System

Abstract

A system is provided.SOLUTION: The system includes a means for receiving a voice input of a user, a means for transmitting voice data to a server, a means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating voiceprint information of the user, a means for generating an additional question using a generated AI and transmitting the additional question to the terminal by the server, a means for transmitting the question received from the terminal to the user by voice, a means for re-recording a response voice of the user and transmitting the response voice to the server, a means for collating the response voice with a voice database and performing two-stage authentication by the server, a means for executing a settlement process by the server, a means for transmitting a settlement completion notification to the user by voice by the terminal, and a means for issuing a receipt by the terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

[0004] In modern society, QR code payments are rapidly gaining popularity as a convenient payment method, but they can be difficult to use for people who do not have a smartphone, or for people with visual impairments and the elderly. There is a need for a simple and secure payment method for everyone, including these users. Conventional QR code payment systems require visual operation, making them unsuitable for the visually impaired and elderly who are not familiar with technology. The purpose of this invention is to solve this problem and provide a simple payment method that uses voice without using a smartphone. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following means. First, a means for accepting voice input from the user is provided, followed by a means for transmitting voice data to a server. Security is enhanced by providing a means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information. Furthermore, a means is used in which the server uses a generation AI to generate additional questions and transmits them to the terminal. Two-step authentication is achieved by a means for the terminal to audibly communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user and a means for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting it to the server. Also provided is a means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing the voice with a voice database and a means for executing payment processing. Finally, a payment system that can be used by the visually impaired, elderly, and people without smartphones is realized by a means for the terminal to audibly notify the user of payment completion and a means for issuing a receipt.

[0006] A "means for accepting user voice input" is a device or system that has the capability to receive voice uttered by a user and record it in digital form.

[0007] The "means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a device or protocol for transmitting recorded audio data to a server via a network.

[0008] "Means for analyzing voice data on a server and authenticating a user's voiceprint information" refers to a technology that analyzes voice data on a server, extracts voiceprint information, and compares it with a database to authenticate the user.

[0009] "Means for generating additional questions using a generation AI and transmitting the questions to a terminal" refers to a system that uses artificial intelligence to create additional questions for user authentication and transmits the questions to a terminal.

[0010] "Means for audibly communicating to the user the questions received by the terminal from the generation AI" refers to a device or system that has the function of audibly communicating to the user any additional questions received by the terminal from the generation AI.

[0011] The "means for re-recording the user's answer voice and transmitting it to the server" refers to a device or protocol for re-recording the user's answer voice to the additional question and transmitting it to the server.

[0012] "Means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database" refers to a technology in which the server compares voice data with a database to confirm the user's voiceprint and perform two-step authentication.

[0013] The "means by which the server executes the payment process" refers to the system within the server that processes the payment information after successful authentication.

[0014] The "means for the terminal to notify the user of the completion of payment by voice" refers to a device or system that has the function of notifying the user of the completion of payment by voice when the terminal receives the notification from the server.

[0015] "Means for issuing a receipt by a terminal" refers to a device or system that prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt after a payment is completed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0024] [First embodiment]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0037] The present invention provides a system for enabling voice-based payments, and in particular, a payment method that can be used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, without using a smartphone. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] User voice input

[0039] The user speaks into the terminal's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." This voice data is recorded in digital format by the terminal and becomes the data needed to proceed to the next step.

[0040] Voice data transmission and authentication

[0041] The recorded voice data is sent from the device to the server. The server analyzes the received voice data and extracts the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing voice database to authenticate the user. If successful, the system proceeds to the next step.

[0042] Conversational authentication and payment confirmation

[0043] A generation AI on the server generates an additional question to increase the reliability of authentication. For example, this question might be, "Which bank do you use?" The generated question is sent to the terminal, which then verbally relays it to the user. When the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the terminal records this voice again and sends it to the server. The server analyzes the voice data again and compares it with the additional voiceprint information to perform two-step authentication.

[0044] Processing payments

[0045] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information. Specifically, it executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information. As a result, the specified amount is paid to the specified recipient.

[0046] Confirmation and receipt issuance

[0047] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice. The user confirms the completion of the payment by announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed." The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0048] Specific examples

[0049] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says "I'll pay 500 yen now" at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") and sends it to the terminal. If the user replies "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces audibly that "500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0050] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments simply and safely using voice.

[0051] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0052] Step 1:

[0053] The user expresses their intention to pay to the terminal by saying something like "I'll pay 500 yen."

[0054] Step 2:

[0055] The device records the user's voice using a microphone and stores it digitally.

[0056] Step 3:

[0057] The audio data recorded by the terminal is sent to a server via the network.

[0058] Step 4:

[0059] The server analyzes the received voice data using a dedicated voice analysis module to extract the user's voiceprint data.

[0060] Step 5:

[0061] The server compares the extracted voiceprint data with an existing voiceprint database to authenticate the user.

[0062] Step 6:

[0063] The server determines the results of the identity authentication, and if authentication is successful, the generation AI generates additional questions (e.g., "Which bank do you use?").

[0064] Step 7:

[0065] The server generates a question and sends it to the terminal.

[0066] Step 8:

[0067] The terminal conveys the question received from the server to the user by voice.

[0068] Step 9:

[0069] The user answers the additional questions by voice into the terminal (e.g., "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation").

[0070] Step 10:

[0071] The device will then re-record the user's voice response and store it in digital format.

[0072] Step 11:

[0073] The terminal transmits the recorded response voice data to the server again via the network.

[0074] Step 12:

[0075] The server analyzes the second voice data, extracts voiceprint data, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform two-step authentication.

[0076] Step 13:

[0077] The server determines the result of the two-step authentication and, if successful, processes the payment information.

[0078] Step 14:

[0079] The server generates a notification of the completion of the payment and notifies the terminal of the completion.

[0080] Step 15:

[0081] The terminal communicates the payment completion notification received from the server to the user as voice (e.g., "Payment of 500 yen has been completed").

[0082] Step 16:

[0083] Upon completion of the payment, the terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0084] Example 1

[0085] 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."

[0086] Conventional payment methods have the problem that they are difficult to use for users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly. This makes everyday payments inconvenient for these users. The purpose of this invention is to provide such users with a method for making payments easily and safely using voice.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In this invention, the server includes a means for accepting user voice input, a means for analyzing the voice data and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, and a means for generating follow-up questions using a generative AI model and transmitting them to the terminal, thereby enabling all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments safely and easily using voice.

[0089] The "means for accepting user voice input" refers to a device or function that receives user voice using a voice input device such as a microphone and records it as digital data.

[0090] The "means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a communication device or a communication protocol for transmitting the recorded audio data to a server via an internet line or the like.

[0091] "Means for analyzing voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information" refers to a function that processes the received voice data using voice analysis software on the server, extracts voiceprint information, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database.

[0092] "Means for generating follow-up questions using a generative AI model and sending them to the terminal" refers to a function that uses AI technology to generate follow-up questions to strengthen the authentication process and send them to the terminal.

[0093] "Means for communicating the question received by the device from the generative AI model to the user by voice" refers to a device or software that uses speech synthesis technology to read the generated text question to the user.

[0094] The "means for re-recording the user's response voice and transmitting it to the server" is a communication function that re-records the user's voice in response to the additional question and transmits the voice data to the server.

[0095] The "means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing with a voiceprint database" is a function that extracts voiceprint information again from the user's response voice and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform an additional authentication step.

[0096] The "means for the server to execute the payment process" is a function that executes the actual payment using the payment system based on the payment amount and recipient information upon successful authentication.

[0097] "Means for the terminal to notify the user of the completion of payment by voice" is a function that uses voice synthesis technology to notify the user of the completion notification from the server after the payment is completed.

[0098] "Means for the terminal to issue a receipt" refers to a device or function that prints a physical receipt or generates and provides an electronic receipt to the user after payment is completed.

[0099] This invention is a voice payment system that can be easily and safely used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly. This system accepts and analyzes the user's voice input, performs identity authentication, and performs payment processing.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present invention, the main hardware used is as follows:

[0101] 1. Terminal: A voice-enabled device that has a microphone for user voice input and a speaker for recording and playing back voice data.

[0102] 2. Server: A high-performance computer that analyzes and authenticates voice data and processes payments.

[0103] The main software used is as follows:

[0104] 1. Speech recognition software: Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API

[0105] 2. Voiceprint Recognition Software: Solutions from Nuance and VoiceVault

[0106] 3. Generative AI models: Natural language processing models such as GPT-3

[0107] 4. Text-to-speech software: Google Text-to-Speech API

[0108] 5. Payment system: PayPal API or Stripe API

[0109] Specifically, when a user speaks into the terminal, "I'd like to pay 500 yen," the voice is recorded and sent from the terminal to the server. The server analyzes the received voice data, converts it to text using voice recognition software, and extracts voiceprint information for authentication. If authentication is successful, the generative AI model generates additional questions to increase the certainty of authentication and sends them to the terminal. The terminal then asks the additional questions aloud to the user, and when the user answers them, the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. The server again collates the voiceprint information and performs two-step authentication. If authentication is successful, the server makes the actual payment through the payment system. Once the process is complete, the server sends a payment completion notification to the terminal, and the terminal notifies the user aloud and issues a receipt.

[0110] A concrete example is paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generative AI model generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") and sends it to the terminal. If the user replies, "The name of your bank," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "Your 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0111] This will enable all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice.

[0112] An example of a prompt sentence is: Please explain the system that processes payments by analyzing the speech "I will pay 500 yen." Please provide a detailed description, including the specific hardware, software, and data processing flow.

[0113] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0114] Step 1: Accepting voice input

[0115] 1. The user speaks into the device's microphone to enter payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen."

[0116] Input: User's voice.

[0117] Output: Audio data in digital format.

[0118] 2. The device records this audio, converts it to digital format, and stores it in its internal memory.

[0119] What it does: A microphone captures audio and converts it into a digital format, such as PCM.

[0120] Step 2: Sending audio data

[0121] 1. The device sends digital audio data to the server.

[0122] Input: Audio data in digital format.

[0123] Output: The audio data sent to the server.

[0124] 2. Use HTTPS as the communication protocol and encrypt and transmit audio data.

[0125] Specific behavior: Establishes secure communication using SSL / TLS.

[0126] Step 3: Voice data analysis and voiceprint authentication

[0127] 1. The server analyzes the received voice data and converts it into text using voice recognition software.

[0128] Input: Transmitted digital audio data.

[0129] Output: Parsed text data and voiceprint data.

[0130] 2. The server simultaneously uses voiceprint recognition software to extract the voiceprint information and compare it with an existing voiceprint database.

[0131] Specific operations: Extract specific voiceprint features from the audio data and compare them with existing data in the database.

[0132] Step 4: Generative AI generates follow-up questions

[0133] 1. If authentication is successful, a generative AI model on the server generates additional questions.

[0134] Input: Authentication success flag.

[0135] Output: The additional questions generated.

[0136] 2. Send the generated question to the device.

[0137] Specific operation: The generative AI model generates natural language and outputs the results as text data.

[0138] Step 5: Communicate any follow-up questions

[0139] 1. The terminal will audibly communicate any additional questions received to the user.

[0140] Input: The generated additional question text.

[0141] Output: The audio message that the user can hear.

[0142] 2. Use text-to-speech software to convert the text data into audio and play it over a speaker.

[0143] What it does: The text-to-speech engine converts the text into an audio signal that is played over the speaker.

[0144] Step 6: Record and submit additional user responses

[0145] 1. The user answers the follow-up questions by voice.

[0146] Input: User's spoken answer.

[0147] Output: Answer audio data in digital format.

[0148] 2. The device records this audio, converts it back into digital format and sends it to the server.

[0149] What it does: The microphone captures audio, converts it into a digital format, and sends it to a server.

[0150] Step 7: Implement two-factor authentication

[0151] 1. The server analyzes the voice data again and compares it with the voiceprint information to perform two-step authentication.

[0152] Input: Transmitted digital audio data again.

[0153] Output: Two-factor authentication result (success / failure).

[0154] 2. The server determines the authentication result and proceeds to the next step if successful.

[0155] What happens: The voiceprint recognition software is used again to perform the match.

[0156] Step 8: Payment Processing

[0157] 1. If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information.

[0158] Input: Authentication success flag, payment information.

[0159] Output: Payment execution result.

[0160] 2. The server uses a payment system to perform the payment.

[0161] Specific behavior: Calls an API and executes a payment transaction.

[0162] Step 9: Notification of payment completion

[0163] 1. When the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal.

[0164] Input: Payment execution result.

[0165] Output: Payment completion notification.

[0166] 2. The device will notify the user of the completion notification by voice.

[0167] What it does: Uses text-to-speech software to convert the notification into an audio message that is played over a speaker.

[0168] Step 10: Issue a receipt

[0169] 1. The terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0170] Input: Payment completion notification.

[0171] Output: A physical or electronic receipt.

[0172] 2. Print a receipt using a receipt printer or send an electronic receipt via email, etc.

[0173] Specific operations: Operate the printer to print a receipt, and if it is an electronic receipt, use the email sending system.

[0174] (Application example 1)

[0175] 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."

[0176] Conventional voice authentication systems make it difficult for visually impaired people and the elderly to operate the security system safely and easily. The purpose of this invention is to enable authentication using only voice in a smart home security system, without the need for visual operation.

[0177] 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.

[0178] In this invention, the server includes means for accepting voice input from a user, means for transmitting voice data to the server, means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for the server to generate additional questions using a generation AI and transmit the additional questions to the terminal, means for the terminal to verbally communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user, means for re-recording the user's voice responses and transmitting the recorded responses to the server, means for the server to compare the responses with a voice database and perform two-step authentication, means for the server to execute operation processing, means for the terminal to verbally notify the user of operation completion, and means for the terminal to issue a notification. This enables even visually impaired people and the elderly to safely and easily operate a smart home security system using only voice input.

[0179] "User" refers to an individual who uses the system to provide voice input.

[0180] "Voice input" refers to a means by which a user speaks into a terminal and the resulting voice data is captured.

[0181] "Server" refers to a computer system that analyzes received voice data and performs various information processing.

[0182] "Voiceprint information" refers to data for voice authentication obtained by analyzing the user's voice characteristics.

[0183] "Generative AI" refers to algorithms that use artificial intelligence techniques to generate the necessary questions and responses.

[0184] "Additional questions" refer to verification questions that the server asks the user using generated AI after initial authentication.

[0185] "Two-step authentication" refers to an authentication method that increases the accuracy of authentication through additional procedures after the initial authentication.

[0186] "Operation processing" refers to a specific operation that the server performs after authentication (e.g., unlocking a door or disabling an alarm).

[0187] "Operation completion notification" refers to a notification by voice from the server to the user that the operation processing has been completed.

[0188] "Notification" refers to a message that conveys confirmation or completion information to the user.

[0189] The present invention provides a smart home security system that enables safe and easy voice control by visually impaired people and the elderly. Specific embodiments of the system are described below.

[0190] System Overview

[0191] The system of the present invention comprises the following components:

[0192] 1. User:

[0193] Refers to an individual who operates a security system using voice commands.

[0194] 2. Terminal:

[0195] A device that accepts voice input and communicates with a server. In this case, a smart speaker or smartphone is used.

[0196] 3. Server:

[0197] It is a computer system that analyzes received voice data, performs authentication, and executes the necessary operations.

[0198] Hardware and software used

[0199] Microphone: A device that records the user's voice.

[0200] software:

[0201] sounddevice: A library for recording audio.

[0202] scipy.io.wavfile: A library for saving audio files.

[0203] speech_recognition: A library for converting speech data into text.

[0204] requests: A library for sending voice data to the server and receiving authentication results.

[0205] Processing flow

[0206] 1. Voice input:

[0207] The user speaks to the device, saying, "I want to unlock the door." This voice is recorded through a microphone.

[0208] 2. Analysis of audio data:

[0209] Save the recorded audio data to a file using scipy.io.wavfile and convert it to text data using speech_recognition.

[0210] 3. Send to server:

[0211] The obtained voice data (text) is sent to the server using the requests library, and the server analyzes this data and authenticates the user's voiceprint information.

[0212] 4. Additional questions:

[0213] The server's generation AI generates additional questions as needed and sends them to the device, which then verbally asks the questions to the user.

[0214] 5. Dictation again:

[0215] The user answers questions by entering their voice and then re-recording it. This voice data is also sent to the server for two-step authentication.

[0216] 6. Perform the operation:

[0217] If the authentication is successful, the server executes operations such as unlocking the door or disabling the alarm.

[0218] 7. Notice:

[0219] When the operation is complete, the device will notify the user by voice, such as "The door has been unlocked." If necessary, the device will also notify the user physically or by email.

[0220] Specific examples

[0221] For example, consider a situation where a user wants to unlock the door of a smart home. The user speaks to the device, saying, "I'd like to unlock the door." The device records the voice and sends it to the server. The server analyzes the voice data and authenticates the user. An additional question, "What is the name of your pet?", is generated and transmitted to the user via the device. When the user answers, "It's Pochi," the voice data is recorded again and sent to the server. The server performs two-step authentication, and if successful, the door is unlocked. At this point, a voice notification is heard saying, "The door has been unlocked."

[0222] Specific examples of prompts from the generative AI model used

[0223] Prompt: "Generate a program that authenticates a user using recorded voice data, generates a follow-up question for second-factor authentication, and then performs a specified action (e.g., unlocks a door or disarms an alarm) if authentication is successful."

[0224] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0225] Step 1:

[0226] The user speaks to the terminal. Specifically, the user speaks "I want to unlock the door" into the terminal's microphone. This voice is recorded as digital voice data on the terminal.

[0227] Input: User's voice

[0228] Output: Recorded digital audio data

[0229] Step 2:

[0230] The device sends the recorded audio data to the server. The requests library is used to send the audio data to the server via an API.

[0231] Input: Recorded digital audio data

[0232] Output: Audio data sent to the server

[0233] Step 3:

[0234] The server analyzes the received voice data and extracts the user's voiceprint information using voice recognition technology, which is then compared with a voiceprint database.

[0235] Input: Audio data sent to the server

[0236] Output: Voiceprint information and matching results

[0237] Step 4:

[0238] The server uses generative AI to generate additional questions and sends them to the device, where a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-3) is used to generate appropriate security questions.

[0239] Input: Voiceprint information and matching results

[0240] Output: Generated additional questions

[0241] Step 5:

[0242] The device will then use voice synthesis technology to play back the questions it receives in text format to the user.

[0243] Input: Generated follow-up question (text)

[0244] Output: The question spoken to the user

[0245] Step 6:

[0246] The user then responds by voice input to answer additional questions. For example, to the question, "What is your pet's name?", the user responds by voice, "It's called Pochi." This voice is also recorded on the device.

[0247] Input: User's spoken response

[0248] Output: Recorded digital audio data (answer)

[0249] Step 7:

[0250] The device again sends the recorded audio data to the server. As before, it uses the requests library to send the audio data to the server via the API.

