Watching system, watching method, and program

Abstract

To provide a watching system or the like suitable for providing "pleasure" to the life of a person to be watched when having a conversation between a server and the person to be watched in order to analyze the state of the person to be watched.SOLUTION: The watching system 1 includes a server 3 for transmitting the state of the person to be watched to the watcher. The target stock processing part 31 manages a current amount and a replenishment reference value of a consumable used by the person to be watched. The target consumption amount management unit 43 calculates the current amount of the consumable. If the current amount is less than the replenishment reference value, the item procurement processor 47 talks with the person to be watched through the terminal to be watched 5, and confirms whether the person to be watched wishes to request the watcher, notify the mobile seller, or request the delivery company to purchase the item for replenishing the consumable item. The product procurement processing part 47 performs processing for purchasing a product according to the wishes of the person to be watched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and a program, and in particular to a monitoring system that includes a server that notifies a monitor of the status of a person being monitored. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a monitoring system that uses a monitoring terminal for elderly people and a family terminal for relatives who wish to monitor the elderly people, and contributes to improving the lifestyles of elderly people, such as by encouraging them to exercise and eat well, and making conversation a part of their daily routine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-087040 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as described in Patent Document 1, in a service for watching over a person (elderly person, etc.), the flow of information is basically one-way, with the watcher (relative, etc.) grasping the condition of the person being watched over. The person being watched over is essentially in a state of being monitored. The person being watched over cannot realize the benefit of using the service.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a monitoring system, etc. that is suitable for providing ``fun'' to the life of a person being monitored when a conversation takes place between a server and the person being monitored to analyze the state of the person being monitored. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a monitoring system comprising a server that notifies a watcher of the status of a person being watched over, the monitoring system comprising a terminal of a person being watched over and a watcher terminal, the server comprising a conversation processing unit and a monitoring processing unit, the conversation processing unit being able to converse with the person being watched over through the terminal of the person being watched over, a conversation analysis unit comprised in the monitoring processing unit analyzing the status of the person being watched over using data identifying an utterance made by the conversation processing unit to the person being watched over and data identifying a response of the person being watched over to the utterance, and explaining the analysis result of the status of the person being watched over to the watcher terminal, the server further comprising an object inventory processing unit and a procurement processing unit, the object inventory processing unit managing a current amount and a replenishment reference value of consumables used by the person being watched over, an object consumption amount management unit comprised in the object inventory processing unit calculating the current amount of the consumables, the procurement processing unit being able to converse with the person being watched over through the terminal of the person being watched over, The product procurement processing unit can converse with the watcher through the watcher terminal, and if the current amount is less than the replenishment standard value, the product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit converses with the watcher through the watchee terminal to confirm whether the watchee has decided on a product to replenish the consumable and asks the watcher to purchase it, or whether the watchee wants to ask the watcher to assist in selecting and purchasing it; if the watchee has decided on a product to replenish the consumable and asks the watcher to purchase it, the product procurement processing unit requests the watcher through the watcher terminal to replenish the product; if the watchee requests the watcher to assist in selecting and purchasing a product to replenish the consumable, the product procurement processing unit requests the watcher through the watcher terminal to assist in selecting and purchasing the product, and the product procurement processing unit explains the watcher's response to the request to the watchee.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a monitoring system of the first aspect, wherein, if the current amount is less than the replenishment standard value, the product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit speaks with the person being monitored through the monitored terminal to confirm whether the person being monitored has decided on a product to replenish the consumable and will purchase the product from a mobile sales truck, or whether the person being monitored will select and purchase the product from a mobile sales truck; if the person being monitored has decided on a product to replenish the consumable and will purchase the product from a mobile sales truck, the product procurement processing unit notifies the mobile sales company operating the mobile sales truck that there is a desire to purchase the product; and if the person being monitored selects and purchases the product from a mobile sales truck, the product procurement processing unit notifies the mobile sales company operating the mobile sales truck that there is a desire to select and purchase the product.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a monitoring system of the second aspect, wherein the product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit, if the current quantity is less than the replenishment standard value, communicates with the person being monitored through the monitored terminal to confirm with the person being monitored whether they have decided on a product to replenish the consumable and whether they would like to request delivery of the product, and if they have requested delivery, requests a delivery company to deliver the product.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a monitoring method in a monitoring system including a server that notifies a watcher of the status of a person being watched over, the monitoring system including a monitored terminal and a watcher terminal, the server including a conversation processing unit and a monitoring processing unit, the conversation processing unit being able to converse with the person being watched over through the monitored terminal, a conversation analysis unit included in the monitoring processing unit analyzing the status of the person being watched over using data identifying an utterance made by the conversation processing unit to the person being watched over and data identifying a response of the person being watched over to the utterance, and explaining the analysis result of the status of the person being watched over to the watcher terminal, the server further including a target inventory processing unit and a procurement processing unit, the target inventory processing unit managing a current amount and a replenishment reference value of consumables used by the person being watched over, a target consumption amount management unit included in the target inventory processing unit calculating the current amount of the consumables, the procurement processing unit being able to converse with the person being watched over through the monitored terminal, The unit can converse with the watcher through the watcher terminal, and if the current amount is less than the replenishment standard value, the product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit converses with the person being watched through the watched terminal to confirm whether the person being watched has decided on a product to replenish the consumable and asks the watcher to purchase it, or whether the person being watched will ask the watcher to assist in selecting and purchasing it; if the person being watched has decided on a product to replenish the consumable and asks the watcher to purchase it, the product procurement processing unit requests the watcher through the watcher terminal to replenish the product; if the person being watched requests the watcher to assist in selecting and purchasing a product to replenish the consumable, the product procurement processing unit requests the watcher through the watcher terminal to assist in selecting and purchasing the product; and the product procurement processing unit includes a replenishment step in which the product procurement processing unit explains the watcher's response to the request to the person being watched.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a monitoring method of the fourth aspect, in which, if the current amount is less than the replenishment standard value, the product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit speaks with the person being monitored through the monitored terminal to confirm whether the person being monitored has decided on a product to replenish the consumables and will purchase the product from a mobile sales truck, or whether the person being monitored will select and purchase the product from a mobile sales truck; if the person being monitored has decided on a product to replenish the consumables and will purchase the product from a mobile sales truck, the product procurement processing unit notifies the mobile sales company operating the mobile sales truck that there is a desire to purchase the product; and if the person being monitored selects and purchases the product from a mobile sales truck, the product procurement processing unit notifies the mobile sales company operating the mobile sales truck that there is a desire to select and purchase the product.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a monitoring method of the fifth aspect, in which, if the current amount is less than the replenishment standard value, the product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit speaks with the person being monitored through the monitored terminal to confirm with the person being monitored whether they have decided on a product to replenish the consumable and whether they would like to request delivery of the product, and if they have requested delivery, requests a delivery company to deliver the product.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the server of any one of the first to third aspects. The present invention may also be understood as a computer-readable recording medium on which the program of the seventh aspect is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server manages the current levels of consumables (shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, soap, laundry detergent, etc.) used by the person being watched and determines whether it is time to replenish them. When it is time to replenish them, the server confirms whether the replenishment product to be purchased is a specific one (e.g., the same one previously used) or whether a new product should be selected and purchased. If the person being watched over requests the watcher to purchase a product or provide assistance with the purchase, the person being watched over will have the opportunity to meet the watcher, thereby gaining new opportunities for communication. Furthermore, the watcher may purchase and replenish specific products at the request of the person being watched over, or may take the person being watched over to a store where they can select and purchase new products with the advice of a professional staff member. The watcher does not need to manage or infer the current situation of the person being watched over and act accordingly, significantly reducing the psychological burden.

