System

Abstract

A system is provided.SOLUTION: A system comprising: means for acquiring current position information of a user; means for transmitting the current position information to a server; means for causing the server to search for toilet information around the user based on the current position information and transmit data including the toilet information to a terminal; and means for causing the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display a position of a toilet in a field of view of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a persona chatbot control method performed by at least one processor, the method including the steps of receiving a user utterance, adding the user utterance to a prompt including an instruction sentence related to a description of the chatbot character, encoding the prompt, and inputting the encoded prompt into a language model to generate a chatbot utterance in response to the user utterance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-180282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In modern urban environments, it is often difficult to find a quickly available toilet to deal with sudden urges to urinate or defecate. The present invention aims to provide a system that enables users to deal with sudden urges to urinate or defecate quickly and efficiently, thereby reducing the stress and time-consuming search for a toilet, particularly in crowded environments such as urban areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a system comprising: means for acquiring current location information of a user; means for transmitting the current location information to a server; means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to a terminal; and means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the locations of the toilets within the user's field of vision, thereby enabling the user to quickly and easily find the nearest toilet and deal with sudden urges to urinate or defecate.

[0006] "User's current location information" is latitude and longitude data indicating the location of the terminal, and is used to identify the user's current location.

[0007] A "server" is a centralized computing device that receives and transmits information over a network and is a device or system responsible for retrieving and providing location-based restroom information.

[0008] "Toilet information" refers to data that includes various information about toilets, such as toilet location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[0009] The term "terminal" refers to a device carried by a user, particularly in the present invention, an apparatus capable of acquiring and displaying location information, such as AR glasses or a smartphone.

[0010] "GPS Sensor" means a sensor device used to measure geographic location and determine the latitude and longitude of a device using a satellite system.

[0011] "Receiving" refers to the act of a terminal or server obtaining information through a network.

[0012] "Analysis" refers to the process of interpreting received data and extracting the required information.

[0013] The "field of view" refers to the range that the user can see through the terminal, and in the present invention, this includes the physical scenery on which the AR display is overlaid.

[0014] An "indicator" is a display element that visually indicates specific information (in this invention, the location and status of the toilet) to the user.

[0015] "Overlay display" refers to a technology that displays information directly overlaid on the user's field of vision, and is done using AR technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a smart device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and smart glasses according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a headset-type terminal according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of main functions of a data processing device and a robot according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 shows an emotion map onto which multiple emotions are mapped. [Figure 10] 1 shows an emotion map onto which multiple emotions are mapped. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of the data processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the data processing system in Application Example 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the data processing system according to the second embodiment when an emotion engine is combined. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the data processing system in Application Example 2 when an emotion engine is combined. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An example of an embodiment of a system according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0019] In the following embodiments, a coded processor (hereinafter simply referred to as a "processor") may be a single arithmetic device or a combination of multiple arithmetic devices. Furthermore, a processor may be a single type of arithmetic device or a combination of multiple types of arithmetic devices. Examples of arithmetic devices include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GPGPU (General-Purpose computing on Graphics Processing Units), and an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit).

[0020] In the following embodiments, a coded RAM (Random Access Memory) is a memory in which information is temporarily stored and is used as a working memory by a processor.

[0021] In the following embodiments, the coded storage is one or more non-volatile storage devices that store various programs, various parameters, etc. Examples of non-volatile storage devices include flash memory (SSD (Solid State Drive)), magnetic disks (e.g., hard disks), and magnetic tapes.

[0022] In the following embodiments, a communication I / F (Interface) with a symbol is an interface including a communication processor, an antenna, etc. The communication I / F controls communication between multiple computers. Examples of communication standards applied to the communication I / F include wireless communication standards including 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0023] In the following embodiments, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed connected by "and / or."

[0024] [First embodiment]

[0025] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] 1, a data processing system 10 includes a data processing device 12 and a smart device 14. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0027] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0028] The smart device 14 includes a computer 36, a reception device 38, an output device 40, a camera 42, and a communication I / F 44. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The reception device 38, the output device 40, and the camera 42 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0029] The reception device 38 includes a touch panel 38A, a microphone 38B, and the like, and receives user input. The touch panel 38A detects contact with an indicator (for example, a pen or a finger) to receive user input by the touch of the indicator. The microphone 38B detects the user's voice to receive user input by voice. The control unit 46A transmits data indicating the user input received by the touch panel 38A and the microphone 38B to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the data indicating the user input.

[0030] The output device 40 includes a display 40A and a speaker 40B, and presents data to the user 20 by outputting the data in a form of expression that the user 20 can perceive (for example, audio and / or text). The display 40A displays visible information such as text and images in accordance with instructions from the processor 46. The speaker 40B outputs audio in accordance with instructions from the processor 46. The camera 42 is a compact digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.

[0031] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 control the exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart device 14.

[0033] 2, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific processing program 56 is stored in the storage 32. The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32 and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific process is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0034] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0035] In the smart device 14, the processor 46 performs the reception output process. The storage 50 stores a reception output program 60. The reception output program 60 is used in conjunction with the specific processing program 56 by the data processing system 10. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50 and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0037] This invention is a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest toilet in situations where they need to respond immediately to a sudden urge to urinate or defecate. This system works by having a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquire current location information and send that data to a server.

[0038] Program processing

[0039] Acquiring and sending current location information

[0040] Device:

[0041] It uses a GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location, which includes latitude and longitude data.

[0042] For example, assume that the current location information acquired at the west exit of Shinjuku Station is "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0043] The acquired current location information is sent to the server.

[0044] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0045] server:

[0046] Based on the received current location information, the system searches a database for nearby toilet information, for example, toilets within a 500-meter radius.

[0047] Toilet information includes metadata such as the toilet's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and occupancy status.

[0048] For example, collect information such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0049] The toilet information searched for is sent to the terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0050] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0051] Device:

[0052] Analyze the received toilet information and extract and analyze the necessary information.

[0053] After analyzing the location information and detailed metadata of the restroom (e.g. distance, occupancy status), it prepares to overlay it in the user's field of view.

[0054] Using the AR display engine, an indicator pointing to the location of the toilet is overlaid within the user's field of vision.

[0055] For example, the screen will display "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0056] Guidance to the toilet

[0057] User:

[0058] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow it to the nearest toilet.

[0059] For example, as you travel the 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator will continue to update and provide guidance until you arrive.

[0060] In this way, the system of the present invention allows users to quickly find a restroom using their current location information, significantly reducing the stress of dealing with a sudden need to urinate or defecate. Real-time information such as congestion status is also provided, allowing for optimal use of the restroom.

[0061] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0062] Step 1:

[0063] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, including latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains the data "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0064] Step 2:

[0065] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The data sent includes latitude and longitude information.

[0066] Step 3:

[0067] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0068] Step 4:

[0069] The server obtains metadata such as the location, available hours, and congestion status of the relevant restroom. For example, it extracts data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0070] Step 5:

[0071] The server packages the acquired toilet information in a format such as JSON and sends it to the terminal.

[0072] Step 6:

[0073] The device analyzes the received restroom information, extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom, and prepares to display them in the user's field of view.

[0074] Step 7:

[0075] The device uses the AR display engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom within the user's field of view. For example, the screen might say, "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0076] Step 8:

[0077] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view and follows the guidance to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, accurately guiding them.

[0078] This series of processing steps allows the user to quickly find the nearest toilet based on current location information and respond to a sudden need to urinate or defecate.

[0079] Example 1

[0080] Next, a description will be given of Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0081] Conventional technology has struggled to provide users with a means to quickly and smoothly find the nearest facility when they suddenly need to urinate or defecate. Existing systems also struggled to provide detailed real-time information about facility congestion and opening hours. This resulted in insufficient support for users and increased stress from dealing with sudden situations.

[0082] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the first embodiment is realized by the following means.

[0083] In this invention, the server includes a location information acquisition means, a means for transmitting the acquired location information to the communication device, and a means for the communication device to search a database for nearby facility information based on the location information and transmit data including the facility information to the terminal. This allows users to quickly find facilities using their current location information. Furthermore, detailed information such as the facility's location, distance, and available hours is also provided, allowing users to use the facility in the most optimal way.

[0084] "Location information acquisition means" refers to a device or technology that measures the user's current location and acquires it as data.

[0085] "Communication device" refers to devices and technologies for transmitting acquired data to other devices or systems.

[0086] "Facility information" refers to detailed data about a specific facility, such as its location, distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[0087] A "database" refers to a system that systematically stores and manages information and allows it to be searched and retrieved as needed.

[0088] "Terminal" refers to an electronic device that a user can directly operate or view.

[0089] "Display device" refers to a device capable of visually displaying information.

[0090] The present invention is a system that allows a user to quickly and smoothly find the nearest toilet when they suddenly feel the need to urinate or defecate. This system is mainly composed of a terminal, a server, and the interaction between the user and the user.

[0091] Acquisition and communication of current location information

[0092] The device first obtains the user's current location information using a GPS sensor. This GPS sensor is generally built into mobile devices such as smartphones and AR glasses. Specifically, the device reads latitude and longitude information from the GPS chip. This process is performed using the device's built-in API. For example, if the user is at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the obtained location information will be "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0093] The acquired current location information is sent from the device to the server. This transmission is generally carried out using the HTTPS protocol. The location information is packaged in JSON format or similar and sent to the server's API endpoint.

[0094] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0095] The server searches a database for nearby restroom information based on the received location information. The database stores not only the restroom's location information, but also metadata such as the restroom's opening hours and occupancy status. The server retrieves restroom information within a specific radius using an SQL query. For example, a range specification query such as "SELECT FROM restroom information WHERE latitude BETWEEN 35.6890 AND 35.6900 AND longitude BETWEEN 139.6900 AND 139.6930" is used.

[0096] The toilet information obtained as a search result is formatted in JSON format by the server and sent to the device. For example, data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" is sent to the device in JSON format.

[0097] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0098] The device analyzes the restroom information received from the server. Specifically, it parses the received JSON data and extracts the necessary information (e.g., latitude, longitude, distance, and congestion status). This information is then passed to the AR engine, which prepares an indicator to be displayed in the user's field of view. The AR engine has the function of overlaying an indicator on the device's camera image. For example, information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is overlaid in the user's field of view.

[0099] Guidance to the toilet

[0100] The user checks the indicator displayed within their field of view on the device's display and follows the instructions to the nearest restroom. The indicator is updated in real time to show the direction and distance the user should go. For example, if the user travels 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator will guide them by updating the information in real time: "150 meters," "100 meters," "50 meters."

[0101] Specific examples

[0102] If a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station suddenly feels the need to urinate,

[0103] 1. The device obtains the current location information of "Latitude: 35.6895, Longitude: 139.6917" from the GPS sensor and sends it to the server.

[0104] 2. Based on the location information received by the server, it searches the database for information about nearby toilets, formats it as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'", and sends it to the terminal.

[0105] 3. The device analyzes the information received and uses the AR engine to display an indicator saying "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion."

[0106] 4. The user checks the indicator through the AR glasses and follows it to Toilet A.

[0107] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0108] Describe a system that can quickly find the nearest restroom based on current location information when a user suddenly feels the urge to urinate. This system uses a smartphone or AR glasses, and sends current location information obtained by a GPS sensor to a server. The server uses this information to search a database for nearby restroom information and sends information such as the location and occupancy status of the restroom to the device. The device analyzes the received information and displays it as an overlay in the user's field of view using an AR display engine. The user can then follow the indicator in their field of view to find the nearest restroom. Please explain using a concrete example.

[0109] This allows users to respond quickly to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, significantly reducing stress. Furthermore, real-time information such as congestion status and available times is provided, enabling optimal use of the restroom.

[0110] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0111] Step 1:

[0112] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. The input is a signal from the GPS sensor, and the output is latitude and longitude data. Specifically, the device's GPS module receives signals from satellites and processes them internally to generate location data. This processing is performed through the device's built-in API. For example, for a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the location will be "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0113] Step 2:

[0114] The current location information acquired by the device is sent to the server. The input is the latitude and longitude data acquired in step 1, and the output is an HTTPS request. Specifically, the acquired location information is packaged in JSON format and sent to the server's API endpoint using the HTTPS protocol. This process transfers the user's location information to the server.

[0115] Step 3:

[0116] The server searches a database for nearby toilet information based on the location information received. The input is the user's latitude and longitude data, and the output is a list of toilet information. Specifically, the server uses an SQL query to search the database and obtain toilets within a specific radius. For example, a query like "SELECT FROM TOILET INFORMATION WHERE latitude BETWEEN 35.6890 AND 35.6900 AND longitude BETWEEN 139.6900 AND 139.6930" is executed.

[0117] Step 4:

[0118] The server formats the search results and converts them into a format that can be sent to the terminal. The input is a list of toilet information retrieved from the database, and the output is the toilet information in JSON format. Specifically, each record in the search results is converted into a JSON object, and this is used as the overall response. For example, the information "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" is converted into JSON format.

[0119] Step 5:

[0120] The server sends the formatted restroom information to the device. The input is JSON-formatted restroom information, and the output is an HTTPS response. Specifically, the HTTPS protocol is used to send the JSON data to the device's receiving API endpoint. In this way, the restroom information is transferred to the device.

[0121] Step 6:

[0122] The terminal analyzes the toilet information received. The input is the JSON data received from the server, and the output is the analyzed toilet information (e.g., latitude, longitude, distance, and congestion status). Specifically, the received JSON data is parsed, and the necessary information is extracted and organized. For example, the information extracted is "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0123] Step 7:

[0124] The device passes the extracted information to the AR engine and prepares for the overlay display. The input is the analyzed restroom information, and the output is the indicator set in the AR engine. Specifically, the indicator position and display content are set in the device's AR engine, and preparations are made for it to be displayed within the user's field of view. For example, information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is set in the AR engine.

[0125] Step 8:

[0126] The device uses the AR engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom in the user's field of view. The input is the indicator information set in the AR engine, and the output is the indicator displayed in the user's field of view. Specifically, the indicator is displayed by overlaying it on the device's camera image. For example, an indicator saying "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is displayed on the screen.

[0127] Step 9:

[0128] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view through AR glasses or a smartphone screen and follows it to the nearest restroom. The input is the indicator information displayed in their field of view, and the output is the movement behavior to the restroom. Specifically, the user walks according to the indicator's instructions and arrives accurately at the restroom's location. For example, as the user travels 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator continues to update in real time, providing guidance until arrival.

[0129] (Application example 1)

[0130] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0131] Conventional toilet guidance systems are designed for use by people walking or in general driving situations, and are not suitable for use in autonomous vehicles. When users of autonomous vehicles suddenly need to urinate or defecate, they are unable to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet, making it difficult and stressful to find a toilet.

[0132] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the application example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0133] In this invention, the server includes means for acquiring current location information of the user, means for transmitting the current location information to the server, means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to the terminal, means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the location of the toilet within the user's field of view, and means for acquiring current location information of the vehicle and displaying and guiding the user to the nearest toilet in real time. This enables users of autonomous vehicles to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet and reduce stress even when they suddenly feel the urge to urinate or defecate.

[0134] "User" refers to a person using the system or a passenger in an autonomous vehicle.

[0135] "Current location information" refers to latitude and longitude data obtained by a location information acquisition device such as a GPS sensor.

[0136] A "server" refers to a computer system that has the function of searching for nearby toilet information based on location information and sending the relevant data to a terminal.

[0137] "Toilet information" refers to information including metadata such as the location, distance, congestion status, and available hours of the toilet.

[0138] "Terminal" refers to a device that acquires current location information and analyzes and displays the received toilet information, and specifically includes smartphones and AR glasses.

[0139] "GPS sensor" refers to a sensor for the Global Positioning System, which identifies a location on Earth by latitude and longitude.

[0140] "Crowdedness status" is information indicating the usage status of the toilet, and examples include states such as "crowded," "normal," and "empty."

[0141] "Displayed in the field of view" refers to overlaying and displaying information in a position where the user can directly see it.

[0142] "Real-time display and guidance" refers to instantly updating information according to the current situation and providing display and route guidance.

[0143] An "autonomous vehicle" refers to a vehicle that drives autonomously using artificial intelligence and sensors.

[0144] The present invention provides a system for quickly and accurately finding the nearest toilet in order to respond to a sudden need to urinate or defecate in an autonomous vehicle. Specific embodiments of the system are described below.

[0145] 1. System Configuration

[0146] server:

[0147] The server has the following functions:

[0148] Receiving current location information: The server receives the current location information sent from the user terminal. The location information includes latitude and longitude.

[0149] Search and collection of toilet information: The server searches for nearby toilet information based on the received location information. The toilet information includes the toilet's location, distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[0150] Sending toilet information: The server sends the toilet information it has searched and collected to the user's terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0151] Device:

[0152] Terminals are devices that have the following functions, specifically including smartphones and AR glasses:

[0153] Obtaining current location information: The device obtains current location information using the GPS sensor.

[0154] Receiving and analyzing toilet information: The terminal receives and analyzes the toilet information sent from the server.

[0155] Display device: Uses an AR display engine to overlay the received toilet information in the user's field of view.

[0156] 2. Hardware and Software Used

[0157] GPS sensor: A sensor for the Global Positioning System that identifies a location on Earth using latitude and longitude. Specifically, it uses the GPS chip built into a smartphone or an external GPS device.

[0158] Server: A computer system connected to a database, implemented in a programming language such as Python, that receives, searches, and sends data.

[0159] AR display engine: Software for overlaying information into the user's field of view. Specifically, it uses the smart glass SDK, etc.

[0160] Communication module: Internet connection function for sending current location information and receiving toilet information. Specifically, it uses Wi-Fi and mobile data communication.

[0161] 3. Specific Examples

[0162] Consider the case where a user of an autonomous vehicle suddenly feels the urge to urinate while driving through an urban area. In this case, the user's device (specifically, a smartphone) uses a GPS sensor to obtain current location information (e.g., latitude 35.6895, longitude 139.6917). The device then sends the obtained location information to a server. The server uses this location information to search for toilet information within a 500-meter radius, and sends information such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" to the device.

[0163] The device analyzes the received restroom information and displays it as an overlay in the user's field of vision. For example, the smartphone screen may display "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion." The user is guided to the nearest restroom based on the information displayed in their field of vision.

[0164] Generative AI model prompt example

[0165] Here are some examples of prompts to input to the generative AI model:

[0166] "We are developing an application that will find the nearest toilet in real time when a user needs to use the restroom, and will also display detailed information such as the toilet's occupancy status and available hours. This system is intended for use in autonomous vehicles, and is designed to allow users to instantly obtain toilet information from inside the vehicle."

[0167] This configuration significantly reduces the stress a user experiences when dealing with a sudden need to urinate or defecate, and enables the user to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet.

