Cushion unit, management computer, and output audio providing method

Abstract

To provide a cushion unit, a management computer, and an output audio providing method that measure the magnitude, frequency, contact point, and change pattern of pressure applied when a user contacts a cushion and generate output audio according to contents of the measurement.SOLUTION: In an audio output system 20, a cushion unit 60 includes: a cushion 110 that a user contacts; a user terminal 100 that is operated by the user and can communicate with a management server 120; a plurality of sensors that are provided on the cushion and acquire pressure data; and a speaker 32 that outputs audio when the user contacts the cushion. The user terminal executes first processing of transmitting cushion information including the pressure data acquired by the plurality of sensors to the management server, second processing of acquiring different audio data according to contents of the pressure data from the management server after the first processing, and third processing of outputting audio according to the audio data acquired in the second processing from the speaker.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cushion unit that outputs sound by contact of a user, a management computer, and a method for providing output sound.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, cushions used by users for stress relief are known, but it has not been possible to output sound from the cushion according to the magnitude, number, contact location, and change pattern of the pressure applied when the user contacts the cushion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sound output toy that can train the living habits of infants naturally during play.

[0005] The inventor of the present application recognized the problem that the cushion described in Patent Document 1 is not intended to be a cushion that measures the magnitude, number, contact location, and change pattern of the pressure applied when the user contacts the cushion and provides output sound according to the content.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cushion unit, a management computer, and a method for providing output sound that can measure the magnitude, number, contact location, and change pattern of the pressure applied when the user contacts the cushion and provide output sound according to the content to the cushion unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Briefly explaining the outline of typical examples disclosed in this embodiment, it is as follows. This embodiment is a cushion unit including a cushion with which a user comes into contact, and a user terminal that is operated by the user and can communicate with a management computer. The cushion unit is provided with a plurality of sensors that are provided on the cushion and acquire pressure data generated when the user comes into contact, and a speaker that outputs sound when the user comes into contact with the cushion. The user terminal executes a first process of transmitting cushion information including the pressure data acquired by the plurality of sensors to the management computer, a second process of acquiring different sound data corresponding to the content of the pressure data from the management computer after the first process, and a third process of causing the speaker to output sound corresponding to the sound data acquired in the second process.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to measure the magnitude, number, contact location, and change pattern of the pressure applied when the user comes into contact with the cushion, and provide output sound corresponding to the content to the cushion unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 10C

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a cushion unit, a management computer, and an output voice providing method executed by the management computer are disclosed. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Also, in all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same parts are generally denoted by the same reference numerals, and the repeated explanations thereof are omitted.

[0011] <System Configuration> FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a management server 120 in a voice output system 20 which is an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the voice output system 20 according to the present disclosure includes a user terminal 100, a cushion 110 linked to the user terminal 100, a management server 120 connected to the user terminal 100 via a network 21, and an interested party terminal 22 connected to the management server 120 via the network 21. The user terminal 100 and the cushion 110 constitute a cushion unit 60. The user terminal 100 and the cushion 110 are used by the same user. The interested party terminal 22 is used by an interested party of the user, for example, a grandchild, a lover, an acquaintance, etc. For convenience, it is assumed that the residence of the interested party of the user is different from the residence of the user.

[0012] The management server 120 includes a main body (casing), a processor 23, a main memory 24, an auxiliary memory 25, a communication interface 26, etc. The processor 23 is provided inside the main body and is composed of a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) in which an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit) are integrated. The processor 23 is communicably connected to the main memory 24, the auxiliary memory 25, the communication interface 26, etc. via a bus 70. The processor 23 controls by including other devices and circuits provided inside the main body and devices and circuits provided outside the main body. The processor 23 processes the acquired information. The information includes data, and the processing includes arithmetic operations, judgments, comparisons, controls, etc. The processing executed by the processor 23 includes processing for reading information from the auxiliary memory 25, processing and judgment of information acquired from the outside via the network 21, addition, change, and update of information stored in the auxiliary memory 25, etc.

[0013] The main memory 24 is a volatile storage device, and the main memory functions as a work area and a buffer area when the processor 23 executes processing. The auxiliary memory 25 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-temporary storage medium. A non-temporary application is stored in the auxiliary memory 25. The application includes programs, configuration files, files for storing data, various libraries, etc. The processor 23 operates the non-temporary application to execute various processes. Also, information processed by the processor 23 and various data are stored in the auxiliary memory 25.

[0014] The auxiliary memory 25 has a larger capacity than the main memory 24, and the auxiliary memory 25 operates according to input instructions and output instructions from the processor 23. The auxiliary memory 25 includes, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, flash memories, etc. Examples of magnetic disks include hard disk drives. Examples of optical disks include compact disks, digital video disks, Blu-ray disks, etc. Flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and examples of flash memory include SD memory cards, USB flash drives, solid state drives, etc.

[0015] The communication interface 26 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the management server 120 to the network 21 by at least one of a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The devices and equipment for connecting the management server 120 to the network 21 include communication circuits, communication cables, antennas, routers, etc.

[0016] The processor 23 functions as an activity frequency calculation unit 140, an output voice generation unit 150, an output voice providing unit 160, a product screen generation unit 170, a product screen providing unit 180, and a website providing unit 190 by operating an application.

[0017] The activity frequency calculation unit 140 extracts the contact frequency and the contact location coefficient from the pressure data 300 included in the cushion information 210 acquired from the user terminal 100, determines the point coefficient by determining the pattern of the user's touching method based on the content of the pressure change information 310 in the pressure data 300, and calculates the activity frequency 800 based on the contact frequency, the contact location coefficient, and the point coefficient. The details of the activity frequency 800 and the activity frequency calculation process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0018] The output voice generation unit 150 acquires product data 1000 corresponding to the content of the registered product included in the cushion information 210 from the product data storage unit 133, refers to the content of the product data 1000 to identify the point coefficient of the corresponding product, fits it to the activity frequency 800, and updates its content. Then, it acquires voice data 1100 corresponding to the product data 1000 from the voice data storage unit 134, and generates the corresponding output voice 1200 by extracting it from the voice data 1100 with reference to the content of the cumulative activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210 and the content of the updated activity frequency 800.

[0019] Also, the output voice generation unit 150 executes a process of generating voice data to be provided to the user terminal 100 according to the way of touching the cushion 110. The output voice generation unit 150 generates voice data to be provided to the user terminal 100 based on the way of touching the cushion 110 and the output voice 1200 stored in the voice data storage unit 134. The product data 1000, voice data 1100, output voice 1200, and output voice generation process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 11.