[0014] Furthermore, as described in the second aspect of the present invention, the person being watched can inform the mobile vendor that they wish to purchase a product. The person being watched does not assume any responsibility for purchasing the product just because they wish to purchase it, and can easily notify their wish. The mobile vendor can grasp the desire to purchase products throughout the entire area where the mobile vendor travels. Furthermore, if the mobile vendor can determine in advance that there is a desire to select and purchase a product, they can prepare, for example, a sample. However, there are limitations on the products that the mobile vendor can prepare in the mobile vendor's van, and there is a possibility that the product will not be prepared at the time desired by the person being watched. Furthermore, even if the mobile vendor prepares the product in the van, there is a possibility that the product will be purchased by another customer before it reaches the area where the person being watched lives. Therefore, there is a possibility that the person being watched will not be able to purchase the desired product. However, even in this case, the person being watched can gain a sense of self-affirmation (self-satisfaction / sense of superiority) by contributing to the community by communicating their desire.

[0015] Furthermore, as described in the third aspect of the present invention, if the person being watched needs to purchase an item immediately, they can request delivery of the item. However, the psychological and financial burden of the delivery costs is significant for the person being watched. Therefore, if the person being watched can obtain the item by requesting the watcher or conveying their request to a mobile vendor, it is expected that they will prefer to purchase the item through these means.

[0016] In this way, according to each aspect of the present invention, the person being monitored can connect with people and the community, and can also receive the support they desire in areas such as purchasing consumables, thereby providing the person being monitored with ``fun'' in their life through collaboration with people and the community. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of a process related to management of consumables for a person being watched over. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for specifically explaining an example of the processing of step STA7 in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 10 is a flow diagram for explaining processing related to the watcher terminal 7. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flow chart for explaining processing related to the mobile sales terminal 9. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flow diagram for explaining processing related to the delivery terminal 11. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. [Example]

[0019] 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The monitoring system 1 includes a server 3, a monitored terminal 5, a monitor terminal 7, a mobile sales terminal 9, and a delivery terminal 11.

[0021] In the monitoring system 1, the server 3 analyzes the state of the person being monitored by talking to the person being monitored and explains the analysis results to the person being monitored. In the following, it is assumed that the person being monitored is an elderly person living in a depopulated area, and the person being monitored is a family member who lives far away.

[0022] The watched-over target terminal 5 and the watcher terminal 7 are, for example, a smartphone, a computer (electronic calculator), an AI (artificial intelligence) speaker, etc., and are information processing terminals used by the watched-over target and the watcher, respectively.

[0023] Mobile vendors (mobile supermarket operators) make rounds in their mobile vendor vans to areas where people to be monitored live, selling food items (fresh meat, fish, vegetables, etc.) and daily necessities. The mobile vendor terminal 9 is, for example, a smartphone or computer (electronic calculator), and is an information processing terminal used by the mobile vendor.