[0168] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0169] Step 1:

[0170] When a user suddenly feels the need to urinate or defecate, they launch a smartphone application. The application first obtains current location information (latitude and longitude) using the GPS sensor. The input is "current location information from the GPS sensor" and the output is "current location information (latitude: xx.xxxx, longitude: yy.yyyy)". At this stage, the device obtains the raw data from the GPS sensor and converts it into latitude and longitude format.

[0171] Step 2:

[0172] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The input here is "current location information" and the output is "location data to be sent to the server." The device serializes the location information in JSON format and sends it to the server via an HTTP request.

[0173] Step 3:

[0174] The server receives the current location information sent from the device. The input is "current location data from the device" and the output is "location data reception completed." The received location data is queried against the database to search for nearby toilet information.

[0175] Step 4:

[0176] The server searches for and collects information on the nearest restroom from the current location based on the restroom information stored in the database. The input is "current location data" and the output is "a list of restroom information." The server searches the database using SQL queries and retrieves restroom information including metadata such as distance and congestion status.

[0177] Step 5:

[0178] The server formats the collected toilet information in JSON format or similar and sends it to the device. The input is a "list of toilet information" and the output is "JSON data of the toilet information to be sent to the device." The server serializes the toilet information and returns it to the device as an HTTP response.

[0179] Step 6:

[0180] The device receives and analyzes the toilet information sent from the server. The input is "toilet information data from the server" and the output is "analyzed toilet information." The device deserializes the received data and extracts the necessary information.

[0181] Step 7:

[0182] Based on the analyzed restroom information, the device uses an AR display engine to overlay the information in the user's field of view. The input is the "analyzed restroom information" and the output is the "restroom information displayed in the user's field of view." The device displays an indicator showing the location of the restroom, guiding the user to easily go to the restroom.

[0183] Step 8:

[0184] The user checks the information displayed on the device and heads to the nearest restroom. The input is "user's visual information" and the output is "user's behavior." Based on the information obtained through the AR display engine, the user can take the shortest route to the restroom.

[0185] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59 and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[0186] The present invention provides a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom in situations where a sudden urge to urinate or defecate is required, and also provides a function that optimizes the response by taking into account the user's emotional state. This system involves a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquiring current location information and sending that data to a server. In addition, it uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and adjusts the display of restroom information based on the user's state.

[0187] Program processing

[0188] Acquiring and sending current location information

[0189] Device:

[0190] The GPS sensor is used to obtain the user's current location information. This includes latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the data obtained is "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0191] The acquired current location information is sent to the server.

[0192] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0193] server:

[0194] Based on the received current location information, the system searches the database for nearby toilet information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0195] Toilet information includes metadata such as the toilet's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and occupancy status.

[0196] As an example, extract the data "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'".

[0197] The toilet information searched for is sent to the terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0198] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[0199] Terminal (Emotion Engine):

[0200] The emotion engine uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and determines their emotional state. For example, if the user's face is pale or their voice is trembling, it may detect "tension" or "stress."

[0201] If the user is feeling nervous or stressed, the emotion engine generates data indicative of this and feeds it back into the toilet information display process.

[0202] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0203] Device:

[0204] The received toilet information is analyzed, and the location information and detailed metadata of each toilet are extracted.

[0205] Based on feedback from the emotion engine, the system prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. For example, if the user is feeling very nervous, the system prioritizes displaying the nearest, unoccupied restroom.

[0206] Preparing and running AR display

[0207] Device:

[0208] Using the AR display engine, an indicator showing the location of the toilet is overlaid within the user's field of view. For example, "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is displayed on the screen.

[0209] It is also possible to visually emphasize the user's emotional state by changing the indicator's design and color depending on the user's emotional state.

[0210] Guidance to the toilet

[0211] User:

[0212] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow it to the nearest toilet.

[0213] The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, guiding them accurately.

[0214] In this way, the system of the present invention allows users to quickly find the nearest restroom based on their current location information, and by using the emotion engine, it provides optimal restroom information according to the user's level of urgency, allowing them to efficiently respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, which can significantly reduce stress in urban environments.

[0215] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0216] Step 1:

[0217] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, including latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains the data "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0218] Step 2:

[0219] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The data sent includes latitude and longitude information.

[0220] Step 3:

[0221] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0222] Step 4:

[0223] The server obtains metadata such as the location, available hours, and congestion status of the relevant restroom. For example, it extracts data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0224] Step 5:

[0225] The server packages the acquired toilet information in a format such as JSON and sends it to the terminal.

[0226] Step 6:

[0227] The device (emotion engine) recognizes the user's emotional state. It uses a camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and generates "tension" data if the user is nervous, for example.

[0228] Step 7:

[0229] The terminal analyzes the received restroom information and extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom.

[0230] Step 8:

[0231] The device selects the most appropriate restroom information for the user based on feedback from the emotion engine. For example, if the user is feeling very nervous, the device will prioritize the nearest, unoccupied restroom.

[0232] Step 9:

[0233] The device uses the AR display engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom within the user's field of view. For example, the screen might say, "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0234] Step 10:

[0235] The device will adjust the indicator's design and color according to the user's emotional state, for example, turning the indicator red in an emergency.

[0236] Step 11:

[0237] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view and follows the guidance to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, accurately guiding them.

[0238] This series of processing steps allows users to quickly find the nearest toilet based on their current location and emotional state, allowing them to deal with sudden urges to urinate or defecate. Utilizing the emotion engine makes it possible to provide optimal toilet information according to the user's level of urgency, reducing stress in urban environments.

[0239] Example 2

[0240] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0241] In urban environments, users often encounter situations where they need to respond quickly to an urgent need to urinate or defecate. However, finding the nearest toilet is difficult, causing unnecessary stress for users. Adding to this problem is the lack of guidance that not only informs users of the toilet's location but also responds to the user's emotional state. As a result, users become even more confused in urgent situations and are unable to use the toilet efficiently.

[0242] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means.

[0243] In this invention, the server includes means for acquiring current location information of the user, means for transmitting the current location information to the server, means for the server to search for nearby restroom information based on the current location information and transmit data including the restroom information to the terminal, means for the terminal to analyze the received restroom information and display the positions of the restrooms within the user's field of view, and means for recognizing the user's emotional state using an emotion analysis engine and adjusting the displayed restroom information based on the emotional state. This allows the user to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden urges to urinate or defecate and receive optimal restroom guidance according to their emotional state, thereby significantly reducing stress in urban environments.

[0244] A "user" is a person who uses the system to obtain toilet location information.

[0245] "Current location information" is latitude and longitude data indicating the user's current location obtained by the terminal.

[0246] The "server" is a central processing unit that receives information about the user's current location, searches for information about nearby toilets, and transmits the data to the terminal.

[0247] A "terminal" is a device carried by a user, such as a smartphone or AR glasses, that is equipped with a GPS sensor and an emotion analysis engine.

[0248] A "GPS sensor" is a sensor installed on a device that acquires the user's current location information.

[0249] "Restroom information" is information that includes metadata such as the location, distance, available hours, and congestion status of the restroom.

[0250] A "database" is an information repository that stores restroom information.

[0251] The "emotion analysis engine" is a component within the system that contains algorithms that use a camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and voice and determine their emotional state.

[0252] A "toilet" is a facility that a user uses to relieve the urge to defecate or urinate.

[0253] An "indicator" is an indicator that indicates the location of a toilet and is overlaid on the user's field of view using the AR display engine.

[0254] This invention is a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom in situations where a sudden urge to urinate or defecate is required, and also provides a function that optimizes the response by taking into account the user's emotional state. This system involves a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquiring current location information and sending that data to a server. In addition, it uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and adjusts the display of restroom information based on the user's state.

[0255] Program processing

[0256] Obtaining current location information

[0257] Device:

[0258] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. This information includes latitude and longitude data. For example, if a user is at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains data such as "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0259] Sending current location information

[0260] Device:

[0261] The acquired current location information is sent to the server via Wi-Fi or mobile data communication.

[0262] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0263] server:

[0264] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0265] The restroom information includes metadata such as the restroom's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status. As an example, we extract the data "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0266] The toilet information search results are sent to the terminal in a data format such as JSON.

[0267] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[0268] Terminal (Emotion Engine):

[0269] The emotion engine uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and determines the user's emotional state. For example, if the user's face is pale and their voice is trembling, it will detect "tension."

[0270] The results of the assessment are fed back into an internal process to generate data indicating the user's tension.

[0271] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0272] Device:

[0273] The toilet information received from the server is analyzed, and the location information and detailed metadata of each toilet are extracted.

[0274] Based on feedback from the emotion engine, the system prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. For example, if the user is feeling very tense, the system prioritizes displaying the nearest, unoccupied restroom (e.g., "Restroom A").

[0275] Preparing and running AR display

[0276] Device:

[0277] The AR display engine is started, and an indicator showing the location of the toilet is overlaid in the user's field of view. For example, it displays "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion."

[0278] For example, the design and color of the indicator can be changed depending on the user's emotional state, highlighting it with red when tense and blue when relaxed.

[0279] Guidance to the toilet

[0280] User:

[0281] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow the instructions to the nearest toilet.

[0282] The indicator continues to update in real time until arrival. For example, if new toilet information is received while the user is on their way to "Toilet A," navigation based on that information will also be provided.

[0283] By implementing the system of the present invention in this way, users can quickly find the nearest toilet based on their current location information, and by using the emotion engine, the system provides optimal toilet information according to the user's level of urgency. This allows users to efficiently respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, significantly reducing stress in urban environments.

[0284] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0285] "Based on the current latitude and longitude, search for toilet information within a 500 meter radius and display the nearest toilet. If the user is nervous, provide toilet information that corresponds to that state with priority."

[0286] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0287] Step 1:

[0288] Obtaining current location information

[0289] The device activates the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. This operation collects latitude and longitude data. Specifically, the device obtains data of "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917" from a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station. The input is the device's GPS sensor, and the output is the obtained latitude and longitude data.

[0290] Step 2:

[0291] Sending current location information

[0292] The device sends the acquired current location information (latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917) to the server. Wi-Fi or mobile data communication is used as the communication method. Specifically, the device sends the latitude and longitude data to the server. The input is the acquired latitude and longitude data, and the output is the data to be sent to the server.

[0293] Step 3:

[0294] Search and collect information about nearby toilets

[0295] The server searches the database for information about nearby restrooms based on the current location information received from the device. The search range is, for example, within a radius of 500 meters. Based on this information, the server collects metadata such as the restroom's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status, and sends this to the device in a data format such as JSON. As a specific example, the data extracted is "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'." The input is the current location information, and the output is restroom information (metadata for Toilet A).

[0296] Step 4:

[0297] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[0298] The device activates the camera and microphone, and analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice using an emotion analysis engine. This analysis determines the user's emotional state. Specifically, if the user's face is pale and their voice is trembling, it detects "tension." The data on the emotional state is fed back to an internal process. The inputs are camera footage and audio data, and the output is data indicating the user's emotional state.

[0299] Step 5:

[0300] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0301] The device analyzes the restroom information received from the server and extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom. Based on feedback from the emotion engine, it prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. Specifically, if the user is feeling very tense, it prioritizes displaying the nearest vacant restroom, for example, "Restroom A." The inputs are restroom information and the user's emotional state, and the output is optimized restroom information.

[0302] Step 6:

[0303] Preparing and running AR display

[0304] The device launches an AR display engine and displays an indicator overlaid within the user's field of view indicating the location of the restroom. As a specific example, it displays "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion." The indicator's design and color can also be changed depending on the user's emotional state, changing to red when tense and blue when relaxed. The inputs are optimized restroom information and the user's emotional state, and the output is an indicator overlaid within the user's field of view.

[0305] Step 7:

[0306] Guidance to the toilet

[0307] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view through the AR glasses and follows the instructions to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update in real time until the user arrives, accurately guiding the user. As a concrete example, if new restroom information is received while the user is heading to "Restroom A," navigation based on that information is also provided. The input is the indicator overlaid in the user's field of view, and the output is the user reaching the desired restroom.

[0308] (Application example 2)

[0309] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart device 14 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0310] When a user in an autonomous vehicle suddenly needs to urinate or defecate, there is a need to be able to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom and to provide optimal information taking into account the user's emotional state.However, conventional systems lack the ability to provide restroom guidance that takes into account the user's emotional state or to guide the user to the restroom in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system.

[0311] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 2 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes: means for acquiring current location information of the user; means for transmitting the current location information to the server; means for searching for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmitting data including the toilet information to the terminal; means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the toilet locations in the user's field of view; means for analyzing the user's emotional state using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on the emotional state; and means for guiding the user to the optimal toilet in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system. This makes it possible to respond promptly to a sudden urge to urinate or defecate, provide optimal toilet information that takes the user's emotional state into consideration, and quickly guide the user to the toilet.

[0312] The "means for acquiring the user's current location information" refers to a device or software for acquiring the latitude and longitude of the user's current location.

[0313] The "means for transmitting the current location information to the server" refers to a device or software having a communication function for transmitting the acquired current location information of the user to the server.

[0314] "Means for searching for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmitting data including the toilet information to the terminal" refers to a mechanism for searching a database for information such as the location and status of nearby toilets based on the current location information received by the server, and transmitting the results to the terminal.

[0315] "Means for analyzing received toilet information and displaying the location of the toilet within the user's field of vision" refers to a device or software for analyzing the toilet information received by the terminal and displaying it within the user's field of vision.

[0316] "Means for analyzing the emotional state of the user using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on said emotional state" refers to a system that analyzes the user's facial expressions, tone of voice, etc. to recognize their emotional state and appropriately adjusts the toilet information to be displayed based on that emotional state.

[0317] "Means for guiding users to the most suitable restroom in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system" refers to a function that works in cooperation with the navigation system of an autonomous vehicle to provide route guidance to lead users to the nearest restroom.

[0318] This invention is a system that provides optimal toilet information to a user who suddenly feels the urge to urinate or defecate in an autonomous vehicle, and guides them to the toilet quickly and smoothly. This system is particularly characterized by providing optimal information taking into account the user's emotional state.

[0319] System configuration

[0320] The system has the following main features:

[0321] 1. Obtaining and sending current location information:

[0322] The server uses the vehicle's GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, which includes latitude and longitude data, and transmits that data to the server.

[0323] 2. Searching and collecting toilet information:

[0324] Based on the received current location information, the server searches a database for information on nearby toilets, generates a dataset containing metadata such as the location, opening hours, and congestion status of the toilets, and sends it to the terminal.

[0325] 3. Recognizing the user's emotional state:

[0326] The device uses its built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and uses an emotion recognition engine to determine the user's emotional state. For example, if the user is feeling strong tension or stress, the emotion engine will generate data indicating that state.

[0327] 4. Analysis and display of toilet information:

[0328] The device analyzes the received restroom information and displays the most appropriate restroom information for the user based on their emotional state, with the nearest available restroom being given priority.

[0329] 5. Navigation System Integration:

[0330] It works in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user to the appropriate toilet, and the navigation system provides real-time route guidance to assist the user until they reach their destination.

[0331] Hardware and Software

[0332] Hardware used:

[0333] GPS sensor: Used to obtain the vehicle's current location.

[0334] Camera and microphone: Used to recognize the user's emotional state.

[0335] Smart glasses or in-car displays: To provide visual restroom and navigation information to users.

[0336] Software used:

[0337] Emotion recognition engine: Recognizes the user's emotional state by analyzing their facial expressions and tone of voice (e.g., OpenCV).

[0338] Navigation system: Works in conjunction with the vehicle's existing navigation system to provide route guidance to the restroom.

[0339] Specific examples

[0340] For example, if a user feels a strong urge to urinate while driving near Shinjuku Station, the system will act as follows:

[0341] 1. Get current location information:

[0342] "Use the GPS sensor to obtain the vehicle's current location. Assume the vehicle is located in central Tokyo."

[0343] 2. Toilet information search:

[0344] "Based on your current location, search our database for toilets within a 500 meter radius."

[0345] 3. Emotion recognition:

[0346] "Use the camera and microphone to recognize the user's emotions and determine if they are feeling nervous or stressed."

[0347] 4. Information display:

[0348] "Consider the user's emotional state and display information about the nearest available restroom on smart glasses or an in-car display."

[0349] 5. Navigation:

[0350] "Please use your vehicle's navigation system to navigate to the selected restroom."

[0351] In this way, this system allows the user to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, and provides optimal information and guidance that takes into account the user's emotional state.

[0352] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0353] Step 1:

[0354] Get the user's current location:

[0355] The terminal obtains current location information from the GPS sensor installed in the autonomous vehicle. At this time, it obtains latitude and longitude data (for example, "Latitude: 35.6895, Longitude: 139.6917" at the west exit of Shinjuku Station). The input is the data from the GPS sensor, and the output is the latitude and longitude location information.

[0356] Step 2:

[0357] Send current location:

[0358] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The input is the device's current location information, and the output is the location information data sent to the server. This allows the server to recognize the user's specific location.

[0359] Step 3:

[0360] Search for nearby toilet information:

[0361] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information (location, distance, congestion status, etc.) based on the received location information. For example, it searches for data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'." The input is the current location information, and the output is a list of matching toilet information.

[0362] Step 4:

[0363] Emotional state recognition:

[0364] The system uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice. It uses an emotion recognition engine to determine the user's emotional state (e.g., "tension" or "stress"). The input is data from the camera and microphone, and the output is data indicating the user's emotional state.

[0365] Step 5:

[0366] Toilet information analysis:

[0367] The device selects the most suitable restroom information for the user based on the received restroom information and emotional state. If the emotional state is determined to be "tension" or "stress," the device will prioritize the nearest, unoccupied restroom. The input is restroom information and emotional state data, and the output is the most suitable restroom information.

[0368] Step 6:

[0369] Toilet information display:

[0370] The terminal displays the selected optimal restroom information on smart glasses or an in-car display. For example, it provides visual information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion." The input is the optimal restroom information, and the output is visual restroom guidance to the user.

[0371] Step 7:

[0372] Toilet Guidance:

[0373] It works in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user along the optimal route to the selected restroom. Route guidance is updated in real time, supporting the user until they reach their destination accurately. The input is the location information of the optimal restroom, and the output is navigation route information for the user.

[0374] This series of steps allows users to quickly respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, and guides them to the most suitable toilet based on their emotional state.

[0375] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the smart device 14. In the smart device 14, the control unit 46A causes the output device 40 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 38B acquires audio indicating a user input regarding the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits audio data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 38B to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[0376] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet Search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating voice, text data indicating text, and image data indicating an image is also input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data in accordance with the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0377] In the above embodiment, an example in which the specific process is performed by the data processing device 12 has been given, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific process may be performed by the smart device 14.

