Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide communication means capable of alleviating stress in a receiver and alleviating hesitation of use in a caller.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 includes: a user state management unit 11 that receives, from each terminal, state information indicating whether or not reception of at least a spoken voice at the terminals of a plurality of users is possible, the user state management unit 11 managing the received state information, in which the spoken voice is voice data by unidirectional communication from a transmission side to a reception side including an utterance voice of a user on a transmission side; a reception unit 12 that receives the spoken voice addressed to a second terminal from a first terminal of the terminals of the plurality of users; a spoken voice management unit 13 that transmits spoken voice information related to a spoken voice corresponding to state information of the second terminal to the second terminal; and a response processing unit 14 that performs response processing to the first terminal based on response information according to a response method selected from a plurality of response methods in the second terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] As a means of voice communication, a voice call means in which a caller calls a recipient with a ringtone, as exemplified by a telephone, is commonly used. There is known a technique for preventing the recipient from being interrupted in their work by being notified of a call request regardless of the recipient's status when receiving the call request (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the presence information of the recipient is acquired, and when a decrease in the level of concentration is detected, a request for a voice call is notified to the recipient, and if the call is possible, the voice call between the caller and the recipient is connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-141228 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When calling a recipient with a ring tone for voice communication, the sudden ring tone causes stress to the recipient, such as interruption of work and psychological pressure, etc. Furthermore, callers may be hesitant to use communication methods that call recipients with a ring tone due to concerns about stress, etc.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication means that can reduce stress for recipients and reduce hesitation for senders to use it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a user status management unit that receives status information from each of multiple user terminals indicating whether or not the terminals of the multiple users can receive at least a voice call, and manages the received status information, wherein the voice call is audio data transmitted via one-way communication from the transmitting side to the receiving side, and includes the speech of the transmitting user; a receiving unit that receives the voice call from a first terminal of the multiple user terminals addressed to a second terminal; a voice call management unit that transmits voice call information regarding the voice call according to the status information of the second terminal to the second terminal; and a response processing unit that performs response processing for the first terminal based on response information according to a response method selected from multiple response methods at the second terminal.

[0007] According to the above aspect, status information indicating whether a user's terminal can receive a voice message, which is voice data transmitted via one-way communication from a transmitter to a receiver, is acquired and managed, and voice message information corresponding to the status information of the destination second terminal is transmitted to the second terminal. This prevents the voice message information from being transmitted at an inappropriate time for the user of the second terminal, thereby reducing stress for the user of the second terminal and allowing the user of the first terminal to easily attempt to communicate with the user of the second terminal. Then, a response process is performed for the first terminal in accordance with the selection made on the second terminal, thereby realizing communication by a suitable means as needed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a communication means that can reduce stress for recipients and reduce hesitation for senders to use it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a device configuration of a communication system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a functional configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of state information stored in a state information storage unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of types of status indicated in status information. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on a user's terminal on which status information is presented. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal (first terminal) on which a user interface for transmitting a voice message is displayed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal (second terminal) on which a user interface for responding to a voice prompt is displayed. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing content of an information processing method in a communication system and an information processing device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing content of an information processing method in a communication system and an information processing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing program. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Whenever possible, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system including an information processing device according to this embodiment and the functional configuration of the information processing device. The communication system 1 is a system for enabling communication between users. As an example, the communication system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a user terminal 20. The terminal 20 operated by the user is configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 10 via a network N. The user can communicate with other users by accessing the information processing device 10 via the network N using the terminal 20.

[0012] The information processing device 10 receives a voice call from one terminal 20A (first terminal) among multiple user terminals 20, and transmits the received voice call to another terminal 20B (second terminal). The voice call is voice data transmitted in one direction from the transmitting side to the receiving side, including the speech of the transmitting user. Unlike two-way voice calls that require a session to be established in advance, such as protocols such as SIP, the transmission of the voice call does not require prior consent from the receiving side terminal 20 for each voice reception. The voice call also includes a certain amount of relatively short speech.

[0013] Here, in order to explain the voice-calling voice, the characteristics of a voice call that are different from the voice-calling voice will be explained below for comparison, and then the characteristics of the voice-calling voice will be explained.

[0014] Voice communication is generally a means of two-way real-time communication using voice, allowing you to hear the other person's voice while transmitting your own voice to the other person, and is generally carried out over the telephone and the Internet.