[0024] The server 3 notifies the mobile sales agent via the mobile sales terminal 9 that customers in the area where the mobile sales vehicle travels wish to purchase a product. The product purchase request can be a specific product or a selection of products. Depending on the request, the mobile sales agent can prepare a specific product, multiple types of products, or free samples in the mobile sales vehicle.

[0025] The server 3 also requests the delivery company to deliver a specific product from the person being watched over via the delivery terminal 11. In response to the request, the delivery company delivers the specific product to the person being watched over. The delivery terminal 11 is, for example, a smartphone or a computer (electronic calculator), and is an information processing terminal used by the delivery company.

[0026] The server 3 includes a processing device 21 , a storage device 23 , and a communication device 25 .

[0027] The processing device 21 is a processing device such as a processor. The processing device 21 includes a conversation processing unit 27, a monitoring processing unit 29, a target inventory processing unit 31, and a procurement processing unit 33. Each processing unit is realized, for example, by a processor operating under the control of a program. The conversation processing unit 27 includes an utterance generation unit 35 and a received speech analysis unit 37. The monitoring processing unit 29 includes a conversation analysis unit 39. The target inventory processing unit 31 includes a target inventory management unit 41, a target consumption management unit 43, and a target replenishment management unit 45. The procurement processing unit 33 includes a product procurement processing unit 47.

[0028] The storage device 23 is, for example, a storage device such as a memory, etc. The storage device 23 includes a target stock storage unit 49 and a target consumption amount storage unit 51.

[0029] The watched-over terminal 5 includes a processing device 53 , an input / output device 55 , and a communication device 57 .

[0030] The processing device 53 is, for example, a processing device such as a processor. The processing device 53 includes a conversation processing unit 59. The conversation processing unit 59 is realized, for example, by a processor that operates under the control of a program. The conversation processing unit 59 includes a speech processing unit 61 and a reception processing unit 63.

[0031] The input / output device 55 performs input and output processing between the person being watched over and the input / output device 55. The input / output device 55 can be realized by, for example, input devices such as a microphone, keyboard, mouse, or camera, output devices such as a speaker or display, or input / output devices such as a touch panel.

[0032] The watcher terminal 7 includes a processing device 65 , an input / output device 67 , and a communication device 69 .

[0033] The processing device 65 is, for example, a processing device such as a processor. The processing device 65 includes a conversation processing unit 71. The conversation processing unit 71 is realized, for example, by a processor that operates under the control of a program. The conversation processing unit 71 includes a speech processing unit 73 and a reception processing unit 75.

[0034] The input / output device 67 performs input and output processing between the watcher and the input / output device 67. The input / output device 67 can be realized by, for example, input devices such as a microphone, keyboard, mouse, or camera, output devices such as a speaker or display, or input / output devices such as a touch panel.

[0035] The mobile sales terminal 9 includes a processing device 77 , an input / output device 79 , and a communication device 81 .

[0036] The processing device 77 is, for example, a processing device such as a processor. With reference to Fig. 2(a), the processing device 77 includes a counting processing unit 89, a display processing unit 91, and a notification processing unit 93. Each processing unit is realized, for example, by a processor that operates under the control of a program.

[0037] The input / output device 79 performs input and output processing between the mobile sales company and the mobile sales agent. The input / output device 79 can be realized by, for example, input devices such as a microphone, keyboard, mouse, or camera, output devices such as a speaker or display, or input / output devices such as a touch panel.

[0038] The delivery terminal 11 includes a processing device 83 , an input / output device 85 , and a communication device 87 .

[0039] The processing device 83 is, for example, a processing device such as a processor. Referring to Fig. 2(b), the processing device 83 includes an order processing unit 95 and a delivery processing unit 97. Each processing unit is realized, for example, by a processor that operates under the control of a program.

[0040] The input / output device 85 performs input and output processing with the delivery company. The input / output device 85 can be realized by, for example, input devices such as a microphone, keyboard, or mouse, output devices such as a speaker or display, or input / output devices such as a touch panel.

[0041] The communication device 25 of the server 3 can transmit and receive data between the communication device 57 of the monitored terminal 5, the communication device 69 of the monitor terminal 7, the communication device 81 of the mobile sales terminal 9, and the communication device 87 of the delivery terminal 11 via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0042] In the server 3, the utterance generation unit 35 generates watched over target utterance data that specifies utterances to be directed to the person being watched over, and transmits the generated utterance data to the watched over target terminal 5. In the watched over target terminal 5, the utterance processing unit 61 outputs the content of the utterance specified by the received watched over target utterance data to the person being watched over from the input / output device 55. The content of the utterance to be output may be audio, an image (video or still image), or a combination of audio and image.

[0043] The input / output device 55 receives a response from the person being watched over in response to the content of the speech. The response may be input to the input / output device 55 as audio via a microphone or by operating a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or video via a camera. The received-call processing unit 63 generates watched-over target received-call data that identifies the response input by the person being watched over and transmits it to the server 3. The received-call analysis unit 37 analyzes the content of the received call identified by the received watched-over target received-call data. For example, the received-call analysis unit 37 analyzes whether sounds included in the watched-over target received-call data were made by the person being watched over, analyzes sounds included in the watched-over target received-call data as meaningful groups such as words, phrases, and sentences, and analyzes the time until the meaningful groups are uttered and the time until they are finished uttering.