[0378] [Second embodiment]

[0379] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0380] 3, the data processing system 210 includes the data processing device 12 and smart glasses 214. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0381] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0382] The smart glasses 214 include a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, and a communication I / F 44. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, the speaker 240, and the camera 42 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0383] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio in accordance with instructions from the processor 46.

[0384] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the field of vision of a typical healthy person).

[0385] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is carried out in a secure state.

[0386] Fig. 4 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart glasses 214. As shown in Fig. 4, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[0387] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32 and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0388] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0389] In the smart glasses 214, the reception output process is performed by the processor 46. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50 and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0390] Next, a description will be given of the identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[0391] This invention is a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest toilet in situations where they need to respond immediately to a sudden urge to urinate or defecate. This system works by having a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquire current location information and send that data to a server.

[0392] Program processing

[0393] Acquiring and sending current location information

[0394] Device:

[0395] It uses a GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location, which includes latitude and longitude data.

[0396] For example, assume that the current location information acquired at the west exit of Shinjuku Station is "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0397] The acquired current location information is sent to the server.

[0398] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0399] server:

[0400] Based on the received current location information, the system searches a database for nearby toilet information, for example, toilets within a 500-meter radius.

[0401] Toilet information includes metadata such as the toilet's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and occupancy status.

[0402] For example, collect information such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0403] The toilet information searched for is sent to the terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0404] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0405] Device:

[0406] Analyze the received toilet information and extract and analyze the necessary information.

[0407] After analyzing the location information and detailed metadata of the restroom (e.g. distance, occupancy status), it prepares to overlay it in the user's field of view.

[0408] Using the AR display engine, an indicator pointing to the location of the toilet is overlaid within the user's field of vision.

[0409] For example, the screen will display "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0410] Guidance to the toilet

[0411] User:

[0412] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow it to the nearest toilet.

[0413] For example, as you travel the 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator will continue to update and provide guidance until you arrive.

[0414] In this way, the system of the present invention allows users to quickly find a restroom using their current location information, significantly reducing the stress of dealing with a sudden need to urinate or defecate. Real-time information such as congestion status is also provided, allowing for optimal use of the restroom.

[0415] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0416] Step 1:

[0417] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, including latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains the data "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0418] Step 2:

[0419] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The data sent includes latitude and longitude information.

[0420] Step 3:

[0421] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0422] Step 4:

[0423] The server obtains metadata such as the location, available hours, and congestion status of the relevant restroom. For example, it extracts data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0424] Step 5:

[0425] The server packages the acquired toilet information in a format such as JSON and sends it to the terminal.

[0426] Step 6:

[0427] The device analyzes the received restroom information, extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom, and prepares to display them in the user's field of view.

[0428] Step 7:

[0429] The device uses the AR display engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom within the user's field of view. For example, the screen might say, "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0430] Step 8:

[0431] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view and follows the guidance to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, accurately guiding them.

[0432] This series of processing steps allows the user to quickly find the nearest toilet based on current location information and respond to a sudden need to urinate or defecate.

[0433] Example 1

[0434] Next, a description will be given of Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0435] Conventional technology has struggled to provide users with a means to quickly and smoothly find the nearest facility when they suddenly need to urinate or defecate. Existing systems also struggled to provide detailed real-time information about facility congestion and opening hours. This resulted in insufficient support for users and increased stress from dealing with sudden situations.

[0436] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the first embodiment is realized by the following means.

[0437] In this invention, the server includes a location information acquisition means, a means for transmitting the acquired location information to the communication device, and a means for the communication device to search a database for nearby facility information based on the location information and transmit data including the facility information to the terminal. This allows users to quickly find facilities using their current location information. Furthermore, detailed information such as the facility's location, distance, and available hours is also provided, allowing users to use the facility in the most optimal way.

[0438] "Location information acquisition means" refers to a device or technology that measures the user's current location and acquires it as data.

[0439] "Communication device" refers to devices and technologies for transmitting acquired data to other devices or systems.

[0440] "Facility information" refers to detailed data about a specific facility, such as its location, distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[0441] A "database" refers to a system that systematically stores and manages information and allows it to be searched and retrieved as needed.

[0442] "Terminal" refers to an electronic device that a user can directly operate or view.

[0443] "Display device" refers to a device capable of visually displaying information.

[0444] The present invention is a system that allows a user to quickly and smoothly find the nearest toilet when they suddenly feel the need to urinate or defecate. This system is mainly composed of a terminal, a server, and the interaction between the user and the user.

[0445] Acquisition and communication of current location information

[0446] The device first obtains the user's current location information using a GPS sensor. This GPS sensor is generally built into mobile devices such as smartphones and AR glasses. Specifically, the device reads latitude and longitude information from the GPS chip. This process is performed using the device's built-in API. For example, if the user is at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the obtained location information will be "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0447] The acquired current location information is sent from the device to the server. This transmission is generally carried out using the HTTPS protocol. The location information is packaged in JSON format or similar and sent to the server's API endpoint.

[0448] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0449] The server searches a database for nearby restroom information based on the received location information. The database stores not only the restroom's location information, but also metadata such as the restroom's opening hours and occupancy status. The server retrieves restroom information within a specific radius using an SQL query. For example, a range specification query such as "SELECT FROM restroom information WHERE latitude BETWEEN 35.6890 AND 35.6900 AND longitude BETWEEN 139.6900 AND 139.6930" is used.

[0450] The toilet information obtained as a search result is formatted in JSON format by the server and sent to the device. For example, data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" is sent to the device in JSON format.

[0451] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0452] The device analyzes the restroom information received from the server. Specifically, it parses the received JSON data and extracts the necessary information (e.g., latitude, longitude, distance, and congestion status). This information is then passed to the AR engine, which prepares an indicator to be displayed in the user's field of view. The AR engine has the function of overlaying an indicator on the device's camera image. For example, information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is overlaid in the user's field of view.

[0453] Guidance to the toilet

[0454] The user checks the indicator displayed within their field of view on the device's display and follows the instructions to the nearest restroom. The indicator is updated in real time to show the direction and distance the user should go. For example, if the user travels 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator will guide them by updating the information in real time: "150 meters," "100 meters," "50 meters."

[0455] Specific examples

[0456] If a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station suddenly feels the need to urinate,

[0457] 1. The device obtains the current location information of "Latitude: 35.6895, Longitude: 139.6917" from the GPS sensor and sends it to the server.

[0458] 2. Based on the location information received by the server, it searches the database for information about nearby toilets, formats it as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'", and sends it to the terminal.

[0459] 3. The device analyzes the information received and uses the AR engine to display an indicator saying "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion."

[0460] 4. The user checks the indicator through the AR glasses and follows it to Toilet A.

[0461] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0462] Describe a system that can quickly find the nearest restroom based on current location information when a user suddenly feels the urge to urinate. This system uses a smartphone or AR glasses, and sends current location information obtained by a GPS sensor to a server. The server uses this information to search a database for nearby restroom information and sends information such as the location and occupancy status of the restroom to the device. The device analyzes the received information and displays it as an overlay in the user's field of view using an AR display engine. The user can then follow the indicator in their field of view to find the nearest restroom. Please explain using a concrete example.

[0463] This allows users to respond quickly to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, significantly reducing stress. Furthermore, real-time information such as congestion status and available times is provided, enabling optimal use of the restroom.

[0464] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0465] Step 1:

[0466] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. The input is a signal from the GPS sensor, and the output is latitude and longitude data. Specifically, the device's GPS module receives signals from satellites and processes them internally to generate location data. This processing is performed through the device's built-in API. For example, for a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the location will be "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0467] Step 2:

[0468] The current location information acquired by the device is sent to the server. The input is the latitude and longitude data acquired in step 1, and the output is an HTTPS request. Specifically, the acquired location information is packaged in JSON format and sent to the server's API endpoint using the HTTPS protocol. This process transfers the user's location information to the server.

[0469] Step 3:

[0470] The server searches a database for nearby toilet information based on the location information received. The input is the user's latitude and longitude data, and the output is a list of toilet information. Specifically, the server uses an SQL query to search the database and obtain toilets within a specific radius. For example, a query like "SELECT FROM TOILET INFORMATION WHERE latitude BETWEEN 35.6890 AND 35.6900 AND longitude BETWEEN 139.6900 AND 139.6930" is executed.

[0471] Step 4:

[0472] The server formats the search results and converts them into a format that can be sent to the terminal. The input is a list of toilet information retrieved from the database, and the output is the toilet information in JSON format. Specifically, each record in the search results is converted into a JSON object, and this is used as the overall response. For example, the information "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" is converted into JSON format.

[0473] Step 5:

[0474] The server sends the formatted restroom information to the device. The input is JSON-formatted restroom information, and the output is an HTTPS response. Specifically, the HTTPS protocol is used to send the JSON data to the device's receiving API endpoint. In this way, the restroom information is transferred to the device.

[0475] Step 6:

[0476] The terminal analyzes the toilet information received. The input is the JSON data received from the server, and the output is the analyzed toilet information (e.g., latitude, longitude, distance, and congestion status). Specifically, the received JSON data is parsed, and the necessary information is extracted and organized. For example, the information extracted is "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0477] Step 7:

[0478] The device passes the extracted information to the AR engine and prepares for the overlay display. The input is the analyzed restroom information, and the output is the indicator set in the AR engine. Specifically, the indicator position and display content are set in the device's AR engine, and preparations are made for it to be displayed within the user's field of view. For example, information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is set in the AR engine.

[0479] Step 8:

[0480] The device uses the AR engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom in the user's field of view. The input is the indicator information set in the AR engine, and the output is the indicator displayed in the user's field of view. Specifically, the indicator is displayed by overlaying it on the device's camera image. For example, an indicator saying "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is displayed on the screen.

[0481] Step 9:

[0482] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view through AR glasses or a smartphone screen and follows it to the nearest restroom. The input is the indicator information displayed in their field of view, and the output is the movement behavior to the restroom. Specifically, the user walks according to the indicator's instructions and arrives accurately at the restroom's location. For example, as the user travels 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator continues to update in real time, providing guidance until arrival.

[0483] (Application example 1)

[0484] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0485] Conventional toilet guidance systems are designed for use by people walking or in general driving situations, and are not suitable for use in autonomous vehicles. When users of autonomous vehicles suddenly need to urinate or defecate, they are unable to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet, making it difficult and stressful to find a toilet.

[0486] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the application example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0487] In this invention, the server includes means for acquiring current location information of the user, means for transmitting the current location information to the server, means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to the terminal, means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the location of the toilet within the user's field of view, and means for acquiring current location information of the vehicle and displaying and guiding the user to the nearest toilet in real time. This enables users of autonomous vehicles to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet and reduce stress even when they suddenly feel the urge to urinate or defecate.

[0488] "User" refers to a person using the system or a passenger in an autonomous vehicle.

[0489] "Current location information" refers to latitude and longitude data obtained by a location information acquisition device such as a GPS sensor.

[0490] A "server" refers to a computer system that has the function of searching for nearby toilet information based on location information and sending the relevant data to a terminal.

[0491] "Toilet information" refers to information including metadata such as the location, distance, congestion status, and available hours of the toilet.

[0492] "Terminal" refers to a device that acquires current location information and analyzes and displays the received toilet information, and specifically includes smartphones and AR glasses.

[0493] "GPS sensor" refers to a sensor for the Global Positioning System, which identifies a location on Earth by latitude and longitude.

[0494] "Crowdedness status" is information indicating the usage status of the toilet, and examples include states such as "crowded," "normal," and "empty."

[0495] "Displayed in the field of view" refers to overlaying and displaying information in a position where the user can directly see it.

[0496] "Real-time display and guidance" refers to instantly updating information according to the current situation and providing display and route guidance.

[0497] An "autonomous vehicle" refers to a vehicle that drives autonomously using artificial intelligence and sensors.

[0498] The present invention provides a system for quickly and accurately finding the nearest toilet in order to respond to a sudden need to urinate or defecate in an autonomous vehicle. Specific embodiments of the system are described below.

[0499] 1. System Configuration

[0500] server:

[0501] The server has the following functions:

[0502] Receiving current location information: The server receives the current location information sent from the user terminal. The location information includes latitude and longitude.

[0503] Search and collection of toilet information: The server searches for nearby toilet information based on the received location information. The toilet information includes the toilet's location, distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[0504] Sending toilet information: The server sends the toilet information it has searched and collected to the user's terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0505] Device:

[0506] Terminals are devices that have the following functions, specifically including smartphones and AR glasses:

[0507] Obtaining current location information: The device obtains current location information using the GPS sensor.

[0508] Receiving and analyzing toilet information: The terminal receives and analyzes the toilet information sent from the server.

[0509] Display device: Uses an AR display engine to overlay the received toilet information in the user's field of view.

[0510] 2. Hardware and Software Used

[0511] GPS sensor: A sensor for the Global Positioning System that identifies a location on Earth using latitude and longitude. Specifically, it uses the GPS chip built into a smartphone or an external GPS device.

[0512] Server: A computer system connected to a database, implemented in a programming language such as Python, that receives, searches, and sends data.

[0513] AR display engine: Software for overlaying information into the user's field of view. Specifically, it uses the smart glass SDK, etc.

[0514] Communication module: Internet connection function for sending current location information and receiving toilet information. Specifically, it uses Wi-Fi and mobile data communication.

[0515] 3. Specific Examples

[0516] Consider the case where a user of an autonomous vehicle suddenly feels the urge to urinate while driving through an urban area. In this case, the user's device (specifically, a smartphone) uses a GPS sensor to obtain current location information (e.g., latitude 35.6895, longitude 139.6917). The device then sends the obtained location information to a server. The server uses this location information to search for toilet information within a 500-meter radius, and sends information such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" to the device.

[0517] The device analyzes the received restroom information and displays it as an overlay in the user's field of vision. For example, the smartphone screen may display "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion." The user is guided to the nearest restroom based on the information displayed in their field of vision.

[0518] Generative AI model prompt example

[0519] Here are some examples of prompts to input to the generative AI model:

[0520] "We are developing an application that will find the nearest toilet in real time when a user needs to use the restroom, and will also display detailed information such as the toilet's occupancy status and available hours. This system is intended for use in autonomous vehicles, and is designed to allow users to instantly obtain toilet information from inside the vehicle."

[0521] This configuration significantly reduces the stress a user experiences when dealing with a sudden need to urinate or defecate, and enables the user to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet.

[0522] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0523] Step 1:

[0524] When a user suddenly feels the need to urinate or defecate, they launch a smartphone application. The application first obtains current location information (latitude and longitude) using the GPS sensor. The input is "current location information from the GPS sensor" and the output is "current location information (latitude: xx.xxxx, longitude: yy.yyyy)". At this stage, the device obtains the raw data from the GPS sensor and converts it into latitude and longitude format.

[0525] Step 2:

[0526] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The input here is "current location information" and the output is "location data to be sent to the server." The device serializes the location information in JSON format and sends it to the server via an HTTP request.

[0527] Step 3:

[0528] The server receives the current location information sent from the device. The input is "current location data from the device" and the output is "location data reception completed." The received location data is queried against the database to search for nearby toilet information.

[0529] Step 4:

[0530] The server searches for and collects information on the nearest restroom from the current location based on the restroom information stored in the database. The input is "current location data" and the output is "a list of restroom information." The server searches the database using SQL queries and retrieves restroom information including metadata such as distance and congestion status.

[0531] Step 5:

[0532] The server formats the collected toilet information in JSON format or similar and sends it to the device. The input is a "list of toilet information" and the output is "JSON data of the toilet information to be sent to the device." The server serializes the toilet information and returns it to the device as an HTTP response.

[0533] Step 6:

[0534] The device receives and analyzes the toilet information sent from the server. The input is "toilet information data from the server" and the output is "analyzed toilet information." The device deserializes the received data and extracts the necessary information.

[0535] Step 7:

[0536] Based on the analyzed restroom information, the device uses an AR display engine to overlay the information in the user's field of view. The input is the "analyzed restroom information" and the output is the "restroom information displayed in the user's field of view." The device displays an indicator showing the location of the restroom, guiding the user to easily go to the restroom.

[0537] Step 8:

[0538] The user checks the information displayed on the device and heads to the nearest restroom. The input is "user's visual information" and the output is "user's behavior." Based on the information obtained through the AR display engine, the user can take the shortest route to the restroom.

[0539] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[0540] The present invention provides a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom in situations where a sudden urge to urinate or defecate is required, and also provides a function that optimizes the response by taking into account the user's emotional state. This system involves a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquiring current location information and sending that data to a server. In addition, it uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and adjusts the display of restroom information based on the user's state.

[0541] Program processing

[0542] Acquiring and sending current location information

[0543] Device:

[0544] The GPS sensor is used to obtain the user's current location information. This includes latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the data obtained is "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0545] The acquired current location information is sent to the server.

[0546] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0547] server:

[0548] Based on the received current location information, the system searches the database for nearby toilet information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0549] Toilet information includes metadata such as the toilet's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and occupancy status.

[0550] As an example, extract the data "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'".

[0551] The toilet information searched for is sent to the terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0552] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[0553] Terminal (Emotion Engine):

[0554] The emotion engine uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and determines their emotional state. For example, if the user's face is pale or their voice is trembling, it may detect "tension" or "stress."

[0555] If the user is feeling nervous or stressed, the emotion engine generates data indicative of this and feeds it back into the toilet information display process.

[0556] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0557] Device:

[0558] The received toilet information is analyzed, and the location information and detailed metadata of each toilet are extracted.

[0559] Based on feedback from the emotion engine, the system prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. For example, if the user is feeling very nervous, the system prioritizes displaying the nearest, unoccupied restroom.

[0560] Preparing and running AR display

[0561] Device:

[0562] Using the AR display engine, an indicator showing the location of the toilet is overlaid within the user's field of view. For example, "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is displayed on the screen.

[0563] It is also possible to visually emphasize the user's emotional state by changing the indicator's design and color depending on the user's emotional state.

[0564] Guidance to the toilet

[0565] User:

[0566] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow it to the nearest toilet.

[0567] The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, guiding them accurately.

[0568] In this way, the system of the present invention allows users to quickly find the nearest restroom based on their current location information, and by using the emotion engine, it provides optimal restroom information according to the user's level of urgency, allowing them to efficiently respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, which can significantly reduce stress in urban environments.

[0569] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0570] Step 1:

[0571] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, including latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains the data "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0572] Step 2:

[0573] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The data sent includes latitude and longitude information.

[0574] Step 3:

[0575] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0576] Step 4:

[0577] The server obtains metadata such as the location, available hours, and congestion status of the relevant restroom. For example, it extracts data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0578] Step 5:

[0579] The server packages the acquired toilet information in a format such as JSON and sends it to the terminal.