[0015] Voice calls require two-way communication and are realized by transmitting voice data to each other via a pre-established communication line or session for simultaneous sending and receiving. Specifically, voice calls can be realized by means of, for example, landlines, mobile phones, VoIP services (including voice calls over web conferencing services), etc.

[0016] In voice calls, it is essential to minimize delays in the call; if the delay is too great, the conversation will feel unnatural and it will be difficult to interact with the other party.

[0017] A single voice call can last anywhere from a dozen seconds to several hours, depending on the topic, and ends when a participant disconnects the communication line or leaves the session.

[0018] Furthermore, since voice calls are a system that guarantees that the other party can hear your voice, it is assumed that the other party is also making a voice call during the time that the voice call is being made. Therefore, prior consent is required for using the other party's time.

[0019] On the other hand, voice calling is a means of initiating online communication with a person, and is intended to start a conversation or attract attention by transmitting one's voice to the other person in one direction.

[0020] Voice calling requires one-way communication and is realized by transmitting voice data including the contents of the sender's speech etc. via a one-way communication path from the sender to the receiver. For example, voice calling can be transmitted by the sender transmitting the voice data to a server, which then transmits the voice data to the receiver.

[0021] In the transmission of voice messages, short delays are desirable, but real-time transmission like that of voice calls is not essential, and a delay of a few seconds is acceptable. A single voice message ends when the equivalent of one word is played back on the receiving side, and this takes no more than a few seconds.

[0022] Voice over call transmission is a system that does not guarantee that the other party is listening to your voice. Therefore, voice over call does not require prior consent from the other party regarding the use of their time. Rather, it is positioned as a means of obtaining prior consent necessary for voice communication.

[0023] 1 again, the information processing device 10 functionally comprises a user status management unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a voice message management unit 13, and a response processing unit 14. In this embodiment, the functional units 11 to 14 may be configured in one device as exemplified in FIG. 1, or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0024] Each functional unit of the information processing device 10 is configured to be able to access a storage unit such as a state information storage unit 15. The state information storage unit 15 is a storage unit (storage) that stores state information indicating whether or not a voice message can be received at each user's terminal. The state information storage unit 15 may be configured in the information processing device 10, as exemplified in FIG. 1, or may be configured in a separate device that is configured to be able to access the information processing device 10.

[0025] The terminal 20 includes a voice input / output unit 21 and a display unit 22. The voice input / output unit 21 accepts voice input from the user. The voice input / output unit 21 also outputs voice received from the information processing device 10, etc. The display unit 22 displays a user interface screen for transmitting voice prompts and responding to voice prompts, etc.

[0026] Next, we will explain each functional unit of the information processing device 10. First, we will explain the function of each functional unit in the first embodiment. The user status management unit 11 receives status information indicating whether or not the terminals 20 of multiple users can receive at least a voice message from each of the terminals 20, and manages the received status information.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of state information stored in the state information storage unit 15. As shown in Fig. 2, the state information storage unit 15 stores state information in association with each user name as a terminal identifier of the terminal 20. For example, the state information of the terminal 20 of user A is "Call available", which indicates that it is possible to receive a call voice.

[0028] 3 is a diagram showing examples of types of status indicated in the status information. The types of status information in this embodiment are voice call possible, voice call possible, busy, answering, voice call in progress, and away from the computer. Of these types of status information, the voice call possible and voice call in progress states indicate that voice call can be received.

[0029] These pieces of status information may be set based on input by the user of each terminal. Each terminal 20 transmits the status information set therein to the information processing device 10. The user status management unit 11 associates the received status information with each user (terminal 20) and stores it in the status information storage unit 15. Note that the terminal 20 may transmit the status information to the information processing device 10 when the user's status changes.

[0030] In addition to being based on user input, the status information may also be set automatically based on linkage with an external scheduler, the status and login status of the terminal 20, and the user's behavior detected by a sensor on the terminal 20.

[0031] The user status management unit 11 transmits the status information of each terminal 20 that it receives and manages to each terminal 20, and causes each terminal 20 to present the information.

[0032] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which status information is presented on the user's terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the display unit 22 of the terminal 20 presents the status information of the other users' terminals 20 transmitted from the user status management unit 11 on a screen D1.

[0033] Specifically, as indicated by reference symbol d12, the display unit 22 displays on the display the status information of the terminal 20 of another user. Furthermore, as indicated by reference symbol d11, the display unit 22 may display on the display the status information of the terminal 20 set by the user of the terminal 20.