[0044] The conversation analysis unit 39 analyzes the state of the person being watched over using the watched over utterance data and the analysis results from the received speech analysis unit 37. For example, the conversation analysis unit 39 compares words included in the watched over utterance data with words included in the watched over received speech data, and determines that there is a high possibility that an appropriate conversation is taking place if the watched over utterance data contains more than a reference value of words corresponding to words included in the watched over received speech data, and determines that there is a high possibility that an appropriate conversation is taking place if the watched over utterance data contains fewer than the reference value of words corresponding to words included in the watched over received speech data. Furthermore, the conversation analysis unit 39 determines that there is a high possibility that the level of understanding is declining if, for example, the time taken for a response to an utterance in the watched over utterance data is slower than the reference value by more than a reference value compared to the previous response time in the watched over received speech data.

[0045] The conversation analysis unit 39 explains the analysis results of the state of the person being watched to the watcher through the watcher terminal 7. That is, the conversation analysis unit 39 generates analysis result data indicating the analysis results. The utterance generation unit 35 generates watcher utterance data to explain the analysis result data and transmits it to the watcher terminal 7. In the watcher terminal 7, the utterance processing unit 73 outputs the utterance content identified by the received watcher utterance data from the input / output device 67 to the watcher. The output utterance content may be audio, an image, or a combination of audio and image.

[0046] The timing at which the conversation analysis unit 39 explains the analysis results of the state of the person being watched to the watcher may be, for example, periodically (e.g., once a month), when the watcher requests it from the watcher terminal 7, or when there is a significant change.

[0047] Each processing unit of the server 3 can converse with the person being watched over and the watcher through the watched over terminal 5 and the watcher terminal 7, respectively.

[0048] For example, each processing unit of the server 3 generates data that specifies the content of an utterance. The utterance generation unit 35 generates utterance data to express this data and transmits it to the watched over target terminal 5. In the watched over target terminal 5, the utterance processing unit 61 outputs the content of the utterance specified by the utterance data to the watched over target from the input / output device 55. The received call processing unit 63 generates received call data that specifies the response entered by the watched over target and transmits it to the server 3. The received call analysis unit 37 analyzes the received call data. Each processing unit of the server 3 can use the analysis results by the received call analysis unit 37 to understand the response to the utterance and have a conversation with the watched over target.

[0049] Similarly, each processing unit of the server 3 generates data that specifies the content of the utterance. The utterance generation unit 35 generates utterance data to express this data and transmits it to the watcher terminal 7. In the watcher terminal 7, the utterance processing unit 73 outputs the content of the utterance specified by the utterance data to the watcher from the input / output device 67. The received call processing unit 75 generates received call data that specifies the response entered by the watcher and transmits it to the server 3. The received call analysis unit 37 analyzes the received call data. Each processing unit of the server 3 can use the analysis results by the received call analysis unit 37 to understand the response to the utterance and have a conversation with the watcher.

[0050] Furthermore, each processing unit of the server 3 can provide explanations to the person being watched over and the watcher through the watched over terminal 5 and the watcher terminal 7, respectively.

[0051] For example, each processing unit of the server 3 generates data specifying the content of the explanation. The utterance generation unit 35 generates utterance data to express the data and transmits it to the watched over target terminal 5. In the watched over target terminal 5, the utterance processing unit 61 outputs the content of the utterance specified by the utterance data to the watched over target from the input / output device 55. Each processing unit of the server 3 can explain the predetermined content to the watched over target.

[0052] Similarly, each processing unit of the server 3 generates data specifying the content of the explanation. The utterance generation unit 35 generates utterance data to express the data and transmits it to the watcher terminal 7. In the watcher terminal 7, the utterance processing unit 73 outputs the utterance content specified by the utterance data to the watcher from the input / output device 67. Each processing unit of the server 3 can explain the predetermined content to the watcher.

[0053] In this way, conversations and explanations between computers and humans can be realized using technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence). Currently, the utterance generation unit 35 can generate utterances that comply with the instructions of each processing unit, in a way that is natural to the natural listener. Furthermore, the received speech analysis unit 37 can understand the content of a natural person's natural speech, even if the natural person speaks naturally without regard for computer processing. Therefore, the person being watched over can converse with the server 3 in accordance with their own feelings, without regard for information processing in the server 3 or the like. Note that, in the present invention, the information processing by each processing unit of the server 3 to converse with the user through a terminal may be realized in the server 3, in the terminal, or in both the server 3 and the terminal.

[0054] 3 and 4 are flow charts showing an example of a process related to management of consumables for a person being watched over.

[0055] The server 3 manages the consumables used by the person being monitored by communicating with the person being monitored via the monitored terminal 5. Consumables are items that are repeatedly used and consumed by the person being monitored on a daily basis, and the amount decreases with use. Examples of consumables include shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, soap, and laundry detergent. As the amount of consumables decreases with use by the person being monitored, they need to be replenished with new products. Consumables may be replenished by purchasing specific products determined by the person being monitored, or the person being monitored may select and purchase from multiple products.

