steps. (a) Executing a login using a robot by a user terminal. (b) Associating user identification information for identifying a user of the user terminal with robot identification information of the robot and storing it as an access log. (c) Transmitting information about a service provided at a predetermined location where the robot is arranged to the user terminal.

[0015] In the above method for providing a service, a user can log in using a robot arranged at a predetermined location by using a user terminal. When the user logs in using the robot, user identification information for identifying the logged-in user is associated with the robot identification information of the robot and stored as an access log. In this access log, since the user's identification information and the robot's identification information are associated, it is possible to know which location's robot the user used to log in. That is, by acquiring the access log, it is possible to acquire the user's behavior history such as where the user often goes out.

[0016] Also, in the above method for providing a service, when the login using the robot is made by the user terminal, the server transmits information about a service provided at a predetermined location where the robot is arranged to the user terminal. As a result, a user who logs in using the robot can receive an appropriate service desired by the user. Since an appropriate service can be received by logging in using the robot, the merit of the user using the robot is great. [Effect of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize effective use of a robot, such as being able to acquire a user's behavior history and enabling the user to receive a desired service by logging in using the robot.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the robot system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] <Robot System> Hereinafter, the robot system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the robot system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the robot system 100 includes a robot 1 and a server 3. The robot 1 and the server 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network 9. The network 9 is realized by, for example, the Internet and / or a communication network provided by a telecommunications carrier.

[0021] The robot 1 is arranged at a predetermined location (for example, a store, an office, a factory, etc.) and can autonomously perform a predetermined operation at this location. The robot 1 can independently execute a plurality of functions for performing a predetermined operation. The functions that the robot 1 can execute include, for example, an autonomous driving function for autonomously driving to a predetermined position, a voice output function for outputting a predetermined voice, a voice input function for converting the input voice into a predetermined format (for example, text data, etc.), an object discrimination function for discriminating an object detected by a camera or the like, a face authentication function for performing face authentication of a face detected by a camera or the like, and the like. In addition, the robot 1 may have a remote operation function for remotely operating the robot 1.

[0022] By appropriately combining the above functions, the robot 1 can be made to perform operations such as security, searching for objects, reception, and advertising. In terms of security, when the robot 1 discovers a suspicious person at the location where the robot 1 is arranged, the robot 1 performs operations such as warning the suspicious person and calling for support from other robots 1. In searching for objects, the robot 1 autonomously drives around the arranged location to search for a specific object and notifies its existence position. In reception, when the robot 1 detects a visitor to the arranged location, the robot 1 greets the visitor, guides the visitor to a predetermined position, counts the number of visitors, and the like. In advertising, the robot 1 displays an advertisement related to the arranged location and / or outputs a voice related to the advertisement.

[0023] The robot 1 is provided with a two-dimensional code C. The two-dimensional code C is provided at a location where it is easy for a user facing the robot 1, such as the front surface of the housing of the robot 1, to recognize. The two-dimensional code C is a code representing information for identifying the robot 1 (such as the identification number (robot ID) of the robot 1). The two-dimensional code C is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode. The two-dimensional code C can be read using the user terminal 2 (Fig. 1).

[0024] The user terminal 2 is a device composed of an information processing circuit (such as a CPU) that executes various information processing, a storage device (ROM, RAM, SSD, hard disk, etc.), various interfaces, and the like. The user terminal 2 is, for example, a computer such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a personal computer, and is operated by the user. The user terminal 2 is communicably connected to the robot 1 and the server 3 via the network 9.

[0025] When the user terminal 2 reads the two-dimensional code C, the user terminal 2 acquires information for identifying the robot 1 (referred to as robot identification information) from the two-dimensional code C, and transmits a login request to the server 3 together with the acquired robot identification information. This login request can be made, for example, by accessing the server 3 by specifying a URL with the robot identification information attached to the address of the server 3 (such as a URL of "https: / / address of server 3 / robot identification information / ").

[0026] The user terminal 2 can also directly send a login request to the server 3 without reading the two-dimensional code C of the robot 1. In this case, the login request can be made, for example, by accessing the server 3 without attaching the robot identification information to the URL of the server 3 (such as specifying a URL of "https: / / address of server 3 / ").

[0027] Server 3 is a computer system composed of a CPU, a storage device (such as ROM, RAM, SSD, hard disk), various interfaces (for example, a communication interface), and the like. Server 3 may be a virtual computer that software-realizes a CPU, a storage device, various interfaces, and the like.

[0028] When Server 3 receives a login request using Robot 1 from User Terminal 2, it sends an interface (GUI) for inputting the user's login ID (user identification information) and password to User Terminal 2. When the login ID and password are input using User Terminal 2, Server 3 performs user authentication using the input login ID and password. If this user authentication is successful, Server 3 permits the user to log in. In this way, it becomes possible to log in using Robot 1.

[0029] When a login using Robot 1 is made by User Terminal 2 as described above, that is, when robot identification information is attached to the URL, Server 3 sends information about the service provided at the location where Robot 1 used for login is placed to User Terminal 2 used for login. The location where Robot 1 is placed can be grasped from the robot identification information.