[0034] The information processing device 10 may not have the status information storage unit 15. In that case, the user status management unit 11 may request all users' terminals 20 to transmit their status information at a predetermined timing (for example, at a given fixed time interval), receive the status information transmitted from the terminals 20 in response to the request, and transmit the received status information to each terminal 20, thereby causing each terminal 20 to present the status information of each terminal 20.

[0035] The receiving unit 12 receives a voice call addressed to a second terminal 20B from a first terminal 20A among the multiple user terminals 20. Specifically, in the first embodiment, each terminal 20 can recognize the status information of the other terminals 20, and therefore the first terminal 20A transmits a voice call addressed to the second terminal 20B, which is indicated as being able to receive the voice call.

[0036] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the first terminal 20A on which a user interface for transmitting a voice message is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 22A of the first terminal 20A, which is the terminal of user A, displays the user interface for transmitting a voice message on a screen D2.

[0037] Specifically, as indicated by reference symbol d21, the display unit 22A displays on the display an object representing user B who is able to receive a calling voice. Then, when user A speaks while pressing button d22, the voice input / output unit 21A acquires the input of the spoken voice as a calling voice. Then, the terminal 20A transmits the calling voice addressed to user B's terminal 20B to the information processing device 10. The receiving unit 12 receives the calling voice addressed to the second terminal 20B, which is user B's terminal, from the first terminal 20A. Note that button d23 shown in FIG. 5 is an operation object for terminating the calling process.

[0038] The voice-call management unit 13 transmits voice-call information relating to the voice-call corresponding to the status information of the second terminal 20B to the second terminal 20B. In the first embodiment, the voice-call management unit 13 transmits the voice-call to the second terminal 20B and causes the second terminal 20B to play back the voice-call.

[0039] The response processing unit 14 performs response processing for the first terminal 20A based on response information for responding to the first terminal 20A in accordance with a response method selected from a plurality of response methods in the second terminal 20B. The response information is, for example, a voice call from the second terminal 20B, a voice call request, information indicating no response, etc. The response processing will be specifically described below.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal (second terminal) on which a user interface for responding to a voice call is displayed. As shown in Fig. 6, the display unit 22B of the second terminal 20B, which is the terminal of user B, displays the user interface for responding to the voice call on a screen D3. Specifically, as shown by the reference symbol d31, the display unit 22B displays an object representing user A, who is the sender of the voice call, on the display.

[0041] In the user interface displayed on screen D3, user B presses button d32 to select the voice-prompted response method. Then, user B speaks while pressing button d32, and the voice input / output unit 21B acquires the input of the spoken voice as a voice-prompted response. Then, terminal 20B transmits the voice-prompted response to user A's terminal 20A to the information processing device 10.

[0042] The response processing unit 14 receives the voice call from the second terminal 20B in response to the selection of the voice call response method at the second terminal 20B. Then, the response processing unit 14 transmits the received voice call to the first terminal 20A. By performing such response processing, it becomes possible to succinctly convey to the user of the first terminal 20A the content of the utterance of the user of the second terminal 20B who received the voice call from the first terminal 20A.

[0043] In the user interface displayed on screen D3, user B presses button d33 to select a response method via voice call. The response processing unit 14 receives information that the voice call has been selected at second terminal 20B, and controls the voice call between second terminal 20B and first terminal 20A. Specifically, the response processing unit 14 establishes a session between the terminals in accordance with a predetermined protocol for two-way voice communication, and controls transmission and reception of voice signals (packets) between the terminals via the established session.

[0044] By carrying out such a response process, a means of communication by voice call is provided between the user of the first terminal 20A and the user of the second terminal 20B, thereby enabling close communication between the users.

[0045] In the user interface displayed on screen D3, when user B presses button d34, second terminal 20B transmits information indicating that the response process is to be terminated to information processing device 10. In response to receiving the information indicating that the response process is to be terminated, response processing unit 14 terminates the response process.

[0046] In addition, if no response method is selected on the second terminal 20B within a predetermined time, the response processing unit 14 may determine that the user of the second terminal 20B does not want to communicate and may not need to perform the response processing.