[0056] The server 3 can request the watcher to purchase a specific product or to assist in selecting and purchasing a product, depending on the wishes of the person being watched. If the person being watched makes a request to the watcher, the person being watched will have the opportunity to meet the watcher, and thus will have new opportunities for communication. The watcher can also purchase and replenish specific products at the request of the person being watched, or take the person being watched to a store and select and purchase new products with the advice of professional staff. The watcher does not need to manage or infer the current situation of the person being watched and act accordingly, which significantly reduces the psychological burden.

[0057] In addition, the server 3 requests a delivery company to deliver the product according to the wishes of the person being watched. This allows the person being watched to obtain the product at the time they wish. However, the psychological and financial burden of the delivery costs is significant for the person being watched. In addition, it is extremely difficult for the person being watched to select and purchase a product by browsing photos on the Internet. Therefore, if the person being watched can obtain the product by requesting the person being watched or by conveying their wishes to a mobile sales company, it is expected that they will prefer to purchase the product in this way.

[0058] Additionally, mobile food trucks make the rounds in areas where people under supervision live. People under supervision can purchase the product from the mobile food truck and get it immediately on the spot. However, there is a limit to the types of products that can be prepared in a mobile food truck. Therefore, it is difficult to create a situation where people under supervision can always enjoy the "pleasure of selecting while actually looking at the products." Furthermore, even if there are times when people want professional advice when selecting a product, it is difficult to get professional advice when purchasing from a mobile food truck.

[0059] Therefore, the server 3 can inform the mobile sales agent that there is a desire to purchase a product, according to the wishes of the person being monitored. The desire to purchase a product can be a desire for a specific product or a desire to purchase a selection of products. According to the desire, the mobile sales agent can prepare a specific product, prepare multiple types of products, or prepare sample products in the mobile sales agent's vehicle. Here, the mobile sales agent can handle the information obtained like big data. The information obtained by the mobile sales agent does not need to include information for identifying the customer who wishes to make a purchase.

[0060] However, there are limitations on the products that mobile vendors can prepare in their mobile vendors' vehicles, and it may not be possible to prepare products that all customers desire. Also, even if a specific product is prepared for a customer who wants to purchase that product, there is a possibility that another customer may purchase it by the time the mobile vendor reaches the area where the customer lives. Therefore, there is a possibility that a customer who has notified the mobile vendor of their desire to purchase a specific product will not be able to purchase that specific product.

[0061] Furthermore, customers can easily communicate their wishes to the mobile vendor without incurring any responsibility to purchase the product. Even if a customer who wishes to purchase a specific product is unable to purchase the product, the customer will likely gain a sense of self-affirmation (self-satisfaction / sense of superiority) from knowing that they have contributed to the community by expressing their wish.

[0062] The server 3 manages the consumables used by the person being watched over and supports the person being watched over in replenishing consumables by communicating with the person being watched over via the terminal 5. In this example, the target consumption amount management unit 43 calculates the current amount of consumables by reducing the amount as the person being watched over uses them. If the calculated current amount is less than the replenishment reference value, the product procurement processing unit 47 predicts that the person being watched over needs to replenish the consumables because they are being used, and makes an utterance to the person being watched over via the terminal 5 to ask a question about replenishment.

[0063] For example, if the person being monitored has already purchased new products and replenished their supplies and replenishes them, and answers that there is no need to replenish them again, the target inventory processing unit 31 updates the managed consumables and waits until the next time when it is expected that they will need to be replenished.

[0064] In this example, if the person being watched over wishes to purchase products and replenish consumables, they can give five instructions to the server 3.

[0065] The first instruction is to request the watcher to purchase a specific product. The product procurement processing unit 47 requests the watcher to purchase and replenish the specific product through the watcher terminal 7. The product procurement processing unit 47 receives the watcher's response to the request through the watcher terminal 7. The product procurement processing unit 47 explains the watcher's response to the person being watched through the watched-over person's terminal 5.

[0066] The second instruction is to request the watcher to assist the person being watched in making a selection and purchasing. The product procurement processing unit 47 requests the watcher to assist in making a selection and purchasing through the watcher terminal 7. The product procurement processing unit 47 receives the watcher's response to the request through the watcher terminal 7. The product procurement processing unit 47 explains the watcher's response to the person being watched through the watched-over terminal 5.

[0067] The third instruction is to notify the mobile sales agent of a desire to purchase a specific product from the mobile sales vehicle. The product procurement processing unit 47 notifies the mobile sales agent via the mobile sales terminal 9 that there is a desire to purchase a specific product.

[0068] The fourth instruction is to notify the mobile sales agent of a desire to select and purchase products from the mobile sales vehicle. The product procurement processing unit 47 notifies the mobile sales agent via the mobile sales terminal 9 that a desire to select and purchase products exists.

[0069] The fifth instruction is to request a delivery company to deliver a specific product. Product procurement processing unit 47 requests a delivery company to deliver a specific product through delivery terminal 11.

[0070] An example of a process for managing consumables for a person being watched over will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0071] The target inventory storage unit 49 stores a plurality of items of consumables to be managed, the current quantity corresponding to each item, and the replenishment reference value corresponding to each item.

