Learning support system and learning support method

Abstract

To provide a learning support system for enabling provision of lectures by an avatar lecturer suitable for individual student.SOLUTION: A learning support system for providing lecture content by an avatar lecturer includes: a storage unit for storing student information, the information relating to students; a setting unit for setting external feature information representing external features of an avatar lecturer who lectures to each student and internal feature information representing internal features of the avatar lecturer on the basis of student information of the student; a generation unit for generating text data of content to be provided to the student on the basis of the features represented in the external feature information and / or the features represented in the internal feature information; an output unit for outputting content in which the avatar instructor having features set in the external feature information, utters text data; and a profile presentation unit for presenting profile information of the avatar instructor based on the internal feature information to the student.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for assisting learning using a computer system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a learning system that provides lectures including video and audio. The learning system provides lecture content composed of video and audio to learners by an avatar lecturer, which is a virtual person having the appearance of a lecturer. The learning system realizes an interactive pseudo-dialogue between the avatar lecturer and the learners by calling to the learners by the avatar lecturer during the lecture content and detecting the reactions of the learners.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In schools, cram schools, academies, etc. where real human lecturers give lectures to learners, it is known that not only the content of the lecture but also the lecture style of the lecturer and the type of the lecturer himself / herself affect the learning effect of the learners. For example, among the learners, there are those for whom being praised by the lecturer leads to an improvement in academic ability, and there are also those for whom being scolded by the lecturer leads to an improvement in academic ability. That is, there are learners who are suitable for a praising type of lecturer, and there are also learners who are suitable for a scolding type of lecturer. In addition, if a learner has a favorable impression of the lecturer, the motivation for learning may increase, and the academic ability may improve. However, even in individual guidance by real human lecturers, it is difficult to assign a suitable lecturer to each of all learners.

[0005] Even in a learning system that uses a computer to provide lectures in video and audio by an avatar instructor, if lectures by an avatar instructor suitable for the learner are provided to the learner, the learning of the learner can be effectively supported.

[0006] However, heretofore, in a learning system that uses a computer to provide lectures in video and audio by an avatar instructor, little consideration has been given to assigning a suitable avatar instructor according to the learner. One object included in the present disclosure is to provide a technique that enables lectures to be provided by an avatar instructor suitable for each individual learner.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] A learning support system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a learning support system that provides content related to a lecture in video and audio to a learner by an avatar instructor, which is a virtual person imitating an instructor, the learning support system including: a storage unit that stores learner information, which is information about the learner; a setting unit that sets external feature information indicating external features of an avatar instructor who gives a lecture to the learner and internal feature information indicating internal features of the avatar instructor based on the learner information of the learner; a generation unit that generates text data of the content to be provided to the learner based on the features indicated by the external feature information and / or the features indicated by the internal feature information; an output unit that outputs content in which the avatar instructor having the features indicated by the external feature information voices the text data; and a profile presentation unit that presents profile information of the avatar instructor based on the internal feature information to the learner.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique that enables content related to a lecture to be provided by an avatar instructor suitable for each individual learner by adapting the external and internal features of the avatar instructor to each individual learner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <The First Embodiment>

[0011] The learning support system according to this embodiment is a computer system that provides lecture content composed of video and audio to learners by a virtual person (hereinafter also referred to as an "avatar instructor") having the appearance of imitating an instructor. Further, the learning support system calls out to the learners from the avatar instructor at a specific timing in the provision of the lecture content to improve the learning effect of the learners. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the learning support system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, the learning support system 10 includes a setting unit 11, a generation unit 12, an output unit 13, a profile presentation unit 14, and a storage unit 15. In the storage unit 15, pre-prepared data necessary for executing the service and information registered by the execution of the service are recorded. Further, the processing of the setting unit 11, the generation unit 12, the output unit 13, and the profile presentation unit 14 is defined by a software program, and is realized by a processor executing the software program. Details of each unit, data, and information will be described later. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the learning support system.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 2, the learning support system 10 is composed of a server 20 and an information terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone that can be connected to the server 20 via a communication network such as the Internet. The learner 90 connects to the server 20 using the browser 33 on the information terminal 30 and uses the service provided by the server 20. The service is a service that provides content related to learning. The service is realized by each unit shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 includes, as hardware, a processing device 21, a main memory 22, a storage device 23, a communication device 24, an input device 25, and a display device 26, and they are connected to a bus 27.