[0020] The output voice providing unit 160 provides the generated output voice 1200 to the cushion 110 and the user terminal 100 linked to the cushion 110. The output voice providing process will be described later with reference to FIG. 12. The product screen generation unit 170 generates a product screen 1300 based on the product data 1000 extracted by referring to the content of the user information 200 and the cumulative activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210. The details of the product screen 1300 and the product screen generation process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0021] When the product screen providing unit 180 receives a request for acquiring the product screen 1300 from the user terminal 100, it provides the generated product screen 1300. The details of the product screen providing process will be described later with reference to FIG. 15.

[0022] The website providing unit 190 executes processes for managing and operating the website provided by the management server 120 to the network 21. On the website, sales of products, acceptance of registration of voices provided to the cushion unit 60, etc. are carried out. The auxiliary memory 25 has a configuration including a user information storage unit 130, a cushion information storage unit 131, an activity frequency storage unit 132, a product data storage unit 133, and a voice data storage unit 134. The user information storage unit 130 stores user information 200 (described later, Fig. 2(a)). The cushion information storage unit 131 stores cushion information 210 (described later, Fig. 2(b)).

[0023] The activity frequency storage unit 132 stores an activity frequency 800 (described later, Fig. 8). Also, the product data storage unit 133 stores product data 1000 (described later, Fig. 10A). Also, the voice data storage unit 134 stores voice data 1100 (described later, Fig. 10B, Fig. 10C).

[0024] <User Information> Fig. 2(a) is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of user information 200 stored in the user information storage unit 130 of the management server 120 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the user information 200 is composed of data items such as a user ID, a user name, a profile, cushion information 210, purchased product information, the user's password, the names of related persons, passwords for each related person, etc. Related persons include the user's acquaintances, for example, the user's family members, relatives, lovers, etc. The user ID indicates a code for the management server 120 to identify the user. The user name indicates the user's name. The cushion information 210 will be described later.

[0025] The purchased product information indicates information about products that the user has purchased in the past on the product screen 1300 (Fig. 13, described later). The user can select a desired product from the purchased products and replace it with the content of the registered product 220 included in the cushion information 210.

[0026] <Cushion Information> FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of cushion information 210 included in user information 200 stored in user information storage unit 130 of management server 120 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that, through the process described later with reference to FIG. 7, cushion information 210 is stored in cushion information storage unit 131 of management server 120. Cushion information 210 indicates information such as a cushion ID, a link state, registered product 220, cumulative activity points 230, and pressure data 300. Details of pressure data 300 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0027] The link state indicates a state as to whether user terminal 100 and cushion 110 are linked by a wireless connection or a wired connection. The wireless connection at this time is a wireless communication connection by a short-range wave such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. The wired connection includes a USB cable, an optical fiber cable, a coaxial cable, a balanced pair cable, and the like.

[0028] Registered product 220 indicates information about the character product to which cushion 110 belongs. For example, registered product 220 is indicated as "Pochi (product ID: B0001)". Registered product 220 can be selected from products (purchase product information) that the user has purchased in the past and replaced at a desired timing.

[0029] In addition, registered product 220 is referred to when management server 120 generates output voice 1200 by output voice generation processing (FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11) described later. That is, since management server 120 refers to the content of registered product 220 to generate output voice 1200, if the content of registered product 220 is different, output voice 1200 will be different accordingly. For example, when the content (registered product name) of registered product 220 is "Pochi", when the content (registered product name) of registered product 220 is "Momoko", and when the content (registered product name) of registered product 220 is "Mee", the generated output voice 1200 is different for each case. Thus, the registered product names of registered product 220 are different for each type of cushion 110.

[0030] In addition, as the content of the registered product 220, in addition to the animal characters as shown in FIG. 2, it may also be characters of comics, animations, games, sports players, entertainers, influencers, AI (artificial intelligence-based) models, fictional creatures, and characters imitating them. Further, the content of the registered product 220 may be targeted at adult products. Thus, the registered product 220 differs for each type of the cushion 110.

[0031] The cumulative activity points 230 indicate the cumulative value of the past activity frequency 800 for the corresponding cushion. For example, the cumulative activity points 230 are shown as "1250".

[0032] Also, the cumulative activity points 230 are referred to when the management server 120 generates the output voice 1200 by the output voice generation process (FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11) described later. That is, since the management server 120 refers to the content of the cumulative activity points 230 to generate the output voice 1200, if the cumulative activity points 230 are different, the output voice 1200 will be different accordingly. For example, the generated output voice 1200 is different when the cumulative activity points 230 are "500" and when they are "2000".

[0033] <Pressure data> FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an overview of the pressure data 300 included in the cushion information 210 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the pressure data 300 indicates information such as a cushion ID, a user ID, a schedule, a start time, a contact count (N), a contact location (coefficient Pn), and pressure change information 310.

[0034] The schedule indicates the date when the cushion 110 detects the pressure generated by the contact from the user. For example, the schedule is shown as "‘23 / 9 / 9". The start time indicates the time when the pressure is detected when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous pressure detection while the cushion 110 is linked to the user terminal 100 and the cushion 110 detects the pressure. Note that the "predetermined time" is not particularly limited, but for example, it is set to 5 minutes, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0035] The number of contacts (N) indicates the number of times the cushion 110 detects the pressure from the start time until the time when the pressure is no longer detected or until a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the number of contacts (N) is shown as "10".

[0036] The contact location (coefficient Pn) indicates information about which sensor detected the pressure. That is, the contact location (coefficient Pn) indicates information about whether the sensor that detected the pressure generated by the contact from the user is the first sensor, the second sensor, etc. Note that the coefficient Pn corresponds to the sensor at the contact location. For example, the coefficient of the first sensor is P1. Details of the coefficient Pn will be described later. The pressure change information 310 indicates information about the change in the pressure detected by the cushion 110 within a predetermined time. Details of the pressure change information 310 will be described later.

[0037] FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an overview of the pressure change information 310 included in the pressure data 300 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the pressure change information 310 is represented by the "pressure change amount", and the pressure change amount is determined by the "pattern of the change in the pressure value". Also, the "way of touching" is determined corresponding to the pressure change amount, and the "point coefficient" is determined accordingly.

[0038] For example, when the pattern of the change in the pressure value is such that "for the surface layer part: set the threshold value to a value with a small change amount, and for the deep layer part: set the threshold value to a value regarded as a change amount of 0", the pressure change amount is determined to be "for the surface layer part: small change, for the deep layer part: no change". The definition of this "change amount" of the pressure is not particularly limited. For example, it may be defined as the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the pressure values detected by the cushion 110 within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), or it may be defined as the average change amount.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, when the pressure change amount is "for the surface layer part: small change, for the deep layer part: no change", the way of touching is determined to be "stroking", and the point coefficient at this time is determined to be X. Note that through the processing described later, the management server 120 can calculate the activity frequency 800 using this point coefficient. In this way, the management server 120 can obtain the pressure change information 310 from the pattern of the pressure change that occurred in the cushion 110, and calculate the activity frequency 800 and generate and provide the output voice 1200.