[0072] The target consumption storage unit 51 stores the amount consumed by the person being watched over in a certain period of time (for example, the amount consumed per day) for each item of consumables to be managed. The target consumption management unit 43 sets the amount consumed by the person being watched over in a certain period of time to a general consumption amount when a new item is added. Because consumables are repeatedly replenished, the amount consumed by the person being watched over in a certain period of time can be accurately managed by correcting the consumption amount with reference to the timing and amount of replenishment.

[0073] The mobile sales business operator inputs the time when the mobile sales vehicle is scheduled to visit each area and data specifying the products to be prepared in the mobile sales vehicle into the mobile sales terminal 9. The mobile sales terminal 9 transmits the input data to the server 3.

[0074] The procurement processing unit 33 refers to the data specifying the products to be prepared in the mobile sales van and specifies products that the person being watched is expected to be interested in. For example, the procurement processing unit 33 determines whether the products prepared in the mobile sales van by the mobile sales company include a specific product that the person being watched wishes to purchase from the mobile sales van to replenish consumables, or whether multiple types of products are included among the products that the person being watched wishes to select and purchase from the mobile sales van to replenish consumables.

[0075] While the server 3 is conversing with the person being watched via the monitored terminal 5, the procurement processing unit 33 periodically (e.g., once a day) explains to the person being watched via the monitored terminal 5 the time when the mobile food truck is scheduled to make its rounds and the products that the person being watched is expected to be interested in (step STA1). For example, the procurement processing unit 33 explains the time when the mobile food truck will make its rounds, whether the mobile food truck making its rounds at that time has the specific product that the person being watched wants to purchase from the mobile food truck ready, and whether the product that the person being watched wants to select and purchase from the mobile food truck to replenish consumables includes multiple types of products, one type of product, or no product. Furthermore, the person being watched tends to have a limited repertoire of meals. Therefore, the procurement processing unit 33 may, for example, introduce meal recipes and explain ingredients that can be purchased from the mobile food truck. This allows the mobile food truck to share meal menus in the area and provide common topics of conversation, thereby realizing connections between people and the community.

[0076] The target inventory management unit 41 checks with the person being watched via the terminal 5 to see if there have been any changes to the consumables to be managed (step STA2). If the consumables to be managed have not been changed, the process proceeds to step STA4. If the consumables to be managed have been changed, the target inventory management unit 41 changes the items and current quantities of the consumables to be managed stored in the target consumption amount memory unit 51 (step STA3), and then proceeds to step STA4.

[0077] Examples of consumable items to be managed include soap, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, etc. Changing the consumable items to be managed means, for example, adding or deleting a consumable item to be managed.

[0078] For example, if a consumable item to be managed is added, the target inventory management unit 41 adds the corresponding item, its current quantity, and replenishment standard value to the target inventory storage unit 49. The target inventory management unit 41 can grasp the current quantity, for example, by having the person being monitored input it. The target inventory management unit 41 can grasp the replenishment standard value, for example, by calculating it as a certain percentage of the current quantity (for example, 20%). In addition, the target inventory management unit 41 adds a general consumption amount corresponding to the corresponding item in the target consumption amount storage unit 51.

[0079] For example, if one of the consumable items to be managed is deleted, the target inventory management unit 41 deletes the corresponding item from the target inventory storage unit 49 .

[0080] The current quantity of a managed consumable item may be changed, for example, by increasing it by purchasing a new item, or by a significant decrease due to a mishandling by the person being monitored.

[0081] For example, if the current quantity of one of the consumable items to be managed increases or decreases, the target inventory management unit 41 increases or decreases the current quantity of that item in the target inventory storage unit 49 .

[0082] In step STA4, the target consumption management unit 43 updates the current quantity of each item of consumables to be managed in the target inventory memory unit 49 by reducing the consumption quantity calculated by referring to the quantity consumed for each item over a certain period of time in the target consumption memory unit 51 from the current quantity of each item of consumables to be managed in the target inventory memory unit 49.

[0083] The product procurement processing unit 47 determines whether the current quantity of each item is less than the replenishment reference value (step STA5). If the current quantities of all items are equal to or greater than the replenishment reference value, the process returns to step STA1. If the current quantity of at least one item is less than the replenishment reference value, the process proceeds to step STA6, with that item designated as a replenishment target item.

[0084] In step STA6, product procurement processing unit 47 confirms replenishment of items to be replenished by talking with the person being watched over via the watched over terminal 5. The person being watched over can issue first to fifth instructions to server 3. Product procurement processing unit 47 performs processing to replenish items in accordance with the instructions of the person being watched over confirmed in step STA6 (step STA7), and reports the results of this processing to the person being watched over (step STA8).

[0085] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for specifically explaining an example of the process of step STA7 in FIG.

[0086] The product procurement processing unit 47 determines whether the person being watched over has decided on the products to be replenished (step STB1). If the person being watched over wishes to replenish with a specific product, the process proceeds to step STB2. If the person being watched over wishes to select and purchase the products to be replenished, the process proceeds to step STB7.