[0251] Input: Recorded digital voice data (answer)

[0252] Output: Voice data sent to the server (answer)

[0253] Step 8:

[0254] The server analyzes the received voice data again to confirm the user's additional voiceprint information, which is then compared with the voiceprint database again to perform two-step authentication.

[0255] Input: Voice data sent to the server (answer)

[0256] Output: Matching result with additional voiceprint information

[0257] Step 9:

[0258] If the server is successful in the authentication, it executes the specified operation process, for example, sending a command to unlock the door to the smart home hardware control system.

[0259] Input: Matching result with additional voiceprint information

[0260] Output: Door unlock command

[0261] Step 10:

[0262] The device notifies the user by voice that the operation is complete. Upon receiving the notification from the server, the device uses voice synthesis technology to notify the user by voice that "The door has been unlocked."

[0263] Input: Operation completion notification (text)

[0264] Output: A spoken notification to the user that the operation was completed

[0265] 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.

[0266] The present invention is a payment system that uses voice and emotion engines, and provides a payment method that can be used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, without using a smartphone. Furthermore, by recognizing the user's emotions, a more personalized payment experience can be provided. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0267] User voice input

[0268] The user speaks into the device's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." This voice data is recorded digitally by the device and becomes the data needed to proceed. At the same time, the emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions.

[0269] Transmission and authentication of voice and emotion data

[0270] The recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data are sent from the device to a server. The server analyzes the received voice data to extract the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing voice database to authenticate the user. Emotion data is also sent and analyzed by the server.

[0271] Conversational authentication and payment confirmation

[0272] A generation AI on the server generates additional questions to increase the reliability of authentication. For example, this question might be, "Which bank do you use?" The generated questions are adjusted based on emotional data, so that if the user is nervous, for example, the questions can be made simpler. The generated questions are sent from the server to the terminal, which then verbally relays them to the user.

[0273] If the user responds, "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the device re-records the voice and sends it to the server. The server then analyzes the voice data again and matches it with additional voiceprint information to perform two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed, and the next steps may be adjusted depending on the user's state.

[0274] Processing payments

[0275] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information. Specifically, it executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information. The specified amount is then paid to the designated recipient. It also optimizes the user experience based on emotional data.

[0276] Confirmation and receipt issuance

[0277] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice. The user confirms the completion of the payment by announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed." The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0278] Specific examples

[0279] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"), and the emotion engine adjusts the question taking into account the user's state. The terminal then speaks the question to the user. If the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "The 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0280] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, by combining it with an emotion engine, it is possible to provide an optimal payment experience that is tailored to the user's emotions.

[0281] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0282] Step 1:

[0283] The user expresses their intention to pay to the terminal by saying something like "I'll pay 500 yen."

[0284] Step 2:

[0285] The device records the user's voice using a microphone and stores it digitally.

[0286] Step 3:

[0287] The device's built-in emotion engine analyzes the recorded voice data and recognizes the user's emotions, for example, determining whether the user is tense or relaxed.

[0288] Step 4:

[0289] The terminal transmits the voice data and emotion data to the server via the network.

[0290] Step 5:

[0291] The server analyzes the received voice data using a dedicated voice analysis module to extract the user's voiceprint data.

[0292] Step 6:

[0293] The server compares the extracted voiceprint data with an existing voiceprint database to authenticate the user.

[0294] Step 7:

[0295] The server analyzes the received emotional data and understands the user's state.

[0296] Step 8:

[0297] The server determines the result of the authentication, and if authentication is successful, the generation AI generates additional questions (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") that are adjusted based on the emotional data.

[0298] Step 9:

[0299] The server generates a question and sends it to the terminal.

[0300] Step 10:

[0301] The terminal conveys the question received from the server to the user by voice.

[0302] Step 11:

[0303] The user answers the additional questions by voice into the terminal (e.g., "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation").

[0304] Step 12:

[0305] The device will then re-record the user's voice response and store it in digital format.

[0306] Step 13:

[0307] The terminal transmits the recorded response voice data to the server again via the network.

[0308] Step 14:

[0309] The server then analyzes the second voice recording, extracts voiceprint data, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed.

[0310] Step 15:

[0311] The server determines the result of the two-step authentication and, if successful, processes the payment information.

[0312] Step 16:

[0313] The server generates a notification of the completion of the payment and notifies the terminal of the completion.

[0314] Step 17:

[0315] The terminal communicates the payment completion notification received from the server to the user as voice (e.g., "Payment of 500 yen has been completed").

[0316] Step 18:

[0317] Upon completion of the payment, the terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0318] Example 2

[0319] 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."

[0320] Users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, need a simple and safe way to make payments. Furthermore, traditional payment systems struggle to provide a personalized experience for each user. In particular, a payment experience that recognizes and responds to user emotions is needed, allowing users to feel more secure.

[0321] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes means for analyzing voice data and emotion data and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for analyzing the emotion data, and means for generating additional questions using a generation AI and adjusting the content of the questions based on the emotion data. This enables the visually impaired and elderly to make payments easily and safely using voice operations, and provides a personalized payment experience according to the user's emotions.

[0322] A "means for accepting voice input" is a device or function that captures the user's voice in digital form.

[0323] The "means for transmitting voice data and emotional data" is a communication function for sending the acquired voice data and analyzed emotional data to the server.

[0324] "Means for analyzing voice data" refers to a device or function that analyzes voice data, converts the content into text, and further extracts voiceprint information.

[0325] "Means for authenticating voiceprint information" refers to a device or function that collates analyzed voiceprint information with an existing voiceprint database to verify the identity of the person.

[0326] The "means for analyzing emotional data" is a device or function for determining the emotional state of a user based on voice data.

[0327] "Means for generating follow-up questions using generation AI" refers to a device or function that uses AI technology to create follow-up questions for the user.

[0328] The "means for adjusting the content of questions based on emotional data" is a device or function that appropriately changes the difficulty and content of questions generated in accordance with the analyzed emotional data.

[0329] The "means for re-recording the user's answer voice" is a device or function for re-recording in digital form the user's voice answering the additional question.

[0330] "Means for re-analyzing voice data to perform two-step authentication" refers to a device or function that analyzes the re-recorded voice data and compares it with the initial authentication result to perform two-step authentication.

[0331] The "means for executing payment processing" is a device or function for transferring a specified amount to a recipient if authentication is successful.

[0332] The "means for notifying the user by voice of the completion of payment" is a device or function that notifies the user by voice that the payment has been completed.

[0333] A "receipt issuing means" is a device or function that prints or electronically generates a receipt as proof of the transaction after payment is completed.

[0334] The present invention is a payment system that uses voice and emotion engines, and provides a payment method that can be used by people with visual impairments and elderly people who have difficulty operating smartphones. Furthermore, by recognizing the user's emotions, a more personalized payment experience can be provided. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0335] First, the user speaks into the device's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." The voice data is recorded digitally by the device. For example, the audio file format may be WAV. At the same time, an emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions. Emotion analysis technologies such as Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services are used here.

[0336] The recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data are sent from the device to a server via an HTTP request. The server analyzes the received voice data using voice recognition software such as Google Cloud Speech-to-Text to extract the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing database to authenticate the user. During this process, emotion data is also analyzed by the server.

[0337] A generation AI (such as GPT-4) on the server generates additional questions to increase the certainty of authentication. These questions might be, for example, "Which bank do you use?" The generated questions are adjusted based on emotional data. For example, if the user is nervous, the question might be changed to a simpler one. The generated questions are sent from the server to the device, which then verbally relays them to the user.

[0338] If the user responds, "I'm from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the device re-records the voice and sends it to the server again. The server then analyzes the voice data again, adding additional voiceprint information and re-analyzing the existing data to complete the two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed, and the next steps may be adjusted depending on the user's state.

[0339] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information, specifically paying the specified amount to the designated recipient based on the payment amount and recipient information, and also optimizes the user experience based on the emotional data.

[0340] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice, announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed," allowing the user to confirm the completion of the payment. The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0341] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"), and the emotion engine adjusts the question taking into account the user's state. The terminal then speaks the question to the user. If the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "The 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0342] Example prompt sentence:

[0343] "When a user pays 500 yen at a convenience store, during the voice input process, please perform voiceprint authentication and emotional analysis of the user, and generate identity verification questions that are adjusted according to the user's emotional state. Also, please notify by voice when the payment is complete, and issue a receipt."

[0344] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, by combining it with an emotion engine, it is possible to provide an optimal payment experience that is tailored to the user's emotions.

[0345] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0346] Step 1:

[0347] The user speaks into the terminal's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." The terminal then digitally records this voice.

[0348] Input: User voice input

[0349] Output: Recorded audio data (e.g. WAV format file)

[0350] What it does: When a user says "I'll pay 500 yen," the device's microphone records this and saves it as a digital audio file.

[0351] Step 2:

[0352] The device sends the recorded voice data to the emotion engine for emotional analysis. The emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions.

[0353] Input: Recorded audio data

[0354] Output: Emotion data (e.g., user's emotional state, such as "happy", "sad", etc.)

[0355] Specific operation: The device sends voice data to the "Emotion Analysis Service API" and receives the user's emotional state as the analysis result.

[0356] Step 3:

[0357] The device transmits the recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data to the server.

[0358] Input: Recorded voice data, emotion data

[0359] Output: Data sent to the server

[0360] Specific operation: The device combines voice data and emotion data and sends them to the server via an HTTP request.

[0361] Step 4:

[0362] The server analyzes the received voice data using voice recognition software to extract the user's voiceprint information, which is then compared with an existing database to authenticate the user.

[0363] Input: Audio data

[0364] Output: Voiceprint information, authentication results

[0365] Specific operation: The server uses the "voice recognition service API" to analyze the voice data, extract text data and voiceprint information, and compare it with the database to obtain the authentication result.

[0366] Step 5:

[0367] The server analyzes the emotion data and uses generative AI to generate additional questions, adjusting the content of the questions based on the emotion data.

[0368] Input: Emotion data

[0369] Output: The generated question (e.g., "Which bank is your bank?")

[0370] Specific operation: The server calls the generation AI "Generation AI Service API" based on the emotion data to generate questions, and adjusts the questions according to the user's emotional state.

[0371] Step 6:

[0372] The server sends the generated question to the terminal, and the terminal conveys the content of the question to the user by voice.

[0373] Input: Generated question

[0374] Output: The question is spoken to the user

[0375] Specific operation: The server sends the generated question to the terminal, and the terminal vocalizes the question through the "voice output service" and conveys it to the user.

[0376] Step 7:

[0377] The user responds, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," and the voice data is recorded again on the terminal and sent to the server.

[0378] Input: User's spoken response

[0379] Output: Re-recorded audio data

[0380] Specific operation: When the user answers the question, the device re-records the audio and sends it to the server.

[0381] Step 8:

[0382] The server analyzes the voice data again and performs two-step authentication by reanalyzing the additional voiceprint information and existing data.

[0383] Input: Re-recorded audio data

[0384] Output: Two-factor authentication result

[0385] Specific operation: The server again uses the "voice recognition service API" to analyze the voice data, re-matches the voiceprint information, and performs two-step authentication.

[0386] Step 9:

[0387] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information and executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information.

[0388] Input: Authentication result, payment information

[0389] Output: Payment result

[0390] Specific operation: The server calls the payment processing API and executes the payment.

[0391] Step 10:

[0392] When the payment is completed, the server generates a payment completion notice and sends it to the terminal. The terminal notifies the user of the completion notice by voice and issues a receipt if necessary.

[0393] Input: Payment completion notification

[0394] Output: Audio notification to user, receipt

[0395] Specific operations: The server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then vocalizes the notification through the "voice output service" and conveys it to the user. It also generates and provides a physical or electronic receipt using a receipt issuing device.

[0396] (Application example 2)

[0397] 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."

[0398] Conventional payment systems are often difficult to use for users with visual impairments or elderly users, and often lack advanced security measures. Furthermore, payment methods available in autonomous vehicles are limited, resulting in a lack of personalized user experience. In particular, it is often difficult to operate a smartphone while driving or traveling, limiting payment options.

[0399] 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 accepting user voice input, means for transmitting voice data to the server, means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for the server to generate additional questions using a generation AI and transmit them to the terminal, means for the terminal to verbally communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user, means for re-recording the user's voice responses and transmitting them to the server, means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing them with a voice database, means for the server to execute payment processing, means for the terminal to verbally notify the user of payment completion, means for the terminal to issue a receipt, means for paying transportation fares or service fees in an autonomous vehicle via voice instructions, and means for analyzing the user's emotional data to adjust authentication and question content. This allows even users with visual impairments or elderly users who have difficulty operating a device to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, the payment experience in an autonomous vehicle is personalized, reducing user stress and enabling effective authentication and payment.

[0400] The "means for accepting user voice input" is a function for recording the user's voice instructions and inputting them into the system.

[0401] "Means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a function for transmitting recorded audio data to a remote server via the Internet or other communication means.

[0402] "Means for analyzing voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information" is a function that analyzes received voice data and authenticates the user using the user's voiceprint.

[0403] "Means for the server to use a generative AI to generate additional questions and send them to the terminal" refers to a function that uses a generative AI model to automatically create additional confirmation questions for the user and send them to the terminal.

[0404] "Means for the terminal to communicate the question received from the generation AI to the user by voice" is a function that plays back and communicates the question created by the generation AI to the user by voice.

[0405] The "means for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting it to the server" is a function for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting the data to the server.

[0406] "Means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database" is a function that compares received voice data with an existing voice database and performs authentication using two different pieces of information.

[0407] The "means for the server to execute the payment process" is a function that executes a series of processes to pay the specified amount after successful authentication.

[0408] The "means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment" is a function that notifies the user by voice that the payment has been completed.

[0409] "Means for the terminal to issue a receipt" refers to the function of generating a physical or electronic receipt and providing it to the user after a payment is completed.

[0410] "Means for paying transportation fares or service fees by voice command in an autonomous vehicle" is a function that allows a user to give voice command to pay for services provided in an autonomous vehicle.

[0411] The "means for analyzing the user's emotional data and adjusting the authentication and question content" is a function that analyzes the emotional state of the user from their voice and adjusts the authentication process and the content of follow-up questions appropriately based on that information.

[0412] The present invention provides a system that allows a user to easily and safely make payments in an autonomous vehicle using voice and emotions. Specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below.

[0413] Voice input and transmission

[0414] The user speaks into the microphone in the autonomous vehicle, for example, "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen." This records the user's voice. The voice data is stored in digital format by the on-board computer in the autonomous vehicle and sent to a server.

[0415] Analysis and authentication of voice and emotion data

[0416] The server analyzes each voice data and authenticates the user's voiceprint and emotional state. Specifically, a voice analysis engine and an emotion recognition engine are used. This allows the user to be authenticated, and the next step is adjusted based on the emotional data.

[0417] Question Generation and Answering

[0418] The server uses the generative AI model to generate additional questions for the user. For example, if the server detects that the user is nervous from the emotional data, it generates a simple question that takes this into account (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"). The generated question is then spoken to the user through the car's speakers. The user then responds again, and the voice data is sent to the server.

[0419] Two-factor authentication and payment processing

[0420] The server then analyzes the received voice data and performs two-step authentication by comparing it with an existing voiceprint database. If this authentication is successful, the server processes the payment and the specified amount is paid. The payment process is carried out through a digital payment system.

[0421] Confirmation and receipt

[0422] Once the payment is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and notifies the user via the car's speaker. If necessary, an electronic receipt is also generated and sent to the user's smartphone.

[0423] Specific examples

[0424] As a concrete example, let's consider paying in a self-driving taxi. When a user says, "I'll pay the fare of 1,500 yen," the voice is recorded by a microphone in the vehicle and sent to a server via an onboard computer. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, a generative AI model generates additional questions, and an emotion engine adjusts the questions taking into account the user's state. For example, if the user is nervous, the server generates a simple question such as, "Which card would you like to use?" If the user replies, "Credit card," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server processes the payment and notifies the user by voice, "The 1,500 yen payment has been completed." Additionally, an electronic receipt is sent to the user's smartphone.

[0425] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0426] Example prompts to be input to the generative AI model:

[0427] When a user says "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen," the system will behave as follows:

[0428] Record audio data and send it to the server

[0429] The server analyzes the voice data and determines the emotional state.

[0430] Generate additional questions for enhanced authentication and adjust them based on sentiment data

[0431] Communicate any follow-up questions to the user through the car speaker

[0432] Re-record the user's voice response and send it to the server

[0433] Conduct voice analysis and voiceprint authentication again and execute the payment process

[0434] The payment is confirmed by voice and an electronic receipt is sent to your smartphone.

[0435] This invention enables even users who have difficulty operating a system due to visual impairment or advanced age to make payments easily and safely using voice commands. It also personalizes the payment experience in an autonomous vehicle, reducing operational stress for users.

[0436] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0437] Step 1:

[0438] The user says, "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen." This voice input is recorded by the microphone inside the vehicle. The on-board computer converts this voice data into a digital format. The voice data as input is then ready to be sent to the server.

[0439] Step 2:

[0440] The device sends the voice data to the server. The voice data is sent to the server via the internet or other communication means. The input digital voice data arrives at the server and proceeds to the next step.

[0441] Step 3:

[0442] The server analyzes the received voice data. Using a voice analysis engine, it extracts the user's voiceprint information and performs voiceprint authentication. Based on the input voice data, the voiceprint data is compared with a database to authenticate the user. The output obtained here is the authentication result.

[0443] Step 4:

[0444] The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the user's emotions from the voice data. The voice data is used as input and emotion data is output. This data is used in the next step of question generation.

[0445] Step 5:

[0446] The server uses a generative AI model to generate follow-up questions for the user. Emotional data is taken into account as input, and optimal questions are generated based on the user's emotional state. For example, if the user is nervous, simple questions are generated.

[0447] Step 6:

[0448] The question generated by the server is sent to the terminal, which then verbally communicates the question to the user through the car's speakers. The input is the generated question data, and the output is the question communicated to the user.

[0449] Step 7:

[0450] The user answers the questions verbally, for example, saying, "The card I'm using is a credit card." The device then re-records the answer and converts it into a digital format.

[0451] Step 8:

[0452] The terminal transmits the user's response voice data to the server. The digital voice response data is input and transmitted to the server via the Internet or the like.

[0453] Step 9:

[0454] The server analyzes the user's voice response data again and performs voiceprint authentication. As a two-step authentication, it compares it with the voice database again and performs authentication. The output is the success or failure result of the authentication.

[0455] Step 10:

[0456] If the authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process. The input is the authenticated user information and the payment request. The specified amount is paid through the payment processing system, and the output is a payment completion notification.

[0457] Step 11:

[0458] When the payment is completed, the server sends a payment completion notification to the terminal. The terminal then notifies the user of the payment completion through the car speaker. The payment completion notification is the input, and the user acknowledges the payment completion as the output.

[0459] Step 12:

[0460] The terminal generates an electronic receipt and sends it to the user's smartphone. Payment information is input, and an electronic receipt is generated and sent as output.