[0040] <Cushion> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the user terminal 100, the cushion 110, and the management server 120 in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and an overview of the cushion 110. The cushion 110 includes a communicator 50 that performs a link connection with the user terminal 100 and a control unit 400. The communicator 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 100 mutually. The communicator 50 is composed of a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, etc. The control unit 400 is composed of a microcomputer having a central processing circuit, a memory, an input port, and an output port. The control unit 400 is communicably connected to the communicator 50, the first sensor 410, the second sensor 420, the third sensor 430, and the speaker 500 via a bus.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the user terminal 100 receives a short-range wave transmitted from the communicator 50 of the cushion 110, and the communicator 50 receives the short-range wave transmitted from the user terminal 100, thereby establishing a link connection (hereinafter abbreviated as "link connection") with the cushion 110 via wireless connection. Note that the connectable range of the short-range wave is, for example, within a radius of 5 to 15 m from the cushion 110. Also, the user terminal 100 is wirelessly connected to the management server 120 via a network. In this way, when the cushion detects contact while being in a state of link connection with the user terminal, it transmits cushion information including the acquired pressure data to the user terminal.

[0042] The cushion 110 has a plurality of sensors for acquiring pressure data 300 including pressure generated by contact from the user, start time, and the like. Note that the cushion 110 may have a plurality or a single sensor, and in the following description, the plurality or single sensor is collectively abbreviated as a "sensor unit". The sensor unit is composed of a first sensor 410, a second sensor 420, a third sensor 430, and the like. That is, the collective name of the first sensor 410, the second sensor 420, the third sensor 430, and the like can be referred to as the sensor unit.

[0043] The sensor unit is connected to the control unit 400 by wire or wirelessly. Thereby, the sensor unit can provide the control unit 400 with the pressure data 300 acquired by each sensor (the first sensor 410, the second sensor 420, the third sensor 430, etc.). That is, the pressure data 300 (including the cushion information 210) is transmitted from the control unit 400 to the management server 120 via the user terminal 100.

[0044] The cushion 110 has a speaker 500. The speaker 500 is controlled by the control unit 400 to perform reproduction processing of the output audio 1200 provided from the management server 120 by the processing described later. The cushion 110 has a battery 600. The battery 600 supplies power for driving the control unit 400, the sensor unit, and the speaker 500. The cushion 110 has a shock absorption unit 610 that absorbs shocks. The shock absorption unit 610 is configured to extend from the outer surface of the cushion 110 toward the inside and form the shape of the substantially cylindrical cushion 110.

[0045] The material of the shock absorption unit 610 can be made of fabric, urethane, sponge, etc., or a synthetic material thereof. The size of the shock absorption unit 610 is not particularly limited, but for example, the height is 1 m, the perimeter is 1 m, and the thickness is 15 to 30 cm. Also, the material of the shock absorption unit 610 shall have high waterproofness.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4(b), each sensor, for example, the first sensor 410, has a surface layer part 411 and a deep layer part 412. The surface layer part 411 and the deep layer part 412 each further have an independent sensor. Note that the "surface layer" refers to the inside closer to the region touched by the user on the sensor surface, and the "deep layer" refers to the inside farther away.

[0047] For example, when the user strokes the cushion 110, the shape of the surface layer of the first sensor 410 will change slightly. Therefore, the amount of change in the pressure value of the surface layer part 411 is small, and the amount of change in the pressure value of the deep layer part 412 is almost 0. Therefore, by setting a smaller value for the threshold for the amount of change in the pressure value of the surface layer part 411 (a value smaller than the dynamic range of the first sensor 410) and a value that considers the threshold for the amount of change in the pressure value of the deep layer part 412 to be 0 (a value that can ignore noise and slight errors), when the threshold is satisfied, the management server 120 determines that the user's way of touching corresponds to "stroking".

[0048] With the cushion 110 configured as described above, pressure data 300 can be detected and stored more accurately, and the management server 120 can accurately understand how the user touches and so on.

[0049] <User terminal> The user terminal 100 is a computer used and operated by the user. The user terminal 100 includes, for example, a portable computer and a fixed computer. The portable computer includes a smartphone and a tablet computer. The fixed computer includes a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and the like.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1B, the user terminal 100 is connected to the management server 120 via the network 21, and the user terminal 100 is link-connected to the cushion 110. The user terminal 100 includes a main body (casing), a processor 27, a main memory 28, an auxiliary memory 29, an operation unit 30, a display unit 31, a speaker 32, a communication interface 33, a battery 34, and the like. The processor 27 is provided inside the main body and is composed of a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) in which an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit) are integrated. The processor 27 is communicably connected to the main memory 28, the auxiliary memory 29, the operation unit 30, the display unit 31, the speaker 32, the communication interface 33, etc. via a bus 35.

[0051] The main memory 28 is a volatile storage device, and when the processor 27 executes processing, the main memory 28 functions as a work area and a buffer area. The auxiliary memory 29 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-temporary storage medium. A non-temporary application is stored in the auxiliary memory 29.

[0052] The auxiliary memory 29 has a larger capacity than the main memory 28, and the auxiliary memory 29 operates according to input instructions and output instructions from the processor 27. The auxiliary memory 29, which is a non-temporary storage medium, is realized by, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, etc. Examples of the magnetic disk include a hard disk drive. Examples of the optical disk include a compact disk, a digital video disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc. The flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and examples of the flash memory include an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, a solid state drive, etc. The type of the auxiliary memory 29 is different when the user terminal 12 is a portable terminal and when the user terminal 12 is a fixed terminal. One or more elements included in the auxiliary memory 29 can be defined as a storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the main body.

[0053] The operation unit 30 is operated when inputting information, signals, etc. to the user terminal 100, when executing various processes on the user terminal 100, when sending various information and data from the user terminal 100 to the management server 120 or the cushion 110, and when the user terminal 100 acquires various information and data from the management server 120 or the cushion 110.

[0054] The operation unit 30 includes at least one of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, etc. These elements are appropriately selected according to whether the user terminal 100 is a portable terminal or a fixed terminal, and the attachment structure to the main body part is appropriately selected. That is, the operation unit 30 has a structure that is directly attached to the main body part or a structure that is connected to the main body part via a cable.

[0055] The display unit 31 is either directly attached to the main body unit or connected to the main body unit via a cable. The display unit 31 is a display visible to the user, and the display includes structures such as a liquid crystal display and an organic electroluminescence display. Depending on whether the user terminal 100 is a portable terminal or a fixed terminal, the connection structure to the main body unit is appropriately selected. Note that the display may be defined as a monitor. Various screens, information on websites on the network 21, etc. are displayed on the display unit 31. Also, the display unit 31 can display operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. on the screen. That is, the display unit 31 can also serve as the function of the operation unit 30.