[0015] The memory device 23 stores data in a writable and readable manner. The storage unit 15 shown in FIG. 1 is realized by this memory device 23. The processing device 21 is a processor that reads the data stored in the memory device 23 into the main memory 22 and executes the processing of software programs using the main memory 22. The setting unit 11, generation unit 12, output unit 13, and profile presentation unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 are realized by the processing device 21. The communication device 24 transmits the information processed by the processing device 21 via a communication network including wired, wireless, or both, and transmits the information received via the communication network to the processing device 21. The received information is used by the processing device 21 for software processing. The input device 25 is a device that receives information from operator operations such as a keyboard and a mouse, and the input information is used by the processing device 21 for software processing. The display device 26 is a device that displays image and text information on a display screen in accordance with software processing by the processing device 21. The input device 25 and the display device 26 are mainly provided for use by an administrator (not shown) rather than the learner 90.

[0016] Returning to FIG. 1, the storage unit 15 stores in advance the script data D30, the learner information D10, and the avatar instructor information D20. The avatar instructor information D20 includes inner feature information D21, outer feature information D22, and profile information D23. As the script data D30, text data serving as a script of content containing lectures for each unit of content to be learned is recorded. The text data of the script data D30 is created in standard language as an example. As the learner information D10, information regarding each learner 90 is recorded. As the avatar instructor information D20, information regarding the avatar instructor corresponding to each learner 90 is recorded. The inner feature information D21 indicates the inner features of the avatar instructor, and the outer feature information D22 indicates the outer features of the avatar instructor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table of learner information.

[0017] In the table of learner information D10, the learner number (No.), name, place of origin, former school, hobbies, desired dialect of the instructor avatar, and desired lecture style of each learner 90 are registered. The name indicates the name of the learner 90. The place of origin indicates the place of origin of the learner 90. The former school indicates the former school of the learner 90. The hobbies indicate the hobbies of the learner 90. The desired dialect of the instructor avatar indicates the dialect that the learner 90 hopes the avatar instructor will use. A dialect is a language system used in a specific region. The desired lecture style indicates the lecture style that the learner 90 hopes for from the avatar instructor. For example, for a learner 90 with a learner number of 1, the name is "Patent Ichiro", the place of origin is "Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture...", the former school is "XX High School", the hobbies are "cats" and "Chunichi Dragons", hopes that the avatar instructor will use "Nagoya dialect", and hopes for a "scolding and stretching" lecture style.

[0018] Based on the learner information D10 of each learner 90, the setting unit 11 sets the external characteristic information D22 and the internal characteristic information D21 of the avatar instructor who conducts lectures for the learner 90. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the avatar instructor setting process. In step S101, the setting unit 11 sets the external characteristic information D22 of the avatar instructor who conducts lectures for the learner 90. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a table of external characteristic information. In the table of the external characteristic information D22, the learner number of each learner 90 and the external characteristics of the avatar instructor are recorded in association with each other. The external characteristics include appearance, voice, language system, and lecture style.

[0019] The appearance is information representing the appearance of the avatar instructor, and as an example, the appearance selected by the learner 90 from the appearances prepared in advance is set. The voice is information representing the voice emitted by the avatar instructor, and as an example, the voice selected by the learner 90 from the voices prepared in advance is set. Thus, an avatar instructor with an appearance and voice preferred by the learner 90 is set.

[0020] The language system is information representing the language system used by the avatar instructor for lectures and calls, and is set based on one or more of the place of origin, hobbies, and preferred instructor dialect in the learner information D10 of learner 90. The method of setting the language system is not particularly limited. For example, if the dialect of the place of origin of learner 90 is a widely known dialect such as Nagoya dialect, Hiroshima dialect, Kansai dialect, or Hakata dialect, that dialect may be set as the language system used by the avatar instructor. Also, if there is no widely known dialect in the place of origin of learner 90, the preferred instructor dialect in learner information D10 may be set as the language system used by the avatar instructor. Further, if the hobbies of the learner include an animal that widely knows a language system (hereinafter also referred to as "animal language") that uses onomatopoeia and mimetic words such as "It's sunny today, woof" and "It's rainy today, meow" at the end of words like dogs and cats, that animal language may be set as the language system used by the avatar instructor. Furthermore, it is also possible to set a language system that mixes dialect and animal language.