[0087] In step STB2, the product procurement processing unit 47 determines whether the person being watched over wishes to make a request to the watcher. If the person being watched over wishes to make a request to the watcher, the product procurement processing unit 47 requests the watcher via the watcher terminal 7 to purchase and replenish the specific product (step STB3) (first instruction). If the person being watched over does not wish to make a request to the watcher, the product procurement processing unit 47 determines whether the person being watched over wishes to purchase the specific product from a mobile sales truck (step STB4). If the person being watched over wishes to purchase the specific product from a mobile sales truck, the product procurement processing unit 47 notifies the mobile sales company via the mobile sales terminal 9 that there is a person wishing to purchase the specific product (step STB5) (third instruction). If the person being watched over does not wish to purchase the specific product from a mobile sales truck, the product procurement processing unit 47 requests the delivery company via the delivery terminal 11 to deliver the specific product (step STB6) (fifth instruction).

[0088] In step STB7, the product procurement processing unit 47 determines whether the person being watched over wishes to request the watcher's assistance in making a selection and purchasing. If the person being watched over wishes to request the watcher's assistance, the product procurement processing unit 47 requests the watcher's assistance in making a selection and purchasing via the watcher terminal 7 (step STB8) (second instruction). If the person being watched over does not wish to request the watcher's assistance, the product procurement processing unit 47 notifies the mobile sales terminal 9 that the person being watched over wishes to select and purchase a product (step STB9) (fourth instruction).

[0089] In FIG. 4, it is confirmed whether the user wishes to purchase a specific product or a selective purchase of products, and then it is confirmed whether to make a request to the watcher, notify the mobile sales company, or request delivery from a delivery company. The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, after confirming who to make the request or notification to, it may be confirmed whether the user wishes to purchase a specific product or a selective purchase of products. For example, after confirming whether the user wishes to make a request to the watcher, it may be confirmed whether the user wishes to purchase a specific product or a selective purchase of products. After confirming that the user wishes to purchase from a mobile sales vehicle, it may be confirmed whether the user wishes to purchase a specific product or a selective purchase of products. After confirming that the user wishes to have the product delivered, it may be confirmed whether the specific product to purchase is desired.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for explaining the processing related to the watcher terminal 7. As shown in FIG.

[0091] The conversation processing unit 71 waits until it receives a notification from the server 3 that it will explain the analysis result of the state of the person being watched over (step STC1). The notification from the server 3 may be made in response to a request from the conversation processing unit 71, for example.

[0092] The conversation analysis unit 39 of the server 3 explains the analysis result of the state of the person being watched over to the watcher through the watcher terminal 7 (step STC2).

[0093] The procurement processing unit 33 determines whether the person being watched over wishes to ask the watcher to purchase a product (step STC3). If the person being watched over does not wish to ask the watcher to purchase a product, the process returns to step STC1. If the person being watched over wishes to ask the watcher to purchase a product (see steps STB3 and STB8 in FIG. 4), the product procurement processing unit 47 explains to the watcher via the watcher terminal 7 that the person being watched over has requested a product purchase (step STC4) and receives a response (step STC5). The procurement processing unit 33 explains the response from the watcher to the person being watched over via the watched over terminal 5 (see step STA8 in FIG. 3).

[0094] If the watcher requests the server 3 to notify the watcher of the products managed as consumables for the person being watched over, the target inventory processing unit 31 will respond to this request and notify the watcher of the products managed as consumables for the person being watched over. For example, when the person being watched over changes their living space due to hospitalization or the like, the watcher can prepare the products that the person being watched over used in their daily living space in the new living space.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for explaining the processing related to the mobile sales terminal 9. As shown in FIG.

[0096] The mobile sales terminal 9 waits until the mobile sales agent issues an instruction to start preparation work (step STD1).

[0097] When the mobile sales agent instructs the preparation work, the counting processing unit 89 identifies the product type (step STD2) and counts the purchase requests for each product related to that type received from the server 3 (step STD3) (see step STB5 in Figure 4). The counting processing unit 89 counts the selective purchase requests received from the server 3 (step STD4) (see step STB9 in Figure 4). The counting processing unit 89 obtains the counted purchase requests (step STD5). The counting processing unit 89 determines whether or not all product types to be prepared have been counted (step STD6). If there are any product types that have not been counted, the processing of steps STD2 to STD5 is repeated. If there are no product types that have not been counted, the processing proceeds to step STD7.

[0098] In step STD7, the display processing unit 91 displays the tabulation results on the input / output device 79. The mobile sales business operator refers to the tabulation results and inputs data specifying the products to be prepared in the mobile sales vehicle into the input / output device 79. The notification processing unit 93 notifies the server 3 of the data specifying the products to be prepared in the mobile sales vehicle (step STD8).

[0099] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for explaining the processing related to the delivery terminal 11.

[0100] The order processing unit 95 waits until it receives a delivery request for a specific product from the server 3 (step STE1) (see step STB6 in Figure 4). When it receives the delivery request for a specific product from the server 3, the order processing unit 95 secures the specific product (step STE2). The delivery processing unit 97 performs processing to deliver the secured specific product to the person being watched (step STE3). Return to step STE1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Monitoring system 3 Server 5. Devices to be monitored 7. Guardian terminal 9 Mobile sales terminal 11 Delivery terminal 21 Processing equipment 23 Storage device 25 Communication equipment 27 Conversation Processing Unit 29 Monitoring Processing Unit 31 Target Inventory Processing Department 33 Procurement Department 35 Speech generation unit 37 Received Message Analysis Unit 39 Conversation Analysis Department 41 Target Inventory Management Department 43 Target Consumption Management Department 45 Target Replenishment Management Department 47 Product Procurement Department 49 Target inventory storage section 51 Target consumption amount memory unit 53 Processing equipment 55 Input / Output Devices 57 Communication equipment 59 Conversation Processing Unit 61 Speech processing unit 63 Receiving processing unit 65 Processing equipment 67 Input / Output Devices 69 Communication Equipment 71 Conversation processing unit 73 Speech Processing Unit 75 Receiving processing unit 77 Processing equipment 79 Input / Output Devices 81 Communication equipment 83 Processing equipment 85 Input / Output Devices 87 Communication Equipment 89 Aggregation processing unit 91 Display processing section 93 Notification processing section 95 Order Processing Department 97 Delivery Processing Unit