[0030] In this way, in Robot System 100, when a user logs in using Robot 1 by User Terminal 2, the user can enjoy the service related to the placement location of the Robot 1 via User Terminal 2. By enabling the user to receive the service for the first time through the login using Robot 1, the use of Robot 1 can be promoted for the user.

[0031] On the other hand, when the server 3 receives a login request not using the robot 1 from the user terminal 2, that is, when the robot identification information is not attached to the URL, the server 3 transmits an interface (GUI) for inputting the user's login ID (user identification information) and password to the user terminal 2. When the login ID and password are input using the user terminal 2, the server 3 performs user authentication using the input login ID and password. When this user authentication is successful, the server 3 permits the user to log in.

[0032] When the above-mentioned login without using the robot 1 is performed, the server 3 transmits information different from the service provided at the location where the robot 1 is placed to the user terminal 2 used for login. For example, the server 3 can transmit information regarding the placement position of the robot 1 and information regarding the coupon information acquired by the user to the user terminal 2.

[0033] <Configuration of Robot> Using FIG. 2, the specific configuration of the robot 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the robot 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the robot 1 includes a control device 11, a traveling unit 12, a first communication unit 13, a sensor 14, a camera 15, a voice output unit 16, and a voice input unit 17.

[0034] The control device 11 is a computer system composed of a CPU, a storage device (ROM, RAM, SSD, hard disk, etc.), various interfaces, etc., and controls the robot 1. The control device 11 includes a first control unit 111 and a first storage unit 113. The first control unit 111 is composed of the CPU etc. of the control device 11 and performs various information processing in the control device 11.

[0035] The first control unit 111 realizes various functions of the robot 1 by executing each function program stored in the first storage unit 113.

[0036] The first memory unit 113 is the data storage area of the storage device of the control device 11, and stores the above-mentioned various function programs, various setting parameters, etc. Specifically, the first memory unit 113 stores, for example, an autonomous driving program P1 that realizes an autonomous driving function for autonomously driving the robot 1 to a predetermined position, a voice output program P2 that realizes a voice output function for outputting a predetermined voice from the robot 1, a voice input program P3 that realizes a voice input function for converting the input voice into a predetermined format, an object discrimination program P4 that realizes an object discrimination function for discriminating an object detected by the camera 15 or the like, a face authentication program P5 that realizes a face authentication function for performing face authentication on the face detected by the camera 15 or the like, and so on. In addition, the first memory unit 113 may store a remote control program that realizes a remote control function for remotely controlling the robot 1.

[0037] As described above, the first memory unit 113 of the robot 1 stores not a program for executing the entire predetermined operation to be executed by the robot 1, but a program for executing each function required for the predetermined operation. The first control unit 111 can cause the robot 1 to execute an arbitrary operation by combining and executing the above programs.

[0038] The traveling unit 12 causes the robot 1 to travel. The traveling unit 12 is composed of, for example, wheels, a motor for rotating the wheels, and the like. The first control unit 111 controls the rotation of the motor of the traveling unit 12 to control the traveling of the robot 1.

[0039] The first communication unit 13 is connected to the network 9 and executes communication with other devices (such as the user terminal 2, the server 3, etc.). The first communication unit 13 is, for example, a communication circuit such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) card.

[0040] Sensor 14 is configured to detect the distance to an object around robot 1. Sensor 14 outputs data regarding the detected distance to control device 11. Sensor 14 is, for example, a distance measuring sensor such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Sensor 14 outputs the detected data (for example, point cloud data) to control device 11. The first control unit 111 of control device 11 performs self-position estimation and environmental map creation based on the data acquired from sensor 14. The environmental map represents the existence positions of walls, obstacles, etc. in the place where robot 1 operates. The created environmental map is stored in the first storage unit 113. User terminal 2 and server 3 can acquire the environmental map stored in the first storage unit 113.

[0041] Camera 15 is configured to image the periphery of robot 1. The video data acquired by camera 15 is output to control device 11. The first control unit 111 stores the acquired video data in the first storage unit 113 as a moving image or a still image.

[0042] The voice output unit 16 is configured to output a predetermined voice. The voice output unit 16 is, for example, a speaker. The first control unit 111 can output a predetermined voice from the voice output unit 16 by executing the voice output program P2 with the content of the voice to be output from the voice output unit 16 as input data.

[0043] The voice input unit 17 is configured to input voices emitted around robot 1. The voice input unit 17 is, for example, a microphone. The first control unit 111 can acquire data (for example, text data of the voice content) representing the content of the input voice by executing the voice input program P3 with the voice input by the voice input unit 17 as input data.

[0044] Robot 1 may have a display unit. The display unit displays various information such as advertisements. The display unit is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a CRT display.

[0045] <Configuration of the server> Using FIG. 3, the specific configuration of server 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 3. As shown in FIG. 3, server 3 has an information processing unit 31, a second storage unit 32, and a second communication unit 33. The information processing unit 31 is a CPU or the like provided in server 3 and performs information processing in server 3. The information processing unit 31 executes information processing in server 3 by executing program P stored in the second storage unit 32.