[0047] Furthermore, when response information from the second terminal 20B is not acquired by the response processing unit 14, the voice-call management unit 13 may transmit text corresponding to the voice-call from the first terminal 20A to the second terminal 20B. Specifically, the voice-call management unit 13 acquires text corresponding to the voice-call from the first terminal 20A by performing voice recognition processing on the voice-call from the first terminal 20A, and transmits the acquired text to the second terminal 20B.

[0048] In addition, if the response processing unit 14 does not acquire response information from the second terminal 20B, the voice message management unit 13 may send a notification to the second terminal 20B that a voice message has been sent from the first terminal 20A.

[0049] In this way, if no response information is obtained from the second terminal 20B, text or a notification regarding the voice call is sent to the second terminal 20B, thereby providing the user of the second terminal 20B with a minimum level of communication with the user of the first terminal 20A.

[0050] Next, the function of each functional unit in the second embodiment will be described. The user state management unit 11 stores state information of each terminal 20. Specifically, as described with reference to Fig. 2, the user state management unit 11 associates state information transmitted from each terminal 20 with each user name serving as a terminal identifier of the terminal 20 and stores the information in the state information storage unit 15.

[0051] The receiving unit 12 receives a voice message addressed to a second terminal 20B from a first terminal 20A among the multiple user terminals 20. The voice message management unit 13 transmits voice message information relating to the voice message to the second terminal 20B using different transmission methods based on the status information of the second terminal 20B.

[0052] Specifically, the voice-call management unit 13 refers to the status information storage unit 15, and when the status information of the second terminal 20B indicates that the voice-call can be received, transmits the voice-call to the second terminal 20B.

[0053] By transmitting the voice call in this manner, it becomes possible for the second terminal 20B to receive and play back the voice call without causing stress to the user of the second terminal 20B. Therefore, the content of the voice call made by the user of the first terminal 20A can be recognized by the user of the second terminal 20B.

[0054] Furthermore, when the status information of the second terminal 20B indicates that the calling voice cannot be received, the calling voice management unit 13 may transmit text corresponding to the calling voice to the second terminal 20B. The text corresponding to the calling voice may be acquired based on the calling voice using a known voice recognition technology.

[0055] In addition, when the status information of the second terminal 20B indicates that the voice-call management unit 13 is unable to receive the voice-call, the second terminal 20B may send a notification to the effect that the voice-call has been sent from the first terminal 20A.

[0056] In addition, when the status information of the second terminal 20B indicates that the voice-call cannot be received, the voice-call management unit 13 may transmit the voice-call to the second terminal when the status information of the second terminal 20B is changed to indicate that the voice-call can be received.

[0057] Furthermore, the voice-call management unit 13 may be configured not to transmit the voice-call to the second terminal 20B when the status information of the second terminal 20B indicates that the voice-call cannot be received.

[0058] In this way, even if the time when the voice call from the first terminal 20A is received is not desirable for the user of the second terminal 20B to receive the voice call, it is possible to appropriately convey information about the voice call to the user of the second terminal 20B.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the response processing by the response processing unit 14 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the information processing method in the communication system 1 in the first embodiment.

[0061] In step S1, the terminals 20, including the first terminal 20A and the second terminal 20B, transmit state information indicating whether the terminals are capable of receiving voice prompts to the information processing device 10. In step S2, the user state management unit 11 receives state information from each of the terminals 20 and manages the received state information.

[0062] In step S3, the user status management unit 11 transmits status information of each terminal 20 that it manages to each terminal 20 to display it. In step S4, a first terminal 20A of the multiple terminals 20 receives the status information of the other terminals 20, and the display unit 22A of the first terminal 20A displays the status information of the terminals 20 of the other users.

[0063] In step S5, the first terminal 20A transmits a voice message addressed to the second terminal 20B, which is indicated as being capable of receiving the voice message. In step S6, the receiving unit 12 receives the voice message addressed to the second terminal 20B from the first terminal 20A.

[0064] In step S7, the calling voice management unit 13 transmits the calling voice to the second terminal 20B to be played back on the second terminal 20B. In step S8, the voice input / output unit 21B of the second terminal 20B plays back the received calling voice.

[0065] In step S9, the second terminal 20B accepts a user selection of a response method to the voice call. In step S10, the second terminal 20B transmits response information, which is one of the voice call, a voice call request, and information indicating no response, to the information processing device 10 based on the selection of the response method.