[0461] 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.

[0462] 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.

[0463] 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.

[0464] [Second embodiment]

[0465] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0466] 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.

[0467] 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).

[0468] 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.

[0469] 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.

[0470] 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).

[0471] 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.

[0472] 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.

[0473] 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.

[0474] 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.

[0475] 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.

[0476] 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."

[0477] The present invention provides a system for enabling voice-based payments, and in particular, a payment method that can be used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, without using a smartphone. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0478] User voice input

[0479] The user speaks into the terminal's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." This voice data is recorded in digital format by the terminal and becomes the data needed to proceed to the next step.

[0480] Voice data transmission and authentication

[0481] The recorded voice data is sent from the device to the server. The server analyzes the received voice data and extracts the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing voice database to authenticate the user. If successful, the system proceeds to the next step.

[0482] Conversational authentication and payment confirmation

[0483] A generation AI on the server generates an additional question to increase the reliability of authentication. For example, this question might be, "Which bank do you use?" The generated question is sent to the terminal, which then verbally relays it to the user. When the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the terminal records this voice again and sends it to the server. The server analyzes the voice data again and compares it with the additional voiceprint information to perform two-step authentication.

[0484] Processing payments

[0485] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information. Specifically, it executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information. As a result, the specified amount is paid to the specified recipient.

[0486] Confirmation and receipt issuance

[0487] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice. The user confirms the completion of the payment by announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed." The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0488] Specific examples

[0489] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says "I'll pay 500 yen now" at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") and sends it to the terminal. If the user replies "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces audibly that "500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0490] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments simply and safely using voice.

[0491] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0492] Step 1:

[0493] The user expresses their intention to pay to the terminal by saying something like "I'll pay 500 yen."

[0494] Step 2:

[0495] The device records the user's voice using a microphone and stores it digitally.

[0496] Step 3:

[0497] The audio data recorded by the terminal is sent to a server via the network.

[0498] Step 4:

[0499] The server analyzes the received voice data using a dedicated voice analysis module to extract the user's voiceprint data.

[0500] Step 5:

[0501] The server compares the extracted voiceprint data with an existing voiceprint database to authenticate the user.

[0502] Step 6:

[0503] The server determines the results of the identity authentication, and if authentication is successful, the generation AI generates additional questions (e.g., "Which bank do you use?").

[0504] Step 7:

[0505] The server generates a question and sends it to the terminal.

[0506] Step 8:

[0507] The terminal conveys the question received from the server to the user by voice.

[0508] Step 9:

[0509] The user answers the additional questions by voice into the terminal (e.g., "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation").

[0510] Step 10:

[0511] The device will then re-record the user's voice response and store it in digital format.

[0512] Step 11:

[0513] The terminal transmits the recorded response voice data to the server again via the network.

[0514] Step 12:

[0515] The server analyzes the second voice data, extracts voiceprint data, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform two-step authentication.

[0516] Step 13:

[0517] The server determines the result of the two-step authentication and, if successful, processes the payment information.

[0518] Step 14:

[0519] The server generates a notification of the completion of the payment and notifies the terminal of the completion.

[0520] Step 15:

[0521] The terminal communicates the payment completion notification received from the server to the user as voice (e.g., "Payment of 500 yen has been completed").

[0522] Step 16:

[0523] Upon completion of the payment, the terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0524] Example 1

[0525] 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."

[0526] Conventional payment methods have the problem that they are difficult to use for users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly. This makes everyday payments inconvenient for these users. The purpose of this invention is to provide such users with a method for making payments easily and safely using voice.

[0527] 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.

[0528] In this invention, the server includes a means for accepting user voice input, a means for analyzing the voice data and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, and a means for generating follow-up questions using a generative AI model and transmitting them to the terminal, thereby enabling all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments safely and easily using voice.

[0529] The "means for accepting user voice input" refers to a device or function that receives user voice using a voice input device such as a microphone and records it as digital data.

[0530] The "means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a communication device or a communication protocol for transmitting the recorded audio data to a server via an internet line or the like.

[0531] "Means for analyzing voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information" refers to a function that processes the received voice data using voice analysis software on the server, extracts voiceprint information, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database.

[0532] "Means for generating follow-up questions using a generative AI model and sending them to the terminal" refers to a function that uses AI technology to generate follow-up questions to strengthen the authentication process and send them to the terminal.

[0533] "Means for communicating the question received by the device from the generative AI model to the user by voice" refers to a device or software that uses speech synthesis technology to read the generated text question to the user.

[0534] The "means for re-recording the user's response voice and transmitting it to the server" is a communication function that re-records the user's voice in response to the additional question and transmits the voice data to the server.

[0535] The "means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing with a voiceprint database" is a function that extracts voiceprint information again from the user's response voice and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform an additional authentication step.

[0536] The "means for the server to execute the payment process" is a function that executes the actual payment using the payment system based on the payment amount and recipient information upon successful authentication.

[0537] "Means for the terminal to notify the user of the completion of payment by voice" is a function that uses voice synthesis technology to notify the user of the completion notification from the server after the payment is completed.

[0538] "Means for the terminal to issue a receipt" refers to a device or function that prints a physical receipt or generates and provides an electronic receipt to the user after payment is completed.

[0539] This invention is a voice payment system that can be easily and safely used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly. This system accepts and analyzes the user's voice input, performs identity authentication, and performs payment processing.

[0540] In the embodiment of the present invention, the main hardware used is as follows:

[0541] 1. Terminal: A voice-enabled device that has a microphone for user voice input and a speaker for recording and playing back voice data.

[0542] 2. Server: A high-performance computer that analyzes and authenticates voice data and processes payments.

[0543] The main software used is as follows:

[0544] 1. Speech recognition software: Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API

[0545] 2. Voiceprint Recognition Software: Solutions from Nuance and VoiceVault

[0546] 3. Generative AI models: Natural language processing models such as GPT-3

[0547] 4. Text-to-speech software: Google Text-to-Speech API

[0548] 5. Payment system: PayPal API or Stripe API

[0549] Specifically, when a user speaks into the terminal, "I'd like to pay 500 yen," the voice is recorded and sent from the terminal to the server. The server analyzes the received voice data, converts it to text using voice recognition software, and extracts voiceprint information for authentication. If authentication is successful, the generative AI model generates additional questions to increase the certainty of authentication and sends them to the terminal. The terminal then asks the additional questions aloud to the user, and when the user answers them, the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. The server again collates the voiceprint information and performs two-step authentication. If authentication is successful, the server makes the actual payment through the payment system. Once the process is complete, the server sends a payment completion notification to the terminal, and the terminal notifies the user aloud and issues a receipt.

[0550] A concrete example is paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generative AI model generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") and sends it to the terminal. If the user replies, "The name of your bank," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "Your 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0551] This will enable all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice.

[0552] An example of a prompt sentence is: Please explain the system that processes payments by analyzing the speech "I will pay 500 yen." Please provide a detailed description, including the specific hardware, software, and data processing flow.

[0553] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0554] Step 1: Accepting voice input

[0555] 1. The user speaks into the device's microphone to enter payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen."

[0556] Input: User's voice.

[0557] Output: Audio data in digital format.

[0558] 2. The device records this audio, converts it to digital format, and stores it in its internal memory.

[0559] What it does: A microphone captures audio and converts it into a digital format, such as PCM.

[0560] Step 2: Sending audio data

[0561] 1. The device sends digital audio data to the server.

[0562] Input: Audio data in digital format.

[0563] Output: The audio data sent to the server.

[0564] 2. Use HTTPS as the communication protocol and encrypt and transmit audio data.

[0565] Specific behavior: Establishes secure communication using SSL / TLS.

[0566] Step 3: Voice data analysis and voiceprint authentication

[0567] 1. The server analyzes the received voice data and converts it into text using voice recognition software.

[0568] Input: Transmitted digital audio data.

[0569] Output: Parsed text data and voiceprint data.

[0570] 2. The server simultaneously uses voiceprint recognition software to extract the voiceprint information and compare it with an existing voiceprint database.

[0571] Specific operations: Extract specific voiceprint features from the audio data and compare them with existing data in the database.

[0572] Step 4: Generative AI generates follow-up questions

[0573] 1. If authentication is successful, a generative AI model on the server generates additional questions.

[0574] Input: Authentication success flag.

[0575] Output: The additional questions generated.

[0576] 2. Send the generated question to the device.

[0577] Specific operation: The generative AI model generates natural language and outputs the results as text data.

[0578] Step 5: Communicate any follow-up questions

[0579] 1. The terminal will audibly communicate any additional questions received to the user.

[0580] Input: The generated additional question text.

[0581] Output: The audio message that the user can hear.

[0582] 2. Use text-to-speech software to convert the text data into audio and play it over a speaker.

[0583] What it does: The text-to-speech engine converts the text into an audio signal that is played over the speaker.

[0584] Step 6: Record and submit additional user responses

[0585] 1. The user answers the follow-up questions by voice.

[0586] Input: User's spoken answer.

[0587] Output: Answer audio data in digital format.

[0588] 2. The device records this audio, converts it back into digital format and sends it to the server.

[0589] What it does: The microphone captures audio, converts it into a digital format, and sends it to a server.

[0590] Step 7: Implement two-factor authentication

[0591] 1. The server analyzes the voice data again and compares it with the voiceprint information to perform two-step authentication.

[0592] Input: Transmitted digital audio data again.

[0593] Output: Two-factor authentication result (success / failure).

[0594] 2. The server determines the authentication result and proceeds to the next step if successful.

[0595] What happens: The voiceprint recognition software is used again to perform the match.

[0596] Step 8: Payment Processing

[0597] 1. If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information.

[0598] Input: Authentication success flag, payment information.

[0599] Output: Payment execution result.

[0600] 2. The server uses a payment system to perform the payment.

[0601] Specific behavior: Calls an API and executes a payment transaction.

[0602] Step 9: Notification of payment completion

[0603] 1. When the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal.

[0604] Input: Payment execution result.

[0605] Output: Payment completion notification.

[0606] 2. The device will notify the user of the completion notification by voice.

[0607] What it does: Uses text-to-speech software to convert the notification into an audio message that is played over a speaker.

[0608] Step 10: Issue a receipt

[0609] 1. The terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0610] Input: Payment completion notification.

[0611] Output: A physical or electronic receipt.

[0612] 2. Print a receipt using a receipt printer or send an electronic receipt via email, etc.

[0613] Specific operations: Operate the printer to print a receipt, and if it is an electronic receipt, use the email sending system.

[0614] (Application example 1)

[0615] 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."

[0616] Conventional voice authentication systems make it difficult for visually impaired people and the elderly to operate the security system safely and easily. The purpose of this invention is to enable authentication using only voice in a smart home security system, without the need for visual operation.

[0617] 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.

[0618] In this invention, the server includes means for accepting voice input from a user, means for transmitting voice data to the server, means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for the server to generate additional questions using a generation AI and transmit the additional questions to the terminal, means for the terminal to verbally communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user, means for re-recording the user's voice responses and transmitting the recorded responses to the server, means for the server to compare the responses with a voice database and perform two-step authentication, means for the server to execute operation processing, means for the terminal to verbally notify the user of operation completion, and means for the terminal to issue a notification. This enables even visually impaired people and the elderly to safely and easily operate a smart home security system using only voice input.

[0619] "User" refers to an individual who uses the system to provide voice input.

[0620] "Voice input" refers to a means by which a user speaks into a terminal and the resulting voice data is captured.

[0621] "Server" refers to a computer system that analyzes received voice data and performs various information processing.

[0622] "Voiceprint information" refers to data for voice authentication obtained by analyzing the user's voice characteristics.

[0623] "Generative AI" refers to algorithms that use artificial intelligence techniques to generate the necessary questions and responses.

[0624] "Additional questions" refer to verification questions that the server asks the user using generated AI after initial authentication.

[0625] "Two-step authentication" refers to an authentication method that increases the accuracy of authentication through additional procedures after the initial authentication.

[0626] "Operation processing" refers to a specific operation that the server performs after authentication (e.g., unlocking a door or disabling an alarm).

[0627] "Operation completion notification" refers to a notification by voice from the server to the user that the operation processing has been completed.

[0628] "Notification" refers to a message that conveys confirmation or completion information to the user.

[0629] The present invention provides a smart home security system that enables safe and easy voice control by visually impaired people and the elderly. Specific embodiments of the system are described below.

[0630] System Overview

[0631] The system of the present invention comprises the following components:

[0632] 1. User:

[0633] Refers to an individual who operates a security system using voice commands.

[0634] 2. Terminal:

[0635] A device that accepts voice input and communicates with a server. In this case, a smart speaker or smartphone is used.

[0636] 3. Server:

[0637] It is a computer system that analyzes received voice data, performs authentication, and executes the necessary operations.

[0638] Hardware and software used

[0639] Microphone: A device that records the user's voice.

[0640] software:

[0641] sounddevice: A library for recording audio.

[0642] scipy.io.wavfile: A library for saving audio files.

[0643] speech_recognition: A library for converting speech data into text.

[0644] requests: A library for sending voice data to the server and receiving authentication results.

[0645] Processing flow

[0646] 1. Voice input:

[0647] The user speaks to the device, saying, "I want to unlock the door." This voice is recorded through a microphone.

[0648] 2. Analysis of audio data:

[0649] Save the recorded audio data to a file using scipy.io.wavfile and convert it to text data using speech_recognition.

[0650] 3. Send to server:

[0651] The obtained voice data (text) is sent to the server using the requests library, and the server analyzes this data and authenticates the user's voiceprint information.

[0652] 4. Additional questions:

[0653] The server's generation AI generates additional questions as needed and sends them to the device, which then verbally asks the questions to the user.

[0654] 5. Dictation again:

[0655] The user answers questions by entering their voice and then re-recording it. This voice data is also sent to the server for two-step authentication.

[0656] 6. Perform the operation:

[0657] If the authentication is successful, the server executes operations such as unlocking the door or disabling the alarm.

[0658] 7. Notice:

[0659] When the operation is complete, the device will notify the user by voice, such as "The door has been unlocked." If necessary, the device will also notify the user physically or by email.

[0660] Specific examples

[0661] For example, consider a situation where a user wants to unlock the door of a smart home. The user speaks to the device, saying, "I'd like to unlock the door." The device records the voice and sends it to the server. The server analyzes the voice data and authenticates the user. An additional question, "What is the name of your pet?", is generated and transmitted to the user via the device. When the user answers, "It's Pochi," the voice data is recorded again and sent to the server. The server performs two-step authentication, and if successful, the door is unlocked. At this point, a voice notification is heard saying, "The door has been unlocked."

[0662] Specific examples of prompts from the generative AI model used

[0663] Prompt: "Generate a program that authenticates a user using recorded voice data, generates a follow-up question for second-factor authentication, and then performs a specified action (e.g., unlocks a door or disarms an alarm) if authentication is successful."

[0664] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0665] Step 1:

[0666] The user speaks to the terminal. Specifically, the user speaks "I want to unlock the door" into the terminal's microphone. This voice is recorded as digital voice data on the terminal.

[0667] Input: User's voice

[0668] Output: Recorded digital audio data

[0669] Step 2:

[0670] The device sends the recorded audio data to the server. The requests library is used to send the audio data to the server via an API.

[0671] Input: Recorded digital audio data

[0672] Output: Audio data sent to the server

[0673] Step 3:

[0674] The server analyzes the received voice data and extracts the user's voiceprint information using voice recognition technology, which is then compared with a voiceprint database.

[0675] Input: Audio data sent to the server

[0676] Output: Voiceprint information and matching results

[0677] Step 4:

[0678] The server uses generative AI to generate additional questions and sends them to the device, where a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-3) is used to generate appropriate security questions.

[0679] Input: Voiceprint information and matching results

[0680] Output: Generated additional questions

[0681] Step 5:

[0682] The device will then use voice synthesis technology to play back the questions it receives in text format to the user.

[0683] Input: Generated follow-up question (text)

[0684] Output: The question spoken to the user

[0685] Step 6:

[0686] The user then responds by voice input to answer additional questions. For example, to the question, "What is your pet's name?", the user responds by voice, "It's called Pochi." This voice is also recorded on the device.

[0687] Input: User's spoken response

[0688] Output: Recorded digital audio data (answer)

[0689] Step 7:

[0690] The device again sends the recorded audio data to the server. As before, it uses the requests library to send the audio data to the server via the API.

[0691] Input: Recorded digital voice data (answer)

[0692] Output: Voice data sent to the server (answer)

[0693] Step 8:

[0694] The server analyzes the received voice data again to confirm the user's additional voiceprint information, which is then compared with the voiceprint database again to perform two-step authentication.

[0695] Input: Voice data sent to the server (answer)

[0696] Output: Matching result with additional voiceprint information

[0697] Step 9:

[0698] If the server is successful in the authentication, it executes the specified operation process, for example, sending a command to unlock the door to the smart home hardware control system.

[0699] Input: Matching result with additional voiceprint information

[0700] Output: Door unlock command

[0701] Step 10:

[0702] The device notifies the user by voice that the operation is complete. Upon receiving the notification from the server, the device uses voice synthesis technology to notify the user by voice that "The door has been unlocked."

[0703] Input: Operation completion notification (text)

[0704] Output: A spoken notification to the user that the operation was completed

[0705] 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.

[0706] The present invention is a payment system that uses voice and emotion engines, and provides a payment method that can be used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, without using a smartphone. Furthermore, by recognizing the user's emotions, a more personalized payment experience can be provided. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0707] User voice input

[0708] The user speaks into the device's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." This voice data is recorded digitally by the device and becomes the data needed to proceed. At the same time, the emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions.

[0709] Transmission and authentication of voice and emotion data

[0710] The recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data are sent from the device to a server. The server analyzes the received voice data to extract the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing voice database to authenticate the user. Emotion data is also sent and analyzed by the server.

[0711] Conversational authentication and payment confirmation

[0712] A generation AI on the server generates additional questions to increase the reliability of authentication. For example, this question might be, "Which bank do you use?" The generated questions are adjusted based on emotional data, so that if the user is nervous, for example, the questions can be made simpler. The generated questions are sent from the server to the terminal, which then verbally relays them to the user.

[0713] If the user responds, "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the device re-records the voice and sends it to the server. The server then analyzes the voice data again and matches it with additional voiceprint information to perform two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed, and the next steps may be adjusted depending on the user's state.

[0714] Processing payments

[0715] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information. Specifically, it executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information. The specified amount is then paid to the designated recipient. It also optimizes the user experience based on emotional data.

[0716] Confirmation and receipt issuance

[0717] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice. The user confirms the completion of the payment by announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed." The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0718] Specific examples

[0719] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"), and the emotion engine adjusts the question taking into account the user's state. The terminal then speaks the question to the user. If the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "The 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0720] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, by combining it with an emotion engine, it is possible to provide an optimal payment experience that is tailored to the user's emotions.

[0721] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0722] Step 1:

[0723] The user expresses their intention to pay to the terminal by saying something like "I'll pay 500 yen."

