System

Abstract

A system is provided.SOLUTION: A system comprising: means for inputting a language, a situation, a level, and a character with which a user wishes to converse; means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon; means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information; means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner for interactive conversation with the user; means for displaying the generated response to the user; and means for receiving an additional input from the user and generating and displaying a response again.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] When learning a foreign language, many learners have limited opportunities for actual conversation, preventing them from fully utilizing their learning. It is particularly difficult for busy people and children who have difficulty finding suitable conversation partners to engage in practical conversation practice that fits into their daily lives. There is also a need for customized conversation practice tailored to the learner's level and situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.

[0006] A way for users to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak,

[0007] a means for receiving user input and initializing user information based thereon;

[0008] A means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information;

[0009] means for generating responses from a virtual conversation partner for conducting an interactive conversation with the user;

[0010] a means for displaying the generated response to the user;

[0011] The system includes a means for receiving additional user input and again generating and displaying a response.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention includes a means for providing an interactive conversation experience by having the virtual conversational partner show expressive responses, and a means for displaying advice on syntax to be used by the user during the conversation, thereby helping the learner to learn accurate grammar and expressions.

[0013] Through these measures, practical and customized foreign language conversation practice can be provided, making it possible to improve the learning effect of learners.

[0014] "User" refers to an individual who uses the System to learn a foreign language.

[0015] "Language you want to speak" refers to the foreign language you select to learn or practice.

[0016] A "situation" refers to the scene or situation in which the conversation takes place, chosen by the user.

[0017] "Level" refers to an indicator of a user's proficiency in a foreign language.

[0018] "Character" refers to the persona of a virtual conversation partner selected by the user.

[0019] "Means of input" refers to the interface or method by which a user provides information to a system.

[0020] "User Information" means information, including data and settings entered by a User.

[0021] "Initialization" refers to the process by which the system optimally configures itself based on user information.

[0022] "Virtual Conversational Partner" refers to a virtual person created on the system to interact with the user.

[0023] "Response" refers to a response generated by a virtual conversational partner in response to a user's utterance.

[0024] "Means for displaying" refers to the method or interface used to show system-generated responses and information to the user.

[0025] "Interactive conversation" refers to a dialogue between a user and a virtual conversation partner in which they repeatedly make statements and respond to each other.

[0026] "Additional input" refers to new statements or information that a user provides during a conversation.

[0027] "Expressive reactions" refers to the virtual conversation partner's emotional responses to what the user says.

[0028] "Syntax advice" refers to advice or guidance on the grammar and phrasing a user uses during a conversation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [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 illustrating 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

[0030] 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.

[0031] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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."

[0037] [First embodiment]

[0038] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart device 14.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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."

[0050] This invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using smartphones and PCs. The system allows users to experience a realistic conversation with a virtual friend by inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to converse in.

[0051] User settings input

[0052] First, the user inputs the language they want to talk in, the situation, their level, and the character's name. For example, a user might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "John."

[0053] Initializing user information

[0054] Next, the device receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on that information, which serves as the basis for setting up the conversation context and virtual conversation partner.

[0055] Creating a virtual conversation partner

[0056] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is generated based on the character settings entered by the user, for example, a character named "John" that simulates a conversation at a cafe.

[0057] Start a conversation

[0058] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input: the user types a statement such as "Hello, how are you?" This input is sent to the system, which starts the process of generating a response from the virtual conversation partner.

[0059] Response generation for virtual conversation partners

[0060] The device passes the user's input to a response generator in a virtual conversation partner (e.g., John), which generates an appropriate reply. The virtual conversation partner responds to the user's input, such as "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0061] Viewing the response

[0062] The generated response is displayed on the device, where the user can view it and type their next utterance, starting the conversation process again.

[0063] Continuing and Ending a Conversation

[0064] This repeated process continues until the user types "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the interactive session.

[0065] Syntax advice and expressive responses

[0066] Furthermore, the present invention includes a feature that allows the virtual conversation partner to display expressive responses, providing a more realistic conversation experience for the user, and a feature that displays advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation, enhancing learning effectiveness.

[0067] Specific examples

[0068] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0069] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0070] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0071] 3. The user types the utterance "Hello, how are you?"

[0072] 4. The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0073] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expression changes and more syntax advice is displayed.

[0074] 6. When the user types "exit", the terminal ends the conversation session.

[0075] As a result, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation.

[0076] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0077] Step 1:

[0078] The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character name they want to talk in into the terminal. This information is entered in the form of, for example, "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John."

[0079] Step 2:

[0080] The terminal receives information input by the user and initializes it as user information, which includes language, situation, level, and character.

[0081] Step 3:

[0082] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings selected by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[0083] Step 4:

[0084] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input from the user. The prompt is in the form "Conversation Partner: John", "Situation: Cafe Conversation", "You: ".

[0085] Step 5:

[0086] The user inputs a conversational utterance into the terminal, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[0087] Step 6:

[0088] The terminal sends the user's input to the virtual conversational partner's response generation engine, which generates appropriate responses based on the user's utterances.

[0089] Step 7:

[0090] The virtual conversational partner's response generation engine generates a response such as "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0091] Step 8:

[0092] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, for example, "John responds to 'I'm doing well, thank you!' in English."

[0093] Step 9:

[0094] The terminal again waits for the user to enter additional speech, and this process repeats until the user enters "exit" or "quit."

[0095] Step 10:

[0096] When the user types "exit" or "quit", the terminal ends the interactive session and a termination message is displayed to the user.

[0097] Step 11:

[0098] During a conversation, the device will display the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner, helping users have a more realistic conversation experience.The device will also display syntax advice during the conversation, helping users learn proper grammar and expressions.

[0099] Example 1

[0100] 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."

[0101] Conventional foreign language conversation practice systems have difficulty in providing practice tailored to the user's desired situation or character, and often lack real-time responses and advice. Furthermore, the reactions of virtual conversation partners are not realistic, preventing users from getting sufficient practical practice. As a result, the effectiveness of foreign language learning has been limited.

[0102] 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.

[0103] In this invention, the server includes means for a user to input the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for displaying prompts to the user and receiving input from the user, means for receiving the user's input and generating a response for the virtual conversation partner using a generative AI model, means for displaying the generated response to the user, means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again, means for terminating the conversation session when the user inputs an end command, means for providing syntax advice in real time based on the response of the virtual conversation partner, and means for evaluating the user's learning progress. This allows the user to have a more realistic and natural foreign language conversation experience and promotes practical learning.

[0104] "User" refers to an individual who uses the System to practice foreign language conversation.

[0105] "Language" refers to the particular foreign language that the User has selected for conversation practice.

[0106] A "situation" refers to a particular situation or occasion that a user selects for conversation practice.

[0107] "Level" is an indicator of the user's level of foreign language proficiency, and includes stages from beginner to advanced.

[0108] "Character" refers to a virtual person that a user sets as a conversation practice partner.

[0109] "Input means" refers to the means by which a user inputs information such as language, situation, level, character, etc. into the system.

[0110] "Initialization means" refers to a means for initializing user information based on information input by the user.

[0111] The "means for generating a virtual conversation partner" refers to a means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on initialized user information.

[0112] "Prompt display means" refers to a means of displaying a message to the user to guide them in starting or continuing a conversation.

[0113] "Response generation means" refers to the means by which a virtual conversational partner generates an appropriate reply based on a user's input.

[0114] "Response display means" refers to a means for displaying the response of the generated virtual conversation partner to the user.

[0115] "Means for terminating" refers to a means for terminating a conversation session when a user enters a command to end the conversation.

[0116] "Means for providing syntactic advice" refers to a means for providing syntactic advice in real time based on user utterances.

[0117] The "learning progress evaluation means" refers to a means for evaluating the learning progress of a user based on the user's conversation history and practice content.

[0118] This invention is a system that allows users to practice foreign language conversation using a smartphone or PC. By inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk in, users can have a realistic conversation experience with a virtual friend. This system is realized mainly using the following hardware and software:

[0119] Hardware and software used

[0120] Hardware: Smartphones, PCs, tablets

[0121] Software: Generative AI models (e.g., Google Dialogflow)

[0122] System Operation

[0123] Users input the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk to into their device. For example, they might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John." This input information is sent to the server via the device to set the context and setting of the conversation.

[0124] The server initializes the user information based on the received input information. This initialization process may also take into account the user's past conversation history. Based on the initialized user information, the server uses a generative AI model to generate a virtual conversation partner. At this time, the characteristics and profile of the virtual conversation partner are set according to the character and situation specified by the user.

[0125] The device prompts the user with the message "Let's start a conversation," and the user then types a response to the virtual conversation partner's initial greeting, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[0126] This user input is sent in real time to a server, which uses a generative AI model to generate a response from the virtual conversation partner, such as "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" The response is then sent to the device, which displays it to the user.

[0127] This process of receiving additional user input, generating and displaying a response again, repeats until the user enters an exit command such as "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the conversation session and the server stores the conversation as a log.

[0128] In addition, the system provides real-time syntax advice based on the virtual conversation partner's responses, and the device displays the virtual conversation partner's expressive responses and evaluates the user's learning progress, providing a more realistic and natural foreign language conversation experience and promoting practical learning.

[0129] Specific examples

[0130] A concrete scenario would go like this:

[0131] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0132] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, sends it to the server to initialize the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0133] 3. The user types the utterance "Hello, how are you?"

[0134] 4. The server receives the user's utterance and uses a generative AI model to generate a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0135] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expressions change and syntax advice is displayed in real time.

[0136] 6. When the user types "exit," the server ends the conversation session and saves the conversation as a log.

[0137] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0138] Below are some examples of specific prompts to input to a generative AI model:

[0139] "The user inputs the settings 'English', 'Coffee shop conversation', 'Intermediate', and 'John'. The user then inputs the utterance 'Hello, how are you?'. Generate a response from John, the virtual conversation partner."

[0140] This system provides users with a more effective and practical opportunity to practice foreign language conversation.

[0141] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0142] Step 1:

[0143] The user inputs the desired language, situation, level, and character into the terminal. The input data includes "Language: English," "Situation: Cafe conversation," "Level: Intermediate," and "Character: John." This input data is sent from the terminal to the server.

[0144] Step 2:

[0145] The server initializes the user information based on the received input data. Specifically, relevant data based on the user's selection is initialized in the internal database, and the conversation context and the user's learning history are also set. This initialization process provides the basic information required to generate a virtual conversation partner. The initialization results are also stored in the database, and the initialization data obtained here will be used in the next step.

[0146] Step 3:

[0147] The server generates a virtual conversation partner using a generative AI model based on the initialized user information. During this generation process, the characteristics and profile of the character (e.g., "John") specified by the user are set. The generative AI model also takes into account the character's personality and language skills to create the conversation partner. Data on the generated virtual conversation partner is stored on the server and used in subsequent conversation sessions.

[0148] Step 4:

[0149] The terminal displays a prompt to the user to start a conversation, such as "Let's start a conversation" along with an initial greeting from the virtual conversation partner (John). The initial greeting displayed on the terminal may include "John: Hi, what would you like to talk about today?", and waits for the user's first input.

[0150] Step 5:

[0151] The user inputs a response to the virtual conversation partner's initial greeting, for example, "Hello, how are you?" This input data is sent to the server via the terminal. After the user's input reaches the server, the next step is performed.

[0152] Step 6:

[0153] The server uses a generative AI model to generate responses for the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input. This process involves analyzing what the user says and automatically generating an appropriate reply. In this example, the server generates a response to the user's "Hello, how are you?", which is "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" The generated response data is then sent to the device.

[0154] Step 7:

[0155] The device displays the virtual conversation partner's response received from the server. Specifically, the message "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" is displayed on the user's screen in real time. The user can then view the displayed message and prepare their next remark to continue the conversation.

[0156] Step 8:

[0157] The user inputs additional statements to further the conversation. This process repeats until the user enters an exit command such as "exit" or "quit." With each cycle, the user's statements are sent to the server, and a response from the virtual conversation partner is generated and displayed on the device, allowing for a real-time interactive conversation.

[0158] Step 9:

[0159] When the user enters an end command, the server ends the conversation session and saves the entire conversation as a log. The saved log data will be used for future learning progress assessments and conversation history references. This log data is managed for each user and stored securely.

[0160] Step 10:

[0161] The device will display the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner during the conversation. This feature uses animations and emoticons to visually represent the emotions and reactions of the virtual conversation partner, providing users with a more realistic conversation experience.

[0162] Step 11:

[0163] The device also displays real-time syntax advice for sentences users type. This feature includes grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary corrections, and is designed to enhance users' learning. For example, if a user types "I am fine, and you?", the device will display specific improvement advice for the next step.

[0164] This process allows users to learn efficiently and effectively while enjoying real-time interactive foreign language conversations.

[0165] (Application example 1)

[0166] 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."

[0167] Conventional foreign language conversation practice platforms are limited to dialogue practice in stationary environments and are not suitable for use while traveling or in a car. This makes them inconvenient for users, and it is difficult for busy modern people to find time to practice. In addition, the limited voice input and display methods make it impossible to realize interactive dialogue adapted to the mobile environment.

[0168] 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.

[0169] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based on the input, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for conducting a conversation in a moving vehicle, means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to conduct an interactive conversation with the user, means for displaying the generated response to the user, means for receiving additional input from the user and generating and displaying a response again, and means for utilizing voice input and display output while traveling. This allows for comfortable foreign language conversation practice even while traveling, improving user convenience and making it easier to find time for dialogue practice.

[0170] "User" means an individual or a corporation that uses the dialogue practice system.

[0171] A "language of interest" is a language that a user wishes to practice.

[0172] A "situation" refers to a situation or occasion in which a user wants to interact with a virtual conversation partner.

[0173] "Level" indicates the difficulty and proficiency of the dialogue set by the user.

[0174] A "character" is a virtual person or agent that a user selects as a virtual conversation partner.

[0175] "Means of input" refers to the interface or device through which a user provides information to a system.

[0176] "Means for initializing user information" is the process by which the system prepares the necessary data and settings based on the information entered by the user.

[0177] "Means for generating a virtual conversation partner" refers to the ability of the system to create a virtual conversation partner based on the user's settings.

[0178] A "moving vehicle" is an autonomous vehicle or other means of transportation used by a user for transportation.

[0179] "Means for conducting a conversation" refers to any mechanism or device that allows a user and a virtual conversation partner to interact while on the move.

[0180] "Means for conducting interactive conversations" refers to a process or system that allows a user and a virtual conversation partner to engage in a two-way dialogue.

[0181] A "means for generating a response" is an algorithm or program that allows a virtual conversational partner to generate a response to a user's input.

[0182] A "means for displaying" is a display or screen for visually presenting the generated response to a user.

[0183] The "means for receiving additional input and generating and displaying a response again" is a process for continuing the dialogue based on the user's continued input.

[0184] "Voice input" is a means by which a user inputs speech into the system.

[0185] "Display output" means the means by which system-generated responses and information are visually presented to the user.

[0186] This invention is a system for allowing users to practice foreign language conversation while in a moving vehicle. How the system is implemented will be specifically described below.

[0187] System configuration

[0188] The system is configured to enable interactive conversation between the user and a virtual conversation partner via voice input and display output using a smartphone or an in-car display. The main components of the system are as follows:

[0189] User Input Method

[0190] How to initialize user information

[0191] Virtual conversation partner generation means

[0192] Interactive conversation execution means

[0193] Response Generation Method

[0194] Display means

[0195] Voice input and display output means on the move

[0196] Program Processing Overview

[0197] The server provides a means for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they wish to converse in. When the user inputs this information, the server initializes the user information and generates a virtual conversation partner based on that information. This sets up the virtual conversation partner and begins the conversation within the vehicle.

[0198] The smartphone's microphone or the voice recognition function of the in-car display is used as a means of voice input for users to make statements. The voice input data is converted into text data via a voice recognition API (e.g., Google Cloud Speech-to-Text), and this text data is then sent to the server.

[0199] The server receives the user's text data and generates a response from the virtual conversation partner. A generative AI model is used to generate the response that best suits the user's statement. The generated response is displayed to the user via a display output means (smartphone screen or in-car display). This prompts the user to make the next statement.

[0200] Specific examples

[0201] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0202] 1. The user enters "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "virtual character name" into their smartphone or car display.

[0203] 2. The server receives these settings, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner.

[0204] 3. The user says, "Hello, how are you today?"

[0205] 4. This speech is converted into text using a speech recognition API and sent to the server.

[0206] 5. The server generates a response from the virtual conversation partner, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you! How can I help you today?"

[0207] 6. The user continues, "I'm looking for a place to have coffee."

[0208] 7. Your virtual conversation partner responds, "There's a nice café just around the corner. Would you like some recommendations on what to order?"

[0209] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0210] You: Hello, how are you today?

[0211] Virtual character: I'm doing well, thank you! How can I help you today?

[0212] You: I'm looking for a place to have coffee.

[0213] Character: There's a nice café just around the corner. Would you like some recommendations on what to order?

[0214] In this way, the system of the present invention provides an environment in which users can effectively practice foreign language conversation while on the move.

[0215] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0216] Step 1:

[0217] Users input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak.

[0218] Specific operation: The user uses the input interface on their smartphone or in-car display to input the language (e.g., English), situation (e.g., a conversation in a cafe), level (e.g., intermediate), and character (e.g., the name of a virtual character).

[0219] Input: Language, Situation, Level, Character

[0220] Output: User input data

[0221] Step 2:

[0222] The terminal receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on it.

[0223] Specific operation: The device sends the information received from the user to the server, and the server initializes the user information based on that information. This initialization includes setting the conversation context and preparing the data necessary to generate a profile of the virtual conversation partner.