[0046] The second storage unit 32 is a data storage area of the storage device of server 3 and stores various programs, setting parameters, etc. The second storage unit 32 stores a robot database DB1, an access log AL, a user database DB2, a coupon database DB3, an acquired coupon database DB4, etc.

[0047] The robot database DB1 manages the robot identification information (robot ID) of robot 1 existing in the robot system 100. The robot database DB1 stores the robot identification information of robot 1 in association with the information (placement location ID) for identifying the placement location of robot 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the robot database DB1 has a robot identification information storage field F1 and a placement location storage field F2. The robot identification information storage field F1 stores the robot identification information of each robot 1. The placement location storage field F2 stores the identification information of the placement location of each robot 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the robot database DB1.

[0048] In addition, the robot database DB may include a manufacturing information storage field F3 for storing the manufacturing date of robot 1 and a disposal information storage field F4 for storing information indicating whether robot 1 has been disposed of. The fact that '0' is stored in the disposal information storage field F4 indicates that robot 1 has not been disposed of. On the other hand, the fact that '1' is stored in the disposal information storage field F4 indicates that robot 1 has been disposed of.

[0049] The access log AL manages the login history using Robot 1. The access log AL stores, in association with each other, the user identification information of the user who logged in to Server 3 and the robot identification information of Robot 1 used for the login. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the access log AL has a login ID storage field F5, a user ID storage field F6, a robot ID storage field F7, and a login time storage field F8. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the access log AL.

[0050] The login ID storage field F5 stores the identification information of the login. That is, each login using Robot 1 is managed individually by the identification information. The user ID storage field F6 stores the user identification information of the user who logged in to Server 3. The robot ID storage field F7 stores the robot identification information (robot ID) of Robot 1 used for the login. The login time storage field F8 stores the time when the login was made.

[0051] The user database DB2 manages the information of the users registered in Server 3. The user database DB2 stores, in association with each other, the user identification information of the users registered in Server 3 and various information of the users. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the user database DB2 has a user identification information storage field F9, a password storage field F10, an email address storage field F11, a name storage field F12, a birth year storage field F13, a gender storage field F14, and an address storage field F15. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the user database DB2.

[0052] The user identification information storage field F9 stores the user identification information of each user. The password storage field F10 stores the password used for login. The email address storage field F11 stores the user's email address. The name storage field F12 stores the user's name (e.g., nickname, real name, etc.). The birth year storage field F13 stores the user's birth year. The gender storage field F14 stores the user's gender. The address storage field F15 stores the user's address.

[0053] The coupon database DB3 manages the coupon information issued at the location where the robot 1 is placed. The coupon database DB3 stores, in association, the coupon identification information (coupon ID) for identifying the issued coupon information and the content of the coupon information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the coupon database DB3 has a coupon identification information storage field F16, a code storage field F17, an explanation storage field F18, a type storage field F19, a content storage field F20, a start date storage field F21, an expiration date storage field F22, and an issue location storage field F23. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the coupon database DB3.

[0054] The coupon identification information storage field F16 stores the coupon identification information of each coupon information. The code storage field F17 stores the coupon code of the coupon information. The description storage field F18 stores the description of the coupon information (for example, information on the target stores where the coupon information can be used). The type storage field F19 stores the type of the coupon information (for example, the content of the benefits given to the user such as discounts, cashbacks, point awards, etc.). The content storage field F20 stores the content of the coupon information (for example, specific content such as 10% discount, 5% cashback, 100-point award, etc.). The start date storage field F21 stores the start date when the coupon information becomes valid. The expiration date storage field F22 stores the expiration date of the coupon information. The issuing location storage field F23 stores the identification information (placement location identification information) of the location (stores, companies, etc.) that issued the coupon information.

[0055] The acquired coupon database DB4 manages the acquisition history of coupon information by the user. The acquired coupon database DB4 stores the user identification information of the user who acquired the coupon information and the coupon identification information of the coupon information acquired by the user in association with each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the acquired coupon database DB4 has an acquisition identification information storage field F24, an acquired user identification information storage field F25, an acquired coupon identification information storage field F26, an acquisition-time login identification information storage field F27, and a usage status storage field F28. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the acquired coupon database DB4.

[0056] The acquisition identification information storage field F24 stores acquisition identification information for identifying the acquisition of each coupon information. The acquired user identification information storage field F25 stores the user identification information of the user who acquired the coupon information. The acquired coupon identification information storage field F26 stores the coupon identification information of the coupon information acquired by the user. The acquisition-time login identification information storage field F27 stores the login identification information when the user acquires the coupon information. The usage status storage field F28 stores whether the coupon information has been used or not. The fact that "FALSE" is stored in the usage status storage field F28 indicates that the coupon information has not been used. On the other hand, the fact that "TRUE" is stored in the usage status storage field F28 indicates that the coupon information has already been used.

[0057] The second communication unit 33 is connected to the network 9 and executes communication with other devices (such as the robot 1 and the user terminal 2). The second communication unit 33 is a communication circuit such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) card, for example.