[0724] Step 2:

[0725] The device records the user's voice using a microphone and stores it digitally.

[0726] Step 3:

[0727] The device's built-in emotion engine analyzes the recorded voice data and recognizes the user's emotions, for example, determining whether the user is tense or relaxed.

[0728] Step 4:

[0729] The terminal transmits the voice data and emotion data to the server via the network.

[0730] Step 5:

[0731] The server analyzes the received voice data using a dedicated voice analysis module to extract the user's voiceprint data.

[0732] Step 6:

[0733] The server compares the extracted voiceprint data with an existing voiceprint database to authenticate the user.

[0734] Step 7:

[0735] The server analyzes the received emotional data and understands the user's state.

[0736] Step 8:

[0737] The server determines the result of the authentication, and if authentication is successful, the generation AI generates additional questions (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") that are adjusted based on the emotional data.

[0738] Step 9:

[0739] The server generates a question and sends it to the terminal.

[0740] Step 10:

[0741] The terminal conveys the question received from the server to the user by voice.

[0742] Step 11:

[0743] The user answers the additional questions by voice into the terminal (e.g., "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation").

[0744] Step 12:

[0745] The device will then re-record the user's voice response and store it in digital format.

[0746] Step 13:

[0747] The terminal transmits the recorded response voice data to the server again via the network.

[0748] Step 14:

[0749] The server then analyzes the second voice recording, extracts voiceprint data, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed.

[0750] Step 15:

[0751] The server determines the result of the two-step authentication and, if successful, processes the payment information.

[0752] Step 16:

[0753] The server generates a notification of the completion of the payment and notifies the terminal of the completion.

[0754] Step 17:

[0755] The terminal communicates the payment completion notification received from the server to the user as voice (e.g., "Payment of 500 yen has been completed").

[0756] Step 18:

[0757] Upon completion of the payment, the terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0758] Example 2

[0759] 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."

[0760] Users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, need a simple and safe way to make payments. Furthermore, traditional payment systems struggle to provide a personalized experience for each user. In particular, a payment experience that recognizes and responds to user emotions is needed, allowing users to feel more secure.

[0761] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes means for analyzing voice data and emotion data and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for analyzing the emotion data, and means for generating additional questions using a generation AI and adjusting the content of the questions based on the emotion data. This enables the visually impaired and elderly to make payments easily and safely using voice operations, and provides a personalized payment experience according to the user's emotions.

[0762] A "means for accepting voice input" is a device or function that captures the user's voice in digital form.

[0763] The "means for transmitting voice data and emotional data" is a communication function for sending the acquired voice data and analyzed emotional data to the server.

[0764] "Means for analyzing voice data" refers to a device or function that analyzes voice data, converts the content into text, and further extracts voiceprint information.

[0765] "Means for authenticating voiceprint information" refers to a device or function that collates analyzed voiceprint information with an existing voiceprint database to verify the identity of the person.

[0766] The "means for analyzing emotional data" is a device or function for determining the emotional state of a user based on voice data.

[0767] "Means for generating follow-up questions using generation AI" refers to a device or function that uses AI technology to create follow-up questions for the user.

[0768] The "means for adjusting the content of questions based on emotional data" is a device or function that appropriately changes the difficulty and content of questions generated in accordance with the analyzed emotional data.

[0769] The "means for re-recording the user's answer voice" is a device or function for re-recording in digital form the user's voice answering the additional question.

[0770] "Means for re-analyzing voice data to perform two-step authentication" refers to a device or function that analyzes the re-recorded voice data and compares it with the initial authentication result to perform two-step authentication.

[0771] The "means for executing payment processing" is a device or function for transferring a specified amount to a recipient if authentication is successful.

[0772] The "means for notifying the user by voice of the completion of payment" is a device or function that notifies the user by voice that the payment has been completed.

[0773] A "receipt issuing means" is a device or function that prints or electronically generates a receipt as proof of the transaction after payment is completed.

[0774] The present invention is a payment system that uses voice and emotion engines, and provides a payment method that can be used by people with visual impairments and elderly people who have difficulty operating smartphones. Furthermore, by recognizing the user's emotions, a more personalized payment experience can be provided. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0775] First, the user speaks into the device's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." The voice data is recorded digitally by the device. For example, the audio file format may be WAV. At the same time, an emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions. Emotion analysis technologies such as Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services are used here.

[0776] The recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data are sent from the device to a server via an HTTP request. The server analyzes the received voice data using voice recognition software such as Google Cloud Speech-to-Text to extract the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing database to authenticate the user. During this process, emotion data is also analyzed by the server.

[0777] A generation AI (such as GPT-4) on the server generates additional questions to increase the certainty of authentication. These questions might be, for example, "Which bank do you use?" The generated questions are adjusted based on emotional data. For example, if the user is nervous, the question might be changed to a simpler one. The generated questions are sent from the server to the device, which then verbally relays them to the user.

[0778] If the user responds, "I'm from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the device re-records the voice and sends it to the server again. The server then analyzes the voice data again, adding additional voiceprint information and re-analyzing the existing data to complete the two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed, and the next steps may be adjusted depending on the user's state.

[0779] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information, specifically paying the specified amount to the designated recipient based on the payment amount and recipient information, and also optimizes the user experience based on the emotional data.

[0780] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice, announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed," allowing the user to confirm the completion of the payment. The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0781] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"), and the emotion engine adjusts the question taking into account the user's state. The terminal then speaks the question to the user. If the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "The 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0782] Example prompt sentence:

[0783] "When a user pays 500 yen at a convenience store, during the voice input process, please perform voiceprint authentication and emotional analysis of the user, and generate identity verification questions that are adjusted according to the user's emotional state. Also, please notify by voice when the payment is complete, and issue a receipt."

[0784] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, by combining it with an emotion engine, it is possible to provide an optimal payment experience that is tailored to the user's emotions.

[0785] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0786] Step 1:

[0787] The user speaks into the terminal's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." The terminal then digitally records this voice.

[0788] Input: User voice input

[0789] Output: Recorded audio data (e.g. WAV format file)

[0790] What it does: When a user says "I'll pay 500 yen," the device's microphone records this and saves it as a digital audio file.

[0791] Step 2:

[0792] The device sends the recorded voice data to the emotion engine for emotional analysis. The emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions.

[0793] Input: Recorded audio data

[0794] Output: Emotion data (e.g., user's emotional state, such as "happy", "sad", etc.)

[0795] Specific operation: The device sends voice data to the "Emotion Analysis Service API" and receives the user's emotional state as the analysis result.

[0796] Step 3:

[0797] The device transmits the recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data to the server.

[0798] Input: Recorded voice data, emotion data

[0799] Output: Data sent to the server

[0800] Specific operation: The device combines voice data and emotion data and sends them to the server via an HTTP request.

[0801] Step 4:

[0802] The server analyzes the received voice data using voice recognition software to extract the user's voiceprint information, which is then compared with an existing database to authenticate the user.

[0803] Input: Audio data

[0804] Output: Voiceprint information, authentication results

[0805] Specific operation: The server uses the "voice recognition service API" to analyze the voice data, extract text data and voiceprint information, and compare it with the database to obtain the authentication result.

[0806] Step 5:

[0807] The server analyzes the emotion data and uses generative AI to generate additional questions, adjusting the content of the questions based on the emotion data.

[0808] Input: Emotion data

[0809] Output: The generated question (e.g., "Which bank is your bank?")

[0810] Specific operation: The server calls the generation AI "Generation AI Service API" based on the emotion data to generate questions, and adjusts the questions according to the user's emotional state.

[0811] Step 6:

[0812] The server sends the generated question to the terminal, and the terminal conveys the content of the question to the user by voice.

[0813] Input: Generated question

[0814] Output: The question is spoken to the user

[0815] Specific operation: The server sends the generated question to the terminal, and the terminal vocalizes the question through the "voice output service" and conveys it to the user.

[0816] Step 7:

[0817] The user responds, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," and the voice data is recorded again on the terminal and sent to the server.

[0818] Input: User's spoken response

[0819] Output: Re-recorded audio data

[0820] Specific operation: When the user answers the question, the device re-records the audio and sends it to the server.

[0821] Step 8:

[0822] The server analyzes the voice data again and performs two-step authentication by reanalyzing the additional voiceprint information and existing data.

[0823] Input: Re-recorded audio data

[0824] Output: Two-factor authentication result

[0825] Specific operation: The server again uses the "voice recognition service API" to analyze the voice data, re-matches the voiceprint information, and performs two-step authentication.

[0826] Step 9:

[0827] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information and executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information.

[0828] Input: Authentication result, payment information

[0829] Output: Payment result

[0830] Specific operation: The server calls the payment processing API and executes the payment.

[0831] Step 10:

[0832] When the payment is completed, the server generates a payment completion notice and sends it to the terminal. The terminal notifies the user of the completion notice by voice and issues a receipt if necessary.

[0833] Input: Payment completion notification

[0834] Output: Audio notification to user, receipt

[0835] Specific operations: The server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then vocalizes the notification through the "voice output service" and conveys it to the user. It also generates and provides a physical or electronic receipt using a receipt issuing device.

[0836] (Application example 2)

[0837] 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."

[0838] Conventional payment systems are often difficult to use for users with visual impairments or elderly users, and often lack advanced security measures. Furthermore, payment methods available in autonomous vehicles are limited, resulting in a lack of personalized user experience. In particular, it is often difficult to operate a smartphone while driving or traveling, limiting payment options.

[0839] 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 accepting user voice input, means for transmitting voice data to the server, means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for the server to generate additional questions using a generation AI and transmit them to the terminal, means for the terminal to verbally communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user, means for re-recording the user's voice responses and transmitting them to the server, means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing them with a voice database, means for the server to execute payment processing, means for the terminal to verbally notify the user of payment completion, means for the terminal to issue a receipt, means for paying transportation fares or service fees in an autonomous vehicle via voice instructions, and means for analyzing the user's emotional data to adjust authentication and question content. This allows even users with visual impairments or elderly users who have difficulty operating a device to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, the payment experience in an autonomous vehicle is personalized, reducing user stress and enabling effective authentication and payment.

[0840] The "means for accepting user voice input" is a function for recording the user's voice instructions and inputting them into the system.

[0841] "Means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a function for transmitting recorded audio data to a remote server via the Internet or other communication means.

[0842] "Means for analyzing voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information" is a function that analyzes received voice data and authenticates the user using the user's voiceprint.

[0843] "Means for the server to use a generative AI to generate additional questions and send them to the terminal" refers to a function that uses a generative AI model to automatically create additional confirmation questions for the user and send them to the terminal.

[0844] "Means for the terminal to communicate the question received from the generation AI to the user by voice" is a function that plays back and communicates the question created by the generation AI to the user by voice.

[0845] The "means for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting it to the server" is a function for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting the data to the server.

[0846] "Means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database" is a function that compares received voice data with an existing voice database and performs authentication using two different pieces of information.

[0847] The "means for the server to execute the payment process" is a function that executes a series of processes to pay the specified amount after successful authentication.

[0848] The "means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment" is a function that notifies the user by voice that the payment has been completed.

[0849] "Means for the terminal to issue a receipt" refers to the function of generating a physical or electronic receipt and providing it to the user after a payment is completed.

[0850] "Means for paying transportation fares or service fees by voice command in an autonomous vehicle" is a function that allows a user to give voice command to pay for services provided in an autonomous vehicle.

[0851] The "means for analyzing the user's emotional data and adjusting the authentication and question content" is a function that analyzes the emotional state of the user from their voice and adjusts the authentication process and the content of follow-up questions appropriately based on that information.

[0852] The present invention provides a system that allows a user to easily and safely make payments in an autonomous vehicle using voice and emotions. Specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below.

[0853] Voice input and transmission

[0854] The user speaks into the microphone in the autonomous vehicle, for example, "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen." This records the user's voice. The voice data is stored in digital format by the on-board computer in the autonomous vehicle and sent to a server.

[0855] Analysis and authentication of voice and emotion data

[0856] The server analyzes each voice data and authenticates the user's voiceprint and emotional state. Specifically, a voice analysis engine and an emotion recognition engine are used. This allows the user to be authenticated, and the next step is adjusted based on the emotional data.

[0857] Question Generation and Answering

[0858] The server uses the generative AI model to generate additional questions for the user. For example, if the server detects that the user is nervous from the emotional data, it generates a simple question that takes this into account (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"). The generated question is then spoken to the user through the car's speakers. The user then responds again, and the voice data is sent to the server.

[0859] Two-factor authentication and payment processing

[0860] The server then analyzes the received voice data and performs two-step authentication by comparing it with an existing voiceprint database. If this authentication is successful, the server processes the payment and the specified amount is paid. The payment process is carried out through a digital payment system.

[0861] Confirmation and receipt

[0862] Once the payment is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and notifies the user via the car's speaker. If necessary, an electronic receipt is also generated and sent to the user's smartphone.

[0863] Specific examples

[0864] As a concrete example, let's consider paying in a self-driving taxi. When a user says, "I'll pay the fare of 1,500 yen," the voice is recorded by a microphone in the vehicle and sent to a server via an onboard computer. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, a generative AI model generates additional questions, and an emotion engine adjusts the questions taking into account the user's state. For example, if the user is nervous, the server generates a simple question such as, "Which card would you like to use?" If the user replies, "Credit card," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server processes the payment and notifies the user by voice, "The 1,500 yen payment has been completed." Additionally, an electronic receipt is sent to the user's smartphone.

[0865] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0866] Example prompts to be input to the generative AI model:

[0867] When a user says "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen," the system will behave as follows:

[0868] Record audio data and send it to the server

[0869] The server analyzes the voice data and determines the emotional state.

[0870] Generate additional questions for enhanced authentication and adjust them based on sentiment data

[0871] Communicate any follow-up questions to the user through the car speaker

[0872] Re-record the user's voice response and send it to the server

[0873] Conduct voice analysis and voiceprint authentication again and execute the payment process

[0874] The payment is confirmed by voice and an electronic receipt is sent to your smartphone.

[0875] This invention enables even users who have difficulty operating a system due to visual impairment or advanced age to make payments easily and safely using voice commands. It also personalizes the payment experience in an autonomous vehicle, reducing operational stress for users.

[0876] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0877] Step 1:

[0878] The user says, "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen." This voice input is recorded by the microphone inside the vehicle. The on-board computer converts this voice data into a digital format. The voice data as input is then ready to be sent to the server.

[0879] Step 2:

[0880] The device sends the voice data to the server. The voice data is sent to the server via the internet or other communication means. The input digital voice data arrives at the server and proceeds to the next step.

[0881] Step 3:

[0882] The server analyzes the received voice data. Using a voice analysis engine, it extracts the user's voiceprint information and performs voiceprint authentication. Based on the input voice data, the voiceprint data is compared with a database to authenticate the user. The output obtained here is the authentication result.

[0883] Step 4:

[0884] The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the user's emotions from the voice data. The voice data is used as input and emotion data is output. This data is used in the next step of question generation.

[0885] Step 5:

[0886] The server uses a generative AI model to generate follow-up questions for the user. Emotional data is taken into account as input, and optimal questions are generated based on the user's emotional state. For example, if the user is nervous, simple questions are generated.

[0887] Step 6:

[0888] The question generated by the server is sent to the terminal, which then verbally communicates the question to the user through the car's speakers. The input is the generated question data, and the output is the question communicated to the user.

[0889] Step 7:

[0890] The user answers the questions verbally, for example, saying, "The card I'm using is a credit card." The device then re-records the answer and converts it into a digital format.

[0891] Step 8:

[0892] The terminal transmits the user's response voice data to the server. The digital voice response data is input and transmitted to the server via the Internet or the like.

[0893] Step 9:

[0894] The server analyzes the user's voice response data again and performs voiceprint authentication. As a two-step authentication, it compares it with the voice database again and performs authentication. The output is the success or failure result of the authentication.

[0895] Step 10:

[0896] If the authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process. The input is the authenticated user information and the payment request. The specified amount is paid through the payment processing system, and the output is a payment completion notification.

[0897] Step 11:

[0898] When the payment is completed, the server sends a payment completion notification to the terminal. The terminal then notifies the user of the payment completion through the car speaker. The payment completion notification is the input, and the user acknowledges the payment completion as the output.

[0899] Step 12:

[0900] The terminal generates an electronic receipt and sends it to the user's smartphone. Payment information is input, and an electronic receipt is generated and sent as output.

[0901] 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.

[0902] 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.

[0903] 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.

[0904] [Third embodiment]

[0905] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 310 according to the third embodiment.

[0906] 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.

[0907] 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).

[0908] 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.

[0909] 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.

[0910] 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).

[0911] 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.

[0912] 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.

[0913] 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.

[0914] 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.

[0915] 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.

[0916] 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."

[0917] The present invention provides a system for enabling voice-based payments, and in particular, a payment method that can be used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, without using a smartphone. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0918] User voice input

[0919] The user speaks into the terminal's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." This voice data is recorded in digital format by the terminal and becomes the data needed to proceed to the next step.

[0920] Voice data transmission and authentication

[0921] The recorded voice data is sent from the device to the server. The server analyzes the received voice data and extracts the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing voice database to authenticate the user. If successful, the system proceeds to the next step.

[0922] Conversational authentication and payment confirmation

[0923] A generation AI on the server generates an additional question to increase the reliability of authentication. For example, this question might be, "Which bank do you use?" The generated question is sent to the terminal, which then verbally relays it to the user. When the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the terminal records this voice again and sends it to the server. The server analyzes the voice data again and compares it with the additional voiceprint information to perform two-step authentication.

[0924] Processing payments

[0925] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information. Specifically, it executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information. As a result, the specified amount is paid to the specified recipient.

[0926] Confirmation and receipt issuance

[0927] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice. The user confirms the completion of the payment by announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed." The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0928] Specific examples

[0929] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says "I'll pay 500 yen now" at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") and sends it to the terminal. If the user replies "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces audibly that "500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0930] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments simply and safely using voice.

[0931] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0932] Step 1:

[0933] The user expresses their intention to pay to the terminal by saying something like "I'll pay 500 yen."

[0934] Step 2:

[0935] The device records the user's voice using a microphone and stores it digitally.

[0936] Step 3:

[0937] The audio data recorded by the terminal is sent to a server via the network.

[0938] Step 4:

[0939] The server analyzes the received voice data using a dedicated voice analysis module to extract the user's voiceprint data.

[0940] Step 5:

[0941] The server compares the extracted voiceprint data with an existing voiceprint database to authenticate the user.

[0942] Step 6:

[0943] The server determines the results of the identity authentication, and if authentication is successful, the generation AI generates additional questions (e.g., "Which bank do you use?").

[0944] Step 7:

[0945] The server generates a question and sends it to the terminal.

[0946] Step 8:

[0947] The terminal conveys the question received from the server to the user by voice.

[0948] Step 9:

[0949] The user answers the additional questions by voice into the terminal (e.g., "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation").