[0224] Input: User-entered data

[0225] Output: Initialized user information

[0226] Step 3:

[0227] The server generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information.

[0228] How it works: The server uses a generative AI model to generate a virtual conversation partner based on user information, and the virtual conversation partner is profiled according to the user's character, situation, level, etc.

[0229] Input: Initialized user information

[0230] Output: Virtual conversation partner

[0231] Step 4:

[0232] The user speaks and the device converts the speech into text.

[0233] How it works: The user speaks through the microphone on their smartphone or the car's display. This voice data is converted into text data using a speech recognition API (e.g., Google Cloud Speech-to-Text) and sent to the server.

[0234] Input: User's voice data

[0235] Output: Text data

[0236] Step 5:

[0237] The server generates the virtual conversation partner's responses.

[0238] How it works: The server receives text data from the user and uses a generative AI model to generate responses from a virtual conversation partner, which are generated to best respond to what the user says.

[0239] Input: User's text data

[0240] Output: Response text from virtual conversation partner

[0241] Step 6:

[0242] The terminal displays the generated response to the user.

[0243] What it does: The generated response text is displayed on the smartphone or in-car display, providing a visual representation to the user, allowing them to prepare for their next utterance.

[0244] Input: Response text from virtual conversation partner

[0245] Output: The displayed response text

[0246] Step 7:

[0247] The user makes an additional utterance, and the response is generated and displayed again.

[0248] What happens: The user continues the conversation by dictating additional utterances and repeating steps 4 through 6, creating a continuous interactive dialogue.

[0249] Input: Additional user voice data

[0250] Output: New response text from virtual conversation partner

[0251] This series of processes allows users to practice foreign language conversation comfortably while in a moving vehicle.

[0252] 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.

[0253] This invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using smartphones and PCs. The system allows users to experience a realistic conversation with a virtual friend by inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to converse in. It also combines an emotion engine that recognizes the user's emotions to provide responses and feedback that reflect the user's emotions.

[0254] User settings input

[0255] First, the user inputs the language they want to talk in, the situation, their level, and the character's name. For example, a user might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "John."

[0256] Initializing user information

[0257] Next, the device receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on that information, which serves as the basis for setting up the conversation context and virtual conversation partner.

[0258] Creating a virtual conversation partner

[0259] The device creates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings entered by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[0260] Utilizing the Emotion Engine

[0261] In this invention, an emotion engine built into the device recognizes the user's emotions in real time. The emotion engine determines emotions by analyzing the user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. For example, if the user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the emotion engine recognizes that the user is "happy."

[0262] Start a conversation

[0263] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. The user types a statement such as "Hello, how are you?" This input is sent to the system, which starts the process of generating a response from the virtual conversation partner. Additionally, an emotion engine evaluates the user's emotions and reflects them in the response.

[0264] Response generation for virtual conversation partners

[0265] The device sends the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation to the virtual conversation partner's response generator, which then generates an appropriate response based on the user's emotions, such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[0266] Viewing the response

[0267] The generated response is displayed on the device, where the user can view it and type their next utterance, starting the conversation process again.

[0268] Continuing and Ending a Conversation

[0269] This repeated process continues until the user types "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the interactive session.

[0270] Syntax advice and expressive responses

[0271] Furthermore, the present invention includes a feature that allows the virtual conversation partner to display expressive responses, providing a more realistic conversation experience for the user, and a feature that displays advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation, enhancing learning effectiveness.

[0272] Specific examples

[0273] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0274] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0275] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0276] 3. The user enters the statement "Hello, how are you?" The emotion engine recognizes that the user is "happy."

[0277] 4. The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[0278] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expression changes and more syntax advice is displayed.

[0279] 6. When the user types "exit", the terminal ends the conversation session.

[0280] As a result, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation, and also provides a richer conversation experience that reflects the user's emotions.

[0281] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0282] Step 1:

[0283] The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character name they want to talk in into the terminal. This information is entered in the form of, for example, "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John."

[0284] Step 2:

[0285] The terminal receives information input by the user and initializes it as user information, which includes language, situation, level, and character.

[0286] Step 3:

[0287] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings selected by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[0288] Step 4:

[0289] The device activates an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotions in real time. The emotion engine analyzes the user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. to evaluate their emotions. For example, it analyzes the tone of voice and facial expressions to recognize that the user is "happy."

[0290] Step 5:

[0291] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. The prompt is in the format "Conversation Partner: John", "Situation: Cafe Conversation", "You: ".

[0292] Step 6:

[0293] The user inputs a conversational utterance into the terminal, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[0294] Step 7:

[0295] The device simultaneously sends the user's input and the emotions recognized by the emotion engine to the virtual conversation partner's response generation engine, which generates an appropriate response based on the user's utterances and emotions. For example, it generates a friendly response in response to the user's "happiness."

[0296] Step 8:

[0297] The virtual conversation partner's response generation engine generates a response such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[0298] Step 9:

[0299] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, for example, "John responds in English to 'I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today.'"

[0300] Step 10:

[0301] The device again waits for the user to input additional utterances. When the user inputs the next utterance, the emotion engine again evaluates the user's emotion and sends it to the virtual conversation partner's response generation engine. This process is repeated until the user inputs "exit" or "quit."

[0302] Step 11:

[0303] When the user types "exit" or "quit", the terminal ends the interactive session and a termination message is displayed to the user.

[0304] Step 12:

[0305] During a conversation, the device displays the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner, helping users have a more realistic conversation experience. The device also displays syntax advice during the conversation to help users learn proper grammar and expressions, such as "You might want to say 'I'd love to' instead of 'I like to'."

[0306] Example 2

[0307] 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."

[0308] Conventional foreign language conversation practice systems not only generate appropriate responses to user input, but also rarely take into account non-verbal factors such as the user's emotions and facial expressions. Furthermore, they lack the means to provide a realistic, interactive conversation experience, preventing users from fully realizing practical learning benefits. Furthermore, most systems lack the functionality to provide real-time advice on grammar used during conversation. There was a need to improve these points and provide a richer conversation experience and learning benefits.

[0309] 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.

[0310] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for utilizing an emotion engine that recognizes the user's emotions in real time, means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to carry out an interactive conversation with the user and creating a response based on the user's emotions, means for displaying the generated response to the user, and means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again, thereby enabling the user to receive a response that takes into account non-verbal elements such as emotions and facial expressions, enabling a richer and more realistic interactive conversation experience.

[0311] A "user" is a person who operates the system and is responsible for inputting the language, situation, level, and character they wish to speak.

[0312] "Input means" refers to hardware or software that allows the user to input setting information (language, situation, level, character) into the system.

[0313] "Initialization means" refers to a process or algorithm by which the system initializes user information based on information entered by the user.

[0314] A "virtual conversation partner" is a virtual person or character that is generated for the user to practice with and that plays a role in driving the conversation within the system.

[0315] A "generator" is a process or algorithm for creating a virtual conversation partner based on user information.

[0316] An "emotion engine" is software or algorithm that recognizes and analyzes user emotions in real time.

[0317] An "interactive conversation" is a conversation in which a user and a virtual conversation partner interact in a dialogue format, and the conversation responds immediately to user input.

[0318] "Generative AI model" means an artificial intelligence model used to generate responses for a virtual conversational partner based on user input and the emotion engine's evaluation.

[0319] "Display means" refers to hardware or software for displaying generated responses to a user.

[0320] "Syntax advice" is a feature that provides real-time advice on language structures and phrases that users use during conversation.

[0321] A "prompt" is a question or instruction that the system presents to the user to encourage the progress of the conversation.

[0322] The present invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using a smartphone or PC, and provides a system that provides a realistic conversation experience based on information set by the user.

[0323] First, in this system, the user inputs the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak into the terminal. For example, they might input information such as "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John." An example of a prompt sentence would be "Language: English, Situation: Cafe conversation, Level: Intermediate, Character name: John."

[0324] The device receives input from the user and initializes user information based on that information. The initialized user information is used to set up the conversation context and virtual conversation partners. This process is accomplished by storing the user information in memory.

[0325] Next, the device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is built using a generative AI model (such as OpenAI's GPT), and the virtual conversation partner's personality and tone of voice are also set based on the character name set by the user (e.g., "John").

[0326] The present invention further utilizes an emotion engine built into the device. This emotion engine is software or an algorithm for recognizing and analyzing a user's emotion in real time. The emotion engine determines the user's emotion using voice recognition technology (e.g., Google Speech-to-Text), facial expression recognition technology (e.g., OpenCV), text analysis technology (e.g., NLP model), etc. For example, if a user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the emotion engine will determine that the user is "happy."

[0327] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. For example, the user might input, "Hello, how are you?" The emotion engine then evaluates the user's emotions, and the evaluation result is also used as input.

[0328] Next, the device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation. Using a generative AI model, it analyzes the user's input text and generates an appropriate response. For example, a response might be generated such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." At this stage, the emotion engine's evaluation results are also reflected in the response.

[0329] The generated response is displayed on the device. Specifically, the device screen displays "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." The user then inputs the response again, and the conversation process is repeated. This allows the user to have an interactive conversation experience.

[0330] As the conversation progresses, the virtual conversation partner responds expressively. The system also provides advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation. The virtual conversation partner's facial expressions are generated in real time using 3D models (e.g., Unity or Blender) and facial animation technology. Syntax advice, for example, can be found on the display, such as "You can also use 'you look' instead of 'you seem'."

[0331] The conversation can be continued or ended by the user typing "exit" or "quit." The terminal will receive this command and end the conversation session. Specifically, the terminal will display "Ending conversation."

[0332] In this way, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation, and provides a rich conversation experience utilizing an emotion engine.

[0333] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0334] Step 1: Enter user settings

[0335] The user inputs the language they want to speak, the situation, their level, and the character's name. The input information is sent to the device. For example, they might set "English," "Conversation in a Cafe," "Intermediate," and "John." This input information is stored in memory as data to be used in subsequent processing steps.

[0336] Step 2: Initialize user information

[0337] The device initializes user information based on the input information received from the user. Specifically, it stores language settings, situation settings, level settings, and character settings in dedicated data structures. This user information becomes the basic data when generating a virtual conversation partner.

[0338] Step 3: Creating a virtual conversation partner

[0339] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. Specifically, a generative AI model is used to create the character's appearance and basic information, and then the virtual character is built into the system. For example, a character named "John" is generated, and the character's personality and tone of voice are also set. This generation process uses hardware such as the CPU or GPU, and a generative AI model (such as OpenAI's GPT).

[0340] Step 4: Leverage the Emotion Engine

[0341] The device activates an emotion engine to recognize emotions in real time from user input. The emotion engine analyzes the user's voice, facial expressions, and text input to determine emotions. For example, if a user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the engine will determine that the user is "happy." This process uses technologies such as voice recognition (e.g., Google Speech-to-Text), facial expression recognition (e.g., OpenCV), and text analysis (e.g., NLP models).

[0342] Step 5: Start a conversation

[0343] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for the next input. An example of a prompt is "How would you like to get started?" The user inputs a statement, for example, "Hello, how are you?" The device receives this input and uses it as the basis for generating the next response.

[0344] Step 6: Virtual conversation partner response generation

[0345] The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation. Specifically, it uses a generative AI model to analyze the input text and generate an appropriate response. For example, a response such as "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today" is generated. The emotion engine's evaluation is also taken into account at this stage.

[0346] Step 7: View the response

[0347] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, specifically, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." The user sees this response and enters another utterance, starting the next cycle.

[0348] Step 8: Continuing and Ending the Conversation

[0349] This process repeats until the user types "exit" or "quit." If the user types "exit," the terminal ends the conversation session. Specifically, the terminal displays "Ending conversation" and stops all associated processes.

[0350] Step 9: Syntax advice and expressive responses

[0351] The device uses 3D models and facial animation technology in real time to allow the virtual conversation partner to show expressive reactions, providing users with a more realistic conversation experience. It also displays real-time advice on grammar to use during conversations, such as "You can also use 'you look' instead of 'you seem'."

[0352] (Application example 2)

[0353] 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."

[0354] Conventional foreign language conversation practice platforms lack the ability to recognize users' emotions in real time and generate appropriate responses. This results in a mechanical conversation experience for users, making them inadequate for realistic conversation practice. Furthermore, there is a lack of interactive systems based on real-life experiences, such as smart glasses or head-mounted displays, that provide visual and audio responses. There is a need to solve these issues and provide more realistic and effective foreign language conversation practice.

[0355] The specific processing by the specific 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 inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse; means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based on the user's input; means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information; means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to engage in an interactive conversation with the user; means for displaying the generated response to the user; means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again; means including an emotion engine for recognizing the user's emotions; means for adjusting the conversation partner's response based on the recognized emotion; means for providing a conversation experience via smart glasses or a head-mounted display; and means for the conversation partner to provide visual and audio responses. This enables real-time responses that reflect the user's emotions and an interactive conversation experience.

[0356] "User information" refers to information about the language, situation, level, and character entered by the user, and is the basis for the system to generate a virtual conversation partner and set the context for the conversation.

[0357] A "virtual conversation partner" is a virtual character that is generated based on user information and constructed within the system to carry out an interactive conversation with the user.

[0358] An "emotion engine" is software or hardware that analyzes a user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. in real time to recognize and evaluate the user's emotions.

[0359] An "interactive conversation" is a form of dialogue in which the user and the virtual conversation partner influence each other and progress, and in which responses are generated dynamically in response to input from the user.

[0360] "Smart glasses" are wearable devices that use augmented reality (AR) technology to provide visual information, allowing users to visually experience a realistic conversation with a virtual conversation partner.

[0361] A "head-mounted display" is a display device worn on the user's head to provide visual information, and is particularly used in virtual reality (VR) environments.

[0362] "Visual and audio responses" are the types of responses provided by a virtual conversational partner to a user, including visual information (such as facial expressions and text) and audio information (synthesized speech).

[0363] "Syntax advice" is a feature that provides instructions and suggestions regarding the grammar and expressions of the language used by users during conversations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of conversational learning.

[0364] This invention is a system that provides real-time interactive conversations with a virtual conversation partner by inputting the language, situation, level, and character the user wants to converse in. The system achieves this by initializing user information, generating a virtual conversation partner, recognizing emotions using an emotion engine, and generating and displaying responses.

[0365] First, the user puts on smart glasses or a head-mounted display and accesses the system. The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk to through the interface. For example, if the user inputs "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John," the device will receive this and initialize the user information.

[0366] Next, a virtual conversation partner is generated based on the initialized user information. The system creates a virtual character capable of interactive conversation based on the character set by the user. This virtual character cooperates with other components of the system to carry out the conversation.

[0367] When a user starts a conversation, the system uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotions from voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. This emotion engine is built using TensorFlow and predicts emotions based on the user's input data.

[0368] The recognized emotion information is sent to a generative AI model (e.g., OpenAI's GPT-3) to generate an appropriate response based on the user's emotion and input. The generated response is provided to the user visually and audibly via smart glasses or a head-mounted display, allowing the user to experience a realistic interactive conversation with the virtual character.

[0369] For example, if a user wears smart glasses and says "I want a coffee" in a scenario of a cafe in a virtual store, the emotion engine will analyze the user's tone of voice and determine that they are "excited." GPT-3 will generate a response appropriate for an "excited" state: "Of course, I'll show you around!", which will be displayed on the smart glasses screen and played back as audio at the same time.

[0370] An example prompt is:

[0371] Customer Service Assistant:

[0372] User appears excited. Generate a response for the following input: "I want a coffee."

[0373] In this way, the present invention enables real-time responses that reflect the user's emotions and an interactive conversational experience.

[0374] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0375] Step 1:

[0376] The user wears smart glasses or a head-mounted display and accesses the conversation practice platform. The terminal displays a screen through the user interface for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak in. When the user inputs this information and presses the send button, the data is sent to the terminal. Input data: language, situation, level, character. Output data: initialized user information.

[0377] Step 2:

[0378] The device receives the information entered by the user and initializes the user information based on that information. During this initialization process, an appropriate conversation model and character profile are set up depending on the language and situation selected by the user. Data processing: Analyzing user input and setting a character profile. Output: User information ready for generating a virtual conversation partner.

[0379] Step 3:

[0380] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. In this process, a virtual character is created within the system based on the character name and profile selected by the user. The generated virtual character is responsible for conversation with the user while coordinating with other components of the system. Input data: User information. Data calculation: Generation of a virtual conversation partner using a character generation algorithm. Output: Profile of the virtual conversation partner.

[0381] Step 4:

[0382] When a user starts a conversation, the device collects the user's voice, facial expressions, and text input in real time. The collected data is sent to the emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The emotion engine uses TensorFlow to recognize the user's emotions from voice tone, facial expressions, and text. Input data: User's voice, facial expressions, and text input. Data calculation: Analysis by emotion recognition algorithm. Output: Recognized user emotions.

[0383] Step 5:

[0384] The device sends the recognized emotion information and the user's input to a generative AI model (for example, OpenAI's GPT-3). The generative AI model generates an appropriate response based on the input data. In this process, the emotion information is used as a prompt to generate a natural-looking dialogue in context. Input data: User's input and recognized emotion. Data calculation: Response generation by the generative AI model. Output: Response of the generated virtual conversation partner.

[0385] Step 6:

[0386] The generated response is displayed to the user through the terminal and played back as audio. Specifically, the response text is displayed on the display of smart glasses or a head-mounted display, and simultaneously the audio is played back using a speech synthesis function. Input data: Generated response. Data processing: Speech synthesis and display. Output: Visual and audio responses presented to the user.

[0387] Step 7:

[0388] The terminal waits for further user input. This input is sent to the system again, and a response from the virtual conversation partner is again generated and displayed. This loop continues until the user types "exit" or "quit." Input data: Further user input. Data calculation: Response generation algorithm is run again. Output: Next virtual conversation partner response.