[0058] <Operation of the robot system> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the operation of the above-described robot system 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the robot system 100. First, the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 determines whether there is a login request for login using the robot 1 (step S1).

[0059] Login using the robot 1 is performed as follows. For example, a user who visits a predetermined location approaches the robot 1 present at the location, and photographs the two-dimensional code C provided on the robot 1 using the user terminal 2 used by the user. The user terminal 2 reads the robot identification information of the robot 1 from the photographed two-dimensional code C. Next, the user terminal 2 makes a login request together with the read robot identification information. Specifically, for example, the user terminal 2 accesses the server 3 by specifying a URL (for example, a URL such as "https: / / address of server 3 / robot identification information / ") with the robot identification information attached to the address of the server 3. When there is an access specifying the above URL, the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 can determine that there is a login request using the robot 1 having the robot identification information attached to this URL.

[0060] In addition, login using the robot 1 is also possible by the following method. First, the user causes the user terminal 2 to display a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark), etc.) including the user identification information of the user and the identification information (for example, the address) of the user terminal 2 of the user, and presents it to the robot 1. The robot 1 photographs the two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal 2. The robot 1 transmits the photographed image of the two-dimensional code C to the server 3. When the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 receives the photographed image of the above two-dimensional code, it can determine that there is a login request using the robot 1 that transmitted the photographed image of the two-dimensional code together with the user identification information and the robot identification information included in the two-dimensional code.

[0061] The information processing unit 31 of the server 3 that has received the photographed image of the above two-dimensional code reads from the received two-dimensional code the user identification information of the user who presented the received two-dimensional code and the identification information of the user terminal 2 that was displaying the two-dimensional code. Thereby, the information processing unit 31 can execute the login process described later.

[0062] In the above description, the user approached the robot 1 and logged in using the robot 1. However, this is not the only case. For example, when the robot 1 detects the presence of a person (user) nearby during the execution of a predetermined task, it may approach the detected user. This function of the robot 1 can be realized by combining, for example, an object discrimination function for discriminating an object detected by a camera 15 or the like, and an autonomous driving function for autonomously driving the robot 1 to the position where the person detected by the object discrimination function is located.

[0063] Also, for example, when the robot 1 detects that a large number of people have gathered, it may move to the place where the people have gathered. If a user of the robot system 100 exists at this place, this user can execute a login using the robot 1 by the above method. This function of the robot 1 can be realized by combining, for example, an object discrimination function for discriminating an object detected by a camera 15 or the like, and an autonomous driving function for autonomously driving the robot 1 to the place where the people detected by the object discrimination function have gathered.

[0064] For example, when the robot 1 is executing a reception task as a predetermined task, it can approach the visiting user and have the user photograph the two-dimensional code C provided on the robot 1, thereby performing a login using the robot 1.

[0065] As described above, when the robot 1 approaches the user by itself due to the autonomous driving function, it can prompt the user to log in using the robot 1. As a result, more effective use of the robot 1 can be promoted.

[0066] When it is determined that a login request using the robot 1 has been made as described above (Yes in step S1), the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 executes a login process for logging in the user who made the login request using the robot 1 to the server 3 (step S2). The login process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operations in the login process.

[0067] First, the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 causes the user terminal 2 to display a login interface IF1 for allowing the user to input user identification information (user ID) and a password for login (step S11). The login interface IF1 is, for example, a user interface having a configuration as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the login interface IF1.

[0068] The login interface IF1 has a user identification information input field INF1 for inputting user identification information, a password input field INF2 for inputting a password, a login button B1 for executing login, and a user registration button B2 for performing user registration. In the login interface IF1, "User ID" and "Password" are faintly displayed in the empty user identification information input field and the empty password input field INF2, respectively. Thereby, the user can recognize which interface to input the user identification information and the password to.

[0069] When the user registration button B2 is pressed on the user terminal 2 on which the login interface IF1 is displayed (No in step S12), the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 causes the user terminal 2 to display a user registration interface IF2 for allowing the user to perform user registration (step S13). The user registration interface IF2 is, for example, a user interface having a configuration as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the user registration interface IF2. The user registration interface IF2 has a registered user identification information input field INF3, a registered password input field INF4, a registered email address input field INF5, a registered name input field INF6, a registered birth year input field INF7, a registered gender input field INF8, a registered address input field INF9, and a user registration execution button B3.

[0070] The registered user identification information input field INF3 is an interface for inputting the user identification information of the user to be registered. The registered password input field INF4 is an interface for inputting the password to be registered. The registered email address input field INF5 is an interface for inputting the email address of the user to be registered. The registered name input field INF6 is an interface for inputting the name of the user to be registered. The registered birth year input field INF7 is an interface for inputting the birth year of the user to be registered. The registered gender input field INF8 is an interface for inputting the gender of the user to be registered. The registered address input field INF9 is an interface for inputting the address of the user to be registered. The user registration execution button B3 is an interface for storing the information entered in each field of the user registration interface IF2 in the user database DB2 and executing user registration.