[0950] Step 10:

[0951] The device will then re-record the user's voice response and store it in digital format.

[0952] Step 11:

[0953] The terminal transmits the recorded response voice data to the server again via the network.

[0954] Step 12:

[0955] The server analyzes the second voice data, extracts voiceprint data, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform two-step authentication.

[0956] Step 13:

[0957] The server determines the result of the two-step authentication and, if successful, processes the payment information.

[0958] Step 14:

[0959] The server generates a notification of the completion of the payment and notifies the terminal of the completion.

[0960] Step 15:

[0961] The terminal communicates the payment completion notification received from the server to the user as voice (e.g., "Payment of 500 yen has been completed").

[0962] Step 16:

[0963] Upon completion of the payment, the terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[0964] Example 1

[0965] 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."

[0966] Conventional payment methods have the problem that they are difficult to use for users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly. This makes everyday payments inconvenient for these users. The purpose of this invention is to provide such users with a method for making payments easily and safely using voice.

[0967] 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.

[0968] In this invention, the server includes a means for accepting user voice input, a means for analyzing the voice data and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, and a means for generating follow-up questions using a generative AI model and transmitting them to the terminal, thereby enabling all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments safely and easily using voice.

[0969] The "means for accepting user voice input" refers to a device or function that receives user voice using a voice input device such as a microphone and records it as digital data.

[0970] The "means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a communication device or a communication protocol for transmitting the recorded audio data to a server via an internet line or the like.

[0971] "Means for analyzing voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information" refers to a function that processes the received voice data using voice analysis software on the server, extracts voiceprint information, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database.

[0972] "Means for generating follow-up questions using a generative AI model and sending them to the terminal" refers to a function that uses AI technology to generate follow-up questions to strengthen the authentication process and send them to the terminal.

[0973] "Means for communicating the question received by the device from the generative AI model to the user by voice" refers to a device or software that uses speech synthesis technology to read the generated text question to the user.

[0974] The "means for re-recording the user's response voice and transmitting it to the server" is a communication function that re-records the user's voice in response to the additional question and transmits the voice data to the server.

[0975] The "means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing with a voiceprint database" is a function that extracts voiceprint information again from the user's response voice and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform an additional authentication step.

[0976] The "means for the server to execute the payment process" is a function that executes the actual payment using the payment system based on the payment amount and recipient information upon successful authentication.

[0977] "Means for the terminal to notify the user of the completion of payment by voice" is a function that uses voice synthesis technology to notify the user of the completion notification from the server after the payment is completed.

[0978] "Means for the terminal to issue a receipt" refers to a device or function that prints a physical receipt or generates and provides an electronic receipt to the user after payment is completed.

[0979] This invention is a voice payment system that can be easily and safely used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly. This system accepts and analyzes the user's voice input, performs identity authentication, and performs payment processing.

[0980] In the embodiment of the present invention, the main hardware used is as follows:

[0981] 1. Terminal: A voice-enabled device that has a microphone for user voice input and a speaker for recording and playing back voice data.

[0982] 2. Server: A high-performance computer that analyzes and authenticates voice data and processes payments.

[0983] The main software used is as follows:

[0984] 1. Speech recognition software: Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API

[0985] 2. Voiceprint Recognition Software: Solutions from Nuance and VoiceVault

[0986] 3. Generative AI models: Natural language processing models such as GPT-3

[0987] 4. Text-to-speech software: Google Text-to-Speech API

[0988] 5. Payment system: PayPal API or Stripe API

[0989] Specifically, when a user speaks into the terminal, "I'd like to pay 500 yen," the voice is recorded and sent from the terminal to the server. The server analyzes the received voice data, converts it to text using voice recognition software, and extracts voiceprint information for authentication. If authentication is successful, the generative AI model generates additional questions to increase the certainty of authentication and sends them to the terminal. The terminal then asks the additional questions aloud to the user, and when the user answers them, the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. The server again collates the voiceprint information and performs two-step authentication. If authentication is successful, the server makes the actual payment through the payment system. Once the process is complete, the server sends a payment completion notification to the terminal, and the terminal notifies the user aloud and issues a receipt.

[0990] A concrete example is paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generative AI model generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") and sends it to the terminal. If the user replies, "The name of your bank," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "Your 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[0991] This will enable all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice.

[0992] An example of a prompt sentence is: Please explain the system that processes payments by analyzing the speech "I will pay 500 yen." Please provide a detailed description, including the specific hardware, software, and data processing flow.

[0993] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0994] Step 1: Accepting voice input

[0995] 1. The user speaks into the device's microphone to enter payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen."

[0996] Input: User's voice.

[0997] Output: Audio data in digital format.

[0998] 2. The device records this audio, converts it to digital format, and stores it in its internal memory.

[0999] What it does: A microphone captures audio and converts it into a digital format, such as PCM.

[1000] Step 2: Sending audio data

[1001] 1. The device sends digital audio data to the server.

[1002] Input: Audio data in digital format.

[1003] Output: The audio data sent to the server.

[1004] 2. Use HTTPS as the communication protocol and encrypt and transmit audio data.

[1005] Specific behavior: Establishes secure communication using SSL / TLS.

[1006] Step 3: Voice data analysis and voiceprint authentication

[1007] 1. The server analyzes the received voice data and converts it into text using voice recognition software.

[1008] Input: Transmitted digital audio data.

[1009] Output: Parsed text data and voiceprint data.

[1010] 2. The server simultaneously uses voiceprint recognition software to extract the voiceprint information and compare it with an existing voiceprint database.

[1011] Specific operations: Extract specific voiceprint features from the audio data and compare them with existing data in the database.

[1012] Step 4: Generative AI generates follow-up questions

[1013] 1. If authentication is successful, a generative AI model on the server generates additional questions.

[1014] Input: Authentication success flag.

[1015] Output: The additional questions generated.

[1016] 2. Send the generated question to the device.

[1017] Specific operation: The generative AI model generates natural language and outputs the results as text data.

[1018] Step 5: Communicate any follow-up questions

[1019] 1. The terminal will audibly communicate any additional questions received to the user.

[1020] Input: The generated additional question text.

[1021] Output: The audio message that the user can hear.

[1022] 2. Use text-to-speech software to convert the text data into audio and play it over a speaker.

[1023] What it does: The text-to-speech engine converts the text into an audio signal that is played over the speaker.

[1024] Step 6: Record and submit additional user responses

[1025] 1. The user answers the follow-up questions by voice.

[1026] Input: User's spoken answer.

[1027] Output: Answer audio data in digital format.

[1028] 2. The device records this audio, converts it back into digital format and sends it to the server.

[1029] What it does: The microphone captures audio, converts it into a digital format, and sends it to a server.

[1030] Step 7: Implement two-factor authentication

[1031] 1. The server analyzes the voice data again and compares it with the voiceprint information to perform two-step authentication.

[1032] Input: Transmitted digital audio data again.

[1033] Output: Two-factor authentication result (success / failure).

[1034] 2. The server determines the authentication result and proceeds to the next step if successful.

[1035] What happens: The voiceprint recognition software is used again to perform the match.

[1036] Step 8: Payment Processing

[1037] 1. If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information.

[1038] Input: Authentication success flag, payment information.

[1039] Output: Payment execution result.

[1040] 2. The server uses a payment system to perform the payment.

[1041] Specific behavior: Calls an API and executes a payment transaction.

[1042] Step 9: Notification of payment completion

[1043] 1. When the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal.

[1044] Input: Payment execution result.

[1045] Output: Payment completion notification.

[1046] 2. The device will notify the user of the completion notification by voice.

[1047] What it does: Uses text-to-speech software to convert the notification into an audio message that is played over a speaker.

[1048] Step 10: Issue a receipt

[1049] 1. The terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1050] Input: Payment completion notification.

[1051] Output: A physical or electronic receipt.

[1052] 2. Print a receipt using a receipt printer or send an electronic receipt via email, etc.

[1053] Specific operations: Operate the printer to print a receipt, and if it is an electronic receipt, use the email sending system.

[1054] (Application example 1)

[1055] 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."

[1056] Conventional voice authentication systems make it difficult for visually impaired people and the elderly to operate the security system safely and easily. The purpose of this invention is to enable authentication using only voice in a smart home security system, without the need for visual operation.

[1057] 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.

[1058] In this invention, the server includes means for accepting voice input from a user, means for transmitting voice data to the server, means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for the server to generate additional questions using a generation AI and transmit the additional questions to the terminal, means for the terminal to verbally communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user, means for re-recording the user's voice responses and transmitting the recorded responses to the server, means for the server to compare the responses with a voice database and perform two-step authentication, means for the server to execute operation processing, means for the terminal to verbally notify the user of operation completion, and means for the terminal to issue a notification. This enables even visually impaired people and the elderly to safely and easily operate a smart home security system using only voice input.

[1059] "User" refers to an individual who uses the system to provide voice input.

[1060] "Voice input" refers to a means by which a user speaks into a terminal and the resulting voice data is captured.

[1061] "Server" refers to a computer system that analyzes received voice data and performs various information processing.

[1062] "Voiceprint information" refers to data for voice authentication obtained by analyzing the user's voice characteristics.

[1063] "Generative AI" refers to algorithms that use artificial intelligence techniques to generate the necessary questions and responses.

[1064] "Additional questions" refer to verification questions that the server asks the user using generated AI after initial authentication.

[1065] "Two-step authentication" refers to an authentication method that increases the accuracy of authentication through additional procedures after the initial authentication.

[1066] "Operation processing" refers to a specific operation that the server performs after authentication (e.g., unlocking a door or disabling an alarm).

[1067] "Operation completion notification" refers to a notification by voice from the server to the user that the operation processing has been completed.

[1068] "Notification" refers to a message that conveys confirmation or completion information to the user.

[1069] The present invention provides a smart home security system that enables safe and easy voice control by visually impaired people and the elderly. Specific embodiments of the system are described below.

[1070] System Overview

[1071] The system of the present invention comprises the following components:

[1072] 1. User:

[1073] Refers to an individual who operates a security system using voice commands.

[1074] 2. Terminal:

[1075] A device that accepts voice input and communicates with a server. In this case, a smart speaker or smartphone is used.

[1076] 3. Server:

[1077] It is a computer system that analyzes received voice data, performs authentication, and executes the necessary operations.

[1078] Hardware and software used

[1079] Microphone: A device that records the user's voice.

[1080] software:

[1081] sounddevice: A library for recording audio.

[1082] scipy.io.wavfile: A library for saving audio files.

[1083] speech_recognition: A library for converting speech data into text.

[1084] requests: A library for sending voice data to the server and receiving authentication results.

[1085] Processing flow

[1086] 1. Voice input:

[1087] The user speaks to the device, saying, "I want to unlock the door." This voice is recorded through a microphone.

[1088] 2. Analysis of audio data:

[1089] Save the recorded audio data to a file using scipy.io.wavfile and convert it to text data using speech_recognition.

[1090] 3. Send to server:

[1091] The obtained voice data (text) is sent to the server using the requests library, and the server analyzes this data and authenticates the user's voiceprint information.

[1092] 4. Additional questions:

[1093] The server's generation AI generates additional questions as needed and sends them to the device, which then verbally asks the questions to the user.

[1094] 5. Dictation again:

[1095] The user answers questions by entering their voice and then re-recording it. This voice data is also sent to the server for two-step authentication.

[1096] 6. Perform the operation:

[1097] If the authentication is successful, the server executes operations such as unlocking the door or disabling the alarm.

[1098] 7. Notice:

[1099] When the operation is complete, the device will notify the user by voice, such as "The door has been unlocked." If necessary, the device will also notify the user physically or by email.

[1100] Specific examples

[1101] For example, consider a situation where a user wants to unlock the door of a smart home. The user speaks to the device, saying, "I'd like to unlock the door." The device records the voice and sends it to the server. The server analyzes the voice data and authenticates the user. An additional question, "What is the name of your pet?", is generated and transmitted to the user via the device. When the user answers, "It's Pochi," the voice data is recorded again and sent to the server. The server performs two-step authentication, and if successful, the door is unlocked. At this point, a voice notification is heard saying, "The door has been unlocked."

[1102] Specific examples of prompts from the generative AI model used

[1103] Prompt: "Generate a program that authenticates a user using recorded voice data, generates a follow-up question for second-factor authentication, and then performs a specified action (e.g., unlocks a door or disarms an alarm) if authentication is successful."

[1104] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1105] Step 1:

[1106] The user speaks to the terminal. Specifically, the user speaks "I want to unlock the door" into the terminal's microphone. This voice is recorded as digital voice data on the terminal.

[1107] Input: User's voice

[1108] Output: Recorded digital audio data

[1109] Step 2:

[1110] The device sends the recorded audio data to the server. The requests library is used to send the audio data to the server via an API.

[1111] Input: Recorded digital audio data

[1112] Output: Audio data sent to the server

[1113] Step 3:

[1114] The server analyzes the received voice data and extracts the user's voiceprint information using voice recognition technology, which is then compared with a voiceprint database.

[1115] Input: Audio data sent to the server

[1116] Output: Voiceprint information and matching results

[1117] Step 4:

[1118] The server uses generative AI to generate additional questions and sends them to the device, where a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-3) is used to generate appropriate security questions.

[1119] Input: Voiceprint information and matching results

[1120] Output: Generated additional questions

[1121] Step 5:

[1122] The device will then use voice synthesis technology to play back the questions it receives in text format to the user.

[1123] Input: Generated follow-up question (text)

[1124] Output: The question spoken to the user

[1125] Step 6:

[1126] The user then responds by voice input to answer additional questions. For example, to the question, "What is your pet's name?", the user responds by voice, "It's called Pochi." This voice is also recorded on the device.

[1127] Input: User's spoken response

[1128] Output: Recorded digital audio data (answer)

[1129] Step 7:

[1130] The device again sends the recorded audio data to the server. As before, it uses the requests library to send the audio data to the server via the API.

[1131] Input: Recorded digital voice data (answer)

[1132] Output: Voice data sent to the server (answer)

[1133] Step 8:

[1134] The server analyzes the received voice data again to confirm the user's additional voiceprint information, which is then compared with the voiceprint database again to perform two-step authentication.

[1135] Input: Voice data sent to the server (answer)

[1136] Output: Matching result with additional voiceprint information

[1137] Step 9:

[1138] If the server is successful in the authentication, it executes the specified operation process, for example, sending a command to unlock the door to the smart home hardware control system.

[1139] Input: Matching result with additional voiceprint information

[1140] Output: Door unlock command

[1141] Step 10:

[1142] The device notifies the user by voice that the operation is complete. Upon receiving the notification from the server, the device uses voice synthesis technology to notify the user by voice that "The door has been unlocked."

[1143] Input: Operation completion notification (text)

[1144] Output: A spoken notification to the user that the operation was completed

[1145] 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.

[1146] The present invention is a payment system that uses voice and emotion engines, and provides a payment method that can be used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, without using a smartphone. Furthermore, by recognizing the user's emotions, a more personalized payment experience can be provided. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[1147] User voice input

[1148] The user speaks into the device's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." This voice data is recorded digitally by the device and becomes the data needed to proceed. At the same time, the emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions.

[1149] Transmission and authentication of voice and emotion data

[1150] The recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data are sent from the device to a server. The server analyzes the received voice data to extract the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing voice database to authenticate the user. Emotion data is also sent and analyzed by the server.

[1151] Conversational authentication and payment confirmation

[1152] A generation AI on the server generates additional questions to increase the reliability of authentication. For example, this question might be, "Which bank do you use?" The generated questions are adjusted based on emotional data, so that if the user is nervous, for example, the questions can be made simpler. The generated questions are sent from the server to the terminal, which then verbally relays them to the user.

[1153] If the user responds, "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the device re-records the voice and sends it to the server. The server then analyzes the voice data again and matches it with additional voiceprint information to perform two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed, and the next steps may be adjusted depending on the user's state.

[1154] Processing payments

[1155] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information. Specifically, it executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information. The specified amount is then paid to the designated recipient. It also optimizes the user experience based on emotional data.

[1156] Confirmation and receipt issuance

[1157] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice. The user confirms the completion of the payment by announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed." The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1158] Specific examples

[1159] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"), and the emotion engine adjusts the question taking into account the user's state. The terminal then speaks the question to the user. If the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "The 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[1160] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, by combining it with an emotion engine, it is possible to provide an optimal payment experience that is tailored to the user's emotions.

[1161] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1162] Step 1:

[1163] The user expresses their intention to pay to the terminal by saying something like "I'll pay 500 yen."

[1164] Step 2:

[1165] The device records the user's voice using a microphone and stores it digitally.

[1166] Step 3:

[1167] The device's built-in emotion engine analyzes the recorded voice data and recognizes the user's emotions, for example, determining whether the user is tense or relaxed.

[1168] Step 4:

[1169] The terminal transmits the voice data and emotion data to the server via the network.

[1170] Step 5:

[1171] The server analyzes the received voice data using a dedicated voice analysis module to extract the user's voiceprint data.

[1172] Step 6:

[1173] The server compares the extracted voiceprint data with an existing voiceprint database to authenticate the user.

[1174] Step 7:

[1175] The server analyzes the received emotional data and understands the user's state.

[1176] Step 8:

[1177] The server determines the result of the authentication, and if authentication is successful, the generation AI generates additional questions (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") that are adjusted based on the emotional data.

[1178] Step 9:

[1179] The server generates a question and sends it to the terminal.

[1180] Step 10:

[1181] The terminal conveys the question received from the server to the user by voice.

[1182] Step 11:

[1183] The user answers the additional questions by voice into the terminal (e.g., "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation").

[1184] Step 12:

[1185] The device will then re-record the user's voice response and store it in digital format.

[1186] Step 13:

[1187] The terminal transmits the recorded response voice data to the server again via the network.

[1188] Step 14:

[1189] The server then analyzes the second voice recording, extracts voiceprint data, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed.

[1190] Step 15:

[1191] The server determines the result of the two-step authentication and, if successful, processes the payment information.

[1192] Step 16:

[1193] The server generates a notification of the completion of the payment and notifies the terminal of the completion.

[1194] Step 17:

[1195] The terminal communicates the payment completion notification received from the server to the user as voice (e.g., "Payment of 500 yen has been completed").

[1196] Step 18:

[1197] Upon completion of the payment, the terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1198] Example 2

[1199] 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."

[1200] Users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, need a simple and safe way to make payments. Furthermore, traditional payment systems struggle to provide a personalized experience for each user. In particular, a payment experience that recognizes and responds to user emotions is needed, allowing users to feel more secure.

[1201] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes means for analyzing voice data and emotion data and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for analyzing the emotion data, and means for generating additional questions using a generation AI and adjusting the content of the questions based on the emotion data. This enables the visually impaired and elderly to make payments easily and safely using voice operations, and provides a personalized payment experience according to the user's emotions.

[1202] A "means for accepting voice input" is a device or function that captures the user's voice in digital form.

[1203] The "means for transmitting voice data and emotional data" is a communication function for sending the acquired voice data and analyzed emotional data to the server.