[0389] In this way, the system can maintain an interactive dialogue with the user and provide emotionally appropriate responses in real time.

[0390] 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.

[0391] 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.

[0392] 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.

[0393] [Second embodiment]

[0394] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0395] 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.

[0396] 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).

[0397] 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.

[0398] 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.

[0399] 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).

[0400] 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.

[0401] 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.

[0402] 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.

[0403] 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.

[0404] 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.

[0405] 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."

[0406] This invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using smartphones and PCs. The system allows users to experience a realistic conversation with a virtual friend by inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to converse in.

[0407] User settings input

[0408] First, the user inputs the language they want to talk in, the situation, their level, and the character's name. For example, a user might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "John."

[0409] Initializing user information

[0410] Next, the device receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on that information, which serves as the basis for setting up the conversation context and virtual conversation partner.

[0411] Creating a virtual conversation partner

[0412] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is generated based on the character settings entered by the user, for example, a character named "John" that simulates a conversation at a cafe.

[0413] Start a conversation

[0414] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input: the user types a statement such as "Hello, how are you?" This input is sent to the system, which starts the process of generating a response from the virtual conversation partner.

[0415] Response generation for virtual conversation partners

[0416] The device passes the user's input to a response generator in a virtual conversation partner (e.g., John), which generates an appropriate reply. The virtual conversation partner responds to the user's input, such as "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0417] Viewing the response

[0418] The generated response is displayed on the device, where the user can view it and type their next utterance, starting the conversation process again.

[0419] Continuing and Ending a Conversation

[0420] This repeated process continues until the user types "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the interactive session.

[0421] Syntax advice and expressive responses

[0422] Furthermore, the present invention includes a feature that allows the virtual conversation partner to display expressive responses, providing a more realistic conversation experience for the user, and a feature that displays advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation, enhancing learning effectiveness.

[0423] Specific examples

[0424] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0425] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0426] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0427] 3. The user types the utterance "Hello, how are you?"

[0428] 4. The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0429] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expression changes and more syntax advice is displayed.

[0430] 6. When the user types "exit", the terminal ends the conversation session.

[0431] As a result, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation.

[0432] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0433] Step 1:

[0434] The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character name they want to talk in into the terminal. This information is entered in the form of, for example, "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John."

[0435] Step 2:

[0436] The terminal receives information input by the user and initializes it as user information, which includes language, situation, level, and character.

[0437] Step 3:

[0438] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings selected by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[0439] Step 4:

[0440] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input from the user. The prompt is in the form "Conversation Partner: John", "Situation: Cafe Conversation", "You: ".

[0441] Step 5:

[0442] The user inputs a conversational utterance into the terminal, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[0443] Step 6:

[0444] The terminal sends the user's input to the virtual conversational partner's response generation engine, which generates appropriate responses based on the user's utterances.

[0445] Step 7:

[0446] The virtual conversational partner's response generation engine generates a response such as "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0447] Step 8:

[0448] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, for example, "John responds to 'I'm doing well, thank you!' in English."

[0449] Step 9:

[0450] The terminal again waits for the user to enter additional speech, and this process repeats until the user enters "exit" or "quit."

[0451] Step 10:

[0452] When the user types "exit" or "quit", the terminal ends the interactive session and a termination message is displayed to the user.

[0453] Step 11:

[0454] During a conversation, the device will display the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner, helping users have a more realistic conversation experience.The device will also display syntax advice during the conversation, helping users learn proper grammar and expressions.

[0455] Example 1

[0456] 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."

[0457] Conventional foreign language conversation practice systems have difficulty in providing practice tailored to the user's desired situation or character, and often lack real-time responses and advice. Furthermore, the reactions of virtual conversation partners are not realistic, preventing users from getting sufficient practical practice. As a result, the effectiveness of foreign language learning has been limited.

[0458] 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.

[0459] In this invention, the server includes means for a user to input the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for displaying prompts to the user and receiving input from the user, means for receiving the user's input and generating a response for the virtual conversation partner using a generative AI model, means for displaying the generated response to the user, means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again, means for terminating the conversation session when the user inputs an end command, means for providing syntax advice in real time based on the response of the virtual conversation partner, and means for evaluating the user's learning progress. This allows the user to have a more realistic and natural foreign language conversation experience and promotes practical learning.

[0460] "User" refers to an individual who uses the System to practice foreign language conversation.

[0461] "Language" refers to the particular foreign language that the User has selected for conversation practice.

[0462] A "situation" refers to a particular situation or occasion that a user selects for conversation practice.

[0463] "Level" is an indicator of the user's level of foreign language proficiency, and includes stages from beginner to advanced.

[0464] "Character" refers to a virtual person that a user sets as a conversation practice partner.

[0465] "Input means" refers to the means by which a user inputs information such as language, situation, level, character, etc. into the system.

[0466] "Initialization means" refers to a means for initializing user information based on information input by the user.

[0467] The "means for generating a virtual conversation partner" refers to a means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on initialized user information.

[0468] "Prompt display means" refers to a means of displaying a message to the user to guide them in starting or continuing a conversation.

[0469] "Response generation means" refers to the means by which a virtual conversational partner generates an appropriate reply based on a user's input.

[0470] "Response display means" refers to a means for displaying the response of the generated virtual conversation partner to the user.

[0471] "Means for terminating" refers to a means for terminating a conversation session when a user enters a command to end the conversation.

[0472] "Means for providing syntactic advice" refers to a means for providing syntactic advice in real time based on user utterances.

[0473] The "learning progress evaluation means" refers to a means for evaluating the learning progress of a user based on the user's conversation history and practice content.

[0474] This invention is a system that allows users to practice foreign language conversation using a smartphone or PC. By inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk in, users can have a realistic conversation experience with a virtual friend. This system is realized mainly using the following hardware and software:

[0475] Hardware and software used

[0476] Hardware: Smartphones, PCs, tablets

[0477] Software: Generative AI models (e.g., Google Dialogflow)

[0478] System Operation

[0479] Users input the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk to into their device. For example, they might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John." This input information is sent to the server via the device to set the context and setting of the conversation.

[0480] The server initializes the user information based on the received input information. This initialization process may also take into account the user's past conversation history. Based on the initialized user information, the server uses a generative AI model to generate a virtual conversation partner. At this time, the characteristics and profile of the virtual conversation partner are set according to the character and situation specified by the user.

[0481] The device prompts the user with the message "Let's start a conversation," and the user then types a response to the virtual conversation partner's initial greeting, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[0482] This user input is sent in real time to a server, which uses a generative AI model to generate a response from the virtual conversation partner, such as "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" The response is then sent to the device, which displays it to the user.

[0483] This process of receiving additional user input, generating and displaying a response again, repeats until the user enters an exit command such as "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the conversation session and the server stores the conversation as a log.

[0484] In addition, the system provides real-time syntax advice based on the virtual conversation partner's responses, and the device displays the virtual conversation partner's expressive responses and evaluates the user's learning progress, providing a more realistic and natural foreign language conversation experience and promoting practical learning.

[0485] Specific examples

[0486] A concrete scenario would go like this:

[0487] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0488] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, sends it to the server to initialize the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0489] 3. The user types the utterance "Hello, how are you?"

[0490] 4. The server receives the user's utterance and uses a generative AI model to generate a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0491] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expressions change and syntax advice is displayed in real time.

[0492] 6. When the user types "exit," the server ends the conversation session and saves the conversation as a log.

[0493] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0494] Below are some examples of specific prompts to input to a generative AI model:

[0495] "The user inputs the settings 'English', 'Coffee shop conversation', 'Intermediate', and 'John'. The user then inputs the utterance 'Hello, how are you?'. Generate a response from John, the virtual conversation partner."

[0496] This system provides users with a more effective and practical opportunity to practice foreign language conversation.

[0497] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0498] Step 1:

[0499] The user inputs the desired language, situation, level, and character into the terminal. The input data includes "Language: English," "Situation: Cafe conversation," "Level: Intermediate," and "Character: John." This input data is sent from the terminal to the server.

[0500] Step 2:

[0501] The server initializes the user information based on the received input data. Specifically, relevant data based on the user's selection is initialized in the internal database, and the conversation context and the user's learning history are also set. This initialization process provides the basic information required to generate a virtual conversation partner. The initialization results are also stored in the database, and the initialization data obtained here will be used in the next step.

[0502] Step 3:

[0503] The server generates a virtual conversation partner using a generative AI model based on the initialized user information. During this generation process, the characteristics and profile of the character (e.g., "John") specified by the user are set. The generative AI model also takes into account the character's personality and language skills to create the conversation partner. Data on the generated virtual conversation partner is stored on the server and used in subsequent conversation sessions.

[0504] Step 4:

[0505] The terminal displays a prompt to the user to start a conversation, such as "Let's start a conversation" along with an initial greeting from the virtual conversation partner (John). The initial greeting displayed on the terminal may include "John: Hi, what would you like to talk about today?", and waits for the user's first input.

[0506] Step 5:

[0507] The user inputs a response to the virtual conversation partner's initial greeting, for example, "Hello, how are you?" This input data is sent to the server via the terminal. After the user's input reaches the server, the next step is performed.

[0508] Step 6:

[0509] The server uses a generative AI model to generate responses for the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input. This process involves analyzing what the user says and automatically generating an appropriate reply. In this example, the server generates a response to the user's "Hello, how are you?", which is "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" The generated response data is then sent to the device.

[0510] Step 7:

[0511] The device displays the virtual conversation partner's response received from the server. Specifically, the message "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" is displayed on the user's screen in real time. The user can then view the displayed message and prepare their next remark to continue the conversation.

[0512] Step 8:

[0513] The user inputs additional statements to further the conversation. This process repeats until the user enters an exit command such as "exit" or "quit." With each cycle, the user's statements are sent to the server, and a response from the virtual conversation partner is generated and displayed on the device, allowing for a real-time interactive conversation.

[0514] Step 9:

[0515] When the user enters an end command, the server ends the conversation session and saves the entire conversation as a log. The saved log data will be used for future learning progress assessments and conversation history references. This log data is managed for each user and stored securely.

[0516] Step 10:

[0517] The device will display the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner during the conversation. This feature uses animations and emoticons to visually represent the emotions and reactions of the virtual conversation partner, providing users with a more realistic conversation experience.

[0518] Step 11:

[0519] The device also displays real-time syntax advice for sentences users type. This feature includes grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary corrections, and is designed to enhance users' learning. For example, if a user types "I am fine, and you?", the device will display specific improvement advice for the next step.

[0520] This process allows users to learn efficiently and effectively while enjoying real-time interactive foreign language conversations.

[0521] (Application example 1)

[0522] 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."

[0523] Conventional foreign language conversation practice platforms are limited to dialogue practice in stationary environments and are not suitable for use while traveling or in a car. This makes them inconvenient for users, and it is difficult for busy modern people to find time to practice. In addition, the limited voice input and display methods make it impossible to realize interactive dialogue adapted to the mobile environment.

[0524] 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.

[0525] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based on the input, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for conducting a conversation in a moving vehicle, means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to conduct an interactive conversation with the user, means for displaying the generated response to the user, means for receiving additional input from the user and generating and displaying a response again, and means for utilizing voice input and display output while traveling. This allows for comfortable foreign language conversation practice even while traveling, improving user convenience and making it easier to find time for dialogue practice.

[0526] "User" means an individual or a corporation that uses the dialogue practice system.

[0527] A "language of interest" is a language that a user wishes to practice.

[0528] A "situation" refers to a situation or occasion in which a user wants to interact with a virtual conversation partner.

[0529] "Level" indicates the difficulty and proficiency of the dialogue set by the user.

[0530] A "character" is a virtual person or agent that a user selects as a virtual conversation partner.

[0531] "Means of input" refers to the interface or device through which a user provides information to a system.

[0532] "Means for initializing user information" is the process by which the system prepares the necessary data and settings based on the information entered by the user.

[0533] "Means for generating a virtual conversation partner" refers to the ability of the system to create a virtual conversation partner based on the user's settings.

[0534] A "moving vehicle" is an autonomous vehicle or other means of transportation used by a user for transportation.

[0535] "Means for conducting a conversation" refers to any mechanism or device that allows a user and a virtual conversation partner to interact while on the move.

[0536] "Means for conducting interactive conversations" refers to a process or system that allows a user and a virtual conversation partner to engage in a two-way dialogue.

[0537] A "means for generating a response" is an algorithm or program that allows a virtual conversational partner to generate a response to a user's input.

[0538] A "means for displaying" is a display or screen for visually presenting the generated response to a user.

[0539] The "means for receiving additional input and generating and displaying a response again" is a process for continuing the dialogue based on the user's continued input.

[0540] "Voice input" is a means by which a user inputs speech into the system.

[0541] "Display output" means the means by which system-generated responses and information are visually presented to the user.

[0542] This invention is a system for allowing users to practice foreign language conversation while in a moving vehicle. How the system is implemented will be specifically described below.

[0543] System configuration

[0544] The system is configured to enable interactive conversation between the user and a virtual conversation partner via voice input and display output using a smartphone or an in-car display. The main components of the system are as follows:

[0545] User Input Method

[0546] How to initialize user information

[0547] Virtual conversation partner generation means

[0548] Interactive conversation execution means

[0549] Response Generation Method

[0550] Display means

[0551] Voice input and display output means on the move

[0552] Program Processing Overview

[0553] The server provides a means for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they wish to converse in. When the user inputs this information, the server initializes the user information and generates a virtual conversation partner based on that information. This sets up the virtual conversation partner and begins the conversation within the vehicle.

[0554] The smartphone's microphone or the voice recognition function of the in-car display is used as a means of voice input for users to make statements. The voice input data is converted into text data via a voice recognition API (e.g., Google Cloud Speech-to-Text), and this text data is then sent to the server.

[0555] The server receives the user's text data and generates a response from the virtual conversation partner. A generative AI model is used to generate the response that best suits the user's statement. The generated response is displayed to the user via a display output means (smartphone screen or in-car display). This prompts the user to make the next statement.

[0556] Specific examples

[0557] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0558] 1. The user enters "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "virtual character name" into their smartphone or car display.

[0559] 2. The server receives these settings, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner.

[0560] 3. The user says, "Hello, how are you today?"

[0561] 4. This speech is converted into text using a speech recognition API and sent to the server.

[0562] 5. The server generates a response from the virtual conversation partner, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you! How can I help you today?"

[0563] 6. The user continues, "I'm looking for a place to have coffee."

[0564] 7. Your virtual conversation partner responds, "There's a nice café just around the corner. Would you like some recommendations on what to order?"

[0565] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0566] You: Hello, how are you today?

[0567] Virtual character: I'm doing well, thank you! How can I help you today?

[0568] You: I'm looking for a place to have coffee.

[0569] Character: There's a nice café just around the corner. Would you like some recommendations on what to order?

[0570] In this way, the system of the present invention provides an environment in which users can effectively practice foreign language conversation while on the move.

[0571] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0572] Step 1:

[0573] Users input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak.

[0574] Specific operation: The user uses the input interface on their smartphone or in-car display to input the language (e.g., English), situation (e.g., a conversation in a cafe), level (e.g., intermediate), and character (e.g., the name of a virtual character).

[0575] Input: Language, Situation, Level, Character

[0576] Output: User input data

[0577] Step 2:

[0578] The terminal receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on it.

[0579] Specific operation: The device sends the information received from the user to the server, and the server initializes the user information based on that information. This initialization includes setting the conversation context and preparing the data necessary to generate a profile of the virtual conversation partner.

[0580] Input: User-entered data

[0581] Output: Initialized user information

[0582] Step 3:

[0583] The server generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information.

[0584] How it works: The server uses a generative AI model to generate a virtual conversation partner based on user information, and the virtual conversation partner is profiled according to the user's character, situation, level, etc.

[0585] Input: Initialized user information

[0586] Output: Virtual conversation partner

[0587] Step 4:

[0588] The user speaks and the device converts the speech into text.

[0589] How it works: The user speaks through the microphone on their smartphone or the car's display. This voice data is converted into text data using a speech recognition API (e.g., Google Cloud Speech-to-Text) and sent to the server.

[0590] Input: User's voice data

[0591] Output: Text data

[0592] Step 5:

[0593] The server generates the virtual conversation partner's responses.

[0594] How it works: The server receives text data from the user and uses a generative AI model to generate responses from a virtual conversation partner, which are generated to best respond to what the user says.

[0595] Input: User's text data

[0596] Output: Response text from virtual conversation partner

[0597] Step 6:

[0598] The terminal displays the generated response to the user.

[0599] What it does: The generated response text is displayed on the smartphone or in-car display, providing a visual representation to the user, allowing them to prepare for their next utterance.

[0600] Input: Response text from virtual conversation partner

[0601] Output: The displayed response text

[0602] Step 7:

[0603] The user makes an additional utterance, and the response is generated and displayed again.

[0604] What happens: The user continues the conversation by dictating additional utterances and repeating steps 4 through 6, creating a continuous interactive dialogue.

[0605] Input: Additional user voice data

[0606] Output: New response text from virtual conversation partner

[0607] This series of processes allows users to practice foreign language conversation comfortably while in a moving vehicle.

[0608] 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.

[0609] This invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using smartphones and PCs. The system allows users to experience a realistic conversation with a virtual friend by inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to converse in. It also combines an emotion engine that recognizes the user's emotions to provide responses and feedback that reflect the user's emotions.

[0610] User settings input

[0611] First, the user inputs the language they want to talk in, the situation, their level, and the character's name. For example, a user might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "John."

[0612] Initializing user information

[0613] Next, the device receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on that information, which serves as the basis for setting up the conversation context and virtual conversation partner.