[0066] In step S11, the response processing unit 14 acquires response information. In step S12, the response processing unit 14 performs response processing based on the response information. Specifically, the response processing unit 14 performs the following: transmitting a voice message from the second terminal 20B to the first terminal 20A; establishing a session for a voice call between the second terminal 20B and the first terminal 20A; and controlling the voice call.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the information processing method in the communication system 1 in the second embodiment.

[0068] In step S21, the terminals 20 including the first terminal 20A and the second terminal 20B transmit state information indicating whether the terminals are able to receive voice prompts to the information processing device 10. In step S22, the user state management unit 11 receives state information from each of the terminals 20. In step S23, the user state management unit 11 stores the received state information in the state information storage unit 15.

[0069] In step S24, the first terminal 20A among the multiple terminals 20 transmits a voice message addressed to the second terminal 20B based on an input by the user. In step S25, the receiving unit 12 receives the voice message addressed to the second terminal 20B from the first terminal 20A.

[0070] In step S26, the voice-call management unit 13 determines whether the state information of the second terminal 20B indicates that it is possible to receive a voice-call, with reference to the state information storage unit 15. If it is determined that the second terminal 20B is possible to receive a voice-call, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the second terminal 20B is possible to receive a voice-call, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0071] In step S27, the voice-call management unit 13 transmits the voice-call to the second terminal 20B to be played back on the second terminal 20B. Meanwhile, in step S28, the voice-call management unit 13 transmits voice-call information related to the voice-call to the second terminal 20B by a predetermined method. Specifically, the voice-call management unit 13 may transmit text corresponding to the voice-call to the second terminal 20B. The voice-call management unit 13 may also transmit a notification to the second terminal 20B that the voice-call has been transmitted from the first terminal 20A. The voice-call management unit 13 may also transmit the voice-call to the second terminal 20B when the status information of the second terminal 20B is changed to a state in which the voice-call can be received. The voice-call management unit 13 may also not transmit the voice-call to the second terminal 20B.

[0072] In step S29, the voice input / output unit 21B of the second terminal 20B plays the received voice call. In step S30, the second terminal 20B accepts a user selection of a response method to the voice call. In step S31, the second terminal 20B transmits response information, which is one of the voice call, a voice call request, information indicating no response, etc., to the information processing device 10 based on the selection of the response method.

[0073] In step S32, the response processing unit 14 acquires response information. In step S33, the response processing unit 14 performs response processing based on the response information. Specifically, the response processing unit 14 performs the following: transmitting a voice message from the second terminal 20B to the first terminal 20A; establishing a session for a voice call between the second terminal 20B and the first terminal 20A; and controlling the voice call.

[0074] Next, an information processing program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing program. The information processing program P1 is configured to include a main module m10 that comprehensively controls information processing in the information processing device 10, a user state management module m11, a receiving module m12, a voice message management module m13, and a response processing module m14. Each of the modules m11 to m14 realizes a function for each of the functional units 11 to 14.

[0075] The information processing program P1 may be transmitted via a transmission medium such as a communication line, or may be stored in a recording medium M1 as shown in FIG.

[0076] According to the information processing device 10, information processing method, and information processing program P1 of the present embodiment described above, status information indicating whether a user's terminal can receive a voice message, which is voice data transmitted in one direction from a sender to a receiver, is acquired and managed, and voice message information corresponding to the status information of the destination second terminal is transmitted to the second terminal. This prevents the voice message information from being transmitted at an inappropriate time for the user of the second terminal, thereby reducing stress for the user of the second terminal and allowing the user of the first terminal to easily attempt to communicate with the user of the second terminal. A response process is then performed on the first terminal in accordance with the selection made on the second terminal, thereby realizing communication by a suitable means as needed.

[0077] The information processing device according to the present disclosure may have the following configurations: The actions and effects of each configuration will be described as follows.

[0078] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a user status management unit that receives status information from each of multiple user terminals indicating whether or not the terminals of the multiple users can receive at least a voice call, and manages the received status information, where the voice call is voice data transmitted in one direction from the transmitting side to the receiving side and includes the speech of the transmitting user; a receiving unit that receives the voice call from a first terminal of the multiple user terminals addressed to a second terminal; a voice call management unit that transmits voice call information regarding the voice call according to the status information of the second terminal to the second terminal; and a response processing unit that performs response processing for the first terminal based on response information according to a response method selected from multiple response methods at the second terminal.