[1204] "Means for analyzing voice data" refers to a device or function that analyzes voice data, converts the content into text, and further extracts voiceprint information.

[1205] "Means for authenticating voiceprint information" refers to a device or function that collates analyzed voiceprint information with an existing voiceprint database to verify the identity of the person.

[1206] The "means for analyzing emotional data" is a device or function for determining the emotional state of a user based on voice data.

[1207] "Means for generating follow-up questions using generation AI" refers to a device or function that uses AI technology to create follow-up questions for the user.

[1208] The "means for adjusting the content of questions based on emotional data" is a device or function that appropriately changes the difficulty and content of questions generated in accordance with the analyzed emotional data.

[1209] The "means for re-recording the user's answer voice" is a device or function for re-recording in digital form the user's voice answering the additional question.

[1210] "Means for re-analyzing voice data to perform two-step authentication" refers to a device or function that analyzes the re-recorded voice data and compares it with the initial authentication result to perform two-step authentication.

[1211] The "means for executing payment processing" is a device or function for transferring a specified amount to a recipient if authentication is successful.

[1212] The "means for notifying the user by voice of the completion of payment" is a device or function that notifies the user by voice that the payment has been completed.

[1213] A "receipt issuing means" is a device or function that prints or electronically generates a receipt as proof of the transaction after payment is completed.

[1214] The present invention is a payment system that uses voice and emotion engines, and provides a payment method that can be used by people with visual impairments and elderly people who have difficulty operating smartphones. Furthermore, by recognizing the user's emotions, a more personalized payment experience can be provided. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[1215] First, the user speaks into the device's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." The voice data is recorded digitally by the device. For example, the audio file format may be WAV. At the same time, an emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions. Emotion analysis technologies such as Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services are used here.

[1216] The recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data are sent from the device to a server via an HTTP request. The server analyzes the received voice data using voice recognition software such as Google Cloud Speech-to-Text to extract the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing database to authenticate the user. During this process, emotion data is also analyzed by the server.

[1217] A generation AI (such as GPT-4) on the server generates additional questions to increase the certainty of authentication. These questions might be, for example, "Which bank do you use?" The generated questions are adjusted based on emotional data. For example, if the user is nervous, the question might be changed to a simpler one. The generated questions are sent from the server to the device, which then verbally relays them to the user.

[1218] If the user responds, "I'm from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the device re-records the voice and sends it to the server again. The server then analyzes the voice data again, adding additional voiceprint information and re-analyzing the existing data to complete the two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed, and the next steps may be adjusted depending on the user's state.

[1219] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information, specifically paying the specified amount to the designated recipient based on the payment amount and recipient information, and also optimizes the user experience based on the emotional data.

[1220] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice, announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed," allowing the user to confirm the completion of the payment. The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1221] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"), and the emotion engine adjusts the question taking into account the user's state. The terminal then speaks the question to the user. If the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "The 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[1222] Example prompt sentence:

[1223] "When a user pays 500 yen at a convenience store, during the voice input process, please perform voiceprint authentication and emotional analysis of the user, and generate identity verification questions that are adjusted according to the user's emotional state. Also, please notify by voice when the payment is complete, and issue a receipt."

[1224] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, by combining it with an emotion engine, it is possible to provide an optimal payment experience that is tailored to the user's emotions.

[1225] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1226] Step 1:

[1227] The user speaks into the terminal's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." The terminal then digitally records this voice.

[1228] Input: User voice input

[1229] Output: Recorded audio data (e.g. WAV format file)

[1230] What it does: When a user says "I'll pay 500 yen," the device's microphone records this and saves it as a digital audio file.

[1231] Step 2:

[1232] The device sends the recorded voice data to the emotion engine for emotional analysis. The emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions.

[1233] Input: Recorded audio data

[1234] Output: Emotion data (e.g., user's emotional state, such as "happy", "sad", etc.)

[1235] Specific operation: The device sends voice data to the "Emotion Analysis Service API" and receives the user's emotional state as the analysis result.

[1236] Step 3:

[1237] The device transmits the recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data to the server.

[1238] Input: Recorded voice data, emotion data

[1239] Output: Data sent to the server

[1240] Specific operation: The device combines voice data and emotion data and sends them to the server via an HTTP request.

[1241] Step 4:

[1242] The server analyzes the received voice data using voice recognition software to extract the user's voiceprint information, which is then compared with an existing database to authenticate the user.

[1243] Input: Audio data

[1244] Output: Voiceprint information, authentication results

[1245] Specific operation: The server uses the "voice recognition service API" to analyze the voice data, extract text data and voiceprint information, and compare it with the database to obtain the authentication result.

[1246] Step 5:

[1247] The server analyzes the emotion data and uses generative AI to generate additional questions, adjusting the content of the questions based on the emotion data.

[1248] Input: Emotion data

[1249] Output: The generated question (e.g., "Which bank is your bank?")

[1250] Specific operation: The server calls the generation AI "Generation AI Service API" based on the emotion data to generate questions, and adjusts the questions according to the user's emotional state.

[1251] Step 6:

[1252] The server sends the generated question to the terminal, and the terminal conveys the content of the question to the user by voice.

[1253] Input: Generated question

[1254] Output: The question is spoken to the user

[1255] Specific operation: The server sends the generated question to the terminal, and the terminal vocalizes the question through the "voice output service" and conveys it to the user.

[1256] Step 7:

[1257] The user responds, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," and the voice data is recorded again on the terminal and sent to the server.

[1258] Input: User's spoken response

[1259] Output: Re-recorded audio data

[1260] Specific operation: When the user answers the question, the device re-records the audio and sends it to the server.

[1261] Step 8:

[1262] The server analyzes the voice data again and performs two-step authentication by reanalyzing the additional voiceprint information and existing data.

[1263] Input: Re-recorded audio data

[1264] Output: Two-factor authentication result

[1265] Specific operation: The server again uses the "voice recognition service API" to analyze the voice data, re-matches the voiceprint information, and performs two-step authentication.

[1266] Step 9:

[1267] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information and executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information.

[1268] Input: Authentication result, payment information

[1269] Output: Payment result

[1270] Specific operation: The server calls the payment processing API and executes the payment.

[1271] Step 10:

[1272] When the payment is completed, the server generates a payment completion notice and sends it to the terminal. The terminal notifies the user of the completion notice by voice and issues a receipt if necessary.

[1273] Input: Payment completion notification

[1274] Output: Audio notification to user, receipt

[1275] Specific operations: The server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then vocalizes the notification through the "voice output service" and conveys it to the user. It also generates and provides a physical or electronic receipt using a receipt issuing device.

[1276] (Application example 2)

[1277] 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."

[1278] Conventional payment systems are often difficult to use for users with visual impairments or elderly users, and often lack advanced security measures. Furthermore, payment methods available in autonomous vehicles are limited, resulting in a lack of personalized user experience. In particular, it is often difficult to operate a smartphone while driving or traveling, limiting payment options.

[1279] 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 accepting user voice input, means for transmitting voice data to the server, means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for the server to generate additional questions using a generation AI and transmit them to the terminal, means for the terminal to verbally communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user, means for re-recording the user's voice responses and transmitting them to the server, means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing them with a voice database, means for the server to execute payment processing, means for the terminal to verbally notify the user of payment completion, means for the terminal to issue a receipt, means for paying transportation fares or service fees in an autonomous vehicle via voice instructions, and means for analyzing the user's emotional data to adjust authentication and question content. This allows even users with visual impairments or elderly users who have difficulty operating a device to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, the payment experience in an autonomous vehicle is personalized, reducing user stress and enabling effective authentication and payment.

[1280] The "means for accepting user voice input" is a function for recording the user's voice instructions and inputting them into the system.

[1281] "Means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a function for transmitting recorded audio data to a remote server via the Internet or other communication means.

[1282] "Means for analyzing voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information" is a function that analyzes received voice data and authenticates the user using the user's voiceprint.

[1283] "Means for the server to use a generative AI to generate additional questions and send them to the terminal" refers to a function that uses a generative AI model to automatically create additional confirmation questions for the user and send them to the terminal.

[1284] "Means for the terminal to communicate the question received from the generation AI to the user by voice" is a function that plays back and communicates the question created by the generation AI to the user by voice.

[1285] The "means for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting it to the server" is a function for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting the data to the server.

[1286] "Means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database" is a function that compares received voice data with an existing voice database and performs authentication using two different pieces of information.

[1287] The "means for the server to execute the payment process" is a function that executes a series of processes to pay the specified amount after successful authentication.

[1288] The "means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment" is a function that notifies the user by voice that the payment has been completed.

[1289] "Means for the terminal to issue a receipt" refers to the function of generating a physical or electronic receipt and providing it to the user after a payment is completed.

[1290] "Means for paying transportation fares or service fees by voice command in an autonomous vehicle" is a function that allows a user to give voice command to pay for services provided in an autonomous vehicle.

[1291] The "means for analyzing the user's emotional data and adjusting the authentication and question content" is a function that analyzes the emotional state of the user from their voice and adjusts the authentication process and the content of follow-up questions appropriately based on that information.

[1292] The present invention provides a system that allows a user to easily and safely make payments in an autonomous vehicle using voice and emotions. Specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below.

[1293] Voice input and transmission

[1294] The user speaks into the microphone in the autonomous vehicle, for example, "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen." This records the user's voice. The voice data is stored in digital format by the on-board computer in the autonomous vehicle and sent to a server.

[1295] Analysis and authentication of voice and emotion data

[1296] The server analyzes each voice data and authenticates the user's voiceprint and emotional state. Specifically, a voice analysis engine and an emotion recognition engine are used. This allows the user to be authenticated, and the next step is adjusted based on the emotional data.

[1297] Question Generation and Answering

[1298] The server uses the generative AI model to generate additional questions for the user. For example, if the server detects that the user is nervous from the emotional data, it generates a simple question that takes this into account (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"). The generated question is then spoken to the user through the car's speakers. The user then responds again, and the voice data is sent to the server.

[1299] Two-factor authentication and payment processing

[1300] The server then analyzes the received voice data and performs two-step authentication by comparing it with an existing voiceprint database. If this authentication is successful, the server processes the payment and the specified amount is paid. The payment process is carried out through a digital payment system.

[1301] Confirmation and receipt

[1302] Once the payment is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and notifies the user via the car's speaker. If necessary, an electronic receipt is also generated and sent to the user's smartphone.

[1303] Specific examples

[1304] As a concrete example, let's consider paying in a self-driving taxi. When a user says, "I'll pay the fare of 1,500 yen," the voice is recorded by a microphone in the vehicle and sent to a server via an onboard computer. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, a generative AI model generates additional questions, and an emotion engine adjusts the questions taking into account the user's state. For example, if the user is nervous, the server generates a simple question such as, "Which card would you like to use?" If the user replies, "Credit card," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server processes the payment and notifies the user by voice, "The 1,500 yen payment has been completed." Additionally, an electronic receipt is sent to the user's smartphone.

[1305] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1306] Example prompts to be input to the generative AI model:

[1307] When a user says "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen," the system will behave as follows:

[1308] Record audio data and send it to the server

[1309] The server analyzes the voice data and determines the emotional state.

[1310] Generate additional questions for enhanced authentication and adjust them based on sentiment data

[1311] Communicate any follow-up questions to the user through the car speaker

[1312] Re-record the user's voice response and send it to the server

[1313] Conduct voice analysis and voiceprint authentication again and execute the payment process

[1314] The payment is confirmed by voice and an electronic receipt is sent to your smartphone.

[1315] This invention enables even users who have difficulty operating a system due to visual impairment or advanced age to make payments easily and safely using voice commands. It also personalizes the payment experience in an autonomous vehicle, reducing operational stress for users.

[1316] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1317] Step 1:

[1318] The user says, "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen." This voice input is recorded by the microphone inside the vehicle. The on-board computer converts this voice data into a digital format. The voice data as input is then ready to be sent to the server.

[1319] Step 2:

[1320] The device sends the voice data to the server. The voice data is sent to the server via the internet or other communication means. The input digital voice data arrives at the server and proceeds to the next step.

[1321] Step 3:

[1322] The server analyzes the received voice data. Using a voice analysis engine, it extracts the user's voiceprint information and performs voiceprint authentication. Based on the input voice data, the voiceprint data is compared with a database to authenticate the user. The output obtained here is the authentication result.

[1323] Step 4:

[1324] The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the user's emotions from the voice data. The voice data is used as input and emotion data is output. This data is used in the next step of question generation.

[1325] Step 5:

[1326] The server uses a generative AI model to generate follow-up questions for the user. Emotional data is taken into account as input, and optimal questions are generated based on the user's emotional state. For example, if the user is nervous, simple questions are generated.

[1327] Step 6:

[1328] The question generated by the server is sent to the terminal, which then verbally communicates the question to the user through the car's speakers. The input is the generated question data, and the output is the question communicated to the user.

[1329] Step 7:

[1330] The user answers the questions verbally, for example, saying, "The card I'm using is a credit card." The device then re-records the answer and converts it into a digital format.

[1331] Step 8:

[1332] The terminal transmits the user's response voice data to the server. The digital voice response data is input and transmitted to the server via the Internet or the like.

[1333] Step 9:

[1334] The server analyzes the user's voice response data again and performs voiceprint authentication. As a two-step authentication, it compares it with the voice database again and performs authentication. The output is the success or failure result of the authentication.

[1335] Step 10:

[1336] If the authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process. The input is the authenticated user information and the payment request. The specified amount is paid through the payment processing system, and the output is a payment completion notification.

[1337] Step 11:

[1338] When the payment is completed, the server sends a payment completion notification to the terminal. The terminal then notifies the user of the payment completion through the car speaker. The payment completion notification is the input, and the user acknowledges the payment completion as the output.

[1339] Step 12:

[1340] The terminal generates an electronic receipt and sends it to the user's smartphone. Payment information is input, and an electronic receipt is generated and sent as output.

[1341] 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.

[1342] 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.

[1343] 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.

[1344] [Fourth embodiment]

[1345] FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 410 according to the fourth embodiment.

[1346] 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.

[1347] 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).

[1348] 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.

[1349] 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.

[1350] 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).

[1351] 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.

[1352] 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.

[1353] 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.

[1354] 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.

[1355] 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.

[1356] 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.

[1357] 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."

[1358] The present invention provides a system for enabling voice-based payments, and in particular, a payment method that can be used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, without using a smartphone. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[1359] User voice input

[1360] The user speaks into the terminal's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." This voice data is recorded in digital format by the terminal and becomes the data needed to proceed to the next step.

[1361] Voice data transmission and authentication

[1362] The recorded voice data is sent from the device to the server. The server analyzes the received voice data and extracts the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing voice database to authenticate the user. If successful, the system proceeds to the next step.

[1363] Conversational authentication and payment confirmation

[1364] A generation AI on the server generates an additional question to increase the reliability of authentication. For example, this question might be, "Which bank do you use?" The generated question is sent to the terminal, which then verbally relays it to the user. When the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the terminal records this voice again and sends it to the server. The server analyzes the voice data again and compares it with the additional voiceprint information to perform two-step authentication.

[1365] Processing payments

[1366] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information. Specifically, it executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information. As a result, the specified amount is paid to the specified recipient.

[1367] Confirmation and receipt issuance

[1368] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice. The user confirms the completion of the payment by announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed." The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1369] Specific examples

[1370] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says "I'll pay 500 yen now" at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") and sends it to the terminal. If the user replies "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces audibly that "500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[1371] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments simply and safely using voice.

[1372] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1373] Step 1:

[1374] The user expresses their intention to pay to the terminal by saying something like "I'll pay 500 yen."

[1375] Step 2:

[1376] The device records the user's voice using a microphone and stores it digitally.

[1377] Step 3:

[1378] The audio data recorded by the terminal is sent to a server via the network.

[1379] Step 4:

[1380] The server analyzes the received voice data using a dedicated voice analysis module to extract the user's voiceprint data.

[1381] Step 5:

[1382] The server compares the extracted voiceprint data with an existing voiceprint database to authenticate the user.

[1383] Step 6:

[1384] The server determines the results of the identity authentication, and if authentication is successful, the generation AI generates additional questions (e.g., "Which bank do you use?").

[1385] Step 7:

[1386] The server generates a question and sends it to the terminal.

[1387] Step 8:

[1388] The terminal conveys the question received from the server to the user by voice.

[1389] Step 9:

[1390] The user answers the additional questions by voice into the terminal (e.g., "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation").

[1391] Step 10:

[1392] The device will then re-record the user's voice response and store it in digital format.

[1393] Step 11:

[1394] The terminal transmits the recorded response voice data to the server again via the network.

[1395] Step 12:

[1396] The server analyzes the second voice data, extracts voiceprint data, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform two-step authentication.

[1397] Step 13:

[1398] The server determines the result of the two-step authentication and, if successful, processes the payment information.

[1399] Step 14:

[1400] The server generates a notification of the completion of the payment and notifies the terminal of the completion.

[1401] Step 15:

[1402] The terminal communicates the payment completion notification received from the server to the user as voice (e.g., "Payment of 500 yen has been completed").

[1403] Step 16:

[1404] Upon completion of the payment, the terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1405] Example 1

[1406] 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."

[1407] Conventional payment methods have the problem that they are difficult to use for users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly. This makes everyday payments inconvenient for these users. The purpose of this invention is to provide such users with a method for making payments easily and safely using voice.

[1408] 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.

[1409] In this invention, the server includes a means for accepting user voice input, a means for analyzing the voice data and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, and a means for generating follow-up questions using a generative AI model and transmitting them to the terminal, thereby enabling all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments safely and easily using voice.

[1410] The "means for accepting user voice input" refers to a device or function that receives user voice using a voice input device such as a microphone and records it as digital data.

[1411] The "means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a communication device or a communication protocol for transmitting the recorded audio data to a server via an internet line or the like.

[1412] "Means for analyzing voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information" refers to a function that processes the received voice data using voice analysis software on the server, extracts voiceprint information, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database.

[1413] "Means for generating follow-up questions using a generative AI model and sending them to the terminal" refers to a function that uses AI technology to generate follow-up questions to strengthen the authentication process and send them to the terminal.

[1414] "Means for communicating the question received by the device from the generative AI model to the user by voice" refers to a device or software that uses speech synthesis technology to read the generated text question to the user.

[1415] The "means for re-recording the user's response voice and transmitting it to the server" is a communication function that re-records the user's voice in response to the additional question and transmits the voice data to the server.

[1416] The "means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing with a voiceprint database" is a function that extracts voiceprint information again from the user's response voice and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform an additional authentication step.

[1417] The "means for the server to execute the payment process" is a function that executes the actual payment using the payment system based on the payment amount and recipient information upon successful authentication.

[1418] "Means for the terminal to notify the user of the completion of payment by voice" is a function that uses voice synthesis technology to notify the user of the completion notification from the server after the payment is completed.

[1419] "Means for the terminal to issue a receipt" refers to a device or function that prints a physical receipt or generates and provides an electronic receipt to the user after payment is completed.