[0614] Creating a virtual conversation partner

[0615] The device creates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings entered by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[0616] Utilizing the Emotion Engine

[0617] In this invention, an emotion engine built into the device recognizes the user's emotions in real time. The emotion engine determines emotions by analyzing the user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. For example, if the user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the emotion engine recognizes that the user is "happy."

[0618] Start a conversation

[0619] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. The user types a statement such as "Hello, how are you?" This input is sent to the system, which starts the process of generating a response from the virtual conversation partner. Additionally, an emotion engine evaluates the user's emotions and reflects them in the response.

[0620] Response generation for virtual conversation partners

[0621] The device sends the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation to the virtual conversation partner's response generator, which then generates an appropriate response based on the user's emotions, such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[0622] Viewing the response

[0623] The generated response is displayed on the device, where the user can view it and type their next utterance, starting the conversation process again.

[0624] Continuing and Ending a Conversation

[0625] This repeated process continues until the user types "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the interactive session.

[0626] Syntax advice and expressive responses

[0627] Furthermore, the present invention includes a feature that allows the virtual conversation partner to display expressive responses, providing a more realistic conversation experience for the user, and a feature that displays advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation, enhancing learning effectiveness.

[0628] Specific examples

[0629] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0630] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0631] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0632] 3. The user enters the statement "Hello, how are you?" The emotion engine recognizes that the user is "happy."

[0633] 4. The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[0634] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expression changes and more syntax advice is displayed.

[0635] 6. When the user types "exit", the terminal ends the conversation session.

[0636] As a result, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation, and also provides a richer conversation experience that reflects the user's emotions.

[0637] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0638] Step 1:

[0639] The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character name they want to talk in into the terminal. This information is entered in the form of, for example, "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John."

[0640] Step 2:

[0641] The terminal receives information input by the user and initializes it as user information, which includes language, situation, level, and character.

[0642] Step 3:

[0643] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings selected by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[0644] Step 4:

[0645] The device activates an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotions in real time. The emotion engine analyzes the user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. to evaluate their emotions. For example, it analyzes the tone of voice and facial expressions to recognize that the user is "happy."

[0646] Step 5:

[0647] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. The prompt is in the format "Conversation Partner: John", "Situation: Cafe Conversation", "You: ".

[0648] Step 6:

[0649] The user inputs a conversational utterance into the terminal, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[0650] Step 7:

[0651] The device simultaneously sends the user's input and the emotions recognized by the emotion engine to the virtual conversation partner's response generation engine, which generates an appropriate response based on the user's utterances and emotions. For example, it generates a friendly response in response to the user's "happiness."

[0652] Step 8:

[0653] The virtual conversation partner's response generation engine generates a response such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[0654] Step 9:

[0655] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, for example, "John responds in English to 'I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today.'"

[0656] Step 10:

[0657] The device again waits for the user to input additional utterances. When the user inputs the next utterance, the emotion engine again evaluates the user's emotion and sends it to the virtual conversation partner's response generation engine. This process is repeated until the user inputs "exit" or "quit."

[0658] Step 11:

[0659] When the user types "exit" or "quit", the terminal ends the interactive session and a termination message is displayed to the user.

[0660] Step 12:

[0661] During a conversation, the device displays the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner, helping users have a more realistic conversation experience. The device also displays syntax advice during the conversation to help users learn proper grammar and expressions, such as "You might want to say 'I'd love to' instead of 'I like to'."

[0662] Example 2

[0663] 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."

[0664] Conventional foreign language conversation practice systems not only generate appropriate responses to user input, but also rarely take into account non-verbal factors such as the user's emotions and facial expressions. Furthermore, they lack the means to provide a realistic, interactive conversation experience, preventing users from fully realizing practical learning benefits. Furthermore, most systems lack the functionality to provide real-time advice on grammar used during conversation. There was a need to improve these points and provide a richer conversation experience and learning benefits.

[0665] 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.

[0666] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for utilizing an emotion engine that recognizes the user's emotions in real time, means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to carry out an interactive conversation with the user and creating a response based on the user's emotions, means for displaying the generated response to the user, and means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again, thereby enabling the user to receive a response that takes into account non-verbal elements such as emotions and facial expressions, enabling a richer and more realistic interactive conversation experience.

[0667] A "user" is a person who operates the system and is responsible for inputting the language, situation, level, and character they wish to speak.

[0668] "Input means" refers to hardware or software that allows the user to input setting information (language, situation, level, character) into the system.

[0669] "Initialization means" refers to a process or algorithm by which the system initializes user information based on information entered by the user.

[0670] A "virtual conversation partner" is a virtual person or character that is generated for the user to practice with and that plays a role in driving the conversation within the system.

[0671] A "generator" is a process or algorithm for creating a virtual conversation partner based on user information.

[0672] An "emotion engine" is software or algorithm that recognizes and analyzes user emotions in real time.

[0673] An "interactive conversation" is a conversation in which a user and a virtual conversation partner interact in a dialogue format, and the conversation responds immediately to user input.

[0674] "Generative AI model" means an artificial intelligence model used to generate responses for a virtual conversational partner based on user input and the emotion engine's evaluation.

[0675] "Display means" refers to hardware or software for displaying generated responses to a user.

[0676] "Syntax advice" is a feature that provides real-time advice on language structures and phrases that users use during conversation.

[0677] A "prompt" is a question or instruction that the system presents to the user to encourage the progress of the conversation.

[0678] The present invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using a smartphone or PC, and provides a system that provides a realistic conversation experience based on information set by the user.

[0679] First, in this system, the user inputs the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak into the terminal. For example, they might input information such as "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John." An example of a prompt sentence would be "Language: English, Situation: Cafe conversation, Level: Intermediate, Character name: John."

[0680] The device receives input from the user and initializes user information based on that information. The initialized user information is used to set up the conversation context and virtual conversation partners. This process is accomplished by storing the user information in memory.

[0681] Next, the device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is built using a generative AI model (such as OpenAI's GPT), and the virtual conversation partner's personality and tone of voice are also set based on the character name set by the user (e.g., "John").

[0682] The present invention further utilizes an emotion engine built into the device. This emotion engine is software or an algorithm for recognizing and analyzing a user's emotion in real time. The emotion engine determines the user's emotion using voice recognition technology (e.g., Google Speech-to-Text), facial expression recognition technology (e.g., OpenCV), text analysis technology (e.g., NLP model), etc. For example, if a user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the emotion engine will determine that the user is "happy."

[0683] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. For example, the user might input, "Hello, how are you?" The emotion engine then evaluates the user's emotions, and the evaluation result is also used as input.

[0684] Next, the device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation. Using a generative AI model, it analyzes the user's input text and generates an appropriate response. For example, a response might be generated such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." At this stage, the emotion engine's evaluation results are also reflected in the response.

[0685] The generated response is displayed on the device. Specifically, the device screen displays "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." The user then inputs the response again, and the conversation process is repeated. This allows the user to have an interactive conversation experience.

[0686] As the conversation progresses, the virtual conversation partner responds expressively. The system also provides advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation. The virtual conversation partner's facial expressions are generated in real time using 3D models (e.g., Unity or Blender) and facial animation technology. Syntax advice, for example, can be found on the display, such as "You can also use 'you look' instead of 'you seem'."

[0687] The conversation can be continued or ended by the user typing "exit" or "quit." The terminal will receive this command and end the conversation session. Specifically, the terminal will display "Ending conversation."

[0688] In this way, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation, and provides a rich conversation experience utilizing an emotion engine.

[0689] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0690] Step 1: Enter user settings

[0691] The user inputs the language they want to speak, the situation, their level, and the character's name. The input information is sent to the device. For example, they might set "English," "Conversation in a Cafe," "Intermediate," and "John." This input information is stored in memory as data to be used in subsequent processing steps.

[0692] Step 2: Initialize user information

[0693] The device initializes user information based on the input information received from the user. Specifically, it stores language settings, situation settings, level settings, and character settings in dedicated data structures. This user information becomes the basic data when generating a virtual conversation partner.

[0694] Step 3: Creating a virtual conversation partner

[0695] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. Specifically, a generative AI model is used to create the character's appearance and basic information, and then the virtual character is built into the system. For example, a character named "John" is generated, and the character's personality and tone of voice are also set. This generation process uses hardware such as the CPU or GPU, and a generative AI model (such as OpenAI's GPT).

[0696] Step 4: Leverage the Emotion Engine

[0697] The device activates an emotion engine to recognize emotions in real time from user input. The emotion engine analyzes the user's voice, facial expressions, and text input to determine emotions. For example, if a user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the engine will determine that the user is "happy." This process uses technologies such as voice recognition (e.g., Google Speech-to-Text), facial expression recognition (e.g., OpenCV), and text analysis (e.g., NLP models).

[0698] Step 5: Start a conversation

[0699] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for the next input. An example of a prompt is "How would you like to get started?" The user inputs a statement, for example, "Hello, how are you?" The device receives this input and uses it as the basis for generating the next response.

[0700] Step 6: Virtual conversation partner response generation

[0701] The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation. Specifically, it uses a generative AI model to analyze the input text and generate an appropriate response. For example, a response such as "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today" is generated. The emotion engine's evaluation is also taken into account at this stage.

[0702] Step 7: View the response

[0703] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, specifically, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." The user sees this response and enters another utterance, starting the next cycle.

[0704] Step 8: Continuing and Ending the Conversation

[0705] This process repeats until the user types "exit" or "quit." If the user types "exit," the terminal ends the conversation session. Specifically, the terminal displays "Ending conversation" and stops all associated processes.

[0706] Step 9: Syntax advice and expressive responses

[0707] The device uses 3D models and facial animation technology in real time to allow the virtual conversation partner to show expressive reactions, providing users with a more realistic conversation experience. It also displays real-time advice on grammar to use during conversations, such as "You can also use 'you look' instead of 'you seem'."

[0708] (Application example 2)

[0709] 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."

[0710] Conventional foreign language conversation practice platforms lack the ability to recognize users' emotions in real time and generate appropriate responses. This results in a mechanical conversation experience for users, making them inadequate for realistic conversation practice. Furthermore, there is a lack of interactive systems based on real-life experiences, such as smart glasses or head-mounted displays, that provide visual and audio responses. There is a need to solve these issues and provide more realistic and effective foreign language conversation practice.

[0711] The specific processing by the specific 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 inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse; means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based on the user's input; means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information; means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to engage in an interactive conversation with the user; means for displaying the generated response to the user; means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again; means including an emotion engine for recognizing the user's emotions; means for adjusting the conversation partner's response based on the recognized emotion; means for providing a conversation experience via smart glasses or a head-mounted display; and means for the conversation partner to provide visual and audio responses. This enables real-time responses that reflect the user's emotions and an interactive conversation experience.

[0712] "User information" refers to information about the language, situation, level, and character entered by the user, and is the basis for the system to generate a virtual conversation partner and set the context for the conversation.

[0713] A "virtual conversation partner" is a virtual character that is generated based on user information and constructed within the system to carry out an interactive conversation with the user.

[0714] An "emotion engine" is software or hardware that analyzes a user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. in real time to recognize and evaluate the user's emotions.

[0715] An "interactive conversation" is a form of dialogue in which the user and the virtual conversation partner influence each other and progress, and in which responses are generated dynamically in response to input from the user.

[0716] "Smart glasses" are wearable devices that use augmented reality (AR) technology to provide visual information, allowing users to visually experience a realistic conversation with a virtual conversation partner.

[0717] A "head-mounted display" is a display device worn on the user's head to provide visual information, and is particularly used in virtual reality (VR) environments.

[0718] "Visual and audio responses" are the types of responses provided by a virtual conversational partner to a user, including visual information (such as facial expressions and text) and audio information (synthesized speech).

[0719] "Syntax advice" is a feature that provides instructions and suggestions regarding the grammar and expressions of the language used by users during conversations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of conversational learning.

[0720] This invention is a system that provides real-time interactive conversations with a virtual conversation partner by inputting the language, situation, level, and character the user wants to converse in. The system achieves this by initializing user information, generating a virtual conversation partner, recognizing emotions using an emotion engine, and generating and displaying responses.

[0721] First, the user puts on smart glasses or a head-mounted display and accesses the system. The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk to through the interface. For example, if the user inputs "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John," the device will receive this and initialize the user information.

[0722] Next, a virtual conversation partner is generated based on the initialized user information. The system creates a virtual character capable of interactive conversation based on the character set by the user. This virtual character cooperates with other components of the system to carry out the conversation.

[0723] When a user starts a conversation, the system uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotions from voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. This emotion engine is built using TensorFlow and predicts emotions based on the user's input data.

[0724] The recognized emotion information is sent to a generative AI model (e.g., OpenAI's GPT-3) to generate an appropriate response based on the user's emotion and input. The generated response is provided to the user visually and audibly via smart glasses or a head-mounted display, allowing the user to experience a realistic interactive conversation with the virtual character.

[0725] For example, if a user wears smart glasses and says "I want a coffee" in a scenario of a cafe in a virtual store, the emotion engine will analyze the user's tone of voice and determine that they are "excited." GPT-3 will generate a response appropriate for an "excited" state: "Of course, I'll show you around!", which will be displayed on the smart glasses screen and played back as audio at the same time.

[0726] An example prompt is:

[0727] Customer Service Assistant:

[0728] User appears excited. Generate a response for the following input: "I want a coffee."

[0729] In this way, the present invention enables real-time responses that reflect the user's emotions and an interactive conversational experience.

[0730] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0731] Step 1:

[0732] The user wears smart glasses or a head-mounted display and accesses the conversation practice platform. The terminal displays a screen through the user interface for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak in. When the user inputs this information and presses the send button, the data is sent to the terminal. Input data: language, situation, level, character. Output data: initialized user information.

[0733] Step 2:

[0734] The device receives the information entered by the user and initializes the user information based on that information. During this initialization process, an appropriate conversation model and character profile are set up depending on the language and situation selected by the user. Data processing: Analyzing user input and setting a character profile. Output: User information ready for generating a virtual conversation partner.

[0735] Step 3:

[0736] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. In this process, a virtual character is created within the system based on the character name and profile selected by the user. The generated virtual character is responsible for conversation with the user while coordinating with other components of the system. Input data: User information. Data calculation: Generation of a virtual conversation partner using a character generation algorithm. Output: Profile of the virtual conversation partner.

[0737] Step 4:

[0738] When a user starts a conversation, the device collects the user's voice, facial expressions, and text input in real time. The collected data is sent to the emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The emotion engine uses TensorFlow to recognize the user's emotions from voice tone, facial expressions, and text. Input data: User's voice, facial expressions, and text input. Data calculation: Analysis by emotion recognition algorithm. Output: Recognized user emotions.

[0739] Step 5:

[0740] The device sends the recognized emotion information and the user's input to a generative AI model (for example, OpenAI's GPT-3). The generative AI model generates an appropriate response based on the input data. In this process, the emotion information is used as a prompt to generate a natural-looking dialogue in context. Input data: User's input and recognized emotion. Data calculation: Response generation by the generative AI model. Output: Response of the generated virtual conversation partner.

[0741] Step 6:

[0742] The generated response is displayed to the user through the terminal and played back as audio. Specifically, the response text is displayed on the display of smart glasses or a head-mounted display, and simultaneously the audio is played back using a speech synthesis function. Input data: Generated response. Data processing: Speech synthesis and display. Output: Visual and audio responses presented to the user.

[0743] Step 7:

[0744] The terminal waits for further user input. This input is sent to the system again, and a response from the virtual conversation partner is again generated and displayed. This loop continues until the user types "exit" or "quit." Input data: Further user input. Data calculation: Response generation algorithm is run again. Output: Next virtual conversation partner response.

[0745] In this way, the system can maintain an interactive dialogue with the user and provide emotionally appropriate responses in real time.

[0746] 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.

[0747] 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.

[0748] 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.

[0749] [Third embodiment]

[0750] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 310 according to the third embodiment.

[0751] 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.

[0752] 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).

[0753] 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.

[0754] 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.

[0755] 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).

[0756] 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.

[0757] 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.

[0758] 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.

[0759] 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.

[0760] 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.

[0761] 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."

[0762] This invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using smartphones and PCs. The system allows users to experience a realistic conversation with a virtual friend by inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to converse in.

[0763] User settings input

[0764] First, the user inputs the language they want to talk in, the situation, their level, and the character's name. For example, a user might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "John."

[0765] Initializing user information

[0766] Next, the device receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on that information, which serves as the basis for setting up the conversation context and virtual conversation partner.

[0767] Creating a virtual conversation partner

[0768] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is generated based on the character settings entered by the user, for example, a character named "John" that simulates a conversation at a cafe.

[0769] Start a conversation

[0770] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input: the user types a statement such as "Hello, how are you?" This input is sent to the system, which starts the process of generating a response from the virtual conversation partner.

[0771] Response generation for virtual conversation partners

[0772] The device passes the user's input to a response generator in a virtual conversation partner (e.g., John), which generates an appropriate reply. The virtual conversation partner responds to the user's input, such as "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0773] Viewing the response

[0774] The generated response is displayed on the device, where the user can view it and type their next utterance, starting the conversation process again.

[0775] Continuing and Ending a Conversation

[0776] This repeated process continues until the user types "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the interactive session.

[0777] Syntax advice and expressive responses

[0778] Furthermore, the present invention includes a feature that allows the virtual conversation partner to display expressive responses, providing a more realistic conversation experience for the user, and a feature that displays advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation, enhancing learning effectiveness.

[0779] Specific examples

[0780] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0781] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0782] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0783] 3. The user types the utterance "Hello, how are you?"

[0784] 4. The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0785] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expression changes and more syntax advice is displayed.

[0786] 6. When the user types "exit", the terminal ends the conversation session.