[0056] The speaker 32 is an electronic device that converts an electrical signal into sound and outputs it. The speaker 32 may have either a structure directly provided on the main body unit or a structure connected to the main body unit via a cable. The communication interface 33 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the user terminal 100 to the management server 120 and the cushion 110 by at least one of a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The devices and equipment for connecting the user terminal 100 to the management server 120 and the cushion 110 include a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, a router, etc.

[0057] Processor 27 executes various processes and judgments by operating applications. The information processed and judged by processor 27 includes data, voice, text, barcodes, images, signals, etc. The processes executed by processor 27 include operations, judgments, comparisons, controls, etc. The processes executed by processor 27 include processes of reading information from auxiliary memory 29, processes and judgments of information and data obtained from cushion 110, processes and judgments of information and data sent to cushion 110, processes and controls of voice output from speaker 32, processes and judgments of information and data obtained from management server 120, processes and judgments of information and data sent to management server 120, changes and updates of information and data stored in auxiliary memory 29, etc. User terminal 100 can perform a purchase operation of products sold on the website by connecting to the website provided by management server 120 on the network.

[0058] <Related Party Terminal> Related party terminal 22 is a computer used and operated by a user's related party. Related party terminal 22 includes, for example, portable computers and fixed computers. Portable computers include smartphones and tablet computers. Fixed computers include desktop computers, notebook computers, etc.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1B, related party terminal 22 is connected to management server 120 via network 21. Related party terminal 22 includes a main body (casing), a processor 36, a memory 37, an operation unit 38, a display unit 39, a microphone 40, a communication interface 41, etc. Processor 36 is provided inside the main body and is composed of a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) in which an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit) are integrated. Processor 36 is communicably connected to memory 37, operation unit 38, display unit 39, microphone 40, communication interface 41, etc. via bus 42.

[0060] The memory 37 stores non-temporary applications, information and data processed by the processor 36, and information and data processed by the processor 36. The operation unit 38 is operated by a relevant person, and the operation unit 38 includes at least one element among, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, etc. The display unit 39 is a display visually observed by a relevant person, and the display includes structures such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, etc. Note that the display may be defined as a monitor. Various screens are displayed on the display unit 39. Also, the display unit 39 can display operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. on the screen. That is, the display unit 39 can also serve as the function of the operation unit 38.

[0061] The microphone 40 is an electronic device that converts sound into an electrical signal and outputs it. The microphone 40 may have a structure directly provided to the main body, or a structure connected to the main body via a cable. The communication interface 41 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the relevant person's terminal 22 to the management server 120 by at least one of a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The devices and equipment for connecting the relevant person's terminal 22 to the management server 120 include a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, a router, etc.

[0062] Then, the processor 36 executes various processes and judgments by operating the application. The information processed and judged by the processor 36 includes the operation signal of the operation unit 38, the sound, data, text, barcode, image, etc. input from the microphone 40. The relevant person's terminal 22 can connect to a website and download an application from the management server 120. The processor 36 can start the downloaded application and perform, for example, the registration of the sound provided to the cushion unit 60 on the website. Note that the application may operate on the website without being downloaded.

[0063] <Overall Processing> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an overview of the overall processing in one embodiment of the present disclosure. First, at S501, the management server 120 performs user information acquisition processing and user information storage processing (described later with reference to FIG. 6). Next, at S502, the management server 120 performs cushion information acquisition processing and cushion information storage processing (described later with reference to FIG. 7).

[0064] Next, at S503, the management server 120 performs activity frequency calculation processing (described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9). Next, at S504, the management server 120 performs output voice generation processing (described later with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11). Next, at S505, the management server 120 performs output voice provision processing (described later with reference to FIG. 12). If the user does not wish to purchase a product, the management server 120 ends this step (processing example). Next, at S506, the management server 120 performs product screen generation processing (described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14). Next, at S507, the management server 120 performs product screen provision processing (described later with reference to FIG. 15).

[0065] <User Information Storage Processing> FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an overview of the user information storage processing in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a method for the management server 120 to store the user information 200 will be described. First, at S601, the management server 120 provides a user information input screen to the user terminal 100. Next, at S602, the user terminal 100 displays the user information input screen on the display.

[0066] Thereafter, when the user uses the system according to the present disclosure for the first time, at S603, the user terminal 100 receives an input of the user information 200 from the user. Note that the user information 200 is composed of a user ID and data items such as a user name.

[0067] Next, in S604, the user terminal 100 transmits the user information 200 received in S603 to the management server 120. Next, in S605, the management server 120 obtains the user information 200 by receiving the user information 200 transmitted in S604. Next, in S606, the management server 120 attaches a user ID to the obtained user information 200 and stores the user information 200 received in S603 in the user information storage unit 130.

[0068] <User Information Acquisition Process> FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an outline of the user information acquisition process in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a method for the management server 120 to obtain the user information 200 will be described. When the user uses the system according to the present disclosure for the second time or later, in S607, the user terminal 100 receives an input of a user ID from the user. Note that the user ID is included in the user information 200.

[0069] Next, in S608, the user terminal 100 transmits the user ID received in S607 to the management server 120. Thereafter, in S609, the management server 120 obtains the user information 200 corresponding to the key of the user ID transmitted in S608 from the user information storage unit 130.

[0070] Further, the management server 120 may attach a PIN code to the key of the user ID and cause the user information storage unit 130 to generate a white list or a black list. Thereby, it is possible to prevent login when connected by a cloned terminal or the like, and the management server 120 can prevent damage caused by "impersonation" of the user terminal 100.

[0071] <Cushion Information Acquisition Process> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the cushion information acquisition process and the cushion information storage process in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, first, when the cushion 110 detects contact from the user, in S701, the cushion 110 determines whether the link state is On. The link state being On means that the cushion 110 and the user terminal 100 are communicably connected. If the link state is On, the cushion 110 proceeds to step S706. If the link state is Off, the cushion 110 proceeds to step S702. The link state being Off means that the communication between the cushion 110 and the user terminal 100 is interrupted.

[0073] In S702, the cushion 110 makes a link connection with the user terminal 100. Specifically, the cushion 110 makes a link connection with the user terminal 100 via a short-range wave transmitted from the control unit 400 included in the cushion 110.

[0074] Next, in S703, the cushion 110 transmits the cushion ID and the like to the user terminal 100. Next, in S704, the cushion 110 updates the link state to "On". Then, in S705, the cushion 110 transmits the link state updated in S705 to the user terminal 100.

[0075] In any of the steps disclosed in this embodiment, if the user interrupts the link connection between the user terminal 100 and the cushion 110, the cushion 110 updates the link state to "Off" and transmits the updated link state to the user terminal 100. Next, in S706, the user terminal 100 acquires the cushion ID transmitted in S703 and the link state transmitted in S705 as cushion information 210.