[0021] The lecture style is information representing the style of the lecture by the avatar instructor. For example, there are a lecture style of scolding and stretching, and a lecture style of praising and stretching. The method of setting the lecture style of the avatar instructor is not particularly limited. As an example, the same lecture style as the preferred lecture style in the learner information D10 of learner 90 is set. Although the lecture style desired by the learner himself / herself is not necessarily the lecture style suitable for that learner, the preferred lecture style may be set at least as an initial value.

[0022] In the example of FIG. 5, the avatar instructor associated with learner 90 whose learner number is 1 is set with "Avatar A" as the appearance, "Voice a" as the voice, "Nagoya dialect + cat language" as the language system, and "scolding and stretching" as the lecture style. Returning to FIG. 4, in step S102, the setting unit 11 sets the internal characteristic information D21 of the avatar instructor corresponding to learner 90. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a table of internal characteristic information.

[0023] In the table of the internal characteristic information D21, the respective participant numbers of each participant 90 are recorded in association with the internal characteristics of the avatar instructor. The internal characteristics include the place of origin, the school of origin, and hobbies. The place of origin is information indicating the virtual place of origin of the avatar instructor, and is set to the same place of origin as the place of origin in the participant information D10 of the participant 90. The school of origin is information indicating the virtual school of origin of the avatar instructor, and is set to the same school as the school of origin in the participant information D10 of the participant 90. The hobbies are information indicating the virtual hobbies of the avatar instructor, and are set to the same hobbies as the hobbies in the participant information D10 of the participant 90. Returning to FIG. 4, in step S103, the setting unit 11 sets the profile information D23 of the avatar instructor corresponding to the participant 90. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a table of profile information.

[0024] In the table of the profile information D23, the respective participant numbers of each participant 90 are recorded in association with the name, birthday, place of origin, school of origin, and hobbies of the avatar instructor. The name is the virtual name of the avatar instructor, and as an example, a name predetermined in association with the appearance of the avatar instructor is set. The place of origin is information indicating the virtual place of origin of the avatar instructor, and is set to the same place of origin as the place of origin in the internal characteristic information D21. The birthday is the virtual birthday of the avatar instructor, and as an example, a birthday predetermined in association with the appearance of the avatar instructor is set. The school of origin is information indicating the virtual school of origin of the avatar instructor, and is set to the same school as the school of origin in the internal characteristic information D21. The hobbies are information indicating the virtual hobbies of the avatar instructor, and are set to the same content as the hobbies in the internal characteristic information D21.

[0025] Returning to FIG. 1, the generation unit 12 generates text data of the content to be provided to the learner 90 based on the features set in the outer surface feature information D22 and / or the features set in the inner surface feature information D21. The output unit 13 outputs the video and audio of the content using the avatar lecturer having the features set in the outer surface feature information D22 by the setting unit 11 and the text data generated by the generation unit 12. The content includes a lecture and an accompanying greeting. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the lecture providing process. The lecture providing process is a process executed by the generation unit 12 and the output unit 13.

[0026] In step S201, the generation unit 12 acquires language system information from the outer surface feature information D22 of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the learner 90 for whom the lecture is to be provided. Subsequently, in step S202, the generation unit 12 converts the text data of the script data D30 corresponding to the lecture to be provided into the acquired language system. Specifically, the generation unit 12 includes a natural language generation artificial intelligence, and converts the text data of the script data D30 into a desired language system by the natural language generation artificial intelligence. For example, by providing a prompt instructing conversion into a way of speaking using the Nagoya dialect and cat words and the script data D30 to the natural language generation artificial intelligence, a script of lecture content using the Nagoya dialect and cat words can be generated.

[0027] Next, in step S203, the output unit 13 causes the avatar lecturer with the appearance and voice set in the outer surface feature information D22 corresponding to the learner 90 to read out the text data of the script converted into the desired language system, and outputs the video and audio of the lecture via the browser 33 of the information terminal 30.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the encouraging greeting process. The encouraging greeting process is a process of giving a greeting before, after, or during a lecture in order to improve the motivation of the learner 90 based on the learning and grade status of the learner 90. The encouraging greeting process is executed by the generation unit 12 and the output unit 13.