[0787] As a result, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation.

[0788] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0789] Step 1:

[0790] The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character name they want to talk in into the terminal. This information is entered in the form of, for example, "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John."

[0791] Step 2:

[0792] The terminal receives information input by the user and initializes it as user information, which includes language, situation, level, and character.

[0793] Step 3:

[0794] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings selected by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[0795] Step 4:

[0796] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input from the user. The prompt is in the form "Conversation Partner: John", "Situation: Cafe Conversation", "You: ".

[0797] Step 5:

[0798] The user inputs a conversational utterance into the terminal, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[0799] Step 6:

[0800] The terminal sends the user's input to the virtual conversational partner's response generation engine, which generates appropriate responses based on the user's utterances.

[0801] Step 7:

[0802] The virtual conversational partner's response generation engine generates a response such as "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0803] Step 8:

[0804] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, for example, "John responds to 'I'm doing well, thank you!' in English."

[0805] Step 9:

[0806] The terminal again waits for the user to enter additional speech, and this process repeats until the user enters "exit" or "quit."

[0807] Step 10:

[0808] When the user types "exit" or "quit", the terminal ends the interactive session and a termination message is displayed to the user.

[0809] Step 11:

[0810] During a conversation, the device will display the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner, helping users have a more realistic conversation experience.The device will also display syntax advice during the conversation, helping users learn proper grammar and expressions.

[0811] Example 1

[0812] 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."

[0813] Conventional foreign language conversation practice systems have difficulty in providing practice tailored to the user's desired situation or character, and often lack real-time responses and advice. Furthermore, the reactions of virtual conversation partners are not realistic, preventing users from getting sufficient practical practice. As a result, the effectiveness of foreign language learning has been limited.

[0814] 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.

[0815] In this invention, the server includes means for a user to input the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for displaying prompts to the user and receiving input from the user, means for receiving the user's input and generating a response for the virtual conversation partner using a generative AI model, means for displaying the generated response to the user, means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again, means for terminating the conversation session when the user inputs an end command, means for providing syntax advice in real time based on the response of the virtual conversation partner, and means for evaluating the user's learning progress. This allows the user to have a more realistic and natural foreign language conversation experience and promotes practical learning.

[0816] "User" refers to an individual who uses the System to practice foreign language conversation.

[0817] "Language" refers to the particular foreign language that the User has selected for conversation practice.

[0818] A "situation" refers to a particular situation or occasion that a user selects for conversation practice.

[0819] "Level" is an indicator of the user's level of foreign language proficiency, and includes stages from beginner to advanced.

[0820] "Character" refers to a virtual person that a user sets as a conversation practice partner.

[0821] "Input means" refers to the means by which a user inputs information such as language, situation, level, character, etc. into the system.

[0822] "Initialization means" refers to a means for initializing user information based on information input by the user.

[0823] The "means for generating a virtual conversation partner" refers to a means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on initialized user information.

[0824] "Prompt display means" refers to a means of displaying a message to the user to guide them in starting or continuing a conversation.

[0825] "Response generation means" refers to the means by which a virtual conversational partner generates an appropriate reply based on a user's input.

[0826] "Response display means" refers to a means for displaying the response of the generated virtual conversation partner to the user.

[0827] "Means for terminating" refers to a means for terminating a conversation session when a user enters a command to end the conversation.

[0828] "Means for providing syntactic advice" refers to a means for providing syntactic advice in real time based on user utterances.

[0829] The "learning progress evaluation means" refers to a means for evaluating the learning progress of a user based on the user's conversation history and practice content.

[0830] This invention is a system that allows users to practice foreign language conversation using a smartphone or PC. By inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk in, users can have a realistic conversation experience with a virtual friend. This system is realized mainly using the following hardware and software:

[0831] Hardware and software used

[0832] Hardware: Smartphones, PCs, tablets

[0833] Software: Generative AI models (e.g., Google Dialogflow)

[0834] System Operation

[0835] Users input the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk to into their device. For example, they might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John." This input information is sent to the server via the device to set the context and setting of the conversation.

[0836] The server initializes the user information based on the received input information. This initialization process may also take into account the user's past conversation history. Based on the initialized user information, the server uses a generative AI model to generate a virtual conversation partner. At this time, the characteristics and profile of the virtual conversation partner are set according to the character and situation specified by the user.

[0837] The device prompts the user with the message "Let's start a conversation," and the user then types a response to the virtual conversation partner's initial greeting, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[0838] This user input is sent in real time to a server, which uses a generative AI model to generate a response from the virtual conversation partner, such as "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" The response is then sent to the device, which displays it to the user.

[0839] This process of receiving additional user input, generating and displaying a response again, repeats until the user enters an exit command such as "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the conversation session and the server stores the conversation as a log.

[0840] In addition, the system provides real-time syntax advice based on the virtual conversation partner's responses, and the device displays the virtual conversation partner's expressive responses and evaluates the user's learning progress, providing a more realistic and natural foreign language conversation experience and promoting practical learning.

[0841] Specific examples

[0842] A concrete scenario would go like this:

[0843] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0844] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, sends it to the server to initialize the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0845] 3. The user types the utterance "Hello, how are you?"

[0846] 4. The server receives the user's utterance and uses a generative AI model to generate a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[0847] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expressions change and syntax advice is displayed in real time.

[0848] 6. When the user types "exit," the server ends the conversation session and saves the conversation as a log.

[0849] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0850] Below are some examples of specific prompts to input to a generative AI model:

[0851] "The user inputs the settings 'English', 'Coffee shop conversation', 'Intermediate', and 'John'. The user then inputs the utterance 'Hello, how are you?'. Generate a response from John, the virtual conversation partner."

[0852] This system provides users with a more effective and practical opportunity to practice foreign language conversation.

[0853] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0854] Step 1:

[0855] The user inputs the desired language, situation, level, and character into the terminal. The input data includes "Language: English," "Situation: Cafe conversation," "Level: Intermediate," and "Character: John." This input data is sent from the terminal to the server.

[0856] Step 2:

[0857] The server initializes the user information based on the received input data. Specifically, relevant data based on the user's selection is initialized in the internal database, and the conversation context and the user's learning history are also set. This initialization process provides the basic information required to generate a virtual conversation partner. The initialization results are also stored in the database, and the initialization data obtained here will be used in the next step.

[0858] Step 3:

[0859] The server generates a virtual conversation partner using a generative AI model based on the initialized user information. During this generation process, the characteristics and profile of the character (e.g., "John") specified by the user are set. The generative AI model also takes into account the character's personality and language skills to create the conversation partner. Data on the generated virtual conversation partner is stored on the server and used in subsequent conversation sessions.

[0860] Step 4:

[0861] The terminal displays a prompt to the user to start a conversation, such as "Let's start a conversation" along with an initial greeting from the virtual conversation partner (John). The initial greeting displayed on the terminal may include "John: Hi, what would you like to talk about today?", and waits for the user's first input.

[0862] Step 5:

[0863] The user inputs a response to the virtual conversation partner's initial greeting, for example, "Hello, how are you?" This input data is sent to the server via the terminal. After the user's input reaches the server, the next step is performed.

[0864] Step 6:

[0865] The server uses a generative AI model to generate responses for the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input. This process involves analyzing what the user says and automatically generating an appropriate reply. In this example, the server generates a response to the user's "Hello, how are you?", which is "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" The generated response data is then sent to the device.

[0866] Step 7:

[0867] The device displays the virtual conversation partner's response received from the server. Specifically, the message "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" is displayed on the user's screen in real time. The user can then view the displayed message and prepare their next remark to continue the conversation.

[0868] Step 8:

[0869] The user inputs additional statements to further the conversation. This process repeats until the user enters an exit command such as "exit" or "quit." With each cycle, the user's statements are sent to the server, and a response from the virtual conversation partner is generated and displayed on the device, allowing for a real-time interactive conversation.

[0870] Step 9:

[0871] When the user enters an end command, the server ends the conversation session and saves the entire conversation as a log. The saved log data will be used for future learning progress assessments and conversation history references. This log data is managed for each user and stored securely.

[0872] Step 10:

[0873] The device will display the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner during the conversation. This feature uses animations and emoticons to visually represent the emotions and reactions of the virtual conversation partner, providing users with a more realistic conversation experience.

[0874] Step 11:

[0875] The device also displays real-time syntax advice for sentences users type. This feature includes grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary corrections, and is designed to enhance users' learning. For example, if a user types "I am fine, and you?", the device will display specific improvement advice for the next step.

[0876] This process allows users to learn efficiently and effectively while enjoying real-time interactive foreign language conversations.

[0877] (Application example 1)

[0878] 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."

[0879] Conventional foreign language conversation practice platforms are limited to dialogue practice in stationary environments and are not suitable for use while traveling or in a car. This makes them inconvenient for users, and it is difficult for busy modern people to find time to practice. In addition, the limited voice input and display methods make it impossible to realize interactive dialogue adapted to the mobile environment.

[0880] 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.

[0881] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based on the input, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for conducting a conversation in a moving vehicle, means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to conduct an interactive conversation with the user, means for displaying the generated response to the user, means for receiving additional input from the user and generating and displaying a response again, and means for utilizing voice input and display output while traveling. This allows for comfortable foreign language conversation practice even while traveling, improving user convenience and making it easier to find time for dialogue practice.

[0882] "User" means an individual or a corporation that uses the dialogue practice system.

[0883] A "language of interest" is a language that a user wishes to practice.

[0884] A "situation" refers to a situation or occasion in which a user wants to interact with a virtual conversation partner.

[0885] "Level" indicates the difficulty and proficiency of the dialogue set by the user.

[0886] A "character" is a virtual person or agent that a user selects as a virtual conversation partner.

[0887] "Means of input" refers to the interface or device through which a user provides information to a system.

[0888] "Means for initializing user information" is the process by which the system prepares the necessary data and settings based on the information entered by the user.

[0889] "Means for generating a virtual conversation partner" refers to the ability of the system to create a virtual conversation partner based on the user's settings.

[0890] A "moving vehicle" is an autonomous vehicle or other means of transportation used by a user for transportation.

[0891] "Means for conducting a conversation" refers to any mechanism or device that allows a user and a virtual conversation partner to interact while on the move.

[0892] "Means for conducting interactive conversations" refers to a process or system that allows a user and a virtual conversation partner to engage in a two-way dialogue.

[0893] A "means for generating a response" is an algorithm or program that allows a virtual conversational partner to generate a response to a user's input.

[0894] A "means for displaying" is a display or screen for visually presenting the generated response to a user.

[0895] The "means for receiving additional input and generating and displaying a response again" is a process for continuing the dialogue based on the user's continued input.

[0896] "Voice input" is a means by which a user inputs speech into the system.

[0897] "Display output" means the means by which system-generated responses and information are visually presented to the user.

[0898] This invention is a system for allowing users to practice foreign language conversation while in a moving vehicle. How the system is implemented will be specifically described below.

[0899] System configuration

[0900] The system is configured to enable interactive conversation between the user and a virtual conversation partner via voice input and display output using a smartphone or an in-car display. The main components of the system are as follows:

[0901] User Input Method

[0902] How to initialize user information

[0903] Virtual conversation partner generation means

[0904] Interactive conversation execution means

[0905] Response Generation Method

[0906] Display means

[0907] Voice input and display output means on the move

[0908] Program Processing Overview

[0909] The server provides a means for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they wish to converse in. When the user inputs this information, the server initializes the user information and generates a virtual conversation partner based on that information. This sets up the virtual conversation partner and begins the conversation within the vehicle.

[0910] The smartphone's microphone or the voice recognition function of the in-car display is used as a means of voice input for users to make statements. The voice input data is converted into text data via a voice recognition API (e.g., Google Cloud Speech-to-Text), and this text data is then sent to the server.

[0911] The server receives the user's text data and generates a response from the virtual conversation partner. A generative AI model is used to generate the response that best suits the user's statement. The generated response is displayed to the user via a display output means (smartphone screen or in-car display). This prompts the user to make the next statement.

[0912] Specific examples

[0913] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0914] 1. The user enters "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "virtual character name" into their smartphone or car display.

[0915] 2. The server receives these settings, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner.

[0916] 3. The user says, "Hello, how are you today?"

[0917] 4. This speech is converted into text using a speech recognition API and sent to the server.

[0918] 5. The server generates a response from the virtual conversation partner, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you! How can I help you today?"

[0919] 6. The user continues, "I'm looking for a place to have coffee."

[0920] 7. Your virtual conversation partner responds, "There's a nice café just around the corner. Would you like some recommendations on what to order?"

[0921] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0922] You: Hello, how are you today?

[0923] Virtual character: I'm doing well, thank you! How can I help you today?

[0924] You: I'm looking for a place to have coffee.

[0925] Character: There's a nice café just around the corner. Would you like some recommendations on what to order?

[0926] In this way, the system of the present invention provides an environment in which users can effectively practice foreign language conversation while on the move.

[0927] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0928] Step 1:

[0929] Users input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak.

[0930] Specific operation: The user uses the input interface on their smartphone or in-car display to input the language (e.g., English), situation (e.g., a conversation in a cafe), level (e.g., intermediate), and character (e.g., the name of a virtual character).

[0931] Input: Language, Situation, Level, Character

[0932] Output: User input data

[0933] Step 2:

[0934] The terminal receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on it.

[0935] Specific operation: The device sends the information received from the user to the server, and the server initializes the user information based on that information. This initialization includes setting the conversation context and preparing the data necessary to generate a profile of the virtual conversation partner.

[0936] Input: User-entered data

[0937] Output: Initialized user information

[0938] Step 3:

[0939] The server generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information.

[0940] How it works: The server uses a generative AI model to generate a virtual conversation partner based on user information, and the virtual conversation partner is profiled according to the user's character, situation, level, etc.

[0941] Input: Initialized user information

[0942] Output: Virtual conversation partner

[0943] Step 4:

[0944] The user speaks and the device converts the speech into text.

[0945] How it works: The user speaks through the microphone on their smartphone or the car's display. This voice data is converted into text data using a speech recognition API (e.g., Google Cloud Speech-to-Text) and sent to the server.

[0946] Input: User's voice data

[0947] Output: Text data

[0948] Step 5:

[0949] The server generates the virtual conversation partner's responses.

[0950] How it works: The server receives text data from the user and uses a generative AI model to generate responses from a virtual conversation partner, which are generated to best respond to what the user says.

[0951] Input: User's text data

[0952] Output: Response text from virtual conversation partner

[0953] Step 6:

[0954] The terminal displays the generated response to the user.

[0955] What it does: The generated response text is displayed on the smartphone or in-car display, providing a visual representation to the user, allowing them to prepare for their next utterance.

[0956] Input: Response text from virtual conversation partner

[0957] Output: The displayed response text

[0958] Step 7:

[0959] The user makes an additional utterance, and the response is generated and displayed again.

[0960] What happens: The user continues the conversation by dictating additional utterances and repeating steps 4 through 6, creating a continuous interactive dialogue.

[0961] Input: Additional user voice data

[0962] Output: New response text from virtual conversation partner

[0963] This series of processes allows users to practice foreign language conversation comfortably while in a moving vehicle.

[0964] 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.

[0965] This invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using smartphones and PCs. The system allows users to experience a realistic conversation with a virtual friend by inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to converse in. It also combines an emotion engine that recognizes the user's emotions to provide responses and feedback that reflect the user's emotions.

[0966] User settings input

[0967] First, the user inputs the language they want to talk in, the situation, their level, and the character's name. For example, a user might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "John."

[0968] Initializing user information

[0969] Next, the device receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on that information, which serves as the basis for setting up the conversation context and virtual conversation partner.

[0970] Creating a virtual conversation partner

[0971] The device creates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings entered by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[0972] Utilizing the Emotion Engine

[0973] In this invention, an emotion engine built into the device recognizes the user's emotions in real time. The emotion engine determines emotions by analyzing the user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. For example, if the user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the emotion engine recognizes that the user is "happy."

[0974] Start a conversation

[0975] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. The user types a statement such as "Hello, how are you?" This input is sent to the system, which starts the process of generating a response from the virtual conversation partner. Additionally, an emotion engine evaluates the user's emotions and reflects them in the response.

[0976] Response generation for virtual conversation partners

[0977] The device sends the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation to the virtual conversation partner's response generator, which then generates an appropriate response based on the user's emotions, such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[0978] Viewing the response

[0979] The generated response is displayed on the device, where the user can view it and type their next utterance, starting the conversation process again.

[0980] Continuing and Ending a Conversation

[0981] This repeated process continues until the user types "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the interactive session.

[0982] Syntax advice and expressive responses

[0983] Furthermore, the present invention includes a feature that allows the virtual conversation partner to display expressive responses, providing a more realistic conversation experience for the user, and a feature that displays advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation, enhancing learning effectiveness.

[0984] Specific examples

[0985] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[0986] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[0987] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[0988] 3. The user enters the statement "Hello, how are you?" The emotion engine recognizes that the user is "happy."

[0989] 4. The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[0990] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expression changes and more syntax advice is displayed.

[0991] 6. When the user types "exit", the terminal ends the conversation session.

[0992] As a result, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation, and also provides a richer conversation experience that reflects the user's emotions.

[0993] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0994] Step 1:

[0995] The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character name they want to talk in into the terminal. This information is entered in the form of, for example, "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John."

[0996] Step 2:

[0997] The terminal receives information input by the user and initializes it as user information, which includes language, situation, level, and character.

[0998] Step 3:

[0999] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings selected by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[1000] Step 4:

[1001] The device activates an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotions in real time. The emotion engine analyzes the user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. to evaluate their emotions. For example, it analyzes the tone of voice and facial expressions to recognize that the user is "happy."