[0076] When the link state is On when contact from the user is detected, the user terminal 100 automatically acquires the cushion ID and the link state (information indicating "On") as cushion information 210 using the connection.

[0077] <Cushion Information Storage Process> First, at S707, the user terminal 100 transmits the cushion information 210 acquired at S706 to the management server 120.

[0078] Next, at S708, the management server 120 acquires the cushion information 210 transmitted at S707. Then, at S709, the management server 120 updates and stores the cushion information 210 acquired at S708 in the cushion information 210 stored in the cushion information storage unit 131. Next, at S710, the management server 120 requests the activity frequency calculation unit 140 to perform an activity frequency calculation process.

[0079] <Activity frequency> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an overview of the activity frequency 800 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, first, when the cushion 110 receives the pressure 111 generated by the contact from the user 101, the sensor unit provided in the cushion 110 measures the magnitude, number, and change pattern of the pressure 111 and stores it as pressure data 300. Then, in addition to this pressure data 300, the cushion information 210 including the cushion ID, the registered product 220, the cumulative activity points 230, etc. is linked and connected by the control unit 400 provided in the cushion 110 and transmitted to the user terminal 100.

[0080] Next, the user terminal 100 transmits user information 200 including the received cushion information 210 to the management server 120. The details of the process (S501, S502) in which the management server 120 acquires the user information 200 and the cushion information 210 are as described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0081] Next, the management server 120 extracts the pressure data 300 from the received cushion information 210, and determines the point coefficient by determining which of "touching, grasping, rubbing" the way the user 101 touches the cushion 110 corresponds to based on the content of the pressure change information 310 among them. For example, when the amount of pressure change included in the pressure change information 310 is "surface layer part: large change, deep layer part: large change", the way of touching is determined to be "rubbing", and the point coefficient at this time is determined to be Z.

[0082] After that, the management server 120 calculates the activity frequency 800 using the calculation formula of "activity frequency = number of contacts (N) × point coefficient (X or Y or Z), contact location coefficient (Pn)". For example, when the number of contacts is 10, the contact location is the first sensor, and the way of touching is "knead" (the point coefficient is determined to be Z as described above), the activity frequency 800 is calculated as "10 × Z, P1".

[0083] The activity frequency 800 represents specific numerical values in the part of "number of contacts (N) × point coefficient (X or Y or Z)" in this formula. In order to determine what the corresponding output voice 1200 is according to the case classification by the contact location among these numerical values, the "contact location coefficient (Pn)" is included in the formula. That is, the activity frequency 800 is used by the management server 120 to generate the output voice 1200. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11.

[0084] Note that the calculation formula of the activity frequency 800 is not limited to the above. Also, the calculation formula of the activity frequency 800 may be appropriately changed by the person who manages the management server 120.

[0085] <Activity frequency calculation process> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an overview of the activity frequency calculation process in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 9, first, at S901, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 of the management server 120 receives the calculation request for the activity frequency 800 requested at S710. Next, at S902, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 refers to the cushion ID received at S705 and acquires the cushion information 210 from the cushion information storage unit 131.

[0087] Next, in S903, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 extracts data on the contact count (N) and the contact location coefficient (Pn) from the pressure data 300 included in the cushion information 210 acquired in S902. Next, in S904, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 determines the point coefficient by determining whether the user's touching method is any of "touching, grasping, rubbing" based on the content of the pressure change information 310 in the pressure data 300.

[0088] Specifically, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 refers to the content of the "pressure change amount" included in the pressure change information 310 to determine which of "touching, grasping, rubbing" the user's touching method corresponds to, and determines which of X, Y, Z the point coefficient is according to the result. For example, when the content of the pressure change amount included in the pressure change information 310 is "surface layer part: large change, deep layer part: large change", the activity frequency calculation unit 140 determines that the user's touching method corresponds to "rubbing", and determines "Z" as the corresponding point coefficient.

[0089] Next, in S905, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 calculates the activity frequency 800 based on the content of N and Pn extracted in S903 and the content of the point coefficient determined in S904.

[0090] Specifically, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 calculates the activity frequency 800 using the calculation formula of "activity frequency = contact count (N) × point coefficient (X or Y or Z), contact location coefficient (Pn)". For example, when the contact count is 10 times, the contact location is the first sensor, and the touching method is "rubbing", the activity frequency calculation unit 140 calculates the activity frequency 800 as "10 × Z, P1".

[0091] Next, in S906, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 associates the activity frequency 800 calculated in S905 with the cushion ID and stores it in the activity frequency storage unit 132. Next, in S907, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 requests the output voice generation unit 150 to perform output voice generation processing.

[0092] In this way, the management server 120 can measure the magnitude, frequency, contact location, and change pattern of the pressure applied when the user 101 contacts the cushion 110, and calculate the activity frequency 800 based on the content of the pressure data 300 which is the result.

[0093] <Product data> FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of product data 1000 stored in the product data storage unit 133 of the management server 120 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10A, the product data 1000 is composed of data items of a product ID, a product name, a gacha rank, a point coefficient X, a point coefficient Y, and a point coefficient Z. The product ID indicates a code for the management server 120 to identify a product. The product name indicates the name of the product.

[0094] The gacha rank indicates the rank of a product associated according to the offering ratio of the product in a gacha (a so-called "lottery" type of purchase method) when a user purchases a desired product on the product screen 1300 (FIG. 13, described later). For example, the gacha rank of a product with a low offering ratio in the gacha, that is, a product with a high rarity value, is shown as "S". S is the highest, and as it decreases in order, it is shown as A, B, C, etc. Note that the definition of the gacha rank is not particularly limited, and the actual numerical value of the offering ratio and its relationship, etc. are also not particularly limited.

[0095] The point coefficients (X, Y, Z) indicate predetermined coefficients necessary for determining the numerical part of the activity frequency 800. For example, the point coefficient is shown as "+1.1" or "-0.7".

[0096] As described above, each product has (predetermined) its own product name, gacha rank, and point coefficient. For example, looking at product ID: B0001, its product name is "Pochi", its gacha rank is "A", and the point coefficient X: +1.1, point coefficient Y: -0.7, point coefficient Z: +1.3 are defined.

[0097] As described above, the point coefficient is used when calculating the value of the activity frequency of 800, and is determined according to the user's way of touching. However, since different point coefficients are associated with unique content for each product, "which way of touching will increase the value of the activity frequency of 800" differs for each product. For example, when the user's way of touching is "knead", the point coefficient is Z. The point coefficient Z of the product name "Pochi" is "+1.3", while the point coefficient Z of the product name "Momoko" is "-1.4". That is, depending on the product, even if the same way of touching is used, the activity frequency of 800 may increase or decrease (increase or decrease).