[0580] Step 6:

[0581] The device (emotion engine) recognizes the user's emotional state. It uses a camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and generates "tension" data if the user is nervous, for example.

[0582] Step 7:

[0583] The terminal analyzes the received restroom information and extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom.

[0584] Step 8:

[0585] The device selects the most appropriate restroom information for the user based on feedback from the emotion engine. For example, if the user is feeling very nervous, the device will prioritize the nearest, unoccupied restroom.

[0586] Step 9:

[0587] The device uses the AR display engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom within the user's field of view. For example, the screen might say, "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0588] Step 10:

[0589] The device will adjust the indicator's design and color according to the user's emotional state, for example, turning the indicator red in an emergency.

[0590] Step 11:

[0591] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view and follows the guidance to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, accurately guiding them.

[0592] This series of processing steps allows users to quickly find the nearest toilet based on their current location and emotional state, allowing them to deal with sudden urges to urinate or defecate. Utilizing the emotion engine makes it possible to provide optimal toilet information according to the user's level of urgency, reducing stress in urban environments.

[0593] Example 2

[0594] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0595] In urban environments, users often encounter situations where they need to respond quickly to an urgent need to urinate or defecate. However, finding the nearest toilet is difficult, causing unnecessary stress for users. Adding to this problem is the lack of guidance that not only informs users of the toilet's location but also responds to the user's emotional state. As a result, users become even more confused in urgent situations and are unable to use the toilet efficiently.

[0596] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means.

[0597] In this invention, the server includes means for acquiring current location information of the user, means for transmitting the current location information to the server, means for the server to search for nearby restroom information based on the current location information and transmit data including the restroom information to the terminal, means for the terminal to analyze the received restroom information and display the positions of the restrooms within the user's field of view, and means for recognizing the user's emotional state using an emotion analysis engine and adjusting the displayed restroom information based on the emotional state. This allows the user to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden urges to urinate or defecate and receive optimal restroom guidance according to their emotional state, thereby significantly reducing stress in urban environments.

[0598] A "user" is a person who uses the system to obtain toilet location information.

[0599] "Current location information" is latitude and longitude data indicating the user's current location obtained by the terminal.

[0600] The "server" is a central processing unit that receives information about the user's current location, searches for information about nearby toilets, and transmits the data to the terminal.

[0601] A "terminal" is a device carried by a user, such as a smartphone or AR glasses, that is equipped with a GPS sensor and an emotion analysis engine.

[0602] A "GPS sensor" is a sensor installed on a device that acquires the user's current location information.

[0603] "Restroom information" is information that includes metadata such as the location, distance, available hours, and congestion status of the restroom.

[0604] A "database" is an information repository that stores restroom information.

[0605] The "emotion analysis engine" is a component within the system that contains algorithms that use a camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and voice and determine their emotional state.

[0606] A "toilet" is a facility that a user uses to relieve the urge to defecate or urinate.

[0607] An "indicator" is an indicator that indicates the location of a toilet and is overlaid on the user's field of view using the AR display engine.

[0608] This invention is a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom in situations where a sudden urge to urinate or defecate is required, and also provides a function that optimizes the response by taking into account the user's emotional state. This system involves a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquiring current location information and sending that data to a server. In addition, it uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and adjusts the display of restroom information based on the user's state.

[0609] Program processing

[0610] Obtaining current location information

[0611] Device:

[0612] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. This information includes latitude and longitude data. For example, if a user is at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains data such as "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0613] Sending current location information

[0614] Device:

[0615] The acquired current location information is sent to the server via Wi-Fi or mobile data communication.

[0616] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0617] server:

[0618] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0619] The restroom information includes metadata such as the restroom's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status. As an example, we extract the data "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0620] The toilet information search results are sent to the terminal in a data format such as JSON.

[0621] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[0622] Terminal (Emotion Engine):

[0623] The emotion engine uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and determines the user's emotional state. For example, if the user's face is pale and their voice is trembling, it will detect "tension."

[0624] The results of the assessment are fed back into an internal process to generate data indicating the user's tension.

[0625] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0626] Device:

[0627] The toilet information received from the server is analyzed, and the location information and detailed metadata of each toilet are extracted.

[0628] Based on feedback from the emotion engine, the system prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. For example, if the user is feeling very tense, the system prioritizes displaying the nearest, unoccupied restroom (e.g., "Restroom A").

[0629] Preparing and running AR display

[0630] Device:

[0631] The AR display engine is started, and an indicator showing the location of the toilet is overlaid in the user's field of view. For example, it displays "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion."

[0632] For example, the design and color of the indicator can be changed depending on the user's emotional state, highlighting it with red when tense and blue when relaxed.

[0633] Guidance to the toilet

[0634] User:

[0635] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow the instructions to the nearest toilet.

[0636] The indicator continues to update in real time until arrival. For example, if new toilet information is received while the user is on their way to "Toilet A," navigation based on that information will also be provided.

[0637] By implementing the system of the present invention in this way, users can quickly find the nearest toilet based on their current location information, and by using the emotion engine, the system provides optimal toilet information according to the user's level of urgency. This allows users to efficiently respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, significantly reducing stress in urban environments.

[0638] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0639] "Based on the current latitude and longitude, search for toilet information within a 500 meter radius and display the nearest toilet. If the user is nervous, provide toilet information that corresponds to that state with priority."

[0640] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0641] Step 1:

[0642] Obtaining current location information

[0643] The device activates the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. This operation collects latitude and longitude data. Specifically, the device obtains data of "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917" from a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station. The input is the device's GPS sensor, and the output is the obtained latitude and longitude data.

[0644] Step 2:

[0645] Sending current location information

[0646] The device sends the acquired current location information (latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917) to the server. Wi-Fi or mobile data communication is used as the communication method. Specifically, the device sends the latitude and longitude data to the server. The input is the acquired latitude and longitude data, and the output is the data to be sent to the server.

[0647] Step 3:

[0648] Search and collect information about nearby toilets

[0649] The server searches the database for information about nearby restrooms based on the current location information received from the device. The search range is, for example, within a radius of 500 meters. Based on this information, the server collects metadata such as the restroom's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status, and sends this to the device in a data format such as JSON. As a specific example, the data extracted is "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'." The input is the current location information, and the output is restroom information (metadata for Toilet A).

[0650] Step 4:

[0651] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[0652] The device activates the camera and microphone, and analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice using an emotion analysis engine. This analysis determines the user's emotional state. Specifically, if the user's face is pale and their voice is trembling, it detects "tension." The data on the emotional state is fed back to an internal process. The inputs are camera footage and audio data, and the output is data indicating the user's emotional state.

[0653] Step 5:

[0654] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0655] The device analyzes the restroom information received from the server and extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom. Based on feedback from the emotion engine, it prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. Specifically, if the user is feeling very tense, it prioritizes displaying the nearest vacant restroom, for example, "Restroom A." The inputs are restroom information and the user's emotional state, and the output is optimized restroom information.

[0656] Step 6:

[0657] Preparing and running AR display

[0658] The device launches an AR display engine and displays an indicator overlaid within the user's field of view indicating the location of the restroom. As a specific example, it displays "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion." The indicator's design and color can also be changed depending on the user's emotional state, changing to red when tense and blue when relaxed. The inputs are optimized restroom information and the user's emotional state, and the output is an indicator overlaid within the user's field of view.

[0659] Step 7:

[0660] Guidance to the toilet

[0661] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view through the AR glasses and follows the instructions to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update in real time until the user arrives, accurately guiding the user. As a concrete example, if new restroom information is received while the user is heading to "Restroom A," navigation based on that information is also provided. The input is the indicator overlaid in the user's field of view, and the output is the user reaching the desired restroom.

[0662] (Application example 2)

[0663] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0664] When a user in an autonomous vehicle suddenly needs to urinate or defecate, there is a need to be able to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom and to provide optimal information taking into account the user's emotional state.However, conventional systems lack the ability to provide restroom guidance that takes into account the user's emotional state or to guide the user to the restroom in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system.

[0665] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 2 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes: means for acquiring current location information of the user; means for transmitting the current location information to the server; means for searching for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmitting data including the toilet information to the terminal; means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the toilet locations in the user's field of view; means for analyzing the user's emotional state using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on the emotional state; and means for guiding the user to the optimal toilet in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system. This makes it possible to respond promptly to a sudden urge to urinate or defecate, provide optimal toilet information that takes the user's emotional state into consideration, and quickly guide the user to the toilet.

[0666] The "means for acquiring the user's current location information" refers to a device or software for acquiring the latitude and longitude of the user's current location.

[0667] The "means for transmitting the current location information to the server" refers to a device or software having a communication function for transmitting the acquired current location information of the user to the server.

[0668] "Means for searching for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmitting data including the toilet information to the terminal" refers to a mechanism for searching a database for information such as the location and status of nearby toilets based on the current location information received by the server, and transmitting the results to the terminal.

[0669] "Means for analyzing received toilet information and displaying the location of the toilet within the user's field of vision" refers to a device or software for analyzing the toilet information received by the terminal and displaying it within the user's field of vision.

[0670] "Means for analyzing the emotional state of the user using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on said emotional state" refers to a system that analyzes the user's facial expressions, tone of voice, etc. to recognize their emotional state and appropriately adjusts the toilet information to be displayed based on that emotional state.

[0671] "Means for guiding users to the most suitable restroom in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system" refers to a function that works in cooperation with the navigation system of an autonomous vehicle to provide route guidance to lead users to the nearest restroom.

[0672] This invention is a system that provides optimal toilet information to a user who suddenly feels the urge to urinate or defecate in an autonomous vehicle, and guides them to the toilet quickly and smoothly. This system is particularly characterized by providing optimal information taking into account the user's emotional state.

[0673] System configuration

[0674] The system has the following main features:

[0675] 1. Obtaining and sending current location information:

[0676] The server uses the vehicle's GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, which includes latitude and longitude data, and transmits that data to the server.

[0677] 2. Searching and collecting toilet information:

[0678] Based on the received current location information, the server searches a database for information on nearby toilets, generates a dataset containing metadata such as the location, opening hours, and congestion status of the toilets, and sends it to the terminal.

[0679] 3. Recognizing the user's emotional state:

[0680] The device uses its built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and uses an emotion recognition engine to determine the user's emotional state. For example, if the user is feeling strong tension or stress, the emotion engine will generate data indicating that state.

[0681] 4. Analysis and display of toilet information:

[0682] The device analyzes the received restroom information and displays the most appropriate restroom information for the user based on their emotional state, with the nearest available restroom being given priority.

[0683] 5. Navigation System Integration:

[0684] It works in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user to the appropriate toilet, and the navigation system provides real-time route guidance to assist the user until they reach their destination.

[0685] Hardware and Software

[0686] Hardware used:

[0687] GPS sensor: Used to obtain the vehicle's current location.

[0688] Camera and microphone: Used to recognize the user's emotional state.

[0689] Smart glasses or in-car displays: To provide visual restroom and navigation information to users.

[0690] Software used:

[0691] Emotion recognition engine: Recognizes the user's emotional state by analyzing their facial expressions and tone of voice (e.g., OpenCV).

[0692] Navigation system: Works in conjunction with the vehicle's existing navigation system to provide route guidance to the restroom.

[0693] Specific examples

[0694] For example, if a user feels a strong urge to urinate while driving near Shinjuku Station, the system will act as follows:

[0695] 1. Get current location information:

[0696] "Use the GPS sensor to obtain the vehicle's current location. Assume the vehicle is located in central Tokyo."

[0697] 2. Toilet information search:

[0698] "Based on your current location, search our database for toilets within a 500 meter radius."

[0699] 3. Emotion recognition:

[0700] "Use the camera and microphone to recognize the user's emotions and determine if they are feeling nervous or stressed."

[0701] 4. Information display:

[0702] "Consider the user's emotional state and display information about the nearest available restroom on smart glasses or an in-car display."

[0703] 5. Navigation:

[0704] "Please use your vehicle's navigation system to navigate to the selected restroom."

[0705] In this way, this system allows the user to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, and provides optimal information and guidance that takes into account the user's emotional state.

[0706] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0707] Step 1:

[0708] Get the user's current location:

[0709] The terminal obtains current location information from the GPS sensor installed in the autonomous vehicle. At this time, it obtains latitude and longitude data (for example, "Latitude: 35.6895, Longitude: 139.6917" at the west exit of Shinjuku Station). The input is the data from the GPS sensor, and the output is the latitude and longitude location information.

[0710] Step 2:

[0711] Send current location:

[0712] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The input is the device's current location information, and the output is the location information data sent to the server. This allows the server to recognize the user's specific location.

[0713] Step 3:

[0714] Search for nearby toilet information:

[0715] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information (location, distance, congestion status, etc.) based on the received location information. For example, it searches for data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'." The input is the current location information, and the output is a list of matching toilet information.

[0716] Step 4:

[0717] Emotional state recognition:

[0718] The system uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice. It uses an emotion recognition engine to determine the user's emotional state (e.g., "tension" or "stress"). The input is data from the camera and microphone, and the output is data indicating the user's emotional state.

[0719] Step 5:

[0720] Toilet information analysis:

[0721] The device selects the most suitable restroom information for the user based on the received restroom information and emotional state. If the emotional state is determined to be "tension" or "stress," the device will prioritize the nearest, unoccupied restroom. The input is restroom information and emotional state data, and the output is the most suitable restroom information.

[0722] Step 6:

[0723] Toilet information display:

[0724] The terminal displays the selected optimal restroom information on smart glasses or an in-car display. For example, it provides visual information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion." The input is the optimal restroom information, and the output is visual restroom guidance to the user.

[0725] Step 7:

[0726] Toilet Guidance:

[0727] It works in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user along the optimal route to the selected restroom. Route guidance is updated in real time, supporting the user until they reach their destination accurately. The input is the location information of the optimal restroom, and the output is navigation route information for the user.

[0728] This series of steps allows users to quickly respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, and guides them to the most suitable toilet based on their emotional state.

[0729] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the smart glasses 214. In the smart glasses 214, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires audio indicating a user input regarding the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits audio data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[0730] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet Search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating voice, text data indicating text, and image data indicating an image is also input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data in accordance with the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0731] In the above embodiment, an example in which the specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12 has been given, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific processing may be performed by the smart glasses 214.

[0732] [Third embodiment]

[0733] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 310 according to the third embodiment.

[0734] 5, the data processing system 310 includes the data processing device 12 and a headset type terminal 314. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0735] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0736] The headset type terminal 314 includes a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, a communication I / F 44, and a display 343. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, the speaker 240, the camera 42, and the display 343 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0737] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio in accordance with instructions from the processor 46.

[0738] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the field of vision of a typical healthy person).

[0739] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is carried out in a secure state.

[0740] Fig. 6 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the headset type terminal 314. As shown in Fig. 6, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[0741] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32 and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0742] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0743] In the headset type terminal 314, a reception output process is performed by the processor 46. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50 and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0744] Next, a description will be given of the identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[0745] This invention is a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest toilet in situations where they need to respond immediately to a sudden urge to urinate or defecate. This system works by having a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquire current location information and send that data to a server.

[0746] Program processing

[0747] Acquiring and sending current location information

[0748] Device:

[0749] It uses a GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location, which includes latitude and longitude data.

[0750] For example, assume that the current location information acquired at the west exit of Shinjuku Station is "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0751] The acquired current location information is sent to the server.

[0752] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0753] server:

[0754] Based on the received current location information, the system searches a database for nearby toilet information, for example, toilets within a 500-meter radius.

[0755] Toilet information includes metadata such as the toilet's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and occupancy status.

[0756] For example, collect information such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0757] The toilet information searched for is sent to the terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0758] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0759] Device:

[0760] Analyze the received toilet information and extract and analyze the necessary information.

[0761] After analyzing the location information and detailed metadata of the restroom (e.g. distance, occupancy status), it prepares to overlay it in the user's field of view.

[0762] Using the AR display engine, an indicator pointing to the location of the toilet is overlaid within the user's field of vision.

[0763] For example, the screen will display "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0764] Guidance to the toilet

[0765] User:

[0766] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow it to the nearest toilet.

[0767] For example, as you travel the 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator will continue to update and provide guidance until you arrive.

[0768] In this way, the system of the present invention allows users to quickly find a restroom using their current location information, significantly reducing the stress of dealing with a sudden need to urinate or defecate. Real-time information such as congestion status is also provided, allowing for optimal use of the restroom.

[0769] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0770] Step 1:

[0771] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, including latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains the data "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0772] Step 2:

[0773] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The data sent includes latitude and longitude information.

[0774] Step 3:

[0775] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0776] Step 4:

[0777] The server obtains metadata such as the location, available hours, and congestion status of the relevant restroom. For example, it extracts data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0778] Step 5:

[0779] The server packages the acquired toilet information in a format such as JSON and sends it to the terminal.

[0780] Step 6:

[0781] The device analyzes the received restroom information, extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom, and prepares to display them in the user's field of view.

[0782] Step 7:

[0783] The device uses the AR display engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom within the user's field of view. For example, the screen might say, "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0784] Step 8:

[0785] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view and follows the guidance to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, accurately guiding them.

[0786] This series of processing steps allows the user to quickly find the nearest toilet based on current location information and respond to a sudden need to urinate or defecate.

[0787] Example 1

[0788] Next, a description will be given of Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0789] Conventional technology has struggled to provide users with a means to quickly and smoothly find the nearest facility when they suddenly need to urinate or defecate. Existing systems also struggled to provide detailed real-time information about facility congestion and opening hours. This resulted in insufficient support for users and increased stress from dealing with sudden situations.

[0790] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the first embodiment is realized by the following means.

[0791] In this invention, the server includes a location information acquisition means, a means for transmitting the acquired location information to the communication device, and a means for the communication device to search a database for nearby facility information based on the location information and transmit data including the facility information to the terminal. This allows users to quickly find facilities using their current location information. Furthermore, detailed information such as the facility's location, distance, and available hours is also provided, allowing users to use the facility in the most optimal way.

[0792] "Location information acquisition means" refers to a device or technology that measures the user's current location and acquires it as data.

[0793] "Communication device" refers to devices and technologies for transmitting acquired data to other devices or systems.

[0794] "Facility information" refers to detailed data about a specific facility, such as its location, distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[0795] A "database" refers to a system that systematically stores and manages information and allows it to be searched and retrieved as needed.

[0796] "Terminal" refers to an electronic device that a user can directly operate or view.

[0797] "Display device" refers to a device capable of visually displaying information.

[0798] The present invention is a system that allows a user to quickly and smoothly find the nearest toilet when they suddenly feel the need to urinate or defecate. This system is mainly composed of a terminal, a server, and the interaction between the user and the user.