[0029] In step S301, the generation unit 12 acquires the external characteristic information D22 of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the learner 90. Next, in step S302, the generation unit 12 generates a greeting that serves as an encouragement to the learner 90 based on the learning and performance status of the learner 90 and the lecture style of the avatar lecturer. For example, if the learner 90 has good test scores but slow learning progress and the avatar lecturer has a lecture style of scolding and motivating to improve, a greeting can be generated to scold the slow progress and encourage the learner to continue learning. If the learner 90 has good test scores but slow learning progress and the avatar lecturer has a lecture style of praising and motivating to improve, a greeting can be generated to praise the test scores and encourage progress. The method of creating the greeting is not particularly limited. For example, it may be generated using natural language generation artificial intelligence, or it may be selected from those pre-created and registered according to the conditions.

[0030] Next, in step S303, the generation unit 12 converts the generated greeting into the language system of the avatar lecturer. Further, in step S304, the output unit 13 causes the avatar lecturer with the appearance and voice set in the external characteristic information D22 to read out the greeting converted into the desired language system, and outputs the lecture video and audio via the browser 33 of the information terminal 30.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the favorite greeting process. The favorite greeting process is a process of greeting the learner 90 before, after, or during the lecture to improve the learner's motivation or change their mood. The favorite greeting process is a process executed by the generation unit 12 and the output unit 13.

[0032] In step S401, the generation unit 12 acquires the preference information registered in the learner information D10 of the learner 90 or the internal characteristic information D21 of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the learner 90. The preference registered in the learner information D10 of the learner 90 is the same as the preference registered in the internal characteristic information D21 of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the learner 90. Subsequently, in step S402, the generation unit 12 acquires the external feature information D22 of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the learner 90.

[0033] Next, in step S403, the generation unit 12 generates an approach related to the learner 90's preferences based on the preferences of the learner 90. For example, if the learner 90 and the avatar lecturer like cats, an approach related to cats is generated. The method of creating the approach is not particularly limited. For example, it may be generated using a natural language generation artificial intelligence, or it may be selected from those prepared and registered in advance according to the conditions.

[0034] Next, in step S404, the generation unit 12 converts the generated approach into the language system of the avatar lecturer. Further, in step S405, the output unit 13 causes the avatar lecturer with the appearance and voice set in the external feature information D22 to read out the approach converted into the desired language system, and outputs the lecture video and audio via the browser 33 of the information terminal 30.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the additional explanation insertion process. The additional explanation insertion process is a process executed by the generation unit 12 and the output unit 13. The additional explanation insertion process is a process of inserting additional explanations such as specific examples and metaphors into the lecture. In this additional explanation insertion process, additional explanations such as specific examples and metaphors associated with the preferences such as hobbies common to the learner 90 and the avatar lecturer are inserted into the lecture. The additional explanation insertion process is executed by the generation unit 12 and the output unit 13.

[0036] In step S501, the generation unit 12 acquires the preference information registered in the learner information D10 of the learner 90 or the internal feature information D21 of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the learner 90. The preferences registered in the learner information D10 of the learner 90 are the same as the preferences registered in the internal feature information D21 of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the learner 90. Subsequently, in step S502, the generation unit 12 acquires the external feature information D22 of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the learner 90.

[0037] Next, in step S503, the generation unit 12 generates additional explanations that supplement the content of the lecture in association with the preferences of the learner 90 based on the preferences of the learner 90. For example, if the learner 90 and the avatar teacher like cats, additional explanations associated with cats are generated. The method for creating the greeting is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a method of generating using natural language generation artificial intelligence, or a method of selecting a suitable one from those created and registered in advance according to the conditions.

[0038] Next, in step S504, the generation unit 12 converts the generated greeting into the language system of the avatar teacher. Further, in step S505, the output unit 13 causes the avatar teacher with the appearance and voice set in the external feature information D22 to read out the greeting converted into the desired language system, and outputs the lecture video and audio via the browser 33 of the information terminal 30. <Second Embodiment>

[0039] In addition to having the same functions as those of the first embodiment, the learning support system according to the second embodiment acquires the state of the learner from the image and voice of the learner taking the lecture, and improves the avatar teacher by evaluating and correcting the avatar teacher based on the acquired information on the state of the learner.