[0079] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a user status management step executed by a processor, which receives status information from each of a plurality of user terminals indicating whether or not the terminals of the plurality of users can receive at least a voice call and manages the received status information, wherein the voice call is voice data communicated in one direction from the sender to the receiver, eliminating the need for a prior response from the receiver; a receiving step which receives a voice call addressed to a second terminal from a first terminal of the plurality of user terminals; a voice call management step which transmits the voice call according to the status information of the second terminal to the second terminal; and a response processing step which performs response processing for the first terminal based on response information according to a response method selected from a plurality of response methods at the second terminal.

[0080] According to the above aspect, status information indicating whether a user's terminal can receive a voice message, which is voice data transmitted via one-way communication from a transmitter to a receiver, is acquired and managed, and voice message information corresponding to the status information of the destination second terminal is transmitted to the second terminal. This prevents the voice message information from being transmitted at an inappropriate time for the user of the second terminal, thereby reducing stress for the user of the second terminal and allowing the user of the first terminal to easily attempt to communicate with the user of the second terminal. Then, a response process is performed for the first terminal in accordance with the selection made on the second terminal, thereby realizing communication by a suitable means as needed.

[0081] In addition, in an information processing device relating to another aspect, the user status management unit may cause each terminal to present status information of each terminal, the receiving unit may receive a voice call addressed to a second terminal that is indicated in the status information as being able to receive the voice call, and the voice call management unit may cause the second terminal to play the voice call.

[0082] According to the above aspect, since the status information is presented at each terminal, the user of the first terminal can recognize the terminals that can receive the voice message. Therefore, the user can select the terminal that can receive the voice message as the second terminal that is the destination of the voice message. This prevents the voice message from being transmitted and played back at a time that is not desirable for the user of the second terminal.

[0083] In addition, in an information processing device relating to another aspect, the user status management unit may store status information of each terminal, and the voice message management unit may transmit the voice message information to the second terminal using a different transmission method based on the status information of the second terminal.

[0084] According to the above aspect, the voice message information is transmitted to the second terminal by a transmission method according to the status information of each terminal. Therefore, the second terminal can obtain the voice message information in a manner suitable for the user of the second terminal.

[0085] In addition, in an information processing device according to another aspect, the voice-over management unit may transmit the voice-over to the second terminal when the status information of the second terminal indicates that the voice-over can be received.

[0086] According to the above aspect, it is possible to make the second terminal receive and play back the voice message without causing stress to the user of the second terminal, and therefore, it is possible to make the user of the second terminal recognize the content of the voice message uttered by the user of the first terminal, which constitutes the voice message.

[0087] In addition, in an information processing device relating to another aspect, the voice-over management unit may perform at least one of the following processes: when the status information of the second terminal indicates that the voice-over cannot be received, sending text corresponding to the voice-over to the second terminal; when the status information of the second terminal indicates that the voice-over cannot be received, sending a notification to the second terminal that the voice-over has been sent from the first terminal; when the status information of the second terminal is changed to indicate that the voice-over can be received, sending the voice-over to the second terminal; and when the status information of the second terminal is changed to indicate that the voice-over can be received, not transmitting the voice-over.

[0088] According to the above aspect, even if the time when the voice message from the first terminal is received is not desirable for the user of the second terminal to receive the voice message, it is possible to appropriately convey information about the voice message to the second user.

[0089] In addition, in an information processing device according to another aspect, the response processing unit may transmit the voice prompt received from the second terminal to the first terminal in response to the selection of a response method using the voice prompt at the second terminal.

[0090] According to the above aspect, it is possible to simply convey to the first user the content of the utterance of the user of the second terminal who has received a voice message from the first terminal.

[0091] In addition, in an information processing device according to another aspect, the response processing unit may control a voice call between the second terminal and the first terminal in response to a selection of a response method by voice call on the second terminal.

[0092] According to the above aspect, a means of communication between a first user and a second user by voice call is provided, thereby enabling close communication between the users.

[0093] In addition, in an information processing device relating to another aspect, when the response processing unit does not acquire response information from the second terminal, the voice-over management unit may send text corresponding to the voice-over to the second terminal, or send a notification to the second terminal that the voice-over has been sent from the first terminal.

[0094] According to the above aspect, if no response information is obtained from the second terminal, text or a notification regarding the voice call is sent to the second terminal, thereby providing the user of the second terminal with minimal communication with the user of the first terminal.