[0799] Acquisition and communication of current location information

[0800] The device first obtains the user's current location information using a GPS sensor. This GPS sensor is generally built into mobile devices such as smartphones and AR glasses. Specifically, the device reads latitude and longitude information from the GPS chip. This process is performed using the device's built-in API. For example, if the user is at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the obtained location information will be "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0801] The acquired current location information is sent from the device to the server. This transmission is generally carried out using the HTTPS protocol. The location information is packaged in JSON format or similar and sent to the server's API endpoint.

[0802] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0803] The server searches a database for nearby restroom information based on the received location information. The database stores not only the restroom's location information, but also metadata such as the restroom's opening hours and occupancy status. The server retrieves restroom information within a specific radius using an SQL query. For example, a range specification query such as "SELECT FROM restroom information WHERE latitude BETWEEN 35.6890 AND 35.6900 AND longitude BETWEEN 139.6900 AND 139.6930" is used.

[0804] The toilet information obtained as a search result is formatted in JSON format by the server and sent to the device. For example, data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" is sent to the device in JSON format.

[0805] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0806] The device analyzes the restroom information received from the server. Specifically, it parses the received JSON data and extracts the necessary information (e.g., latitude, longitude, distance, and congestion status). This information is then passed to the AR engine, which prepares an indicator to be displayed in the user's field of view. The AR engine has the function of overlaying an indicator on the device's camera image. For example, information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is overlaid in the user's field of view.

[0807] Guidance to the toilet

[0808] The user checks the indicator displayed within their field of view on the device's display and follows the instructions to the nearest restroom. The indicator is updated in real time to show the direction and distance the user should go. For example, if the user travels 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator will guide them by updating the information in real time: "150 meters," "100 meters," "50 meters."

[0809] Specific examples

[0810] If a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station suddenly feels the need to urinate,

[0811] 1. The device obtains the current location information of "Latitude: 35.6895, Longitude: 139.6917" from the GPS sensor and sends it to the server.

[0812] 2. Based on the location information received by the server, it searches the database for information about nearby toilets, formats it as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'", and sends it to the terminal.

[0813] 3. The device analyzes the information received and uses the AR engine to display an indicator saying "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion."

[0814] 4. The user checks the indicator through the AR glasses and follows it to Toilet A.

[0815] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0816] Describe a system that can quickly find the nearest restroom based on current location information when a user suddenly feels the urge to urinate. This system uses a smartphone or AR glasses, and sends current location information obtained by a GPS sensor to a server. The server uses this information to search a database for nearby restroom information and sends information such as the location and occupancy status of the restroom to the device. The device analyzes the received information and displays it as an overlay in the user's field of view using an AR display engine. The user can then follow the indicator in their field of view to find the nearest restroom. Please explain using a concrete example.

[0817] This allows users to respond quickly to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, significantly reducing stress. Furthermore, real-time information such as congestion status and available times is provided, enabling optimal use of the restroom.

[0818] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0819] Step 1:

[0820] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. The input is a signal from the GPS sensor, and the output is latitude and longitude data. Specifically, the device's GPS module receives signals from satellites and processes them internally to generate location data. This processing is performed through the device's built-in API. For example, for a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the location will be "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0821] Step 2:

[0822] The current location information acquired by the device is sent to the server. The input is the latitude and longitude data acquired in step 1, and the output is an HTTPS request. Specifically, the acquired location information is packaged in JSON format and sent to the server's API endpoint using the HTTPS protocol. This process transfers the user's location information to the server.

[0823] Step 3:

[0824] The server searches a database for nearby toilet information based on the location information received. The input is the user's latitude and longitude data, and the output is a list of toilet information. Specifically, the server uses an SQL query to search the database and obtain toilets within a specific radius. For example, a query like "SELECT FROM TOILET INFORMATION WHERE latitude BETWEEN 35.6890 AND 35.6900 AND longitude BETWEEN 139.6900 AND 139.6930" is executed.

[0825] Step 4:

[0826] The server formats the search results and converts them into a format that can be sent to the terminal. The input is a list of toilet information retrieved from the database, and the output is the toilet information in JSON format. Specifically, each record in the search results is converted into a JSON object, and this is used as the overall response. For example, the information "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" is converted into JSON format.

[0827] Step 5:

[0828] The server sends the formatted restroom information to the device. The input is JSON-formatted restroom information, and the output is an HTTPS response. Specifically, the HTTPS protocol is used to send the JSON data to the device's receiving API endpoint. In this way, the restroom information is transferred to the device.

[0829] Step 6:

[0830] The terminal analyzes the toilet information received. The input is the JSON data received from the server, and the output is the analyzed toilet information (e.g., latitude, longitude, distance, and congestion status). Specifically, the received JSON data is parsed, and the necessary information is extracted and organized. For example, the information extracted is "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0831] Step 7:

[0832] The device passes the extracted information to the AR engine and prepares for the overlay display. The input is the analyzed restroom information, and the output is the indicator set in the AR engine. Specifically, the indicator position and display content are set in the device's AR engine, and preparations are made for it to be displayed within the user's field of view. For example, information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is set in the AR engine.

[0833] Step 8:

[0834] The device uses the AR engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom in the user's field of view. The input is the indicator information set in the AR engine, and the output is the indicator displayed in the user's field of view. Specifically, the indicator is displayed by overlaying it on the device's camera image. For example, an indicator saying "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is displayed on the screen.

[0835] Step 9:

[0836] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view through AR glasses or a smartphone screen and follows it to the nearest restroom. The input is the indicator information displayed in their field of view, and the output is the movement behavior to the restroom. Specifically, the user walks according to the indicator's instructions and arrives accurately at the restroom's location. For example, as the user travels 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator continues to update in real time, providing guidance until arrival.

[0837] (Application example 1)

[0838] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0839] Conventional toilet guidance systems are designed for use by people walking or in general driving situations, and are not suitable for use in autonomous vehicles. When users of autonomous vehicles suddenly need to urinate or defecate, they are unable to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet, making it difficult and stressful to find a toilet.

[0840] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the application example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0841] In this invention, the server includes means for acquiring current location information of the user, means for transmitting the current location information to the server, means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to the terminal, means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the location of the toilet within the user's field of view, and means for acquiring current location information of the vehicle and displaying and guiding the user to the nearest toilet in real time. This enables users of autonomous vehicles to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet and reduce stress even when they suddenly feel the urge to urinate or defecate.

[0842] "User" refers to a person using the system or a passenger in an autonomous vehicle.

[0843] "Current location information" refers to latitude and longitude data obtained by a location information acquisition device such as a GPS sensor.

[0844] A "server" refers to a computer system that has the function of searching for nearby toilet information based on location information and sending the relevant data to a terminal.

[0845] "Toilet information" refers to information including metadata such as the location, distance, congestion status, and available hours of the toilet.

[0846] "Terminal" refers to a device that acquires current location information and analyzes and displays the received toilet information, and specifically includes smartphones and AR glasses.

[0847] "GPS sensor" refers to a sensor for the Global Positioning System, which identifies a location on Earth by latitude and longitude.

[0848] "Crowdedness status" is information indicating the usage status of the toilet, and examples include states such as "crowded," "normal," and "empty."

[0849] "Displayed in the field of view" refers to overlaying and displaying information in a position where the user can directly see it.

[0850] "Real-time display and guidance" refers to instantly updating information according to the current situation and providing display and route guidance.

[0851] An "autonomous vehicle" refers to a vehicle that drives autonomously using artificial intelligence and sensors.

[0852] The present invention provides a system for quickly and accurately finding the nearest toilet in order to respond to a sudden need to urinate or defecate in an autonomous vehicle. Specific embodiments of the system are described below.

[0853] 1. System Configuration

[0854] server:

[0855] The server has the following functions:

[0856] Receiving current location information: The server receives the current location information sent from the user terminal. The location information includes latitude and longitude.

[0857] Search and collection of toilet information: The server searches for nearby toilet information based on the received location information. The toilet information includes the toilet's location, distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[0858] Sending toilet information: The server sends the toilet information it has searched and collected to the user's terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0859] Device:

[0860] Terminals are devices that have the following functions, specifically including smartphones and AR glasses:

[0861] Obtaining current location information: The device obtains current location information using the GPS sensor.

[0862] Receiving and analyzing toilet information: The terminal receives and analyzes the toilet information sent from the server.

[0863] Display device: Uses an AR display engine to overlay the received toilet information in the user's field of view.

[0864] 2. Hardware and Software Used

[0865] GPS sensor: A sensor for the Global Positioning System that identifies a location on Earth using latitude and longitude. Specifically, it uses the GPS chip built into a smartphone or an external GPS device.

[0866] Server: A computer system connected to a database, implemented in a programming language such as Python, that receives, searches, and sends data.

[0867] AR display engine: Software for overlaying information into the user's field of view. Specifically, it uses the smart glass SDK, etc.

[0868] Communication module: Internet connection function for sending current location information and receiving toilet information. Specifically, it uses Wi-Fi and mobile data communication.

[0869] 3. Specific Examples

[0870] Consider the case where a user of an autonomous vehicle suddenly feels the urge to urinate while driving through an urban area. In this case, the user's device (specifically, a smartphone) uses a GPS sensor to obtain current location information (e.g., latitude 35.6895, longitude 139.6917). The device then sends the obtained location information to a server. The server uses this location information to search for toilet information within a 500-meter radius, and sends information such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" to the device.

[0871] The device analyzes the received restroom information and displays it as an overlay in the user's field of vision. For example, the smartphone screen may display "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion." The user is guided to the nearest restroom based on the information displayed in their field of vision.

[0872] Generative AI model prompt example

[0873] Here are some examples of prompts to input to the generative AI model:

[0874] "We are developing an application that will find the nearest toilet in real time when a user needs to use the restroom, and will also display detailed information such as the toilet's occupancy status and available hours. This system is intended for use in autonomous vehicles, and is designed to allow users to instantly obtain toilet information from inside the vehicle."

[0875] This configuration significantly reduces the stress a user experiences when dealing with a sudden need to urinate or defecate, and enables the user to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet.

[0876] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0877] Step 1:

[0878] When a user suddenly feels the need to urinate or defecate, they launch a smartphone application. The application first obtains current location information (latitude and longitude) using the GPS sensor. The input is "current location information from the GPS sensor" and the output is "current location information (latitude: xx.xxxx, longitude: yy.yyyy)". At this stage, the device obtains the raw data from the GPS sensor and converts it into latitude and longitude format.

[0879] Step 2:

[0880] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The input here is "current location information" and the output is "location data to be sent to the server." The device serializes the location information in JSON format and sends it to the server via an HTTP request.

[0881] Step 3:

[0882] The server receives the current location information sent from the device. The input is "current location data from the device" and the output is "location data reception completed." The received location data is queried against the database to search for nearby toilet information.

[0883] Step 4:

[0884] The server searches for and collects information on the nearest restroom from the current location based on the restroom information stored in the database. The input is "current location data" and the output is "a list of restroom information." The server searches the database using SQL queries and retrieves restroom information including metadata such as distance and congestion status.

[0885] Step 5:

[0886] The server formats the collected toilet information in JSON format or similar and sends it to the device. The input is a "list of toilet information" and the output is "JSON data of the toilet information to be sent to the device." The server serializes the toilet information and returns it to the device as an HTTP response.

[0887] Step 6:

[0888] The device receives and analyzes the toilet information sent from the server. The input is "toilet information data from the server" and the output is "analyzed toilet information." The device deserializes the received data and extracts the necessary information.

[0889] Step 7:

[0890] Based on the analyzed restroom information, the device uses an AR display engine to overlay the information in the user's field of view. The input is the "analyzed restroom information" and the output is the "restroom information displayed in the user's field of view." The device displays an indicator showing the location of the restroom, guiding the user to easily go to the restroom.

[0891] Step 8:

[0892] The user checks the information displayed on the device and heads to the nearest restroom. The input is "user's visual information" and the output is "user's behavior." Based on the information obtained through the AR display engine, the user can take the shortest route to the restroom.

[0893] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[0894] The present invention provides a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom in situations where a sudden urge to urinate or defecate is required, and also provides a function that optimizes the response by taking into account the user's emotional state. This system involves a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquiring current location information and sending that data to a server. In addition, it uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and adjusts the display of restroom information based on the user's state.

[0895] Program processing

[0896] Acquiring and sending current location information

[0897] Device:

[0898] The GPS sensor is used to obtain the user's current location information. This includes latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the data obtained is "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0899] The acquired current location information is sent to the server.

[0900] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0901] server:

[0902] Based on the received current location information, the system searches the database for nearby toilet information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0903] Toilet information includes metadata such as the toilet's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and occupancy status.

[0904] As an example, extract the data "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'".

[0905] The toilet information searched for is sent to the terminal in JSON format or similar.

[0906] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[0907] Terminal (Emotion Engine):

[0908] The emotion engine uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and determines their emotional state. For example, if the user's face is pale or their voice is trembling, it may detect "tension" or "stress."

[0909] If the user is feeling nervous or stressed, the emotion engine generates data indicative of this and feeds it back into the toilet information display process.

[0910] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0911] Device:

[0912] The received toilet information is analyzed, and the location information and detailed metadata of each toilet are extracted.

[0913] Based on feedback from the emotion engine, the system prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. For example, if the user is feeling very nervous, the system prioritizes displaying the nearest, unoccupied restroom.

[0914] Preparing and running AR display

[0915] Device:

[0916] Using the AR display engine, an indicator showing the location of the toilet is overlaid within the user's field of view. For example, "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is displayed on the screen.

[0917] It is also possible to visually emphasize the user's emotional state by changing the indicator's design and color depending on the user's emotional state.

[0918] Guidance to the toilet

[0919] User:

[0920] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow it to the nearest toilet.

[0921] The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, guiding them accurately.

[0922] In this way, the system of the present invention allows users to quickly find the nearest restroom based on their current location information, and by using the emotion engine, it provides optimal restroom information according to the user's level of urgency, allowing them to efficiently respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, which can significantly reduce stress in urban environments.

[0923] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0924] Step 1:

[0925] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, including latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains the data "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0926] Step 2:

[0927] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The data sent includes latitude and longitude information.

[0928] Step 3:

[0929] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0930] Step 4:

[0931] The server obtains metadata such as the location, available hours, and congestion status of the relevant restroom. For example, it extracts data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0932] Step 5:

[0933] The server packages the acquired toilet information in a format such as JSON and sends it to the terminal.

[0934] Step 6:

[0935] The device (emotion engine) recognizes the user's emotional state. It uses a camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and generates "tension" data if the user is nervous, for example.

[0936] Step 7:

[0937] The terminal analyzes the received restroom information and extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom.

[0938] Step 8:

[0939] The device selects the most appropriate restroom information for the user based on feedback from the emotion engine. For example, if the user is feeling very nervous, the device will prioritize the nearest, unoccupied restroom.

[0940] Step 9:

[0941] The device uses the AR display engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom within the user's field of view. For example, the screen might say, "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[0942] Step 10:

[0943] The device will adjust the indicator's design and color according to the user's emotional state, for example, turning the indicator red in an emergency.

[0944] Step 11:

[0945] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view and follows the guidance to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, accurately guiding them.

[0946] This series of processing steps allows users to quickly find the nearest toilet based on their current location and emotional state, allowing them to deal with sudden urges to urinate or defecate. Utilizing the emotion engine makes it possible to provide optimal toilet information according to the user's level of urgency, reducing stress in urban environments.

[0947] Example 2

[0948] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[0949] In urban environments, users often encounter situations where they need to respond quickly to an urgent need to urinate or defecate. However, finding the nearest toilet is difficult, causing unnecessary stress for users. Adding to this problem is the lack of guidance that not only informs users of the toilet's location but also responds to the user's emotional state. As a result, users become even more confused in urgent situations and are unable to use the toilet efficiently.

[0950] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means.

[0951] In this invention, the server includes means for acquiring current location information of the user, means for transmitting the current location information to the server, means for the server to search for nearby restroom information based on the current location information and transmit data including the restroom information to the terminal, means for the terminal to analyze the received restroom information and display the positions of the restrooms within the user's field of view, and means for recognizing the user's emotional state using an emotion analysis engine and adjusting the displayed restroom information based on the emotional state. This allows the user to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden urges to urinate or defecate and receive optimal restroom guidance according to their emotional state, thereby significantly reducing stress in urban environments.

[0952] A "user" is a person who uses the system to obtain toilet location information.

[0953] "Current location information" is latitude and longitude data indicating the user's current location obtained by the terminal.

[0954] The "server" is a central processing unit that receives information about the user's current location, searches for information about nearby toilets, and transmits the data to the terminal.

[0955] A "terminal" is a device carried by a user, such as a smartphone or AR glasses, that is equipped with a GPS sensor and an emotion analysis engine.

[0956] A "GPS sensor" is a sensor installed on a device that acquires the user's current location information.

[0957] "Restroom information" is information that includes metadata such as the location, distance, available hours, and congestion status of the restroom.

[0958] A "database" is an information repository that stores restroom information.

[0959] The "emotion analysis engine" is a component within the system that contains algorithms that use a camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and voice and determine their emotional state.

[0960] A "toilet" is a facility that a user uses to relieve the urge to defecate or urinate.

[0961] An "indicator" is an indicator that indicates the location of a toilet and is overlaid on the user's field of view using the AR display engine.

[0962] This invention is a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom in situations where a sudden urge to urinate or defecate is required, and also provides a function that optimizes the response by taking into account the user's emotional state. This system involves a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquiring current location information and sending that data to a server. In addition, it uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and adjusts the display of restroom information based on the user's state.

[0963] Program processing

[0964] Obtaining current location information

[0965] Device:

[0966] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. This information includes latitude and longitude data. For example, if a user is at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains data such as "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[0967] Sending current location information

[0968] Device:

[0969] The acquired current location information is sent to the server via Wi-Fi or mobile data communication.

[0970] Searching and collecting toilet information

[0971] server:

[0972] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[0973] The restroom information includes metadata such as the restroom's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status. As an example, we extract the data "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[0974] The toilet information search results are sent to the terminal in a data format such as JSON.

[0975] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[0976] Terminal (Emotion Engine):

[0977] The emotion engine uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and determines the user's emotional state. For example, if the user's face is pale and their voice is trembling, it will detect "tension."

[0978] The results of the assessment are fed back into an internal process to generate data indicating the user's tension.

[0979] Analysis and display of toilet information

[0980] Device:

[0981] The toilet information received from the server is analyzed, and the location information and detailed metadata of each toilet are extracted.