[0040] Since the learning support system according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and operation as those of the first embodiment, the following mainly describes the parts different from the first embodiment in the second embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the learning support system according to the second embodiment. The hardware configuration of the learning support system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 12, in the second embodiment, the learning support system 10 includes a concentration determination unit 16 in addition to the setting unit 11, the generation unit 12, the output unit 13, the profile presentation unit 14, and the storage unit 15. The concentration determination unit 16 is realized by a processing device 21, which is a processor that executes the processing of a software program, in the same manner as the setting unit 11, the generation unit 12, the output unit 13, and the profile presentation unit 14.

[0043] In this embodiment, the concentration determination unit 16 determines the degree to which the attendee 90 is concentrating on the lecture based on an image acquired for photographing the attendee 90 by the camera 31 of the information terminal 30, and the setting unit 11 controls the external features of the avatar lecturer corresponding to the attendee 90 based on the result of the determination. The method of concentration determination is not particularly limited. For example, if the conditions that the attendee 90 is in front of the terminal, has a good posture, has open eyes, and is looking at the screen are met, it may be determined that the attendee is concentrating. In addition to the image, the concentration determination unit 16 may use the voice of the attendee 90 acquired by the microphone 32 of the information terminal 30 to determine the degree to which the attendee 90 is concentrating on the lecture.

[0044] The concentration determination unit 16 determines the degree to which the attendee 90 is concentrating on the lecture based on an image acquired for photographing the attendee 90 by the camera 31 of the information terminal 30, and records the concentration determination result information based on the result of the determination. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the concentration determination result information.

[0045] The concentration determination unit 16 determines the concentration level in five levels from "1" to "5", where the larger the number, the higher the degree of concentration, based on the images of the learners 90 attending the lecture. It calculates the average value for each week and records it in the concentration determination result information D41 in time series as the weekly concentration. The method for calculating the weekly concentration is not particularly limited. For example, the concentration determination unit 16 may calculate and accumulate the concentration for each session, which is the concentration level for that lecture, for each lecture, and then calculate the average value of the accumulated concentration for each session on a weekly basis to obtain the weekly concentration. Also, the method for calculating the concentration level for each lecture is not particularly limited. For example, the concentration determination unit 16 may determine whether a learner is concentrated based on the image at regular intervals, record a concentration flag indicating whether it is concentrated or not, and perform a five-level evaluation based on the ratio of the number of concentrated and non-concentrated times during the lecture, and use the evaluation result as the concentration level for each lecture.

[0046] In the example of Fig. 13, the weekly concentration for the first week is "4.1", the weekly concentration for the second week is "4.0", the weekly concentration for the third week is "4.1", the weekly concentration for the fourth week is "3.5", and the weekly concentration for the fifth week is "3.2".

[0047] The concentration determination unit 16 further calculates the average value for each avatar teacher and for each academic level of the learners 90 for the concentration level for each lecture or the weekly concentration, and records it in the evaluation information as an evaluation value. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation information.

[0048] In the evaluation information D42, the evaluation values are recorded in association with the number, appearance, voice, and lecture style of each avatar teacher. The number is the number for identifying the corresponding avatar teacher. The appearance indicates the appearance of the avatar teacher. The voice indicates the voice of the avatar teacher. The lecture style indicates the lecture style of the avatar teacher. For example, the avatar teacher with the number "001" has an appearance of "Avatar A", a voice of "Voice a", and a lecture style of "Scolding and stretching".

[0049] The evaluation value of the avatar instructor is calculated for each academic level of the learners. The evaluation value for each academic level is the average value of the weekly concentration obtained from the learners at that academic level. In the evaluation information D42, as an example, the academic levels of learner 90 are classified into four levels from "A" to "D" based on the test results, with higher academic ability first. By calculating the evaluation value for each academic level, it is possible to know which avatar instructor is highly evaluated for learners at which academic level.

[0050] Figure 15 is a flowchart of the instructor control process. The instructor control process is a process for controllably changing the characteristics of the avatar instructor who gives lectures to learner 90. The lecture control process is a process that the setting unit 11 periodically repeats and executes.

[0051] In step S601, the setting unit 11 acquires the concentration determination result information D41. Further, in step S602, the setting unit 11 determines whether it is necessary to modify the avatar instructor based on the concentration determination result information D41. The determination method is not particularly limited. For example, if the weekly concentration continuously falls below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined number of weeks, it may be determined that it is necessary to modify the avatar instructor. Also, if the weekly concentration shows a downward trend continuously for a predetermined number of weeks, it may be determined that it is necessary to modify the avatar instructor.