Claims

1. A monitoring system including a server that notifies a monitor of the status of a person being monitored, The monitoring system includes a monitoring target terminal and a monitoring terminal, The server includes a conversation processing unit and a monitoring processing unit, The conversation processing unit can converse with the person being watched over through the watching target terminal, a conversation analysis unit included in the watching processing unit analyzes the state of the person being watched over using data identifying the utterance uttered by the conversation processing unit to the person being watched over and data identifying the answer of the person being watched over to the utterance, and explains the analysis result of the state of the person being watched over to the watcher through the watcher terminal; The server further includes a target inventory processing unit and a procurement processing unit, The target inventory processing unit manages the current amount and replenishment reference value of consumables used by the person being watched over, The target consumption amount management unit included in the target inventory processing unit calculates the current amount of the consumables, The procurement processing unit can converse with the person being watched over through the watching target terminal, The procurement processing unit can converse with the watcher through the watcher terminal, If the current amount is less than the replenishment reference value, the product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit communicates with the person being watched over via the terminal being watched over to confirm whether the person being watched over has decided on a product to replenish the consumables and will ask the watcher to purchase it, or whether the person being watched over will ask the watcher to assist them in selecting and purchasing it; If the person being watched over has decided on a product to replenish the consumables and requests the watcher to purchase it, the product procurement processing unit requests the watcher to replenish the product through the watcher terminal, If the person being watched over requests the watcher to assist in selecting and purchasing a product to replenish the consumables, the product procurement processing unit requests the watcher to assist in selecting and purchasing the product through the watcher terminal, The product procurement processing unit explains the response from the watcher to the request to the person being watched, in a watching system.

2. If the current amount is less than the replenishment reference value, the product procurement processing unit included in the procurement processing unit communicates with the person being watched over via the terminal being watched over to confirm whether the person being watched over has decided on a product to replenish the consumables and will purchase the product from the mobile sales truck, or whether the person being watched over will select and purchase the product from the mobile sales truck; If the person being watched over has decided on a product to replenish the consumables and purchases the product from a mobile sales vehicle, the mobile sales person who makes the rounds of the mobile sales vehicle is notified that there is a desire to purchase the product, The monitoring system described in claim 1, wherein if the monitored person selects and purchases a product from a mobile sales vehicle, the product procurement processing unit notifies the mobile sales company that circulates the mobile sales vehicle that the monitored person wishes to select and purchase the product.

3. The monitoring system described in claim 2, wherein the product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit, if the current amount is less than the replenishment standard value, communicates with the person being monitored through the monitored terminal to confirm with the person being monitored whether they have decided on a product to replenish the consumable and whether they would like to request delivery of the product, and if they have requested delivery, requests a delivery company to deliver the product.

4. A monitoring method in a monitoring system including a server that notifies a monitor of the status of a person being monitored, The monitoring system includes a monitoring target terminal and a monitoring terminal, The server includes a conversation processing unit and a monitoring processing unit, The conversation processing unit can converse with the person being watched over through the watching target terminal, a conversation analysis unit included in the watching processing unit analyzes the state of the person being watched over using data identifying the utterance uttered by the conversation processing unit to the person being watched over and data identifying the answer of the person being watched over to the utterance, and explains the analysis result of the state of the person being watched over to the watcher through the watcher terminal; The server further includes a target inventory processing unit and a procurement processing unit, The target inventory processing unit manages the current amount and replenishment reference value of consumables used by the person being watched over, The target consumption amount management unit included in the target inventory processing unit calculates the current amount of the consumables, The procurement processing unit can converse with the person being watched over through the watching target terminal, The procurement processing unit can converse with the watcher through the watcher terminal, If the current amount is less than the replenishment reference value, a product procurement processing unit provided in the procurement processing unit communicates with the person being watched over via the terminal being watched over to confirm whether the person being watched over has decided on a product to replenish the consumables and will ask the watcher to purchase it, or whether the person being watched over will ask the watcher to assist them in selecting and purchasing it; If the person being watched over has decided on a product to replenish the consumables and requests the watcher to purchase it, the product procurement processing unit requests the watcher to replenish the product through the watcher terminal, If the person being watched over requests the watcher to assist in selecting and purchasing a product to replenish the consumables, the product procurement processing unit requests the watcher to assist in selecting and purchasing the product through the watcher terminal, The monitoring method includes a replenishment step in which the product procurement processing unit explains the response from the watcher to the request to the person being watched.

5. A program for causing a computer to function as the server according to claim 1.

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