[0071] When the user uses the user terminal 2 to input the user's information into each field of the user registration interface IF2 and the user registration execution button B3 is pressed, the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 stores the information entered in the registered user identification information input field INF3 in the user identification information storage field F9 of the user database DB2. The information entered in the registered password input field INF4 is stored in the password storage field F10 of the user database DB2. The information entered in the registered email address input field INF5 is stored in the email address storage field F11 of the user database DB2. The information entered in the registered name input field INF6 is stored in the name storage field F12 of the user database DB2. The information entered in the registered birth year input field INF7 is stored in the birth year storage field F13 of the user database DB2. The information entered in the registered gender input field INF8 is stored in the gender storage field F14 of the user database DB2. The information entered in the registered address input field INF9 is stored in the address storage field F15 of the user database DB2.

[0072] After executing user registration as described above, the information processing unit 31 causes the login interface IF1 to be displayed again on the user terminal 2.

[0073] In the login interface IF1 displayed on the user terminal 2, when user identification information is entered in the user identification information input field INF1 (entered using the user terminal 2 or read and input from the two-dimensional code received by the information processing unit 31 from the robot 1), a password is entered in the password input field INF2, and the login button B1 is pressed (in step S12, "Yes"), the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 executes user authentication using the entered user identification information and password (step S14).

[0074] The information processing unit 31 determines that user authentication has succeeded when the entered user identification information is stored in the user identification information storage field F9 of the user database DB and the entered password matches the password associated with the entered user identification information in the user database DB.

[0075] When it is determined that the entered user identification information and password match the information stored in the user database DB2 and user authentication has succeeded (in step S15, "Yes"), the information processing unit 31 determines that login has succeeded (step S16). On the other hand, when it is determined that the entered user identification information and password do not match the information stored in the user database DB2 and user authentication has failed (in step S15, "No"), the information processing unit 31 determines that login has failed (step S17).

[0076] Note that when user authentication fails, the information processing unit 31 may cause the user to enter the user identification information and password again. And when user authentication fails a predetermined number of times, it may be determined that login has failed.

[0077] Return to the description of the operation of the robot system 100 using FIG. 9. When the login is successfully performed as described above (Yes in step S3), the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 associates the user identification information used for login with the robot identification information of the robot 1 and stores it as an access log AL (step S4).

[0078] Specifically, when the information processing unit 31 determines that the login is successful, it generates login identification information for this login and stores it in the login ID storage field F5 of the access log AL. Also, the user identification information used for login (the user identification information input using the login interface IF1) is stored in the user ID storage field F6 of the access log AL. Further, the robot identification information of the robot 1 used for login, specifically, the robot identification information included in the login request in step S1, is stored in the robot ID storage field F7 of the access log AL. The time when the login is performed (for example, the time when the login request is made or the time when it is determined that the login is successful) is stored in the login time storage field F8 of the access log AL.

[0079] In this way, when a login using the robot 1 is performed, by associating the user identification information used for the login with the robot identification information of the robot 1 used for the login and storing it in the access log AL, it is possible to obtain the action history such as where the user often goes out. Because the robot identification information of the robot 1 is associated with information (identification information of the installation location) regarding the installation location of the robot 1 in the robot database DB1, the location where the specific user logged in using the robot 1 can be specified from the robot identification information associated with the user identification information of the specific user in the access log AL.

[0080] Also, the information regarding the user's action history obtained using the access log AL (and the robot database DB1) has commercial value.

[0081] After storing the login in the access log AL, the information processing unit 31 transmits information regarding the service provided at the location where the robot 1 used for login is located to the user terminal 2 used for login (step S5). Specifically, the information processing unit 31 refers to the robot database DB1, specifies the identification information (location ID) associated with the robot identification information of the robot 1 used for login, and specifies the location (such as a store) of the robot 1 from the specified identification information. Thereafter, the information processing unit 31 specifies information regarding the service provided at the specified location and transmits it to the user terminal 2.

[0082] The information processing unit 31 provides any of the following information to the user terminal 2. Which information to provide may be determined in advance by settings, for example, or after logging in using the robot 1, a screen listing the available services may be displayed on the user terminal 2, and the user may select the desired service from among them to make the determination.

[0083] The information processing unit 31 transmits data (for example, a homepage described in HTML) that causes the user terminal 2 to display the homepage screen DIS1 of the specified location, as shown in FIG. 13, to the user terminal 2. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information regarding the service to be provided. On this homepage, for example, advertisements regarding the location, introductions of services provided at the location, information regarding events being held at the location, etc. are presented.

[0084] In addition, the information processing unit 31 transmits data that causes the user terminal 2 to display a coupon screen DIS2 that lists coupon information issued at the specified location, as shown in FIG. 14, to the user terminal 2. The coupon information issued at the specified location can be grasped by referring to the coupon database DB3. That is, among the coupon information stored in the coupon database DB3, the coupon information issued at the specified location is listed on the coupon screen DIS2. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of information regarding the service to be provided.