[0052] If it is determined that it is not necessary to modify the avatar instructor, the setting unit 11 ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is necessary to modify the avatar instructor, the setting unit 11, in step S603, obtains whether there is a desire to change the avatar instructor from learner 90 by asking learner 90, and in step S604, determines whether there is a desire.

[0053] If the learner 90 does not wish to modify the avatar instructor, the setting unit 11 ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if the learner 90 wishes to modify the avatar instructor, the setting unit 11 modifies at least one of the external features or internal features of the avatar instructor in step S605. The method of modifying the features of the avatar instructor is not particularly limited. For example, the setting unit 11 may modify the features of the avatar instructor so that the concentration of the learner 90 is higher than the features of the current avatar instructor based on the evaluation information D42. <Supplementary Note>

[0054] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to only these embodiments, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, these embodiments may be used in combination, or some configurations may be changed. In addition, the above-described embodiments include the following matters. However, the matters included in the above-described embodiments are not limited to only those shown below. (Matter 1)

[0055] A learning support system that provides learners with content related to a lecture composed of video and audio by an avatar instructor, which is a virtual person imitating a lecturer, the system includes a storage unit that stores learner information, which is information about the learner, and a setting unit that sets external feature information indicating external features of an avatar instructor who gives a lecture to the learner based on the learner information of the learner and internal feature information indicating internal features of the avatar instructor, a generation unit that generates text data of the content to be provided to the learner based on the features indicated by the external feature information and / or the features indicated by the internal feature information, an output unit that outputs content in which the avatar instructor having the features indicated by the external feature information pronounces the text data, and a profile presentation unit that presents profile information of the avatar instructor based on the internal feature information to the learner. According to this, it is possible to provide content related to a lecture by a suitable avatar instructor for each learner by adapting the external and internal features of the avatar instructor to each learner. (Item 2)

[0056] In the learning support system described in Item 1, the learner information includes learner preference information indicating things that the learner likes, the internal feature information includes instructor preference information indicating things that the avatar instructor likes, and the setting unit sets the instructor preference information based on the learner preference information. According to this, by setting the instructor's preferences in association with the learner's preferences, the preferences of the instructor and the learner can be matched, and the learner's interest in the instructor and the lecture can be enhanced. (Item 3)

[0057] In the learning support system described in Item 2, the setting unit sets the same things as those indicated in the learner preference information in the instructor preference information, the generation unit generates text data for a topic call related to the things commonly set in the learner preference information and the instructor preference information, and the output unit outputs the call before, during, or after the lecture. According to this, by matching the instructor's preferences with the learner's preferences and making a call based on the common topic, the learner's favorability towards the instructor and interest in the lecture can be enhanced. (Item 4)

[0058] In the learning support system described in Item 2, the setting unit sets the same things as those indicated in the learner preference information in the instructor preference information, the generation unit generates text data for additional explanations associated with the things commonly set in the learner preference information and the instructor preference information, and the output unit inserts and outputs the additional explanations into the lecture. According to this, by matching the instructor's preferences with the learner's preferences and providing specific examples or anecdotes related to the common preference, the learner's interest and understanding of the lecture can be enhanced. (Item 5)

[0059] In the learning support system described in Item 1, the learner information includes learner origin information indicating the place of origin of the learner, the internal characteristic information includes lecturer origin information indicating the virtual place of origin of the avatar lecturer, the setting unit sets the same place of origin as the place of origin indicated by the learner origin information in the lecturer origin information, and the profile presentation unit presents the place of origin indicated by the lecturer origin information to the learner. According to this, by making the lecturer's place of origin coincide with the learner's place of origin and presenting this to the learner, the learner's favorability towards the lecturer and interest in the lecture can be enhanced. (Item 6)

[0060] In the learning support system described in Item 5, the internal characteristic information includes language system information indicating the language system in which the avatar lecturer speaks, the setting unit sets the language system used in the place of origin set in the lecturer origin information in the language system information, and the generation unit generates text data in the language system indicated by the language system information. According to this, by making the lecturer's way of speaking the language system (dialect) of the common place of origin of the learner and the lecturer, the learner's favorability towards the lecturer and interest in the lecture can be enhanced. (Item 7)