[0098] In this way, since different point coefficients are associated with unique content for each product, the management server 120 can assign "characteristics regarding the way of touching" (whether it is a way of touching that increases the activity frequency of 800) for each product, and can differentiate the output voice 1200 for each product. Furthermore, since the gacha rank is associated with unique content for the product, the management server 120 can assign a rarity value to the product.

[0099] That is, the management server 120 can bring variety to the products and increase the user's willingness to purchase the products. <Voice data> FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of voice data 1100 stored in the product data storage unit 133 of the management server 120 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 10B, the voice data 1100 is composed of data items of voice, product ID, product name, cumulative activity points 230, activity frequency 800, and output voice 1200. Note that different output voices 1200 are prepared according to the contact point coefficient included in the activity frequency 800.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 10B, for the voice data 1100, a table of the output voice 1200 is defined for each product. For example, when the product ID is B0001, the product name is Pochi, the cumulative activity points are 0 to 1000, and the activity frequency is 0 to 50, if the contact location coefficient included in the activity frequency 800 is P1, the output voice 1200 is "Wan!". In this case, when the contact location coefficient included in the activity frequency 800 is P2, the output voice 1200 is "Uu!".

[0102] Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, as the activity frequency 800 increases, the content of the output voice 1200 changes to be more intimate or more intense. Further, as the cumulative activity points 230 increase, the content of the output voice 1200 changes to be more intimate or more intense.

[0103] For example, in the above case where the cumulative activity points are 1001 to 5000 and the activity frequency is 1000 to 1100, the output voice 1200 becomes something like "Username + Wan!". Regarding the username part, whether to call the full name, just the first name, add "kun" or use a nickname, the output voice 1200 changes according to the cumulative activity points and the activity frequency.

[0104] In this way, by changing the content of the output voice 1200 to be more intimate or more intense according to the cumulative activity points 230 and the activity frequency 800, the management server 120 can give the user an incentive to increase the value of the activity frequency 800. That is, the user can make more contact with the cushion 110, change the way of contact, or purchase products to more efficiently increase the activity frequency 800 in order to increase the activity frequency 800.

[0105] The output audio 1200 shown in FIG. 10C is another example of the audio output by the speaker 500 of the cushion 110 according to the way of touching the cushion 110. The types of audio include, for example, a grandchild, a lover, and a voice actor. The grandchild and the lover are relatives of the user who uses the cushion 110 and the user terminal 100. The voices of the grandchild and the lover are input to the relative terminal 22, sent from the relative terminal 22 to the management server 120, and stored in the audio data storage unit 134. The voice of the voice actor includes the voice stored in the audio data storage unit 134 by the operation of the operator of the management server 120 or the like. In addition, the voice of the voice actor includes the voice automatically acquired by the processor from a website on the network and stored in the audio data storage unit 134. Note that for any type of audio, voices with different contents are stored according to the ways of touching the cushion 110, such as stroking, scratching, and kneading.

[0106] <Output Audio Generation Process> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of the output audio generation process in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, first, in S1101, the output audio generation unit 150 receives a generation request for the output audio 1200 requested in S907.

[0107] Next, in S1102, the output audio generation unit 150 acquires the activity frequency 800 stored in S906 from the activity frequency storage unit 132. Next, in S1103, the output audio generation unit 150 refers to the cushion ID associated with the activity frequency 800 in S906 and acquires the corresponding cushion information 210 from the cushion information storage unit 131.

[0108] Next, in S1104, the output audio generation unit 150 acquires the product data 1000 corresponding to the content of the registered product 220 included in the acquired cushion information 210 from the product data storage unit 133. For example, when the content of the registered product 220 included in the cushion information 210 is "Pochi (Product ID: B0001)", the corresponding product data 1000 is acquired from the product data storage unit 133 using the product name or the product ID as a key.

[0109] Next, in S1105, the output voice generation unit 150 refers to the content of the product data 1000 extracted in S1104 to identify the point coefficient of the corresponding product, applies it to the activity frequency 800 acquired in S1102, and updates the content of the activity frequency 800.

[0110] For example, in the case of the above-described example (product name: Pochi), the activity frequency 800 is calculated as "10×Z, P1", and the point coefficient Z is "+1.3". Therefore, when applied to the above formula, the activity frequency 800 is updated to "13, P1".

[0111] Next, in S1106, the output voice generation unit 150 refers to the product ID included in the product data extracted in S1104 and acquires the corresponding voice data 1100 from the voice data storage unit 134. Next, in S1107, the output voice generation unit 150 refers to the content of the cumulative activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210 acquired in S1103 and the content of the activity frequency 800 updated in S1105, and extracts the corresponding output voice 1200 from the voice data 1100 acquired in S1106 to generate it.

[0112] For example, in the case of the above-described example, assuming that the product name is Pochi and the cumulative activity points are 0 to 1000, the updated activity frequency 800 is "13, P1", which corresponds to the case of "activity frequency: 0 to 50". Furthermore, since the contact location coefficient included in the activity frequency 800 is P1, the corresponding output voice 1200 is extracted from the voice data 1100 and generated as "One!".

[0113] Next, in S1108, the output voice generation unit 150 requests the output voice providing unit 160 to provide the generated output voice 1200.

[0114] <Output Voice Providing Process> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of the output voice providing process in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, first, in S1201, the output voice providing unit 160 receives a provision request for the output voice 1200 requested in S1108.

[0115] Next, at S1202, the output voice providing unit 160 extracts cushion information 210 corresponding to the cushion ID for which the output voice 1200 is to be provided from the cushion information storage unit 131. Next, at S1203, the output voice providing unit 160 transmits the output voice 1200 generated at S1107 to the user terminal 100. In this S1203, the user terminal 100 provides the output voice 1200 to the cushion 110. Note that in FIG. 12, for the sake of convenience, it is shown that the output voice 1200 is provided to the cushion 110 bypassing the user terminal 100.

[0116] Next, at S1204, the cushion 110 plays back the output voice 1200 provided from the user terminal 100 from the speaker 500. Next, at S1205, the output voice providing unit 160 provides the output voice 1200 to the user terminal 100. Next, at S1206, the user terminal 100 plays back the output voice 1200 provided from the output voice providing unit 160 from the speaker 32 or the earphone of the user terminal 100.

[0117] Next, at S1207, the user terminal 100 determines whether or not it has received a desired input from the user for the product screen 1300. If the user terminal 100 has received a desired input from the user for the product screen 1300, the user terminal 100 proceeds to step S1208. If the user terminal 100 has not received a desired input from the user for the product screen 1300, the user terminal 100 ends this process.