[0982] Based on feedback from the emotion engine, the system prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. For example, if the user is feeling very tense, the system prioritizes displaying the nearest, unoccupied restroom (e.g., "Restroom A").

[0983] Preparing and running AR display

[0984] Device:

[0985] The AR display engine is started, and an indicator showing the location of the toilet is overlaid in the user's field of view. For example, it displays "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion."

[0986] For example, the design and color of the indicator can be changed depending on the user's emotional state, highlighting it with red when tense and blue when relaxed.

[0987] Guidance to the toilet

[0988] User:

[0989] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow the instructions to the nearest toilet.

[0990] The indicator continues to update in real time until arrival. For example, if new toilet information is received while the user is on their way to "Toilet A," navigation based on that information will also be provided.

[0991] By implementing the system of the present invention in this way, users can quickly find the nearest toilet based on their current location information, and by using the emotion engine, the system provides optimal toilet information according to the user's level of urgency. This allows users to efficiently respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, significantly reducing stress in urban environments.

[0992] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0993] "Based on the current latitude and longitude, search for toilet information within a 500 meter radius and display the nearest toilet. If the user is nervous, provide toilet information that corresponds to that state with priority."

[0994] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0995] Step 1:

[0996] Obtaining current location information

[0997] The device activates the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. This operation collects latitude and longitude data. Specifically, the device obtains data of "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917" from a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station. The input is the device's GPS sensor, and the output is the obtained latitude and longitude data.

[0998] Step 2:

[0999] Sending current location information

[1000] The device sends the acquired current location information (latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917) to the server. Wi-Fi or mobile data communication is used as the communication method. Specifically, the device sends the latitude and longitude data to the server. The input is the acquired latitude and longitude data, and the output is the data to be sent to the server.

[1001] Step 3:

[1002] Search and collect information about nearby toilets

[1003] The server searches the database for information about nearby restrooms based on the current location information received from the device. The search range is, for example, within a radius of 500 meters. Based on this information, the server collects metadata such as the restroom's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status, and sends this to the device in a data format such as JSON. As a specific example, the data extracted is "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'." The input is the current location information, and the output is restroom information (metadata for Toilet A).

[1004] Step 4:

[1005] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[1006] The device activates the camera and microphone, and analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice using an emotion analysis engine. This analysis determines the user's emotional state. Specifically, if the user's face is pale and their voice is trembling, it detects "tension." The data on the emotional state is fed back to an internal process. The inputs are camera footage and audio data, and the output is data indicating the user's emotional state.

[1007] Step 5:

[1008] Analysis and display of toilet information

[1009] The device analyzes the restroom information received from the server and extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom. Based on feedback from the emotion engine, it prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. Specifically, if the user is feeling very tense, it prioritizes displaying the nearest vacant restroom, for example, "Restroom A." The inputs are restroom information and the user's emotional state, and the output is optimized restroom information.

[1010] Step 6:

[1011] Preparing and running AR display

[1012] The device launches an AR display engine and displays an indicator overlaid within the user's field of view indicating the location of the restroom. As a specific example, it displays "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion." The indicator's design and color can also be changed depending on the user's emotional state, changing to red when tense and blue when relaxed. The inputs are optimized restroom information and the user's emotional state, and the output is an indicator overlaid within the user's field of view.

[1013] Step 7:

[1014] Guidance to the toilet

[1015] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view through the AR glasses and follows the instructions to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update in real time until the user arrives, accurately guiding the user. As a concrete example, if new restroom information is received while the user is heading to "Restroom A," navigation based on that information is also provided. The input is the indicator overlaid in the user's field of view, and the output is the user reaching the desired restroom.

[1016] (Application example 2)

[1017] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the headset type terminal 314 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1018] When a user in an autonomous vehicle suddenly needs to urinate or defecate, there is a need to be able to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom and to provide optimal information taking into account the user's emotional state.However, conventional systems lack the ability to provide restroom guidance that takes into account the user's emotional state or to guide the user to the restroom in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system.

[1019] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 2 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes: means for acquiring current location information of the user; means for transmitting the current location information to the server; means for searching for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmitting data including the toilet information to the terminal; means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the toilet locations in the user's field of view; means for analyzing the user's emotional state using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on the emotional state; and means for guiding the user to the optimal toilet in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system. This makes it possible to respond promptly to a sudden urge to urinate or defecate, provide optimal toilet information that takes the user's emotional state into consideration, and quickly guide the user to the toilet.

[1020] The "means for acquiring the user's current location information" refers to a device or software for acquiring the latitude and longitude of the user's current location.

[1021] The "means for transmitting the current location information to the server" refers to a device or software having a communication function for transmitting the acquired current location information of the user to the server.

[1022] "Means for searching for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmitting data including the toilet information to the terminal" refers to a mechanism for searching a database for information such as the location and status of nearby toilets based on the current location information received by the server, and transmitting the results to the terminal.

[1023] "Means for analyzing received toilet information and displaying the location of the toilet within the user's field of vision" refers to a device or software for analyzing the toilet information received by the terminal and displaying it within the user's field of vision.

[1024] "Means for analyzing the emotional state of the user using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on said emotional state" refers to a system that analyzes the user's facial expressions, tone of voice, etc. to recognize their emotional state and appropriately adjusts the toilet information to be displayed based on that emotional state.

[1025] "Means for guiding users to the most suitable restroom in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system" refers to a function that works in cooperation with the navigation system of an autonomous vehicle to provide route guidance to lead users to the nearest restroom.

[1026] This invention is a system that provides optimal toilet information to a user who suddenly feels the urge to urinate or defecate in an autonomous vehicle, and guides them to the toilet quickly and smoothly. This system is particularly characterized by providing optimal information taking into account the user's emotional state.

[1027] System configuration

[1028] The system has the following main features:

[1029] 1. Obtaining and sending current location information:

[1030] The server uses the vehicle's GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, which includes latitude and longitude data, and transmits that data to the server.

[1031] 2. Searching and collecting toilet information:

[1032] Based on the received current location information, the server searches a database for information on nearby toilets, generates a dataset containing metadata such as the location, opening hours, and congestion status of the toilets, and sends it to the terminal.

[1033] 3. Recognizing the user's emotional state:

[1034] The device uses its built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and uses an emotion recognition engine to determine the user's emotional state. For example, if the user is feeling strong tension or stress, the emotion engine will generate data indicating that state.

[1035] 4. Analysis and display of toilet information:

[1036] The device analyzes the received restroom information and displays the most appropriate restroom information for the user based on their emotional state, with the nearest available restroom being given priority.

[1037] 5. Navigation System Integration:

[1038] It works in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user to the appropriate toilet, and the navigation system provides real-time route guidance to assist the user until they reach their destination.

[1039] Hardware and Software

[1040] Hardware used:

[1041] GPS sensor: Used to obtain the vehicle's current location.

[1042] Camera and microphone: Used to recognize the user's emotional state.

[1043] Smart glasses or in-car displays: To provide visual restroom and navigation information to users.

[1044] Software used:

[1045] Emotion recognition engine: Recognizes the user's emotional state by analyzing their facial expressions and tone of voice (e.g., OpenCV).

[1046] Navigation system: Works in conjunction with the vehicle's existing navigation system to provide route guidance to the restroom.

[1047] Specific examples

[1048] For example, if a user feels a strong urge to urinate while driving near Shinjuku Station, the system will act as follows:

[1049] 1. Get current location information:

[1050] "Use the GPS sensor to obtain the vehicle's current location. Assume the vehicle is located in central Tokyo."

[1051] 2. Toilet information search:

[1052] "Based on your current location, search our database for toilets within a 500 meter radius."

[1053] 3. Emotion recognition:

[1054] "Use the camera and microphone to recognize the user's emotions and determine if they are feeling nervous or stressed."

[1055] 4. Information display:

[1056] "Consider the user's emotional state and display information about the nearest available restroom on smart glasses or an in-car display."

[1057] 5. Navigation:

[1058] "Please use your vehicle's navigation system to navigate to the selected restroom."

[1059] In this way, this system allows the user to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, and provides optimal information and guidance that takes into account the user's emotional state.

[1060] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1061] Step 1:

[1062] Get the user's current location:

[1063] The terminal obtains current location information from the GPS sensor installed in the autonomous vehicle. At this time, it obtains latitude and longitude data (for example, "Latitude: 35.6895, Longitude: 139.6917" at the west exit of Shinjuku Station). The input is the data from the GPS sensor, and the output is the latitude and longitude location information.

[1064] Step 2:

[1065] Send current location:

[1066] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The input is the device's current location information, and the output is the location information data sent to the server. This allows the server to recognize the user's specific location.

[1067] Step 3:

[1068] Search for nearby toilet information:

[1069] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information (location, distance, congestion status, etc.) based on the received location information. For example, it searches for data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'." The input is the current location information, and the output is a list of matching toilet information.

[1070] Step 4:

[1071] Emotional state recognition:

[1072] The system uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice. It uses an emotion recognition engine to determine the user's emotional state (e.g., "tension" or "stress"). The input is data from the camera and microphone, and the output is data indicating the user's emotional state.

[1073] Step 5:

[1074] Toilet information analysis:

[1075] The device selects the most suitable restroom information for the user based on the received restroom information and emotional state. If the emotional state is determined to be "tension" or "stress," the device will prioritize the nearest, unoccupied restroom. The input is restroom information and emotional state data, and the output is the most suitable restroom information.

[1076] Step 6:

[1077] Toilet information display:

[1078] The terminal displays the selected optimal restroom information on smart glasses or an in-car display. For example, it provides visual information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion." The input is the optimal restroom information, and the output is visual restroom guidance to the user.

[1079] Step 7:

[1080] Toilet Guidance:

[1081] It works in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user along the optimal route to the selected restroom. Route guidance is updated in real time, supporting the user until they reach their destination accurately. The input is the location information of the optimal restroom, and the output is navigation route information for the user.

[1082] This series of steps allows users to quickly respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, and guides them to the most suitable toilet based on their emotional state.

[1083] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the headset type terminal 314. In the headset type terminal 314, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 and the display 343 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires audio indicating a user input regarding the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits audio data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[1084] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet Search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating voice, text data indicating text, and image data indicating an image is also input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data in accordance with the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[1085] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific processing may be performed by the headset type terminal 314.

[1086] [Fourth embodiment]

[1087] FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 410 according to the fourth embodiment.

[1088] 7, a data processing system 410 includes a data processing device 12 and a robot 414. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[1089] The data processing device 12 includes a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication I / F 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The computer 22 includes a processor 28, a RAM 30, and a storage 32. The processor 28, the RAM 30, and the storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication I / F 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication I / F 26 is connected to a network 54. Examples of the network 54 include a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[1090] The robot 414 includes a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, a communication I / F 44, and a control target 443. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, a RAM 48, and a storage 50. The processor 46, the RAM 48, and the storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, the speaker 240, the camera 42, and the control target 443 are also connected to the bus 52.

[1091] The microphone 238 receives instructions and the like from the user 20 by receiving voice uttered by the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice uttered by the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio in accordance with instructions from the processor 46.

[1092] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the surroundings of user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by an angle of view equivalent to the field of vision of a typical healthy person).

[1093] The communication I / F 44 is connected to a network 54. The communication I / Fs 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 via the network 54. The exchange of various information between the processor 46 and the processor 28 using the communication I / Fs 44 and 26 is carried out in a secure state.

[1094] The control object 443 includes a display device, LEDs in the eyes, and motors for driving the arms, hands, and feet. The posture and gestures of the robot 414 are controlled by controlling the motors of the arms, hands, and feet. Some of the emotions of the robot 414 can be expressed by controlling these motors. In addition, the facial expressions of the robot 414 can also be expressed by controlling the light emission state of the LEDs in the eyes of the robot 414.

[1095] Fig. 8 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the robot 414. As shown in Fig. 8, in the data processing device 12, a specific process is performed by the processor 28. A specific process program 56 is stored in the storage 32.

[1096] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The processor 28 reads the specific processing program 56 from the storage 32 and executes the read specific processing program 56 on the RAM 30. The specific processing is realized by the processor 28 operating as a specific processing unit 290 in accordance with the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[1097] The storage 32 stores a data generation model 58 and an emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[1098] In the robot 414, the processor 46 performs the reception output process. A reception output program 60 is stored in the storage 50. The processor 46 reads the reception output program 60 from the storage 50 and executes the read reception output program 60 on the RAM 48. The reception output process is realized by the processor 46 operating as the control unit 46A in accordance with the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[1099] Next, a description will be given of the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1100] This invention is a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest toilet in situations where they need to respond immediately to a sudden urge to urinate or defecate. This system works by having a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquire current location information and send that data to a server.

[1101] Program processing

[1102] Acquiring and sending current location information

[1103] Device:

[1104] It uses a GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location, which includes latitude and longitude data.

[1105] For example, assume that the current location information acquired at the west exit of Shinjuku Station is "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[1106] The acquired current location information is sent to the server.

[1107] Searching and collecting toilet information

[1108] server:

[1109] Based on the received current location information, the system searches a database for nearby toilet information, for example, toilets within a 500-meter radius.

[1110] Toilet information includes metadata such as the toilet's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and occupancy status.

[1111] For example, collect information such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[1112] The toilet information searched for is sent to the terminal in JSON format or similar.

[1113] Analysis and display of toilet information

[1114] Device:

[1115] Analyze the received toilet information and extract and analyze the necessary information.

[1116] After analyzing the location information and detailed metadata of the restroom (e.g. distance, occupancy status), it prepares to overlay it in the user's field of view.

[1117] Using the AR display engine, an indicator pointing to the location of the toilet is overlaid within the user's field of vision.

[1118] For example, the screen will display "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[1119] Guidance to the toilet

[1120] User:

[1121] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow it to the nearest toilet.

[1122] For example, as you travel the 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator will continue to update and provide guidance until you arrive.

[1123] In this way, the system of the present invention allows users to quickly find a restroom using their current location information, significantly reducing the stress of dealing with a sudden need to urinate or defecate. Real-time information such as congestion status is also provided, allowing for optimal use of the restroom.

[1124] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1125] Step 1:

[1126] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, including latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains the data "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[1127] Step 2:

[1128] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The data sent includes latitude and longitude information.

[1129] Step 3:

[1130] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[1131] Step 4:

[1132] The server obtains metadata such as the location, available hours, and congestion status of the relevant restroom. For example, it extracts data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[1133] Step 5:

[1134] The server packages the acquired toilet information in a format such as JSON and sends it to the terminal.

[1135] Step 6:

[1136] The device analyzes the received restroom information, extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom, and prepares to display them in the user's field of view.

[1137] Step 7:

[1138] The device uses the AR display engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom within the user's field of view. For example, the screen might say, "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[1139] Step 8:

[1140] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view and follows the guidance to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, accurately guiding them.

[1141] This series of processing steps allows the user to quickly find the nearest toilet based on current location information and respond to a sudden need to urinate or defecate.

[1142] Example 1

[1143] Next, a description will be given of Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1144] Conventional technology has struggled to provide users with a means to quickly and smoothly find the nearest facility when they suddenly need to urinate or defecate. Existing systems also struggled to provide detailed real-time information about facility congestion and opening hours. This resulted in insufficient support for users and increased stress from dealing with sudden situations.

[1145] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the first embodiment is realized by the following means.

[1146] In this invention, the server includes a location information acquisition means, a means for transmitting the acquired location information to the communication device, and a means for the communication device to search a database for nearby facility information based on the location information and transmit data including the facility information to the terminal. This allows users to quickly find facilities using their current location information. Furthermore, detailed information such as the facility's location, distance, and available hours is also provided, allowing users to use the facility in the most optimal way.

[1147] "Location information acquisition means" refers to a device or technology that measures the user's current location and acquires it as data.

[1148] "Communication device" refers to devices and technologies for transmitting acquired data to other devices or systems.

[1149] "Facility information" refers to detailed data about a specific facility, such as its location, distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[1150] A "database" refers to a system that systematically stores and manages information and allows it to be searched and retrieved as needed.

[1151] "Terminal" refers to an electronic device that a user can directly operate or view.

[1152] "Display device" refers to a device capable of visually displaying information.

[1153] The present invention is a system that allows a user to quickly and smoothly find the nearest toilet when they suddenly feel the need to urinate or defecate. This system is mainly composed of a terminal, a server, and the interaction between the user and the user.

[1154] Acquisition and communication of current location information

[1155] The device first obtains the user's current location information using a GPS sensor. This GPS sensor is generally built into mobile devices such as smartphones and AR glasses. Specifically, the device reads latitude and longitude information from the GPS chip. This process is performed using the device's built-in API. For example, if the user is at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the obtained location information will be "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[1156] The acquired current location information is sent from the device to the server. This transmission is generally carried out using the HTTPS protocol. The location information is packaged in JSON format or similar and sent to the server's API endpoint.

[1157] Searching and collecting toilet information

[1158] The server searches a database for nearby restroom information based on the received location information. The database stores not only the restroom's location information, but also metadata such as the restroom's opening hours and occupancy status. The server retrieves restroom information within a specific radius using an SQL query. For example, a range specification query such as "SELECT FROM restroom information WHERE latitude BETWEEN 35.6890 AND 35.6900 AND longitude BETWEEN 139.6900 AND 139.6930" is used.

[1159] The toilet information obtained as a search result is formatted in JSON format by the server and sent to the device. For example, data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" is sent to the device in JSON format.

[1160] Analysis and display of toilet information

[1161] The device analyzes the restroom information received from the server. Specifically, it parses the received JSON data and extracts the necessary information (e.g., latitude, longitude, distance, and congestion status). This information is then passed to the AR engine, which prepares an indicator to be displayed in the user's field of view. The AR engine has the function of overlaying an indicator on the device's camera image. For example, information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is overlaid in the user's field of view.

[1162] Guidance to the toilet

[1163] The user checks the indicator displayed within their field of view on the device's display and follows the instructions to the nearest restroom. The indicator is updated in real time to show the direction and distance the user should go. For example, if the user travels 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator will guide them by updating the information in real time: "150 meters," "100 meters," "50 meters."

[1164] Specific examples

[1165] If a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station suddenly feels the need to urinate,

[1166] 1. The device obtains the current location information of "Latitude: 35.6895, Longitude: 139.6917" from the GPS sensor and sends it to the server.

[1167] 2. Based on the location information received by the server, it searches the database for information about nearby toilets, formats it as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'", and sends it to the terminal.

[1168] 3. The device analyzes the information received and uses the AR engine to display an indicator saying "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion."

[1169] 4. The user checks the indicator through the AR glasses and follows it to Toilet A.