[1420] This invention is a voice payment system that can be easily and safely used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly. This system accepts and analyzes the user's voice input, performs identity authentication, and performs payment processing.

[1421] In the embodiment of the present invention, the main hardware used is as follows:

[1422] 1. Terminal: A voice-enabled device that has a microphone for user voice input and a speaker for recording and playing back voice data.

[1423] 2. Server: A high-performance computer that analyzes and authenticates voice data and processes payments.

[1424] The main software used is as follows:

[1425] 1. Speech recognition software: Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API

[1426] 2. Voiceprint Recognition Software: Solutions from Nuance and VoiceVault

[1427] 3. Generative AI models: Natural language processing models such as GPT-3

[1428] 4. Text-to-speech software: Google Text-to-Speech API

[1429] 5. Payment system: PayPal API or Stripe API

[1430] Specifically, when a user speaks into the terminal, "I'd like to pay 500 yen," the voice is recorded and sent from the terminal to the server. The server analyzes the received voice data, converts it to text using voice recognition software, and extracts voiceprint information for authentication. If authentication is successful, the generative AI model generates additional questions to increase the certainty of authentication and sends them to the terminal. The terminal then asks the additional questions aloud to the user, and when the user answers them, the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. The server again collates the voiceprint information and performs two-step authentication. If authentication is successful, the server makes the actual payment through the payment system. Once the process is complete, the server sends a payment completion notification to the terminal, and the terminal notifies the user aloud and issues a receipt.

[1431] A concrete example is paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generative AI model generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") and sends it to the terminal. If the user replies, "The name of your bank," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "Your 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[1432] This will enable all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice.

[1433] An example of a prompt sentence is: Please explain the system that processes payments by analyzing the speech "I will pay 500 yen." Please provide a detailed description, including the specific hardware, software, and data processing flow.

[1434] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1435] Step 1: Accepting voice input

[1436] 1. The user speaks into the device's microphone to enter payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen."

[1437] Input: User's voice.

[1438] Output: Audio data in digital format.

[1439] 2. The device records this audio, converts it to digital format, and stores it in its internal memory.

[1440] What it does: A microphone captures audio and converts it into a digital format, such as PCM.

[1441] Step 2: Sending audio data

[1442] 1. The device sends digital audio data to the server.

[1443] Input: Audio data in digital format.

[1444] Output: The audio data sent to the server.

[1445] 2. Use HTTPS as the communication protocol and encrypt and transmit audio data.

[1446] Specific behavior: Establishes secure communication using SSL / TLS.

[1447] Step 3: Voice data analysis and voiceprint authentication

[1448] 1. The server analyzes the received voice data and converts it into text using voice recognition software.

[1449] Input: Transmitted digital audio data.

[1450] Output: Parsed text data and voiceprint data.

[1451] 2. The server simultaneously uses voiceprint recognition software to extract the voiceprint information and compare it with an existing voiceprint database.

[1452] Specific operations: Extract specific voiceprint features from the audio data and compare them with existing data in the database.

[1453] Step 4: Generative AI generates follow-up questions

[1454] 1. If authentication is successful, a generative AI model on the server generates additional questions.

[1455] Input: Authentication success flag.

[1456] Output: The additional questions generated.

[1457] 2. Send the generated question to the device.

[1458] Specific operation: The generative AI model generates natural language and outputs the results as text data.

[1459] Step 5: Communicate any follow-up questions

[1460] 1. The terminal will audibly communicate any additional questions received to the user.

[1461] Input: The generated additional question text.

[1462] Output: The audio message that the user can hear.

[1463] 2. Use text-to-speech software to convert the text data into audio and play it over a speaker.

[1464] What it does: The text-to-speech engine converts the text into an audio signal that is played over the speaker.

[1465] Step 6: Record and submit additional user responses

[1466] 1. The user answers the follow-up questions by voice.

[1467] Input: User's spoken answer.

[1468] Output: Answer audio data in digital format.

[1469] 2. The device records this audio, converts it back into digital format and sends it to the server.

[1470] What it does: The microphone captures audio, converts it into a digital format, and sends it to a server.

[1471] Step 7: Implement two-factor authentication

[1472] 1. The server analyzes the voice data again and compares it with the voiceprint information to perform two-step authentication.

[1473] Input: Transmitted digital audio data again.

[1474] Output: Two-factor authentication result (success / failure).

[1475] 2. The server determines the authentication result and proceeds to the next step if successful.

[1476] What happens: The voiceprint recognition software is used again to perform the match.

[1477] Step 8: Payment Processing

[1478] 1. If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information.

[1479] Input: Authentication success flag, payment information.

[1480] Output: Payment execution result.

[1481] 2. The server uses a payment system to perform the payment.

[1482] Specific behavior: Calls an API and executes a payment transaction.

[1483] Step 9: Notification of payment completion

[1484] 1. When the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal.

[1485] Input: Payment execution result.

[1486] Output: Payment completion notification.

[1487] 2. The device will notify the user of the completion notification by voice.

[1488] What it does: Uses text-to-speech software to convert the notification into an audio message that is played over a speaker.

[1489] Step 10: Issue a receipt

[1490] 1. The terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1491] Input: Payment completion notification.

[1492] Output: A physical or electronic receipt.

[1493] 2. Print a receipt using a receipt printer or send an electronic receipt via email, etc.

[1494] Specific operations: Operate the printer to print a receipt, and if it is an electronic receipt, use the email sending system.

[1495] (Application example 1)

[1496] 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."

[1497] Conventional voice authentication systems make it difficult for visually impaired people and the elderly to operate the security system safely and easily. The purpose of this invention is to enable authentication using only voice in a smart home security system, without the need for visual operation.

[1498] 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.

[1499] In this invention, the server includes means for accepting voice input from a user, means for transmitting voice data to the server, means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for the server to generate additional questions using a generation AI and transmit the additional questions to the terminal, means for the terminal to verbally communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user, means for re-recording the user's voice responses and transmitting the recorded responses to the server, means for the server to compare the responses with a voice database and perform two-step authentication, means for the server to execute operation processing, means for the terminal to verbally notify the user of operation completion, and means for the terminal to issue a notification. This enables even visually impaired people and the elderly to safely and easily operate a smart home security system using only voice input.

[1500] "User" refers to an individual who uses the system to provide voice input.

[1501] "Voice input" refers to a means by which a user speaks into a terminal and the resulting voice data is captured.

[1502] "Server" refers to a computer system that analyzes received voice data and performs various information processing.

[1503] "Voiceprint information" refers to data for voice authentication obtained by analyzing the user's voice characteristics.

[1504] "Generative AI" refers to algorithms that use artificial intelligence techniques to generate the necessary questions and responses.

[1505] "Additional questions" refer to verification questions that the server asks the user using generated AI after initial authentication.

[1506] "Two-step authentication" refers to an authentication method that increases the accuracy of authentication through additional procedures after the initial authentication.

[1507] "Operation processing" refers to a specific operation that the server performs after authentication (e.g., unlocking a door or disabling an alarm).

[1508] "Operation completion notification" refers to a notification by voice from the server to the user that the operation processing has been completed.

[1509] "Notification" refers to a message that conveys confirmation or completion information to the user.

[1510] The present invention provides a smart home security system that enables safe and easy voice control by visually impaired people and the elderly. Specific embodiments of the system are described below.

[1511] System Overview

[1512] The system of the present invention comprises the following components:

[1513] 1. User:

[1514] Refers to an individual who operates a security system using voice commands.

[1515] 2. Terminal:

[1516] A device that accepts voice input and communicates with a server. In this case, a smart speaker or smartphone is used.

[1517] 3. Server:

[1518] It is a computer system that analyzes received voice data, performs authentication, and executes the necessary operations.

[1519] Hardware and software used

[1520] Microphone: A device that records the user's voice.

[1521] software:

[1522] sounddevice: A library for recording audio.

[1523] scipy.io.wavfile: A library for saving audio files.

[1524] speech_recognition: A library for converting speech data into text.

[1525] requests: A library for sending voice data to the server and receiving authentication results.

[1526] Processing flow

[1527] 1. Voice input:

[1528] The user speaks to the device, saying, "I want to unlock the door." This voice is recorded through a microphone.

[1529] 2. Analysis of audio data:

[1530] Save the recorded audio data to a file using scipy.io.wavfile and convert it to text data using speech_recognition.

[1531] 3. Send to server:

[1532] The obtained voice data (text) is sent to the server using the requests library, and the server analyzes this data and authenticates the user's voiceprint information.

[1533] 4. Additional questions:

[1534] The server's generation AI generates additional questions as needed and sends them to the device, which then verbally asks the questions to the user.

[1535] 5. Dictation again:

[1536] The user answers questions by entering their voice and then re-recording it. This voice data is also sent to the server for two-step authentication.

[1537] 6. Perform the operation:

[1538] If the authentication is successful, the server executes operations such as unlocking the door or disabling the alarm.

[1539] 7. Notice:

[1540] When the operation is complete, the device will notify the user by voice, such as "The door has been unlocked." If necessary, the device will also notify the user physically or by email.

[1541] Specific examples

[1542] For example, consider a situation where a user wants to unlock the door of a smart home. The user speaks to the device, saying, "I'd like to unlock the door." The device records the voice and sends it to the server. The server analyzes the voice data and authenticates the user. An additional question, "What is the name of your pet?", is generated and transmitted to the user via the device. When the user answers, "It's Pochi," the voice data is recorded again and sent to the server. The server performs two-step authentication, and if successful, the door is unlocked. At this point, a voice notification is heard saying, "The door has been unlocked."

[1543] Specific examples of prompts from the generative AI model used

[1544] Prompt: "Generate a program that authenticates a user using recorded voice data, generates a follow-up question for second-factor authentication, and then performs a specified action (e.g., unlocks a door or disarms an alarm) if authentication is successful."

[1545] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1546] Step 1:

[1547] The user speaks to the terminal. Specifically, the user speaks "I want to unlock the door" into the terminal's microphone. This voice is recorded as digital voice data on the terminal.

[1548] Input: User's voice

[1549] Output: Recorded digital audio data

[1550] Step 2:

[1551] The device sends the recorded audio data to the server. The requests library is used to send the audio data to the server via an API.

[1552] Input: Recorded digital audio data

[1553] Output: Audio data sent to the server

[1554] Step 3:

[1555] The server analyzes the received voice data and extracts the user's voiceprint information using voice recognition technology, which is then compared with a voiceprint database.

[1556] Input: Audio data sent to the server

[1557] Output: Voiceprint information and matching results

[1558] Step 4:

[1559] The server uses generative AI to generate additional questions and sends them to the device, where a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-3) is used to generate appropriate security questions.

[1560] Input: Voiceprint information and matching results

[1561] Output: Generated additional questions

[1562] Step 5:

[1563] The device will then use voice synthesis technology to play back the questions it receives in text format to the user.

[1564] Input: Generated follow-up question (text)

[1565] Output: The question spoken to the user

[1566] Step 6:

[1567] The user then responds by voice input to answer additional questions. For example, to the question, "What is your pet's name?", the user responds by voice, "It's called Pochi." This voice is also recorded on the device.

[1568] Input: User's spoken response

[1569] Output: Recorded digital audio data (answer)

[1570] Step 7:

[1571] The device again sends the recorded audio data to the server. As before, it uses the requests library to send the audio data to the server via the API.

[1572] Input: Recorded digital voice data (answer)

[1573] Output: Voice data sent to the server (answer)

[1574] Step 8:

[1575] The server analyzes the received voice data again to confirm the user's additional voiceprint information, which is then compared with the voiceprint database again to perform two-step authentication.

[1576] Input: Voice data sent to the server (answer)

[1577] Output: Matching result with additional voiceprint information

[1578] Step 9:

[1579] If the server is successful in the authentication, it executes the specified operation process, for example, sending a command to unlock the door to the smart home hardware control system.

[1580] Input: Matching result with additional voiceprint information

[1581] Output: Door unlock command

[1582] Step 10:

[1583] The device notifies the user by voice that the operation is complete. Upon receiving the notification from the server, the device uses voice synthesis technology to notify the user by voice that "The door has been unlocked."

[1584] Input: Operation completion notification (text)

[1585] Output: A spoken notification to the user that the operation was completed

[1586] 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.

[1587] The present invention is a payment system that uses voice and emotion engines, and provides a payment method that can be used by users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, without using a smartphone. Furthermore, by recognizing the user's emotions, a more personalized payment experience can be provided. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[1588] User voice input

[1589] The user speaks into the device's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." This voice data is recorded digitally by the device and becomes the data needed to proceed. At the same time, the emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions.

[1590] Transmission and authentication of voice and emotion data

[1591] The recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data are sent from the device to a server. The server analyzes the received voice data to extract the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing voice database to authenticate the user. Emotion data is also sent and analyzed by the server.

[1592] Conversational authentication and payment confirmation

[1593] A generation AI on the server generates additional questions to increase the reliability of authentication. For example, this question might be, "Which bank do you use?" The generated questions are adjusted based on emotional data, so that if the user is nervous, for example, the questions can be made simpler. The generated questions are sent from the server to the terminal, which then verbally relays them to the user.

[1594] If the user responds, "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the device re-records the voice and sends it to the server. The server then analyzes the voice data again and matches it with additional voiceprint information to perform two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed, and the next steps may be adjusted depending on the user's state.

[1595] Processing payments

[1596] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information. Specifically, it executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information. The specified amount is then paid to the designated recipient. It also optimizes the user experience based on emotional data.

[1597] Confirmation and receipt issuance

[1598] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice. The user confirms the completion of the payment by announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed." The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1599] Specific examples

[1600] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"), and the emotion engine adjusts the question taking into account the user's state. The terminal then speaks the question to the user. If the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "The 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[1601] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, by combining it with an emotion engine, it is possible to provide an optimal payment experience that is tailored to the user's emotions.

[1602] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1603] Step 1:

[1604] The user expresses their intention to pay to the terminal by saying something like "I'll pay 500 yen."

[1605] Step 2:

[1606] The device records the user's voice using a microphone and stores it digitally.

[1607] Step 3:

[1608] The device's built-in emotion engine analyzes the recorded voice data and recognizes the user's emotions, for example, determining whether the user is tense or relaxed.

[1609] Step 4:

[1610] The terminal transmits the voice data and emotion data to the server via the network.

[1611] Step 5:

[1612] The server analyzes the received voice data using a dedicated voice analysis module to extract the user's voiceprint data.

[1613] Step 6:

[1614] The server compares the extracted voiceprint data with an existing voiceprint database to authenticate the user.

[1615] Step 7:

[1616] The server analyzes the received emotional data and understands the user's state.

[1617] Step 8:

[1618] The server determines the result of the authentication, and if authentication is successful, the generation AI generates additional questions (e.g., "Which bank do you use?") that are adjusted based on the emotional data.

[1619] Step 9:

[1620] The server generates a question and sends it to the terminal.

[1621] Step 10:

[1622] The terminal conveys the question received from the server to the user by voice.

[1623] Step 11:

[1624] The user answers the additional questions by voice into the terminal (e.g., "This is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation").

[1625] Step 12:

[1626] The device will then re-record the user's voice response and store it in digital format.

[1627] Step 13:

[1628] The terminal transmits the recorded response voice data to the server again via the network.

[1629] Step 14:

[1630] The server then analyzes the second voice recording, extracts voiceprint data, and compares it with an existing voiceprint database to perform two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed.

[1631] Step 15:

[1632] The server determines the result of the two-step authentication and, if successful, processes the payment information.

[1633] Step 16:

[1634] The server generates a notification of the completion of the payment and notifies the terminal of the completion.

[1635] Step 17:

[1636] The terminal communicates the payment completion notification received from the server to the user as voice (e.g., "Payment of 500 yen has been completed").

[1637] Step 18:

[1638] Upon completion of the payment, the terminal prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1639] Example 2

[1640] 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."

[1641] Users who have difficulty operating smartphones, such as the visually impaired and elderly, need a simple and safe way to make payments. Furthermore, traditional payment systems struggle to provide a personalized experience for each user. In particular, a payment experience that recognizes and responds to user emotions is needed, allowing users to feel more secure.

[1642] The identification process by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in the second embodiment is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes means for analyzing voice data and emotion data and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for analyzing the emotion data, and means for generating additional questions using a generation AI and adjusting the content of the questions based on the emotion data. This enables the visually impaired and elderly to make payments easily and safely using voice operations, and provides a personalized payment experience according to the user's emotions.

[1643] A "means for accepting voice input" is a device or function that captures the user's voice in digital form.

[1644] The "means for transmitting voice data and emotional data" is a communication function for sending the acquired voice data and analyzed emotional data to the server.

[1645] "Means for analyzing voice data" refers to a device or function that analyzes voice data, converts the content into text, and further extracts voiceprint information.

[1646] "Means for authenticating voiceprint information" refers to a device or function that collates analyzed voiceprint information with an existing voiceprint database to verify the identity of the person.

[1647] The "means for analyzing emotional data" is a device or function for determining the emotional state of a user based on voice data.

[1648] "Means for generating follow-up questions using generation AI" refers to a device or function that uses AI technology to create follow-up questions for the user.

[1649] The "means for adjusting the content of questions based on emotional data" is a device or function that appropriately changes the difficulty and content of questions generated in accordance with the analyzed emotional data.

[1650] The "means for re-recording the user's answer voice" is a device or function for re-recording in digital form the user's voice answering the additional question.

[1651] "Means for re-analyzing voice data to perform two-step authentication" refers to a device or function that analyzes the re-recorded voice data and compares it with the initial authentication result to perform two-step authentication.

[1652] The "means for executing payment processing" is a device or function for transferring a specified amount to a recipient if authentication is successful.

[1653] The "means for notifying the user by voice of the completion of payment" is a device or function that notifies the user by voice that the payment has been completed.

[1654] A "receipt issuing means" is a device or function that prints or electronically generates a receipt as proof of the transaction after payment is completed.

[1655] The present invention is a payment system that uses voice and emotion engines, and provides a payment method that can be used by people with visual impairments and elderly people who have difficulty operating smartphones. Furthermore, by recognizing the user's emotions, a more personalized payment experience can be provided. The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[1656] First, the user speaks into the device's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." The voice data is recorded digitally by the device. For example, the audio file format may be WAV. At the same time, an emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions. Emotion analysis technologies such as Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services are used here.

[1657] The recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data are sent from the device to a server via an HTTP request. The server analyzes the received voice data using voice recognition software such as Google Cloud Speech-to-Text to extract the user's voiceprint information. The voiceprint data is then compared with an existing database to authenticate the user. During this process, emotion data is also analyzed by the server.

[1658] A generation AI (such as GPT-4) on the server generates additional questions to increase the certainty of authentication. These questions might be, for example, "Which bank do you use?" The generated questions are adjusted based on emotional data. For example, if the user is nervous, the question might be changed to a simpler one. The generated questions are sent from the server to the device, which then verbally relays them to the user.