[0095] In addition, in an information processing device according to another aspect, the setting information may be set by a user on each terminal.

[0096] According to the above aspect, the second user can actively manage the timing at which the call voice is allowed to be received and played back.

[0097] The block diagram shown in FIG. 1 shows functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated and connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.). The functional block may also be realized by combining software with the one device or the multiple devices.

[0098] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, election, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocation, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0099] For example, the information processing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may function as a computer. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0100] In the following description, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in FIG. 10, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0101] Each function of the information processing device 10 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001, memory 1002, etc., so that the processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communication via the communication device 1004 and the reading and / or writing of data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0102] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the functional units 11 to 14 shown in FIG. 1 may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0103] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program codes), software modules, and data from the storage 1003 and / or the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the functional units 11 to 14 of the information processing device 10 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and executed by the processor 1001. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented on one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0104] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be composed of at least one of, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), or the like. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, and the like for implementing an information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be, for example, at least one of an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray disc), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other suitable medium including memory 1002 and / or storage 1003.

[0106] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication between computers via a wired and / or wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module.

[0107] The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel).

[0108] Furthermore, each device such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002 is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured as a single bus, or may be configured as different buses between the devices.

[0109] The information processing device 10 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented by at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0110] The notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in the present disclosure and may be performed using other methods. For example, the notification of information may be performed by physical layer signaling (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI) and Uplink Control Information (UCI)), higher layer signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, and broadcast information (Master Information Block (MIB) and System Information Block (SIB))), other signals, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, or the like.

[0111] Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be applied to at least one of systems using LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (New Radio), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other appropriate systems, and next-generation systems extended based on these. Furthermore, a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G, etc.) may also be applied.

[0112] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0113] In the present disclosure, a specific operation described as being performed by a base station may be performed by its upper node in some cases. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with a terminal may be performed by at least one of the base station and another network node other than the base station (for example, but not limited to, an MME or an S-GW). Although the above example illustrates a case where there is one other network node other than the base station, a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, an MME and an S-GW) may also be used.

[0114] Information etc. may be output from a higher layer (or a lower layer) to a lower layer (or a higher layer), or may be input / output via multiple network nodes.

[0115] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or managed in a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

[0116] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0117] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Furthermore, notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the predetermined information).

[0118] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0119] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0120] Software, instructions, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and / or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0121] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0122] It should be noted that terms explained in this disclosure and / or terms necessary for understanding this specification may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0123] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0124] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in the present disclosure may be expressed as absolute values, as relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or as other corresponding information. For example, a radio resource may be indicated by an index.

[0125] The names used for the above-described parameters are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical expressions using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and therefore the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0126] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0127] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0128] When designations such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this disclosure, any reference to an element does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed therein or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0129] The "means" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0130] To the extent that the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used herein or in the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or," as used herein or in the claims, is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0131] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0132] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0133] The information processing device 10 of the present disclosure may have the following configuration. [1] a user status management unit that receives status information indicating whether or not at least a voice message can be received at each of a plurality of user terminals and manages the received status information, the voice message being voice data obtained by one-way communication from a transmitting side to a receiving side, the voice message including a speech voice of a user on the transmitting side; a receiving unit that receives the voice message addressed to a second terminal from a first terminal among the plurality of user terminals; a voice-call management unit that transmits voice-call information related to the voice-call corresponding to the status information of the second terminal to the second terminal; a response processing unit that performs a response process for the first terminal based on response information according to a response method selected from a plurality of response methods in the second terminal; An information processing device comprising: [2] the user status management unit causes each terminal to present the status information of the terminal; the receiving unit receives the voice-call addressed to the second terminal indicated in the status information as being able to receive the voice-call, the voice message management unit causes the second terminal to reproduce the voice message; [1] The information processing device according to [1]. [3] the user status management unit stores the status information of each terminal; the voice message management unit transmits the voice message information to the second terminal by a different transmission method based on the state information of the second terminal; [1] The information processing device according to [1]. [4] the voice-call management unit transmits the voice-call to the second terminal when the status information of the second terminal indicates that the voice-call can be received; [3] The information processing device according to [3]. [5] When the status information of the second terminal indicates that the voice message cannot be received, the voice message management unit: a process of transmitting text corresponding to the voice message to the second terminal; a process of transmitting a notification to the second terminal that a voice message has been sent from the first terminal; a process of transmitting the voice message to the second terminal when the status information of the second terminal is changed to a state in which the voice message can be received; and A process of not transmitting the voice message; and performing at least one of the following processes. [3] or [4]. [6] the response processing unit transmits the voice call received from the second terminal to the first terminal in response to the selection of the voice call response method in the second terminal; The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [5]. [7] the response processing unit controls the voice call between the second terminal and the first terminal in response to a selection of a response method by voice call in the second terminal. The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [6]. [8] the voice-call management unit, when the response processing unit does not acquire the response information from the second terminal, transmits text corresponding to the voice-call to the second terminal, or transmits a notification to the second terminal that the voice-call has been transmitted from the first terminal; The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [7]. [9] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the state information is set by a user at each terminal.