[1002] Step 5:

[1003] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. The prompt is in the format "Conversation Partner: John", "Situation: Cafe Conversation", "You: ".

[1004] Step 6:

[1005] The user inputs a conversational utterance into the terminal, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[1006] Step 7:

[1007] The device simultaneously sends the user's input and the emotions recognized by the emotion engine to the virtual conversation partner's response generation engine, which generates an appropriate response based on the user's utterances and emotions. For example, it generates a friendly response in response to the user's "happiness."

[1008] Step 8:

[1009] The virtual conversation partner's response generation engine generates a response such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[1010] Step 9:

[1011] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, for example, "John responds in English to 'I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today.'"

[1012] Step 10:

[1013] The device again waits for the user to input additional utterances. When the user inputs the next utterance, the emotion engine again evaluates the user's emotion and sends it to the virtual conversation partner's response generation engine. This process is repeated until the user inputs "exit" or "quit."

[1014] Step 11:

[1015] When the user types "exit" or "quit", the terminal ends the interactive session and a termination message is displayed to the user.

[1016] Step 12:

[1017] During a conversation, the device displays the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner, helping users have a more realistic conversation experience. The device also displays syntax advice during the conversation to help users learn proper grammar and expressions, such as "You might want to say 'I'd love to' instead of 'I like to'."

[1018] Example 2

[1019] 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."

[1020] Conventional foreign language conversation practice systems not only generate appropriate responses to user input, but also rarely take into account non-verbal factors such as the user's emotions and facial expressions. Furthermore, they lack the means to provide a realistic, interactive conversation experience, preventing users from fully realizing practical learning benefits. Furthermore, most systems lack the functionality to provide real-time advice on grammar used during conversation. There was a need to improve these points and provide a richer conversation experience and learning benefits.

[1021] 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.

[1022] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for utilizing an emotion engine that recognizes the user's emotions in real time, means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to carry out an interactive conversation with the user and creating a response based on the user's emotions, means for displaying the generated response to the user, and means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again, thereby enabling the user to receive a response that takes into account non-verbal elements such as emotions and facial expressions, enabling a richer and more realistic interactive conversation experience.

[1023] A "user" is a person who operates the system and is responsible for inputting the language, situation, level, and character they wish to speak.

[1024] "Input means" refers to hardware or software that allows the user to input setting information (language, situation, level, character) into the system.

[1025] "Initialization means" refers to a process or algorithm by which the system initializes user information based on information entered by the user.

[1026] A "virtual conversation partner" is a virtual person or character that is generated for the user to practice with and that plays a role in driving the conversation within the system.

[1027] A "generator" is a process or algorithm for creating a virtual conversation partner based on user information.

[1028] An "emotion engine" is software or algorithm that recognizes and analyzes user emotions in real time.

[1029] An "interactive conversation" is a conversation in which a user and a virtual conversation partner interact in a dialogue format, and the conversation responds immediately to user input.

[1030] "Generative AI model" means an artificial intelligence model used to generate responses for a virtual conversational partner based on user input and the emotion engine's evaluation.

[1031] "Display means" refers to hardware or software for displaying generated responses to a user.

[1032] "Syntax advice" is a feature that provides real-time advice on language structures and phrases that users use during conversation.

[1033] A "prompt" is a question or instruction that the system presents to the user to encourage the progress of the conversation.

[1034] The present invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using a smartphone or PC, and provides a system that provides a realistic conversation experience based on information set by the user.

[1035] First, in this system, the user inputs the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak into the terminal. For example, they might input information such as "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John." An example of a prompt sentence would be "Language: English, Situation: Cafe conversation, Level: Intermediate, Character name: John."

[1036] The device receives input from the user and initializes user information based on that information. The initialized user information is used to set up the conversation context and virtual conversation partners. This process is accomplished by storing the user information in memory.

[1037] Next, the device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is built using a generative AI model (such as OpenAI's GPT), and the virtual conversation partner's personality and tone of voice are also set based on the character name set by the user (e.g., "John").

[1038] The present invention further utilizes an emotion engine built into the device. This emotion engine is software or an algorithm for recognizing and analyzing a user's emotion in real time. The emotion engine determines the user's emotion using voice recognition technology (e.g., Google Speech-to-Text), facial expression recognition technology (e.g., OpenCV), text analysis technology (e.g., NLP model), etc. For example, if a user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the emotion engine will determine that the user is "happy."

[1039] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. For example, the user might input, "Hello, how are you?" The emotion engine then evaluates the user's emotions, and the evaluation result is also used as input.

[1040] Next, the device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation. Using a generative AI model, it analyzes the user's input text and generates an appropriate response. For example, a response might be generated such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." At this stage, the emotion engine's evaluation results are also reflected in the response.

[1041] The generated response is displayed on the device. Specifically, the device screen displays "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." The user then inputs the response again, and the conversation process is repeated. This allows the user to have an interactive conversation experience.

[1042] As the conversation progresses, the virtual conversation partner responds expressively. The system also provides advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation. The virtual conversation partner's facial expressions are generated in real time using 3D models (e.g., Unity or Blender) and facial animation technology. Syntax advice, for example, can be found on the display, such as "You can also use 'you look' instead of 'you seem'."

[1043] The conversation can be continued or ended by the user typing "exit" or "quit." The terminal will receive this command and end the conversation session. Specifically, the terminal will display "Ending conversation."

[1044] In this way, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation, and provides a rich conversation experience utilizing an emotion engine.

[1045] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1046] Step 1: Enter user settings

[1047] The user inputs the language they want to speak, the situation, their level, and the character's name. The input information is sent to the device. For example, they might set "English," "Conversation in a Cafe," "Intermediate," and "John." This input information is stored in memory as data to be used in subsequent processing steps.

[1048] Step 2: Initialize user information

[1049] The device initializes user information based on the input information received from the user. Specifically, it stores language settings, situation settings, level settings, and character settings in dedicated data structures. This user information becomes the basic data when generating a virtual conversation partner.

[1050] Step 3: Creating a virtual conversation partner

[1051] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. Specifically, a generative AI model is used to create the character's appearance and basic information, and then the virtual character is built into the system. For example, a character named "John" is generated, and the character's personality and tone of voice are also set. This generation process uses hardware such as the CPU or GPU, and a generative AI model (such as OpenAI's GPT).

[1052] Step 4: Leverage the Emotion Engine

[1053] The device activates an emotion engine to recognize emotions in real time from user input. The emotion engine analyzes the user's voice, facial expressions, and text input to determine emotions. For example, if a user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the engine will determine that the user is "happy." This process uses technologies such as voice recognition (e.g., Google Speech-to-Text), facial expression recognition (e.g., OpenCV), and text analysis (e.g., NLP models).

[1054] Step 5: Start a conversation

[1055] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for the next input. An example of a prompt is "How would you like to get started?" The user inputs a statement, for example, "Hello, how are you?" The device receives this input and uses it as the basis for generating the next response.

[1056] Step 6: Virtual conversation partner response generation

[1057] The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation. Specifically, it uses a generative AI model to analyze the input text and generate an appropriate response. For example, a response such as "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today" is generated. The emotion engine's evaluation is also taken into account at this stage.

[1058] Step 7: View the response

[1059] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, specifically, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." The user sees this response and enters another utterance, starting the next cycle.

[1060] Step 8: Continuing and Ending the Conversation

[1061] This process repeats until the user types "exit" or "quit." If the user types "exit," the terminal ends the conversation session. Specifically, the terminal displays "Ending conversation" and stops all associated processes.

[1062] Step 9: Syntax advice and expressive responses

[1063] The device uses 3D models and facial animation technology in real time to allow the virtual conversation partner to show expressive reactions, providing users with a more realistic conversation experience. It also displays real-time advice on grammar to use during conversations, such as "You can also use 'you look' instead of 'you seem'."

[1064] (Application example 2)

[1065] 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."

[1066] Conventional foreign language conversation practice platforms lack the ability to recognize users' emotions in real time and generate appropriate responses. This results in a mechanical conversation experience for users, making them inadequate for realistic conversation practice. Furthermore, there is a lack of interactive systems based on real-life experiences, such as smart glasses or head-mounted displays, that provide visual and audio responses. There is a need to solve these issues and provide more realistic and effective foreign language conversation practice.

[1067] The specific processing by the specific 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 inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse; means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based on the user's input; means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information; means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to engage in an interactive conversation with the user; means for displaying the generated response to the user; means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again; means including an emotion engine for recognizing the user's emotions; means for adjusting the conversation partner's response based on the recognized emotion; means for providing a conversation experience via smart glasses or a head-mounted display; and means for the conversation partner to provide visual and audio responses. This enables real-time responses that reflect the user's emotions and an interactive conversation experience.

[1068] "User information" refers to information about the language, situation, level, and character entered by the user, and is the basis for the system to generate a virtual conversation partner and set the context for the conversation.

[1069] A "virtual conversation partner" is a virtual character that is generated based on user information and constructed within the system to carry out an interactive conversation with the user.

[1070] An "emotion engine" is software or hardware that analyzes a user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. in real time to recognize and evaluate the user's emotions.

[1071] An "interactive conversation" is a form of dialogue in which the user and the virtual conversation partner influence each other and progress, and in which responses are generated dynamically in response to input from the user.

[1072] "Smart glasses" are wearable devices that use augmented reality (AR) technology to provide visual information, allowing users to visually experience a realistic conversation with a virtual conversation partner.

[1073] A "head-mounted display" is a display device worn on the user's head to provide visual information, and is particularly used in virtual reality (VR) environments.

[1074] "Visual and audio responses" are the types of responses provided by a virtual conversational partner to a user, including visual information (such as facial expressions and text) and audio information (synthesized speech).

[1075] "Syntax advice" is a feature that provides instructions and suggestions regarding the grammar and expressions of the language used by users during conversations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of conversational learning.

[1076] This invention is a system that provides real-time interactive conversations with a virtual conversation partner by inputting the language, situation, level, and character the user wants to converse in. The system achieves this by initializing user information, generating a virtual conversation partner, recognizing emotions using an emotion engine, and generating and displaying responses.

[1077] First, the user puts on smart glasses or a head-mounted display and accesses the system. The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk to through the interface. For example, if the user inputs "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John," the device will receive this and initialize the user information.

[1078] Next, a virtual conversation partner is generated based on the initialized user information. The system creates a virtual character capable of interactive conversation based on the character set by the user. This virtual character cooperates with other components of the system to carry out the conversation.

[1079] When a user starts a conversation, the system uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotions from voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. This emotion engine is built using TensorFlow and predicts emotions based on the user's input data.

[1080] The recognized emotion information is sent to a generative AI model (e.g., OpenAI's GPT-3) to generate an appropriate response based on the user's emotion and input. The generated response is provided to the user visually and audibly via smart glasses or a head-mounted display, allowing the user to experience a realistic interactive conversation with the virtual character.

[1081] For example, if a user wears smart glasses and says "I want a coffee" in a scenario of a cafe in a virtual store, the emotion engine will analyze the user's tone of voice and determine that they are "excited." GPT-3 will generate a response appropriate for an "excited" state: "Of course, I'll show you around!", which will be displayed on the smart glasses screen and played back as audio at the same time.

[1082] An example prompt is:

[1083] Customer Service Assistant:

[1084] User appears excited. Generate a response for the following input: "I want a coffee."

[1085] In this way, the present invention enables real-time responses that reflect the user's emotions and an interactive conversational experience.

[1086] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1087] Step 1:

[1088] The user wears smart glasses or a head-mounted display and accesses the conversation practice platform. The terminal displays a screen through the user interface for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak in. When the user inputs this information and presses the send button, the data is sent to the terminal. Input data: language, situation, level, character. Output data: initialized user information.

[1089] Step 2:

[1090] The device receives the information entered by the user and initializes the user information based on that information. During this initialization process, an appropriate conversation model and character profile are set up depending on the language and situation selected by the user. Data processing: Analyzing user input and setting a character profile. Output: User information ready for generating a virtual conversation partner.

[1091] Step 3:

[1092] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. In this process, a virtual character is created within the system based on the character name and profile selected by the user. The generated virtual character is responsible for conversation with the user while coordinating with other components of the system. Input data: User information. Data calculation: Generation of a virtual conversation partner using a character generation algorithm. Output: Profile of the virtual conversation partner.

[1093] Step 4:

[1094] When a user starts a conversation, the device collects the user's voice, facial expressions, and text input in real time. The collected data is sent to the emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The emotion engine uses TensorFlow to recognize the user's emotions from voice tone, facial expressions, and text. Input data: User's voice, facial expressions, and text input. Data calculation: Analysis by emotion recognition algorithm. Output: Recognized user emotions.

[1095] Step 5:

[1096] The device sends the recognized emotion information and the user's input to a generative AI model (for example, OpenAI's GPT-3). The generative AI model generates an appropriate response based on the input data. In this process, the emotion information is used as a prompt to generate a natural-looking dialogue in context. Input data: User's input and recognized emotion. Data calculation: Response generation by the generative AI model. Output: Response of the generated virtual conversation partner.

[1097] Step 6:

[1098] The generated response is displayed to the user through the terminal and played back as audio. Specifically, the response text is displayed on the display of smart glasses or a head-mounted display, and simultaneously the audio is played back using a speech synthesis function. Input data: Generated response. Data processing: Speech synthesis and display. Output: Visual and audio responses presented to the user.

[1099] Step 7:

[1100] The terminal waits for further user input. This input is sent to the system again, and a response from the virtual conversation partner is again generated and displayed. This loop continues until the user types "exit" or "quit." Input data: Further user input. Data calculation: Response generation algorithm is run again. Output: Next virtual conversation partner response.

[1101] In this way, the system can maintain an interactive dialogue with the user and provide emotionally appropriate responses in real time.

[1102] 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.

[1103] 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.

[1104] 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.

[1105] [Fourth embodiment]

[1106] FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 410 according to the fourth embodiment.

[1107] 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.

[1108] 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).

[1109] 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.

[1110] 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.

[1111] 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).

[1112] 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.

[1113] 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.

[1114] 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.

[1115] 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.

[1116] 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.

[1117] 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.

[1118] 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."

[1119] This invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using smartphones and PCs. The system allows users to experience a realistic conversation with a virtual friend by inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to converse in.

[1120] User settings input

[1121] First, the user inputs the language they want to talk in, the situation, their level, and the character's name. For example, a user might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "John."

[1122] Initializing user information

[1123] Next, the device receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on that information, which serves as the basis for setting up the conversation context and virtual conversation partner.

[1124] Creating a virtual conversation partner

[1125] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is generated based on the character settings entered by the user, for example, a character named "John" that simulates a conversation at a cafe.

[1126] Start a conversation

[1127] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input: the user types a statement such as "Hello, how are you?" This input is sent to the system, which starts the process of generating a response from the virtual conversation partner.

[1128] Response generation for virtual conversation partners

[1129] The device passes the user's input to a response generator in a virtual conversation partner (e.g., John), which generates an appropriate reply. The virtual conversation partner responds to the user's input, such as "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[1130] Viewing the response

[1131] The generated response is displayed on the device, where the user can view it and type their next utterance, starting the conversation process again.

[1132] Continuing and Ending a Conversation

[1133] This repeated process continues until the user types "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the interactive session.

[1134] Syntax advice and expressive responses

[1135] Furthermore, the present invention includes a feature that allows the virtual conversation partner to display expressive responses, providing a more realistic conversation experience for the user, and a feature that displays advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation, enhancing learning effectiveness.

[1136] Specific examples

[1137] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[1138] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[1139] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[1140] 3. The user types the utterance "Hello, how are you?"

[1141] 4. The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[1142] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expression changes and more syntax advice is displayed.

[1143] 6. When the user types "exit", the terminal ends the conversation session.

[1144] As a result, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation.

[1145] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1146] Step 1:

[1147] The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character name they want to talk in into the terminal. This information is entered in the form of, for example, "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John."

[1148] Step 2:

[1149] The terminal receives information input by the user and initializes it as user information, which includes language, situation, level, and character.

[1150] Step 3:

[1151] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings selected by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[1152] Step 4:

[1153] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input from the user. The prompt is in the form "Conversation Partner: John", "Situation: Cafe Conversation", "You: ".

[1154] Step 5:

[1155] The user inputs a conversational utterance into the terminal, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[1156] Step 6:

[1157] The terminal sends the user's input to the virtual conversational partner's response generation engine, which generates appropriate responses based on the user's utterances.

[1158] Step 7:

[1159] The virtual conversational partner's response generation engine generates a response such as "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[1160] Step 8:

[1161] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, for example, "John responds to 'I'm doing well, thank you!' in English."

[1162] Step 9:

[1163] The terminal again waits for the user to enter additional speech, and this process repeats until the user enters "exit" or "quit."

[1164] Step 10:

[1165] When the user types "exit" or "quit", the terminal ends the interactive session and a termination message is displayed to the user.

[1166] Step 11:

[1167] During a conversation, the device will display the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner, helping users have a more realistic conversation experience.The device will also display syntax advice during the conversation, helping users learn proper grammar and expressions.

[1168] Example 1

[1169] 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."

[1170] Conventional foreign language conversation practice systems have difficulty in providing practice tailored to the user's desired situation or character, and often lack real-time responses and advice. Furthermore, the reactions of virtual conversation partners are not realistic, preventing users from getting sufficient practical practice. As a result, the effectiveness of foreign language learning has been limited.

[1171] 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.

[1172] In this invention, the server includes means for a user to input the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for displaying prompts to the user and receiving input from the user, means for receiving the user's input and generating a response for the virtual conversation partner using a generative AI model, means for displaying the generated response to the user, means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again, means for terminating the conversation session when the user inputs an end command, means for providing syntax advice in real time based on the response of the virtual conversation partner, and means for evaluating the user's learning progress. This allows the user to have a more realistic and natural foreign language conversation experience and promotes practical learning.