[0061] In the learning support system described in Item 1, the learner information includes learner origin school information indicating the origin school of the learner, the internal characteristic information includes lecturer origin school information indicating the virtual origin school of the avatar lecturer, the setting unit sets the same school as the origin school indicated by the learner origin school information in the lecturer origin school information, and the profile presentation unit presents the school indicated by the lecturer origin school information to the learner. According to this, by setting the lecturer as a graduate of the same school as the learner, the learner's favorability towards the lecturer and interest in the lecture can be enhanced, and the learner can be encouraged to study. (Item 8)

[0062] In the learning support system described in Item 1, the external feature information includes instructor appearance information indicating the appearance of the avatar instructor and instructor voice information indicating the voice of the avatar instructor. The setting unit identifies the appearance and voice preferred by the learner based on the learner information, sets the appearance in the instructor appearance information, and sets the voice in the instructor voice information. According to this, by matching the appearance and voice of the instructor to the preferences of the learner, the learner's interest in the instructor can be increased and the understanding of the lecture can be enhanced. (Item 9)

[0063] In the learning support system described in Item 1, the storage unit further stores script data which is text data created in advance as the script of the lecture. The generation unit generates converted text data by converting the text data of the script data based on the features indicated by the internal feature information. The output unit outputs the read-out voice of the converted text data as the voice of the lecture. According to this, since a basic script is prepared in advance and the text of the script is converted into text having the features of the avatar instructor adapted to the learner and then output as voice, it is possible to provide lectures by flexibly matching the way of speaking of the instructor to each of a variety of learners. It is not necessary to prepare a large number of scripts. (Item 10)

[0064] In the learning support system described in Item 9, the generation unit includes a natural language generation artificial intelligence that generates text according to an instruction. According to this, it is possible to easily construct content adapted to the learner without the need to prepare a large number of scripts. (Item 11)

[0065] In the learning support system described in Item 10, the generation unit gives a prompt indicating a predetermined instruction and the script data to the natural language generation artificial intelligence to generate the converted text data. (Item 12)

[0066] In the learning support system described in Item 1, based on an image acquired for photographing a learner taking the lecture, a concentration determination unit measures how concentrated the learner is on the lecture at each predetermined period and records it in time series as the concentration degree per period, and the setting unit modifies at least one of the external features or internal features of the avatar teacher based on the concentration degree per period. According to this, since the features of the avatar teacher are modified based on the concentration degree and its time transition, it becomes possible to maintain a high level of interest in the lecture for the teacher. (Item 13)

[0067] In the learning support system described in Item 12, the setting unit determines whether the avatar teacher needs to be modified based on the progress of the time series of the concentration degree per period. (Item 14)

[0068] In the learning support system described in Item 12, the concentration determination unit calculates an evaluation value for each avatar teacher based on the concentration degrees of a plurality of learners, and the setting unit modifies the avatar teacher so that the concentration degree of the learners is higher than that of the current avatar teacher based on the evaluation value. Since the features of the teacher are controlled so that the concentration degree of the learners increases, it becomes possible to highly control or maintain the interest in the lecture for the teacher. (Item 15)

[0069] A learning support system for providing content related to a lecture composed of video and audio to a learner by an avatar lecturer, which is a virtual person imitating a lecturer, wherein a computer stores learner information which is information about the learner, and based on the learner information of the learner, sets external feature information indicating external features of the avatar lecturer who gives a lecture to the learner and internal feature information indicating internal features of the avatar lecturer, generates text data of the content to be provided to the learner based on the features indicated by the external feature information and / or the features indicated by the internal feature information, outputs content in which the avatar lecturer set with the features indicated by the external feature information vocalizes the text data, and presents profile information of the avatar lecturer based on the internal feature information to the learner.

Explanation of Signs

[0070] 10…Learning support system, 11…Setting unit, 12…Generating unit, 13…Output unit, 14…Profile presenting unit, 15…Storage unit, 16…Concentration determination unit, 20…Server, 21…Processing device, 22…Main memory, 23…Storage device, 24…Communication device, 25…Input device, 26…Display device, 27…Bus, 30…Information terminal, 31…Camera, 32…Microphone, 33…Browser

Claims

1. A learning support system that provides students with lecture content consisting of video and audio by an avatar lecturer, which is a virtual person modeled after a lecturer, A storage unit for storing student information, which is information about the students; a setting unit that sets external feature information indicating external features of an avatar lecturer who will lecture the students and internal feature information indicating internal features of the avatar lecturer based on student information of the students; a generation unit that generates text data of content to be provided to the students based on the features indicated in the external feature information and / or the features indicated in the internal feature information; an output unit that outputs content in which an avatar instructor having characteristics set in the external characteristic information utters the text data; a profile presenting unit that presents profile information of the avatar instructor based on the inner characteristic information to the student; A learning support system having the above structure.