[1659] If the user responds, "I'm from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the device re-records the voice and sends it to the server again. The server then analyzes the voice data again, adding additional voiceprint information and re-analyzing the existing data to complete the two-factor authentication. Emotional data is also analyzed, and the next steps may be adjusted depending on the user's state.

[1660] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information, specifically paying the specified amount to the designated recipient based on the payment amount and recipient information, and also optimizes the user experience based on the emotional data.

[1661] Once the payment process is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then announces this notification to the user via voice, announcing, "Payment of 500 yen has been completed," allowing the user to confirm the completion of the payment. The terminal then prints a physical receipt or generates an electronic receipt and provides it to the user.

[1662] As a concrete example, let's consider paying at a convenience store. When a user says, "I'll pay 500 yen now," at the convenience store register, the voice is recorded on the terminal and sent to the server. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, the generation AI generates an additional question (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"), and the emotion engine adjusts the question taking into account the user's state. The terminal then speaks the question to the user. If the user replies, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process, and the terminal announces, "The 500 yen payment has been completed." Finally, the terminal issues a receipt.

[1663] Example prompt sentence:

[1664] "When a user pays 500 yen at a convenience store, during the voice input process, please perform voiceprint authentication and emotional analysis of the user, and generate identity verification questions that are adjusted according to the user's emotional state. Also, please notify by voice when the payment is complete, and issue a receipt."

[1665] In this way, the system of the present invention allows all users, including the visually impaired and elderly, to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, by combining it with an emotion engine, it is possible to provide an optimal payment experience that is tailored to the user's emotions.

[1666] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1667] Step 1:

[1668] The user speaks into the terminal's microphone to input payment details, such as "I'll pay 500 yen." The terminal then digitally records this voice.

[1669] Input: User voice input

[1670] Output: Recorded audio data (e.g. WAV format file)

[1671] What it does: When a user says "I'll pay 500 yen," the device's microphone records this and saves it as a digital audio file.

[1672] Step 2:

[1673] The device sends the recorded voice data to the emotion engine for emotional analysis. The emotion engine analyzes the voice data and recognizes the user's emotions.

[1674] Input: Recorded audio data

[1675] Output: Emotion data (e.g., user's emotional state, such as "happy", "sad", etc.)

[1676] Specific operation: The device sends voice data to the "Emotion Analysis Service API" and receives the user's emotional state as the analysis result.

[1677] Step 3:

[1678] The device transmits the recorded voice data and analyzed emotion data to the server.

[1679] Input: Recorded voice data, emotion data

[1680] Output: Data sent to the server

[1681] Specific operation: The device combines voice data and emotion data and sends them to the server via an HTTP request.

[1682] Step 4:

[1683] The server analyzes the received voice data using voice recognition software to extract the user's voiceprint information, which is then compared with an existing database to authenticate the user.

[1684] Input: Audio data

[1685] Output: Voiceprint information, authentication results

[1686] Specific operation: The server uses the "voice recognition service API" to analyze the voice data, extract text data and voiceprint information, and compare it with the database to obtain the authentication result.

[1687] Step 5:

[1688] The server analyzes the emotion data and uses generative AI to generate additional questions, adjusting the content of the questions based on the emotion data.

[1689] Input: Emotion data

[1690] Output: The generated question (e.g., "Which bank is your bank?")

[1691] Specific operation: The server calls the generation AI "Generation AI Service API" based on the emotion data to generate questions, and adjusts the questions according to the user's emotional state.

[1692] Step 6:

[1693] The server sends the generated question to the terminal, and the terminal conveys the content of the question to the user by voice.

[1694] Input: Generated question

[1695] Output: The question is spoken to the user

[1696] Specific operation: The server sends the generated question to the terminal, and the terminal vocalizes the question through the "voice output service" and conveys it to the user.

[1697] Step 7:

[1698] The user responds, "Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation," and the voice data is recorded again on the terminal and sent to the server.

[1699] Input: User's spoken response

[1700] Output: Re-recorded audio data

[1701] Specific operation: When the user answers the question, the device re-records the audio and sends it to the server.

[1702] Step 8:

[1703] The server analyzes the voice data again and performs two-step authentication by reanalyzing the additional voiceprint information and existing data.

[1704] Input: Re-recorded audio data

[1705] Output: Two-factor authentication result

[1706] Specific operation: The server again uses the "voice recognition service API" to analyze the voice data, re-matches the voiceprint information, and performs two-step authentication.

[1707] Step 9:

[1708] If authentication is successful, the server processes the payment information and executes the payment based on the payment amount and recipient information.

[1709] Input: Authentication result, payment information

[1710] Output: Payment result

[1711] Specific operation: The server calls the payment processing API and executes the payment.

[1712] Step 10:

[1713] When the payment is completed, the server generates a payment completion notice and sends it to the terminal. The terminal notifies the user of the completion notice by voice and issues a receipt if necessary.

[1714] Input: Payment completion notification

[1715] Output: Audio notification to user, receipt

[1716] Specific operations: The server generates a payment completion notification and sends it to the terminal. The terminal then vocalizes the notification through the "voice output service" and conveys it to the user. It also generates and provides a physical or electronic receipt using a receipt issuing device.

[1717] (Application example 2)

[1718] 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."

[1719] Conventional payment systems are often difficult to use for users with visual impairments or elderly users, and often lack advanced security measures. Furthermore, payment methods available in autonomous vehicles are limited, resulting in a lack of personalized user experience. In particular, it is often difficult to operate a smartphone while driving or traveling, limiting payment options.

[1720] 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 accepting user voice input, means for transmitting voice data to the server, means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information, means for the server to generate additional questions using a generation AI and transmit them to the terminal, means for the terminal to verbally communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user, means for re-recording the user's voice responses and transmitting them to the server, means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing them with a voice database, means for the server to execute payment processing, means for the terminal to verbally notify the user of payment completion, means for the terminal to issue a receipt, means for paying transportation fares or service fees in an autonomous vehicle via voice instructions, and means for analyzing the user's emotional data to adjust authentication and question content. This allows even users with visual impairments or elderly users who have difficulty operating a device to make payments easily and safely using voice. Furthermore, the payment experience in an autonomous vehicle is personalized, reducing user stress and enabling effective authentication and payment.

[1721] The "means for accepting user voice input" is a function for recording the user's voice instructions and inputting them into the system.

[1722] "Means for transmitting audio data to a server" refers to a function for transmitting recorded audio data to a remote server via the Internet or other communication means.

[1723] "Means for analyzing voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information" is a function that analyzes received voice data and authenticates the user using the user's voiceprint.

[1724] "Means for the server to use a generative AI to generate additional questions and send them to the terminal" refers to a function that uses a generative AI model to automatically create additional confirmation questions for the user and send them to the terminal.

[1725] "Means for the terminal to communicate the question received from the generation AI to the user by voice" is a function that plays back and communicates the question created by the generation AI to the user by voice.

[1726] The "means for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting it to the server" is a function for re-recording the user's voice response and transmitting the data to the server.

[1727] "Means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database" is a function that compares received voice data with an existing voice database and performs authentication using two different pieces of information.

[1728] The "means for the server to execute the payment process" is a function that executes a series of processes to pay the specified amount after successful authentication.

[1729] The "means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment" is a function that notifies the user by voice that the payment has been completed.

[1730] "Means for the terminal to issue a receipt" refers to the function of generating a physical or electronic receipt and providing it to the user after a payment is completed.

[1731] "Means for paying transportation fares or service fees by voice command in an autonomous vehicle" is a function that allows a user to give voice command to pay for services provided in an autonomous vehicle.

[1732] The "means for analyzing the user's emotional data and adjusting the authentication and question content" is a function that analyzes the emotional state of the user from their voice and adjusts the authentication process and the content of follow-up questions appropriately based on that information.

[1733] The present invention provides a system that allows a user to easily and safely make payments in an autonomous vehicle using voice and emotions. Specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below.

[1734] Voice input and transmission

[1735] The user speaks into the microphone in the autonomous vehicle, for example, "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen." This records the user's voice. The voice data is stored in digital format by the on-board computer in the autonomous vehicle and sent to a server.

[1736] Analysis and authentication of voice and emotion data

[1737] The server analyzes each voice data and authenticates the user's voiceprint and emotional state. Specifically, a voice analysis engine and an emotion recognition engine are used. This allows the user to be authenticated, and the next step is adjusted based on the emotional data.

[1738] Question Generation and Answering

[1739] The server uses the generative AI model to generate additional questions for the user. For example, if the server detects that the user is nervous from the emotional data, it generates a simple question that takes this into account (e.g., "Which bank do you use?"). The generated question is then spoken to the user through the car's speakers. The user then responds again, and the voice data is sent to the server.

[1740] Two-factor authentication and payment processing

[1741] The server then analyzes the received voice data and performs two-step authentication by comparing it with an existing voiceprint database. If this authentication is successful, the server processes the payment and the specified amount is paid. The payment process is carried out through a digital payment system.

[1742] Confirmation and receipt

[1743] Once the payment is complete, the server generates a payment completion notification and notifies the user via the car's speaker. If necessary, an electronic receipt is also generated and sent to the user's smartphone.

[1744] Specific examples

[1745] As a concrete example, let's consider paying in a self-driving taxi. When a user says, "I'll pay the fare of 1,500 yen," the voice is recorded by a microphone in the vehicle and sent to a server via an onboard computer. The server analyzes the voice and authenticates the voiceprint. If authentication is successful, a generative AI model generates additional questions, and an emotion engine adjusts the questions taking into account the user's state. For example, if the user is nervous, the server generates a simple question such as, "Which card would you like to use?" If the user replies, "Credit card," the voice is recorded again and sent to the server. If two-step authentication is successful, the server processes the payment and notifies the user by voice, "The 1,500 yen payment has been completed." Additionally, an electronic receipt is sent to the user's smartphone.

[1746] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1747] Example prompts to be input to the generative AI model:

[1748] When a user says "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen," the system will behave as follows:

[1749] Record audio data and send it to the server

[1750] The server analyzes the voice data and determines the emotional state.

[1751] Generate additional questions for enhanced authentication and adjust them based on sentiment data

[1752] Communicate any follow-up questions to the user through the car speaker

[1753] Re-record the user's voice response and send it to the server

[1754] Conduct voice analysis and voiceprint authentication again and execute the payment process

[1755] The payment is confirmed by voice and an electronic receipt is sent to your smartphone.

[1756] This invention enables even users who have difficulty operating a system due to visual impairment or advanced age to make payments easily and safely using voice commands. It also personalizes the payment experience in an autonomous vehicle, reducing operational stress for users.

[1757] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1758] Step 1:

[1759] The user says, "I will pay the fare of 1,000 yen." This voice input is recorded by the microphone inside the vehicle. The on-board computer converts this voice data into a digital format. The voice data as input is then ready to be sent to the server.

[1760] Step 2:

[1761] The device sends the voice data to the server. The voice data is sent to the server via the internet or other communication means. The input digital voice data arrives at the server and proceeds to the next step.

[1762] Step 3:

[1763] The server analyzes the received voice data. Using a voice analysis engine, it extracts the user's voiceprint information and performs voiceprint authentication. Based on the input voice data, the voiceprint data is compared with a database to authenticate the user. The output obtained here is the authentication result.

[1764] Step 4:

[1765] The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the user's emotions from the voice data. The voice data is used as input and emotion data is output. This data is used in the next step of question generation.

[1766] Step 5:

[1767] The server uses a generative AI model to generate follow-up questions for the user. Emotional data is taken into account as input, and optimal questions are generated based on the user's emotional state. For example, if the user is nervous, simple questions are generated.

[1768] Step 6:

[1769] The question generated by the server is sent to the terminal, which then verbally communicates the question to the user through the car's speakers. The input is the generated question data, and the output is the question communicated to the user.

[1770] Step 7:

[1771] The user answers the questions verbally, for example, saying, "The card I'm using is a credit card." The device then re-records the answer and converts it into a digital format.

[1772] Step 8:

[1773] The terminal transmits the user's response voice data to the server. The digital voice response data is input and transmitted to the server via the Internet or the like.

[1774] Step 9:

[1775] The server analyzes the user's voice response data again and performs voiceprint authentication. As a two-step authentication, it compares it with the voice database again and performs authentication. The output is the success or failure result of the authentication.

[1776] Step 10:

[1777] If the authentication is successful, the server executes the payment process. The input is the authenticated user information and the payment request. The specified amount is paid through the payment processing system, and the output is a payment completion notification.

[1778] Step 11:

[1779] When the payment is completed, the server sends a payment completion notification to the terminal. The terminal then notifies the user of the payment completion through the car speaker. The payment completion notification is the input, and the user acknowledges the payment completion as the output.

[1780] Step 12:

[1781] The terminal generates an electronic receipt and sends it to the user's smartphone. Payment information is input, and an electronic receipt is generated and sent as output.

[1782] 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.

[1783] 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.

[1784] 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.

[1785] 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.

[1786] FIG. 9 illustrates an emotion map 400 on which multiple emotions are mapped. In the emotion map 400, emotions are arranged in concentric circles radiating from the center. Emotions closer to the center of the concentric circles are more primitive. Emotions representing states and behaviors arising from a state of mind are arranged on the outer edges of the concentric circles. The concept of emotion includes both affect and mental states. Emotions generally generated from reactions occurring in the brain are arranged on the left side of the concentric circles. Emotions generally induced by situational judgment are arranged on the right side of the concentric circles. Emotions generally generated from reactions occurring in the brain and induced by situational judgment are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the concentric circles. Furthermore, the emotion of "pleasure" is arranged on the upper side of the concentric circles, and the emotion of "discomfort" is arranged on the lower side. In this way, in the emotion map 400, multiple emotions are mapped based on the structure by which emotions are generated, and emotions that tend to occur simultaneously are mapped close to each other.

[1787] 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.

[1788] 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).

[1789] 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.

[1790] 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."

[1791] 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.

[1792] 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).

[1793] 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.

[1794] 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.

[1795] 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.

[1796] 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.

[1797] 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.

[1798] 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.

[1799] 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.

[1800] 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.

[1801] 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.

[1802] 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.

[1803] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[1804] (Claim 1)

[1805] means for accepting user voice input;

[1806] means for transmitting audio data to a server;

[1807] means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information;

[1808] A means for the server to generate additional questions using the generation AI and send them to the terminal;

[1809] A means for the device to communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user by voice;

[1810] A means for re-recording the user's answer voice and transmitting it to the server;

[1811] A means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database;

[1812] A means for the server to execute a payment process;

[1813] A means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment;

[1814] The system includes a means for the terminal to issue a receipt.

[1815] (Claim 2)

[1816] 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server performs user authentication by checking against a voiceprint database.

[1817] (Claim 3)

[1818] The system according to claim 1, wherein two-step authentication is performed based on the voice data and the user's voice response to the additional question.

[1819] (Claim 4)

[1820] 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the notification of the completion of the payment is conveyed to the user by voice.

[1821] "Example 1"

[1822] (Claim 1)

[1823] means for accepting user voice input;

[1824] means for transmitting audio data to a server;

[1825] means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information;

[1826] A means for the server to generate and send additional questions to the terminal using the generative AI model;

[1827] A means for the device to communicate the question received from the generative AI model to the user by voice;

[1828] A means for re-recording the user's answer voice and transmitting it to the server;

[1829] A means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voiceprint database;

[1830] A means for the server to execute a payment process;

[1831] A means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment;

[1832] The system includes a means for the terminal to issue a receipt.

[1833] (Claim 2)

[1834] 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server performs user authentication by checking against a voiceprint database.

[1835] (Claim 3)

[1836] The system according to claim 1, wherein two-step authentication is performed based on the voice data and the user's voice response to the additional question.

[1837] "Application Example 1"

[1838] (Claim 1)

[1839] means for accepting user voice input;

[1840] means for transmitting audio data to a server;

[1841] means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information;

[1842] A means for the server to generate additional questions using the generation AI and send them to the terminal;

[1843] A means for the device to communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user by voice;

[1844] A means for re-recording the user's answer voice and transmitting it to the server;

[1845] A means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database;

[1846] A means for the server to execute an operation process;

[1847] a means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of the operation;

[1848] A system including a means for a terminal to issue a notification.

[1849] (Claim 2)

[1850] 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server performs user authentication by checking against a voiceprint database.

[1851] (Claim 3)

[1852] The system according to claim 1, wherein two-step authentication is performed based on the voice data and the user's voice response to the additional question.

[1853] "Example 2: Combining Emotion Engines"

[1854] (Claim 1)

[1855] means for accepting user voice input;

[1856] means for transmitting voice data and emotion data to a server;

[1857] means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information;

[1858] A means for the server to analyze the emotion data;

[1859] A means for the server to generate additional questions using the generation AI and send them to the terminal;

[1860] means for adjusting the generated questions based on the sentiment data;

[1861] A means for the device to communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user by voice;

[1862] A means for re-recording the user's answer voice and transmitting it to the server;

[1863] A means for the server to re-analyze the voice data and perform two-factor authentication;

[1864] A means for the server to execute a payment process;

[1865] A means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment;

[1866] The system includes a means for the terminal to issue a receipt.

[1867] (Claim 2)

[1868] 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server performs user authentication by comparing voiceprint data with a database.

[1869] (Claim 3)

[1870] The system according to claim 1, wherein two-step authentication is performed based on the voice data and the user's voice response to the additional question.

[1871] "Application example 2 when combining emotion engines"

[1872] (Claim 1)

[1873] means for accepting user voice input;

[1874] means for transmitting audio data to a server;

[1875] means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information;

[1876] A means for the server to generate additional questions using the generation AI and send them to the terminal;

[1877] A means for the device to communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user by voice;

[1878] A means for re-recording the user's answer voice and transmitting it to the server;

[1879] A means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database;

[1880] A means for the server to execute a payment process;

[1881] A means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment;

[1882] a means for the terminal to issue a receipt;

[1883] a means for paying transportation or service fares in an autonomous vehicle by voice command;

[1884] A system that includes a means for analyzing a user's emotional data and adjusting authentication and question content.

[1885] (Claim 2)

[1886] 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server performs user authentication by checking against a voiceprint database.

[1887] (Claim 3)

[1888] The system according to claim 1, wherein two-step authentication is performed based on the voice data and the user's voice response to the additional question. [Explanation of symbols]

[1889] 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. means for accepting user voice input; means for transmitting audio data to a server; means for analyzing the voice data on the server and authenticating the user's voiceprint information; A means for the server to generate additional questions using the generation AI and send them to the terminal; A means for the device to communicate the questions received from the generation AI to the user by voice; A means for re-recording the user's answer voice and transmitting it to the server; A means for the server to perform two-step authentication by comparing it with a voice database; A means for the server to execute a payment process; A means for the terminal to notify the user by voice of the completion of payment; The system includes a means for the terminal to issue a receipt.

2. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server performs user authentication by checking against a voiceprint database.

3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein two-step authentication is performed based on the voice data and the user's voice response to the additional question.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the notification of the completion of the settlement is given to the user by voice.

Images