[1173] "User" refers to an individual who uses the System to practice foreign language conversation.

[1174] "Language" refers to the particular foreign language that the User has selected for conversation practice.

[1175] A "situation" refers to a particular situation or occasion that a user selects for conversation practice.

[1176] "Level" is an indicator of the user's level of foreign language proficiency, and includes stages from beginner to advanced.

[1177] "Character" refers to a virtual person that a user sets as a conversation practice partner.

[1178] "Input means" refers to the means by which a user inputs information such as language, situation, level, character, etc. into the system.

[1179] "Initialization means" refers to a means for initializing user information based on information input by the user.

[1180] The "means for generating a virtual conversation partner" refers to a means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on initialized user information.

[1181] "Prompt display means" refers to a means of displaying a message to the user to guide them in starting or continuing a conversation.

[1182] "Response generation means" refers to the means by which a virtual conversational partner generates an appropriate reply based on a user's input.

[1183] "Response display means" refers to a means for displaying the response of the generated virtual conversation partner to the user.

[1184] "Means for terminating" refers to a means for terminating a conversation session when a user enters a command to end the conversation.

[1185] "Means for providing syntactic advice" refers to a means for providing syntactic advice in real time based on user utterances.

[1186] The "learning progress evaluation means" refers to a means for evaluating the learning progress of a user based on the user's conversation history and practice content.

[1187] This invention is a system that allows users to practice foreign language conversation using a smartphone or PC. By inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk in, users can have a realistic conversation experience with a virtual friend. This system is realized mainly using the following hardware and software:

[1188] Hardware and software used

[1189] Hardware: Smartphones, PCs, tablets

[1190] Software: Generative AI models (e.g., Google Dialogflow)

[1191] System Operation

[1192] Users input the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk to into their device. For example, they might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John." This input information is sent to the server via the device to set the context and setting of the conversation.

[1193] The server initializes the user information based on the received input information. This initialization process may also take into account the user's past conversation history. Based on the initialized user information, the server uses a generative AI model to generate a virtual conversation partner. At this time, the characteristics and profile of the virtual conversation partner are set according to the character and situation specified by the user.

[1194] The device prompts the user with the message "Let's start a conversation," and the user then types a response to the virtual conversation partner's initial greeting, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[1195] This user input is sent in real time to a server, which uses a generative AI model to generate a response from the virtual conversation partner, such as "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" The response is then sent to the device, which displays it to the user.

[1196] This process of receiving additional user input, generating and displaying a response again, repeats until the user enters an exit command such as "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the conversation session and the server stores the conversation as a log.

[1197] In addition, the system provides real-time syntax advice based on the virtual conversation partner's responses, and the device displays the virtual conversation partner's expressive responses and evaluates the user's learning progress, providing a more realistic and natural foreign language conversation experience and promoting practical learning.

[1198] Specific examples

[1199] A concrete scenario would go like this:

[1200] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[1201] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, sends it to the server to initialize the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[1202] 3. The user types the utterance "Hello, how are you?"

[1203] 4. The server receives the user's utterance and uses a generative AI model to generate a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you!"

[1204] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expressions change and syntax advice is displayed in real time.

[1205] 6. When the user types "exit," the server ends the conversation session and saves the conversation as a log.

[1206] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1207] Below are some examples of specific prompts to input to a generative AI model:

[1208] "The user inputs the settings 'English', 'Coffee shop conversation', 'Intermediate', and 'John'. The user then inputs the utterance 'Hello, how are you?'. Generate a response from John, the virtual conversation partner."

[1209] This system provides users with a more effective and practical opportunity to practice foreign language conversation.

[1210] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1211] Step 1:

[1212] The user inputs the desired language, situation, level, and character into the terminal. The input data includes "Language: English," "Situation: Cafe conversation," "Level: Intermediate," and "Character: John." This input data is sent from the terminal to the server.

[1213] Step 2:

[1214] The server initializes the user information based on the received input data. Specifically, relevant data based on the user's selection is initialized in the internal database, and the conversation context and the user's learning history are also set. This initialization process provides the basic information required to generate a virtual conversation partner. The initialization results are also stored in the database, and the initialization data obtained here will be used in the next step.

[1215] Step 3:

[1216] The server generates a virtual conversation partner using a generative AI model based on the initialized user information. During this generation process, the characteristics and profile of the character (e.g., "John") specified by the user are set. The generative AI model also takes into account the character's personality and language skills to create the conversation partner. Data on the generated virtual conversation partner is stored on the server and used in subsequent conversation sessions.

[1217] Step 4:

[1218] The terminal displays a prompt to the user to start a conversation, such as "Let's start a conversation" along with an initial greeting from the virtual conversation partner (John). The initial greeting displayed on the terminal may include "John: Hi, what would you like to talk about today?", and waits for the user's first input.

[1219] Step 5:

[1220] The user inputs a response to the virtual conversation partner's initial greeting, for example, "Hello, how are you?" This input data is sent to the server via the terminal. After the user's input reaches the server, the next step is performed.

[1221] Step 6:

[1222] The server uses a generative AI model to generate responses for the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input. This process involves analyzing what the user says and automatically generating an appropriate reply. In this example, the server generates a response to the user's "Hello, how are you?", which is "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" The generated response data is then sent to the device.

[1223] Step 7:

[1224] The device displays the virtual conversation partner's response received from the server. Specifically, the message "I'm doing well, thank you! How about you?" is displayed on the user's screen in real time. The user can then view the displayed message and prepare their next remark to continue the conversation.

[1225] Step 8:

[1226] The user inputs additional statements to further the conversation. This process repeats until the user enters an exit command such as "exit" or "quit." With each cycle, the user's statements are sent to the server, and a response from the virtual conversation partner is generated and displayed on the device, allowing for a real-time interactive conversation.

[1227] Step 9:

[1228] When the user enters an end command, the server ends the conversation session and saves the entire conversation as a log. The saved log data will be used for future learning progress assessments and conversation history references. This log data is managed for each user and stored securely.

[1229] Step 10:

[1230] The device will display the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner during the conversation. This feature uses animations and emoticons to visually represent the emotions and reactions of the virtual conversation partner, providing users with a more realistic conversation experience.

[1231] Step 11:

[1232] The device also displays real-time syntax advice for sentences users type. This feature includes grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary corrections, and is designed to enhance users' learning. For example, if a user types "I am fine, and you?", the device will display specific improvement advice for the next step.

[1233] This process allows users to learn efficiently and effectively while enjoying real-time interactive foreign language conversations.

[1234] (Application example 1)

[1235] 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."

[1236] Conventional foreign language conversation practice platforms are limited to dialogue practice in stationary environments and are not suitable for use while traveling or in a car. This makes them inconvenient for users, and it is difficult for busy modern people to find time to practice. In addition, the limited voice input and display methods make it impossible to realize interactive dialogue adapted to the mobile environment.

[1237] 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.

[1238] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based on the input, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for conducting a conversation in a moving vehicle, means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to conduct an interactive conversation with the user, means for displaying the generated response to the user, means for receiving additional input from the user and generating and displaying a response again, and means for utilizing voice input and display output while traveling. This allows for comfortable foreign language conversation practice even while traveling, improving user convenience and making it easier to find time for dialogue practice.

[1239] "User" means an individual or a corporation that uses the dialogue practice system.

[1240] A "language of interest" is a language that a user wishes to practice.

[1241] A "situation" refers to a situation or occasion in which a user wants to interact with a virtual conversation partner.

[1242] "Level" indicates the difficulty and proficiency of the dialogue set by the user.

[1243] A "character" is a virtual person or agent that a user selects as a virtual conversation partner.

[1244] "Means of input" refers to the interface or device through which a user provides information to a system.

[1245] "Means for initializing user information" is the process by which the system prepares the necessary data and settings based on the information entered by the user.

[1246] "Means for generating a virtual conversation partner" refers to the ability of the system to create a virtual conversation partner based on the user's settings.

[1247] A "moving vehicle" is an autonomous vehicle or other means of transportation used by a user for transportation.

[1248] "Means for conducting a conversation" refers to any mechanism or device that allows a user and a virtual conversation partner to interact while on the move.

[1249] "Means for conducting interactive conversations" refers to a process or system that allows a user and a virtual conversation partner to engage in a two-way dialogue.

[1250] A "means for generating a response" is an algorithm or program that allows a virtual conversational partner to generate a response to a user's input.

[1251] A "means for displaying" is a display or screen for visually presenting the generated response to a user.

[1252] The "means for receiving additional input and generating and displaying a response again" is a process for continuing the dialogue based on the user's continued input.

[1253] "Voice input" is a means by which a user inputs speech into the system.

[1254] "Display output" means the means by which system-generated responses and information are visually presented to the user.

[1255] This invention is a system for allowing users to practice foreign language conversation while in a moving vehicle. How the system is implemented will be specifically described below.

[1256] System configuration

[1257] The system is configured to enable interactive conversation between the user and a virtual conversation partner via voice input and display output using a smartphone or an in-car display. The main components of the system are as follows:

[1258] User Input Method

[1259] How to initialize user information

[1260] Virtual conversation partner generation means

[1261] Interactive conversation execution means

[1262] Response Generation Method

[1263] Display means

[1264] Voice input and display output means on the move

[1265] Program Processing Overview

[1266] The server provides a means for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they wish to converse in. When the user inputs this information, the server initializes the user information and generates a virtual conversation partner based on that information. This sets up the virtual conversation partner and begins the conversation within the vehicle.

[1267] The smartphone's microphone or the voice recognition function of the in-car display is used as a means of voice input for users to make statements. The voice input data is converted into text data via a voice recognition API (e.g., Google Cloud Speech-to-Text), and this text data is then sent to the server.

[1268] The server receives the user's text data and generates a response from the virtual conversation partner. A generative AI model is used to generate the response that best suits the user's statement. The generated response is displayed to the user via a display output means (smartphone screen or in-car display). This prompts the user to make the next statement.

[1269] Specific examples

[1270] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[1271] 1. The user enters "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "virtual character name" into their smartphone or car display.

[1272] 2. The server receives these settings, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner.

[1273] 3. The user says, "Hello, how are you today?"

[1274] 4. This speech is converted into text using a speech recognition API and sent to the server.

[1275] 5. The server generates a response from the virtual conversation partner, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you! How can I help you today?"

[1276] 6. The user continues, "I'm looking for a place to have coffee."

[1277] 7. Your virtual conversation partner responds, "There's a nice café just around the corner. Would you like some recommendations on what to order?"

[1278] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1279] You: Hello, how are you today?

[1280] Virtual character: I'm doing well, thank you! How can I help you today?

[1281] You: I'm looking for a place to have coffee.

[1282] Character: There's a nice café just around the corner. Would you like some recommendations on what to order?

[1283] In this way, the system of the present invention provides an environment in which users can effectively practice foreign language conversation while on the move.

[1284] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1285] Step 1:

[1286] Users input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak.

[1287] Specific operation: The user uses the input interface on their smartphone or in-car display to input the language (e.g., English), situation (e.g., a conversation in a cafe), level (e.g., intermediate), and character (e.g., the name of a virtual character).

[1288] Input: Language, Situation, Level, Character

[1289] Output: User input data

[1290] Step 2:

[1291] The terminal receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on it.

[1292] Specific operation: The device sends the information received from the user to the server, and the server initializes the user information based on that information. This initialization includes setting the conversation context and preparing the data necessary to generate a profile of the virtual conversation partner.

[1293] Input: User-entered data

[1294] Output: Initialized user information

[1295] Step 3:

[1296] The server generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information.

[1297] How it works: The server uses a generative AI model to generate a virtual conversation partner based on user information, and the virtual conversation partner is profiled according to the user's character, situation, level, etc.

[1298] Input: Initialized user information

[1299] Output: Virtual conversation partner

[1300] Step 4:

[1301] The user speaks and the device converts the speech into text.

[1302] How it works: The user speaks through the microphone on their smartphone or the car's display. This voice data is converted into text data using a speech recognition API (e.g., Google Cloud Speech-to-Text) and sent to the server.

[1303] Input: User's voice data

[1304] Output: Text data

[1305] Step 5:

[1306] The server generates the virtual conversation partner's responses.

[1307] How it works: The server receives text data from the user and uses a generative AI model to generate responses from a virtual conversation partner, which are generated to best respond to what the user says.

[1308] Input: User's text data

[1309] Output: Response text from virtual conversation partner

[1310] Step 6:

[1311] The terminal displays the generated response to the user.

[1312] What it does: The generated response text is displayed on the smartphone or in-car display, providing a visual representation to the user, allowing them to prepare for their next utterance.

[1313] Input: Response text from virtual conversation partner

[1314] Output: The displayed response text

[1315] Step 7:

[1316] The user makes an additional utterance, and the response is generated and displayed again.

[1317] What happens: The user continues the conversation by dictating additional utterances and repeating steps 4 through 6, creating a continuous interactive dialogue.

[1318] Input: Additional user voice data

[1319] Output: New response text from virtual conversation partner

[1320] This series of processes allows users to practice foreign language conversation comfortably while in a moving vehicle.

[1321] 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.

[1322] This invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using smartphones and PCs. The system allows users to experience a realistic conversation with a virtual friend by inputting the language, situation, level, and character they want to converse in. It also combines an emotion engine that recognizes the user's emotions to provide responses and feedback that reflect the user's emotions.

[1323] User settings input

[1324] First, the user inputs the language they want to talk in, the situation, their level, and the character's name. For example, a user might set "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate level," and "John."

[1325] Initializing user information

[1326] Next, the device receives the user's input information and initializes the user information based on that information, which serves as the basis for setting up the conversation context and virtual conversation partner.

[1327] Creating a virtual conversation partner

[1328] The device creates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings entered by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[1329] Utilizing the Emotion Engine

[1330] In this invention, an emotion engine built into the device recognizes the user's emotions in real time. The emotion engine determines emotions by analyzing the user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. For example, if the user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the emotion engine recognizes that the user is "happy."

[1331] Start a conversation

[1332] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. The user types a statement such as "Hello, how are you?" This input is sent to the system, which starts the process of generating a response from the virtual conversation partner. Additionally, an emotion engine evaluates the user's emotions and reflects them in the response.

[1333] Response generation for virtual conversation partners

[1334] The device sends the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation to the virtual conversation partner's response generator, which then generates an appropriate response based on the user's emotions, such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[1335] Viewing the response

[1336] The generated response is displayed on the device, where the user can view it and type their next utterance, starting the conversation process again.

[1337] Continuing and Ending a Conversation

[1338] This repeated process continues until the user types "exit" or "quit," at which point the terminal ends the interactive session.

[1339] Syntax advice and expressive responses

[1340] Furthermore, the present invention includes a feature that allows the virtual conversation partner to display expressive responses, providing a more realistic conversation experience for the user, and a feature that displays advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation, enhancing learning effectiveness.

[1341] Specific examples

[1342] A concrete scenario would go something like this:

[1343] 1. The user enters "English", "cafe conversation", "intermediate level", and "John".

[1344] 2. The terminal receives this setting information, initializes the user information, and creates a virtual conversation partner named John.

[1345] 3. The user enters the statement "Hello, how are you?" The emotion engine recognizes that the user is "happy."

[1346] 4. The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner John, displaying "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[1347] 5. As the conversation progresses, John's facial expression changes and more syntax advice is displayed.

[1348] 6. When the user types "exit", the terminal ends the conversation session.

[1349] As a result, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation, and also provides a richer conversation experience that reflects the user's emotions.

[1350] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1351] Step 1:

[1352] The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character name they want to talk in into the terminal. This information is entered in the form of, for example, "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John."

[1353] Step 2:

[1354] The terminal receives information input by the user and initializes it as user information, which includes language, situation, level, and character.

[1355] Step 3:

[1356] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is constructed according to the character settings selected by the user. For example, a character named "John" is set.

[1357] Step 4:

[1358] The device activates an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotions in real time. The emotion engine analyzes the user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. to evaluate their emotions. For example, it analyzes the tone of voice and facial expressions to recognize that the user is "happy."

[1359] Step 5:

[1360] The terminal displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. The prompt is in the format "Conversation Partner: John", "Situation: Cafe Conversation", "You: ".

[1361] Step 6:

[1362] The user inputs a conversational utterance into the terminal, for example, "Hello, how are you?"

[1363] Step 7:

[1364] The device simultaneously sends the user's input and the emotions recognized by the emotion engine to the virtual conversation partner's response generation engine, which generates an appropriate response based on the user's utterances and emotions. For example, it generates a friendly response in response to the user's "happiness."

[1365] Step 8:

[1366] The virtual conversation partner's response generation engine generates a response such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today."

[1367] Step 9:

[1368] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, for example, "John responds in English to 'I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today.'"

[1369] Step 10:

[1370] The device again waits for the user to input additional utterances. When the user inputs the next utterance, the emotion engine again evaluates the user's emotion and sends it to the virtual conversation partner's response generation engine. This process is repeated until the user inputs "exit" or "quit."

[1371] Step 11:

[1372] When the user types "exit" or "quit", the terminal ends the interactive session and a termination message is displayed to the user.

[1373] Step 12:

[1374] During a conversation, the device displays the expressive reactions of the virtual conversation partner, helping users have a more realistic conversation experience. The device also displays syntax advice during the conversation to help users learn proper grammar and expressions, such as "You might want to say 'I'd love to' instead of 'I like to'."

[1375] Example 2

[1376] 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."

[1377] Conventional foreign language conversation practice systems not only generate appropriate responses to user input, but also rarely take into account non-verbal factors such as the user's emotions and facial expressions. Furthermore, they lack the means to provide a realistic, interactive conversation experience, preventing users from fully realizing practical learning benefits. Furthermore, most systems lack the functionality to provide real-time advice on grammar used during conversation. There was a need to improve these points and provide a richer conversation experience and learning benefits.