2. The student information includes student preference information indicating what the student likes, The internal characteristic information includes instructor preference information indicating things that the avatar instructor likes, The setting unit sets the instructor preference information based on the student preference information. The learning support system according to claim 1 .

3. The setting unit sets the same things as those indicated in the student preference information in the instructor preference information, the generating unit generates text data of a prompt on a topic related to a thing commonly set in the student preference information and the lecturer preference information; The output unit outputs the call before, during, or after a lecture. The learning support system according to claim 2 .

4. The setting unit sets the same things as those indicated in the student preference information in the instructor preference information, the generating unit generates text data of additional commentary associated with each of the items commonly set in the student preference information and the lecturer preference information; The output unit inserts the additional commentary into the lecture and outputs it. The learning support system according to claim 2 .

5. The student information includes student hometown information indicating the student's hometown, The internal characteristic information includes teacher hometown information indicating a virtual hometown of the avatar teacher, The setting unit sets the same hometown as the hometown indicated in the student hometown information to the instructor hometown information, The profile presenting unit presents the hometown indicated in the instructor's hometown information to the student. The learning support system according to claim 1 .

6. The internal characteristic information includes language system information indicating a language system spoken by the avatar instructor; The setting unit sets a language system used in the home town set in the teacher's home town information to the language system information, the generation unit generates text data in a language system indicated in the language system information. The learning support system according to claim 5 .

7. The student information includes student's alma mater information indicating the student's alma mater, The internal characteristic information includes teacher alma mater information indicating a virtual alma mater of the avatar teacher, The setting unit sets the same school as the student's school information in the lecturer's school information, The profile presentation unit presents the school indicated in the instructor's alma mater information to the student. The learning support system according to claim 1 .

8. The external characteristic information includes instructor appearance information indicating an appearance of the avatar instructor and instructor voice information indicating a voice of the avatar instructor, The setting unit specifies the appearance and voice preferred by the student based on the student information, sets the appearance to the instructor appearance information, and sets the voice to the instructor voice information. The learning support system according to claim 1 .

9. The storage unit further stores script data, which is text data created in advance as a script of the lecture, the generating unit generates converted text data by converting text data of the script data based on the characteristics indicated in the internal characteristic information; The output unit outputs a reading voice of the converted text data as the voice of the lecture. The learning support system according to claim 1 .

10. The generation unit includes a natural language generation artificial intelligence that generates text according to instructions. The learning support system according to claim 9.

11. The generation unit provides the natural language generation artificial intelligence with a prompt indicating a predetermined instruction and the script data, thereby causing the natural language generation artificial intelligence to generate the converted text data. The learning support system according to claim 10.

12. a concentration determination unit that measures the degree to which the students are concentrating on the lecture for each predetermined period based on images acquired to photograph the students attending the lecture, and records the degree of concentration for each period in chronological order; The setting unit modifies at least one of an external feature or an internal feature of the avatar instructor based on the concentration degree for each period. The learning support system according to claim 1 .

13. the setting unit determines whether or not the avatar instructor needs to be modified based on a time series progression of the concentration degree for each period. The learning support system according to claim 12.

14. the concentration determination unit calculates an evaluation value for each avatar instructor based on the concentration levels of the multiple students; the setting unit modifies the avatar instructor based on the evaluation value so that the degree of concentration of the student is higher than that of the current avatar instructor. The learning support system according to claim 12.

15. A learning support system for providing students with lecture content consisting of video and audio by an avatar lecturer, which is a virtual person modeled after a lecturer, comprising: The computer storing attendee information which is information about the attendee; based on student information of the student, external characteristic information indicating external characteristics of an avatar instructor who will lecture the student and internal characteristic information indicating internal characteristics of the avatar instructor; generating text data of content to be provided to the students based on the characteristics indicated in the external characteristic information and / or the characteristics indicated in the internal characteristic information; outputting content in which an avatar instructor having characteristics set in the external characteristic information utters the text data; presenting profile information of the avatar instructor based on the internal characteristic information to the student; Learning support methods.

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