[1170] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1171] Describe a system that can quickly find the nearest restroom based on current location information when a user suddenly feels the urge to urinate. This system uses a smartphone or AR glasses, and sends current location information obtained by a GPS sensor to a server. The server uses this information to search a database for nearby restroom information and sends information such as the location and occupancy status of the restroom to the device. The device analyzes the received information and displays it as an overlay in the user's field of view using an AR display engine. The user can then follow the indicator in their field of view to find the nearest restroom. Please explain using a concrete example.

[1172] This allows users to respond quickly to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, significantly reducing stress. Furthermore, real-time information such as congestion status and available times is provided, enabling optimal use of the restroom.

[1173] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1174] Step 1:

[1175] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. The input is a signal from the GPS sensor, and the output is latitude and longitude data. Specifically, the device's GPS module receives signals from satellites and processes them internally to generate location data. This processing is performed through the device's built-in API. For example, for a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the location will be "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[1176] Step 2:

[1177] The current location information acquired by the device is sent to the server. The input is the latitude and longitude data acquired in step 1, and the output is an HTTPS request. Specifically, the acquired location information is packaged in JSON format and sent to the server's API endpoint using the HTTPS protocol. This process transfers the user's location information to the server.

[1178] Step 3:

[1179] The server searches a database for nearby toilet information based on the location information received. The input is the user's latitude and longitude data, and the output is a list of toilet information. Specifically, the server uses an SQL query to search the database and obtain toilets within a specific radius. For example, a query like "SELECT FROM TOILET INFORMATION WHERE latitude BETWEEN 35.6890 AND 35.6900 AND longitude BETWEEN 139.6900 AND 139.6930" is executed.

[1180] Step 4:

[1181] The server formats the search results and converts them into a format that can be sent to the terminal. The input is a list of toilet information retrieved from the database, and the output is the toilet information in JSON format. Specifically, each record in the search results is converted into a JSON object, and this is used as the overall response. For example, the information "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" is converted into JSON format.

[1182] Step 5:

[1183] The server sends the formatted restroom information to the device. The input is JSON-formatted restroom information, and the output is an HTTPS response. Specifically, the HTTPS protocol is used to send the JSON data to the device's receiving API endpoint. In this way, the restroom information is transferred to the device.

[1184] Step 6:

[1185] The terminal analyzes the toilet information received. The input is the JSON data received from the server, and the output is the analyzed toilet information (e.g., latitude, longitude, distance, and congestion status). Specifically, the received JSON data is parsed, and the necessary information is extracted and organized. For example, the information extracted is "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[1186] Step 7:

[1187] The device passes the extracted information to the AR engine and prepares for the overlay display. The input is the analyzed restroom information, and the output is the indicator set in the AR engine. Specifically, the indicator position and display content are set in the device's AR engine, and preparations are made for it to be displayed within the user's field of view. For example, information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is set in the AR engine.

[1188] Step 8:

[1189] The device uses the AR engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom in the user's field of view. The input is the indicator information set in the AR engine, and the output is the indicator displayed in the user's field of view. Specifically, the indicator is displayed by overlaying it on the device's camera image. For example, an indicator saying "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is displayed on the screen.

[1190] Step 9:

[1191] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view through AR glasses or a smartphone screen and follows it to the nearest restroom. The input is the indicator information displayed in their field of view, and the output is the movement behavior to the restroom. Specifically, the user walks according to the indicator's instructions and arrives accurately at the restroom's location. For example, as the user travels 200 meters to "Toilet A," the indicator continues to update in real time, providing guidance until arrival.

[1192] (Application example 1)

[1193] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1194] Conventional toilet guidance systems are designed for use by people walking or in general driving situations, and are not suitable for use in autonomous vehicles. When users of autonomous vehicles suddenly need to urinate or defecate, they are unable to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet, making it difficult and stressful to find a toilet.

[1195] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the application example 1 is realized by the following means.

[1196] In this invention, the server includes means for acquiring current location information of the user, means for transmitting the current location information to the server, means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to the terminal, means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the location of the toilet within the user's field of view, and means for acquiring current location information of the vehicle and displaying and guiding the user to the nearest toilet in real time. This enables users of autonomous vehicles to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet and reduce stress even when they suddenly feel the urge to urinate or defecate.

[1197] "User" refers to a person using the system or a passenger in an autonomous vehicle.

[1198] "Current location information" refers to latitude and longitude data obtained by a location information acquisition device such as a GPS sensor.

[1199] A "server" refers to a computer system that has the function of searching for nearby toilet information based on location information and sending the relevant data to a terminal.

[1200] "Toilet information" refers to information including metadata such as the location, distance, congestion status, and available hours of the toilet.

[1201] "Terminal" refers to a device that acquires current location information and analyzes and displays the received toilet information, and specifically includes smartphones and AR glasses.

[1202] "GPS sensor" refers to a sensor for the Global Positioning System, which identifies a location on Earth by latitude and longitude.

[1203] "Crowdedness status" is information indicating the usage status of the toilet, and examples include states such as "crowded," "normal," and "empty."

[1204] "Displayed in the field of view" refers to overlaying and displaying information in a position where the user can directly see it.

[1205] "Real-time display and guidance" refers to instantly updating information according to the current situation and providing display and route guidance.

[1206] An "autonomous vehicle" refers to a vehicle that drives autonomously using artificial intelligence and sensors.

[1207] The present invention provides a system for quickly and accurately finding the nearest toilet in order to respond to a sudden need to urinate or defecate in an autonomous vehicle. Specific embodiments of the system are described below.

[1208] 1. System Configuration

[1209] server:

[1210] The server has the following functions:

[1211] Receiving current location information: The server receives the current location information sent from the user terminal. The location information includes latitude and longitude.

[1212] Search and collection of toilet information: The server searches for nearby toilet information based on the received location information. The toilet information includes the toilet's location, distance, available hours, and congestion status.

[1213] Sending toilet information: The server sends the toilet information it has searched and collected to the user's terminal in JSON format or similar.

[1214] Device:

[1215] Terminals are devices that have the following functions, specifically including smartphones and AR glasses:

[1216] Obtaining current location information: The device obtains current location information using the GPS sensor.

[1217] Receiving and analyzing toilet information: The terminal receives and analyzes the toilet information sent from the server.

[1218] Display device: Uses an AR display engine to overlay the received toilet information in the user's field of view.

[1219] 2. Hardware and Software Used

[1220] GPS sensor: A sensor for the Global Positioning System that identifies a location on Earth using latitude and longitude. Specifically, it uses the GPS chip built into a smartphone or an external GPS device.

[1221] Server: A computer system connected to a database, implemented in a programming language such as Python, that receives, searches, and sends data.

[1222] AR display engine: Software for overlaying information into the user's field of view. Specifically, it uses the smart glass SDK, etc.

[1223] Communication module: Internet connection function for sending current location information and receiving toilet information. Specifically, it uses Wi-Fi and mobile data communication.

[1224] 3. Specific Examples

[1225] Consider the case where a user of an autonomous vehicle suddenly feels the urge to urinate while driving through an urban area. In this case, the user's device (specifically, a smartphone) uses a GPS sensor to obtain current location information (e.g., latitude 35.6895, longitude 139.6917). The device then sends the obtained location information to a server. The server uses this location information to search for toilet information within a 500-meter radius, and sends information such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'" to the device.

[1226] The device analyzes the received restroom information and displays it as an overlay in the user's field of vision. For example, the smartphone screen may display "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion." The user is guided to the nearest restroom based on the information displayed in their field of vision.

[1227] Generative AI model prompt example

[1228] Here are some examples of prompts to input to the generative AI model:

[1229] "We are developing an application that will find the nearest toilet in real time when a user needs to use the restroom, and will also display detailed information such as the toilet's occupancy status and available hours. This system is intended for use in autonomous vehicles, and is designed to allow users to instantly obtain toilet information from inside the vehicle."

[1230] This configuration significantly reduces the stress a user experiences when dealing with a sudden need to urinate or defecate, and enables the user to quickly and accurately find the nearest toilet.

[1231] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1232] Step 1:

[1233] When a user suddenly feels the need to urinate or defecate, they launch a smartphone application. The application first obtains current location information (latitude and longitude) using the GPS sensor. The input is "current location information from the GPS sensor" and the output is "current location information (latitude: xx.xxxx, longitude: yy.yyyy)". At this stage, the device obtains the raw data from the GPS sensor and converts it into latitude and longitude format.

[1234] Step 2:

[1235] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The input here is "current location information" and the output is "location data to be sent to the server." The device serializes the location information in JSON format and sends it to the server via an HTTP request.

[1236] Step 3:

[1237] The server receives the current location information sent from the device. The input is "current location data from the device" and the output is "location data reception completed." The received location data is queried against the database to search for nearby toilet information.

[1238] Step 4:

[1239] The server searches for and collects information on the nearest restroom from the current location based on the restroom information stored in the database. The input is "current location data" and the output is "a list of restroom information." The server searches the database using SQL queries and retrieves restroom information including metadata such as distance and congestion status.

[1240] Step 5:

[1241] The server formats the collected toilet information in JSON format or similar and sends it to the device. The input is a "list of toilet information" and the output is "JSON data of the toilet information to be sent to the device." The server serializes the toilet information and returns it to the device as an HTTP response.

[1242] Step 6:

[1243] The device receives and analyzes the toilet information sent from the server. The input is "toilet information data from the server" and the output is "analyzed toilet information." The device deserializes the received data and extracts the necessary information.

[1244] Step 7:

[1245] Based on the analyzed restroom information, the device uses an AR display engine to overlay the information in the user's field of view. The input is the "analyzed restroom information" and the output is the "restroom information displayed in the user's field of view." The device displays an indicator showing the location of the restroom, guiding the user to easily go to the restroom.

[1246] Step 8:

[1247] The user checks the information displayed on the device and heads to the nearest restroom. The input is "user's visual information" and the output is "user's behavior." Based on the information obtained through the AR display engine, the user can take the shortest route to the restroom.

[1248] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotion may be further combined. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may estimate the user's emotion using the emotion identification model 59, and perform identification processing using the user's emotion.

[1249] The present invention provides a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom in situations where a sudden urge to urinate or defecate is required, and also provides a function that optimizes the response by taking into account the user's emotional state. This system involves a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquiring current location information and sending that data to a server. In addition, it uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and adjusts the display of restroom information based on the user's state.

[1250] Program processing

[1251] Acquiring and sending current location information

[1252] Device:

[1253] The GPS sensor is used to obtain the user's current location information. This includes latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the data obtained is "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[1254] The acquired current location information is sent to the server.

[1255] Searching and collecting toilet information

[1256] server:

[1257] Based on the received current location information, the system searches the database for nearby toilet information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[1258] Toilet information includes metadata such as the toilet's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and occupancy status.

[1259] As an example, extract the data "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'".

[1260] The toilet information searched for is sent to the terminal in JSON format or similar.

[1261] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[1262] Terminal (Emotion Engine):

[1263] The emotion engine uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and determines their emotional state. For example, if the user's face is pale or their voice is trembling, it may detect "tension" or "stress."

[1264] If the user is feeling nervous or stressed, the emotion engine generates data indicative of this and feeds it back into the toilet information display process.

[1265] Analysis and display of toilet information

[1266] Device:

[1267] The received toilet information is analyzed, and the location information and detailed metadata of each toilet are extracted.

[1268] Based on feedback from the emotion engine, the system prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. For example, if the user is feeling very nervous, the system prioritizes displaying the nearest, unoccupied restroom.

[1269] Preparing and running AR display

[1270] Device:

[1271] Using the AR display engine, an indicator showing the location of the toilet is overlaid within the user's field of view. For example, "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion" is displayed on the screen.

[1272] It is also possible to visually emphasize the user's emotional state by changing the indicator's design and color depending on the user's emotional state.

[1273] Guidance to the toilet

[1274] User:

[1275] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow it to the nearest toilet.

[1276] The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, guiding them accurately.

[1277] In this way, the system of the present invention allows users to quickly find the nearest restroom based on their current location information, and by using the emotion engine, it provides optimal restroom information according to the user's level of urgency, allowing them to efficiently respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, which can significantly reduce stress in urban environments.

[1278] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1279] Step 1:

[1280] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, including latitude and longitude data. For example, at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains the data "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[1281] Step 2:

[1282] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The data sent includes latitude and longitude information.

[1283] Step 3:

[1284] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[1285] Step 4:

[1286] The server obtains metadata such as the location, available hours, and congestion status of the relevant restroom. For example, it extracts data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[1287] Step 5:

[1288] The server packages the acquired toilet information in a format such as JSON and sends it to the terminal.

[1289] Step 6:

[1290] The device (emotion engine) recognizes the user's emotional state. It uses a camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and generates "tension" data if the user is nervous, for example.

[1291] Step 7:

[1292] The terminal analyzes the received restroom information and extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom.

[1293] Step 8:

[1294] The device selects the most appropriate restroom information for the user based on feedback from the emotion engine. For example, if the user is feeling very nervous, the device will prioritize the nearest, unoccupied restroom.

[1295] Step 9:

[1296] The device uses the AR display engine to overlay an indicator showing the location of the restroom within the user's field of view. For example, the screen might say, "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion."

[1297] Step 10:

[1298] The device will adjust the indicator's design and color according to the user's emotional state, for example, turning the indicator red in an emergency.

[1299] Step 11:

[1300] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view and follows the guidance to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update until the user arrives, accurately guiding them.

[1301] This series of processing steps allows users to quickly find the nearest toilet based on their current location and emotional state, allowing them to deal with sudden urges to urinate or defecate. Utilizing the emotion engine makes it possible to provide optimal toilet information according to the user's level of urgency, reducing stress in urban environments.

[1302] Example 2

[1303] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1304] In urban environments, users often encounter situations where they need to respond quickly to an urgent need to urinate or defecate. However, finding the nearest toilet is difficult, causing unnecessary stress for users. Adding to this problem is the lack of guidance that not only informs users of the toilet's location but also responds to the user's emotional state. As a result, users become even more confused in urgent situations and are unable to use the toilet efficiently.

[1305] The specific processing by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means.

[1306] In this invention, the server includes means for acquiring current location information of the user, means for transmitting the current location information to the server, means for the server to search for nearby restroom information based on the current location information and transmit data including the restroom information to the terminal, means for the terminal to analyze the received restroom information and display the positions of the restrooms within the user's field of view, and means for recognizing the user's emotional state using an emotion analysis engine and adjusting the displayed restroom information based on the emotional state. This allows the user to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden urges to urinate or defecate and receive optimal restroom guidance according to their emotional state, thereby significantly reducing stress in urban environments.

[1307] A "user" is a person who uses the system to obtain toilet location information.

[1308] "Current location information" is latitude and longitude data indicating the user's current location obtained by the terminal.

[1309] The "server" is a central processing unit that receives information about the user's current location, searches for information about nearby toilets, and transmits the data to the terminal.

[1310] A "terminal" is a device carried by a user, such as a smartphone or AR glasses, that is equipped with a GPS sensor and an emotion analysis engine.

[1311] A "GPS sensor" is a sensor installed on a device that acquires the user's current location information.

[1312] "Restroom information" is information that includes metadata such as the location, distance, available hours, and congestion status of the restroom.

[1313] A "database" is an information repository that stores restroom information.

[1314] The "emotion analysis engine" is a component within the system that contains algorithms that use a camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and voice and determine their emotional state.

[1315] A "toilet" is a facility that a user uses to relieve the urge to defecate or urinate.

[1316] An "indicator" is an indicator that indicates the location of a toilet and is overlaid on the user's field of view using the AR display engine.

[1317] This invention is a system that allows users to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom in situations where a sudden urge to urinate or defecate is required, and also provides a function that optimizes the response by taking into account the user's emotional state. This system involves a device (e.g., AR glasses or a smartphone) acquiring current location information and sending that data to a server. In addition, it uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and adjusts the display of restroom information based on the user's state.

[1318] Program processing

[1319] Obtaining current location information

[1320] Device:

[1321] The device uses the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. This information includes latitude and longitude data. For example, if a user is at the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the device obtains data such as "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917."

[1322] Sending current location information

[1323] Device:

[1324] The acquired current location information is sent to the server via Wi-Fi or mobile data communication.

[1325] Searching and collecting toilet information

[1326] server:

[1327] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information based on the received current location information, within a radius of, for example, 500 meters.

[1328] The restroom information includes metadata such as the restroom's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status. As an example, we extract the data "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'."

[1329] The toilet information search results are sent to the terminal in a data format such as JSON.

[1330] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[1331] Terminal (Emotion Engine):

[1332] The emotion engine uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and determines the user's emotional state. For example, if the user's face is pale and their voice is trembling, it will detect "tension."

[1333] The results of the assessment are fed back into an internal process to generate data indicating the user's tension.

[1334] Analysis and display of toilet information

[1335] Device:

[1336] The toilet information received from the server is analyzed, and the location information and detailed metadata of each toilet are extracted.

[1337] Based on feedback from the emotion engine, the system prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. For example, if the user is feeling very tense, the system prioritizes displaying the nearest, unoccupied restroom (e.g., "Restroom A").

[1338] Preparing and running AR display

[1339] Device:

[1340] The AR display engine is started, and an indicator showing the location of the toilet is overlaid in the user's field of view. For example, it displays "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion."

[1341] For example, the design and color of the indicator can be changed depending on the user's emotional state, highlighting it with red when tense and blue when relaxed.

[1342] Guidance to the toilet

[1343] User:

[1344] Check the indicator displayed within your field of vision through the AR glasses and follow the instructions to the nearest toilet.

[1345] The indicator continues to update in real time until arrival. For example, if new toilet information is received while the user is on their way to "Toilet A," navigation based on that information will also be provided.

[1346] By implementing the system of the present invention in this way, users can quickly find the nearest toilet based on their current location information, and by using the emotion engine, the system provides optimal toilet information according to the user's level of urgency. This allows users to efficiently respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, significantly reducing stress in urban environments.

[1347] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1348] "Based on the current latitude and longitude, search for toilet information within a 500 meter radius and display the nearest toilet. If the user is nervous, provide toilet information that corresponds to that state with priority."

[1349] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1350] Step 1:

[1351] Obtaining current location information

[1352] The device activates the GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information. This operation collects latitude and longitude data. Specifically, the device obtains data of "latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917" from a user at the west exit of Shinjuku Station. The input is the device's GPS sensor, and the output is the obtained latitude and longitude data.

[1353] Step 2:

[1354] Sending current location information

[1355] The device sends the acquired current location information (latitude: 35.6895, longitude: 139.6917) to the server. Wi-Fi or mobile data communication is used as the communication method. Specifically, the device sends the latitude and longitude data to the server. The input is the acquired latitude and longitude data, and the output is the data to be sent to the server.