[0085] On the coupon screen DIS2, an image COU representing coupon information issued at the placement location is listed. By specifying the image COU displayed on the coupon screen DIS2 using the user terminal 2, the user can obtain and use the coupon information corresponding to the specified image COU. That is, when logging in using the robot 1, the user can receive a service to obtain and use the coupon information issued at the placement location.

[0086] When coupon information is obtained and used by the user, the information processing unit 31 stores information regarding the obtained coupon information in the acquired coupon database DB4. Specifically, when coupon information is obtained, the information processing unit 31 generates acquisition identification information for identifying the acquisition of the coupon information, and stores this acquisition identification information in the acquisition identification information storage field F24 of the acquired coupon database DB4. Also, the user identification information of the user who obtained the coupon information is stored in the acquired user identification information storage field F25. The coupon identification information of the coupon information obtained by the user is stored in the acquired coupon identification information storage field F26. The login identification information at the time when the user obtained the coupon information is stored in the acquisition-time login identification information storage field F27. Also, "FALSE" indicating that the coupon information is unused is stored in the usage status storage field F28.

[0087] When the obtained coupon information is used, the information processing unit 31 can refer to the coupon database DB3 to grasp the content of the coupon information to be used, whether the coupon information is valid, etc. Also, when the obtained coupon information is used, the information processing unit 31 changes the usage status storage field F28 of the used coupon information in the acquired coupon database DB4 from "FALSE" to "TRUE" indicating that the coupon information has been used.

[0088] Furthermore, the information processing unit 31 can display, on the user terminal 2, an execution work selection screen DIS3 provided with work execution buttons B4 and B5 for causing the robot 1 to execute a predetermined work at the placement location, as shown in FIG. 15. That is, when logging in using the robot 1, a service that operates the robot 1 and can be used can be received. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing still another example of information regarding the provided service.

[0089] On the execution work selection screen DIS3 shown in FIG. 15, a work execution button B4 for chatting with the robot 1 and a work execution button B5 for guiding the robot 1 to the placement location are provided. Note that the work selectable using the execution work selection screen DIS3 may be work other than chatting and guiding. Also, the number of selectable works can be any number.

[0090] In the chatting work, the robot 1 converses with the user using voice. The chatting work of the robot 1 can be realized, for example, by combining a voice input function for inputting the user's conversation voice and a voice output function for outputting a response to the input voice as voice. In the guiding work, the robot 1 guides the user to a designated location at the placement location. The guiding work of the robot 1 can be realized, for example, by combining an autonomous driving function for autonomously traveling to the designated destination.

[0091] When the placement location of robot 1 is a department store, supermarket, etc., robot 1 can, for example, determine the food preferences of the user who logged in using the robot 1 and guide the user to the store that is optimal (recommended) for the user's preferences. The user's preferences can be determined, for example, by asking the user verbally from robot 1, or by determining from the user's behavior patterns shown in the access log AL, etc. The user's behavior pattern can be determined, for example, in the access log AL by specifying the robot identification information associated with the user identification information of the user, and in the robot database DB1, specifying the identification information of the placement location associated with the specified robot identification information, and specifying the locations frequently visited by the user from the specified identification information of the placement location.

[0092] When the placement location of robot 1 is an accommodation facility such as a hotel, robot 1 can, for example, guide the user who has completed check-in at the accommodation facility to the room where the user is scheduled to stay.

[0093] In addition, on the execution work selection screen DIS3, it may be possible to select a following work in which robot 1 follows the user and autonomously travels, or a food serving work in which robot 1 serves food, etc. to the user. For example, when the placement location of robot 1 is an accommodation facility such as a hotel, when the user who has completed check-in at the accommodation facility moves to the room where the user is scheduled to stay, robot 1 can assist in transporting the user's luggage, etc. by following the user and autonomously traveling while loading the user's luggage, etc. Also, for example, when a user staying at the hotel requests room service, robot 1 transports the food, etc. ordered through room service to the room where the user is staying, and when the user receives the transported food, etc. and reads the robot identification information of robot 1, etc., it can be confirmed that the food, etc. has been served to the user.

[0094] As described above, in the robot system 100, when a user terminal logs in using the robot 1, the server 3 transmits information about the services provided at the predetermined location where the robot 1 is placed to the user terminal 2. As a result, a user who logs in using the robot 1 can receive an appropriate service desired by the user.

[0095] Also, in the robot system 100, the robot 1 is placed at a plurality of locations, and the user can log in with one user identification information regardless of which robot 1 is used. As a result, the user does not need to register for each place (department store, supermarket, store, etc.) visited. That is, in the robot system 100, services provided at a plurality of locations can be received with one user identification information.

[0096] By logging in using the robot 1, an appropriate service can be received, and services provided at a plurality of locations can be received with one user identification information. Therefore, the merit of the user using the robot 1 is great. If the merit of the user using the robot 1 is great, it will motivate to place the robot 1 in more places. That is, more robots 1 can be sold.