[10] a user status management step of receiving status information indicating whether or not at least a voice call can be received at each of the terminals of a plurality of users and managing the received status information, wherein the voice call is voice data transmitted via one-way communication from a transmitting side to a receiving side, which does not require a prior response from the receiving side; a receiving step of receiving the voice message addressed to a second terminal from a first terminal among the plurality of user terminals; a voice-call management step of transmitting the voice-call corresponding to the status information of the second terminal to the second terminal; a response processing step of performing a response process for the first terminal based on response information according to a response method selected from a plurality of response methods in the second terminal; An information processing method executed by a processor, comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1...communication system, 10...information processing device, 11...user status management unit, 12...receiving unit, 13...voice prompting management unit, 14...response processing unit, 15...status information storage unit, 20, 20A, 20B...terminal, 21...voice input / output unit, 21A...voice input / output unit, 21B...voice input / output unit, 22...display unit, 22A...display unit, M1...recording medium, m11...user status management module, m12...receiving module, m13...voice prompting management module, m14...response processing module, P1...information processing program.

Claims

1. a user status management unit that receives status information indicating whether or not at least a voice message can be received at each of a plurality of user terminals and manages the received status information, the voice message being voice data obtained by one-way communication from a transmitting side to a receiving side, the voice message including a speech voice of a user on the transmitting side; a receiving unit that receives the voice message addressed to a second terminal from a first terminal among the plurality of users; a voice-call management unit that transmits voice-call information related to the voice-call corresponding to the status information of the second terminal to the second terminal; a response processing unit that performs a response process for the first terminal based on response information according to a response method selected from a plurality of response methods in the second terminal; An information processing device comprising:

2. the user status management unit causes each terminal to present the status information of the terminal; the receiving unit receives the voice call addressed to the second terminal indicated in the status information as being able to receive the voice call, the voice message management unit causes the second terminal to reproduce the voice message; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the user status management unit stores the status information of each terminal; the voice message management unit transmits the voice message information to the second terminal by a different transmission method based on state information of the second terminal; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the voice-call management unit transmits the voice-call to the second terminal when the status information of the second terminal indicates that the voice-call can be received; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. When the status information of the second terminal indicates that the voice-call management unit is unable to receive the voice-call, a process of transmitting text corresponding to the voice message to the second terminal; a process of transmitting a notification to the second terminal that a voice message has been sent from the first terminal; a process of transmitting the voice message to the second terminal when the status information of the second terminal is changed to a state in which the voice message can be received; and A process of not transmitting the voice message; and performing at least one of the following processes. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

6. the response processing unit transmits the voice message received from the second terminal to the first terminal in response to the selection of the voice message response method at the second terminal; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the response processing unit controls the voice call between the second terminal and the first terminal in response to a selection of a response method by voice call at the second terminal. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. When the response information from the second terminal is not acquired by the response processing unit, the voice-call management unit transmits text corresponding to the voice-call to the second terminal, or transmits a notification to the second terminal that the voice-call has been transmitted from the first terminal. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the state information is set by a user at each terminal.

10. a user status management step of receiving status information indicating whether or not at least a voice call can be received at each of the terminals of a plurality of users and managing the received status information, wherein the voice call is voice data transmitted via one-way communication from a transmitting side to a receiving side, which does not require a prior response from the receiving side; a receiving step of receiving the voice message addressed to a second terminal from a first terminal among the plurality of users' terminals; a voice-call management step of transmitting the voice-call corresponding to the status information of the second terminal to the second terminal; a response processing step of performing a response process for the first terminal based on response information according to a response method selected from a plurality of response methods in the second terminal; An information processing method executed by a processor, comprising:

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