[0118] Next, at S1208, the management server 120 requests the product screen generation unit 170 to generate the product screen 1300. In this way, the management server 120 can measure the magnitude, frequency, contact location, and change pattern of the pressure applied when the user contacts the cushion 110, and provide the output voice 1200 according to the measured content.

[0119] In addition, by changing the content of the output voice 1200 to be more intimate or intense according to the cumulative activity points 230 and the activity frequency 800, the management server 120 can motivate the user to increase the value of the activity frequency 800.

[0120] That is, the user can increase the activity frequency 800 to obtain a more intimate or intense output voice 1200 by contacting the cushion 110 more often, changing the way of contact, or purchasing products to more efficiently increase the activity frequency 800.

[0121] <Product screen> An example of the screen displayed on the display unit 31 of the user terminal 100 in FIG. 1B is shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of the product screen 1300 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The product screen 1300 is a screen for purchasing products sold on the website by operating the user terminal 100 on the website provided by the management server 120 on the network. As shown in FIG. 13, the product screen 1300 includes a product list display area 1310 and a gacha purchase tab 1320.

[0122] The product list display area 1310 displays a list of products extracted (by the process of step S1404 described later). More specifically, the product screen generation unit 170 refers to the profile included in the user information 200, the purchased product information, and the content of the cumulative activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210, extracts the corresponding product data 1000 from the product data storage unit 133, and the product list display area 1310 displays the extracted product data 1000 in a list form. Details of the method for extracting the corresponding product data 1000 will be described later with reference to FIG. 14.

[0123] For example, the product list display area 1310 displays the content of the product data 1000 such as the product ID "0001", the product name "Pochi", and "rarity (gacha rank): A" for the extracted products. Note that the method of displaying the product list display area 1310 is not particularly limited.

[0124] The gacha purchase tab 1320 displays a tab for the user to press when the user wishes to purchase a product (conduct a gacha). By providing the gacha purchase tab 1320 within the product screen 1300, the management server 120 can cause the user to conduct a gacha, that is, cause the user to purchase a product desired by the user.

[0125] <Product screen generation process> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an overview of the product screen generation process in one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14, first, in S1401, the product screen generation unit 170 of the management server 120 receives a generation request for the product screen 1300 requested in S1207.

[0126] Next, in S1402, the product screen generation unit 170 acquires user information 200 corresponding to the user terminal 100 that provided the output voice 1200 in S1205 from the user information storage unit 130. Next, in S1403, the product screen generation unit 170 acquires cushion information 210 corresponding to the cushion 110 that provided the output voice 1200 in S1203 from the cushion information storage unit 131.

[0127] Next, in S1404, the product screen generation unit 170 refers to the profile, purchased product information included in the user information 200 acquired in S1402, and the content of the cumulative activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210 acquired in S1403, and extracts corresponding product data 1000 from the product data storage unit 133.

[0128] Specifically, the product screen generation unit 170 predicts candidates for the user's desired products by grasping the user's profile (age, gender, etc.) and the tendency of the products the user has purchased in the past included in the purchased product information, and further grasps the tendency of the user's favorite products by referring to whether the cumulative activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210 are large. After that, a plurality of products having characteristics and features that match those tendencies are selected, and the corresponding product data 1000 is extracted from the product data storage unit 133.

[0129] For example, if the user's profile is a 50-year-old male and the products the user has purchased in the past included in the purchase product information tend to be "dogs or cats that are easy to increase the activity frequency by petting", and the user's cumulative activity points of 230 are high, the product screen generation unit 170 selects a plurality of products that are "popular among middle-aged men", "easy to increase the activity frequency by petting", and have the characteristics and features of "dogs or cats", and extracts the product data 1000 associated with them from the product data storage unit 133.

[0130] Next, in S1405, the product screen generation unit 170 generates a product screen 1300 based on the product data 1000 and the like extracted in S1404. For example, in the case of the example described above, the product screen generation unit 170 generates a product screen 1300 by displaying the product data 1000 for a plurality of products that are "popular among middle-aged men", "easy to increase the activity frequency by petting", and have the characteristics and features of "dogs or cats" in a list form. Next, in S1406, the product screen generation unit 170 requests the product screen providing unit 180 to provide the product screen 1300. [[ID=⑨]]

[0131] [[ID=⑩]] [[ID=⑪]]<Product Screen Providing Process> FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overview of a product screen providing process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 15, first, in S1501, the product screen providing unit 180 of the management server 120 receives a provision request for the product screen 1300 requested in S1406.

[0132] Next, in S1502, the product screen providing unit 180 extracts user information 200 corresponding to the user ID of the user for whom the product screen 1300 is to be provided from the user information storage unit 130. Next, in S1503, the product screen providing unit 180 provides the product screen 1300 generated in S1405 to the user terminal 100. Next, in S1504, the user terminal 100 displays the product screen 1300 provided by the product screen providing unit 180 in S1503 on the display of the terminal.

[0133] After that, when the user desires to perform a gacha, the user terminal 100 accepts an input from the user to press the gacha purchase tab 1320 within the product screen 1300. Subsequently, the user terminal 100 sends a gacha request to the management server 120, and through a predetermined process, the management server 120 allows the user to perform a gacha.

[0134] In this way, the management server 120 can recommend products suitable for the user according to the user's profile, the tendency of products purchased in the past, the cumulative activity points 230, etc. That is, the user can receive recommendations for products according to their own activity content (the way of touching the cushion) and past purchase history. Also, the user can perform a gacha to purchase a desired product from among the recommended products. Furthermore, the user only needs to easily check the products on the recommended product screen 1300, reducing the trouble and cost of searching for their desired products themselves.

[0135] Furthermore, the relevant person can operate the relevant person terminal 22 to input various voices into the relevant person terminal 22. The processor 36 executes a process of generating voice data associating the input voice, the name of the relevant person, the password of the relevant person, etc., and storing it in the memory 37. The processor 36 of the relevant person terminal 22 can execute a process of uploading the generated voice data to the management server 120 via the website. The processor 23 of the management server 120 stores the voice data obtained from the relevant person terminal 22 in the voice data storage unit 134. Also, the processor 23 stores the name of the relevant person and the password of the relevant person in the user information storage unit 130.

[0136] The user can operate the user terminal 100 to access a website on the network 21 and input the user ID and password, thereby obtaining (downloading) the voice data of the related person and the voice data of the voice actor from the management server 120. The processor 27 of the user terminal 100 stores the voice data obtained from the management server 120 in the auxiliary memory 29. When the user touches the cushion 110, the voice data of the related person and the voice data of the voice actor stored in the auxiliary memory 29 are sent from the user terminal 100 to the cushion 110. The control unit 400 of the cushion 110 outputs any of the voices corresponding to the obtained voice data of the related person and the voice data of the voice actor from the speaker 500 according to various conditions.