[0097] Returning to the description of the operation of the robot system 100 using FIG. 9. In the robot system 100 of the present embodiment, a login request can be directly made from the user terminal 2 to the server 3 without using the robot 1. Specifically, the user terminal 2 can make a login request without using the robot 1 by, for example, specifying a URL without attaching robot identification information to the address of the server 3 (for example, a URL such as "https: / / address of server 3 / ") and accessing the server 3. The server 3 can determine that there is a login request without using the robot 1 when there is an access specifying a URL without attaching robot identification information. The above login request without using the robot 1 can be made even when the robot 1 is not present nearby.

[0098] When it is determined that a login request without using the robot 1 has been made (\"No\" in step S1 of FIG. 9), the information processing unit 31 of the server 3 executes a login process for logging in to the server 3 the user who has made the login request without using the robot 1 (step S6). The login process in step S6 is also executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, similar to the login process in step S2, so the detailed description is omitted here.

[0099] In the login process of step S6, when the login is successful (\"Yes\" in step S7), the information processing unit 31 does not provide the user terminal 2 with information regarding the services provided at the location where the robot 1 is placed. Instead, the information processing unit 31 provides the user terminal 2 with various information other than the above services (step S8).

[0100] The information processing unit 31 provides any of the following information to the user terminal 2 that has logged in without using the robot 1. Which information to provide may be determined in advance by settings, for example, or after logging in using the robot 1, a screen listing the available services may be displayed on the user terminal 2, and the user may select the desired service from among them to make the decision.

[0101] The information processing unit 31 can display, for example, a location display screen DIS4 that displays information regarding the location where the robot 1 can be used for login, as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the information provided by logging in without using the robot 1.

[0102] The placement location display screen DIS4 shown in FIG. 16 has a map display area MP for displaying a map of the vicinity of the user's location, a placement location display field INF10 for displaying in characters the placement location of the robot 1 used for login so far, and a usage rate display field INF11 for displaying the usage rate of the robot 1 within a predetermined range (for example, the range of a prefecture). Also, the placement location of the robot 1 used for login is also indicated by a pointer PT in the map display area MP. Further, on the placement location display screen DIS4, not only the placement location of the robot 1 used for login but also the placement locations of the robots 1 not used for login may be displayed in a state distinguishable from the placement location of the robot 1 used for login.

[0103] By displaying the placement location display screen DIS4 as described above on the user terminal 2, it is possible to know at which position the robot 1 that can be used for login is placed. As a result, the user can know where they can go to log in using the robot 1.

[0104] Also, the usage rate display field INF11 of the placement location display screen DIS4 allows the usage status (usage rate) of the robot 1 within a predetermined range to be confirmed. In this case, for example, if some merit is given to users who have logged in using all the robots 1 placed within a predetermined range, it is possible to grasp how many more robots 1 need to be used to enjoy the merit of having logged in using all the robots 1. As a result, for example, it is possible to motivate the user to search for robots 1 that can be used for login by going to various places.

[0105] In addition, for example, the information processing unit 31 can cause the user terminal 2 to display an acquired coupon information display screen DIS5 that displays information regarding the coupon information acquired so far, as shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the information provided by login without using the robot 1. In the acquired coupon information display screen DIS5 shown in FIG. 17, the name of the acquired coupon information, the location where the coupon information can be used, the content of the coupon information, and the expiration date of the coupon information are displayed. As a result, the user can know what kind of coupons have been acquired so far.

[0106] Note that the login request without using the robot 1 is possible not only for general users (users who can log in using the robot 1) but also for users who own and manage the robot 1. When a user who manages the robot 1 makes a login request, in the login interface IF1, the identification information (user code) of the user is further input. That is, the login interface IF1 at the time of a login request without using the robot 1 further has a field for inputting the user code of the user who manages the robot 1.

[0107] When a user who manages the robot 1 logs in to the server 3, the user can create, for example, a program (application) on the server 3 that causes the robot 1 to perform a predetermined operation. As a result, the user who manages the robot 1 can cause the robot 1 to execute a desired operation and provide a desired service using the robot 1.

[0108] [Modification Example] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be arbitrarily combined.

[0109] (a) The server 3 may be owned only by the seller of the robot system 100, or may be owned by a user who owns and manages the robot 1.

[0110] (b) The server 3 may be located outside Japan. Even in this case, the effects of the robot system 100 can be obtained in Japan, and users in Japan can obtain the benefits of using the robot system 100.

[0111] <Appendix> The above embodiment can also be described as follows.

[0112] (1) A robot system (for example, the robot system 100) includes a robot (for example, the robot 1) disposed at a predetermined location and a server (for example, the server 3) that provides a predetermined service. In this robot system, when a login using the robot is made by a user terminal (for example, the user terminal 2), the server associates user identification information for identifying the user of the user terminal and robot identification information of the robot and stores it as an access log (for example, the access log AL). Further, when a login using the robot is made by a user terminal, the server transmits information regarding the service provided at the predetermined location where the robot is disposed to the user terminal.

[0113] In the above robot system, a user can log in using a robot disposed at a predetermined location by using a user terminal. When the user logs in using the robot, the server stores, as an access log, user identification information for identifying the logged-in user and robot identification information of the robot in association with each other. In this access log, since the user's identification information and the robot's identification information are associated with each other, it is possible to know at which location the user logged in using the robot. That is, by acquiring the access log, it is possible to acquire the action history such as where the user often goes out.