[1378] 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.

[1379] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse, means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based thereon, means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information, means for utilizing an emotion engine that recognizes the user's emotions in real time, means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to carry out an interactive conversation with the user and creating a response based on the user's emotions, means for displaying the generated response to the user, and means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again, thereby enabling the user to receive a response that takes into account non-verbal elements such as emotions and facial expressions, enabling a richer and more realistic interactive conversation experience.

[1380] A "user" is a person who operates the system and is responsible for inputting the language, situation, level, and character they wish to speak.

[1381] "Input means" refers to hardware or software that allows the user to input setting information (language, situation, level, character) into the system.

[1382] "Initialization means" refers to a process or algorithm by which the system initializes user information based on information entered by the user.

[1383] A "virtual conversation partner" is a virtual person or character that is generated for the user to practice with and that plays a role in driving the conversation within the system.

[1384] A "generator" is a process or algorithm for creating a virtual conversation partner based on user information.

[1385] An "emotion engine" is software or algorithm that recognizes and analyzes user emotions in real time.

[1386] An "interactive conversation" is a conversation in which a user and a virtual conversation partner interact in a dialogue format, and the conversation responds immediately to user input.

[1387] "Generative AI model" means an artificial intelligence model used to generate responses for a virtual conversational partner based on user input and the emotion engine's evaluation.

[1388] "Display means" refers to hardware or software for displaying generated responses to a user.

[1389] "Syntax advice" is a feature that provides real-time advice on language structures and phrases that users use during conversation.

[1390] A "prompt" is a question or instruction that the system presents to the user to encourage the progress of the conversation.

[1391] The present invention relates to a platform for practicing foreign language conversation using a smartphone or PC, and provides a system that provides a realistic conversation experience based on information set by the user.

[1392] First, in this system, the user inputs the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak into the terminal. For example, they might input information such as "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John." An example of a prompt sentence would be "Language: English, Situation: Cafe conversation, Level: Intermediate, Character name: John."

[1393] The device receives input from the user and initializes user information based on that information. The initialized user information is used to set up the conversation context and virtual conversation partners. This process is accomplished by storing the user information in memory.

[1394] Next, the device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. The virtual conversation partner is built using a generative AI model (such as OpenAI's GPT), and the virtual conversation partner's personality and tone of voice are also set based on the character name set by the user (e.g., "John").

[1395] The present invention further utilizes an emotion engine built into the device. This emotion engine is software or an algorithm for recognizing and analyzing a user's emotion in real time. The emotion engine determines the user's emotion using voice recognition technology (e.g., Google Speech-to-Text), facial expression recognition technology (e.g., OpenCV), text analysis technology (e.g., NLP model), etc. For example, if a user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the emotion engine will determine that the user is "happy."

[1396] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for input. For example, the user might input, "Hello, how are you?" The emotion engine then evaluates the user's emotions, and the evaluation result is also used as input.

[1397] Next, the device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation. Using a generative AI model, it analyzes the user's input text and generates an appropriate response. For example, a response might be generated such as, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." At this stage, the emotion engine's evaluation results are also reflected in the response.

[1398] The generated response is displayed on the device. Specifically, the device screen displays "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." The user then inputs the response again, and the conversation process is repeated. This allows the user to have an interactive conversation experience.

[1399] As the conversation progresses, the virtual conversation partner responds expressively. The system also provides advice on grammar to be used by the user during the conversation. The virtual conversation partner's facial expressions are generated in real time using 3D models (e.g., Unity or Blender) and facial animation technology. Syntax advice, for example, can be found on the display, such as "You can also use 'you look' instead of 'you seem'."

[1400] The conversation can be continued or ended by the user typing "exit" or "quit." The terminal will receive this command and end the conversation session. Specifically, the terminal will display "Ending conversation."

[1401] In this way, the present invention provides users with a practical and effective place to practice foreign language conversation, and provides a rich conversation experience utilizing an emotion engine.

[1402] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1403] Step 1: Enter user settings

[1404] The user inputs the language they want to speak, the situation, their level, and the character's name. The input information is sent to the device. For example, they might set "English," "Conversation in a Cafe," "Intermediate," and "John." This input information is stored in memory as data to be used in subsequent processing steps.

[1405] Step 2: Initialize user information

[1406] The device initializes user information based on the input information received from the user. Specifically, it stores language settings, situation settings, level settings, and character settings in dedicated data structures. This user information becomes the basic data when generating a virtual conversation partner.

[1407] Step 3: Creating a virtual conversation partner

[1408] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. Specifically, a generative AI model is used to create the character's appearance and basic information, and then the virtual character is built into the system. For example, a character named "John" is generated, and the character's personality and tone of voice are also set. This generation process uses hardware such as the CPU or GPU, and a generative AI model (such as OpenAI's GPT).

[1409] Step 4: Leverage the Emotion Engine

[1410] The device activates an emotion engine to recognize emotions in real time from user input. The emotion engine analyzes the user's voice, facial expressions, and text input to determine emotions. For example, if a user says "Hello, how are you?" with a smile, the engine will determine that the user is "happy." This process uses technologies such as voice recognition (e.g., Google Speech-to-Text), facial expression recognition (e.g., OpenCV), and text analysis (e.g., NLP models).

[1411] Step 5: Start a conversation

[1412] The device displays a conversation prompt to the user and waits for the next input. An example of a prompt is "How would you like to get started?" The user inputs a statement, for example, "Hello, how are you?" The device receives this input and uses it as the basis for generating the next response.

[1413] Step 6: Virtual conversation partner response generation

[1414] The device generates a response from the virtual conversation partner based on the user's input and the emotion engine's evaluation. Specifically, it uses a generative AI model to analyze the input text and generate an appropriate response. For example, a response such as "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today" is generated. The emotion engine's evaluation is also taken into account at this stage.

[1415] Step 7: View the response

[1416] The terminal displays the generated response to the user, specifically, "I'm doing well, thank you! You seem happy today." The user sees this response and enters another utterance, starting the next cycle.

[1417] Step 8: Continuing and Ending the Conversation

[1418] This process repeats until the user types "exit" or "quit." If the user types "exit," the terminal ends the conversation session. Specifically, the terminal displays "Ending conversation" and stops all associated processes.

[1419] Step 9: Syntax advice and expressive responses

[1420] The device uses 3D models and facial animation technology in real time to allow the virtual conversation partner to show expressive reactions, providing users with a more realistic conversation experience. It also displays real-time advice on grammar to use during conversations, such as "You can also use 'you look' instead of 'you seem'."

[1421] (Application example 2)

[1422] 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."

[1423] Conventional foreign language conversation practice platforms lack the ability to recognize users' emotions in real time and generate appropriate responses. This results in a mechanical conversation experience for users, making them inadequate for realistic conversation practice. Furthermore, there is a lack of interactive systems based on real-life experiences, such as smart glasses or head-mounted displays, that provide visual and audio responses. There is a need to solve these issues and provide more realistic and effective foreign language conversation practice.

[1424] The specific processing by the specific 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 inputting the language, situation, level, and character with which the user wishes to converse; means for receiving the user's input and initializing user information based on the user's input; means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information; means for generating a response from the virtual conversation partner to engage in an interactive conversation with the user; means for displaying the generated response to the user; means for receiving additional user input and generating and displaying a response again; means including an emotion engine for recognizing the user's emotions; means for adjusting the conversation partner's response based on the recognized emotion; means for providing a conversation experience via smart glasses or a head-mounted display; and means for the conversation partner to provide visual and audio responses. This enables real-time responses that reflect the user's emotions and an interactive conversation experience.

[1425] "User information" refers to information about the language, situation, level, and character entered by the user, and is the basis for the system to generate a virtual conversation partner and set the context for the conversation.

[1426] A "virtual conversation partner" is a virtual character that is generated based on user information and constructed within the system to carry out an interactive conversation with the user.

[1427] An "emotion engine" is software or hardware that analyzes a user's voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. in real time to recognize and evaluate the user's emotions.

[1428] An "interactive conversation" is a form of dialogue in which the user and the virtual conversation partner influence each other and progress, and in which responses are generated dynamically in response to input from the user.

[1429] "Smart glasses" are wearable devices that use augmented reality (AR) technology to provide visual information, allowing users to visually experience a realistic conversation with a virtual conversation partner.

[1430] A "head-mounted display" is a display device worn on the user's head to provide visual information, and is particularly used in virtual reality (VR) environments.

[1431] "Visual and audio responses" are the types of responses provided by a virtual conversational partner to a user, including visual information (such as facial expressions and text) and audio information (synthesized speech).

[1432] "Syntax advice" is a feature that provides instructions and suggestions regarding the grammar and expressions of the language used by users during conversations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of conversational learning.

[1433] This invention is a system that provides real-time interactive conversations with a virtual conversation partner by inputting the language, situation, level, and character the user wants to converse in. The system achieves this by initializing user information, generating a virtual conversation partner, recognizing emotions using an emotion engine, and generating and displaying responses.

[1434] First, the user puts on smart glasses or a head-mounted display and accesses the system. The user inputs the language, situation, level, and character they want to talk to through the interface. For example, if the user inputs "English," "cafe conversation," "intermediate," and "John," the device will receive this and initialize the user information.

[1435] Next, a virtual conversation partner is generated based on the initialized user information. The system creates a virtual character capable of interactive conversation based on the character set by the user. This virtual character cooperates with other components of the system to carry out the conversation.

[1436] When a user starts a conversation, the system uses an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotions from voice, facial expressions, text input, etc. This emotion engine is built using TensorFlow and predicts emotions based on the user's input data.

[1437] The recognized emotion information is sent to a generative AI model (e.g., OpenAI's GPT-3) to generate an appropriate response based on the user's emotion and input. The generated response is provided to the user visually and audibly via smart glasses or a head-mounted display, allowing the user to experience a realistic interactive conversation with the virtual character.

[1438] For example, if a user wears smart glasses and says "I want a coffee" in a scenario of a cafe in a virtual store, the emotion engine will analyze the user's tone of voice and determine that they are "excited." GPT-3 will generate a response appropriate for an "excited" state: "Of course, I'll show you around!", which will be displayed on the smart glasses screen and played back as audio at the same time.

[1439] An example prompt is:

[1440] Customer Service Assistant:

[1441] User appears excited. Generate a response for the following input: "I want a coffee."

[1442] In this way, the present invention enables real-time responses that reflect the user's emotions and an interactive conversational experience.

[1443] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1444] Step 1:

[1445] The user wears smart glasses or a head-mounted display and accesses the conversation practice platform. The terminal displays a screen through the user interface for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak in. When the user inputs this information and presses the send button, the data is sent to the terminal. Input data: language, situation, level, character. Output data: initialized user information.

[1446] Step 2:

[1447] The device receives the information entered by the user and initializes the user information based on that information. During this initialization process, an appropriate conversation model and character profile are set up depending on the language and situation selected by the user. Data processing: Analyzing user input and setting a character profile. Output: User information ready for generating a virtual conversation partner.

[1448] Step 3:

[1449] The device generates a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information. In this process, a virtual character is created within the system based on the character name and profile selected by the user. The generated virtual character is responsible for conversation with the user while coordinating with other components of the system. Input data: User information. Data calculation: Generation of a virtual conversation partner using a character generation algorithm. Output: Profile of the virtual conversation partner.

[1450] Step 4:

[1451] When a user starts a conversation, the device collects the user's voice, facial expressions, and text input in real time. The collected data is sent to the emotion engine, which analyzes the user's emotions. The emotion engine uses TensorFlow to recognize the user's emotions from voice tone, facial expressions, and text. Input data: User's voice, facial expressions, and text input. Data calculation: Analysis by emotion recognition algorithm. Output: Recognized user emotions.

[1452] Step 5:

[1453] The device sends the recognized emotion information and the user's input to a generative AI model (for example, OpenAI's GPT-3). The generative AI model generates an appropriate response based on the input data. In this process, the emotion information is used as a prompt to generate a natural-looking dialogue in context. Input data: User's input and recognized emotion. Data calculation: Response generation by the generative AI model. Output: Response of the generated virtual conversation partner.

[1454] Step 6:

[1455] The generated response is displayed to the user through the terminal and played back as audio. Specifically, the response text is displayed on the display of smart glasses or a head-mounted display, and simultaneously the audio is played back using a speech synthesis function. Input data: Generated response. Data processing: Speech synthesis and display. Output: Visual and audio responses presented to the user.

[1456] Step 7:

[1457] The terminal waits for further user input. This input is sent to the system again, and a response from the virtual conversation partner is again generated and displayed. This loop continues until the user types "exit" or "quit." Input data: Further user input. Data calculation: Response generation algorithm is run again. Output: Next virtual conversation partner response.

[1458] In this way, the system can maintain an interactive dialogue with the user and provide emotionally appropriate responses in real time.

[1459] 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.

[1460] 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.

[1461] 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.

[1462] 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.

[1463] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating 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 actions 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.

[1464] 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.

[1465] 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).

[1466] 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.

[1467] 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."

[1468] 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.

[1469] 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).

[1470] 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.

[1471] 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.

[1472] 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.

[1473] 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.

[1474] 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.

[1475] 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.

[1476] 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.

[1477] 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.

[1478] 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.

[1479] 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.

[1480] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[1481] (Claim 1)

[1482] A way for users to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak,

[1483] a means for receiving user input and initializing user information based thereon;

[1484] A means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information;

[1485] means for generating responses from a virtual conversation partner for conducting an interactive conversation with the user;

[1486] a means for displaying the generated response to the user;

[1487] a means for receiving additional user input and again generating and displaying a response;

[1488] A system including:

[1489] (Claim 2)

[1490] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for providing an interactive conversation experience by having the virtual conversation partner provide expressive responses.

[1491] (Claim 3)

[1492] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying advice on syntax for a user to use during a conversation.

[1493] "Example 1"

[1494] (Claim 1)

[1495] A means for the user to input the language, situation, level, and character they wish to converse with;

[1496] a means for receiving user input and initializing user information based thereon;

[1497] A means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information;

[1498] a means for prompting a user and receiving input from the user;

[1499] means for receiving user input and generating responses for the virtual conversational partner using a generative AI model;

[1500] a means for displaying the generated response to the user;

[1501] a means for receiving additional user input and again generating and displaying a response;

[1502] means for terminating the conversation session when the user enters an exit command;

[1503] means for providing real-time syntax advice based on the responses of the virtual conversational partner;

[1504] a means of assessing the user's learning progress;

[1505] A system including:

[1506] (Claim 2)

[1507] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for providing an interactive conversation experience by having the virtual conversation partner provide expressive responses.

[1508] (Claim 3)

[1509] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying advice on syntax for a user to use during a conversation.

[1510] "Application Example 1"

[1511] (Claim 1)

[1512] A way for users to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak,

[1513] a means for receiving user input and initializing user information based thereon;

[1514] A means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information;

[1515] means for conducting a conversation in a moving vehicle;

[1516] means for generating responses from a virtual conversation partner for conducting an interactive conversation with the user;

[1517] a means for displaying the generated response to the user;

[1518] a means for receiving additional user input and again generating and displaying a response;

[1519] a means for utilizing voice input and display output while on the move;

[1520] A system including:

[1521] (Claim 2)

[1522] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for providing an interactive conversation experience by having the virtual conversation partner provide expressive responses.

[1523] (Claim 3)

[1524] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying advice on syntax for a user to use during a conversation.

[1525] "Example 2: Combining Emotion Engines"

[1526] (Claim 1)

[1527] A way for users to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak,

[1528] a means for receiving user input and initializing user information based thereon;

[1529] A means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information;

[1530] A means to utilize an emotion engine that recognizes user emotions in real time,

[1531] means for generating responses from a virtual conversation partner for conducting an interactive conversation with the user, the responses being based on the user's emotions;

[1532] a means for displaying the generated response to the user;

[1533] a means for receiving additional user input and again generating and displaying a response;

[1534] A system including:

[1535] (Claim 2)

[1536] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for providing an interactive conversation experience by having the virtual conversation partner provide expressive responses.

[1537] (Claim 3)

[1538] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying advice on syntax for a user to use during a conversation.

[1539] "Application example 2 when combining emotion engines"

[1540] (Claim 1)

[1541] A way for users to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak,

[1542] a means for receiving user input and initializing user information based thereon;

[1543] A means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information;

[1544] means for generating responses from a virtual conversation partner for conducting an interactive conversation with the user;

[1545] a means for displaying the generated response to the user;

[1546] a means for receiving additional user input and again generating and displaying a response;

[1547] means including an emotion engine for recognizing an emotion of a user;

[1548] a means for adjusting the conversation partner's response based on the perceived emotion;

[1549] a means for providing a conversational experience via smart glasses or a head-mounted display;

[1550] a means for the conversation partner to provide a visual and audio response;

[1551] A system including:

[1552] (Claim 2)

[1553] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for providing simultaneous visual and audio responses to the user by the virtual conversation partner showing expressive reactions.

[1554] (Claim 3)

[1555] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying advice on syntax for a user to use during a conversation, together with providing feedback according to the recognized emotion. [Explanation of symbols]

[1556] 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 way for users to input the language, situation, level, and character they want to speak, a means for receiving user input and initializing user information based thereon; A means for generating a virtual conversation partner based on the initialized user information; means for generating responses from a virtual conversation partner for conducting an interactive conversation with the user; a means for displaying the generated response to the user; a means for receiving additional user input and again generating and displaying a response; A system including:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for providing an interactive conversation experience by having the virtual conversation partner provide expressive responses.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying advice on syntax for the user to use during a conversation.

Images