[1356] Step 3:

[1357] Search and collect information about nearby toilets

[1358] The server searches the database for information about nearby restrooms based on the current location information received from the device. The search range is, for example, within a radius of 500 meters. Based on this information, the server collects metadata such as the restroom's location (latitude and longitude), distance, available hours, and congestion status, and sends this to the device in a data format such as JSON. As a specific example, the data extracted is "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'." The input is the current location information, and the output is restroom information (metadata for Toilet A).

[1359] Step 4:

[1360] Recognizing the user's emotional state

[1361] The device activates the camera and microphone, and analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice using an emotion analysis engine. This analysis determines the user's emotional state. Specifically, if the user's face is pale and their voice is trembling, it detects "tension." The data on the emotional state is fed back to an internal process. The inputs are camera footage and audio data, and the output is data indicating the user's emotional state.

[1362] Step 5:

[1363] Analysis and display of toilet information

[1364] The device analyzes the restroom information received from the server and extracts the location information and detailed metadata of each restroom. Based on feedback from the emotion engine, it prioritizes displaying restroom information according to the user's level of urgency. Specifically, if the user is feeling very tense, it prioritizes displaying the nearest vacant restroom, for example, "Restroom A." The inputs are restroom information and the user's emotional state, and the output is optimized restroom information.

[1365] Step 6:

[1366] Preparing and running AR display

[1367] The device launches an AR display engine and displays an indicator overlaid within the user's field of view indicating the location of the restroom. As a specific example, it displays "Toilet A: 200 meters ahead, normal congestion." The indicator's design and color can also be changed depending on the user's emotional state, changing to red when tense and blue when relaxed. The inputs are optimized restroom information and the user's emotional state, and the output is an indicator overlaid within the user's field of view.

[1368] Step 7:

[1369] Guidance to the toilet

[1370] The user checks the indicator displayed in their field of view through the AR glasses and follows the instructions to the nearest restroom. The indicator continues to update in real time until the user arrives, accurately guiding the user. As a concrete example, if new restroom information is received while the user is heading to "Restroom A," navigation based on that information is also provided. The input is the indicator overlaid in the user's field of view, and the output is the user reaching the desired restroom.

[1371] (Application example 2)

[1372] Next, a description will be given of Application Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as a "server" and the robot 414 will be referred to as a "terminal."

[1373] When a user in an autonomous vehicle suddenly needs to urinate or defecate, there is a need to be able to quickly and smoothly find the nearest restroom and to provide optimal information taking into account the user's emotional state.However, conventional systems lack the ability to provide restroom guidance that takes into account the user's emotional state or to guide the user to the restroom in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system.

[1374] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 2 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes: means for acquiring current location information of the user; means for transmitting the current location information to the server; means for searching for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmitting data including the toilet information to the terminal; means for the terminal to analyze the received toilet information and display the toilet locations in the user's field of view; means for analyzing the user's emotional state using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on the emotional state; and means for guiding the user to the optimal toilet in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system. This makes it possible to respond promptly to a sudden urge to urinate or defecate, provide optimal toilet information that takes the user's emotional state into consideration, and quickly guide the user to the toilet.

[1375] The "means for acquiring the user's current location information" refers to a device or software for acquiring the latitude and longitude of the user's current location.

[1376] The "means for transmitting the current location information to the server" refers to a device or software having a communication function for transmitting the acquired current location information of the user to the server.

[1377] "Means for searching for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmitting data including the toilet information to the terminal" refers to a mechanism for searching a database for information such as the location and status of nearby toilets based on the current location information received by the server, and transmitting the results to the terminal.

[1378] "Means for analyzing received toilet information and displaying the location of the toilet within the user's field of vision" refers to a device or software for analyzing the toilet information received by the terminal and displaying it within the user's field of vision.

[1379] "Means for analyzing the emotional state of the user using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on said emotional state" refers to a system that analyzes the user's facial expressions, tone of voice, etc. to recognize their emotional state and appropriately adjusts the toilet information to be displayed based on that emotional state.

[1380] "Means for guiding users to the most suitable restroom in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system" refers to a function that works in cooperation with the navigation system of an autonomous vehicle to provide route guidance to lead users to the nearest restroom.

[1381] This invention is a system that provides optimal toilet information to a user who suddenly feels the urge to urinate or defecate in an autonomous vehicle, and guides them to the toilet quickly and smoothly. This system is particularly characterized by providing optimal information taking into account the user's emotional state.

[1382] System configuration

[1383] The system has the following main features:

[1384] 1. Obtaining and sending current location information:

[1385] The server uses the vehicle's GPS sensor to obtain the user's current location information, which includes latitude and longitude data, and transmits that data to the server.

[1386] 2. Searching and collecting toilet information:

[1387] Based on the received current location information, the server searches a database for information on nearby toilets, generates a dataset containing metadata such as the location, opening hours, and congestion status of the toilets, and sends it to the terminal.

[1388] 3. Recognizing the user's emotional state:

[1389] The device uses its built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice, and uses an emotion recognition engine to determine the user's emotional state. For example, if the user is feeling strong tension or stress, the emotion engine will generate data indicating that state.

[1390] 4. Analysis and display of toilet information:

[1391] The device analyzes the received restroom information and displays the most appropriate restroom information for the user based on their emotional state, with the nearest available restroom being given priority.

[1392] 5. Navigation System Integration:

[1393] It works in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user to the appropriate toilet, and the navigation system provides real-time route guidance to assist the user until they reach their destination.

[1394] Hardware and Software

[1395] Hardware used:

[1396] GPS sensor: Used to obtain the vehicle's current location.

[1397] Camera and microphone: Used to recognize the user's emotional state.

[1398] Smart glasses or in-car displays: To provide visual restroom and navigation information to users.

[1399] Software used:

[1400] Emotion recognition engine: Recognizes the user's emotional state by analyzing their facial expressions and tone of voice (e.g., OpenCV).

[1401] Navigation system: Works in conjunction with the vehicle's existing navigation system to provide route guidance to the restroom.

[1402] Specific examples

[1403] For example, if a user feels a strong urge to urinate while driving near Shinjuku Station, the system will act as follows:

[1404] 1. Get current location information:

[1405] "Use the GPS sensor to obtain the vehicle's current location. Assume the vehicle is located in central Tokyo."

[1406] 2. Toilet information search:

[1407] "Based on your current location, search our database for toilets within a 500 meter radius."

[1408] 3. Emotion recognition:

[1409] "Use the camera and microphone to recognize the user's emotions and determine if they are feeling nervous or stressed."

[1410] 4. Information display:

[1411] "Consider the user's emotional state and display information about the nearest available restroom on smart glasses or an in-car display."

[1412] 5. Navigation:

[1413] "Please use your vehicle's navigation system to navigate to the selected restroom."

[1414] In this way, this system allows the user to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, and provides optimal information and guidance that takes into account the user's emotional state.

[1415] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1416] Step 1:

[1417] Get the user's current location:

[1418] The terminal obtains current location information from the GPS sensor installed in the autonomous vehicle. At this time, it obtains latitude and longitude data (for example, "Latitude: 35.6895, Longitude: 139.6917" at the west exit of Shinjuku Station). The input is the data from the GPS sensor, and the output is the latitude and longitude location information.

[1419] Step 2:

[1420] Send current location:

[1421] The device sends the acquired current location information to the server. The input is the device's current location information, and the output is the location information data sent to the server. This allows the server to recognize the user's specific location.

[1422] Step 3:

[1423] Search for nearby toilet information:

[1424] The server searches the database for nearby toilet information (location, distance, congestion status, etc.) based on the received location information. For example, it searches for data such as "Toilet A: latitude 35.6897, longitude 139.6921, distance 200 meters, congestion status 'normal'." The input is the current location information, and the output is a list of matching toilet information.

[1425] Step 4:

[1426] Emotional state recognition:

[1427] The system uses the device's built-in camera and microphone to analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice. It uses an emotion recognition engine to determine the user's emotional state (e.g., "tension" or "stress"). The input is data from the camera and microphone, and the output is data indicating the user's emotional state.

[1428] Step 5:

[1429] Toilet information analysis:

[1430] The device selects the most suitable restroom information for the user based on the received restroom information and emotional state. If the emotional state is determined to be "tension" or "stress," the device will prioritize the nearest, unoccupied restroom. The input is restroom information and emotional state data, and the output is the most suitable restroom information.

[1431] Step 6:

[1432] Toilet information display:

[1433] The terminal displays the selected optimal restroom information on smart glasses or an in-car display. For example, it provides visual information such as "Toilet A: 200 meters away, normal congestion." The input is the optimal restroom information, and the output is visual restroom guidance to the user.

[1434] Step 7:

[1435] Toilet Guidance:

[1436] It works in conjunction with the vehicle's navigation system to guide the user along the optimal route to the selected restroom. Route guidance is updated in real time, supporting the user until they reach their destination accurately. The input is the location information of the optimal restroom, and the output is navigation route information for the user.

[1437] This series of steps allows users to quickly respond to sudden urges to urinate or defecate, and guides them to the most suitable toilet based on their emotional state.

[1438] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the robot 414. In the robot 414, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 and the control target 443 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires voice indicating a user input regarding the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits voice data indicating the user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing device 12. In the data processing device 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the voice data.

[1439] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet Search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">) and other generation AIs. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. A prompt including an instruction is input to the data generation model 58, and inference data such as voice data indicating voice, text data indicating text, and image data indicating an image is also input. The data generation model 58 performs inference on the input inference data in accordance with the instruction indicated by the prompt, and outputs the inference result in a data format such as voice data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[1440] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific processing may be performed by the robot 414.

[1441] The emotion identification model 59 as an emotion engine may determine the user's emotion according to a specific mapping. Specifically, the emotion identification model 59 may determine the user's emotion according to an emotion map (see FIG. 9), which is a specific mapping. Similarly, the emotion identification model 59 may determine the robot's emotion, and the identification processing unit 290 may perform identification processing using the robot's emotion.

[1442] FIG. 9 illustrates an emotion map 400 on which multiple emotions are mapped. In the emotion map 400, emotions are arranged in concentric circles radiating from the center. Emotions closer to the center of the concentric circles are more primitive. Emotions representing states and behaviors arising from a state of mind are arranged on the outer edges of the concentric circles. The concept of emotion includes both affect and mental states. Emotions generally generated from reactions occurring in the brain are arranged on the left side of the concentric circles. Emotions generally induced by situational judgment are arranged on the right side of the concentric circles. Emotions generally generated from reactions occurring in the brain and induced by situational judgment are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the concentric circles. Furthermore, the emotion of "pleasure" is arranged on the upper side of the concentric circles, and the emotion of "discomfort" is arranged on the lower side. In this way, in the emotion map 400, multiple emotions are mapped based on the structure by which emotions are generated, and emotions that tend to occur simultaneously are mapped close to each other.

[1443] These emotions are distributed in the 3 o'clock direction on emotion map 400, and typically fluctuate between relief and anxiety. In the right half of emotion map 400, situational awareness dominates over internal sensations, resulting in a sense of calm.

[1444] The inside of emotion map 400 represents what is going on in the mind, and the outside of emotion map 400 represents behavior, so the further you go outside emotion map 400, the more visible the emotions become (the more they are expressed in behavior).

[1445] Human emotions are based on various balances, such as posture and blood sugar levels. When these balances deviate from the ideal, a state of discomfort is indicated, and when they approach the ideal, a state of pleasure is indicated. Emotions can also be created for robots, automobiles, and motorcycles, based on various balances, such as posture and remaining battery life. When these balances deviate from the ideal, a state of discomfort is indicated, and when they approach the ideal, a state of pleasure is indicated. An emotion map can be generated, for example, based on Dr. Mitsuyoshi's emotion map (Research on Voice Emotion Recognition and Emotional Brain Physiological Signal Analysis Systems, Tokushima University, Doctoral Dissertation: https: / / ci.nii.ac.jp / naid / 500000375379). The left half of the emotion map lists emotions belonging to the "reaction" domain, where sensation is dominant. The right half of the emotion map lists emotions belonging to the "situation" domain, where situational awareness is dominant.

[1446] The emotion map defines two emotions that promote learning. One is a negative emotion on the situation side, around the middle of "repentance" or "reflection." In other words, this occurs when the robot experiences negative emotions such as "I never want to feel this way again" or "I don't want to be scolded again." The other is a positive emotion on the response side, around "desire." In other words, this occurs when the robot experiences positive feelings such as "I want more" or "I want to know more."

[1447] The emotion identification model 59 inputs user input into a pre-trained neural network, obtains emotion values ​​indicating each emotion shown in the emotion map 400, and determines the user's emotion. This neural network is pre-trained based on multiple pieces of training data that are combinations of user input and emotion values ​​indicating each emotion shown in the emotion map 400. Furthermore, this neural network is trained so that emotions that are located close to each other have similar values, as in the emotion map 900 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows an example in which multiple emotions, "relieved," "calm," and "reassuring," have similar emotion values.

[1448] The system according to the present disclosure has been described above mainly with respect to the functions of the data processing device 12, but the system according to the present disclosure is not necessarily implemented on a server. The system according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a general information processing system. The present disclosure may be implemented, for example, as a software program running on a personal computer or an application running on a smartphone, etc. The method according to the present disclosure may be provided to users in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service).

[1449] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific processing is performed by one computer 22, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the specific processing may be distributed and performed by a plurality of computers including the computer 22. For example, the data generation model 58 may be provided in an external device of the data processing device 12, and data may be generated in the external device in accordance with input data.

[1450] In the above embodiment, an example in which the specific processing program 56 is stored in the storage 32 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the specific processing program 56 may be stored in a portable, computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The specific processing program 56 stored in the non-transitory storage medium is installed in the computer 22 of the data processing device 12. The processor 28 executes the specific processing in accordance with the specific processing program 56.

[1451] Alternatively, the specific processing program 56 may be stored in a storage device such as a server connected to the data processing device 12 via the network 54, and the specific processing program 56 may be downloaded and installed on the computer 22 in response to a request from the data processing device 12.

[1452] It is not necessary to store all of the specific processing program 56 in a storage device such as a server connected to the data processing device 12 via the network 54, or to store all of the specific processing program 56 in the storage 32; only a portion of the specific processing program 56 may be stored.

[1453] The hardware resource for executing a specific process can be any of the following processors: An example of a processor is a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for executing a specific process by executing software, i.e., a program. Another example of a processor is a dedicated electrical circuit, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is a processor with a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing a specific process. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and each processor uses the memory to execute the specific process.

[1454] The hardware resource that executes the specific processing may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that executes the specific processing may be a single processor.

[1455] As an example of a system configured with a single processor, first, one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes a specific process. Second, there is a system that uses a processor that realizes the functions of an entire system including multiple hardware resources that execute a specific process on a single IC chip, as typified by SoC (System-on-a-chip). In this way, a specific process is realized using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[1456] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can be, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. The specific processing described above is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[1457] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[1458] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[1459] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[1460] (Claim 1)

[1461] A means for acquiring current location information of a user;

[1462] means for transmitting the current location information to a server;

[1463] a means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to the terminal;

[1464] means for analyzing the received toilet information and displaying the location of the toilet in the user's field of view;

[1465] A system including:

[1466] (Claim 2)

[1467] The system of claim 1 , wherein the restroom information includes the location and distance of the restroom, and its occupancy status.

[1468] (Claim 3)

[1469] The system of claim 1 , wherein the terminal acquires current location information using a GPS sensor.

[1470] "Example 1"

[1471] (Claim 1)

[1472] location information acquisition means;

[1473] means for transmitting the acquired location information to a communication device;

[1474] a means for the communication device to search a database for information on surrounding facilities based on the location information and transmit data including the facility information to the terminal;

[1475] a means for analyzing the received facility information and displaying the location of the facility on the user's display device;

[1476] A system including:

[1477] (Claim 2)

[1478] The system of claim 1 , wherein the facility information includes the location and distance of the facility, and available hours.

[1479] (Claim 3)

[1480] The system of claim 1 , wherein the terminal acquires current location information using a location information sensor.

[1481] "Application Example 1"

[1482] (Claim 1)

[1483] A means for acquiring current location information of a user;

[1484] means for transmitting the current location information to a server;

[1485] a means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to the terminal;

[1486] means for analyzing the received toilet information and displaying the location of the toilet in the user's field of view;

[1487] A means to acquire the vehicle's current location information and display and guide the nearest toilet in real time;

[1488] A system including:

[1489] (Claim 2)

[1490] The system of claim 1 , wherein the restroom information includes the location and distance of the restroom, and its occupancy status.

[1491] (Claim 3)

[1492] The system of claim 1 , wherein the terminal acquires current location information using a GPS sensor.

[1493] "Example 2: Combining Emotion Engines"

[1494] (Claim 1)

[1495] A means for acquiring current location information of a user;

[1496] means for transmitting the current location information to a server;

[1497] a means for the server to search for information on nearby restrooms based on the current location information and transmit data including the restroom information to the terminal;

[1498] means for analyzing the received restroom information and displaying the location of the restroom within the user's field of view;

[1499] means for recognizing a user's emotional state using an emotion analysis engine and adjusting the displayed restroom information based on the user's emotional state;

[1500] A system including:

[1501] (Claim 2)

[1502] The system of claim 1 , wherein the restroom information includes the location and distance of the restroom, and its occupancy status.

[1503] (Claim 3)

[1504] The system of claim 1 , wherein the terminal acquires current location information using a GPS sensor.

[1505] "Application example 2 when combining emotion engines"

[1506] (Claim 1)

[1507] A means for acquiring current location information of a user;

[1508] means for transmitting the current location information to a server;

[1509] a means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to the terminal;

[1510] means for analyzing the received toilet information and displaying the location of the toilet in the user's field of view;

[1511] means for analyzing the emotional state of a user using an emotion recognition engine and adjusting the toilet information to be displayed based on the emotional state;

[1512] A means for guiding passengers to the most suitable restroom in cooperation with the vehicle's navigation system;

[1513] A system including:

[1514] (Claim 2)

[1515] The system of claim 1 , wherein the restroom information includes the location and distance of the restroom, and its occupancy status.

[1516] (Claim 3)

[1517] The system of claim 1 , wherein the terminal acquires current location information using a GPS sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[1518] 10, 210, 310, 410 Data Processing Systems 12 Data Processing Device 14 Smart Devices 214 Smart Glasses 314 Headset-type terminal 414 Robot< / url:> < / url:> < / url:> < / url:>

Claims

1. A means for acquiring current location information of a user; means for transmitting the current location information to a server; a means for the server to search for nearby toilet information based on the current location information and transmit data including the toilet information to the terminal; means for analyzing the received toilet information and displaying the location of the toilet in the user's field of view; A system including:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the restroom information includes the location and distance of the restroom, and its occupancy status.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the terminal acquires current location information using a GPS sensor.

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