[0114] In the above robot system, when a user terminal logs in using a robot, the server transmits information about the services provided at a predetermined location where the robot is placed to the user terminal. As a result, a user who logs in using a robot can receive an appropriate service desired by the user. Since an appropriate service can be received by logging in using a robot, the merit of the user using a robot is great.

[0115] (2) In the robot system of (1) above, when directly logging in from the user terminal to the server, the server may transmit information about the placement position of the robot to the user terminal. As a result, when logging in without using a robot, it is possible to know at which position the robot that can be used for logging in is placed. As a result, the user can know where to go to log in using a robot.

[0116] (3) In the robot system of (1) or (2) above, when a user terminal logs in using a robot, the server may transmit coupon information issued at a predetermined location where the robot is placed to the user terminal. As a result, the user can enjoy the benefit of being able to obtain coupon information that can be used at the location where the robot used for logging in is placed.

[0117] (4) In any of the robot systems of (1) to (3) above, when directly logging in from the user terminal to the server, the server may transmit information about the obtained coupon information to the user terminal. As a result, when logging in without using a robot, the user can know what kind of coupon information has been obtained so far.

[0118] (5) In any of the robot systems described in (1) to (4) above, the login using the robot may be executed by the user terminal reading the robot identification information provided in the robot and making a login request to the server together with the read robot identification information. Thereby, login using the robot can be performed by a simple method of reading the robot identification information provided in the robot with the user terminal.

[0119] (6) In any of the robot systems described in (1) to (5) above, the login using the robot may be executed by the user terminal presenting the user identification information to the robot and the robot making a login request to the server together with the presented user identification information and the robot identification information. Thereby, login using the robot can be performed by a simple method of presenting the user identification information to the robot.

[0120] (7) A method for providing a service according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for providing a service using a robot arranged at a predetermined location. The method for providing a service includes the following steps. (a) A step of executing login using the robot by the user terminal (for example, steps S1 to S3). (b) A step of associating the user identification information for identifying the user of the user terminal and the robot identification information of the robot and storing them as an access log (for example, step S4). (c) A step of transmitting information regarding the service provided at the predetermined location where the robot is arranged to the user terminal (for example, step S5).

[0121] In the above-described service providing method, a user can log in using a robot disposed at a predetermined location by using a user terminal. When the user logs in using the robot, user identification information for identifying the logged-in user and robot identification information of the robot are associated and stored as an access log. In this access log, since the user's identification information and the robot's identification information are associated, it is possible to know at which location the user logged in using the robot. That is, by acquiring the access log, it is possible to acquire the user's behavior history such as where the user often goes out.

[0122] Also, in the above-described service providing method, when the login using the robot is performed by the user terminal, the server transmits information regarding the service provided at the predetermined location where the robot is disposed to the user terminal. Thereby, the user who logs in using the robot can receive an appropriate service desired by the user. Since an appropriate service can be received by logging in using the robot, the merit of the user using the robot is great.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0123] 100: Robot system 1: Robot C: Two-dimensional code 11: Control device 111: First control unit 113: First storage unit AL: Access log 12: Travel unit 13: First communication unit 14: Sensor 15: Camera 16: Voice output unit 17: Voice input unit 2: User terminal 3: Server 31: Information processing unit 32: Second storage unit 33: Second communication unit 9: Network DIS1: Home page screen DIS2: Coupon screen DIS3: Execution task selection screen DIS4: Placement location display screen DIS5: Obtained coupon information display screen

Claims

1. A robot arranged at a predetermined location, and A server that provides a predetermined service, comprising: The server When a login using the robot is made by a user terminal, stores, as an access log, user identification information for identifying the user of the user terminal and robot identification information for identifying the robot in association with each other; Transmits information regarding a service provided at a predetermined location where the robot is arranged to the user terminal. A robot system.

2. When directly logging in from the user terminal to the server, the server transmits information regarding the arrangement position of the robot to the user terminal. The robot system according to claim 1.

3. When a login using the robot is made by a user terminal, the server transmits coupon information issued at a predetermined location where the robot is arranged to the user terminal. The robot system according to claim 1.

4. When directly logging in from the user terminal to the server, the server transmits information regarding the acquired coupon information to the user terminal. The robot system according to claim 3.

5. The login using the robot Is executed when the user terminal reads the robot identification information provided on the robot and makes a login request to the server together with the read robot identification information. The robot system according to claim 1.

6. The login using the robot Is executed when the user terminal presents the user identification information to the robot, and The robot makes a login request to the server together with the presented user identification information and the robot identification information. The robot system according to claim 1.

7. A method for providing a service using a robot arranged at a predetermined location, comprising: Executing a login using the robot by a user terminal; Storing, as an access log, user identification information for identifying the user of the user terminal and robot identification information of the robot in association with each other; Transmitting information regarding a service provided at a predetermined location where the robot is arranged to the user terminal. A method for providing a service.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for providing a service according to claim 7.

Images