[0137] <Effects of the present embodiment> According to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above, when the user touches the cushion 110, it is possible to measure the magnitude, number, contact location, and change pattern of the pressure applied, and provide the output voice 1200 according to the content and recommend the recommended products.

[0138] In addition, as the cumulative activity points 230 and the activity frequency 800 change the content of the output voice 1200 to be intimate or excessive, the management server 120 can give the user an incentive to increase the value of the activity frequency 800.

[0139] That is, the user can increase the activity frequency 800, touch the cushion 110 more often, change the way of touching, or purchase products to more efficiently increase the activity frequency 800 in order to obtain a more intimate or excessive output voice 1200.

[0140] In addition, the management server 120 can recommend products recommended for the user according to the user's profile, the tendency of the products purchased in the past, the cumulative activity points 230, etc. That is, the user can receive recommendations for products according to his / her activity content (the way of touching the cushion) and past purchase history.

[0141] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the management computer may be a supercomputer, a mainframe, a workstation, etc., in addition to the management server. The management server 120 is an example of a management computer. The cushion 110 is an example of a cushion. The user terminal 100 is an example of a user terminal. The speakers 32,500 are examples of speakers. The communicator 50 is an example of a communicator. The communication interface 26 is an example of a communication interface. The process of step S706 in FIG. 7 is an example of a first process. The process of step S505 in FIG. 5 is an example of a second process. The process of step S1203 in FIG. 12 is an example of a third process. The processor 23 is an example of a processor. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, and 15 are examples of a voice providing method executed by the voice output system 20. Note that the present embodiment can be applied to either a configuration in which when the user touches the cushion 110, voice is output from the speaker 500 provided in the cushion 110, or a configuration in which when the user touches the cushion 110, voice is output from the speaker 32 provided in the user terminal 100.

[0142] In addition, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present disclosure clearly, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Also, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations may be made. Furthermore, the "steps" disclosed in the present embodiment may be defined as "processes".

[0143] In addition, some or all of the above-described components, functions, and processing units may be implemented by hardware (e.g., integrated circuits). Further, each of the above-described components, functions, and processing units may be implemented by installation-type software that interprets and executes programs for realizing their respective functions via a network or by a storage medium such as a disk, or by a network-type application such as an ASP. Information such as programs, tables, and files for realizing each function can be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD. Furthermore, the management computer may be configured by a single computer or may be distributed and configured among a plurality of computers.

Industrial Applicability

[0144] The present disclosure can be used as a cushion unit that outputs sound by contact with a user, a management computer, and an output sound providing method.

Description of Symbols

[0145] 23…Processor 26…Communication Interface 32,500…Speaker 50…Communicator 60…Cushion Unit 100…User Terminal 110…Cushion 120…Management Server 130…User Information Storage Unit 131…Cushion Information Storage Unit 132…Activity Frequency Storage Unit 133…Product Data Storage Unit 134…Sound Data Storage Unit 140…Activity Frequency Calculation Unit 150…Output Sound Generation Unit 160…Output Sound Providing Unit 170…Product Screen Generation Unit 180…Product Screen Providing Unit 400…Control Unit 410…First sensor 411…Surface part 412…Deep part 420…Second sensor 430…Third sensor 600…Battery 1200…Output voice 1300…Product screen

Claims

1. A cushion unit comprising a cushion with which a user comes into contact, a user terminal that is operated by the user and can communicate with a management computer, wherein the cushion unit further comprises: a plurality of sensors provided on the cushion for acquiring pressure data generated when the user comes into contact with the cushion; a speaker for outputting sound when the user comes into contact with the cushion; and the user terminal:[[]]END performs a first process of transmitting cushion information including the pressure data acquired by the plurality of sensors to the management computer; after the first process, a second process of acquiring different sound data corresponding to the content of the pressure data from the management computer; and a third process of causing the speaker to output sound corresponding to the sound data acquired in the second process.

2. The cushion unit according to Claim 1, wherein the third process performed by the user terminal includes a process of acquiring, from the management computer, sound data stored in the management computer and registered by a person related to the user.

3. The cushion unit according to Claim 1, wherein the cushion has a communicator, and the user terminal has the speaker and is configured to be mutually communicable with the communicator.

4. The cushion unit according to Claim 1, wherein the cushion has a communicator and the speaker, and the user terminal is configured to be mutually communicable with the communicator.

5. A management computer having a communication interface connected via a network to a user terminal of a cushion unit including a cushion with which a user comes into contact, a speaker for outputting sound, and the user terminal for acquiring sound data of the sound output by the speaker, and a processor for acquiring information via the communication interface, wherein the processor:[[]]END performs a first process of acquiring, from the user terminal, cushion information including pressure data generated when the user comes into contact with the cushion; after the first process, a second process of generating different sound data corresponding to the content of the pressure data; and a third process of sending the sound data generated in the second process to the user terminal.

6. The management computer according to Claim 5, ​ ​ ​ The cushion information acquired by the processor includes a registered product indicating the type of character to which the cushion belongs, product data of the registered product, and cumulative activity points. A memory for storing the registered product, a point coefficient corresponding to the registered product, the product data, and voice data corresponding to the product data is further provided. The processor a process of extracting the number of contacts and the contact location coefficient from the pressure data, a process of determining a point coefficient by determining a pattern of the user's touching method based on the content of the pressure change information included in the pressure data, a process of calculating the activity frequency based on the number of contacts, the contact location coefficient, and the point coefficient, a process of updating the content of the activity frequency based on the product data and the point coefficient, a process of extracting a corresponding output voice from the voice data based on the content of the cumulative activity points and the updated content of the activity frequency, a process of sending the output voice to the user terminal, a process of generating the product screen to be provided to the user terminal when a request for acquiring a product screen for performing an operation of purchasing a product sold on the network is received from the user terminal, A management computer further configured to execute the above.

7. In the management computer according to claim 6, User information indicating user information is stored in the memory, The processor a process of generating the product screen based on the product data extracted by referring to the user information and the content of the cumulative activity points included in the cushion information, a process of providing the generated product screen to the user terminal, A management computer further configured to execute the above.

8. An output voice providing method executed by a management computer connected to a user terminal of a cushion unit including a cushion with which a user comes into contact, a speaker that outputs voice, and the user terminal that acquires voice data of the voice output by the speaker via a network, The management computer a first process of acquiring, from the user terminal, cushion information including pressure data generated when the user touches the cushion, a second process of generating different voice data according to the content of the pressure data after the first process, a third process of sending the voice data generated in the second process to the user terminal, An output voice providing method for executing the above.

9. In the output voice providing method according to claim 8, the management computer, generates a product screen that enables an operation of purchasing a product from the user terminal based on user information indicating the information of the user and product data extracted by referring to the content of the cumulative activity points included in the cushion information, and provides the generated product screen to the user terminal, and further executes an output voice providing method.

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